01/16/2024Niagara MINUTES
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NADA
City Council Meeting
4:00 PM -Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City of Niagara Falls Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 4:11 PM, in Council Chambers, with the following members
present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne
PRESENT: Campbell, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike
Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Jo Zambito, Erik Nickel, Kathy Moldenhauer,
PRESENT: Kira Dolch, Serge Felicetti, Nidhi Punyarthi, Tiffany Clark, Shelley
Darlington, Andrew Bryce (present in Chambers)
Trent Dark (present via Zoom)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:11 PM.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1. Council Minutes of December 12, 2023
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council approve the minutes of the December 12, 2023 Council
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
a) Councillor Victor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to By-law 2024-004,
as the by-law relates to a planning application which the Councillor's main
residence is within the notification zone.
b) Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict of interest to Item #6.4, Boards,
Commissions, Fees. Councillor Lococo is a board member of the Niagara
Falls Art Gallery and sits on it as a resident.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council direct staff to move Item #8.1 (CAO -2024-01 - Social Services
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Grants) on agenda, to be presented before going In -Camera.
Carried Unanimously
c) Mayor Jim Diodati declared a conflict of interest to By-law 2024-007 as it
relates to vacation rental units.
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following:
• Robert Orr, former City Councillor, having served 2 3 year terms in the
1970's and 80's.
• Kathy Phillips, mother-in-law of Heather Phillips in the Mayor & CAO's
office.
• Vincenzo loannoni, father of Carm loannoni in our Human Resources
Department.
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following City events:
9th Annual Dalton's Wish Toy Drive
-Hosted by Councillor Strange
-Also attended by Councillors Patel, Pietrangelo and Baldinelli
Cool As Ice Gala
-Also attended by Councillors Patel & Strange
Councillor Representation
Councillor Patel attended the following events:
-Notre Dame Christmas Project Judge
-Niagara African Caribbean Culture Organization Recognition Award Dinner
-New Year's Levee, NF Armoury
Business Happenings—g rand openings: [photos for each shown]
-Triple O's grand opening
oCouncillors Strange, Nieuwesteeg, Patel and Pietrangelo
-Paris Lane Boutique grand opening
oCouncillors Baldinelli, Patel and Thomson
Flag Raising: [Photo shown]
-Crime Stoppers
oAlso attended by Councillor Thomson
c) The next Council meetings are scheduled as follows:
• Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 (2024 Operating Budget) - 3:00 PM.
• Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - 4:00 PM.
5. PLANNING MATTERS
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5.1. PBD -2024-01
AM -2023-023 - Zoning By-law Amendment
5438 Ferry Street
Proposal: To rezone the property to facilitate the development of a 30 -
storey, mixed-use building containing 456 dwelling units and 2
commercial units.
Applicant: 1788618 Ontario Inc. (Rick Dritsacos)
Agent: Quartek Group Inc. (Eric Potts)
The Public Meeting commenced at 4:30 PM.
Mackenzie Ceci, Senior Planner, Current Development, provided an overview
of Report PBD -2024-01.
Leigh Whyte, from PLW Planning & Environmental Consulting, represented the
applicant and provided a presentation in support of the application.
Matthew Trendota, Architect from Quartek in St. Catharines, was in attendance
and provided some context to Councillor questions.
The Public meeting was closed at 5:03 PM.
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council approve the Zoning By-law Amendment to permit the
development of a 30 -storey, mixed use building containing 456 dwelling
units and 2 commercial units, subject to the regulations outlined in this
Report.
2. THAT the amending by-law include a Holding (H) provision to require
the filing of a Record of Site Condition, the inclusion of various warning
clauses in Site Plan / Condominium Agreements, the registration of a
Site Plan Agreement within two years of the passing of the amending
by-law, and the submission of an updated Wind Study, an updated
Shadow Study Report, an alternative concept for the roof treatment, and
additional information with respect to the affordability of the proposed
dwelling units.
