2006/02/20 FIRST MEETING
Monday, February 20, 2006
From 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
1 ) Approval of the 2006-02-06 Community Services Minutes.
2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT:
a) MW-2006-17 Robinson Street - Speed and Heavy
Vehicle Review Ed Dujlovic
b) MW-2006-18 Confederation Avenue - Parking Review Ed Dujlovic
c) MW-2006-22 Victoria Ave./Niagara River Parkway Intersection
Improvements Proposed Temporary Traffic Signals
and Drainage Improvements Ed Dujlovic
d) MW-2006-23 Space Needs City Hall Ed Dujlovic
3) NEW BUSINESS:
4) ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, February 6, 2006, City Hall, Room 2 at 5:45 p.m.
PRESENT: Chair - Alderman Selina Volpatti, Mayor Ted Salci, Alderman Pietrangelo,
Alderman Jim Diodati, Alderman Joyce Morocco, (arrived 6:20 p.m.)
Alderman Vince Kerrio, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Janice Wing,
Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni.
REGRETS: John MacDonald, Tony Ravenda, Pat Burke, Ken Burden
STAFF: Ed Dujlovic, Lee Smith, Karen Kelly, Denyse Morrissey, Todd Harrison,
Dean Iorfida, Serge Felicetti, Marianne Tikky - Steno
PRESS: Rob Lapensee, Niagara This Week, Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
GUEST: Margaret Battista, Janie Palmer, Brian Wilkie, Andy Panko, Bill Hasken,
Soup Campbell - Niagara Falls Hydro. Shane Freitag, Michael Shadbolt -
Borden Ladner Gervais.
MINUTES
It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco, that the
December 12, 2005 minutes be approved.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
PRESENTATION
a) It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Campbell and seconded by Mayor Salci
that Council receive the report as submitted by the Board of Directors recommending the
creation of a merged company for Peninsula West Utilities and Niagara Falls Hydro,
subject to the exemption of the transfer tax.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
REPORTS
a) MW-2006-06 - Restricting/Eliminating Motor Vehicle Access on Unopened Road
Allowances including Ort Road
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo
that the Metal Gate System be installed on unopened/unimproved road allowances.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
b) MW-2006-10 - Thorold Stone Road ~ St. James Street Request for Additional
School Crossing Guard
It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco that;
1) an additional school crossing guard be stationed at the intersection of Thorold Stone Road
~ St. James Street during the morning and aftemoon periods; and,
2) the 2006 School Crossing Guard Budget be increased by $4,700.00 (2006 rates).
Motion: Carded
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
c) MW-2006-13 - Weightman Bridge Deck Conditions Survey and Pre-Design Analysis
Update Report
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo and seconded by Alderman Wing that
this report be received for information and that staff be authorized to proceed with the retention
of a Consultant to complete the Engineering design for the rehabilitation of the Weightman
Bridge.
Motion: Carded
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-06-06.
d) MW-2006-14 - Class Environmental Assessment for Welland River Watermain
Crossings Update Report
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangleo and seconded by Alderman Morocco
that the Environmental Study Report for the Welland River Watermain Crossings Municipal
Class Environmental Assessment (EA) be received and approved and further that staff be
directed to file the Environmental Study Report and advertise the Notice of Study Completion in
accordance with the requirements of the EA process.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
e) MW-2006-15 - Regional Municipality of Niagara Water and Wastewater Strategy
Organizational Sustainability Review
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Wing and seconded by Alderman Kerrio that;
1. the City of Niagara Falls reaffirms its decision of August 29, 2005 being that the control
of the distribution and collection systems for water and wastewater respectfully remains
with the City of Niagara Falls.
2. the City of Niagara Falls supports the current two tier arrangement for the delivery of
such services in Niagara and to continue to work cooperatively with the Region of
Niagara to deliver water and wastewater services using "Best Practices."
' 3., That a letter be sent to the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Renewal as well as the
area municipalities indicating the City's support for the current two tier arrangement for
delivery of water and wastewater services and its opposition to recommendation 4.9 of
the Provincial report, "Water Tight a Case for Change in Ontario's Water and Wastewater
Sector."
