HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/10/2024 Niagara MINUTES
ly CityCouncil Meeting
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1:00 PM- Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday,
December 10, 2024, at 1:18 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members
present:
Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski,
COUNCIL Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor
PRESENT: Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange
COUNCIL Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Mona Patel
ABSENT:
STAFF Present in Chambers: Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Erik Nickel, Tiffany
PRESENT: Clark, Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, Kira Dolch, Kathy Moldenhauer, Signe
Hansen, Serge Felicetti
Present via Zoom: Trent Dark, Margaret Corbett.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 1:18 PM.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1. Council Minutes of November 12, 2024
2.2. Council Minutes of November 26, 2024 (Capital & Parking Budgets)
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the Council Minutes of November 12, 2024 and
November 26, 2024 as presented.
Carried Unanimously
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
a) Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to the following Council
matters as listed on the agenda:
• Item #5.5 - F-2024-45 - Mayor's Proposed 2025 Water and Wastewater
Budgets - declared a conflict with any items that deal with the
Montrose/Biggar Road reconstruction, as the Councillor's family own
property that could be affected.
• Item #6.1 - PBD-2024-51 - AM-2024-023 - Councillor owns property in
this area that could be affected.
• Item #7.7 - PBD-2024-53 - Interim Control By-Law related to Settlement
Area Boundary Expansions - Councillor's parents own property that
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could be affected.
• By-law No. 2024-126, as the by-law is tied to Report PBD-2024-53 (see
above conflict).
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Jim Diodati extended condolences to the following:
• Gord Brown, father of Paul Brown, Manager of Parking.
• Ronald Jamieson, retired Firefighter.
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following events:
Santa Claus Parade & Official Christmas Tree Lighting
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Dabrowski, Patel, Baldinelli,
Pietrangelo, Strange and Lococo
50th Anniversary of Niagara Falls Public Library
• Also attended by Councillor Lococo
Volunteer Recognition Awards Evening
• Also attended by Councillors Pietrangelo, Strange and Baldinelli
40th Anniversary of Club Italia
Flag Raisinqs
• HIV/ Aids Awareness flag
o Also attended by Councillor Baldinelli and Nieuwesteeg
• End Gender Based Violence
o Also attended by Councillors Patel and Baldinelli
• Christian Heritage Month
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
• Romania's National Day
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
Business Happenings
• KAN Immigration Services Inc
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
• Eyes Elite Optical
o Also attended by Councillor Patel
• The Best Boy Lechon
• Hearing Life Canada
EuroAmericas Forum - Portugal
• Pleased to share that I have been invited to attend the EuroAmericas
Forum, 2024 as a guest of the Forum, in Portugal.
• At the Nova School of Business and Economics in Carcavelos.
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• Aims to look at the future of the Euro-North-American alliance by
connecting political decision-makers, opinion leaders, business leaders
and activists.
• I was visited earlier this month by Wilson Teixeira, a representative of the
forum, who shared their mission.
• The forum will be attended by members of government, internationally
renowned entrepreneurs and institutional representatives including the
President of the Portuguese Republic, Prof. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
• I look forward to reporting back to City Council at our next meeting.
Coming up:
• Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
Councillor Representation - none
Councillor Pietrangelo • SCVFA General Meeting
c) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Niagara Falls Innovation Hub
The Niagara Falls Innovation Hub aims to offer entrepreneurs an affordable
environment for growth so they can better position themselves to succeed in
today's economy.
Their mission is to create an affordable, all-encompassing, collaborative
workspace that provides tailored programming, tech resources, piloting and
validation opportunities, and expertise to assist entrepreneurs in Niagara in
growing, scaling, creating jobs, and diversifying the economy.
Dan Bordenave, from the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, presented his annual
presentation to the Council on the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, reviewed
2024, and shared the vision for 2025.
The following guests shared their experiences with the Hub: Fred Davies, Dr.
Pouria Sadeghi, Ray Simmons and Sharon Corcoran.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation led by Dan Bordenave, from the
Niagara Falls Innovation Hub.
Carried Unanimously
5.2. Councillor Strange left the meeting 2:40 PM.
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CLEAResult + Energy Affordability Program
Ehsan Dibaji, VP, Policy and Market Development, along with Tara Willard,
Senior Manager Outreach Manager, from CLEAResult presented before
Council to gain Council's endorsement of the Energy Affordability Program and
the Home Winterproofing Program in order to have the additional support to
promote the programs and the benefits.
