04/09/2024Niagara MINUTES
cells CityCouncil Meeting N DA a
CA A
4:00 PM - Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, April 9,
2024, at 4:07 PM, in the 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 Wayne
Thomson
COUNCIL
ABSENT: Councillor Mike Strange
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Shelley Darlington, Kira Dolch, Kathy
PRESENT: Moldenhauer, Chief Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, James Dowling, Erik
Nickel, Margaret Corbett (attended in Council Chambers)
Trent Dark, Gerald Spencer (attended via Zoom)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:07 PM.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1. Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the March 19, 2024 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
a) Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg declared a conflict of interest to Item #5.5
regarding the Summer Street Shelter, as the Councillor has property in the
area.
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following:
• Eleanor Waters, mother of Sue.Scerbo of our Planning Department.
• Linda Halliday, mother of Lee Halliday of our Bylaw Department.
• Amanda Symington, wife of Ken Beaman, retired City Solicitor.
• Alan Molloy, stepfather of Paul Brown, our Manager of Parking Services.
• Laura Carroll, retired City Staff Member from the Mayor's Office.
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• Gord Singleton
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following events:
Niagara Riverhawks Playoff Challenge
• Accepted a friendly challenge
o from Grimsby Council Member, Jacob [Ber-AD-zee]
• Niagara Riverhawks and Grimsby Peach Kings playoff series
• Peach Kings won out- and I wear agreed to wear the jersey!
Eclipse
• City staff thank you
• Tourism partners- thank you!
o NPC/ NFT/ Niagara City Cruises/ Niagara River Trading/ Sunlife/
Provincial Government
• Smooth day with lots for locals and visitors alike
Councillor Strange — Canadian Amateur Boxing Wall of Fame
• 3-time Olympic boxer (the only boxer ever from this country to say that)
o 1992, 1996 and 2000
• Commonwealth Games champion winning gold in 1994 and 1998
• Inducted into the Canadian Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame on March 23,
2024 in Calgary during the National amateur boxing championships.
• He will join other former hall of fame boxers like
o Lennox Lewis, Willie Dewitt, Shawn O'Sullivan, Dale Walters, and
Scotty (The Bulldog) Olson.
• Congratulations to our very own, Councillor Mike Strange
• Mental Health Fair at Exchange
• Also attended by Councillors Patel and Nieuwesteeg
Chair Bradley's State of the Region Address
Komedy for Kidneys
• Also attended by Councillor Patel and Nieuwesteeg
Community Easter Egg Hunt at Firemen's Park
• Also attended by Councillor Patel
Niagara College Renaisance Gala
• Also attended by Councillors Strange and Patel
Minister Piccini Announcement in Niagara Falls
• Also attended by Councillors
I Councillor Patel I Balti Indian Restaurant event
Business Happenings:
• Grand Opening Craig's Cookies
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o Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg and Patel
Grand Opening Pizza Formaggio Food Truck
c) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
5. APPOINTMENTS / DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Rotary District Conference
The District Governor Elect for Rotary (Rotary Club of Welland), David
Alexander, spoke before Council regarding the upcoming Rotary District
Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
(This brings together Rotarians from upstate New York and parts of South
West Ontario. The topic is volunteering and the aim is to bring together all the
leading community organizations to discuss trends, issues, needs, and
opportunities. We are looking for a venue and buy -in by partners. Main need
right now: arranging and securing a venue).
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT Council direct staff to assist in sourcing an appropriate venue for the
Saturday, October 26, 2024 event - Rotary District Conference for
approximately 300-400 people.
Carried Unanimously
5.2. Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza
The 3rd Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza, organized by the Filipino community in
Niagara will be held on Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th, 2024 at
Firemen's Park.
The organizer and Chairperson of Community Affairs, Eileen Tinio-Hind,
Founder and President and Rizza Gatbonton made a presentation to Council
inviting Council and the community to attend this event. There are 6 Fiesta
Extravaganza events in selected cities in Canada. Highlights include: Musicial
Extravaganza, cultural presentations, food expo, exhibits, games and
community spotlight.
The organizers of the event requested the following:
Extend the invitation to attend the Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza to all City
Council members and request for support in the promotion of the festival
through social media and the City's website.
