The Corporation of the City of Stratford PROTECTION TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE MINUTES

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1 The Corporation of the City of Stratford PROTECTION TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE MINUTES The Protection to Persons and will meet on September 26, 2011 in the Council Chamber, City Hall following the regular meeting of City Council. SUB-COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE: Councillor Brown - Chair presiding, Councillor Smythe - Vice-Chair, Councillors Henderson and Beatty. REGRETS: None noted on September 14, COMMITTEE PRESENT: Councillor Brown - Chair presiding, Councillor Smythe - Vice-Chair, Councillors Beatty, Clifford, Culliton, Henderson, Mark, McManus, Nickel and Ritsma. REGRETS: Mayor Mathieson STAFF PRESENT: Ronald R. Shaw Chief Administrative Officer, Joan Thomson City Clerk, George Bowa Director of Engineering and Public Works, Gerry McEwin Police Chief, Charlene Lavigne Deputy Clerk. ALSO PRESENT: Members of the public and press. 1.0 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires any member of Council declaring a pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof, where the interest of a member of Council has not been disclosed by reason of the member s absence from the meeting, to disclose the interest at the first open meeting attended by the member of Council and otherwise comply with the Act. Name Item Nature of Pecuniary Interest Sub-committee: None disclosed on September 14, Committee: None disclosed on September 26, DELEGATIONS None scheduled. 3.0 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS Community Excellence with Worldwide Impact"

2 Protection to Persons and 2 September 26, Trap/Neuter/Return Initiative Endorsement Objective: To request direction on the endorsement of a Trap/Neuter/Return program within the City of Stratford. Background and Analysis: At the January 24, 2011 Protection to Persons and Property Committee Meeting, the following motion was adopted: The City of Stratford hereby endorses, in principle, the implementation of a long-term, community-wide, Trap/Neuter/Return (hereinafter referred to as TNR) model that has been proven to be a fiscally responsible and effective means of managing feral and homeless cats. The existing by-laws and Animal-Control contract will be reviewed with OSPCA with a goal of affording protection to feral or homeless cats managed by TNR as set forth in the Feline Friends Network initiative. Subsequent to the Committee meeting, correspondence was received on this issue and at the February 14, 2011, Council meeting the following motion was adopted: That Council refer the correspondence from Mr. Clarke and Mr. Rayner regarding TNR to Protection to Persons and Property Sub-committee and that TNR stakeholders be invited to the Sub-committee meeting. At the March 16, 2011 Protection to Persons and Property Sub-committee several individuals spoke on this issue. Mr. Rayner expressed concerns about the effectiveness of a Trap/Neuter/Return program and the concern that free roaming cats can affect wildlife. Mr. Rayner requested that the City of Stratford reconsider endorsement of the Trap/Neuter/Return program. Mr. Clarke expressed concerns that Trap/Neuter/Return Programs have impacts on bird populations, and that a study be done first to determine if such a program is a wise practise and whether it conforms to current laws. He suggested existing by-laws be enforced. Ms. Siimpson spoke in favour of endorsing a Trap/Neuter/Return program. She indicated that in Stratford the use of Trap/Neuter/Return has reduced the feral cat population. She stated that other methods of population control other than Trap/Neuter/Return have not worked. She indicated that the Feline Friends Network would perform Trap/Neuter/Return at no cost to the City as long as they are able. The Sub-committee decision was: That all reports on the Trap/Neuter/Return initiative be received and referred to staff. Staff have reviewed the reports provided as well as numerous references. Individual studies and reports are available that support/don t support Trap/Neuter/Return as it pertains to the welfare of feral cat colonies and the welfare of wildlife. Staff believe that Council s objective in any decision on this should be geared toward reducing feral and stray cat populations in the City of Stratford.

3 Protection to Persons and 3 September 26, 2011 Inherent in any decision on endorsing a Trap/Neuter/Return program is the potential negative impact on local wildlife. The goal of any Trap/Neuter/Return program should be to ultimately lessen the impact on wildlife by reducing the number of feral cats and eventually eliminating their presence, and thereby their impact on wildlife. The Feline Friends Network has indicated that since they have been using Trap/Neuter/Return feral cat numbers have dropped. The OSPCA is interested in further discussions with a possible future agreement on a Trap/Neuter/Return program. It is recommended that Sub-Committee support their previous direction: The City of Stratford hereby endorses, in principle, the implementation of a long-term, community-wide, Trap/Neuter/Return (hereinafter referred to as TNR) model that has been proven to be a fiscally responsible and effective means of managing feral and homeless cats. The existing by-laws and Animal-Control contract will be reviewed with OSPCA with a goal of affording protection to feral or homeless cats managed by TNR as set forth in the Feline Friends Network initiative. Financial impact: N/A. Staff recommendation: For the information and direction of Sub-Committee. Sub-committee discussion: The Director of Engineering and Public Works reviewed the above-noted report and stated that staff have reviewed numerous reports and information both in support of the program and against the program. He felt that the City s objective should be to reduce the amount of the feral and stray cat population in Stratford. In doing so this should thereby reduce the impact on wildlife. Councillor Henderson expressed concern with a conflict in the by-law in that animals are not to run wild in the City but yet the TNR program returns trapped and neutered animals to the wild. The Director stated that, if the recommendation is approved by Council, the by-laws and Animal Control contract would be reviewed in this regard. Councillor Smythe inquired whether there would be costs charged to the City for this program. The Director stated this would be a future decision of Council should it arise. At this point in time, the Feline Friends Network has indicated that they will continue to operate the program at no cost to the City. Sub-committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor Beatty That Sub-committee reconfirm its previous recommendation to Council, That the City of Stratford hereby endorses, in principle, the implementation of a long-term, community-wide, Trap/Neuter/Return (hereinafter referred to as TNR) model that has been proven to be a fiscally responsible and effective means of managing feral and homeless cats. The existing bylaws and Animal-Control contract will be reviewed with OSPCA with a goal of affording protection to feral or homeless cats managed by TNR as set forth in the Feline Friends Network initiative. Carried (September 14, 2011)