Motion: Carded
Conflict: Alderman Ioannoni
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
f) BDD-2006-02 - Clarification Regarding OPG Funds Tourism Marketing
& Promotion Program
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Alderman Campbell
that report BDD-2006-02 be moved to open council session.
Motion: Carried
Conflict: Alderman Morocco
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-02-06.
ADJOURNMENT
It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Alderman Morocco that
the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee be adjourned at 6:53 p.m. and
Committee enter into an In-Camera session. The In-Camera session was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Community Services Department MW-2006-17
Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic
The City of 4310 Queen Street Director
Niogoro Foils P.O. Box 1023
.Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada web site: www.niagarafalls.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovic@niagarafalls.ca
February 20, 2006
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2006-17-Robinson Street
Speed and Heavy Vehicle Review
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that a "No Heavy Vehicle" restriction at all times be installed on Robinson
Street between Main Street and Allendale Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
Staff has been requested to review the speed of motorists traveling on Robinson Street between
Allendale Avenue and Grey Avenue. In addition, staff has been requested to determine the
necessity of restricting access to heavy vehicles which regularly utilize Robinson Street in this
area.
Robinson Street is a collector roadway consisting of two travel lanes, one in each direction.
Sidewalks are present on both sides of the roadway in the study area which is primarily
residential between Main Street and Allendale Avenue. Between Allendale Avenue and Stanley
Avenue, the area is mixed residential and commercial establishments and is zoned tourist
commercial. Currently, parking is prohibited at all times on the north side of Robinson Street
between Main Street and Stanley Avenue. In addition, there are various other parking
restrictions on the south side between Stanley Avenue and Allendale Avenue. The section of
Robinson Street between Main Street and Stanley Avenue is also a transit bus route.
Staff has reviewed the speed of motorists traveling on the study section of Robinson Street. The
study revealed that the 85th percentile speed obtained does not indicate a speeding problem. The
speed which the majority of motorists travel at or below is 54 km/h, with an average speed of 49
km/h. The speed limit of the study section of Robinson Street is 50 krn/h. Typically a speed
problem occurs when the 85th percentile speed is in excess of 10 km/h over the legal speed limit
of a particular roadway. A collision review conducted on Robinson Street between Main Street
and Stanley Avenue reveals that a collision problem does not exist as no collisions were reported
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February 20, 2006 - 2 - MW-2006-17
in the previous three year period on this section of the roadway. A speeding or collision problem
was not identified on the study roadway and therefore no further action is required regarding this
matter at this time.
During observations it was noted that heavy vehicles do utilize Robinson Street when traversing
from Main Street to Stanley Avenue and vice versa. Collector roadways serve to collect traffic
from arterial roadways and distribute it to local roadways intersecting it. It is not uncommon for
heavy vehicles to utilize these types of roadways, when accessing arterial roadways such as Main
Street and Stanley Avenue as cut through routes. As the area west of Allendale Avenue is zoned
residential, there is no need for heavy vehicles (other than those making deliveries) to travel on
this section of road. Thus, it is recommended that a heavy vehicle restriction be implemented on
Robinson Street between Main Street and Allendale Avenue. This will reduce the noise created
by vehicles as they pass through the residential neighborhood, as well as improving safety. The
restriction should not affect businesses as all businesses are located east of Allendale Avenue.
The "Heavy Vehicle" restriction will apply to all heavy vehicles including tour buses. Local
transit service is exempt and will continue to operate along the study roadway.
Committee's concurrence with the recommendation outlined in this report would be appreciated.
