2005/03/07 CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA
THIRD MEETING
Monday, March 7, 2005
Council Chambers - 6:00 p.m.
Staff Contact
1. Minutes of the February 14, 2005 Meeting
2. Deputations
· The Park in the City Committee
· Klm Afield re Potential Loss of Funding to the
Millennium Trail and Garner Park Trail
3. Update
Verbal Update on the Sewer Consumption Rebate Ken Burden
4. Reports
· R-2005-14 - Review of 2005 Parks, Recreation & Culture Budget Adele Kon
· F-2005-11 - Niagara District Airport Commission Ken Burden
5. 2005 Budqet Discussion
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR 2005 BUDGET BINDER
MINUTES
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
SECOND MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Ted Salci, Aldermen Wayne Campbell, Chair; Jim Diodati, Carolynn
Ioannoni, Vince Kerrio, Joyce Morocco, Victor Pietrangelo, Selina Volpatti
and Janice Wing.
STAFF: Tony Ravenda, Ed Dujlovic, Dean Iorfida, Doug Darbyson, Patrick Burke, Bob
Bolibruck, Ken Burden, Todd Harrison, Nathan Hyde, Joanna Daniels
PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
1. MINUTES:
MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Diodati, that the minutes of the January 17,
2005, meeting be adopted as recorded.
Motion Carried Unanimously
2. REPORTS:
MOVED by Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that Report F-2005-09
Major Receivables Quarterly Report be received for information.
Motion Carried Unanimously
3. BUDGET DISCUSSION:
The Executive Director of Corporate Services presented Staff's recommendations for budget
reductions in the area of Corporate Administration. Affected areas would include reduction
in transfers to Capital; restructuring of short-term debt repayment; reduction of dollars set
aside for Taxation Write-Offs; deferrals in Capital Holding Accounts; deferral of 2005
purchases; reduction to reserves, etc. The suggested reductions totalled $1,500,000.
MOVED by Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that the Summary of
Proposed Reductions totalling $1,500,000 be included in the 2005 General Purposes Budget.
Motion Carried Unanimously
-2-
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Salci, that Consultant fees for Rural
drainage works be increased by up to $25,000 to expedite the works.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Alderman Ioannoni, seconded by Alderman Wing, that Parks, Recreation and
Culture Staff review and provide reductions in their 2005 General Purpose and 2005 Capital
Project budgets.
Motion Carried
Three Contrary Votes
MOVED by Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni, that Council approve
$110,000 for Station ~4 improvements to the Chippawa Community hall facilities.
Motion Not Voted On
MOVED by Alderman Wing, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that the motion to approve
$110,000 for Station ~ improvements to the Chippawa community hall facilities, be deferred
to the next budget meeting.
Motion Carried
One Contrary Vote
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Salci, that the 2005 Municipal Utility
Budget be approved.
Motion Carried
One Contrary Vote
After consultation with the City Clerk, it was agreed that a special Council Meeting would
be held on Monday, March 7, 2005, to further discuss the 2005 budget.
4. ADJOURNMENT:
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni, that the meeting be
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Community Services Department R-2005-14
The Ci of~i~ Parks, Recreation & Culture
fY Director
Adele
Kan
Nia-ora Falls --~ · 4310 Queen Street
cj ~1~ P.O. Box 1023
Canada ~,~'i/~Niagara Falls. ON L2E 6X5
~-1~ web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on,ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-7404
E-maih akon~city.niaqarafalls.on.ca
March 7, 2005
Alderman Wayne Campbell
and Members of the Corporate Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2005-14 Review of 2005 Parks, Recreation & Culture Budget
RECOMMENDATION:
For the information and direction of Council.
BACKGROUND:
On February 14, 2005, City Council directed staff to review the 2005 Capital and Operating Budgets
for possible reductions. There were seven (7) items that were specifically mentioned under the
Capital Budget and these are addressed in this report. This report also provides brief comments
concerning the Operating Budget and the special purpose reserves.
