2006/02/13· CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA
SECOND MEETTNG
Monday, February 13, 2006
Council Chambers - 6:00 p.m.
Staff Contact:
:t. Minutes of the 3anuary 16, 2006 Meeting
2. Deputations.'
Heritage Niagara - Aaron £ichtman
Boys and Girls Club of Niagara
Mr. ]eft Wallis~ Chair of the Capital Campaign
3. Reports.'
F-2006-10 - General Insurance Deductible Report Ken Burden
F-2006-:[2- Regional Taxes Todd Harrison
4. Correspondence.'
Willoughby Volunteer Fire Fighters Association
Request for Interest-free Loan
Recommendation: Refer to Staff
Wendell Palmer, Homestead Crescent
Concerns about the Niagara Falls Humane Society
5. 2006 General Purposes Budget
Presentation by the Chief Administrative Officer
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING
YOUR BUDGET BINDER
MINUTES
FIRST MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Ted Salci, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair; Aldermen Jim
Diodati, Carolynn Ioannoni, Vince Kerrio, Joyce Morocco, Victor
Pietrangelo, Selina Volpatti, and Janice Wing
STAFF: John MacDonald, Dean Iorfida, Adele Kon, Karen Kelly, Ed Dujlovic,
Ken Burden, Patrick Burke, Doug Darbyson, Serge Felicetti, Todd
Harrison, Joanna Daniels
PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
Rob Lapensee, Niagara This Week
CONFLICTS:
Alderman Morocco indicated a conflict with the Niagara Falls Tourism presentation
as she is a contract employee.
Alderman Kerrio indicated a conflict with the Niagara Falls Tourism presentation as
he has a business relationship.
Mayor Salci indicated a conflict with the Boys and Girls Club presentation as a family
member sits on the Board, and with the discussion on Heart Niagara.
1. MINUTES:
MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that the minutes of
the December 12, 2005 Meeting be adopted as recorded.
Motion Carried Unanimously
2. PRESENTATIONS:
Report F-2006-03 - BMA Management Consultinr~
Mr. Jim Bruzzeze of BMA Management Consulting presented a financial trend
analysis for the City of Niagara Falls based on information from the annual
Municipal Performance Measurements Program and the BMA Municipal Study.
-2-
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Salci, that the following
recommendations from the BMA Management Consulting report be adopted:
· continue analysis using future projections and identify any trends that may
be areas of concern
· Review policies and practices with respect to user fees, reserves and debt
· Conduct a financial policy planning session with Council
· Continue support of a service-by-service analysis and accelerate, if
possible, to identify factors impacting the net cost of service.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Niagara Falls Tourism
Anna Pierce, Chair, and several representatives from the Board of Niagara Falls
Tourism, were in attendance at the meeting. At the meeting of November 21,
2005, Niagara Falls Tourism and City staff were directed to investigate the
possibility of seeking administrative assistance from the Chamber of
Commerce and the City. After investigation, it was determined that neither
solution would be viable. Ms. Pierce requested funding in the amount of
$389,500.
MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that 2006 funding for
Niagara Falls Tourism in the amount of $400,000 be referred to budget
deliberations; that a business plan be prepared; and that Niagara Falls Tourism
work with the City to determine if some administrative functions can be
combined.
Motion Carried
Two Opposed
Conflicts as previously noted
Boys and Girls Club of Niagara
Jeff Wallis and representatives of the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara were in
attendance.
MOVED byAIderman Morocco, seconded byAIderman Ioannoni, that staffwork
with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara to determine what initial studies need
to be implemented for the proposed new building.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Conflict as previously noted
-3-
3. CORRESPONDENCE:
MOVED by AIderman Volpatti, seconded byAIderman Morocco, that the request
from Mr. Surma of the Continental Inn to write off taxes be received and filed.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Alderman Diodati, seconded by Alderman Wing, that the request
from Mr. John Grassl, Golden Horseshoe Ventures to waive all late payment
penalties be received and filed.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo, that the funding
request from the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village be referred to Fire
Services.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Alderman Ioannoni, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that the 2006
funding request for the YWCA Culp Street Shelter be referred to budget
deliberations.