Prepared by: /4?xespectfully submitted:
Karl Dren, C.E.T. cDonald
Manager of Traffic & Parking Services (//Chief Administrative Officer
Approved b :
uj ovic, .Eng.~
Director of Municipal Work
B.S.S:\TPS\TPS 1.00 Administration\TPS 1.06 Reports~2006 Community Services\02 Feb 20WIW-2006-17 Robinson Street-Speed Review.wpd
Community Services Department MW-2006-18
Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic
A ,.-,u.. A~ ,~Y,~ . 4310 Queen Street Director
Thu ,..,,y u, BIm.~'a~"~ P ~ B 1~2~
· .U. OX U J
Niagara
Falls
~J~._ Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canod?,~m~m~~ web site: www.niagarafalls.ca
!- Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovic@niagarafalls.ca
February 20, 2006
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2006-18 -Confederation Avenue
Parking Review
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that parking be prohibited at all times on the west side of Confederation
Avenue between Thorold Stone Road and Crawford Street.
BACKGROUND:
A parking study has been completed on Confederation Avenue between Thorold Stone Road and
Crawford Street. The previous study of the roadway documented in report MW-2005-05 dated
January 17, 2005, was initiated as a result of the zoning by-law approved in report PD-2004-103
"Zoning By-law Amendment Application AM-47/2004, 6754 and 6788 Thorold Stone Road."
This pertained to the property located on the southwest comer of the Confederation Avenue at
Thorold Stone Road intersection. Other roadways in the surrounding area were also previously
reviewed, including Crawford Street and London Court where either parking restrictions or
permit parking was implemented. Following the initial parking review of Confederation Avenue
staff was requested by Council to conduct a subsequent study in one year to determine whether
any parking restrictions are still required on the study roadway.
Confederation Avenue is a local roadway consisting of two travel lanes, one in each direction.
The total width of the traveled portion of the roadway is 8 metres. Sidewalks are present on both
sides of the roadway in the study area which is residential in nature. Currently, comer parking
restrictions are present between Thorold Stone Road and a point 22 metres south of Thorold
Stone Road on both sides to ensure no vehicles are parked near the intersection where they may
inhibit visibility to motorists entering Thorold Stone Road from Confederation Avenue.
Confederation Avenue is the main and only access into the Crawford Street subdivision from
Thorold Stone Road. The nearest alternate access to the subdivision is via Pettit Avenue from
Dorchester Road south of Thorold Stone Road.
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February 20, 2006 - 2 - MW-2006-18
Following the development of the plaza, which is now occupied and open to the public, staff has
reviewed the study roadway again to determine whether additional parking restrictions are
required. Staff has conducted observations of the roadway to determine the number of vehicles
parking during the day time hours. It was noted during these observations that vehicles do not
park on the roadway frequently. Only one vehicle was noticed to be parked for a long duration
during the observation period on the east side of the study roadway. In addition, the parking
facility of the plaza, near Mac O'Rooneys and other establishments was unoccupied. Only four
vehicles were noted parked on this parking lot during day time hours. During night time
operations of Mac O'Rooneys establishment no vehicles were observed parking on
Confederation Avenue. Traffic entering the plaza has the option of entering the parking facility
from Thorold Stone Road via the access there. Therefore, despite the access to the plaza located
on the west side of the study roadway motorists do not need to travel on Confederation Avenue
when accessing the plaza. A collision analysis was conducted on the study roadway to determine
whether there is a collision problem. The analysis reveals that a collision problem does not exist
as no collisions were reported in the previous three year period.
Parking questionnaires were delivered to residents on Confederation Avenue between Thorold
Stone Road and Crawford Street. Through the questionnaire, residents had an opportunity to
comment on the type of parking control that would most benefit their situation. The minimum
criterion requires at least 60% of the residents petitioned to respond to the questionnaires
delivered. A total of three homes and one commercial establishment were petitioned, of which
only two questionnaires were returned. As only half of the petitioners responded, the 60%
response rate was not achieved.
As mentioned previously Confederation Avenue is a narrow roadway which is also a primary
access to the Crawford Street subdivision. Therefore, should vehicles be parked on both sides of
the roadway they may inhibit access to maintenance vehicles, and more importantly emergency
vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks requiring to access the subdivision during emergency
situations. Parked vehicles will also restrict manoeuverability to other motorists due to the
narrow width of Confederation Avenue. Therefore, based on the above information it is
recommended that parking restrictions be installed on the west side of Confederation Avenue.