2005 Capital Budget
The 2005 Capital Budget shows expenditures of approximately $23 million of which the new
Community Centre accounts for almost $21 million. The following projects raised at Council for
further review totals $919,000.
1. Strategic Plan - $100,000
A Strategic Plan for the Provision of Parks, Recreation & Culture was prepared in early 1990's and
many of the recommendations have been implemented. The City has undergone a great deal of
change over the past 15 years and there is a need for a new plan to provide future direction.
The goals of the study are as follows:
1. Complete a thorough assessment of the current and future requirements of the City's leisure,
recreational and arts & culture facilities. Identify opportunities for partnerships to develop
and operate facilities.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services
March 7, 2005 - 2 - R-2005-14
2. Complete a thorough assessment of the City's current diversity of recreational and arts and
culture programming. Identify pmgramming requirements for the future and establish
achievable goals to reach same.
3. Complete a review and analysis of current systems of service delivery and make
recommendations for improving the quality and quantity of service consistent with the
mission statement of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Office.
4. Complete a review of the City's parkland and sports field requirements with an assessment
and recommendations regarding current and future needs.
The Terms of Reference have also requested significant community input through interviews, focus
groups and a community survey. This would involve surveying the Community as to the recreational
facilities they currently use, determining their level of satisfaction, and ascertaining the types of
facilities and se rvices t hat t hey wish t he City t o provide. O ur review o f other municipalities
indicates that a majority of them commonly undertake these types of studies.
One half, or $50,000 is being funded from development charges. These obligatory funds have to
be used for park purposes and only 50% of the cost of the study can come from development
charges. Following the recent discussion at Council, the Members ofthe Arts & Culture Committee
as a show of support for this study, earmarked an additional $10,000 from their Special Purpose
Reserve. The Committee is strongly recommending that the study be undertaken and this raises
their contribution to $30,000. The remaining $20,000 will come from a capital holding.
Council's three (3) appointed Committees (Arts and Culture, Recreation, and Trails & Bikeway)
have all passed motions supporting the Strategic Plan.
In summary, only $50,000 is discretionary and staff and Council's three (3) Committees are
recommending that we proceed with the study.
2. Beautification - $150,000
Members of the Park in the City Committee will be in attendance to speak their various projects.
The Park in the City Committee's mandate is to encourage civic pride, environmental responsibility
and City wide beautification through community action. This community action has been
demonstrated by more than 120 volunteers fi.om our City assisting with projects like Theresa Park
Community Forest, Heritage Park, Gallinger Road, Portage Road in Chippawa, Greater Niagara
General Hospital flower bed, five Comers, Norton Street and The Park in the City Schools in Bloom
Competition. Numerous partnerships from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara
Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Niagara Falls Nature Club, Niagara District School
Board, Niagara Catholic District School Board to local businesses have been brought together in a
spirit of cooperation to achieve a clean City t hat contains attractive gardens, s treetscapes a nd
gateways.
What has blossomed in our Community as a result of The Park in the City Committee's efforts is
civic pride, promotion of our heritage and increased environmental awareness that has raised the
quality of life for all our residents.
March 7, 2005 - 3 - R-2005-14
Last year Council approved $200,000 for beautification of which $100,000 was directed for a third
roving crew and $100,000 into beautification projects. The money for the roving crew has been
redirected to the Municipal Works Operating Budget for 2005. The proposed $150,000 for
beautification projects will implement the phased in approach provided under the City's
Beautification, Streetscape and Gateways Master Plan prepared by Paula Berketo. An area that has
been emphasized as needing attention is maintenance and $23,000 of the $150,000 has been
earmarked for that purpose. The projects for 2005 include the Portage Road/Oak Hall Project,
Niagara Falls Public Library, McLeod Road Streetscape, Lundy's Lane Streetscape/Gateway and
Main Street BIA Beautification.
