Board Meeting - July 26, 2000

H. Moscoe (Chair), R. Davis (Vice-Chair), G. Lindsay Luby, B. Ashton, C. Korwin-Kuczynski and J. Mihevc (Commissioners), R. Ducharme (Chief General Manager), V. Rodo (General Manager - Executive & General Secretary), G. Webster (General Manager – Operations), J. Sepulis (General Manager - Engineering & Construction), K. McGuire (Associate General Counsel), M. Walker (Chief Security Officer), A. Chocorlan (Manager - Materials and Procurement), M. Roche (Chief Financial Officer), R. Brent (Chief Marketing Officer), W. Dawson (Superintendent - Route & System Planning), W. Buffett (Assistant General Secretary), and A. Patrone (Administrative Coordinator) were present.

H. Moscoe was in the Chair.

W. Brown, Manager Surface - Vehicle Engineering was present for Item Nos. 2 and 27.

Nil

On Motion Of Commissioner Lindsay Luby, The Commission Approved The Minutes Of Meeting No. 1787 And Authorized The Chair And General Secretary To Sign The Same.

Nil

Nil

a) Request for Price Escalation on Hot Mix

Adrian Van Niekerk

Gazzola Paving Limited & Director of Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association

(Submitted brief)

The Commission Received The Deputation.

Commissioner Ashton Moved That The Brief Submitted By Mr. Van Niekerk Be Referred To Staff For Review And Report Back To The Next Meeting Of The Commission.

The Commission Approved Commissioner Ashton's Motion.

b) Business Disruption - Streetcar

Track Rehabilitation - Queen Street

Frederic Geisweiller

Le Select Bistro

Richard O'Brien

Bamboo Club

Andre Rosenblaum

Queen Mother Café & Rivoli Café & Club

Wayne Tarzwell

City TV

The Commission Received The Deputations.

Chair Moscoe Moved That An Ad Hoc Committee Comprising Of Commissioner Ashton And Chair Moscoe Be Established For The Purpose Of Meeting With Staff To Develop A Policy For Dealing With Business Disruption As A Result Of TTC Construction With Such Meeting To Give Consideration To The Following:

1. Clear, Revised Notice Provisions.

2. A Meeting With Businesses To Discuss Phasing, Timing And With Individual Businesses To Discuss Site Issues.

3. Coordination Of Timing On Construction To Minimize Disruption.

4. Local Access Issues (eg. Phasing Street Crossing, Garbage Collection, Signage).

5. Better, More Creative Signage Provision For Site.

6. City Transportation And Works Staff At Meetings In Order To Develop Overall Plan.

7. Quick Problem Or Dispute Resolution Mechanism.

8. Advertising Provisions To Compensate For Business Loss.

9. Clause 2, Report No. 8 Of The Works Committee Entitled, "Construction Effects On Small Businesses" Which Was Before City Council At Its Meeting On May 9, 10 And 11, 2000.

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That The TTC Urge City Council To Develop A Policy And Program For Business Support After Major Road, Sewer, Water, Hydro, TTC, Sidewalk Construction Occurs To Draw Customers And Patrons Back To The Area.

Commissioner Ashton Moved That A Sub-Committee Consisting Of Chair Moscoe, Commissioner Ashton And The Chief General Manager Be Requested To Meet With The Commissioner Of Works And Emergency Services For The City Of Toronto To Discuss The Business Disruption Issue; And Further That The Motions Put Forward By Chair Moscoe And Commissioner Mihevc Be Referred To This Meeting For Discussion Purposes With A Report Back By The Sub-Committee On The Results Of These Deliberations At The Next Commission Meeting In September.

The Commission Approved Commissioner Ashton's Motion.

1. TTC Named One of the Nation's Best Employers

Chair Moscoe congratulated management and staff on the recent announcement that the Toronto Transit Commission had been named in Canada's Top 100 Employers List which appears in the Guide to Canada's Best Places to Work - Canada's Top 100 Employers published by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

R. Ducharme, Chef General Manager also extended his congratulations to staff and then presented Chair Moscoe with a certificate acknowledging this outstanding achievement.

