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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 24, 2013Attendees: T. Arvisais M. Brenner K. Falconer T. Logan P. McCafferty (arrived at 8:15 pm) J. O'Connell, Regional Councillor D. Sharma D. Tierney S. Wilkinson P. Noronha- Waldriff, Staff Representative D. Marlowe, Staff Representative D. Shields, City Clerk R. Michaud, Recording Secretary Guests : Joe Caffarelli, Region of Durham Victor Doyle, Region of Durham Scott Booker, City of Pickering Absent: A. Heywood - Delpeache I. Fogo S. Little Minutes /Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee Wednesday, April 24, 2013 7 pm Main Committee Room Item/ Details & Discussion &`Conclusion Action Items /Status Ref # (su-'mmary ;of discussion)` (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome Debbie Shields welcome everyone to the meeting. 2. Review and Adoption of the Agenda All Moved by K. Falconer Seconded by T. Arvisais That the agenda is approved. Carried Page 1 CORP0228 -2/02 3. Presentations ' Pedestrian Signals, Region of Durham Joe Cafarelli and Joe Cafarelli, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, and Victor Doyle, Victor Doyle Traffic Inspector provided a brief overview of the Region's policy with regards to the pedestrian crossing times at signalized intersections in the City of Pickering. He mentioned that the methodology used to determine timing and operation of the pedestrian signals is based on a formula found in a manual published by the province of Ontario which has been approved by Durham Regional Council and has been in use since 1991. Crossing distance and walking speed is incorporated into the formula on a site specific basis in order to generate a minimum pedestrian crossing time. J. Cafarelli noted that there seems to be a perception that the crossing times are not sufficient, and this may be due to a misunderstanding of the pedestrian crossing time. For example, the pedestrian crossing time is comprised of the duration of the "Walk" (walk man) plus the "Pedestrian Clearance; flashing upraised red hand /solid upraised hand" respectively. He noted that the pedestrian clearance time is the duration of the 'flashing hand', plus the vehicle amber light. He further noted that a recent study has been completed on the pedestrian crossing times and they are awaiting the report in the next few months. The preliminary results of the study are very interesting. The Region of Durham is very proactive in reviewing all studies and reports. The audit included the on -site crossing with persons with different levels of disabilities and mobility. S. Wilkinson enquired if the study provides the length of time for both disabled and regular people to cross the road. Joe advised that the results released to date indicate that there is sufficient crossing time. He noted that when the "Flashing Don't Walk" signal is displayed part- way.into the crossing, pedestrians have a perception that there is an inadequate amount of crossing time, when in fact, the intent of the message is to complete the crossing as quickly as possible or to not start the crossing if not already done so. Page 2 CORP0228 -2/02 It is great to receive feedback from residents and advised that they have conducted several site studies with visually impaired which have been very valuable. J. Cafarelli suggested that if there are any sites of concern they would be glad to visit these and see how they can improve the crossing. In some areas, the delay to use the crosswalk is due to the conditions of the sidewalks. They are working with City staff to improve any areas where it may be difficult to access the signals. T. Logan stated that some crosswalks, for example at Highway 2 and Dixie, do not allow sufficient time to safely cross which is an issue for people with disabilities and seniors. J. Cafarelli stated that some municipalities extend the flashing hand signal to allow for additional crossing time. Studies show that most people walk faster than the average pedestrian speed of 1.25 min per second. By increasing the crossing time at all intersections, then we would be extending crossing times greatly where it may not be required. Councillor O'Connell indicated that the Region of Durham should consider setting the crossing time at the lowest speed to be inclusive of all pedestrians, and providing adequate time for everyone to safely cross the intersection. She also requested that the policy be reviewed to increase the crossing times at wider intersections and those intersections located near seniors residences. The current crossing times seem inadequate and may be putting most pedestrians at risk. J. Cafarelli advised that he will forward this recommendation to his manager for review. Councillor O'Connell noted that the study may be an opportunity for the Region to review the current crossing times and adjust the walking speed. She requested that the report be submitted to the Region Works Committee for their review and would like to be kept apprised of when it will be available. M. Brenner commented that the report should also be shared with the Region's Accessibility Advisory Committee and al[the other committees in the Region. J. Cafarelli indicated that he will bring these recommendations forward to his manager and share the report with the Regional AAC. Page 3 CORP0228 -2/02 M. Brenner also stated that there should have been public consultation as part of this study. It seems that the report is being circulated after only conducting the study and no input from any of the Accessibility Advisory Committees. This should be considered as part of their due diligence. J. Cafarelli thanked M. Brenner for his comments and advised that he will bring them forward to his Manager. T. Arvisais questioned why the pedestrian signal crossings