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09/10/2024The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:13 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne PRESENT: Campbell, Councillor Lori Lococo, Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange COUNCIL Councillor Wayne Thomson ABSENT: STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Signe Hansen, Kathy Moldenhauer, Nidhi PRESENT: Punyarthi, Chief Jo Zambito, Tiffany Clark, Kent Schachowskoj, Shelley Darlington, Serge Felicetti, Margaret Corbett, Heather Ruzylo 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:13 PM. 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 2.1. Council Minutes of August 13, 2024 Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the August 13, 2024 meeting as presented. Carried Unanimously 3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST a) Councillor Mona Patel declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.3 - MW-2024-37 - Grand Niagara Development Sewer Allocation. 4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following: • Marie Holer, wife of the late John Holer, long-time owners of Marineland. o Both she and John started as young entrepreneurs in Niagara. o Loved animals and made daily visits to the park to see them. o Marie loved Slovenian polkas and waltzes, famously having Walter Ostanek playing at Marineland for many years. o After her husband died in 2018, Marie led with calm, unwavering leadership to revolutionize the park through a sophisticated new - Page 1 of 18 ownership process. o Embodied warm hospitality and generosity. o Marie was an integral part of bringing joy and happiness to millions of families and children over the years. • James Etherington, father of Dave Etherington, Director of Information Systems. • Marica Tukonic, mother of Steve Tukonic of our Transportation Department and mother-in-law of Diane Tukonic from Fire Services. • Frank Mazzei, a retired City Employee, and father of Lydia Picca (retired) and grandfather of Jennifer Langlois of Fire Services. b) Mayor Diodati referenced the following municipal events: AMO Conference • Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Nieuwesteeg and Patel • Athletics Niagara 50th Anniversary • Also attended by Councillor Pietrangelo • Niagara Irish Festival • Chris Russell Retirement • 47 year career • Bobby Pusher Bench Unveiling • Long-time GNBA volunteer, player, coach and president British Red Arrows Event • Also attended by Councillor Patel Canuck Season Opening puck -drop • Season's passes for sale • Home games Friday nights at the Gale Centre Heater's Heroes Run For Children • Organized by Councillor Mike Strange • Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Thomson, Patel & Pietrangelo Councillor Representation Councillor Patel • Onam Harvest Celebration Councillor Lococo • 100th Flower and Vegetable Show Business Happenings • Chengdu Noodles. Lundv's Lane - Grand Ooenin • Havana Guinness Book of World Record- Largest Moiito o Also attended by Councillor Patel • Niagara Medicinal Herbs Page 2 of 18 o Also attended by Councillors Patel and Nieuwesteeg Flag Raisings • India's National Day o Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel and Thomson • Restoration Day of the Dominican Republic • Ukraine's Independence Day o Also attended by Nieuwesteeg Childhood Cancer Awareness Month o Attended by Councillors Pietrangelo and Nieuwesteeg Coming up: • Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars o Best of luck to our very own Nidhi Punyarthi, Director of Legal Services, as she competes this year! o Raising money for Easter Seals charity which provides camp, training activities and specialized equipment funding for children with disabilities o Previously Councillors Patel and Strange have competed o Black -tie gala event takes place on Friday, October 18th in Thorold. o Tickets can be purchased or donations made at eastersealsdancing.org o Good luck Nidhi! c) Mayor Jim's Charity Community BBQ and Fire Truck Pull - Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church - 6085 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls. d) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, 2024. 5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 5.1. Fire Chiefs Coin Presentation - Welland River Water Rescue Fire Chief, Jo Zambito recognized Frederico Schifand, Elizabeth Morin and Jeff McMurray for their rescue efforts in the Welland River earlier this summer. They were presented with the Fire Chiefs Coin. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council DIRECT Staff to reach out to provincial and federal agencies in an effort to recognize these individuals with a medal of bravery. Carried Unanimously 5.2. Appointment Request - Resident, Andrea Giacometti - Trees on private property Resident Andrea Giacometti addressed Council regarding her concerns around trees on private property. Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo Page 3 of 18 THAT Staff report back with some insight and ideas on the issue of overhanging neighbouring trees on private property, and provide a pilot program to better educate the public as to what to plant and where to best plant trees on private property. Carried Unanimously 5.3. Delegation Request - David Rupay Resident David Rupay addressed Council regarding the current situation with the Upper Quarry application. Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council receive David Rupay's presentation for information. Carried Unanimously 6. PLANNING MATTERS 6.1. PBD-2024-37 AM-2024-010, Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendment 4280 Fourth Avenue Proposal: To increase the density permitted and rezone the subject lands to facilitate the development of five (5) stacked townhouse blocks for a total of seventy-two (72) two -bedroom dwelling units. Applicant: 1274505 Ontario Ltd. Agent: Aaron Butler (NPG Planning Solutions) The public meeting commenced at 5:25 PM. Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2024-37. Aaron Butler, agent representing applicant, and Principal Planner from NPG Planning Solutions, provided a presentation to Council in support of the application. The Public meeting was closed at 5:55 PM. Direction to Staff: Councillor Lococo requested a record of site condition on title. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to increase the density permitted and rezone the subject lands to facilitate the development of five (5) stacked townhouse blocks for a total of seventy-two (72) two -bedroom dwelling units, subject to the regulations Page 4 of 18 detailed in this Report. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending by-law to include a Holding (H) provision to require the filing of a Record of Site Condition (RSC) prior to lifting the Holding provision. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending by-law which includes a sunset clause to require the execution of a Site Plan Agreement or the receipt of Draft Plan of Condominium approval within three years of the amending by-law coming into effect, with the possibility of a one-year extension at the discretion of the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development. Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed to the vote). 6.2. PBD-2024-38 AM-2024-013, Zoning By-law Amendment 5234-5276, 5278 & 5284 Ferry Street and 5928 Clark Avenue Proposal: To permit the development of a hotel with two 30 -storey towers connected by a 4-storey podium, containing 548 hotel rooms. Applicant: 2550185 Ontario Inc. Agent: Max Fedchyshak (Niagara Planning Solutions) The public meeting commenced at 5:57 PM. Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2024-38. Max Fedchyshak, agent and acting on behalf of applicant, from Niagara Planning Solutions provided a presentation to Council in support of the application. The Public meeting closed at 6:18 PM. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council APPROVE a Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the development of hotel with two 30-storey towers connected by a 4-storey podium, containing 548 hotel rooms. THAT the amending by-law INCLUDE a sunset clause to require the execution of a Site Plan Agreement within three years of the amending by-law coming into effect, with the possibility of a one-year extension at the discretion of the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development. Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT Council MOVE to Item #8.1 on the agenda prior to passing a motion to enter into the In -Camera session. Carried Unanimously Page 5 of 18 7. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 7.1. In -Camera Resolution Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council enter into an In -Camera session at 7:09 PM. Carried Unanimously 8. REPORTS 8.1. BDD-2024-04 Downtown Committee Dean Spironello, Small Business Consultant, provided a brief update by way of introducing Report BDD-2024-04 - Downtown Committee. At the June 18th, 2024 City Council meeting, Council approved a motion to create a Downtown Committee. The City of Niagara Falls has various Committees made of appointed citizens, Council members and staff. A Business Improvement Area (BIA) does not currently exist in the Downtown business district. The Downtown Committee will oversee business expenditures, programming, and beautification until the desire for a BIA is realized. Christa Barette, of 4436 Queen Street, spoke on behalf of other Downtown businesses supporting a non-profit merchant's organization. Jason Burgess addressed Council informing public and the speaker that the Downtown Committee and the non-profit merchant's organization could exist together and work as a partnership. Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, spoke to Council requesting his name to be added as a committee member to the Downtown Committee. Eddy Pybus, of Coldwell Banker, and a business owner of the Downtown, addressed Council strongly supporting the Downtown Committee. Kelly Crossley, business owner on Queen Street, addressed Council providing insight as to the previous Downtown BIA and its operations. Sandor, local resident, spoke in support of the Downtown Committee. Councillor Mike Strange left Chambers at 6:32 and returned at 6:38 PM. Councillor Victor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 6:33 and returned at 6:43 PM. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Page 6 of 18 Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council WAIVE the procedure by-law to allow unregistered delgates to address Council Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT Council APPROVE the Terms of Reference for the Downtown Committee and that Staff come back with a plan to install Christmas lights for Christmas 2024. Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed). 8.2. CLK-2024-03 Fee Waiver Applications - September 2024 Submissions Council resumed at 8:46 PM upon the completion of the In -Camera meeting. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo 1.THAT Council approve, approve in part or deny the Fee Waiver applications received for the September 10, 2024 submission date, listed as follows: a. Halloween on Queen - Community event planned by two local businesses, Cat and Monkey Events and Ronnie Dons Ice Cream, in the amount of $850.00, for the waiving of the costs associated with the road closure (staffing and equipment) and the permit application fee. b. Victim Services Niagara - Police vs. Fire Charity Softball Game - in the amount of $154.98, for the waiving of the costs associated with the field rental. Carried Unanimously 8.3. CLK-2024-05 2025 Council Meeting Schedule Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council direct staff to report back on cost savings for different meeting start times (ie. 9AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM) to determine cost savings over a one year period. Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Page 7 of 18 Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council move the IN -Camera meeting to the start of each agenda. Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell THAT the 5 minute rule in the Procedural By-law, allowing Councillors to speak to a matter, be enforced and to have this effective at the next Council meeting on October 1 st, 2024. Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed). Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council APPROVE the proposed 2025 meeting schedule. Carried Unanimously 8.4. COMM-2024-01 Strategic Plan Update The City of Niagara Falls Council's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan was approved in 2023 and designed to guide decision -making and investments during this term of Council. As indicated in the Strategic Plan, measuring progress on the Plan is a priority and a commitment was made to provide annual progress reports to Council and the community. A new Strategic Plan Progress page has been introduced on our City website, niagarafalls.ca, to provide details on our work toward achieving the strategic pillars, objectives, and actions. Direction to Staff: THAT Council direct staff to report back on the Homeless Committee and the intention of the committee. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information. Carried Unanimously 8.5. F-2024-34 2022 Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls (Draft) Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Page 8 of 18 THAT Council APPROVE the 2022 Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls Draft Consolidated Financial Statements. Carried Unanimously 8.6. R&C-2024-14 MacBain Community Centre Cafe Options Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT a new cafe operator would be selected through a modified RFP process with terms similar to past agreements. Carried Unanimously 8.7. PBD-2024-39 Community Improvement Plan Review Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council direct staff to prepare a draft Community Improvement Plan (CIP) based on the four priority areas after engagement with public stakeholders including local businesses, residents, and community organizations. 