Carried Unanimously
6. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
6.1. Presentation - Steven deBoer, Mission Pastor, from The Bridge
Steven deBoer, Mission Pastor, from The Bridge, presented his new program
with the Hotels and Convention Centre (Food Recovery project and partnership
with La Tablee Des Chefs) and how the innovative program re -distributes food
throughout the City.
Direction to Staff:
To ask staff contact local BIA's, hotels and the Niagara Hotel Association by
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sharing Steven deBoer's name in order to establish partnerships.
Also direction taken to increase the awareness of this initiative by promoting on
our social media channels.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Steven deBoer, Mission
Pastor, from the Bridge regarding a food recovery program.
Carried Unanimously
6.2. Alzheimer Society
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. As such, Anne Radojcic, Board
Member of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region presented to Council
information on Alzheimer's Disease, their programs and services and their
search for new board members.
Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Anne Radojic, providing
information on Alzheimer's disease as January is Alzheimer Awareness Month.
Carried Unanimously
6.3. Niagara Falls Innovation Hub
Dan Bordenave, CEO, Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, presented to Council a
review of 2023 and a summary of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub project.
Educational field trip testimonials attached from students at St. John Henry
Newman Catholic Elementary School (Grade 8 students) and Notre Dame
Elementary School.
Resident of O'Neil Street, Aras Reisi, addressed Council citing his support of
the Innovation Hub.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Dan Bordenave, CEO of the
Niagara Falls Innovation Hub whom provided a summary of the project.
Carried Unanimously
6.4. F-2024-02
2024 Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums
Recommendations
The following grant recipient groups presented before Council:
1. Birchway Niagara (formerly Women's Place of Niagara) - Jennifer Gauthier,
Executive Director
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2. Project Share - Pam Sharp, Executive Director
3. YWCA Niagara Region - Elisabeth Zimmermann, Executive Director -
updated Council on the programs and services offered by the YWCA in
Niagara Falls.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Pam Sharp of Project Share,
for information.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Jennifer Gauthier, of Birchway
Niagara, for information.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Elisabeth Zimmermann,
Executive Director of the YWCA, for information.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT 2024 funding levels and classifications for Boards and
Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums as presented
on Attachment 1 totaling $8,055,345 of which $7,072,446 will be funded
by the tax levy, representing a increase in tax levy funding of $192,119
(0.2% levy impact) from prior year BE REFERRED to the 2024 budget
deliberations scheduled for January 23, 2024.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lococo declared a conflict to mentions
of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery).
6.5. Niagara Falls Public Library - 2024 Operating Budget
Alicia Subnaik Kilgour, Chief Librarian, provided a brief presentation to Council.
Anne Andres -Jones, Chair of Library Board and John Anstruther, Vice -Chair of
the Library Board were also in attendance and shared results from 2023.
Mayor Diodati left Chambers at 7:54 PM and Councillor Pietrangelo resumed
as Chair. Mayor Diodati returned at 7:59 PM.
Councillor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 8:00 PM and returned at 8:05 PM.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
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THAT Council receive the presentation from Alicia Subnaik Kilgour, Anne
Andres -Jones and John Anstruther, from the Niagara Falls Public Library, for
information.
Carried Unanimously
7. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
Moved to Item #8.1 on the agenda.
7.1. In -Camera Resolution
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council enter in an In -Camera session.
Carried Unanimously
8. REPORTS
8.1. CAO -2024-01
Social Services Grants
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council defer Recommendations #1 and #2 from the report until such
time as a Council workshop has been scheduled to further discuss different
solutions and other opportunities in the social services grant funding process.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council APPROVE the pilot project (Project Elevate) for a maximum of
18 months as outlined in this report.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
8.2. Councillor Wayne Campbell left meeting at 9:45 PM.
Open Council meeting resumed at 10:00 PM.
MW -2024-02
Brown Road Watermain Replacement — Contract Award (2023-557-21)
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council extend the curfew of 10:00 PM to allow the Council meeting to
continue.
Carried Unanimously
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Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
1. THAT Council award Contract 2023-557-21, Brown Road Watermain
Replacement, to O'Hara Trucking and Excavating in the amount of
$2,951,639.00 + HST.
