Board Meeting - September 20, 2006

H. Moscoe (Chair), A. Giambrone (Vice-Chair), J. Mihevc,  B. Ashton, G. De Baeremaeker, S. Bussin, P. Li Preti and B. Saundercook (Commissioners), G. Webster (Interim Chief General Manager), V. Rodo (General Manager – Executive  & General Secretary), R. Cornacchia (Acting General Manager – Operations), A. Bertolo (Chief Project Manager – Construction), L. Hilborn (Deputy General Manager - Corporate), B. Leck (General Counsel), A. Chocorlan (Manager - Materials & Procurement), M. Roche (Chief Financial Officer), T. Andrews (Chief Special Constable), S. Blakey (Executive Director - Human Resources), A. Smith (Acting Chief Marketing Officer), M. Stambler (Manager – Service Planning), W. Buffett (Assistant General Secretary) and F. Stanois (Co-ordinator - Secretariat Services) were present.

H. Moscoe was in the Chair.

B. Agnew-Iler, Mayor’s Office was also present.

C. Wheeler, Manager – Property Development was present for Item #22.

Nil

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That The Commission Approve The Minutes From Meeting No. 1873 And That The Chair And General Secretary Be Authorized To Sign The Same.

The Motion By Commissioner Mihevc Carried.

Nil

Vice-Chair Giambrone Moved That The Commission Meet As The Committee Of The Whole On Wednesday, October 25, 2006 At 10:00 A.M., Or Later, To Deal With Litigation Or Potential Litigation Matters, Labour Relations Or Employee Negotiations And To Receive Advice Which Is Subject To Solicitor-Client Privilege.

The Motion By Vice-Chair Giambrone Carried.

a) Reinstating - 67B Pharmacy Avenue Bus Route

Councillor Norm Kelly

City of Toronto

(Submitted communication)

Leyland Ramsumeer

The Commission Received The Deputations.

Chair Moscoe Moved That The Service Request From The Deputants Be Referred To Staff For Review With A Report Back To The Commission.

The Motion By Chair Moscoe Carried.

b) Report No. 24 – Kipling/Islington Redevelopment Strategy - Status of Conceptual Design and Cost Sharing Agreements

Councillor Peter Milczyn

City of Toronto

(Submitted communication)

David Fisher

The Commission Received The Deputations.

(See Report No. 24 For Minute)

c) 133 Neilson and 53 Steeles East Bus Routes

Councillor Raymond Cho

City of Toronto

The Commission Received The Deputation.

d) 89 Weston Bus Route

Terence Rattray (not present) ACORN (Submitted communication)

The Commission Received The Submitted Communication.

e) Report No. 25 – Bicycle Racks on TTC Buses – Results of Pilot Project

Colin BigginChair, Cycling and Transit Working Group & Member of Toronto Cycling Committee

David Fisher

The Commission Received The Deputations.

The Commission Also Received Several Communications From Individuals Expressing Their Views Concerning This Matter.

(See Report No. 25 For Minute)

f) CC-2 – Seating at Back of the Bus

David Fisher

The Commission Received The Deputation.

(See CC-2 For Minute)

CC-1 – The Commission had before it a communication dated September 11, 2006 from Chair    Moscoe entitled, “Community Bus Network.”

Chair Moscoe Moved:

1. That Staff Report On The Possibility Of Adding One New Community Bus Route A Year For A Period Of Five Years.

2.  In Doing So, That Staff Report On The Costs Including The Estimated Savings On Wheel-Trans Rides Where Business Is Shifted To The Community Bus Network.

3. That Staff Identify Potential Routes Largely Based On Requests And Changing Demographics For Senior Citizens.

4. That The Report To The Commission Also Include An Evaluation Of Routes That Have Been Requested By Councillors And Communities Placing Them In Priority Sequence As Determined By Latent Demand And Network Connections.

The Motions By Chair Moscoe Carried.

CC-2 – The Commission had before it a communication dated September 11, 2006 from Chair Moscoe entitled, “The Back of the Bus.”