R. Ducharme noted that the above certificate would be displayed at various work locations across the organization.

2. Pros and Cons of CNG

The Commission had before it a report entitled, "Pros and Cons of CNG Buses."

W. Brown, Manager - Vehicle Engineering also gave an overhead slide presentation with respect to this matter.

The Commission Received The Report And Presentation For Information.

3. Chief General Manager's Report Period 5 - April 30 to May 27, 2000

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. receive for information the attached Executive Summary of the Chief General Manager's (CGM's) report covering the period April 30 to May 27, 2000; and

2. forward a copy of this cover report and the Executive Summary to each City Councillor for information (noting that the detailed CGM's report is available on request from the Office of the General Secretary of the Commission).

Adopted

4. Procurement Authorization Roof Replacement - McBrien Contract S5-20

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the acceptance of the tender submitted by Provincial Industrial Roof in the amount of $299,130.16, for Contract S5-20 - McBrien Building Roof Rehabilitation.

Approved

5. Procurement Authorization Pharmacy & Victoria Park Avenue Bridges - Structure Rehabilitation Contract E35-1

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the acceptance of the tender submitted by Underground Services Ltd., in the amount of $667,493.00, for Contract E35-1 - Pharmacy & Victoria Park Avenue Bridges - Structure Rehabilitation.

Approved

6. Procurement Authorization - Purchase Order Amendment for the Supply of Miscellaneous Hand and Cutting Tools

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of a Purchase Order Amendment in the upset limit amount of $250,000.00 to Hansler-Smith Ltd., increasing the total contract value to $2,150,000.00 for the supply of miscellaneous hand and cutting tools.

Approved

7. Procurement Authorization Contract Amendment No. 7 Supply of T-1 Subway Cars

It is recommended the Commission authorize the issuance of Contract Amendment No. 7 to Bombardier Inc., in the credit amount of $272,594.25 (taxes included), for the free issuing by the Commission to Bombardier Inc. of 98 of the 156 operator's seats for (Group 4) T-1 Subway Cars.

Approved

8. Procurement Authorization for the Supply of Subway Transfer Paper

It is recommended that the Commission approve the acceptance of the tender submitted by Data Business Forms and the issuance of a Purchase Order in the amount of $705,180 for the three-year supply of subway transfer paper.

Approved

9. Procurement Authorization - Natural Gas Direct Purchase

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. authorize the acceptance of the tender submitted by Duke Energy Marketing Limited Partnership (Duke Energy) for the supply of natural gas, for a period of up to three years ending August 31, 2003. The cost of the three-year supply contract is estimated at $12,000,000; and

2. authorize staff to execute the necessary standard industry agreements for the transportation by TransCanada Pipeline and distribution of natural gas by Enbridge Consumers Gas Company Ltd., each estimated at $4,000,000.00 respectively for the same three-year period.

Approved

10. Procurement Authorization - Excavation and Paving 2000 Surface Track Program

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. approve the issuance of a Purchase Order in the total upset limit amount of $4,200,000 to the City of Toronto - Department of Works and Emergency Services, for the Commission's cost of excavation and paving within the track allowance. This work will be completed by the City of Toronto in 2000; and

2. note that this work is under way at this time since deferral of the work would impact the ability to complete the work in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Approved

11. Purchase of Subway Steel-Wheels

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the purchase, for inventory, of 300 Subway Steel-Wheels from Francosteel Canada in the amount of $224,250.00 including applicable taxes.

Approved

12. Purchase of Line Control Relays

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the purchase, for inventory, of 510 line control relays from GE Transportation Systems in the amount of $217,503.53 including applicable taxes.

Approved

13. Purchase of Bendix Parts

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the awarding of a three year inventory supply contract for Bendix parts to Orion Bus Industries, and MCI Service Part Co. with a combined upset limit of $1,010,000.00 including applicable taxes for the period from August 2000 to July 2003.