4 Protection to Persons and 4 September 26, 2011 Committee discussion: Councillor Henderson suggested that the By-law will have to be changed before the City initiates a Trap/Neuter and Return Model. Committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor Nickel and Councillor Smythe That Committee reconfirm its previous recommendation to Council, That the City of Stratford hereby endorses, in principle, the implementation of a long-term, community-wide, Trap/Neuter/Return (hereinafter referred to as TNR) model that has been proven to be a fiscally responsible and effective means of managing feral and homeless cats. The existing by-laws and Animal-Control contract will be reviewed with OSPCA with a goal of affording protection to feral or homeless cats managed by TNR as set forth in the Feline Friends Network initiative. Carried 4.0 REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK 4.1 Pet Licensing Fees Objective: To seek Council approval for revised licensing fees for dogs and cats and to add a provision to Animal Control By-law to establish hours for inspection of kennels and catteries. Background and Analysis: The City of Stratford and the Perth County Branch of the OSPCA encourage responsible pet ownership through public education, licensing and by-law enforcement. A second goal of the animal control services program is to move towards financial self-sufficiency through a combination of user-fees, licensing fees and by-law enforcement fines; however an annual contribution from the tax base is required. Based on a population of 32,000 residents, it is estimated that there would be 16-17,000 dogs and cats in an urban municipality. Stratford typically sells approximately 1,800 license tags per year, well-under the experience of some municipalities. The City s Animal Control By-law requires all owners of dogs and cats in Stratford obtain an annual license tag. The Perth County Branch of the OSPCA receives 80% of license tag revenue from tags sold at City Hall and 100% of revenue from tags sold at their location, vet clinics and pet stores in Stratford. This license revenue, in combination with contractual payments from the City, contributions from the OPSCA and community fundraising, is used to: Feed and shelter lost pets Provide veterinary care for lost pets Support the adoption of unclaimed pets Return lost pets by tracing their tag information and contacting their owners

5 Protection to Persons and 5 September 26, 2011 Through the Free Ride Home program, return a licensed pet (once) without the normal charge Provide emergency first-aid veterinary care for injured pets picked up by the OPSCA Educate pet owners about responsible pet ownership Help neighbours resolve their pet-related problems The City s current dog and cat licensing fee structure features: A 25%-50% discount for each tag purchased before March 1 (early payment) An additional 25% discount for each tag if the pet has current vaccinations, a microchip and has been spayed or neutered; An additional 15% discount for each tag purchased for a pet by a senior; A 50-66% discount for each tag for a pet that has been spayed or neutered; A one-time discounted licence fee for dogs and cats less than 1 year old A 46% - 76% discount for a replacement tag if lost The OSPCA Perth County Branch is working on an enhanced education program about pet owner responsibilities and the Animal Control By-law to increase compliance with the By-law. Staff reviewed the current fee structure (Table 1) and recommend changes to reduce or eliminate the number of discounts offered (Table 2). A reduction in the discount for early-payment of license fees; the elimination of the discount for having a microchip, proof of altering and current rabies vaccination. This discount was first established in A microchip is a private service offered through vet clinics. Staff question offering a discount by the City for pet owners who also want to have their pet microchipped when the City operates a licensing program to identify pets. An increase in the license fees as shown in Table 2 Proposed fees To encourage new residents to Stratford to obtain a City of Stratford tag, staff recommend that they can exchange the current tag for their pet for a current Stratford tag, at no cost. Kennel or Cattery Inspections Secondly, the Perth County Branch of the OSPCA request a provision be added to the By-law to establish a provision to require operators of a kennel or cattery to make their facility open for inspection by the OPSCA between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Financial impact: Currently for a $30 licence fee, with the early discount, discounts for having a microchip, vaccinations and spaying/neutering, and seniors discount, the cost of the tag is $9. The difference between the licence fee and the discounted fee is made up from the other revenue, including from the city s tax base. The City s administrative costs include issuing dog and cat tags at City Hall, maintaining the data base and notification to owners for tag renewals. The fee increases in Table 2 will assist in offsetting administrative program expenses.