2. THAT Council direct staff to send a copy of this report to the Region of Niagara. Carried Unanimously 8.8. F-2024-37 Capital Project Closing and Adjustments Report as at August 31, 2024 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council RECEIVE the report for information and APPROVE the recommended transfers to/from reserves/reserve funds per Attachment 1; 2. THAT Council APPROVE the closure of the projects listed in Attachment 1 and release any associated funding commitments; 3. THAT Council APPROVE the budget amendments transferring funds between cemetery projects as outlined in Attachment 2; 4. THAT Council APPROVE the post -closure adjustments to projects previously approved for closure where the final reconciled funding Page 9 of 18 amount has been adjusted as outlined in Attachment 3; 5. THAT Council APPROVE a budget amendment to remove debenture financing of $700,000 and replace it with $200,000 of OLG funding as outlined in Attachment 4; 6. THAT Council APPROVE budget amendments adding funds to G80-24 to award an RFP, F93-23 to fund geotechnical and structural design costs and G56-22 to complete enhancements related to the CityView software implementation as outlined in Attachment 5. Carried Unanimously 9. CONSENT AGENDA 9.1. F-2024-31 Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes Under Section 357 and 358 of The Municipal Act, 2001 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell THAT Council APPROVE the cancellation, reduction or refund of taxes on the various accounts listed in the attached summary and granted to the property owners listed. Carried Unanimously 9.2. F-2024-33 Q2 Parking Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited) Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT the 2024 Q2 Parking Fund Budget to Actual Variance report for the period ended June 30, 2024 BE RECEIVED. Carried Unanimously 9.3. MW-2024-37 Grand Niagara Development Sewer Allocation Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli 1. That Council DIRECT Staff to further engage with the Grand Niagara Development Group for the purposes of entering into a sewer allocation agreement pertaining to additional capacity obtained by the developer for improvements to the Grassy Brook Pumping Station and surrounding sewers including reductions in system inflow and infiltration. 2. That Council DELEGATE authority to the General Manager of Municipal Works / City Engineer to execute all necessary agreements for the Page 10 of 18 matters described in report MW-2024-37 provided the agreements are satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services / City Solicitor. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Patel declared a conflict). 10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 10.1. Noise By-law Exemption Request -Backyard Wedding Attached is an email from residents, Jesse and Heather, requesting Council approve a Noise By-law exemption for a wedding reception on Friday, September 13, 2024 until no later than 11:00 PM at 4479 Eastwood Crescent. Recommendation: For the Approval of Council. 10.2. Proclamation Request - Pitt Hopkin's Syndrome Attached is a request for Council to approve a proclamation ceremony on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to recognize "Pitt Hopkin's Syndrome" awareness day. Pitt Hopkin's Syndrome is a rare and severe neurological disorder caused by a spontaneous mutation or deletion on the 18th chromosome. Recommendation: For the APPROVAL of Council. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT Council APPROVE Item #10.1 through to and including Item #10.2. Carried Unanimously 11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 11.1. Niagara Escarpment Commission -Short Term Accommodation Decision The attached letter is regarding the Niagara Escarpment Commission's revised position with respect to short-term accommodations within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area of Development Control. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. 11.2. Resolution - City of Quinte West - The Canada Community -Building Fund Attached is correspondence further to the City of Quinte West Council Meeting of August 14, 2024 regarding a resolution adopted by Council in relation to "The Canada Community -Building Fund." Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. 11.3. Resolution - City of Brantford - Legislative Amendments to Improve Municipal Codes of Conduct and Enforcement Attached is a decision of Brantford City Council from the the meeting held on August 27, 2027. Page 11 of 18 Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. 11.4. Notification - City of St. Catharines Council The attached correspondence is from the St. Catharines City Council regarding the Request for Extensions to Niagara Region Incentive Programs. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the City of St. Catharines' Council regarding the Request for Extensions to Niagara Region Incentive Programs. Carried Unanimously 11.5. Resolution - City of Welland Welland City Council passed the attached motion on September 3, 2024 at the Council meeting. Recommendation: That Council RECEIVE for information. Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #11.1 through to and including Item #11.5, with the exception of Item #11.4. Carried Unanimously 12. RATIFICATION OF IN -CAMERA a) Ratification of In -Camera Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council DELEGATE its power pursuant to Section 23.