City of Toronto Logo Agenda

Regular



Public Works and Infrastructure Committee


Meeting No. 29   Contact Candy Davidovits, Committee Administrator
Meeting Date Tuesday, January 5, 2010
  Phone 416-392-8032
Start Time 9:30 AM
  E-mail pwic@toronto.ca
Location Committee Room 1, City Hall
  Chair   Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker  


 

Public Works and Infrastructure Committee

 

Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, Chair

Councillor Gord Perks, Vice-Chair

 

 

Councillor Shelley Carroll

Councillor Adam Giambrone

 

Councillor Chin Lee

Councillor Cesar Palacio

 

Members of Council and Staff:  Please keep this agenda and the accompanying material until the City Council meeting dealing with these matters has ended.  The City Clerk’s Office will not provide additional copies.

 

Special Assistance for Members of the Public:   City staff can arrange for special assistance with some advance notice. If you need special assistance, please call 416-392-4379, TTY 416‑338-0889 or

e-mail(pwic@toronto.ca ).

 

Closed Meeting Requirements:  If the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee wants to meet in closed session (privately), a member of the Committee must make a motion to do so and give the reason why the Committee has to meet privately.(City of Toronto Act, 2006)

 

Notice to people writing or making presentations to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee: The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the City of Toronto Municipal Code authorize the City of Toronto to collect any personal information in your communication or presentation to City Council or its committees.

 

The City collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, e-mails, presentations or other communications to the City, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the City will become part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website. The City will also make your communication and any personal information in it – such as your postal address, telephone number or e-mail address – available to the public, unless you expressly request the City to remove it.

 

The City videotapes committee and community council meetings. If you make a presentation to a committee or community council, the City will be videotaping you and City staff may make the video tapes available to the public.

 

If you want to learn more about why and how the City collects your information, write to the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2 or by calling 416-392-8032.

 

 

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

 

Confirmation of Minutes – November 3, 2009

 

Speakers/Presentations – A complete list will be distributed at the meeting

 

Communications/Reports

 

PW29.1

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: 21 

Exemption to Municipal Code Chapter 851, Water Supply and Chapter 681, Sewers - 410 Rosemary Road
Origin
(December 10, 2009) Report from General Manager, Toronto Water
Recommendations

The General Manager, Toronto Water, recommends that:

 

1.        City Council authorize the General Manager, Toronto Water, to exempt the municipal property located at 410 Rosemary Road from the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 851 – Water Supply, §851-4.H – Water Service Connections,  as it pertains to the disconnection of the existing water service.

 

2.         City Council authorize the General Manager, Toronto Water, to exempt the municipal property located at 410 Rosemary Road from the requirements in Municipal Code Chapter 681 – Sewers, §681-11.D – Sewer Connections, provided the General Manager, Toronto Water, is satisfied that the existing sewer service line is in good condition and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 681.

 

3.         City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, to report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the necessary by-law amendments required to delegate authority to the General Manager to exempt properties from Municipal Code Chapter 851 – Water Supply, §851-4.D. or Municipal Code Chapter 681 – Sewers, §681-11.D., or both, where the General Manager is satisfied that the existing water and/or sewer connections are in good condition and are otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Chapters 851 and 681 of the Municipal Code.

Summary

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council authority for the General Manager, Toronto Water to be able to exempt from the requirements of Municipal Code, Chapter 851 - Water Supply and Chapter 681 – Sewers, the property at 410 Rosemary Road as it pertains to the requirement to disconnect existing water and sewer service connections and install new water and sewer connections for a reconstructed building or structure.

Financial Impact

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Background Information
PW29.1-Exemption to Municipal Code Chapter 851, Water Supply and Chapter 681, Sewers - 410 Rosemary Road - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25885.pdf)


PW29.2

Information 

 

 

Ward: All 

Options for Financing the Replacement of Private Lead Water Service Connections
Origin
(December 14, 2009) Report from Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water
Summary

This report considers the policy and financial impacts to the City of providing a loan to private homeowners interested in replacing the private side of the lead water service connection, from the water shut-off at the property line to the interior of the dwelling.  There are an estimated 65,000 lead water service connections within the public road allowance.  Toronto Water and Toronto Public Health support the goal of reducing lead exposure by encouraging replacement of lead service. However, for a number of practical, financial, administrative and policy reasons as outlined in this report, providing a loan for private-property infrastructure changes to achieve this end is not recommended.