6 Protection to Persons and 6 September 26, 2011 Staff recommendation: That Council adopt a by-law amendment to revise Tag Fees as shown in Table 2 Proposed Fees, and that a provision be added to Animal Control By-law to establish a provision that the kennel or cattery be open for inspection by an Inspector between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Sub-committee discussion: Councillor Henderson inquired about the number of people receiving discounted tags. The Clerk did not have this information readily available; she noted that so far this year, 1,915 tags have been sold in the City of Stratford. She also noted that offering a discount if an animal is microchipped is competing with the City of Stratford s program in requiring an ID tag. Councillor Henderson felt that the increases are too high. The Clerk noted that the Seniors discount will remain the same. Sub-committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor Smythe That Council adopt a by-law amendment to revise Tag Fees as shown in Table 2 Proposed Fees, and that a provision be added to Animal Control By-law to establish a provision that the kennel or cattery be open for inspection by an Inspector between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Carried (September 14, 2011) Committee discussion: Councillor Henderson objected to the increase in the tag fees and particularly the increase for seniors. Committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor McManus and Councillor Ritsma That Council adopt a by-law amendment to revise Tag Fees as shown in Table 2 Proposed Fees, and that a provision be added to Animal Control By-law to establish a provision that the kennel or cattery be open for inspection by an Inspector between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Carried 4.2 Noise Control By-law Exemption Request Stratford City Centre Committee Antique Car Show Objective: To consider the request from the City Centre Committee for an exemption from Noise Control By-law for the Classic Car Show on October 16, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Background and Analysis: The City Centre Committee has applied to hold a Classic Car Show on Sunday, October 16, 2011 in the Market Square / Wellington Street area and staff will be considering the appropriate road closures in this regard. The noise by-law exemption request is to allow sound from a PA system for a disc jockey from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The intent is to have the disc jockey announce and speak about the various cars as they arrive. The Noise Control By-law does not permit this type of sound in a commercial area all day on Sundays and holidays. The production, reproduction or amplification of sound is one of the sounds regulated by Noise Control By-law as follows:

7 Protection to Persons and 7 September 26, The operation of any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers or other electro-mechanical transducers, and intended for the production, reproduction or amplification of sound. Prohibited Zones and Times: Commercial Zone - Prohibited all day Sundays and Statutory Holidays, and from 11:00 pm of one day to 7:00 am the next day Staff have not expressed concern regarding the proposed exemption, subject to concerns from downtown businesses and residents that may need to be addressed. Financial impact: Not applicable Staff recommendation: That, subject to the following condition, the City Centre Committee s Classic Car Show be exempt from Noise Control By-law , as amended, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, Condition That City Centre Committee notify downtown businesses and residents of the request for an exemption to Noise Control By-law prior to Council considering the exemption at the September 26, 2011 City Council meeting. Sub-committee discussion: Sub-committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor Smythe That, subject to the following condition, the City Centre Committee s Classic Car Show be exempt from Noise Control By-law , as amended, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, Condition That City Centre Committee notify downtown businesses and residents of the request for an exemption to Noise Control By-law Carried (September 14, 2011) Committee discussion: Committee recommendation: Motion by Councillor Culliton and Councillor Ritsma That, subject to the following condition, the City Centre Committee s Classic Car Show be exempt from Noise Control By-law , as amended, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, Condition

8 Protection to Persons and 8 September 26, 2011 That City Centre Committee notify downtown businesses and residents of the request for an exemption to Noise Control By-law Carried *Item 4.1 to also be considered at the reconvene Council meeting on September 26, REPORT OF THE DEPUTY CITY CLERK 5.1 Parking Review 2011 Objective: To provide background on parking procedures and practices within the City of Stratford. Background and Analysis: There are an estimated 833 metered parking spots within the downtown area of the City of Stratford. This would include 84 Pay and Display at Erie and 35 at Kalbfleish. There are 260 spots at Cooper and a number of spots at Downie which are not clearly marked. The majority of the metered parking spots are 2 hour meters, however, the meters around the perimeter of the downtown core are 12 hour meters. There are four main municipal parking lots within the City where monthly parking permits are issued. There are restrictions on the number of permits sold and there is a further restriction on York Street where a specified number of parking permits must be available to Downtown Residents. These parking lots include: St. Patrick, York Street, Erie Street and Rear of Jail. Parking permits are not issued for the Kalbfleish Street lot and staff are not intending to sell monthly permits for this lot. The City also rents a parking lot off of Cobourg Street and has installed a number of meters for public use to provide additional longer-term parking in the downtown core. There are other parking lots within the City where there are agreements with companies and the Province where a number of parking spots are to be available or reserved specifically for use. There are also parking lots within the city that are privately owned and enforced by Private Parking Agents. Please note that a reserved parking spot is one that is assigned to a specific company or corporation that is always available for their use as set out in a contractual agreement with the City. A sign is generally placed on a post indicating that it is for a specified purpose and a City Parking permit is not displayed in the vehicle. In some cases a monthly charge is paid per spot whereas other spots are offered free of charge as per previous agreements entered into with the City. The agreements would specify the owner or company that has permission to use that spot or an area for a specified period of time or in some cases perpetuity. A special task force has also been created with representation from Stratford Festival, Stratford Tourism Alliance, City Centre Committee and specific staff of the City to address issues relating to parking. This task force will be meeting two times per year to discuss parking concerns. The first meeting of this committee is scheduled for September 19, 2011.