2. THAT Council approve a 2024 capital budget amendment for the
extension of the scope of this project (Brown Road Watermain
Replacement, W66-23) in the amount of $300,000.00, to be funded from
the Water Capital Special Purpose Reserve.
3. THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
agreements.
Carried Unanimously
8.3. PBD -2024-02
Quarter 3 Development and Housing Report and Provincial Reporting
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council receive the Quarter 3 Development and Housing Report
that reviews the status of current development and housing activity in
the City for the third quarter of 2023.
2. THAT Council direct staff to forward the housing information to the
Province as required.
Carried Unanimously
9. CONSENT AGENDA
9.1. F-2024-05
2024 Interim Tax Levy
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council approve the 2024 Interim Tax Levy calculation and by-law
providing for the 2024 Interim Tax Levy.
Carried Unanimously
9.2. MW -2024-01
Summary of 2024 Traffic & Parking By-law Amendments
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
For the information of City Council.
Carried Unanimously
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10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Proclamation Request - World Parkinson's Day
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and April 11, 2024 is World Parkinson's
Day. The Passion for Parkinson's Foundation is requesting that Council
proclaim Thursday. April 11, 2024 as "World Parkinson's Day" and arrange for
the lighting of City Hall in blue in recognition.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council proclaim Thursday, April 11, 2024 as "World Parkinson's Day"
and arrange for the lighting of City Hall in blue in recognition.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Letter from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Greenbelt Statute
Law Amendment Act, 2023 receives Royal Assent - City of Niagara Falls
Sean Fraser, Assistant Deputy Minister, Planning and Growth Division, Ministry
of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has sent the attached letter to Municipal
Clerk's/CAOs for information.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
11.2. Resolution - Town of Lincoln - Provincial Commitment - Bill 23
Attached is a resolution from the Town of Lincoln, passed on Wednesday,
December 13, 2023 in support of a Provincial commitment to provide
municipalities necessary infrastructure funding to support housing as a result of
the impacts of Bill 23 and other legislation.
Recommendation: For the Support of Council.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council supports the resolution from the Town of Lincoln, passed on
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in support of a Provincial commitment to
provide municipalities necessary infrastructure funding to support housing as a
result of the impacts of Bill 23 and other legislation.
Carried Unanimously
11.3. Resolution -Town of Aurora -Community Safety and Inciteful Speech
Attached is correspondence from the Town of Aurora Council meeting of
December 12, 2023, regarding a resolution adopted by Council respecting
Community Safety and Inciteful Speech.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
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11.4. Niagara Region Correspondence
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following:
1. Niagara Regional Report PW 53-2023 Waste Management By-law Update
2. 2024 Budget - Waste Management Services Operating Budget and
Requisition
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
11.5. Letter to Council -Potential Municipal Equipment Operator Course
Attached is a letter from the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors
requesting Councils to review.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
11.6. Comments from Resident
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council receive and file for information Items # 11.1 - #11.6, excluding
Item #11.2.
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Appointments to Transportation Strategy Steering Committee
The Regional Clerks Office is looking for a City Council Representative for the
Transportation Strategy Steering Committee.
Recommendation: THAT Council appoint one representative to the Region's
Transportation Steering Committee for the balance of the current term.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council receive the results of the vote and appoint Councillor Tony
Baldinelli to the Region's Transportation Steering Committee for the balance of
the current term.
Carried Unanimously
13. RATIFICATION OF IN -CAMERA
a) Ratification of In -Camera
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council accept an offer to purchase part of River Lane (located between
John Street ad Hiram Street) for $290,000.00; THAT any sale of the Subject
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Lands be conditional upon the lands being merged in title with the abutting
lands.; THAT the City Solicitor and Chief Administrative Officer, or their
designate, is authorized to execute all other documentation and take whatever
steps necessary to complete the transaction and;
THAT Council approve the sale of 2.385 acres of land within the Montrose
Business Park, specifically Part 12 of Reference Plan 59R-16783; and THAT
the City Solicitor and CAO, or their designate, be authorized to execute all
other documentation and take whatever steps necessary to complete the
transaction.