Request an exemption to the City's Noise -By-law to all for the playing of music
until 10:30 PM at Firemen's Park on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 and Sunday,
August 4, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council approve the request to extend the invitation to attend the
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Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza to all City Council members and to provide
support by promoting the festival through the City's social media channels and
the City's website; furthermore, THAT Council approve the request for an
exemption to the City's Noise -By-law to all for the playing of music until 10:30
PM at Firemen's Park on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 and Sunday, August 4,
2024.
Carried Unanimously
5.3. MIST Music Festival - 75th Anniversary Celebration of Filipino Canadian
Friendship (Presentation and event has been cancelled - notification
received post Council meeting)
Noise By-law Extension Request:
The event organizers are also looking to request an exemption to the City's
Noise -By-law for the playing of music until 1:00 AM at the Niagara Falls
Convention Centre (indoor event) on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council approved the request for an exemption to the City's Noise -By-
law for the playing of music until 1:00 AM at the Niagara Falls Convention
Centre (indoor event) on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Carried Unanimously
5.4. Family and Children's Services Niagara (FACS) - Mountainview
LemonAlD Day
Jayden Polgrabia, along with FACS Niagara Foundation Board President
Caroline Polgrabia, presented before Council to speak on the upcoming
Mountainview LemonAlD Day to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT Council declare Saturday, June 8, 2024 as Mountainview LemonAlD
Day to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024; AND to request that MYAC
(Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee) take a lead and investigate certain city
locations to host a LemonAlD stand and; THAT Council direct staff to promote
the event through our social media channels and FURTHERMORE, THAT
Council request the Niagara Falls Illumination Board to change the colour of
the Falls to yellow to draw awareness to the event.
Carried Unanimously
5.5. Summer Street Shelter
Residents concerned with safety issues around the Summer Street Shelter,
attended the Council meeting. Amanda Jellema, resident, addressed Council
on behalf of the residents and businesses in the Main Street, Lowell Avenue
and Summer Street area. Amanda cited many concerns, including an unsafe
environment and unwanted behaviour and explained how these issues have
negatively impacted the neighbourhood. Amanda presented Council with a
petition signed by many local residents (112) opposed to the temporary site
becoming permanent.
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Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council direct staff to come back with a fullsome report outlining
responses and solutions to the outstanding safety issues from our partners;
and to arrange a meeting with all partners (Regional Councillors, Public
Health respresentatives, Niagara Regional Police, City by-law enforcement)
and to include a spokesperson from the neighbourhood to look for solutions to
address the problems collectively.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Nieuwesteeg declared a conflict of
interest).
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Staff direct staff to waive the procedural by-law to receive the petition
submitted from the residents.
Carried Unanimously
6. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
6.1. In -Camera Resolution
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council enter into an In -Camera session at 6:09 PM.
Carried Unanimously
7. REPORTS
Open Council meeting resumed at 7:16 PM.
Councillor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 7:16 PM and returned at 7:17 PM.
7.1. L-2024-04
Restriction of Certain Forms of Participation and Engagement in Council
Meetings
Our File No.: 2024-64
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
1. THAT Council RECEIVE this report and its companion report L-2024-03
for information, which provides that Staff has statutory authority to:
a. exclude any correspondence or any delegation request where
Staff determine that the correspondence or requested delegation
has one or more of the following characteristics:
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i. The correspondence or proposed delegation is vexatious
and will cause the City to incur additional costs;
ii. The correspondence or proposed delegation is without
factual or legal merit or misrepresents the process and
purpose of Council; or
iii. The correspondence or proposed delegation harasses or
is abusive towards Council or Staff;
b. exclude any correspondence or proposed delegation from
anyone that has one or more of the three listed characteristics
above; and
c. amend, where necessary, the City's policies and procedures on
delegations and correspondence to refer to these three listed
criteria for exclusion.
Carried Unanimously
7.2. MW-2024-16
Audio Trails Wayfinding Proposal for Millennium Trail
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Report MW-2024-16 BE RECEIVED for information; and further,
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE a single source procurement with Access
Labs for audio trail wayfinding Millennium trail as a pilot project in the
amount of $13,479.00 plus applicable taxes in accordance with
Section 18 of the City's Procurement Bylaw 2021-04; and further,
3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE Staff to enter into a contract with Access
Labs to establish an Audio Trails Wayfinding system along the
Millennium trail as a pilot project; and further,
4. THAT Council APPROVE a 2024 Capital Budget Amendment in the
amount of $13,479 funded from Capital Special Purpose Reserves, for
the implementation related costs; and further,
5. THAT the annual operating budget impact of $2,950 be REFERRED to
the 2025 Operating Budget Process.