Parking may be utilized on the east side of the roadway by residents or by patrons of the plaza
establishments should the parking facility there be full.
Committee's concurrence with the recommendation outlined in this report would be appreciated.
Prepared by: ~Respectfully submitted:
..,_
Karl Dren, C.E.T. cDonald
Manager of Traffic & Parking Services y Chief Administrative Officer
.~1 Ed'Dujlovic, P.Eng.
~- '| Director of Municipal Work
B.S.V:X2006COUNCIL\060220hMW-2006-18 Confederation Avenue-Parking Review.wpd
Is~C ST.
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M~NICIPAL WO~S
Niagara~T~FFIC& PA~NG SERVICES
Confederation Avenue
Parking Review
NORTH
so~ ~o sc~ Febma~ 20, 2006 Ba~ Skiba
Community Services Department MW-2006-22
The Cify of Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic
Niogoro Foils' 4310 Queen Street Director
,P.O. Box 1023
Canada Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovi@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
February 20, 2006
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2006-22
Victoria Avenue ~ Niagara River Parkway Intersection
Temporary Traffic Signals and Drainage Issues
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That staff be directed to proceed with the installation of temporary traffic signals at the
intersection of Victoria Avenue and the Niagra River Parkway in cooperation with the
Niagara Parks Commission,
2. and further that the ownership of the existing storm outlet for Victoria Avenue be
secured via an easement through Niagara Parks Commission lands.
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Works and Planning Department staff have been working with staff from the Niagara
Parks Commission to resolve potential traffic impacts that may occur as a result of recent
development activities near the Victoria Avenue/Niagara Parkway intersection.
The results of a traffic impact study indicate that various road and intersection improvements will
be required upon the completion of the Great Wolf Lodge, Ripley's Aquarium and other local
developments. Improvements include but are not limited to the addition of through, left/right turning
lanes, signalization and road realignment within the corridor bound by Whirlpool Road, Niagara
River Parkway, Victoria Avenue and Bridge Street.
The Great Wolf Lodge is scheduled to open this spring, while the Aquarium is tentatively scheduled
for completion in 2007. Although other developments in the area have been tentatively proposed,
formal applications have not yet been received.
Overall improvements will ensure that the level of service of operation is satisfactory given the
projected volumes in 2015 including the traffic generated by the developments. It is anticipated that
all improvements will be needed on or around 2015, however, the staging of improvements will be
dependant on development proposals.
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Until full development is recognized, interim improvements are required. To satisfactorily address
traffic issues upon the opening of the Great Wolf Lodge, traffic signals are required at the
intersection of Niagara Parkway ~ Victoria Avenue. This will ensure vehicles within the
intersection are appropriately allocated the right-of-way as well as reduce the potential for angle
collisions. The intersection is currently controlled by a stop sign on Victoria Avenue.
This intersection is under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Parks Commission. City staff is prepared
to oversee this project from the design stage through the installation of the signals on their behalf as
per their request. After the signals are operational, they will be owned and maintained by the
Niagara Parks Commission. The estimated cost for the signal installation is $65,000- $75,000 which
will be funded as follows:
· Great Wolf Lodge $25,000 (Special Purpose Reserve #232)
· Development Charge Reserve $50,000 (Account 12-3-310041-030000)
TOTAL $75,000
Following the opening of Ripley's Aquarium in 2007, traffic volumes in the area should again be
monitored to assess the staging of the improvements needed. This may best be accomplished
through the Municipal Class EA process.
Staff is currently investigating the opportunity to include the installation of the temporary signals in
the work plan for the Central Avenue Pump Station High Rate Treatment Project which also
involves the installation of underground services at this intersection. With the Council's concurrence,
staff is also seeking the authorization to include the signal works if it is feasible and economically
advantageous to do so.