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 ("Municipal Act") to each of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Treasurer, and the City Solicitor to take any step of action necessary, with respect to an Assessment Review Board Hearing; AND, THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreements, and all other accompanying documents as necessary, for the acquisition of properties known municipally at 4403 Park Street and 4389 Park Street; AND, THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Chief Administrative Officer and/or the City Solicitor, or their designate, to execute all required supporting documentation and take whatever steps necessary to complete the transactions noted above. Carried Unanimously Page 12 of 18 b) Ratification of In -Camera Mayor Diodati informed the public that previous notification was received that Councillor Wayne Thomson expressed his wish to vacate his seat at Council as per the Municipal Act. Council received information and advice from staff during the In -Camera session on this matter. The City Clerk informed Council that we have 60 days to fill the seat in one of two ways: 1) Appointing a person. 2) Require a by-election. Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council WAIVE the procedural orders to pass a motion to allow for this matter to be added to the agenda; AND THAT Council DECLARES the seat vacant; AND THAT Council APPROVE the filling of the vacancy by appointment for the remainder of the term; AND THAT Council DIRECT staff to contact the first runner up in the last election to confirm if they are agreeable to fill the vacancy; AND THAT if the first runner up in not willing to fill the vacancy, Council DIRECTS staff to contact the second runner up in the last election to confirm if they are agreeable to fill the vacancy; AND THAT Council DIRECT staff to report back to Council on other options if the first or second runner up does not agree to fill the vacancy. Carried Unanimously 13. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS a) Accidents on Lundy's Lane Councillor Patel addressed concerns with the number of accidents occurring on Lundy's Lane. Direction to Staff: That Staff contact the Niagara Region to investigate what measures can be taken to minimize the unsafe traffic situations across the city, specifically Lundy's Lane, due to multiple accidents reported. b Water and Tax Rebate Councillor Lori Lococo brought forth the following motion: Councillor Wayne Campbell left Chambers at 10:12 PM. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel That Staff bring back a report regarding the City's Water and Tax Rebate program eligibility and a recommendation if it could be amended. This could include and is not Page 13 of 18 limited to: The current eligibility, ODSP, GIS and Canada Disability amounts, the ramifications of amendments, additional costs, staff time to administer the program, how to change the eligibility from a specific program to a specific amount, etc. Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Wayne Campbell Motion Defeated 2-5 on a recorded vote c) Extension of Curfew Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council APPROVE extending the Council meeting curfew past 10:00 PM. Carried Unanimously d) Councillor Wayne Campbell left Chambers at 10:12 PM. Scooters, Mopeds - Road Safety Councillor Nieuwesteeg informed Council of a recent fatality in the City involving a scooter towing a wagon and is looking for increased awareness across the city. Direction to Staff: That Staff inform the Niagara Regional Police Services to see what can be done to better manage the safety of residents travelling on our streets using scooters and mopeds (ie. safety blitzes, awareness campaigns etc... ) 14. MOTION 14.1. MOTION -Wedding Ceremony Enhancements Mayor Diodati brought forth the attached Motion regarding wedding ceremony enhancements. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo • Whereas other chapels in Niagara Falls range in price from approximately $450 to more than $2000 for wedding ceremony provision. • Whereas the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) charges $1695 + tax for a wedding ceremony. • Whereas the City is traditionally not in the business of competing with the private sector. • Whereas the steps of City Hall in Niagara Falls are a quintessential location to get married outside of a place of worship or religious facility. Page 14 of 18 • Whereas City Hall has proven to be an extremely popular venue for wedding ceremonies. • Whereas the City of Niagara Falls is often referred to as the honeymoon capital of the world. • Whereas staff are currently performing 433 weddings per year. • Whereas weddings are not the City's core business, but are a good source of revenue to offset property taxes. • Whereas a large investment in floral and landscape improvements was made to enhance the front entrance of City Hall • Whereas additional investments have been made in the waterfall feature out front of City Hall. Therefore be it resolved that City of Niagara Falls wedding ceremony prices increase immediately to $450 plus tax for