are not all the same across the province. J. Cafarelli stated that the Region of Durham uses a different methodology based on prevailing conditions, but also agrees that the signals and crossing times should be consistent across GTA and Ontario. D. Sharma enquired how often the Region performs the recalibration of signals as there seems to be so many concerns with the time and noted that with the aging population, walking speed will decrease. J. Cafarelli indicated that they conduct regular checks on signals on an annual basis and that the walking speeds have been in effect for 30 years, but constantly being reviewed and the policy is updated as needed. He further noted that they are currently evaluating a new system for pedestrian detection technology, at a pilot location in Bowmanville. S. Wilkinson expressed further concerns that the crossing time is not long enough as most of the time, she is in the middle of the crossing and the flashing hand comes up. She would appreciate a review of some of the crossings she uses most often. J. Cafarelli advised that she should continue crossing as most crossings allow for sufficient time to get across and noted that he is available to meet with residents to review any crossings identified as a concern. P. Noronha- Waldriff suggested that the Region consider a promotion campaign to better inform pedestrians about the crossing signal. Page 4 CORP0228 -2/02 J. Cafarelli advised that they will be updating the website and are currently revising their brochures and agreed to send copies to Prem for the committee members. K. Falconer enquired if the Region maintains any statistics on pedestrian accidents at crossings, whether they are due to slips and falls while trying to cross the intersection faster. J. Cafarelli advised that they do not have any statistics on accidents but he indicated that Durham is significantly better than other municipalities in continually reviewing their best practices and ensuring safe crossing access. It was noted that updates on changes to crossings have been sent out to the committee members recently. K. Falconer stated that he agrees that the study should also be circulated to the all accessibility advisory committees as well as seek public consultation for input and feedback. D. Tierney enquired who determines where a crossing signal device is installed when there is no intersection. For example, the crossing at Valley Farm Road location. - Councillor O'Connell advised that sometimes these are initiated by Council after review and requests from area residents. It was noted that the sidewalk at this location is not properly adjusted for a cross walk. Scott Booker advised that they will be reviewing it. K. Falconer enquired on the cost of pedestrian detection technology and J. Cafarelli indicated that it is approximately $9,000 / crossing for a total of $36,000 for a 4 way crossing. D. Shields thanked Joe and Victor for attending the meeting and providing an update on pedestrian crossing signals. The committee members will discuss next steps with regards to requesting on site crossing reviews with Joe and Victor as well as obtaining a copy of the study when it is released. Curb Cut Presentation Scott Booker appeared before the Committee to do a presentation on Sidewalks and Curb Cuts. Scott is the Senior Coordinator, Design & Asset Management with the newly formed Engineering & Public Works Department. He mentioned that the City is provincially mandated to conduct sidewalk inspection on an annual basis. CORP0228 -2/02 Scott Booker Page 5 There are currently approximately 287 kms of sidewalks in Pickering. The Operations section has one crew (4 man team) responsible for sidewalk maintenance. The City tracks all sidewalk related concerns through the Customer Care Centre. Once a call is received, Customer Care will assign it to Operations for review and to be prioritized. Based on the work required the request for repair is sent to Capital Works & Infrastructure, Operations or Development. Council approves sidewalk improvements and repair as part of its annual budget process. These funds are then managed by staff based on priority. Capital Works & Infrastructure looks after larger Capital Projects, which usually require installing new sidewalks into existing area (or widening existing sidewalks). Operations receive the bulk of the residents' calls from the Customer Care Centre. Maintenance activities include: grinding of sidewalk joints (due to trip hazards), cheapest and most economical solution; re- pouring of sidewalk sections (when grinding is not enough), sidewalk intersection work which is becoming more specialized to accommodate accessibility concerns. They also perform winter control on designated sidewalk areas. S. Booker noted that sidewalk deficiencies occur with cracked sidewalks, sunken sidewalks, gapping sidewalks, tree roots, curb ramp issues and sub standard width. The focus has been on the sidewalks in the downtown core. Improvements were completed last year around the Civic Complex and the Library. D. Sharma enquired if the City hires consultants to expedite the work. S. Booker advised that consultants are used but they can be very expensive. Councilor O'Connell mentioned that many of the sidewalk improvements are resident driven due to complaints received at Customer Care Centre or directly to the Councillors. Staff then determines if the repairs can be completed within the annual maintenance budget or whether it requires Council endorsement. D. Sharma suggested that the City incorporate tree design within the sidewalks. S. Booker indicated that this can be -done in some areas, such as the Nautical Village but it is very expensive. Page 6 CORP0228 -2/02 Page 7 CORP0228 -2/02 Councillor O'Connell advised that any new development includes a multi -use