During the development of the Great Wolf Lodge project it was brought to the City's attention that
the existing culvert under the Parkway just south of this intersection is not formally owned by the
City or protected by an easement. See the attached plan. This culvert provides a valuable outlet for
Victoria Avenue and properties upstream. Recent investigations undertaken by the Niagara Parks
Commission indicate that it is in good shape structurally and is functioning as designed. Staff is
seeking authorization from City Council to assume ownership of this culvert and to prepare a
reference plan and easement agreement for the ongoing access and maintenance of this infrastructure.
The costs of preparing the necessary documents are estimated to be less than $5,000 and funded from
Special Purpose Reserve #85.
Committee's concurrence with this recommendation is appreciated.
: tx Respectfully submitted: /
Geoff Itolman acDonal
Manager of Development ~) Chief Administrative Officer
~pprov~y:
~~?~i;'~Pu'~;al Works
S:'~REPORTSX2006 ReportsWlW-2006-22 - Victoria Ave. Niagara Pkwy.wpd
Community Services Department MW-2006-23
The City of jl~ Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic
Niogoro Fo,,s 4310Queen Street Director
Conodo . P.o. Box lO23
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
.~11~¢¢- I -'" web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-maih edujlovi(~city.niagarafalls.on .ca
February 20, 2006
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2006-23 - Space Needs City Hall
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City enters into a twenty-five-month lease for space in the Acres Building to satisfy
space needs as a short term solution until the completion of the Downtown Strategic
Implementation Plan.
BACKGROUND:
On November 21, 2005, Committee considered report MW-2005-126 - Space Needs City Hall
(attached). As a result the following motion was made,".., that the City enters into a one year
lease with two one-year options at the approval of Council for space in the Acres Building to satisfy
space needs as a short term solution until the completion of the Downtown Strategic Implementation
Plan."
City staff then contacted the realtor regarding the matter and was advised that as a result of an
ownership change the previous terms for the space were no longer applicable. The new terms
offered would be for a twenty-five-month term at a $7.00 net per sq.fi, cost and included free rent
of two months within the twenty-five-month term. Although there, was an increase of $2.00 net per
sq.ft, the two months of free rent result in the yearly costs to the City remaining at approximately
$59,100.00 and as discussed in the attached report when removing the realty taxes a yearly cost of
$53,800.00 per year. Should the municipality require the space beyond the twenty-five-month term
a new lease would have to be negotiated.
As the terms requested by Committee could not be negotiated, staff request Committee's direction
on this matter.
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February20,2006 -2-
Prep :~ Respectfully submitted:
-~I Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng J~~M~nald~
Director of Municipal Works Chief Administrative Officer
S:XREPORTSX2006 Reports',MW-2006-23 - Space Needs City Hall.wpd
Community Services Department MW-2005-126
The (:::ih/of ~.~ Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic
· .. -- , .. ~',l , 4310 Queen Street Director
Niagara i-ails 1~~... P 0 Box 1023
Canada '-- Nia[~ara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.magarafalls.on.ca
~ Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovi@city, niagarafalls.on.ca
November 21, 2005
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2005-126 - Space Needs - City Itall
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City enter into a three-year lease for space in the Acres Building to satisfy space needs
as a short term solution until the completion of the Downtown strategic implementation plan.
BACKGROUND:
In April 2004 Committee was presented with report MW-2004-67 entitled Space Needs City Hall
which identified the need for additional office space to accommodate staffin City Hall. An in-house
study completed by staff at the time indicated a need of approximately 2,000 sq.fL in a three-year
period. As a result of a more detailed analysis of the needs of the various sections it was determined
that approximately 4,000 sq.ft, is needed to meet the immediate space requirements.
Resolution to the space needs matter is required in order to properly address the renovations that
have been planned for in the Finance and Clerk's departments. Funding has been provided in the
2002 Capital Budget for the Finance Department and in 2004 for the Clerks Department to carry out
renovations that would address space and security issues. In particular there have been a number of
incidences in the front lobby as well as at the finance counter that has raised concerns amongst City
staff. In addition CUPE has raised this matter at Labour Management Meetings. Accordingly, a
timely resolution to this matter is required.