Financial Impact

There are no financial implications arising from this report.

 

If Council were to adopt a loan program repayable at the City’s capital market interest rate, there would be no financial impact to the City, except for the cost to administer such a program, and any outstanding amounts would be carried as an account receivable on the City’s balance sheet.

 

However, if Council were instead to adopt a no-interest loan program to provide a $1,500.00 loan and which was taken up by the 65,000 remaining lead service accounts, the City could be funding as much as $97.5 million in loans, and the loss in investment income on such amount would be approximately $4 million annually.  Additional costs associated with the administration of such a program would also be incurred.

Background Information
PW29.2-Options for Financing the Replacement of Private Lead Water Service Connections - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25886.pdf)


PW29.3

Information 

 

 

Ward: All 

Water Meter Replacement and Automated Meter Reading System - Project Information and Status Update
Origin
(December 17, 2009) Report from General Manager, Toronto Water, and the Treasurer
Summary

This report outlines the staff training plan for the new automated meter reading system being installed under the Water Meter Replacement and Automated Meter Reading System project and provides an update on the status of the project.

Financial Impact

There are no financial impacts associated with this report.

Background Information
PW29.3-Water Meter Replacement and Automated Meter Reading System - Project Information and Status Update - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25887.pdf)


PW29.4

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Purchase Order Amendment - Supply and Delivery of Non-Metallic Chain and Accessories for Purchase Order 47013175
Origin
(December 4, 2009) Report from General Manager, Toronto Water, and the Director, Purchasing and Materials Management
Recommendations

The General Manager of Toronto Water and the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management recommend that:

 

1.         The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee grant authority to amend Purchase Order 47013175 for the supply of non-metallic chain and accessories with C&M Environmental Tech Inc. by an additional amount of $1,217,600.00 net of GST and HST Recoveries, revising the current contract value from $3,949,026.88 to $5,166,629.88 net of GST and HST Recoveries and expand the itemized list of required assembly parts and accessories to include those listed in Attachment A.

Summary

The purpose of this report is to request authority to amend Purchase Order 47013175 for the supply and delivery of non-metallic chain and accessories needed for sludge collector mechanisms at the various wastewater treatment plants.  The total amendment request is $1,217,000 net of GST and HST Recoveries, revising the current contract value from $3,949,026.88 to $5,166,629.88 net of GST and HST Recoveries for the period ending December 31, 2011.  Failure to expand the current itemized list to include these additional requirements will result in significant delays to the schedule of planned repairs, cancellation of the tendered installation project and potential non-compliance of the regulated effluent criteria for the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant.

Financial Impact

The amendment to the current Purchase Order 47013175 results in an increase of $1,217,600.00 net of GST and HST Recoveries from $3,949,029.88 to $5,166,629.88 net of GST and HST Recoveries for the supply of additional inventory of the parts urgently needed for complete overhaul of the selected primary and secondary clarifiers.

 

Funding for the requested amendment amount is available in the approved 2010 Toronto Water Capital Budget and 2011-2019 Capital Plan in WBS Element CWW040 Ashbridges Bay WWTP – Liquid Treatment and CWW041 Process and Equipment Upgrades – Future.  The estimated annual cash flows (net of GST and HST Recoveries) related to the requested amendment amount are as follows:

 

WBS Element

2010

2011

CWW040 Ashbridges Bay WWTP – Liquid Treatment

$403,520

$407,040

CWW041 Process & Equipment Upgrades - Future

$407,040

 

The Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information
PW29.4-Purchase Order Amendment - Supply and Delivery of Non-Metallic Chain and Accessories for Purchase Order 47013175 - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25889.pdf)


PW29.5

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Purchase Order Amendment - Supply of Electrical Parts and Services for Purchase Orders 47011777 and 47011778
Origin
(December 4, 2009) Report from General Manager, Toronto Water, and the Director, Purchasing and Materials Management
Recommendations

The General Manager, Toronto Water, and the Director, Purchasing and Materials Management, recommend that:

 

1.         The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee grant authority to amend Purchase Order 47011777 for the supply of electrical parts and services with Ainsworth Inc. by an additional amount of $1,500,000 net of GST, revising the current contract value from $2,979,628.11 to $4,479,628.11 net of GST and extend the expiry date to March 31, 2010.