The sources of funding for this project is $35,000 from the operating budget and $115,000
debenture funding. The $150,000 is at Council's discretion. However, staff is recommending
that we proceed with these improvements so as not to lose the momentum established by the
200+ volunteers.
3. Drummond Hill Cemetery - $96,500
The intended work for 2005 involves the development of a parking lot on the last piece of the former
Holman lands adjacent to Dnunmond Hill Cemetery. This piece of property was specifically
purchased for this purpose. The Master Plan for the Lundy's Lane Battlefield identified the lack of
parking as an obstacle for people wanting to visit the historical site. And a recent Traffic Study
completed by Totten Sims Hubicki Associates recommended that a parking lot be developed on this
site.
Our Museum staff who is operating the Battle Ground Hotel (formerly Fralick's Tavern) has
expressed frustration with the lack of parking. They also view the lack of parking as an obstacle to
increasing visitation to the site. It is difficult to advertise the site and not advise potential visitors
of available parking areas.
The $96,500 is at the full discretion of Council's but staff is recommending that the project
proceed.
4. Garner Park Trail - $72,500
The proposed trail would follow an over land drainage route and provide a safe off road connection
between the New St. Mike' s High School, the proposed Garner Neighbourhood Park (to be included
in the 2006 budget) the Durdan/Loretto elementary schools and the Home for Girls Soccer complex.
The Capital Budget identifies $72,500 for 2005 and 2006 for a total of $145,000. The funding
source for this project for both years is identical and as follows: $11,250 capital holding, $36,250
development charges, $25,000 contribution from the Developer.
The only discretionary funds are $11,250 from capital holding and therefore staff is
recommending that we proceed with this project.
5. Redmond/Coronation - $100,000
The $100,000 has been proposed for site works for the former Redmond property and Coronation
Park which includes stabilizing the embankment, grading, landscaping and constructing a parking
March 7, 2005 - 4 - R-2005-14
lot, pathway and signage. This work is in keeping with the Master Plan for the Lundy's Lane
Battlefield. It is expected that these works will be carried over four to five years depending on the
availability of funds. These improvements were outlined in the Lundy's Lane Master Plan and have
therefore been contemplated for a number of years. They represent a continuation of the ongoing
improvements for the Lundy's Lane Battlefield.
According to the legal agreement with Miss Ruth Redmond, the City has permission to demolish
all four (4) of the buildings on her property with the exception the Battle Ground Hotel (Fralick's
Tavern). However, the agreement also states that immediately after the demolition that the property
would be landscaped to park standards. The last Redmond home was demolished in 2003 and
therefore in accordance with the agreement with Miss Redmond, the City is obligated to commence
improvements to the property.
All the funds for this project have been collected from the 2% cash in lieu of parkland dedication
from the Lundy's Lane Tourist District. According to the Planning Act these obligatory funds can
only be used for park purposes and further through a by-law established by City Council can only
be used in the Lundy's Lane Tourist District.
Staffis therefore recommending that the project proceed.
6. Stamford Memorial Arena Relocation of Resurfacer Room - $100,000.
The zamboni resurfacer at Stamford Memorial Arena currently enters and exits the ice surface
through an area where players and parents access dressing rooms. Although extreme caution is
carried out, this presents a potentially unsafe situation and the zamboni room should be relocated.
The current situation has existed for a number ofyears. Ifcontinued safety measures are carried out,
this project could be delayed.
The $100,000 funds are at the discretion of Council. However, due the numerous, required,
costly repairs being currently undertaken at Niagara Falls Memorial Arena, staff is
recommending that these funds be maintained within the Arena Reserve.
7. Millennium Trail - $300,000
The cost of the bridge construction was deleted from the budget once thc City was advised by
Ontario Power Generation that thc trail could not be constructed on thc west side of the Hydro Canal
south of McLeod Rd. The $300,000 remaining in the budget can be used to either complete Phase
2 south of McLeod Road or Phases 3 and 4 in the northerly section of thc City. A public meeting
is scheduled for April 27, to discuss the future of the Millennium Trail. A need has been recognized
for recreational trails throughout the City and the Trails & Bikeway Master Plan identifies a number
of trails that could be developed including thc Mitchell Linc Trail, former NS&T Rail Trail and the
Downtown Trail.