Motion Carried Unanimously
4. 2006 BUDGET
MOVED by Alderman Ioannoni, seconded by Alderman Wing, that the 2006
Budget be deferred pending further discussions with BMA Management
Consulting.
Motion Defeated
Report BDD-2006-01 - Ontario Power Generation Funds
Tourism Marketing & Promotion Program
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Salci, that the allocation of
the OPG tourism funds be approved as follows:
· $'180,000 per annum for 5 years toward the development, operation and
administration of a world-class tourism website for the destination.
· $30,000 per annum for 5 years towards the Niagara Falls Casino Marathon
marketing and advertising program
-4-
· $150,000 towards the cost of hosting a major Television Broadcast
· $50,000 towards the cost to promote and educate the public regarding the
Hydro Tunnel project
· $50000 Contingencyforpromotional/marketing opportunities as supported
by Council.
Motion Carried
Three Opposed
Note: This motion was not ratified at the Council Meeting of January 23, 2006,
but was deferred for a follow-up report.
2006 BUDGET PRESENTATION
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with an overview of budget
amendments since the December 12, 2006 meeting. A reduction of $2,470,638
has been achieved. In order to maintain the same level of services and include
the Council. approved additional services, expenditures would increase by
$2,125,055 over 2005. To match the increase in expenditures would result in a
$55. O0 change to the average household (based on an assessment of $159, 000).
MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that staff investigate
all possibilities of reducing the 5.5% levy increase by reducing labour costs and
investigating every area of services and costs.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Alderman Morocco, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo, that funding
of $10,000 for Heart Niagara be included in the 2006 Budget.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Conflict as previously noted
MOVED by Alderman Ioannoni, seconded by Alderman Wing, that staff look at
reducing outside legal consulting fees and adding more in-house.
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOVED by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Kerrio, that staff
investigate and report on why Niagara Falls represents 19% of the population
of the Region of Niagara but pays 22% of the Regional levy.
Motion Carried Unanimously
-5-
MOVED by Alderman Morocco, seconded by Alderman Wing, that staff
investigate not using the reserves to reduce the budget.
Motion Carried Unanimously
It was agreed that the next budget meeting would be scheduled for February 13,
2006, at 6:00 p.m.
5. ADJOURNMENT:
MOVED by Alderman Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Salci, that the meeting adjourn
at 9:25 p.m.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Corporate Services Department F-2006-10
The City of jl~l~ Finance Division Kenneth E. Burden
Niogoro Fo,,s BoxQUeen1023Street Director
~11~~-~~~'~ web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2016
E-maih kburden@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
February 13, 2006
Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair
and Members of the Corporate Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: F-2006-10 - General Insurance Deductible Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the current deductible levels for the General Insurance Policy as theyrelate to automobile, property,
boiler and machinery, be maintained for the 2006 year.
BACKGROUND:
The Frank Cowan Company Limited had recommended that the City consider reducing the premium cost
by increasing deductible levels as appropriate. The cost savings could sum up to a total of $28,179
depending on which deductibles are increased and by how much. Staff advises that increasing
deductibles requires the City to self-insure to the higher deductible. As a result, claims cost may increase
due to the City's increased financial responsibility.
For comparison purposes, set out below are optional deductible programs that the City may wish to
consider:
Present Optional Credits Optional Credits
Classification Deductible Deductible Available Deductible Available
Property $10,000 $25,000 $ 5,827 $50,000 $10,378
(Building, Contents Equipment
& Watercraft Floater)
Boiler & Machinery 10,000 25,000 607 50,000 1,490
Automobile Fleet
(Third Party & Direct
Compensation) 10,000 25,000 3,486 50,000 5,886
(All Perils) 10,000 25,000 4,748 50,000 10,425
$14,668 $28~179
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Clerks · Finance · Human Resources · Information Systems · Legal · Planning & Development
February 13, 2006 - 2 - F-2006-10
Staff requested The Frank Cowan Company to do an in-depth study working with the City's claims
adjuster, Crawford Adjusters Ltd. to determine what additional costs the City may experience as a result
of increasing the deductible levels. Staff also examined what impact the increase in deductible would
have on the risk management practices.