 

2.         The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee grant authority to amend Purchase Order 47011778 for the supply of electrical parts and services with Trademark Industrial Inc. by an additional amount of $800,000 net of GST, revising the current contract value from $2,979,628.11 to $3,779,628.11 net of GST and extend the expiry date to March 31, 2010.    

Summary

The purpose of this report is to request authority to amend Purchase Orders 47011777 and 47011778 for the supply of electrical parts and services and to extend the expiration date of both to March 31, 2010.  The total amount requested for 47011777 is $1,500,000 net of GST, revising the current contract value from $2,979,628.11 to $4,479,628.11 net of GST.  The total amount requested for 47011778 is $800,000 net of GST, revising the current contract value from $2,979,628.11 to $3,779,628.11 net of GST.

 

The required quantities of various parts and services have increased due to revisions to the Electrical Safety Code.   The revisions have increased the cost of meeting minimum mandatory safety requirements as well as the need for more frequent and extensive repairs to the aging electrical systems.

 

The extensions will enable Toronto Water to continue to perform critical repairs until March 31, 2010, at which time it is anticipated that new contracts will have been awarded through a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process currently underway.

Financial Impact

The amendment for an additional $1,500,000.00 net of GST increases the current value with Ainsworth Inc. from $2,979,628.11 to $4,479,628.11 net of GST.  The amendment for an additional amount of $800,000 net of GST will increase the current value of contract with Trade Mark Industrial Inc. from $2,979,628.11 to $3,779,628.11 net of GST.  Funding is available in the approved 2010 Toronto Water Operating Budget in various accounts as follows: WW100 Wastewater Treatment, WW600 Operational Support and PW100 Water Treatment & Supply.

 

The Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information
PW29.5-Purchase Order Amendment - Supply of Electrical Parts and Services for Purchase Orders 47011777 and 47011778 - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25892.pdf)


PW29.6

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Costs and Issues Related to Excess Household Recycling - Information Report Request
Origin
(November 2, 2009) Member Motion from City Council
Recommendations

Councillor Ootes, seconded by Councillor Stintz, recommends that:

 

1.         City Council direct the General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services to report back to the next meeting of City Council, on the costs that are incurred with picking up the excess bagged recycling.

 

2.         City Council direct the General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services to also include in the report the direct impact on the waste diversion program based on not picking up excess bagged recycling, which could ultimately end up in landfill.

Summary

The City of Toronto has implemented aggressive diversion programs to reduce waste from our landfills including the Green Bin, Blue Bins and user-pay Garbage bin program.

 

The success of these programs relies on the ability of the homeowner to effectively participate in the City’s diversion efforts. If recycling, or any other program, was to become an inconvenience, there could be a risk of homeowners choosing not to participate but instead throw their excess recycling or compost into the garbage.

 

On some occasions, households may find that they have an excess amount of recycling. The easiest solution is to place the recycling in a clear or clear-blue plastic bag beside the recycling container to indicate to the Solid Waste driver that it is recycling. However, according to a recent interview in the Toronto Star, the Solid Waste Division has indicated that there is a rule that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycling for fear of achieving maximum efficiency.

 

There should not be a limit placed on the amount of recycling that a homeowner can dispose of at their curbside. There should be a convenient, simple and encouraging program that allows for excess recycling to homeowners when the need does occur.

 

(Submitted to City Council on October 26 and 27, 2009 as MM41.11)

Background Information
PW29.6-Costs and Issues Related to Excess Household Recycling - Information Report Request - Member Motion
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25391.pdf)


PW29.7

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Garbage Collection - For Tenants in Residential Units Above Commercial Properties
Origin
(December 8, 2009) Member Motion from Councillor Howard Moscoe and Councillor Joe Mihevc
Recommendations

Councillor Howard Moscoe and Councillor Joe Mihevc recommend that:

 

1.         The waste collection by-law be amended to require the property owner, who receives the tax rebate, to provide bag tags to the tenant at no additional cost to the tenant.

Summary

The City's switch to a three stream waste system has been successful in low rise residential neighbourhoods.  The system is now being rolled out to include residential units above commercial businesses.

 

Under the new waste system the cost of waste handling is removed from the tax bill and added to the water bill.  In single family homes this is not a problem because it is simply a transfer from one homeowner's pocket to the other.  With residential units above commercial the owner of the property receives the tax reduction and the tenant who was previously getting service from the landlord now has to pay for collection over and above the payment he makes for his rent.