Funding for this project is as follows: $95,250 capital holding, $98,750 development charges
and $50,000 fundraising. Only $95,250 is discretionary, lfthe construction of the Millennium
Trail is deferred, the capital funding should be redirected to complete other recreational trails
in the City.
Mar~h 7,2005 -5- R-2005-14
2005 Operations Budget
The Parks Recreation & Culture 2005 operating budget has only increased by $262,806 or by 3.6%.
The majority of the increases are attributed to the opening of the MacBain Community Centre which
includes the Coronation 50+ Satellite Recreation Centre and the Acmoury. These facilities are an
increase in the level of service.
There is very little reduction that could occur in the Operating side of the budget without affecting
level of service. If Council wishes to further discuss these potential cuts then a Committee of the
Whole report will be prepared to outline further explain these options.
Conclusion:
The opportunities to reduce the Parks, Recreation & Culture budget for 2005 are limited. The
services provided relate to facilities and programs that affect the quality of life for people in the
community. Further reductions in the operating or capital budgets will either directly or indirectly
impact the level of community service. As requested, Staff has provided additional information on
the various funding sources and is requesting Council's consideration and direction.
Respectfully submitted:
Adele KonJ~o~ Mac'John MacD~onald~
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture ~/ Chief Administrative Officer
AK/BB/das
S:\Council\Council 2005kR-2005-14 - 2005 Parks, Recreation & Culture Budget Review.wpd
Corporate Services Department F-2005-11
Kenneth E. Burden
T .... f .~. Finance Division
ne L;I/y O ~'~1~ 4310 Queen Street Director
Niagara Falls lJ~,~, P.o. Box 1023
Canada ~'Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
TI~' web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2016
E-maih kburden @city.niagarafalls.on.ca
March 7, 2005
Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair
and Members of the Corporate Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: F-2005-11 - Niagara District Airport Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approve an increase to the 2005 municipal grant for the Niagara District Airport
Commission.
BACKGROUND:
For 2005, the Airport Commission is requesting that the per capita levy be set at $ l. 13 to reestablish
the purchasing power of their 2001 budget and to begin to replenish their reserve for capital projects.
The attached correspondence details their request. In 2004, the municipal grant for the Niagara District
Airport Commission was $78,000. The 2005 Budget includes an additional $7,600 which should be
sufficient to accommodate the Commission's request.
Recommended by: Respectfully submitted:
K. E. Burden
Director of Finance tive Officer
Approved by:
Executive Director of Corporate Services
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Clerks Finance · Human Resources Information Systems Legal · Planning & Development
NIAGARA DISTRICT AIRPORT
February 22, 2005
Mr. D. Iorfida
City of Niagara Falls
Box 11023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. Iorfida:
The Niagara District Airport Commission operates the Niagara District Airport by authority of
an agreement with the municipalities of the City of St. Catharines, the City of Niagara Falls, the
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the City of Thorold. The costs of maintaining and operating
the airport are financed by way of municipal grants of $1.03 per capita - an amount that was
established in the 2001 budget year.
Budget Request:
For 2005 the Airport Commission is requesting that the per capita levy be set at $1.13 to
reestablish the purchasing power of the 2001 budget and to begin to replenish the reserve
for capital projects.
Highlights of the 2004 Fiscal Year at Niagara District Airport
The operating revenues of the airport not including the municipal grant were: $147,787.58
The operating expenses not including capital expenditures were: $341,205.19
Therefore the operating deficit was: $193,417.61-
To this was applied the municipal levies off $243,859.00
Which left a surplus to be transferred to the capital reserve off $ 50,341.39
The capital reserve at the beginning of 2004 was $586,946.26
When the surplus was added the amount available for capital projects was: $637,287.65
During 2004 capital projects were undertaken in the amount of: $460,000.001
This leaves a balance available for capital projects in 2005 off $177,287.652
I These projects included updating and burying of electrical services, rehabilitation of Taxiway alpha and the apron
area, and installation of a lighting system and navigational approach aid called the PAP1 system.