9 Protection to Persons and 9 September 26, 2011 The Clerk s Office also receives correspondence regarding parking issues within the City. Many relate to: - lack of public parking in the downtown - insufficient spots in the Upper Erie Street lot as the spots are filled with vehicles with permits - vehicles blocking driveways and too close to intersections - 2 hour parking should be 3 hour parking - people feeding the meters - insufficient enforcement in downtown neighbourhoods as streets are blocked with vehicles staying all day - complaints about parking tickets received - accessible parking permits - private parking lot problems - past parking studies, and - recommendations and suggestions from individuals and groups such as the City Centre Committee The parking report will be divided into a number of components. The various sections will provide background information on a number of issues as well as a number of options that can be considered by the parking task force. VISITOR PASSES The Stratford Tourism Office and Information Booth staff hand out free Visitor Passes to the public that request them. This program was implemented by Council in May 1992 as per the following resolution passes would be available for visitors signing the guest registry. Council reviewed this decision in 1994 and again in 1997, however, it has not been revisited since that time. The free pass program has evolved as visitors were initially free to park at any meter for a maximum of 8 hours. This was changed in 1997 as the Visitor Passes were only valid at municipally owned parking lots with the exception of York Street Parking lot. And later at unmetered municipally owned parking lots as well as metered lots on George Street and the lower end of Erie Street Parking Lot. Currently, visitors are using passes in all municipally owned parking lots and some are using them along city streets, in accessible parking spaces as well as in designated No-Parking areas. This is of concern to Clerk s staff as some of the public are being given tickets as their cars are parked illegally causing problems at intersections as cars are being parked too close to the intersection as well as in areas that the permits are not permitted. City staff have been working with the Stratford Tourism staff to obtain a better understanding of Visitor Passes and challenges that the public and enforcement officers face with these passes as well as information on where the visitors are from. The passes are handed out at the Tourism Office and the Tourist Booth to persons requesting a free pass. The visitors are advised of the regulations concerning the use of the pass and it is suggested that there are approximately 5,000 to 6,000 passes handed out per year.

10 Protection to Persons and 10 September 26, 2011 Periodically staff of the Tourist Office and Clerk s staff discuss issues with the passes as some tourists come to City Hall to challenge the parking tickets they receive. A couple of examples include vehicles being issued tickets when they are parking on the street too close to intersections, or they fold their pass or place them face down on their dashboards. The City does lose revenue from parking meters when Visitor Passes are used, however the City understands that tourists also generate revenue for the community. It is estimated that there is a loss of $10,000 to $12,000 per year in parking revenue with the use of these year round passes. These estimates are based on 40 cents per hour for a 5 hour period. This calculation can be adjusted pending the length of stay of the visitor. (Five hours was used as a base as it was felt that this would allow the visitor time to attend a performance at the theatre as well as shop or have a meal). Staff continue to work with Stratford Tourism to identify and discuss problems that enforcement staff experience with the use of visitor passes. General discussions have occurred about adding the licence plate number to the pass and writing the date larger. City staff were recently advised that some visitors have offered to pay for a Visitor Pass. Staff suggest that the City review the use of Visitor Passes in Stratford. If the decision is made to terminate this program than Stratford Tourism Alliance and the hotels and motels in Stratford would also have to be notified as they regularly send their guests to inquire about passes. If the decision is made to continue with the Visitor Pass Program further decisions will be required on matters such as: - should there be further restrictions on where passes can be used, - should the passes be handed out annually or only during the festival season? - should there be a charge to the consumer? - should the City be compensated for permitting the use of the Visitor Pass in the downtown core? If so, what will be the source of the compensation? This is a matter that is scheduled for discussion with the Parking Task Force. They will provide comments for the sub-committee to consider on this matter. UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO STRATFORD CAMPUS Clerk s staff have had initial discussions with parking staff at the University of Waterloo regarding the plans for the Stratford campus. The facility is proposed to open in September 2012 and indications are that there will be paid parking for students, staff and professors onsite. The proposal includes a parking lot for 60 vehicles and there will be paid parking. Parking rates will be payable on a daily basis, monthly or per semester. The proposed rates are higher per day but lower on a monthly or semester basis. Therefore, Clerk s staff suggest consideration be given to looking at the Cooper and Downie Street Lot. Decisions must be made on whether improvements to pavement, stall markings, signage, entrance and access points are necessary. Additionally should neighbouring streets such as Cooper have parking meters installed along them? Does the 72 hour maximum time