The Frank Cowan Company provided a new cost analysis looking at the additional claims costs.
Attached is the cost analysis chart. The chart shows that there is not anybenefit to the Cityby increasing
the deductibles to $25,000 and that there is some benefit (approximately $6,000) if the deductible is
increased to $50,000. Staff reviewed the analysis with the Frank Cowan Company and agreed that, at
this time, it would not be advisable to increase the deductible levels for the General Insurance Policy as
they relate to automobile, property, boiler and machinery.
Staff also examined what the impact would be on risk management practices to the City. Through
discussion with The Frank Cowan Company, staff determined that more attention through the
presentation of risk management materials and the review of claims experience would better inform
employees about risk management. Staff will undertake to encourage these actions with more frequency
for 2006. Both the Frank Cowan Company and staff believe that these actions, which increase
awareness about risk management, will reduce claims costs to the City and thereby the City could take
advantage of the premium savings by increasing the deductible levels.
Recommended by: Respectfully submitted;
K. E. Burden // John MacDonald
Director of Finance (// Chief Administrative Officer
Approved by:
T. Ravenda
Executive Director of Corporate Services
Corporate Services Department F-2006-12
The CifO of Finance Division Kenneth E. Burden
'~ ll~ 4310 Queen Street
Director
Niagara Falls lJ~,~ P.O. Box 1023
Cana~~ Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
T~ web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (g05) 356-7521
Fax: (g05) 356-2016
E-mail: kburden@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
February 13, 2006
Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair
and Members of the Corporate Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: F-2006-12 - Regional Taxes
RECOMMENDATION:
For the information of the Corporate Services Committee.
BACKGROUND:
At the January 16, 2006 Corporate Services Committee Meeting, a presentation was made to Council
by BMA Consulting regarding among other things the City' s proportionate share of the Regional Tax
Levy. BMA Management Consulting indicated that, while the City's population made up 19% of the
Region's total population, the weighted assessment was 22%. As a result, Council requested a further
explanation of the factors impacting the determination of the Regional Tax Levy.
As the report showed the contribution made by City ratepayers to the Regional Levy is greater than the
amount that would be determined if the contribution to Regional Levy was made based on proportional
population. This outcome is explained by three factors. Firstly, the property tax system as established
in the Municipal Act 2001 is based on property valuations not population. Secondly, as indicated the
City and Regional Levy are determined by the value of each property The valuation of individual
property varies across the City and across the Region as some properties are valued higher than others.
Thirdly, the annual levy to an individual property owner depends on the classification of the property,
i.e., residential, commercial, industrial. The Municipal Act 2001 empowers the Region of Niagara to
establish tax policy for all of the lower tier Municipalities. The Region's Tax Policy determines the
relative tax burden of each property class. Regional Tax Policy allocates more of the Regional Levy to
properties that are classified as Commercial or Industrial as compared to Residential. This process is
achieved through he establishment of Tax Ratios.
Thus, when the three factors mentioned above are considered in respect to the assessment base of
Niagara Falls, it is understandable why the proportionate share of taxes is greater than its relative
population. The City of Niagara Falls has a very high commercial component of assessment, which is
weighted more heavily by Regional Tax Policy in the determination of calculation of tax burden.
Consequently, the application of tax ratios to the unweighted assessment results in the property owners
of the City of Niagara Falls paying more in Regional Levy than its population.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Clerks · Finance · Human Resources · Information Systems · Legal · Planning & Development
February 13, 2006 - 2 - F-2006-12
In conclusion, the Regional Tax Levy is based on property values not population, with more tax burden
being derived from some property classes than others and with the relative mix of property classes in
a City determining its share of that levy.