EAP and HWP are electric and gas energy-saving initiatives directed toward
income-eligible individuals and families in Ontario. Both programs aim to help
eligible individuals and families reduce their home energy bills and enhance the
comfort level of their homes by offering them energy upgrades that are 100%
free of charge.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation made by Ehsan Dibaji, VP, Policy
and Market Development from CLEAResult and to refer this matter to staff for
further promotion.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Strange was absent from the vote).
5.3. Appointment Request - Christopher Connor and Nathan Morrissette
Nathan Morrissette, Chair of the Niagara Association of Realtors, along with
Christopher Connor, External Relations Coordinator from Niagara Association
of Realtors, addressed Council to present some housing stats/facts for the
region as polled by Nik Nanos of Nanos Research.
The Niagara Association of Realtors represents more than 1,450 members
serving the Niagara Region. They strive to be a leading catalyst for positive
change in the real estate industry, driving growth, prosperity, and community
development throughout the Niagara Region.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation from Nathan Morrissette, Chair of the
Niagara Association of Realtors pertaining to housing stats/facts for the
Region.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Strange was absent from the vote).
5.4. COMM-2024-02
Physician Recruitment Update and 2025 Budget Consideration
Dale Morton, Director of Communications from the City of Niagara Falls, along
with Jill Croteau, Physician Recruitment Specialist from the Niagara Region,
presented a recruitment update to Council.
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Since 2000, the City of Niagara Falls has managed a Physician Recruitment
program to attract more family doctors. The program has an annual budget of
$300,000, which provides incentives of up to $50,000 per physician (plus
moving expenses in some cases) for coming to the City to practice family
medicine.
There are 40 practicing family doctors and a shortage of 36, the largest among
Niagara Regional municipalities.
Increasing the incentive amount could encourage more doctors to locate in the
City of Niagara Falls beginning in 2025.
Councillor Mike Strange returned to meeting at 3:32 PM.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council RECEIVE Staff Report COMMS-2024-02 Physician
Recruitment Update and 2025 Budget Consideration as information.
2. THAT Council REFER the funding decision for the Family Physician
Recruitment program to the 2025 Tax Levy Supported Operating
Budget.
Carried Unanimously
5.5. F-2024-45
Mayor's Proposed 2025 Water and Wastewater Budgets
Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance, delivered a presentation to Council.
The budgets and associated rates will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The presentation included details of:
• The 2025 Utility Budget, which includes Water and Wastewater
• The two-tiered service delivery (Region/City of Niagara Falls)
• A breakdown of City and Region expenditures for 2025
• Highlights and a summary of the rebate programs included in the budget
• The proposed 2025 rates and impact on users
The budget reflected revenues and expenses totalling $29,481,441 and
$38,384,938, respectively.
Direction to Staff: THAT the Region's Commissioner of Public Works be
invited to appear at a City Council Meeting to explain the state of the water
rates from a Regional perspective.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1 . THAT Council RECEIVE the 2025 Mayor's Proposed Water and
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Wastewater budgets with revenues and expenses totaling $29,481,441
and $38,384,938 respectively.
2. THAT Council APPROVE the use of reserve funding as outlined in
Attachment 3.
Should Council be satisfied all possible amendments have been
considered:
3. THAT Council shorten the 30 day review period (December 5, 2024 to
January 4, 2025), allowed under the Strong Mayors Act, by 25 days,
such that the review period ends on December 10, 2024; and
4. THAT the Mayor shorten his 10-day veto period by 10 days, by
providing written documentation to members of Council and the
Municipal Clerk to shorten the veto period, such that the veto period
ends on December 10, 2024, thereby allowing the Mayor's Proposed
2025 Water and Wastewater Budgets to be deemed adopted on
December 10, 2024.
Carried (Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to items
that deal with Montrose/Biggar Road reconstruction).
6. PLANNING MATTERS
6.1 PBD-2024-51
AM-2024-023 — Minor Zoning By-law Amendment
5901-5929, 5930-5950, 5933-5953 & 5985 Bentley Common
Proposal: To permit twenty-one vacation rental units
Applicant: 1746362 Ontario Corp. (Feng Han)
Agent: Jennifer Vida (Jennifer Vida Consulting)
The Planning Public Meeting commenced at 4:20 PM.
Mackenzie Ceci, Senior Planner, Current Development, will provide an overview of
Report PBD-2024-51.
Frank De Luca, of 4341 Kilman Place, addressed Council citing zoning concerns
stating that it is a commercial area not residential. He addressed concerns that it is not
a minor zoning by-law and opposes the need for additional vacation rental units.
Joedy Burdette, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council citing concerns of the
application.
Xiaojun Ning, of 5790 Robinson Street, addressed Council in support of the
application.
Bowen Zhang, of 5921 Bentley Common, addressed Council in support of the
application to allow for VRU's.