11 Protection to Persons and 11 September 26, 2011 limit for parking in Cooper Lot have to be adjusted? Should Downie and Cooper Street lots become paid parking lots? Pending the direction from Council there will likely be budget implications. Budget packages for both operating and capital budgets will be required for 2012 and perhaps subsequent years. METER HOODS Meter hoods are rented to contractors wishing to cover parking meters while undertaking renovations to businesses in the downtown core. Meter hoods are also made available to downtown residents on move in or out days for the moving van. The process is initiated by the completion of a application identifying area requested, number of meters and duration of request. The present fee includes paying a refundable deposit of $50.00 and a daily rental rate of $4.00 or $8.00 plus H.S.T. The rate is dependant on whether the meter is as single headed meter or double headed. It was intended when the meter hoods were first rented that a maximum of 2 meter hoods (up to 4 meters) would be blocked off at a time. However, this has not been the current practice as groups and individuals are asking for 5 and 6 meter hoods (10 to 12 meters) and some are even asking to cover all meters along certain streets. Please note that staff do not allow accessible meters to be covered and if the group or individual is requesting all meters to be covered and roads closed they must apply for a Parade/Street Event Application. Staff understand the need for covering meters; however, changes to the process are necessary. Direction must be provided on who is eligible to rent a meter hood as it is no longer limited to contractors. Secondly, there should be a maximum number of meter hoods rented out per group per event (often there are multiple requests for the same period). Thirdly, there should be an administration charge accompanying each application. Fourthly, there should be a minimum notice period as some groups expect the meter hoods immediately whereas others provide weeks or months of notice. Fifthly, there should be a charge applied for City staff to place meter hoods on meters and remove them. The Clerk s staff is not a 24 hour 7 day a week operation and often find it difficult to comply with the requests especially when the requests are for weekend events. Lastly, the cost per day per meter hood rental should be adjusted. The use of the hood allows for parking spaces to be reserved which is a benefit for which an additional cost should be paid. Please note that many groups expect that a meter hood be placed on a meter and the cars will vacate immediately. This is simply not the case! When a meter hood is requested for an afternoon event, the meter hood is placed on the meter in the morning and the meter remains unavailable for the day resulting is a loss of revenue. Placing a meter hood on a meter for a number of days also causes problems with condensation in the meter and the meters require maintenance from enforcement staff. Additionally the meters hoods are intended for day use, however, it is suggested that when meter hoods are covered vehicles stay for the entire night. Staff have had to investigate inquiries as to whether vehicles parked for some time at meter hoods have had people sleep in the vehicles. BARRICADES

12 Protection to Persons and 12 September 26, 2011 In the event that a group wishes to barricade the street, the group will have to apply for a Parade/Street Event Application. Please note that Clerk s staff are reviewing this process and this review will not be part of this Parking review. PARKING PERMITS The City Clerk s office issues a number of parking permits for vehicles parking in municipally owned parking lots and on the street at meters. Some permits are specific to a lot such as a monthly pass, whereas others are for any metered spot/pay and display spot within the city. The types of permits that will be addressed include: Council/Staff parking permits, special permits, Media Passes, Monthly and Commercial passes. City of Stratford vehicles such as those for departmental vehicles for Community Services, Engineering and Public Works and Fire Department do not require permits and they are allowed to park in any city-owned lot or parking spot with the exception of accessible parking spots (Blue Meters) while on city business. COUNCIL/STAFF PARKING PERMITS Members of Council and some Senior Staff are issued parking permits for the term of Council (December 1, 2010 to November 30 th, 2014). These permits are generally used behind City Hall in Market Place or in the Erie Street lot. Members of Senior Management in conjunction with City Clerk s Office staff are presently reviewing the Council/Staff parking permit process. MEDIA PERMITS The City has issued 10 media passes for In accordance with the Parking By-law, media permits are to be used by those companies attending council meetings and media functions. It is intended that committee or sub-committee meetings would be included in the council meeting statement. Staff are aware that media passes are used on a daily basis and the vehicles are generally parked at Market Square and the Erie Street lot. When issuing the most recent media passes, it was notated on the pass that the media passes were only valid in the lower Erie Street lot. These media passes are issued free of charge and at the present time the number on the licence plate number is not affixed to the pass. Staff would recommend that if the city is to continue issuing Media Passes that licence plates be notated on the permit. Secondly, that the Media Parking pass only be used outside City Hall in Market Place or in the Erie Street lower parking lot. A decision would also have to be made on whether it should continue to be offered free of charge, available for a fee, or used only when the media is attending a Council/Committee/Sub-Committee meeting or special media function. SPECIAL PERMITS