Prepared by: Respectfully submitted:
~ acD~ona~
Manager of Finance ~~ministrative 'Officer
Recommended by:
K.E. Burden
Director of Finance
Approved by:
T. Ravenda
Executive Director of Corporate Services
Willoughby Volunteer Fire Department
INCORPORATED 1952
February 3, 2006
Mayor and Members of Council
I am writing on behalf of the Willoughby Volunteer Fire Fighters Association to ask for your
assistance in a project we are planning to undertake.
This year (2006) our association plans to pave our entire fire hall parking lot, which is in a state
of great disrepair. We feel that our financial viability in terms of being able to attract hall rentals,
etc. is in part determined by the status of available parking. We hope that by repairing our
existing parking area that we will be able to increase revenues and secure future hall rentals for
years to come.
What we propose to the City is to be provided with an interest free loan for the cost of the
improvements to be paid in full back to the city over a 5 year period. We have a proven track
record of repaying the city before the due date in the past, when we struck a similar arrangement
for hall renovations.
We feel that this proposal would be beneficial to everyone, and we hope that you would look
favourably on assisting us in the short term to benefit the entire community. We are willing to
begin discussions at your earliest convenience regarding the details of the potential arrangement.
If you have any questions please contact the writer at 905-295- 1117 (business) or 905-295-6948
(home).
Robert Somerville, President
RS/bb
11208 SODOM ROAD · R.R. 3 ° NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO ,, L2E 6S6 · (905) 295-4051
Clerk's Division 6749 Homestead Cres
4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls ON L2G 2H8
P.O. Box 1023 2006 01 16
Niagara Falls ON L2E 6X5 ~o~-~ 3 ~--'~--~/~
Dear Mr Iorfida:
The City should definitely attach strings to any support given to the Niagara Falls Humane
Society. These strings should be for the purpose of encouraging improvement in the
practicing philosophy, education, training and experience of its agents. The City should also
insist on accountability in the day to day behaviors of agents.
It would be great if the City could find a solution to the most serious flaw in the functioning of
the Humane Society everywhere, that is, having both fund raising and enforcement in the
hands of the same organization. This situation is responsible for the present local practice of
capture and ransoming of lost pets and other animals so pick-up and boarding fees can be
charged (! would appreciate the opportunity to expound a much better way to reunite pets
and other animals with their owners. A method that would greatly reduce stress and exposure
to disease for the animals, and reduce the cost by a hundred fold.); the outright theft of
animals for resale, (See, as an example,"Judge cites SPCA conflict in seizure of 10 horses"
by the Hamilton Humane Society.) and the use of dog licence collection from 10%(???) of the
dog population to threaten and harass a few owners (including me). On this, what is the
rationale for licencing dogs and not cats or horses or budgies? Is this rationale appropriate
today?
Until general knowledge and experience with animals improves, Humane Society agents
should refrain from expanding their activities into the farming community. This is an area
where farm veterinarians are able and duty-bound to report if a need arises.
The OSPCA and its affiliates are private companies which make their own rules, and often
rules which have been legislated are interpreted in strange ways. Recently, in the last five or
six years, they have become more interested in empire building and money making than in
improving and assuring the welfare of animals. In this new role, enforcement and
incrimination has replaced corrective help. Reports about the care and condition of animals
are riddled with lies, malicious exaggerations, ignorantly false statements and "dirty" pictures.
It is apparent that a significant part of their meager training is about how to prepare a
defaming report. Unfortunately these ill-prepared agents have unbelievable powers.
It is a very cruel joke on our society that ignoramuses of such Iow caliber are permitted to
function in the role of saviours. Whatever the City can do to limit their heinous activities will
be welcomed by their animal and people victims.
