02/06/2024Niagara MINUTES
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NADA City Council Meeting
CA
4:00 PM - Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, February
6, 2024, at 4:11 PM, in Council Chambers, with the following members present:
COUNCIL
PRESENT: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Lori Lococo,
Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor
Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson
COUNCIL Councillor Pietrangelo, Councillor Baldinelli
ABSENT:
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Margaret Corbett, Kira Dolch, Erik Nickel,
PRESENT: Nidhi Punyarthi, Tiffany Clark, Chief Jo Zambito, Shelley Darlington,
Kathy Moldenhauer, Andrew Bryce, Michael Stewart, Daniel
Dragosavlijevic, Clark Bernat, Nick Buckborough (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 January 23, 2024
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
That Council approve the minutes of the January 23, 2024 meeting as
presented.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
a) None
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following:
-John Greer, Executive Director, SPCA
-Robert Hunter, father of Platoon Chief Jim Hunter with Fire Services
-Shirley Stanko, mother of Randy Felesko of our Recreation, Culture &
Facilities Department
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b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following City events:
Sports Wall of Fame
-Also attended by Councillors Patel, Nieuwesteeg, Baldinelli and Strange
Retirement of Chief MacCulloch of the Niagara Regional Police
-Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg and Patel
Business Happenings
-Grand Opening Creditshop
• Magnificent Women's Market- Minister Tangri's Visit
Also attended by Councillors Strange, Patel, Niewesteeg and Baldinelli
Flag Raising
-Bell Let's Talk
Also attended by Councillors Thomson, Nieuwesteeg and Patel
c) The next Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27th, 2024
5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Niagara Falls Exchange
Clark Bernat, Senior Manager of Culture, informed the community of the
opening of the Exchange and upcoming events and programs.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council receive the presentation and promote the Niagara Falls
Exchange.
Carried Unanimously
5.2. Prototype Art & Fashion Show
Dillon Douglas, founder and event manager of the Prototype Art & Fashion
Show, promoted and discussed the event taking place in Niagara Falls at the
Niagara Falls Exchange on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
That Council receive the presentation from Dillon Douglas, founder and event
manager of the Prototype Art & Fashion Show.
Carried Unanimously
5.3. David Rupay - Local Resident
David Rupay presented the attached letter that was directed to City Council
and Planning Department related to requesting City Council to join the
moratorium to halt future aggregate mining developments in Ontario.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
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Lori Lococco motion to support the resolution as presented
Not Put
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Staff come back with a report at a future Council meeting.
Carried Unanimously
6. REPORTS
6.1. F-2024-09
Treasurer's Write Off Report Under Section 354 of The Municipal Act,
2001
Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Treasurer, under Section 354(4)(b) of The
Municipal Act, 2001 to write off taxes as uncollectible totaling $668.81 where a
tax sale would be ineffective or inappropriate.
Carried Unanimously
6.2. MW-2024-04
Validity of Drainage Petition
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council instruct K. Smart Associates Limited to prepare one final
Engineer's Report to address both Petitions for Drainage works, pursuant to
the Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, received from 5981 Willow Road and 3313
Willow Road.
Carried Unanimously
7. CONSENT AGENDA
7.1. F-2024-06
2023 Q3 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited)
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT the 2023 Water & Wastewater Budget to Actual Third Quarter Variance
report for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 BE RECEIVED.
Carried Unanimously
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
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8.1. Flag -Raising and Illumination Request - Restoration Day of the
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic community is requesting Council to approve a flag -
raising ceremony at Niagara Falls City Hall and a special illumination of
Niagara Falls with the colours of the flag on Monday, August 19, 2024, to
celebrate their heritage and history.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
8.2. Flag -Raising and Proclamation Request - Parental Alienation Awareness
The requestor is asking Niagara Falls Council to proclaim Thursday, April 25,
2024 as "Parental Alienation Awareness Day," and to coordinate a flag -raising
ceremony at City Hall on a date that is agreeable to both the convenor and the
Mayor's Office.
8.3. Proclamation Request - World Parkinson's Day
The Passion for Parkinson's Foundation is requesting Council to proclaim
Thursday, April 11, 2024 as World's Parkinson's Awareness Day.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
8.4. Resolution - County of Prince Edward - Expand the life span of fire
apparatus
Attached is a resolution from the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
regarding support for the Province to expand the life span of fire apparatus,
specifically pertaining to the replacement of fire trucks due to insurance
requirements.