 

This represents a fundamental shift in the cost of waste collection from the property owner to the tenant leaving the tenant to seek redress through the rent review process.

Background Information
PW29.7-Garbage Collection - for Tenants in Residential Units Above Commercial Properties - Member Motion
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25898.pdf)


PW29.8

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Require Recycling at Gas Stations and Service Stations
Origin
(December 11, 2009) Member Motion from City Council
Recommendations

Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Jenkins, recommends that:

 

1.         City Council request the City Solicitor, in consultation with Deputy City Manager, Richard Butts, to report to the February 2, 2010 meeting of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the feasibility of mandating the recycling of all waste products at all automobile/truck fuel and service stations in the City of Toronto and report on the ability of the City of Toronto to make recycling a condition of licence approval or renewal.

Summary

The City of Toronto has committed to the goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfill by 2010. The City's diversion rate refers to the amount of waste collected by the City that is prevented from going into landfill, compared to the amount that does. In 2008, the City's diversion rate was 44%; a total of 388,188 metric tonnes of residential waste was diverted from landfill during 2008 through such programs as the Blue Bin (formerly known as Blue Box Program), Green Bin, leaf/yardwaste and Christmas trees, backyard composting, Community Environment Days, household hazardous waste depots, grasscycling and large appliance/scrap metal pick-up.

 

In 2008, residents living in single family homes had a diversion rate of 59% and those living in multi-family buildings achieved a rate of 15%. The City's current diversion rate of 44% is a long way from the 2010 goal of 70% - it does not appear that the City will meet its target on time.

 

The City does not collect all the waste in Toronto. The City does not collect information on how much garbage is collected privately. The City does not know how much privately collected garbage is diverted from landfill, if any.

 

One small way to increase the City's diversion rate is to increase the number of participants within the City's diversion initiative, such as increasing the number of commercial establishments that recycle. The city's gas stations and auto service stations are not required to recycle. Why not require them to?

 

The City's gas stations and auto service stations create a large amount of waste, and most of it recyclable. The many plastic bottles from windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, oil, water and pop, as well as plastic bags, paper and cans, all go into the garbage at the gas station. The bottles and bags are made from oil, just like the fuels and engine lubricants they once held; the bottles and bags are recyclable and can be accommodated by the City’s recycling program, if the City were to collect these used, empty vessels.

 

Gas stations are municipally licensed; the City can require proper recycling as a condition of license approval or renewal.

 

Gas stations and the oil companies who own them are still very profitable, even in the midst of today’s economic recession. Oil companies such as Petro-Canada, Suncor, Imperial Oil, and Shell are not holding tag days to raise funds – the price of fuel in Toronto is routinely more expensive than anywhere else in the province. It would not be unreasonable to require oil companies to recycle at their stations, especially considering their profit levels.

 

Now, City Council can start helping the gas stations and vehicle service stations to be good stewards of the Earth. The main items these stations sell originate in the Earth and so, we need to direct their energy to give back to the Earth by requiring them to recycle.

 

(Submitted to City Council on November 30, December 1, 2, 4 and 7, 2009 as MM42.2)

Background Information
PW29.8-Require Recycling at Gas Stations and Service Stations - Member Motion
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25901.pdf)


PW29.9

ACTION 

 

 

Ward: All 

Biosolids Master Plan Update
Origin
(December 11, 2009) Letter from City Clerk
Summary

City Council on November 30, December 1, 2, 4 and 7, 2009, adopted Item PW28.5 entitled “Biosolids Master Plan Update”, as amended, and in so doing, requested that when the recommendations contained in the report (October 19, 2009) from the General Manager, Toronto Water, regarding the Highland Creek Treatment Plant are before the January 5, 2010, meeting of the Public Works and Infrastucture Committee, the Committee again defer the matter until its February 2, 2010 meeting.

 

City Council also requested the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee to consider the following recommendation at such time as it considers the above-noted report (October 19, 2009) from the General Manager, Toronto Water:

 

“That the General Manager, Toronto Water, be directed to accelerate the implementation of the biosolids management strategies for the Highland Creek as detailed in the Biosolids Master Plan in order to realize capital and operating cost savings of approximately $15 million over the ten year period (2009 - 2019), and report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee at its meeting on February 2, 2010.”

Background Information
PW29.9-Biosolids Master Plan Update - Letter from City Clerk
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-25906.pdf)