Yours truly,
Wendell Palmer, B.S.A., MEd.
justice anton zuraw's ruling aginst spca (1061x1566x256 jpeg)
Judge cites SPCA conflict in seizure of 10 horses: one SPCA member testified the inciden... Page I of I
[ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg
THE WATCHDOG
Judge cites SPCA conflict in seizure of 10 horse~: one SPCA member testified
the Incident was used to garner more donatione *LINK*
Peated By: Gall Moerkerken
Date: Friday, 8 April 2008, it 8:U p.m.
Judge cites SPCA conflict in seizure of 10 horses
By JORDAN PRESS
Friday, Apdl 8, 2005 Page A13
The Hamilton SPCA was more interested in raising money than saving what it believed were abused
horses, a judge ruled yesterday.
The Crown could not prove the seizure of Cindy Pauliuk's 10 Peruvian Pasos by the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals two years ago was not laden with conflicts of interest, Mr. Justice
Anton Zuraw wrote in his ruling. He dropped the charge Ret Ms. Pauliuk failed to adequately care
for the animals.
"To get to the nub of this case, I must deal with.., what ts truly some of the most biz. arm evidence I
have heard in close to 40 years, in a case that has cast doubt on the integrity of one of society's
most respected institutions - the Hamilton Burlington S.P.C.A.," he wrote.
According to cou~t documents, the SPCA found the conditions the horses lived in were insufficient
and called in a veterinarian to take the animals. The judge said a conflict of interest arose because
the vet was a member of the SPCA's board of directors and involved in fundraiSing. He also profited
from the seizure, Judge Zuraw ruled.
During the trial, one SPCA member testified the incident was used to garner more donations, the
judge wrote.
in an Inten/iew, Jim Sykes, president and CEO of the Hamilton SPCA, said he agreed with the judge
that the society should become more transparenL Mr. Sykes said his group has made moves to
prevent any more conflicts of interest.
But he disagreed with the judge's statement that the SPCA needed high-profile arrests to keep it
going.
http://www~theg~beanc~rnai~c~m/ser~et/A~c~eNews/TPSt~ry/LAC/2~5~4~8/HORSE~$/TPN~ti~na~/T~r~nt~
[ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prey Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]
THE WATCHDOG is ma~tained by ~4nirna! Advocates .goclety of SC with V/ebeaS
http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroompl/noframes/read/8706 5/4/2005
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Corporate Services Department
r
The City of Clerk's Division Dean Iorfida
NiQgoro FQII$ 4310 Queen Street City Clerk
Canada P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-9083
E-mail: diorfida@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
January 5, 2006
Mr. Wendall Palmer
6749 Homestead Street
Niagara Falls ON L2G 2H8
Dear Wendall:
Re: Humane Society/Deputation in Front of Council/Corporate Services
I received your voice mail. My apologies for not getting back to you sooner; however, I felt it was
appropriate to put something in writing.
From your messages, I understand that you were talking with former Alderman Norm Puttick and
he suggested that you make a deputation during the budget discussions regarding your concerns
about the Humane Society.
I can appreciate Mr. Puttick's assistance and the issues you have had in the past with the Humane
Society; however, I do not feel that a deputation during Council budget discussions is appropriate.
Let me explain:
The City's Council Orientation Handbook states the following: Council meetings or meetings of
standing committees of Council (such as the Corporate Services Committee) are not a "Speakers
Forum "for members of the public to air grievances.
That is not to say that debate and difference of opinion can not be expressed, however, Council
meeting should not devolve into "gripe" sessions about an external organization.
The City does have a contract for service with the Humane Society for providing dog control,
poundkeeping and animal services for the City. I think it would be acceptable and appropriate for
you to put in writing why you feel that the municipality should not renew the contract with the
Humane Society. I will bring your correspondence to the Council's attention and, if it is their
direction, they may wish for you to speak at a future meeting.
If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Dean Iorfida
City Clerk
Ext. 4271
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