Carried Unanimously
7.3. PBD-2024-11
Proclaimed Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New O.
Reg. 41 /24
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council RECEIVE PBD-2024-11 for information.
Carried Unanimously
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7.4. PBD-2024-13
Housing Accelerator Fund Application Update
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information purposes.
Carried Unanimously
7.5. PBD-2024-14
Financial Assistance request for a 100-112 unit affordable housing
project on 8055 McLeod Road
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council allow members of public (John Potts, Board Director of Niagara
Falls Non -Profit Housing (NFNP) to speak to this item (Item #7.5).
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
1.THAT Council APPROVE the Planning fee waivers totaling $35,700.00,
subject to Niagara Falls Not for Profit entering into an agreement with Niagara
Regional Housing to provide rental subsidy for 25 units in a 9 storey building or
28 units in a 10 storey building that will be between 65-70% of the CHMC
MMR;
2. THAT Council APPROVE a grant equivalent to the Building Permit Fees
of $165,311.91 for a 9 storey building or $183,679.90 for a 10 storey
building subject to Niagara Falls Not for Profit entering into an agreement
with Niagara Regional Housing to provide rental subsidy for 25 units in a 9
storey building or 28 units in a 10 storey building that will be between 65-
70% of the CHMC MMR; and
3. THAT Council APPROVE a discretionary exemption to Community
Benefit totaling $160,000.00, subject to Niagara Falls Not for Profit
entering into an agreement with Niagara Regional Housing to provide
rental subsidy for 25 units in a 9 storey building or 28 units in a 10 storey
building that will be between 65-70% of the CHMC MMR.
7.6. R&C-2024-03
Anti -Racism Committee New Committee Member
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
Carried Unanimously
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1. THAT Council APPROVE adding Johnathan Frazier to the Anti -Racism
Committee.
Carried Unanimously
7.7. F-2024-14
2024 Development Charge Update
The City is currently updating its Development Charges (DC) Background
Study and By -Law. Staff has engaged Hemson Consulting Ltd. to assist with
the update of the Background Study and By -Law.
Throughout the update process, Staff, Hemson Consulting, and Development
Stakeholders have identified several opportunities. This report provides Council
with recommendations related to these opportunities in advance of the updated
DC By -Laws being adopted.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
1. THAT Council after having given CONSIDERATION to the use of "area
rating" or "area -specific development charges", APPROVE the use of a
city-wide non-residential development charge rate as outlined in the
2024 Development Charges Background Study, in place of the Area
Specific Development Charges levied under the 2019 DC By -Law.
2. THAT Council DIRECT staff to create a policy for Council's Approval for
Industry Development Charges, to maintain the current exemption in a
more flexible format outside of the DC By -Law and consider its inclusion
in the scheduled Community Improvement Plan update.
3. THAT Council DIRECT staff to create a policy for Council's Approval for
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) exemptions, to maintain the current
exemptions outside of the DC By -Law, to enable them to be updated
during the upcoming CIP review without requiring a DC By -Law
Amendment.
4. THAT Council DIRECT staff to report back with an analysis of additional
transitional measures, in addition to legislative requirements, such as
DC deferral programs and discretionary phase -in programs to ease the
transition to the new DC rates for the development industry.
5. THAT Council APPROVE an amendment remove Paragraph 2 of
Section 6.5 of Policy # 700.33 "Development Charge Payment Policy
regarding Sections 26.1 and 26.2 of the Development Charges Act" that
currently reads "An interest rate of 0% shall be used for the purposes of
26.1 and 26.2 for development projects that align with the City strategic
initiatives, non-profit housing development as defined under section 11.1
(3) of O. Reg. 82/98"
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed to the vote).
7.8. PBD-2024-12
2023 Housing & Growth Monitoring Report - Year in Review
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Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council RECEIVE the Development and Housing Monitoring Report that
reviews the status of development and growth management activity for the City
for the year 2023.
Carried Unanimously
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Jason Burgess, CAO, left the meeting at 8:08 PM.