2 For 2005 approximately $290,000 of capital projects have been identified of which $130,000 have been deferred
in order to stay within our resources.
P.O. Box 640, Virgil, Ontario LOS 1TO
(905) 684-7447 fax (905) 684-2433
e-mail: info@niagaradistrictairport.ca - website: www. niagaradistrictairport.ca
It should be noted that the operating revenues of the airport are 43% of operating expenses and
that this is one of the highest ratios for municipal airports in Ontario. Further, this ratio has been
steadily improving over the last three years in spite ora downturn in traffic following the
September 11 event. It is projected to increase again in 2005.
In the last three years the Niagara District Airport has significantly improved it operations and
has begun to attract new business consistent with its mandate to function as a commercial entity
"to meet the needs of commercial and corporate aviation within the commercial service area of
Niagara Region."
During the year new private sector investment was in excess of $400,000 and at the end of the
year another investment to house a small business assembling ultra light aircraft was in final
stages of closing. These are the frost significant private sector investments in the airport in over 8
years and active files for prospective investments in 2005 are encouraging.
During the year Marshall Macklin Monaghan completed a consulting report on a strategic and
business plan for Niagara District Airport. Many recommendations were made with regard to the
potential markets for the airport, its operating procedures and necessary capital projects. While a
number of the recommendations merely recognized what the airport was already doing or in
process all are being reviewed and acted upon. Of particular note from the consultants' report are
the following:
· The airport serves an important role for the business community of Niagara and is a
strategic resource for economic development.
· The estimated economic impact of the airport (Estimated at in excess of $10 million per
year.) greatly exceeds the cost of maintaining and operating the airport.
· The airport leads comparable airports in operating efficiency.
· Capital projects to meet regulatory requirements and to renew and maintain assets at a
level to support existing levels of aviation activity amount to an estimated $2,670,000
over the next 10 years. A further $3,381,000 in projects has been identified to be
undertaken only as growth in aviation activity demands.
In addition to the consultant's findings above, the following facts are relevant and should be
considered in support of the Niagara District Airport Commission funding request for 2005:
· The airport generates a full time equivalent employment in the region of 125 people.
· The estimated benefit to the Region is about 20 times the annual mtmicipal investment in
the operations of the Airport.
· Having a local airport available is often a critical factor in the location of industry in the
peninsula. For example, General Motors has used the airport for delivery of parts and
equipment needed on an emergency basis for ensuring continued production of their
product. Hayes Dana has also used the airport for delivery of parts and equipment and
for plant visits by senior executives in the corporation.
· The Airport serves an important role in contributing to the tourism industry in Niagara.
The Niagara Fallsview Casino, the numerous world class golf courses, the area resorts,
inns and hospitality industry of Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake all benefit from
having an airport available.
· It is suggested by the Commission that future municipal levies be indexed to the CPI.
This will ensure that the appropriate funding is available to cover the inflationary costs of
the operating budget at the Airport in the future.
Some of these capital projects were undertaken and paid for in 2004 and will be undertaken in
2005. A plan for fmancing the remainder will be formulated by the Niagara District Airport
Commission during 2005.