Chair Moscoe Moved:

1. That Staff Present Options For Improving The Comfort And Usability Of The Seating Arrangement Of The Upper Rear Deck Of All Future Low Floor Orion Buses That The Ttc Purchases.

2. That Our Passengers Be Given The Opportunity To Suggest Alternate Seating Arrangements And Staff Design A Public Input Process That Would Bring Quantitative Data Forward In A Report To The Commission On The Best Possible Design.

3. That Staff Explore With The Manufacturer An Opportunity To Change The Seats And/Or Seating Configuration For Buses That Have Been Ordered But Not Yet Delivered And Report To The Commission.

4. Once An Improved Seating Arrangement Has Been Identified, That Staff Report On Opportunities And Costs To Retrofit The New Buses That Are Presently In Service.

5. That Staff Also Take Into Consideration The Comments Provided By The Deputant Concerning This Matter.

The Motions By Chair Moscoe Carried.

CC-3 The Commission had before it a communication submitted by Vice-Chair Giambrone from Leo Desmarteau, Executive Director, Canadian Forces Liaison Council.

The Commission Received The Communication For Information.

1. Award Presentation – TTC Video “Hold On”

V. Rodo, General Secretary & General Manager – Executive introduced the following individuals who participated in the development of a video entitled, “Hold On” which is used by the TTC in reaching out and communicating with young people about transit system safety and courtesy:

Dennis Iler, TTC Public Training & Safety Officer

Carmen Mager, TTC Safety Inspector

Gail Fernandes, Video Director & Script Writer

Ruth Bell, Principal, Milne Valley School

Marilyn Knutson, Teacher, St. Martin de Porres School

On behalf of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, Maureen Schuell, Director, Communications presented the CUTA Safety Award to the above individuals in recognition of their excellent work in making the video.

2. Chief General Manager’s Report – Period 7 July 2 to July 29, 2006

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 July 2 to July 29, 2006; 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).

Approved

3. Procurement Authorization – Provision of Recruitment Advertising Services

The Commission Deferred Consideration Of This Matter Until Its Next Meeting.

4. Procurement Authorization Design Services Wilson Carhouse Expansion and Training Facility for New Subway Trains Contract C85-10
 
It is recommended that the Commission authorize the award of Contract C85-10 to Totten Sims Hubicki Associates (1997) Limited (Totten Sims), in the upset limit of $4,000,000.00, for design services of Wilson Carhouse Expansion and Training Facility for the New Subway Trains. 

Approved

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Be Requested To Report Back On The Issue Of Ownership And The Potential Repair Of Transit Road.

The Motion By Chair Moscoe Carried.

5. Procurement Authorization Lawrence Station Decontamination Facility Modifications Part B Contract Y3-9

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the acceptance of the tender submitted by BECC Construction Group Ltd. (BECC) in the amount of $2,001,025.00 for Contract Y3-9 – Lawrence Station Decontamination Facility Modifications Part B.

Approved

6. Procurement Authorization Roofing Design Services Roofing Rehabilitation Program Contract No. G85-223

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the award of contracts to the following two companies on the basis of the highest rated acceptable proponents with reasonable pricing in the upset limit amounts listed below, for Roofing Design Services – Roofing Rehabilitation Program for a three-year period commencing from notification of award to:

1. Peto MacCallum Ltd. / $1,875,000.00

2. Halcrow Yolles / $1,875,000.00

For a total upset limit of / $3,750,000.00

Approved

7. Fire Ventilation Upgrade – Second Exit Program – Two Stations Conceptual Layout

It is recommended that the Commission receive for information the proposed conceptual layouts for second exits at Pape and Chester Subway Stations.