approach of pedestrian, cycling and road. S. Booker stated that the City is working towards completing its goals to meet the final accessibility standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The legislation applies to future design of new or redeveloped spaces and will be in effect as of January 1, 2016. Further discussion on the design of the lines in the sidewalk and who does them as they seem to create a challenge for some scooter and wheelchair pedestrians. It was noted that the design is approved by the City and the work is completed by independent contractors. . K. Falconer mentioned that the curb cuts at the Pickering Town Centre need to be addressed. S. Booker advised that because it is private property and currently under construction, the City is not able to enforce any property standards until renovations are completed. It was however noted that by -law enforcement officers have been in contact with the mall administration and they are aware of the deficiencies. 4. ` Review:;and Ado tion of Minutes Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by K. Falconer That the minutes of the March 27, 2013 meeting be approved as amended. Carried 5. Correspondence Update on Captioning for Council Meetings A copy of the letter from Rogers TV was circulated for discussion. Rogers TV will be working closely with municipal and regional councils in Durham to ensure captioning requirements are met when the new requirements come into effect in 2014. D. Shields advised that the matter will be reviewed at that time and further action to be determined if required. Region of Durham — Regional AAC Chairs Meeting Notice received that the next Regional AAC meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 2 to 4 pm in Room 1 -A. Page 7 CORP0228 -2/02 Page 8 CORP0228 -2/02 The Clerk's office sent an email a few weeks ago requesting availability to attend the meeting. However, no one could commit as it is a daytime meeting. M. Brenner mentioned that he could attend if no one else could. Prem to confirm K. Falconer also noted he could attend. It was the consensus Maurice Brenner's of the committee that M. Brenner would attend the meeting this attendance. time and report back at the June meeting. Region of Durham — Accessibility Award Nomination form circulated to committee members for their information. The nomination deadline is July 23rd 6.0 Business Arising from the Minutes All M. Brenner provided an update on the Total Wellness Forum scheduled for Saturday, September 21St. The schedule for the day has been completed and they are now looking for volunteers to help with the information booth and for the event from both committees. D. Sharma and T. Arvisais volunteered for the morning sessions. 7.0 2013 Accessibility Awareness Event— June 1st All T. Arvisais circulated the draft agenda for the event and noted that Tom Brown is no longer available as MC. The committee is looking for an alternate. Any suggestions would be appreciated. P. Noronha- Waldriff expressed her thanks to the sub group for their assistance in preparing this event. Volunteers are also needed to help on the day of the event. D. Sharma and T. Arvisais volunteered for the morning and D. Tierney and T. Logan for the afternoon. The City is currently working on promotion design and logo for the event. K. Falconer advised that he is awaiting confirmation from Tracy McCharles's office. 8.0 Other Business Seniors Tax Credit — Healthy Home Sue Wilkinson S. Wilkinson is requesting support from the committee and the Members of Council to lower the age for the government grants Page 8 CORP0228 -2/02 available from 65+ to 60+ as there are many seniors who could stay in their home if they had assistance to retrofit their houses. It was noted that this is a provincial matter, therefore the Council of the City of Pickering would have to pass a motion to send a letter to the province to endorse the recommendation. M. Brenner suggested that the committee invite someone from the province for a presentation to committee members to better understand the grants available for seniors. P. Noronha - Waldriff to look into possible guests and send out I P. Noronha- Waldriff to an invitation for the meeting in June. follow -up. Pedestrian Crossing Study As discussed earlier, the committee is requesting that this item Prem to draft letter to be brought up for discussion at the Regional AAC meeting in the Region. June. The committee further recommended that Council pass a motion to reduce the average walking speed from 1.25 m /sec to include the lowest walking speed to incorporate all disabled pedestrians at all locations. The committee members are also requesting a copy of the study as soon as it is released and that the report be circulated for consultation to all Accessibility Advisory committees within Durham. T. Arvisais enquired why the Region of Durham no longer offers the low -flow toilet rebate program. Councillor O'Connell advised that this was a Regional Council decision and that the program has not been available for several years now. Councillor O'Connell mentioned that the regional development charges bylaw was approved today at Council and that the bylaw takes into account all costs associated with AODA standards. K. Falconer commended S. Wilkinson for her presentation to Council on the Parking by -law and the article which appeared in the News Advertiser. The by -law is scheduled to come forward at Council before the summer recess. It was noted that the City will be holding a Day of Mourning ceremony on Friday, April 26th @ 11:30 am in recognition of the International Day of Mourning on Sunday, April 28tH Page 9 CORP0228 -2/02 Moved by K. Falconer Seconded by M. Brenner That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 9:40 pm Copy: City Clerk CORP0228 -2/02 Page 10