Sincerely,
Niagara District Airport Commission
2005 Budget - Niagara District Airport
Item 200~ Budget 2004 AeeaM (to Oct 27tk 2004 Pvojec~d 200~ Bridget
REVENUE
leterest $2,500.00 $4,149.95 $4,979.94 $2,925.00
M~:ellanenus S ! ,200.00 $4 11.70 $494.04
MuuIcIpM Grsnl~ $243,858.00 $243,859.00 $2A3,859.00 $267,534
Land Rentals $103,23 ! ~.6 $88,66~1.92 $103,231.26 $114,3 ] 9.57
Landin~ Fm $3,500.00 $6,297.72 $7,557.26 $7,800.00
Pa~enge. r Fees $2,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00
Fuel Royalties $16,000.00 $17~$0.47 $21,096.56 $21.800.00
Water Revenues $4,000.00 $1,787.06 $2,144.47 $2,300.00
Office Reach $3,100.00 $2,683.16 $3~19.79 $3.258.97
US Exchan~e/latertst $I 00.00 -$326.88 $100.00 $100.00
Gt~eral Set~ic~ $1'300.00 $2,321.68 $2,786.02
Yeadisg Maeltine $2,300.00 $1,815.19 $2,178.23 $2,250.00
TOTAL REYENUE $383,089.26 $369,242.97 $391,646.58 $426,687.08
Nnt~ Miscellanenua revenue includes mow plow~ palling and b~chure rack
Salarie~ and wages $82,700.00 $70,92g.79 $85,114.55 $101,200.00
Employee beaellts $16,000.00 $13,369.55 $16,043.46 $20,640.00
Ceemlting $28,000.00 $')4.298.62 $29,158.34
Employee troiaiag $8,~00.00 $3,375.74 $4,050.89 $4,200.00
Building MaL~tenanee $8,000.00 $5,995.35 $8,000.00 $8,000.00
Raa~y ]~[alnteaam~ $38,000.00 $25,506.47 $38,000.00 $35.000.00
Property lvlaiateeaaee $8,000.00 $~8,699.73 $46,439.68 $35,000.00
Garage E~pensea $2,000.00 $659.86 $791.83 $$25.00
Eq~pment Reatol $2,000.00 $779.96 $2,000.00 $1,000.00
F~el $5,$00.00 $5,334.15 $6,400.98 $6.700 00
Vehleles $4,000.00 $3,99 ] .76 $4,790. i I $5,000.00
Hydro alld beafin8 $19,000.00 $13,499.42 $ J 9,000.00 $16,800.00
Water and ~ge $4,000.00 $2,743~28 $4,000.00 $3,400.00
Tdepho~e $4,000.00 $3,867.42 $4,640.90 $4,800.00
A dvelltslll~/Promotiee $9,000.00 $6,107.20 $9,000 00 $9,000.00
Offiee mad geaetal $14,000.00 $9,362.04 $14,000.00 $11,600.00
Audit $4,000.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $4,200.00
Legal fees $15,000.00 $3 960J~9 $4,753.07 $10,000.00
Menlcipal loxes $6,075.00 $6,075.00 $7,290.00 $7,500.00
Airpoet laseroaee $20,000.00 $19,590.95 $23 509.14 $24,500.00
Can far elaee~Travel $5,000.00 $1,968.28 $2,361.94 $5,500.00
Miseellenrou$ Sl,500.00 $1,193.31 $1,500.00 Sl,500.00
Mlaeellaneeus Eqt $1,000.00 $4,247.27 $5,096.72 $1,500.00
Bank Chaz~e~ & Iatcrcaa $100.00 $108.05 $129.66 $100.00
Yendla8 Maehlae $g00-00 $944.93 $1,133.92 $1,200.00
TOTAL EXPgNSE$ $305,675.00 $266,608102 $341,205.19 $350,165.00
NET INCOME $77,414.26 $102,634.95 $50,441.39 $76,522.08
CAPFtAL E. Xl~ENDiTUR~$ $210,000.00 $46,727.25 $432,074.75 $150,000.00
RE~ER~:$ $586,532.00 $624,925.16 $523,243.71 $141,610.35
RFJMAINING RKSF..RVE S $453.946.26 NA $]41,61035 $68.132.43
Employee sa~r~es include wag~ full and pa~t time, overlie and vacati~ PaT.
Employee benef~L~ include El, CPP, WCB, OMERS and mMica! b~nefi~