Received

8. Procurement Authorization – The Supply of Integrated Computer Hardware, Software, Networking Equipment Photocopier, Facsimile and Off-Warranty Repair Services

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of purchase orders for five year periods commencing November 1, 2006 as follows:

1. to CCSI Technology Solutions, Corp. in the upset limit amount of $13,329,000 for Integrated PC Hardware (Workstations, Printers, Peripherals & Client/Server),

2. to Compugen Inc. in the upset limit amount of $4,722,000 for Networking Equipment,

3. to Compugen Inc. in the upset limit amount of $3,290,000 for Business Productivity Software,

4. to Compugen Inc. in the upset limit amount of $280,000 for Integrated PC and Server Hardware – Maintenance Repair Service,

5. to 4 Office Automation Ltd. in the upset limit amount of $947,000 for Photocopier – Annual Maintenance Repair Service, and

6. to 4 Office Automation Ltd. in the upset limit amount of $154,000 for Facsimile Equipment – Annual Maintenance Repair Service.

It is also recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of purchase order amendments to contracts PC0035415 & PC0035416 with 4 Office Automation Ltd. by:

1. increasing the upset limit amount by $150,000 to a revised total of $1,620,000 for Photocopier Equipment,

2. increasing the upset limit amount by $11,000 to a revised total of $201,000 for Facsimile Equipment, and

3. extending the expiry date for both contracts from September 30, 2006 to February 28, 2007.

Approved

9. Procurement Authorization – Purchasing Card Program

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of a purchase order to the National Bank of Canada in the total upset limit amount of $3,350,000 for the supply of a purchasing card program for the approximately three year period commencing November 1, 2006 to August 24, 2009.

Approved

10. Procurement Authorization – Seltrac VCC Replacement at Kennedy (SRT) Station: Supply of Standby Parts – Contract Change No. 2

It is recommended that the Commission authorize an amendment to the Contract with Alcatel Transportation Automation in the amount of $138,172.07 (CDN) for the supply of standby parts for the Seltrac VCC Replacement at Kennedy SRT Station.

Approved

11. Procurement Authorization – Supply of Track and Structure Portable Radios

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Trak Com Wireless Inc., (Trak Com) in the total amount of $192,929.50, including applicable taxes for the supply of 144 Portable Radios and accessories.

Approved
  
12. Procurement Authorization – Installation of Underground Radio Repeaters

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of a contract to Futurecom Systems Group Inc. (Futurecom) on the basis of sole source in the amount of $672,829.32 for the supply and installation of a radio repeater system for underground bus transfer terminal areas.

Approved

13. Procurement Authorization – Supply of Metal

It is recommended that the Commission approve the issuance of purchase orders commencing November 1, 2006 as follows:

1. Solway Metal Sales (A Division of 570026 Ontario) Ltd. in the upset limit amount of $410,000 for Shopping Basket A – Epoxy Coated Steel for a three year period; and

2. Mississauga Steel Mart in the upset limit amount of $920,000 for Shopping Basket B – Miscellaneous Metal for a one year period. 

Approved

14. Purchase of CO/NOx Field Monitoring Equipment

It is recommended that the Commission authorize unbudgeted expenditures for the award of a contract to Acklands-Granger Inc., in the upset limit amount of $57,226.83, for the supply of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) field monitoring equipment.

Approved

15. Purchase of Veam Parts

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the awarding of a three-year inventory supply contract for Veam parts to ITT Veam, LLC for the period from September 2006 to August 2009 for an upset limit of $453,000 (CDN) including applicable taxes.
  
Approved
 
16. Purchase of Nova RTS Bus Rebuild Kits

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the purchase, for inventory of 3 types of Nova RTS bus rebuild kits from Prevost Car Incorporated in the amount of $879,776.22 including applicable taxes.

Approved
 
17. Purchase of Gear and Pinion Assemblies

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the issuance of a purchase order to Grupos Diferenciales S.A. for the period from October 2006 to September 2010, in the amount of $2,886,980 USD ($3,266,329.17 CAD) including applicable taxes for 1,200 gear and pinion assemblies that will be used for the Commission’s H6 and T1 subway cars.