Recommendation: For the Support of Council.
8.5. Resolution - Town of Orangeville - Social and Economic Prosperity
Review
Attached is a resolution from the Council of the Corporation of the Town of
Orangeville regarding Social and Economic Prosperity Review.
Recommendation: THAT Council Support the Resolution.
8.6. Project Share's Coldest Night of the Year
Attached is a letter from Pam Sharp, Executive Director of Project Share,
promoting and requesting the support of Council for the Coldest Niagara of the
Year event scheduled for Saturday February 24, 2024.
Recommendation: THAT Council Support Project Share's Coldest Night of the
Year by participating as best they can with the event.
8.7 Flag -Raising Request - Republic of Kosovo's declaration of
independence
Kadri Dakaj, The Consul General of the Republic of Kosovo in Toronto is
requesting that Council approve a flag -raising ceremony at Niagara Falls City
Hall on February 17th, 2024 to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the
Republic of Kosovo's declaration of independence.
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Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
8.8 Noise By-law Exemption - Gibbons Contracting Ltd.
Recommendation: That Council grant a noise by-law exemption for Gibbons
Contracting Inc. for one (1) night on or between February 12th-16th, 2024 for
the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am to complete a watermain connection at the
west end of Morrison.
8.9 Resolution - United Counties of Prescott and Russell - AMO Policy -
Update Social and Economic Prosperity Review (Formerly Item 9.4 on
Agenda)
Attached is a resolution passed on January 24, 2024, at the United Counties of
Prescott and Russell Regular Council Meeting.
Recommendation: THAT Council Support the Resolution.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council approve/support items #8.1 through to and including #8.9.
Carried Unanimously
9. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
9.1. Resolution - Municipality of Tweed - Licence Plate Renewal Fees
Attached is a resolution from the Council of the Municipality of Tweed
regarding Licence Plate Renewal Fees.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
9.2. Enbridge Gas Inc. - Securing the Future of Natural Gas in Ontario
Attached is a letter from Enbridge Gas Inc., expressing their concerns with the
Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) decision on Phase 1 of the Enbridge Gas 2024
rebasing application, issued on December 21, 2023.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council support the resolution to reach out to the MPP and write OEB
about the consequences of reduced access to the natural gas grid.
Carried (Councillor Lococo opposed)
9.3. Niagara Region Correspondence
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following:
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1. Niagara Region Motion Respecting Comprehensive Review and Overhaul
of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 1990.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council offer support to the Niagara Region Motion Respecting
Comprehensive Review and Overhaul of the Emergency Management and
Civil Protection Act, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
9.5 Comments from Resident
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
9.6 Reliable and Accessible Public Rail Transit - CN Rail
Attached is the decision letter from Brantford City Council held on January
30th, 2024 in regards to reliable and accessible public rail transit
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council receive and file for information Items #9.1, #9.5 and #9.6.
Carried Unanimously
10. MOTIONS (ADDED)
a) Background
• A'windrow' is the pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after a
plow clears the road.
• Windrow snow clearing is done after secondary roads have been
plowed for emergency and transit.
• The program would clear the windrow at the bottom of a driveway.
• Does not clear to bare pavement but would make the surface safe and
passable.
• To qualify for the service, you must be a resident of Niagara Falls, 65
years or older or have a verified physical disability.
• Those not qualified would be someone living with an able bodied
individual at least 16 years of age or older.
• Residents who live on a private road, in a high-rise multi unit building,
condominium or within a commercial property would not be eligible to for
the service.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT staff be directed to come back with a report for a Driveway Windrow
Snow Clearing Program for residents 65 years and older and for persons with
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disabilities, including the following options, but not limited to;
1. Cost of contracted -out service to a limited number of residents.
2. Cost of service to a limited number of residents using city staff.
3. Optional program fee. The program would cost money to all the
residents that are interested but would be free for the residents who
meet the financial assistance criteria using city staff and/or contracted -
out service.
4. Cost of service to all the residents using city staff.
Carried Unanimously
12. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
a) Budget Process
Direction to Staff: To collect and circulate proposed Council budget
amendments to all of Council prior to final budget deliberations.
b) Library Concerns:
Councillor Lococo discussed concerns raised by Niagara Falls Library staff and
in particular an "Open Letter to our Community" from the Library Board. The
letter is available on the Library's website and it was asked that the Clerk also
distribute the letter to members of Council as well as City staff once it has been
received.