Approved

14. New Contracts for the Provision of Wheel-Trans Sedan Meter Based Taxi Service

It is recommended that the Commission receive this report for information regarding the recently awarded contracts to Beck Taxi Limited, Arrow Cab Limited, and East End Taxi for the supply of licensed sedan meter based taxi service for a three year period commencing July 1, 2000.

Approved

15. Declaration as Surplus and Disposal of Wheel-Trans Orion Bus Fleet

It is recommended that the Commission declare as surplus and approve the disposal of the Wheel-Trans Orion bus fleet (139 vehicles) in the best interest of the Commission.

Approved

16. Proof of Payment (P.O.P.) Program on Queen

It is recommended that the Proof of Payment (P.O.P.) Program on Queen Street continue to operate noting that two additional Transit Security Officer's have been hired to perform this function.

Approved

17. Request for Travel - Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Semi-Annual Vehicular Technology Conference Boston, Massachusetts

It is recommended that the Commission approve the travel request for Mr. Michael Fitzmaurice, Senior Communications Engineer - Sheppard Subway, to attend the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Semi-Annual Vehicular Technology Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, September 24 to 28, 2000 at an estimated cost of $4,300.

Approved

18. Summary Report on In-Service Testing of Low-Floor Buses

After Hearing An Overhead Slide Presentation From W. Dawson, Superintendent - Route And System Planning, The Commission Received The Report For Information, Noting That:

• The TTC Has Completed In-Service Testing Of Orion Vi Low-Floor Buses, New Flyer D40lf Low-Floor Buses, And One Nova Bus LFS Low-Floor Bus;

• The Low-Floor Design Of These Buses, Together With The Availability Of A Relatively Quick And Easy-To-Use Ramp, Makes Boarding And Alighting Easier For All Passengers, But Especially For People With Mobility Difficulties, People Who Use Mobility Aids And Devices Such As Walkers, Wheelchairs, And Scooters, And People Who Travel With Baby Carriages, Shopping Buggies, And Other Accessories;

• The Low-Floor Bus Models Tested By The TTC All Sacrifice Some Interior Space To Wheelwell Housings And/Or Engine And Transmission Compartments, And These Use Up Space Which Would Otherwise Be Available For Passenger Seating Or Standing Areas;

• After Taking Into Account The Practical Passenger-Carrying Capacity Of These Buses And The Effects Of Reduced Passenger Service, Vehicle Loading Standards Were Developed For These Buses; The Peak Period Vehicle Loading Standards Are 11%-12% Lower For The Low-Floor Buses Tested Than The TTC'S Standard-Floor Bus Loading Standard, And The Off-Peak Loading Standards Are 8%-28% Lower Than That Of A Standard Floor Bus;

• Based On These Reduced Vehicle Loading Standards, And Using Actual Ridership Data For All Routes In The TTC System, If The TTC Were To Convert Its Entire Bus Fleet To The Types Of Buses Used In This Low-Floor Bus Test, The TTC'S Cost Of Providing Service Would Increase By $25-$26 Million Annually, Based On The New Flyer Or Nova Bus Low-Floor Buses, Or By $49 Million Annually, Based On The Orion Low-Floor Bus. The Lower Capacity Of These Buses Would Also Require The TTC To Purchase And House Up To 128 Additional Buses, Requiring A Capital Investment Of Approximately $70 Million Over The Life Of The Vehicles;

• The Advanced Technologies Being Incorporated Into All New-Generation Buses Could Increase Maintenance Costs By Up To 35%. This Appears To Be True Regardless Of Whether The Bus Has A Low-Floor Or Standard Floor Design. Conversion Of The TTC'S Fleet Of Buses To Ones Incorporating New Technologies Could Increase Costs By Up To $25 Million Annually, Regardless Of The Floor-Design Chosen For The Buses; And

• As A Result Of The Low-Floor Bus Test, And Following A Very Successful Bus Design Conference Initiated By The TTC, Bus Manufacturers Are Being Asked To Incorporate A Number Of Technical And Design Improvements Into Their Low-Floor Bus Designs, In Order To Better Meet The Needs Of Both Customers And Operators.