Approved

18. Summary of Authorized Expenditures Between $100,000 to $200,000 for the Period July 1, 2006 to July 31, 2006

It is recommended that the Commission receive this report for information.  It lists expenditures ($100,000 up to $200,000) for the period July 1, 2006 to July 31, 2006, which were approved by the Chief General Manager.

Received

19. Authority to Execute Amended and Restated Union Station Second Platform and Concourse Improvement Delivery Agreement with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation

It is recommended that the Commission authorize the execution of the Amended and Restated Union Station Second Platform and Concourse Improvement Delivery Agreement between the Toronto Transit Commission and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC), such agreement to be in a form that is satisfactory to the Interim Chief General Manager and General Counsel.

Approved

20. Annual Special Constable Services Year End 2005 Statistical Report

It is recommended that the Commission receive the attached report for information.

Received

21. Actuarial Services for the Toronto Transit Commission

It is recommended that the Commission authorize an award to Mercer Human Resource Consulting Limited (Mercers) in the total upset limit of $795,000.00 for consulting on pension related services for a period of up to 10 years on the basis of sole source.

Approved

22. 1910 Yonge Street – Office Lease – 2nd and 3rd Floor Leasehold Improvements

It is recommended that the Commission authorize an additional authority of $545,000 (plus GST) for the completion of necessary leasehold improvements at 1910 Yonge Street to be performed by the landlord on behalf of the TTC bringing the total authorized amount to $5,949,593.

Approved

23. Warden Station – Declaration of Surplus Property

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. Declare surplus to TTC’s operational requirements, the balance of the Warden North Commuter Parking Lot consisting of approximately 14 acres of land located in the north east quadrant of Warden and St. Clair as more particularly set out in Appendix 1 (“Lands”) subject to the following conditions:

a. Retention of land required to operate and maintain the existing Danforth subway line and structures;

b. Confirmation by the City of Toronto of funding for Phase 1 of the Warden redevelopment strategy;

c. Transfer of jurisdiction over property declared surplus and determined to be required for municipal use shall not take place until such time as construction of a replacement commuter parking lot in the hydro corridor lands to the east of Warden Station has been completed and the lot opened for use; and

d. Sale of property declared surplus and not required for municipal use shall be subject to a lease back to the Commission for a nominal sum for a period of up to two (2) years after close of the sales transaction to permit construction of the replacement commuter parking lot in the hydro corridor lands east of Warden Station.

2. Subject to the conditions listed in this report, request the City of Toronto confirm funding for Phase 1 of the Warden redevelopment strategy and that the proceeds from the sale of the Lands, or part thereof (“the Property”), shall accrue to the TTC in accordance with the City of Toronto (“the City”) Proceeds Policy and such proceeds shall be used to offset the capital cost of providing a replacement commuter parking lot in accordance with the Warden Woods Redevelopment Strategy approved by City Council on May 23, 24 and 25, 2006;

3. Direct staff that the transfer of jurisdiction over the Lands declared surplus shall not occur until such time as the conditions set out in Recommendations 1 and 2 above have been fulfilled;

4. Authorize staff to enter into a lease agreement for the Property at a nominal amount for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years after the close of the purchase and sale transaction to allow the TTC to construct the replacement commuter parking lot in the hydro corridor lands east of Warden Station; and

5. Authorize TTC staff to take the necessary actions to implement the above to the satisfaction of Property Development staff and the TTC’s General Counsel.

Approved

24. Kipling/Islington Redevelopment Strategy – Status of Conceptual Design and Cost Sharing Agreements

It is recommended that the Commission:

1. Approve, in principle, the station concepts for Islington and Kipling Stations as the basis for future budgeting, design efforts and cost sharing discussions with affected agencies recognizing that further design efforts on selected project components will be completed by October 31, 2006 with current budget resources;

2. Request the City of Toronto to confirm that the real estate proceeds from the SNC Lavalin real estate transaction will be utilized and/or new capital funds will be available from the City of Toronto to offset the capital costs to implement the Kipling/Islington facilities;