8.1. CLK-2024-02
Request to Review Applications for Mayor's Accessibility Advisory
Committee
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council REVIEW the Committee's applications to fill any vacancies at an
upcoming Council meeting and THAT committees no longer provide
recommendations as to how to fill vacancies.
Carried Unanimously
8.2. F-2024-15
Final Tax Notice Due Dates
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
1. THAT Council APPROVE June 28 and September 30 as the 2024 Final
Due Dates for the Residential, Pipeline, Farmland and Managed Forest
Assessment Classes.
2. THAT Council APPROVE August 30 and October 31 as the 2024 Final
Due Dates for the Commercial, Industrial and Multi -residential
Assessment Classes.
Carried Unanimously
8.3. F-2024-16
2024 Property Tax Rates
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council APPROVE the 2024 Property Tax Rates as illustrated in
attachments 1 through 3.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
8.4. R&C-2024-04
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2023 Annual Update from the Culture Section
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council RECEIVE report R&C 2024-04 for information.
Carried Unanimously
9. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
9.1. Niagara Region Correspondence
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following:
1. Niagara Region Motion respecting Federal Infrastructure Investment
Recommendation: For the Approval/Support of Council.
9.2. Proclamation Request - Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day
The Hepatitis C Care Clinic is requesting Niagara Falls Council to proclaim
Thursday, May 9, 2024 as Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.3. Proclamation and Flag -Lowering Request - National Day of Mourning
The Niagara Regional Labour Council will observe the National Day of
Mourning to remember those who have suffered injury and/or died on the job.
As we remember those who have died in workplace catastrophes, those who
have been exposed to toxic substances and those who have been injured due
to dangerous work conditions, we rededicate ourselves to fight for safe
workplaces.
Therefore, as we approach April 28th, the Niagara Regional Council are
requesting that the City Council consider and issue a Proclamation with respect
to the "National Day of Mourning" and that flags be flown at half-mast at City
Hall on Sunday, April 28th, 2024.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.4. Proclamation Request - Moose Hide Campaign Day
The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots organization that is indigenous -led
hoping to raise awareness around issues of reconciliation and violence against
women and girls.
The organization is looking for Council to proclaim Thursday, May 16, 2024 as
Moose Hide Campaign Day.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.5. Flag -Raising Request - Dig Safe Month
April is "Dig Safe" month. Looking to increase public awareness, informing
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those that dig, to make sure they call for locates first, prior to excavating and
the rules of working around buried utility lines.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.6. Proclamation and Flag -Raising Request - Shriners Week
The Niagara Shrine Club requests a proclamation declaring the week of June
3, 2024 - June 9, 2024 as "Shriners Week" and a flag raising ceremony on
Thursday, June 6, 2024 at City Hall.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.7. Proclamation and Flag -Raising Request - Haitian Day
The attached correspondence is a request for Council to proclaim Saturday,
May 18, 2024 as "Haitian Day" in the City of Niagara Falls and to raise the
Haitian flag and illuminate the Niagara Falls with the colours of Haiti (red and
blue).
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.8. Proclamation Request - Menstrual Health Day
On behalf of The Period Purse (TPP), this registered charity is requesting
Niagara Falls' Council proclaim Tuesday, May 28, 2024 as Menstrual Health
Day.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
9.9. Proclamation and Flag -Raising Request - Sikh Heritage Month
The Sikh community of Niagara Falls requests Niagara Falls Council to
proclaim the month of April as "Sikh Heritage Month" and to arrange for a flag -
raising ceremony during the month of April as a symbol of solidarity and
respect towards the Sikh community.
Recommendation: For the Approval of Council.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Item #9.1 through to and including Item
#9.9.
Carried Unanimously
10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Niagara Falls Public Library -2024 (Revised) Operating Budget
Attached is the Niagara Falls Public Library's 2024 revised Operating Budget
for Council's information.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
10.2. Niagara Region Correspondence
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following:
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1. Niagara Region Report PDS 7-2024 respecting Regional Archaeological
Management Plan.
2. Niagara Region Report CSD 7-2024 2024 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and
Rates.
3. Niagara Region Report CSC-C 4-2024 Motion - New Funding Model
Resolution
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
10.3. Correspondence from Enbridge Gas Inc.
Attached is and email from Enbridge Gas Inc., providing Council with
information regarding securing the future of natural gas in Ontario.