13 Protection to Persons and 13 September 26, 2011 The City issues special permits for day or short term use. These permits are typically requested for consultants, the Ontario Municipal Board and/or municipal auditors. On occasion when a staff person is injured and unable to walk (ie broken leg) from the Cooper Street lot a request is forwarded to the Clerk s Department for a special pass. If the applicable Director approves the request the special permit is issued for a pre-determined period of time. Special permits are issued free of charge and the licence plate number as well as specified time is written on the permit. Departments are not charged for these permits and they are not limited in the number issued per event. In the event that there are meetings at City Hall and special guests are invited requests are forwarded to the Clerk s Department for free passes. Staff issue the permit(s) for the specified day and notate the licence plate number (if available). Members of the Public frequently phone the City and ask for special permits. When questioned they advise they are unable to walk far and want close access to a venue. They are aware that Special Permits can be used anywhere in the City as they were previously issued one for a special event. When questioned they have indicated that they do not want a Visitor Pass as they have to walk too far. Staff have been reviewing the use of these special permits. Members of the public and various agencies have been expressing their displeasure with this restriction. Additionally when Special Permits are issued for the Erie Street lot, the notation Lower Erie Street Lot has been included on the pass. This restriction was brought about as there did not seem to be consistency in determining who was eligible for permits and because local businesses were expressing their displeasure about the number of permits used in parking lots. They indicated that their customers could not get a parking spot in the upper Erie Lot as there were too many vehicles with parking permits parking there. MONTHLY PERMITS As mentioned previously, monthly parking permits are available for four parking lots within the City of Stratford. There is a limit on the number of parking permits sold per lot and the purchaser understands that when they purchase their permit it is for any vacant spot in the lot and not a specific space. Similarly if a spot is not available as the lot is full they must park elsewhere at their expense and move their vehicle to the next available spot. Permits are traditionally sold for a 30 day time period and are issued throughout the month rather than on the first day of the month. The permit specifies the licence number which is written on the permit as well as the date of expiry. Permits are issued for a minimum of one month and in 30 day increments. The current fee or parking permits is: St. Patrick Street $57.26 per month York Street Lot downtown residents only - $57.26 per month Erie Street Lot - $66.30 per month

14 Protection to Persons and 14 September 26, 2011 Rear of Jail - $39.18 per month The fees specified above have not been increased since 2004 with the exception of changing from G.S.T. to H.S.T. component. Staff recommend that the fees be increased on an annual basis. The fees for the reserved monthly permits (rentals) which have traditionally been the same as the rates for the Erie Street lot also need to be reviewed. Staff suggest that fees for reserved spots should be higher than the regular monthly permit fee as the reserved parking spot can only be used by the business and the spot remains empty when the business is not open. Consequently, it is suggested that if reserved monthly permits continue to be offered that the fee be increased. COMMERCIAL PERMITS Commercial permit parking passes were created to allow trades persons vehicles to park within the downtown core while doing work at a particular business on a short-term basis. Companies wishing to apply for Commercial Passes have to identify the make, model and colour of the vehicle as well as the licence plate number. It is also required that these vehicles display the company logo on the body of the truck advising of the name of the company. Each vehicle would be listed on the application and each vehicle would be subject to an annual fee of $40.00 plus H.S.T. Staff recommend that the use of this permit be reviewed as there are currently 104 commercial permits issued to 29 companies in the trades that have their company logo on the side of their vehicle. Also a number of other types of businesses have asked for a Commercial Permit as they feel that they too are entitled to this permit. Secondly, it has been suggested that the employee responsible for taking the company deposit to the bank should not have to pay for parking when the company vehicle is not available. Additionally vehicles that are deemed delivery vehicles should also be offered this type of permit as the driver does not always have access to change. If the decision is to continue offering commercial permits, staff recommend that the number of permits per company be restricted. It is felt that not all vehicles park in the downtown core on a weekly basis. Other options would be to calculate a new rate for the permit based on the number of days the vehicle is downtown on jobs. A third option would be to have the company apply for a meter hood every time they accepted a job in the downtown core. TAMPERING WITH PARKING PERMITS The Parking By-law specifies that a person shall not photocopy or display a photocopy of a parking permit. Staff suggest that an additional clause should be incorporated in the by-law that specifies a person shall not tamper with any information written on a permit. In the event that permit appears to be tampered with the permit holder should be required to provide a brief explanation as to how the permit was altered. Failure to respond by a specified period of time or with an explanation that is not satisfactory would deem that person ineligible for a permit for one year. Staff suggest that tampering with information on a permit be included as an offence in the Parking By-law.