3. Authorize staff to commence discussions with Mississauga Transit (“MT”), GO Transit, the Province of Ontario, and the appropriate federal agencies to establish a cost sharing formula associated with the ownership, construction and operation/maintenance of the regional MT/GO bus terminal facility at Kipling Station (including the replacement TTC facilities to accommodate MT/GO) and report back on the status of the negotiations in January, 2007;

4. Confirm approval in principle for staff to proceed with commencement of design and construction work and to include these projected expenditures in the TTC’s 2007-2011 Capital Program budget submission, noting that:

• these costs will be over and above the current budget requirements which have been considered to date,

• these projects will be included as below the line recommended projects,

• a large portion of the cost of the Kipling MT/GO terminal is expected to be recovered from third parties once a cost sharing agreement with MT, GO, TTC/City, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government is in place,

• real estate proceeds from the sale of the Bloor/Islington lands are expected to partially offset the capital cost of the Islington project,

• the projected cash flows for the Kipling and Islington projects are based on the objective of relocating MT to Kipling by December 31, 2011 and opening the new TTC Islington Bus Terminal by December 31, 2010 in order to facilitate the Phase 1 development of the Bloor-Islington lands by SNC Lavalin,

• the gross total capital cost of the Kipling and Islington project is $33.5 and $22.9 million respectively as outlined in Exhibits 10b and 11b (not including the acquisition of 915 Kipling Avenue),

• the required 2007 cash flow required to ensure the above time lines can be completed for the Kipling and Islington projects is $2.8 and $3.9 million respectively (plus the cost of acquiring 915 Kipling Avenue).

5. Staff be authorized to proceed with the acquisition of 915 Kipling Avenue as outlined in the “in camera” report on this issue;

6. Authorize staff to negotiate and execute a Metropass Agreement with SNC Lavalin associated with the development of a portion of the Bloor/Islington lands to the satisfaction of the TTC’s General Counsel;

7. Authorize staff to negotiate and execute a lease agreement with SNC Lavalin for the use of the Lomond commuter parking lot at Islington Subway Station to the satisfaction of the TTC’s General Counsel;

8. Authorize staff to negotiate a licence agreement with SNC Lavalin for continued use of the main commuter parking lot at Islington Station following the proposed sale of a portion of the Bloor-Islington property to SNC; and

9. Forward this report including the Commission’s directive(s), to City Council at its meeting of September 25, 26 and 27 to be considered in conjunction with the City staff report associated with the disposal and redevelopment of a portion of the Bloor/Islington lands to SNC Lavalin and requesting confirmation of funding and pre-approval spending in 2007 of $1.7 million to allow critical design work to proceed.

Approved

Chair Moscoe Moved:

1. That The Commission Support A Broader And Meaningful Consultative Process With Residents To Review Possible Alternative Access And Roadway Options, Particularly As They Relate To Subway Crescent, Commencing Early In The New Year.

2. That Consideration Be Given To The Option Of An Interim Bus Facility (Mt) On The Westwood Theatre Site, Along With Consideration Regarding The Feasibility Of A Bus Facility In The Vicinity Of The East Mall And Dundas In Conjunction With The Westward Extension Of The Bloor-Danforth Subway Or Other Rapid Transit Improvements And/Or Expansions.

3. That Staff Be Requested To Report Back On How The New Public Art Policy Will Be Applied To These New Facilities.

The Motions By Chair Moscoe Carried.

25. Bicycle Racks on TTC Buses – Results of Pilot Project

It is recommended that the Commission receive this report for information, noting that:

• 110 accessible buses at Wilson Garage were equipped with bike racks to allow an evaluation of bike racks on buses from June, 2005 through August, 2006;

• the cost of the pilot project was approximately $202,000 for rack purchases and installations, operator training, and marketing;

• very positive comments were received from cyclists and non-cyclists in Toronto with respect to bike racks on TTC buses;

• use of the bike racks during the pilot project was low. The highest observed usage was on the 29 DUFFERIN bus route where 20 customers with bikes used the racks on a single weekday, compared to ridership on that route of 43,300 customers per weekday. On average, the bike racks were used by 0.4 customers per 1,000 customers for all rack-equipped routes.