Mark Freeman, citizen of Niagara Region, spoke before Council, opposed to
the Enbridge decision and in support of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
10.4. Resolution - Town of Pelham - Bill 165 and support of OEB Decision to
end gas pipeline study
Attached is correspondence relating to a Resolution passed by the Council of
the Town of Pelham during the March 27, 2024 Council Meeting, pertaining to
the OEB Decision to end gas pipeline study.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
10.5. Resolution - City of Brantford - Home Heating Sustainability
Attached is the decision of Brantford City Council from its meeting held on
March 26, 2024 regarding Home Heating Sustainability.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
10.6. Resolution - Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
Attached correspondence pertains to Board direction, regarding New
Conservation Authorities Act Legislative and Regulatory Requirements - NPCA
Housekeeping Policy Amendments and Transition Plan.
Recommendation: For the Information of Council.
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council receive and file for information Item #10.1 through to and
including Item #10.6.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Noise By-law Extension Request - Chippawa Slo-Pitch Tournament and
Street Dance - 2024
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On June 29, 2024 the Chippawa Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVFA) will
be hosting the annual SPN Slo-Pitch Tournament and Street Dance, "Streets
on Fire."
The event will be held at the Chippawa Lions Park.
The CVFA is requesting Council to approve an extension of the Noise By-law
to 11:30 PM for this event on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Bands are scheduled to
start playing at 1:00 PM.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise
by-law to 11:30 PM for the Annual SPN Slo-Pitch Tournament and Street
Dance to be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at the Chippawa Lions Park.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise by-law to 11:30 PM
for the Annual SPN Slo-Pitch Tournament and Street Dance to be held on
Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at the Chippawa Lions Park.
Carried Unanimously
11.2. Noise By-law Extension Request - St. George & St. Archangel Michael
Church Grounds - Serbian Picnic Grounds
The St. George & St. Archangel Michael Church is requesting Council to
approve the following noise by-law extensions:
1) Folklore Concert - Saturday, June 8, 2024 - until midnight.
2) Serbian Day - June 21, 22 & 23, 2024 - until midnight.
3) Knezevic, Srdjan Engagement Party - Saturday, August 31, 2024 - until
midnight.
4) Bijelic Wedding - Saturday, September 7, 2024 - until midnight.
5) Bowling Tournament - October 11, 12 & 13, 2024 - until midnight.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise
by-law for the following dates and times at the Serbian Picnic grounds:
1) Folklore Concert - Saturday, June 8, 2024 - until midnight.
2) Serbian Day - June 21, 22 & 23, 2024 - until midnight.
3) Knezevic, Srdjan Engagement Party - Saturday, August 31, 2024 - until
midnight.
4) Bijelic Wedding - Saturday, September 7, 2024 - until midnight.
5) Bowling Tournament - October 11, 12 & 13, 2024 - until midnight.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise by-law for the
following dates and times at the Serbian Picnic grounds:
1) Folklore Concert - Saturday, June 8, 2024 - until midnight.
2) Serbian Day - June 21, 22 & 23, 2024 - until midnight.
3) Knezevic, Srdjan Engagement Party - Saturday, August 31, 2024 - until
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midnight.
4) Bijelic Wedding - Saturday, September 7, 2024 - until midnight.
5) Bowling Tournament - October 11, 12 & 13, 2024 - until midnight.
Carried Unanimously
11.3. Noise By-law Extension Request - Silverline Group Inc
Silverline Group Inc., is planning to complete a storm, sanitary and watermain
connection across/through McLeod Road. These services will connect into the
Livwell site of 7219 Sharon Avenue. As such, Silverline Group Inc., are
requesting an allowance of nightwork, with an exemption of the noise by-law.
The work will take place between the hours of 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM beginning
on April 15th, 2024 for 3 nights.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise
by-law to allow for construction work to be completed from Silverline Group Inc.
across/through McLeod Road, beginning April 15th, 2024 for 3 nights.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the request to extend the noise by-law to allow for
construction work to be completed from Silverline Group Inc. across/through
McLeod Road, beginning April 15th, 2024 for 3 nights.
Carried Unanimously
11.4. Memo from City Clerk - Noise By-law Exemptions
Attached is a memo from the City Clerk proposing minor amendments to the
City's Noise By-law.