Carried Unanimously
14. MOTION
14.1. At the previous Council meeting of December 12, 2023, Councillor Lococo
brought forth the following motion regarding the Niagara Region Transit.
Motion:
1)THAT staff be directed to report back to Council as to whether the transit
amalgamation has met the goals that were outlined to this Council for the
amalgamation; and
2)THAT staff provide a range of options to Council as to how to work with the
Niagara Transit Commission/Niagara Region Transit to obtain increased
efficiency & transparency.
3)THAT staff be directed to begin conversations with Niagara Transit
Commission/Niagara Region Transit regarding the process and cost of
expanding the transit system to the new Regional Hospital on Montrose and
Biggar Roads.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
1)THAT staff be directed to report back to Council as to whether the transit
amalgamation has met the goals that were outlined to this Council for the
amalgamation; and
2)THAT staff provide a range of options to Council as to how to work with the
Niagara Transit Commission/Niagara Region Transit to obtain increased
efficiency & transparency.
3)THAT staff be directed to begin conversations with Niagara Transit
Commission/Niagara Region Transit regarding the process and cost of
expanding the transit system to the new Regional Hospital on Montrose and
Biggar Roads.
Carried Unanimously
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15. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
a) Multi-purpose Courts - Huggins Street - A.N. Myer Secondary School
Councillor Pietrangelo requested re -visiting the agreement/contract between
DSBN and the City pertaining to the multi-purpose courts at A.N. Myer
Secondary School, with the objective of re -opening to the public.
Direction to Staff: Staff will work with partners to review contract with DSBN at
this location.
b) Safety Committee
Councillor Lococo asked for an update as to a previous request pertaining to a
City Safety Committee.
Direction to Staff: Jason Burgess, CAO, informed Council that the Police Chief
was scheduled to come to a future Council meeting and that traffic concerns in
nature, be referred to Mat Bilodeau, Senior Manager of Transportation
Services.
c) Notice of Motion - Snow Removal
Councillor Mona Patel provided a notice that a motion will be brought forward
to our next Council meeting on February 6, 2024, regarding snow removal for
seniors and those with disabilities.
16. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
001. development of 6 townhouse dwelling units in 1 block, together with a semi-
detached dwelling. (AM -2023-024).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
002. development of 9 townhouse dwelling units in 2 blocks, together with 3
detached dwellings (AM -2023-020).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for 3
003. stacked townhouse dwellings containing 43 dwelling units. (AM -2022-030).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
004. development of 44 townhouse dwelling units in 9 blocks, together with 1
detached dwelling and 2 semi-detached dwellings and to repeal By-law No.
1988-134 (AM -2023-010).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 395-1966, By-law No. 2003-078 and By-law No.
005. 79-200, to fulfill conditions of approval of consent applications B-2022-002 to
004 (inclusive) and permit 3 detached dwelling units (AM -2023-018).
2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 163 to the City of
006. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM -2023-015).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for a
007. Vacation Rental Unit, subject to the removal of a holding (H) symbol (AM -2023-
015).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit a semi-detached dwelling
008. (AM -2023-021).
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2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 164 to the City of
009. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM -2023-017).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit 87 dwellings units within two
010. existing two-storey buildings and repeal By-law No. 2018-120 (AM -2023-017).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for a 14
011. storey, mixed-use building, with 480 square metres of ground floor commercial
space and 162 dwelling units, subject to the removal of a Holding (H) symbol
(AM -2023-014).
2024- A by-law to provide an interim levy of realty taxes.
012.
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
013. traffic on City Roads. (Parking Prohibited, Stop Signs at Intersections, Speed
Limits on Highways (Part 2 — 60 km/h) and (Part 4 — 80 km/h))
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
014. Special meeting held on the 16th day of January, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lococo and Mayor Diodati declared a
conflict to By-law 2024-007 and Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict
to By-law 2024-004).
17. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council adjourn the Council meeting at 10:52 PM.
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Carried Unanimously
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