locals and $750 plus tax for couples visiting from outside of Niagara Falls with rates to be reviewed annually; and any and all other enhancements here, be implemented within the next year: • Creating value-added packages that offer things like, but not limited to, a keepsake wedding photograph, bouquet(s) and boutonniere(s), mayor's commemorative certificate, choice of venue (indoor or outdoors), set-up of chairs or seating (for outdoor options) • Developing outdoor wedding ceremony locations at City Hall to incorporate a visually unique decorative garden pergola (ie. heart - shaped), and alternatively, a covered outdoor option with a retractable awning for use during inclement weather • Establishing a list of preferred local vendors to provide to couples upon booking, including, but not limited to photographers, florists, ceremony musicians, wedding rental companies • Updating the words "City Hall" above the exterior front doors of City Hall to include the words "Niagara Falls" Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed). Motion - Wedding Ceremony Enhancements 14.2. CLK-2024-04 Wedding Ceremony Enhancements Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, provided comments pertaining to the report. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo 1. THAT Council RECEIVE Staff Report CLK-2024-04, Wedding Ceremony Enhancements as information; 2. THAT Council DIRECT staff to explore opportunities to provide additional wedding packages and add-ons. Page 15 of 18 3. THAT Council DIRECT staff to bring a range of capital investment options to enhance wedding services back to Council during the Budget Process. Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed). 15. BY-LAWS 2024- A by-law to declare PIN 64326-0190 (LT), Part Lane, Plan 997, Town of 85. Niagara Falls lying between Victoria Ave and Brydges St and Leader Lane and Ferguson St; save and except Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, 59R-12258; (Parts 1 to 6, 59R-12258 closed by By-law 2004-63 as in SN28776), in the City of Niagara Falls, in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, as surplus. 2024- A by-law to permanently close part of a highway. 86. 2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and 87. traffic on City Roads. (Parking Prohibited, Stop Signs, Prohibited Turns). 2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City 88. 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 89. meeting held on the 10th of September, 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 16. ADJOURNMENT a) Adjournment Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council ADJOURN the meeting at 10:34 PM. Carried Unanimously 1 iV ray City Clerk Page 16 of 18 Notice of Motion -Wedding Ceremony Enhancements For Tuesday, August 13' • Whereas other chapels in Niagara Falls range in price from approximately $450 to more than $2000 for wedding ceremony provision. • Whereas the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) charges $1695 + tax for a wedding ceremony. • Whereas the City is traditionally not in the business of competing with the private sector. • Whereas the steps of City Hall in Niagara Falls area quintessential Location to get married outside of a place of worship or religious facility. • Whereas City Hall has proven to bean extremely popular venue for wedding ceremonies. • Whereas the City of Niagara Falls is often referred to as the honeymoon capital of the world. • Whereas staff are currently performing 433 weddings per year. • Whereas weddings are not the City's core business, but area good source of revenue to offset property taxes. • Whereas a large investment in floral and landscape improvements was made to enhance the front entrance of City Hall • Whereas additional investments have been made in the waterfall feature out front of City Hall. Therefore be it resolved that City of Niagara Falls wedding ceremony prices increase immediately to $450 plus tax for locals and $750 plus tax for couples visiting from outside of Niagara Falls with rates to be reviewed annually; and any and all other enhancements here, be implemented within the next year: ■ Creating value-added packages that offer things like, but not limited to, a keepsake wedding photograph, bouquet(s) and boutonniere(s), mayor's commemorative certificate, choice of venue (indoor or outdoors), set-up of chairs or seating (for outdoor options) Page 17 of 18 ■ Developing outdoor wedding ceremony locations at City Hall to incorporate a visually unique decorative garden pergola (ie. heart - shaped), and alternatively, a covered outdoor option with a retractable awning for use during inclement weather ■ Establishing a list of preferred local vendors to provide to couples upon booking, including, but not limited to photographers, florists, ceremony musicians, wedding rental companies ■ Updating the words "City Hall" above the exterior front doors of City Hall to include the words "Niagara Falls" Page 18 of 18