Recommendation: THAT Council DIRECT staff to prepare the necessary
amendments to the City's Noise By-law to allow for some delegated authority
to allow staff to approve necessary exemptions.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DIRECT staff to prepare the necessary amendments to the
City's Noise By-law to allow for some delegated authority to allow staff to
approve necessary exemptions.
Carried Unanimously
11.5. Correspondence from resident to Mayor and Council -Go Train station
Attached is correspondence from a local resident expressing his concerns
about the Niagara Falls Go Train station.
Recommendation: To be Referred to Staff.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT the matter be referred to staff and shared with Niagara Parks
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Commission.
Carried Unanimously
12. RATIFICATION OF IN -CAMERA
a) Ratification of In -Camera
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson
THAT Council APPROVE the purchase of land at 12761 Sodom Road; AND
THAT the City Solicitor and CAO, or their designate, be AUTHORIZED to
execute all documentation and take whatever steps necessary to carry out and
complete the transaction; AND THAT Council DIRECT staff to approach the
Province to investigate the designation of the QEW corridor between Niagara
Falls and Fort Erie as a Provincially Significant Employment Zone.
Carried Unanimously
13. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
a) Mooned T-shirts - available for sale to the public.
Councillor Lococo informed Council that she has numerous inquiries from the
public as to how to purchase the mooned t shirts worn by the Mayor on the
Solar Eclipse Day.
Direction to Staff: Mayor Jim informed Council that he would direct staff to
inquire as to how the mooned t-shirts could become available for public
purchase.
14. MOTIONS
14.1. Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) - At the Council meeting of March 19,
2024, Councillor Tony Baldinelli brought forth the following motion:
Motion:
THAT Staff bring an update on current practices and a report to explain our
options for the Municipal Accommodation Tax and its best practices and to
include the following:
1. What is the Municipal Accommodation Tax and what is it presently used
for?
2. Why is our current MAT significantly less than most municipalities in
Ontario?
3. How much revenue is the MAT expected to generate (approx.) year over
year?
4. How would the City of Niagara Falls' use of the MAT currently compare
to those municipalities with a significant tourism component to their
economy?
5. How can we improve and/or enhance the tourism experience while
trying to ensure that we're respecting our community?
6. What are the current impacts of tourism on the municipality, and can the
MAT be used to implement measures that try to alleviate the pressure of
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tourism on the residents and the city itself?
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Staff bring an update on current practices and a report to explain our
options for the Municipal Accommodation Tax and its best practices.
Carried Unanimously
14.2. Review of Housing Strategy - At the Council meeting of March 19, 2024,
Councillor Lori Lococo brought forth the following motion:
Motion:
THAT Council review the Housing Strategy Report for the education,
information and discussion of Council.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council review the Housing Strategy Report for the education,
information and discussion of Council.
Carried (Councillor Patel and Councillor Pietrangelo were opposed).
14.3. Integrity Commissioner Report - At the Council meeting of March 19, 2024,
Councillor Lori Lococo brought forth the following motion:
Motion:
THAT Staff prepare a report on Integrity Commissioner complaints from other
cities in the Region, and to include the number of complaints, costs of
complaints and filing fees.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Staff prepare a report on Integrity Commissioner complaints from other
cities in the Region, and to include the number of complaints, costs of
complaints and filing fees.
Not put (no seconder)
14.4. Procedural By-law - At the Council meeting of March 19, 2024, Councillor
Mike Strange brought forth the following motion:
Motion:
THAT Staff be directed to look for efficiencies in running the Council meetings
via updates to the Procedural By-law.
This motion was deferred until the next Council meeting on April 30, 2024, as
Councillor Strange was absent.
14.5. Cummington Square Parking - At the Council meeting of March 19, 2024,
Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg brought forth the following motion:
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Motion:
THAT Staff be directed to remove paid parking at Cummington Square to
better serve the residents of this area.
Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Staff be directed to report back to Council providing parking options for
Cummington Square to better serve the residents and business owners of this
area.
Carried Unanimously
15. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to set and levy the rates of taxation for City purposes, for Regional
040. purposes, and for Education purposes for the year 2024.
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
041. meeting held on the 9th day of April, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried (Councillor Lococo opposed to By-law 2024-040).
16. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council adjourn the meeting at 9:26 PM.
City Clerk
Carried Unanimously
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