15 Protection to Persons and 15 September 26, 2011 CITY OWNED PARKING LOT RESURFACING A number of the municipally owned parking lots must be resurfaced. The parking lots are deteriorating and in some cases require extensive upgrading. It has been suggested that staff inspect all the city-owned parking lots and make a determination on whether work is required. Pending the outcome, a timeline for maintenance could be prepared and requests for quotation be issued. Budgets will have to be reviewed for money and if necessary budget packages prepared for future years or a decision made to apply a special levy on taxes. In the event that the Cooper Street and Downie Street lot are to be reconfigured to accommodate the opening of the Stratford Campus of the University of Waterloo in September 2012 there may be some urgency in undertaking the work on these lots. Additionally if the lots are to become paid parking lots funding will also be required for parking meters and/or pay and display machines. TWO HOUR TO THREE HOUR PARKING Staff have spoken with the contractors regarding changing the existing parking meters to three hour machines and changing the mechanism in the Erie Street Lot Pay and Display Machines. Staff have been advised that the timing mechanism and information plates on each meter must be changed. A preliminary estimate suggests that the fee for purchasing the decals and converting the meters and pay and display machines would be between $3,000 and $4,000. New signs must also be ordered and old ones replaced with new signs. Lastly, advertising must be done and the City website updated to promote the change and educate the public. Staff must however caution that although the patrons visiting the theatre may be happier with this change it also may make it easier for people working in the downtown core to feed the meters as they do not have to leave their workplaces as frequently. Another suggestion would put the onus on the merchants to encourage their staff to park away from their storefronts. Thus the parking in the immediate vicinity of the stores would be open for their customers. ENFORCEMENT Currently the City has one and one-half enforcement officers to enforce parking matters in the downtown core as shown on Exhibit # 1. The officers have developed a number of routes they utilize to ensure all meters and the pay and display meters are checked and money collected. Another portion of their day is allocated to maintaining parking meters and the pay and display machines, answering questions from the public about where to park and providing directions to specific attractions within the downtown. The enforcement officers also have advised that they spend a portion of their days assisting frantic drivers in locating their vehicles. Often, the driver knows what store their vehicle is parked beside but they do not recall what street the store faces.

16 Protection to Persons and 16 September 26, 2011 The request to enforce the two hour limit from the public is certainly not a new request. The enforcement officers hand-held machines have the ability to record the applicable information. Traditionally officers conduct foot patrols, respond to complaints regarding broken meters, coordinate regular maintenance on meters (i.e. battery changes) and issue violation notices for expired meters. Staff would suggest that if enforcing the 2 hour limit becomes the priority, additional staff would be required. The city would likely have to increase enforcement levels as existing staff would not be able to patrol the downtown, if they had to retrace their route with an increased frequency. An additional hand-held machine would also have to be purchased for each officer. Another option would be to investigate purchasing a vehicle for parking enforcement. Technology today allows for cameras to be mounted on roofs of vehicles as well as on the side door panels. The information is recorded on the computer. Once the system advises of an expired meter, the officer would be able to check the screen, verify the information and drive back to the applicable meter. In the event that the vehicle shows a violation, a notice is issued. INSTALL ADDITIONAL METERS IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE Members of the public have expressed concern about vehicles parked along the city s residential streets in the downtown core for extended periods of time. Other suggestions to consider included: - install meters on Rebecca, Brunswick, Cooper and Cobourg Streets, - extend parking along Downie and Wellington Street by adding additional meters, and - extending parking meters on William Street. In the event that requests are received for restricting parking along streets within the City they are referred to the Engineering and Public Works Department. The necessary reviews are conducted and pending the decision of Council follow-up action is taken. If staff is directed to consider installing additional meters along the aforementioned streets the Clerk s staff are prepared to work with Engineering and Public Works, to investigate the suggestions. Pending responses, the necessary reports will be prepared for sub-committee and budget packages prepared. Parking meters or Pay and Display machines could also be ordered pending the direction of Council. PRIVATE PARKING ON LANEWAYS/PARKING LOTS Staff have been asked to enforce parking on specific private laneways and in private parking lots. The individuals inquiring have been advised that this is outside the jurisdiction of the City s enforcement officers and in some cases outside the downtown core. Staff have advised that the plaza/business owners can appoint Private Parking Enforcement Officers to enforce their parking lots. The process of business appointing individuals, requiring insurance and entering into a formal agreement with the City are outlined to the individuals.

17 Protection to Persons and 17 September 26, 2011 SIGNAGE Members of the public suggest that the City requires additional signage of No Parking Zones along streets in residential neighbourhoods, by driveways where the streets are relatively narrow and within the Pay and Display lots. The City is also regularly asked to lower signage on specific streets as they feel that they are not visible. Signage traditionally falls under the jurisdiction of the Engineering and Public Works department and they review the requests looking at the particulars of the request. It is important to note that there are a number of regulations contained within the Ontario Traffic Manual that refer to such things as Regulatory Signs. Matters such as size of lettering, wording, size of sign and location criteria are prescribed. The manual also specifies where signs must be posted and spacing regulations. Engineering and Public Works review requests on a case by case basis and they also review past decisions of Council as some of the requests may be repeat requests and they are for the same general area. REMOVAL OF METERS FOR SPECIFIED PERIODS OF TIME The City is asked on an annual basis to remove parking meters to accommodate various activities within the City. The Stratford Festival requests that the City remove the parking meters along the North Side of George Street East between Downie and Waterloo Streets to allow busses to load and unload passengers for the theatre. The parking meters are removed from May to November each year. The City also removes four parking meters in the York Street lot by the Tourist Booth. The booth is generally staffed between May and October. The meters are removed and replaced with signs specifying 15 minute parking for Tourist Booth between May and October. Although staff is aware that tourist dollars are spent in the City the parking meter account is not compensated for the loss in revenue. Additionally the cost of Public Works staff removing and replacing meters is absorbed by the Parking Budget. Often local businesses contact the Clerk s Office and complain that meters are removed and they question why this is the case as their clients find it difficult to find parking. It has also been suggested along George Street that busses are seldom seen loading and unloading passengers and they would like this practice of removing meters reviewed. Staff suggest that this practice of removing and replacing meters on George Street and in the York Street lot be reviewed. One possibility would be to discuss these matters with Tourism and the Theatre to determine if this practice should continue. Another possibility would be to discuss this request with the Parking Task Force. PARKING RATES