In reviewing the various options the criteria used for comparison is as follows;
· Costing
A yearly cost for the office space was determined which included operating costs as well as
(gas, electricity, maintenance) the annualized capital expense.
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· Operational Needs
Included in these criteria was office space provided for staff, the ability to connect to the
City's computer and phone system, the ease to interact with other City departments both for
staff and for the public if they needed to be directed to another City department. Allow for
future growth.
· Timing
Time required to have space ready for use by staff
City Hall
Old City Hall
An investigation was carried out on the old City Hall to determine its suitability for the use as staff
office space. The building has 3,500 sq.fi, of floor area per floor for a total of 10,500 sq.fi. The
building is currently being used by the City for the storage of files as all previous storage space
within City Hall has been renovated to provide offices for staff and meeting rooms.
As little has been done to the building over the past 20 years, extensive work is required in order to
make the building suitable for staff office space. The works that are required include new roof,
windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, creation of office space and making
the building handicapped accessible. The cost to provide 4,000 sq. fi., to meet immediate space
needs requirements, is in the order of $840,000 or over the life of the project a yearly cost of
$53,600. An additional 3,000 sq. fi of office space could be provided at a cost of $180,000 in 2005
dollars. The improvements would take approximately six months to eight months to complete.
The renovation to the old City Hall would meet the immediate City staffing needs as well as future
requirements. With the inclusion of the barrier free facilities the Business Self Help Centre could
establish a store front operation in the building. Funding of $17,000 would be available toward the
establishment of this office.
The City's, "Downtown Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan" identifies the old City Hall
as a possible building to be used in the revitalization of the downtown core. It states that, "the City
Hall block should be enhanced to be a focal point of downtown activity and a symbolic heart of the
community" and that "the old Court House building could be converted into civic entertainment or
restaurant facilities which could serve to animate the square or provide functional space for related
events in the area."
Addition to City Hall
The first option that was reviewed was the construction of a two-storey 11,200 sq.fi. (8,800 sq.fi.
office, 4,400 basement) addition to the south east side of City Hall. The proposed addition included
a basement for storage, receiving area and two floors of office space plus public and service
elevators. The preliminary drawings for the addition were prepared to determine how best to meet
the needs of City Hall staff. The addition not only would meet current needs but would also provide
space for future growth. The costs for the proposed addition are estimated to be $1.6 - $1.9 million
and would take to approximately one to two years to complete.
An alternative option that was considered was the demolition of the Old City Hall and construction
of an addition in the front that would consist of new offices, council chambers, meeting rooms and
NOvember 21,2005 - 3 - MW-2005-126
public space for various functions. The proposed addition toward Queen Street would serve as a
public focal point for downtown that would engage Queen Street and the City Hall square and could
act as a catalyst for the revitalization of the downtown core. It is difficult to estimate the cost for the
proposed addition to the front of City Hall as it depends on the amenities included. It is estimated
that the cost could be between $3 - $5 million.
As Council is aware, the City has retained the firm of V Studio to prepare a strategic implementation
plan for the downtown community improvement plan area. As part of the revitalization plan that
V Studio's is preparing they will be developing plans for the creation of new public spaces which
includes public amenities and will specifically look at the Old City Hall and the surrounding area
including the Centennial Square and parking facilities immediately east of City Hall. A workshop
will be held on December 5, 2005 during the Community Services Meeting with the consultant to
gather input from Council on the plan. It is anticipated that a final report will be ready by the Spring
of 2006. Accordingly, it is premature at this time to make any decision on an addition to City Hall
or the renovation of Old City Hall.
Recreation Commission Building
As Committee is aware, staff from Parks, Recreation and Culture have vacated the recreation
commission building and moved into the new MacBain Community Centre. As a result report
R-2005-08 Recreation Building End Use was presented to Council for consideration which
recommended the demolition of the building and that the property be converted for cemetery
purposes. This report was deferred as Niagara Falls Tourism had requested space from the City to
house their operation. Niagara Falls Tourism representatives have yet to confirm their space
requirements.