19. Disposal of Lone Nova LFS Low-Floor Bus

It is recommended that the Commission give staff the authority to dispose of the TTC's only Nova LFS low-floor bus in the best interest of the Commission.

Approved

20. TTC Bus Fleet Emission Levels

It is recommended that the Commission receive this report for an information update.

Received

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That Staff Be Requested To Continue To Search Out External Funding Mechanisms For The Catalytic Converters For The Gm Buses, Including The Toronto Atmospheric Fund And Green Municipal Investment Fund.

The Commission Approved Commissioner Mihevc's Motion.

21. Governance of Union Station

It is recommended that the City of Toronto consider having the City of Toronto representative on the GO Transit Board also be a member of the Toronto Transit Commission.

Approved

Commissioner Ashton Moved That The Staff Report Be Forwarded To The Chief Administrative Officer For The City Of Toronto For Consideration In His Review And Report On The Governance Structure For Union Station.

The Commission Approved Commissioner Ashton's Motion.

22. Public Internet Access in the Subway

Chair Moscoe Moved That The Staff Recommendation Be Struck Out And Replaced With The Following:

1. That Staff Seek Out Suitable Locations For The Installation Of Internet Terminals And That A Proposal Call Be Issued For This Purpose.

2. That Staff Investigate The Possibility Of Including Other Technologies;

3. That Preference Be Given To A Fibre Optic Based System.

4. That All Proposals Be Reviewed By The Director Of Telecommunications For The City Of Toronto In Conjunction With The City Telecommunications Steering Committee.

The Commission Approved Chair Moscoe's Motion.

23. Summary of Authorized Expenditures for the Period May 28, 2000 to July 1, 2000

It is recommended that the Commission receive this report for information. It lists expenditures ($100,000.00 up to $200,000.00) for the period of May 28, 2000 to July 1, 2000, which were approved by Senior Management.

Received

24. 1999 Management Letter - TTC Management's Responses

It is recommended that the Commission receive for information the attached management letter from the auditors.

Received

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Be Requested To Submit A Further Report On The Component Relating To The Provision For Deferred Revenue.

The Commission Approved Chair Moscoe's Motion.

25. Alternative Funding Methods for TTC's Subway Car Fleet

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That Recommendation No. 1D) Be Amended By Adding The Words "And The Commission" After Chief General Manager, So Such Recommendation Reads As Follows:

"1D) All Agreements Relating To The Deal Being Satisfactory To The TTC'S Chief General Manager And The Commission In All Aspects And In Particular In Relation To TTC'S Right To Operate, Maintain, Dispose Of And Acquire Subway Cars."

The Commission Approved Commissioner Mihevc's Motion.

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That Recommendation No. 3 Be Amended By Striking Out $1 Million And Replacing In Lieu Thereof The Words "$250,000; And To Report Back To The Commission If More Funds Are Required" So Such Recommendation Reads As Follows:

"3. Delegation Of Authority To The Chief General Manager To Hire External Consulting And Legal Services As Necessary To Provide Professional Expertise Required To Properly Undertake Such A Financing Arrangement Up To A Limit Of $250,000; And To Report Back To The Commission If More Funds Are Required."

The Commission Approved Commissioner Mihevc's Motion.