• on the basis of these data, there is no clear justification to expand the installation of bike racks on TTC buses.

Received

Commissioner Mihevec Moved:

1. That The Commission Approve A Policy That Bike Racks Be Installed On All Buses; And That Staff Be Requested To Submit A Further Report On The Possibility Of Bike Racks For Streetcars.

2. That All New Bus Purchases Include A Bicycle Rack Requirement In The Tender Specification.

3. That Staff Be Requested To Report Back On A Retrofit Program For The Existing Bus Fleet.

The Motions By Commissioner Mihevc Carried.

Vice-Chair Giambrone Moved That Staff Be Requested To Report Back On How To Utilize New Buses With Bike Racks To Achieve Best Roll-Out On Bike Friendly Routes.

The Motion By Vice-Chair Giambrone Carried.

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Be Requested To Give Consideration To Equipping Buses On The Marlee Route With Bike Racks.

The Motion By Chair Moscoe Carried./p>

a) 29 Dufferin Year-Round Extension to Exhibition Place

The Commission had before it a memorandum dated September 20, 2006 from G. Webster, Interim Chief General Manager entitled, “Staff Response to Commission Inquiry – 29 Dufferin Year-Round Extension to Exhibition Place.”

The Commission Received The Memorandum For Information.

Vice-Chair Giambrone Moved:

1. That The Dufferin Bus Be Extended To The Harbourfront LRT/Bathurst LRT Loop At Exhibition Place Preferably Along A Northern Route Including Saskatchewan Drive And Manitoba Drive.

2. That Exhibition Place Be Requested To Install Traffic Lights At The Dufferin Street And Saskatchewan Intersection With Transit Priority Features As Soon As Possible.

3. That Staff Be Requested To Explore With Exhibition Place, The Feasibility Of Creating A Separate Right-Of-Way By Deploying Moveable Barriers To Service The New Soccer Stadium On A Trial Basis; And

4. That Staff Report Back On This Matter By January 2007 Or Earlier, If Necessary, To Allow Service To Commence With The Opening Of The New Soccer Stadium.

The Motions By Vice-Chair Giambrone Carried.

Commissioner Ashton noted his opposition to the foregoing motions.

b) 33 Forest Hill Revised Routing

The Commission had before it a memorandum dated September 20, 2006 from G. Webster, Interim Chief General Manager entitled, “Staff Response to Commission Inquiry – 33 FOREST HILL Revised Routing.”

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That The Commission Approve The Revised Routing Detailed In The Memorandum.

The Motion By Commissioner Mihevc Carried.

C-1 Philip Webb, dated September 17, 2006 forwarding suggestions to improve safety and efficiency in planning and conducting subway maintenance.

Chair Moscoe Moved:

1. That Staff Give Serious Consideration To The Proposals Submitted By Philip Webb, Including Operational, Maintenance And Financial Issues;

2. That Staff Canvass Other Transit Properties To Determine If Any Of Them Operate In This Fashion; And

3. That Staff Report Back On This Matter In Six Months.

The Motions By Chair Moscoe Carried.

Chair Moscoe Moved That Staff Report Back On The Feasibility Of A Pilot All-Night Service On One Of The Two Main Subway Lines.

The Motion By Chair Moscoe Carried.

C-2 Councillor Paula Fletcher dated September 19, 2006 requesting that the TTC give consideration to ensuring promotional materials, which display the TTC logo are manufactured locally.

The Commission Received The Communication.

Commissioner Mihevc Moved That Staff Be Requested To Review And Report Back On The Possibility Of Including A Provision In The TTC Purchasing Policy That Incorporates A “No Sweat Shop” Or “Buy Canada” Requirement.”

The Motion By Commissioner Mihevc Carried.

Nil

The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Nil