The recreation report quoted a report done by BMA Consultants who prepared the Cemetery's
Business Plan indicated that the best and highest use for the building would be to, "demolish the
building and use the land for columbaria and other interment options." In addition Council has
received a letter from Morgan Funeral Homes and Heatherington & Dean Funeral Chapel requesting
that the recommendation contained in the report be adopted.
Not withstanding the above, staff did undertake a review of using the building to accommodate
staffing needs. The building itself contains approximately 7,500 sq.fi, which would meet the
immediate space needs as well as future needs. Currently, the building is not handicapped
accessible. Renovations would be required at a cost of $50,000 to carry out the necessary works to
accommodate staff and the public. This work could be completed in one to two months.
From a staffing perspective the use of this building does present challenges from an operational
perspective. Various staffmoves were analyzed and it was concluded that in order to minimize the
impacts that an entire section needed to be relocated to the building. Even with this there are still
operational challenges as there is significant interaction between staff amongst the divisions. In
addition there will be an impact upon service to the public as public using the services of a division
at the Recreation Commission Building may have to be redirected to City Hall in order to get
additional information and vice versa.
November 21, 2005 - 4 - MW-2005-126
Taking into account, the recommendation from BMA Consultants, request from the funeral industry
and impacts on operations for both the staff and public it is not recommended that the Recreation
Commission Building be used to satisfy staffing needs.
Lease Space Downtown
Staff has investigated several properties downtown to determine which space would best fit our
needs. As a result of this review report MW-2004-67 was presented in April 2004, which
recommended that staff be authorized to negotiate leasing of office space in Acres House. Staff
reviewed various spaces in the building and settled on the main floor in the northwest comer as the
best space available in the building for City use. The space is located on the main floor and provides
easy access for both public and staff.
The lease negotiated for this space, which is just over 4,000 sq.fi., on an annual basis is $59,100.
Included in this cost is a portion of reality tax which can be reduced as it is being used for City
purposes. Accordingly, it is estimated that the yearly lease would be in the order of $53,800 per year.
As the Business Development Self Help Centre could establish a store front operation in the
building, funding of$17,000 would be available toward the use of this space. The space is available
immediately and would require minimal renovations to accommodate the immediate space needs.
The following chart compares the various options as per the criteria that was described earlier in the
report.
COSTS inilUding
OPTION SPACE CAPiT~ / opE~TiONS G
4,000 sq.fi. $53,600.00 for 6-8
Old Cit~' Hall expandable to 7,000 $840,000.00 4,000 scI. fi. Good months
Recreation $22,000.00 1-2
Commission 7,500 scl.fi. $50,000.00 Short Term Fair months
Addition to City $1.6-$1.9
Hall, SE 8,800 scl.fi. Million $ 120,000.00 Excellent 1-2 years
$53,800.00
Leasing 4,000 sq.ft. Short Term Good 1 month
Addition to City 8,800 sq.ft. + $3 - $5
Hall, Queen St. Public Space Million Unknown Excellent 2-3 years
Funding
Currently, there is a reserve account from thc old Development Charges By-law for expansion to
City Hall the funds in this account arc approximately $310,000. These funds can be used for any of
November 21, 2005 - 5 - MW-2005-126
the options that have been considered. Additional funds needed for the old City Hall renovation or
the addition to City Hall would be debentured.
Taking into account the above information it is staff's recommendation that the City enters into a
lease agreement for the office space in the Acres Building for a three-year term. This short term
solution will satisfy the immediate space needs for staffing and will allow time to determine what
will be the best use for the Old City Hall building.
Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated.
Prepared by: Respectfully submitted:
Ed Dujlovic John MacDonald
Director of Municipal Works Chief Administrative Officer
Attach:
H:\WPFILESXlNCAMERAX2005WIW-2005-126 - Space Needs - Nov. 7.wpd