The Commission Approved Recommendation Nos. 1A), B), C), 2 and 4 Contained In The Report, As Listed Below:

1. The Continued Investigation Of Alternate Financing Mechanisms For The TTC'S Subway Fleet Subject To:

A) City Council Committing To Fully Reimburse TTC For Any Expenses Associated With This Work Regardless Of Whether A Deal Is Struck Or Not;

B) City Council Committing To Funding Any Lease Payments Or Other Liabilities That May Result From Any Deal From Sources Other Than TTC'S Revenues Or Current Subsidy Levels;

C) City Council Indemnifying The Commission, Commissioners, Employees, And Its Officers From Any Actions Resulting From Any Agreements Entered Into As Part Of This Funding Method;

2. Authorize Staff To Negotiate And Approve An Agreement With The City Of Toronto Whereby An Appropriate Portion Of Any Excess Funds Generated From Any Leasing Deal Be Held In Trust For The End Purchase Of The Vehicles Once The Term Of Any Lease Expires;

4. Forwarding This Report And The Associated Recommendations Directly To The City Council Meeting Of August 1, 2000.

The Commission Approved The Report, As Amended.

a) Relationship Between TTC Ridership and Fuel Prices

The Commission Received A Memorandum Dated July 26, 2000 From R. Ducharme, Chief General Manager Entitled, "Staff Response To Commission Inquiry - Relationship Between TTC Ridership And Fuel Prices."

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Be Requested To Take The Trends Identified In The Memorandum Into Consideration When Developing Their Advertising Program For Next Year.

The Commission Approved Chair Moscoe's Motion.

b) GTA Accessible Transit Service Integration

The Commission Received A Memorandum Dated July 26, 2000 From R. Ducharme, Chief General Manager Entitled, "Staff Response To Commission Inquiry - GTA Accessible Transit Service Integration."

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Be Requested To Submit A Further Report On The Following:

1. Identification Of Transfer Points;

2. How Many Transfers Take Place At These Locations; And

3. What Consultation Mechanism Is Used To Adjust The Transfer Point Locations, If Required.

The Commission Approved Chair Moscoe's Motion.

c) Wheel-Trans Eligibility Criteria

The Commission Received A Memorandum Dated July 26, 2000 From R. Ducharme, Chief General Manager Entitled, "Staff Response To Commission Inquiry - Wheel-Trans Eligivility Criteria."

27. Ultra Low Emission Vehicles - TTC Non-Revenue Fleet

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. Accept this report for information and consideration for future TTC non-revenue vehicle procurement when appropriate.

2. Forward a copy of this report to City Council for their meeting of August 1, 2000.

Adopted

Commissioner Mihevc Moved The Following:

1. That The Option Of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles Be Forwarded To The City Budget Committee As Part Of The 2002 Capital Budget Program; And

2. That Staff Be Requested To Approach The Toronto Atmospheric Fund In 2001 On Possible Funding For These Vehicles.

The Commission Approved Commissioner Mihevc's Motion.

C-1) Catherine Nasmith, Chair Toronto Preservation Board extending thanks and congratulations to the TTC for restoring two historic PCC cars.

The Commission Received The Communication For Information.

C-2) Councillor Elizabeth Brown, City of Toronto requesting an earlier implementation date for the planned extension of the 73 Royal York bus route to Claireport Drive.

The Commission Received The Communication And Directed Staff To Implement The Extension Of The 73 Royal York Bus Route To Claireport Drive Commencing On Monday October 16, 2000.

C-3) Councillor Bruce Sinclair, City of Toronto requesting an earlier implementation date for the planned extension of the 73 Royal York bus route to Claireport Drive.

(See Minute For C-2)

C-4) Councillor Jack Layton and Councillor Pam McConnell, City of Toronto requesting reinstatement of Sunday service on the 65 Parliament bus route as soon as possible.

The Commission Received The Communication And Directed Staff To Reinstate Sunday Service On The 65 Parliament Route Commencing Sunday, October 15, 2000.

a) Committee of the Whole Resolution

The Commission Approved A Resolution By Commissioner Mihevc To Meet As The Committee Of The Whole On Wednesday, September 6, 2000 To Deal With Litigation Or Potential Litigation Matters, Labour Relations Or Employee Negotiations And To Receive Advice Which Is Subject To Solicitor-Client Privilege.

b) Change of Date for September Commission Meeting

The Commission Requested The General Secretary To Investigate The Possibility Of Changing The Date For The Next Commission Meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m

Nil