18 Protection to Persons and 18 September 26, 2011 The City s hourly parking rates have remained unchanged at 40 cents per hour since Staff are recommending that the rates increase, however, at this point the rate per hour has not been calculated in order to provide a recommendation. The City will need to determine whether additional parking lots must be acquired, whether existing city-owned parking lots must be resurfaced and/or whether new meters and/or pay and display machines must be purchased. Lastly, a decision must be made on staffing as changing the priority to two hour enforcement would require additional staffing directly resulting in increased costs. The monthly rates for all types of parking passes must also be considered if it is Council s desire to continue to offer monthly parking passes. A decision must also be made on whether all resurfacing and changes are to be accommodated with hourly parking rate increases, financing through parking reserves and/or applying a special levy to taxes. ACCESSIBILITY PERMITS The City of Stratford has designated parking spaces within the City for persons displaying valid Persons with a Disability Parking Permit. The meters heads identifying these designated locations are Blue. Individuals requesting Disability Passes are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Transportation. It appears that there is confusion with many of Stratford s Tourists with respect to accessibility parking in Stratford. Some have challenged tickets as they feel that they are able to park anywhere within the City of Stratford if they display a Disability Parking Permit. Vehicles have been ticketed as the driver is not around and the vehicles are too close to intersections, fire hydrants and signs that specify No Parking. Some individuals are adamant that they are free to park anywhere but the present practice in Stratford is to ticket vehicles parking in No Parking or No Stopping Zones regardless of whether they display a Disabled Parking Permit. This philosophy has been taken as these zones are marked for safety as the City does not want people to cross intersections between parked cars and these open spaces provide for a smooth flow of traffic in busy areas. Another misconception is that people displaying Disability Parking Permits do not have to place money in the meter or purchase a Pay and Display ticket regardless of whether they park at a Blue Meter or not. It is suggested that the information on the web site as well as within the Parking By-law be reviewed and updated to reflect the City of Stratford s Accessibility Committee s position that they do not want to be treated any different than anyone else. The Committee is pleased that spots are designated and positioned throughout the City and they expect to place money in the meter regardless of whether they display a Disability Parking Permit in their vehicle. HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT TO THE PARKING BY_LAW

19 Protection to Persons and 19 September 26, 2011 Since the City s Parking By-law was adopted by Council it was noted that there was an omission in section 32 Higher and Lower Speed Limits and the corresponding Schedule 14. Previous By-laws specified that the speed limit of Lakeshore Drive and Veterans Drive be 30 kilometres and 40 kilometres per hour respectively. Signs displaying the speed are posted along roadsides; however, these particular streets are not referenced in Schedule 14. Staff would recommend that this housekeeping amendment be included in the next Amendment the Parking By-law. NEXT STEPS Staff are prepared to work with Committee and Council to review parking matters within the City of Stratford. This comprehensive review may take a number of months and it is possible that there will be repercussions on the City s Operating and Capital Budget. Projects such as resurfacing parking lots may also have to be phased in as there are budgetary considerations and not all capital projects can be scheduled within one year. Staff have also committed to working with the task force consisting of representatives of Stratford Tourism, Stratford Theatre, City Centre Committee and departmental staff to address the concerns of the businesses and agencies within the City. The first meeting of this task force is scheduled for the afternoon of September 19 th, 2011 where the mandate of this group will be discussed and strategies regarding parking further investigated. Amendments to the Parking By-law as well as Rates and Fees By-law may also be required as a result of the review. In the event that additional short form wordings are identified staff will also have to prepare the necessary documentation for submission to the Ontario Court of Justice. Lastly, regular reports will be forwarded to Council via the Protection to Persons and Property Sub-Committee to address the status of the parking matters identified for consideration. Financial impact: Not yet determined. Staff recommendation: That the Parking Review Report dated September 2011 be received for information. Sub-committee discussion: The Clerk noted that the Deputy Clerk did an excellent job in summarizing the parking review. The Deputy Clerk stated there are a number of matters to address and it will take a number of months to do that. A Parking Task Force has been established with representatives from the Shakespeare Festival Theatre, the City Centre Committee, the Stratford Tourism Alliance, and City staff. The first meeting will be held on September 19, The following questions/issues/comments were raised: 1. The total number of vehicle permits that have been issued. 2. The upper section of the Cooper parking lot be allocated for permit parking and the lower section be pay-and-display; spaces in other lots would therefore become available.