NFPL Open Letter - February 2024
c) Notice of Motion
Councilor Nieuwesteeg brought forward the following motion:
THAT the region be asked to consider amending by-law 96-2006, a by-law to
establish criteria for applications for tax deferrals by low-income seniors and
low-income disabled persons to remove the $200 threshold as identified in
definition of "eligible deferral amount" and throughout the by-law.
13. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to appoint an auditor.
017.
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
018. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
019. meeting held on the 6th of February, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried Unanimously
14. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
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Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council adjourn the meeting at 6:01 PM.
ayor
City Clerk
Carried Unanimously
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N IAGARA FALLS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
4848 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4C5 1905 356 8080
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Dear valued members of the Niagara Falls community,
We extend our sincere gratitude for the positive engagement during the Niagara Falls Public
Library Board's council presentation of our 2024 Forecast Operating Budget on Tuesday, January
16. The Niagara Falls Public Library Board appreciates the opportunity to foster open and
constructive dialogue with our Council Members and our community at large.
After the Niagara Falls City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 23, at which library
representatives were not present, we heard from concerned citizens, neighbours, and local
business owners regarding the Victoria Avenue Library location operating as a shelter for
unhoused community members. We hope this open letter provides context and clarification and
communicates to you, all members of the public, with transparency and understanding.
The Niagara Falls Public Library Board is a separate entity from the City of Niagara Falls, as well
as being a non-profit registered charity. The Library Board proudly owns both the Victoria Avenue
Library and Chippawa Library buildings. While the Board remains open to discussions about the
future of our buildings, any potential sale or reallocation of services would require careful
consideration by the Library Board and would have to fulfil our mandate as a public library.
Libraries, as public spaces, are open to all and serve the entire community but the Library is not a
shelter, and our staff, while dedicated, are not trained social workers. Operating a shelter would go
beyond our mandate and scope of work. While accessible and welcoming to all residents, including
those at risk, libraries are not the right place to address serious mental health, opioid or addiction
issues. These are complex challenges that require expertise from trained professional staff and
social workers. We work closely with community partners who are trained in this area to connect
customers with the services and resources they need that we are not able to provide. This helps
reaffirm the perception of our library as a safe, accessible, and welcoming space. In addition, we
routinely review our policies and procedures to maintain this delicate balance.
In response to changes in our neighbourhood, which are similar to the challenges faced by other
urban libraries, we have invested in staff training, increased security measures (including working
with the NRPS CORE unit), and engaged in partnerships with the City for after-hours security. The
City Council and City Staff have been supportive, offering assistance when needed. As a result, the
Victoria Avenue location has seen significant improvements over the last several months, with
fewer individuals loitering around the building, or misusing or vandalizing library property.
It is essential to highlight that Victoria Avenue is our largest location and acts as our headquarters
for administration, special collections, and school and visiting library services, in addition to
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housing our IT infrastructure. This location is an essential community hub that holds, among other
things, materials to be borrowed or read while in the building, computers for public use, and study
and meeting spaces. Our Victoria Avenue location, which is celebrating 50 years of community
service in 2024, is considered by many to be the heart of Niagara Falls, providing essential,
accessible public services that are available to everyone seven days a week.
In 2023, we recorded 250,730 in -person visits system -wide, with Victoria Avenue welcoming
138,518 of those visitors. That's more than 2,600 people a week visiting this location for
knowledge, culture, connection and belonging, or to warm up in the winter and cool down in the
summer.
Last year, the Canadian Urban Institute published a report on urban libraries that confirmed what
we at the Library already know. Libraries have always been, and will continue to be, anchors in the
community that help create stronger downtowns and connected neighbourhoods. Not only that, but
libraries are critical infrastructure and deliver an outstanding return on investment. The report
indicates that libraries, out of all publicly funded programs or services, are repeatedly cited as
having the highest return on investment, stating, "For every $1 invested in Canada's urban
libraries, $6 is generated in community economic impact, a return of over 600%."
The Victoria Avenue location is a cornerstone of our community and the library is committed to
serving all members, regardless of their background. We acknowledge the challenges in serving
marginalized individuals and firmly believe everyone deserves access to library services.
Prioritizing coordinated services and encouraging government investment in mental health,
addiction, and public safety are proactive steps to ensure Niagara Falls remains a healthy,
connected, vibrant city.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Niagara Falls Public Library Board
OVERDUE: The Case for Canada's Public Libraries: https://canurb.ora/publications/overdue/
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