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Helena Xiao, of 5965 Bentley Common, addressed Council in support of the
application and would like to see additional units.
Silvia Zhang, of 5957 Bentley Common, addressed Council in support of the
application and would love the opportunity to meet more people by having more short
term rentals.
Sky Tuerxun, of 5937 Bentley Common, addressed Council virtually and supported the
application.
Linda Manson, of 4372 Cookman Crescent, addressed Council opposing the
application.
Leslie Laan, of 5525 Reixinger Road, addressed Council citing a few concerns with the
application, stating that the City needs affordable housing for those that work in our
industry as opposed to vacation rental units.
John Pinter, of 3390 Cardinal Drive, addressed Council supporting the application.
Brent Larocque, from The Larocque Group, representing the applicant, 1746362
Ontario Corp, addressed Council supporting the proposal. Brent further answered
questions of Council.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council DEFER the minor Zoning By-law Amendment to permit twenty-one
vacation rental units, and have the applicant work with staff on an improved
application.
Ayes: Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, and Councillor
Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Carried (Councillor Lococo and Councillor Dabrowski were opposed and
Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict). 3-2 on a recorded vote
7. REPORTS
7.1. PBD-2024-52
Honourary Street Name: Rick Rose
Brian Dick, Senior Manager of Policy Planning, provided an overview of Report
PBD-2024-52.
Wendy Leard, of 5860 Coholan Street, addressed Council providing a tribute to
Rick Rose and spoke to his many achievements.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
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Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council APPROVE an Honourary Street Naming Application, to
honourarily name the block on Queen Street between Buckley Avenue and St.
Lawrence Avenue after Rick Rose for a period of five years, with the
opportunity to apply for an extension of an additional five years, pursuant to By-
Law 2023-033.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE moving to Item #7.8 on the agenda (Report PBD-
2024-54).
Carried Unanimously
7.2. CLK-2024-06
Cost of Council Meetings
Joedy Burdette, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council supporting a default
4:00 PM Council start time.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council RECEIVE the Cost of Council Meetings Report as information
and DIRECT Staff to set each Council Meeting to start at 2:00 PM for the 2025
Council Meetings with the public portion of the agenda starting at 4:00 PM.
Carried Unanimously
7.3. MW-2024-45
Proposed Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw Amendment
Mayor Jim Diodati left the meeting at 6:53 PM.
Councillor Pietrangelo resumed as Chair at 6:53 PM.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. THAT Council RECEIVE this Report for information;
2. THAT Council APPROVE an amendment to the Maintaining of Land
Bylaw, Bylaw 2007-41, in the form included in the Bylaws section of
todays agenda, for the purposes of including definitions of boulevards
and abutting boulevards, and the responsibilities for maintenance of the
same;
3. THAT Council DELEGATE authority to the Chief Administrative Officer,
the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development, and their
further designates, to take any step or action necessary to administer
the said Boulevard Maintenance By-law.
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Carried Unanimously
7.4. MW-2024-46
Follow up on Sidewalk Winter Maintenance
Mayor Jim Diodati returned to meeting and resumed as Chair at 6:57 PM.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council DEFER this Report until January 14, 2025 and asked Legal Staff
to provide clarification of the legalities of the recommendations.
Carried Unanimously
7.5. MW-2024-48
2024-396-16 - Whirlpool Road Reconstruction Budget Amendment
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. That Council AWARD Contract 2024-396-16 - Whirlpool Road
Reconstruction, to the lowest compliant bidder, Rankin Construction
Inc., in the amount of$1,537,425.00 + HST.
2. That Council APPROVE a 2024 capital budget amendment for the
Whirlpool Road Reconstruction project (R138-21) in the amount of
$120,000, with $70,000 funded by a contribution from Atura Power and
$50,000 funded by Capital Special Purpose Reserves.
3. That the General Manager of Municipal Works / City Engineer be
AUTHORIZED to execute a cost-sharing agreement with Atura Power
for their contribution to actual costs of construction of the sanitary sewer
required to service the Niagara Hydrogen Centre development in the
estimated amount of$70,000.
4. That the Mayor and Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute any other
agreements related to the execution of the work described in this report.
Carried Unanimously
7.6. R&C-2024-22
Year-Round Indoor Courts Proposal
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council APPROVE the tennis/pickleball dome at John N Allan
Park to remain up during the summer months.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
revised license agreement with the Tennis Clubs of Canada to permit
year-round tennis and pickleball for the duration of the existing
agreement.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
7.7. PBD-2024-53
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Interim Control By-Law related to Settlement Area Boundary Expansions
Councillor Pietrangelo left the meeting at 7:10 PM.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council DIRECT staff to undertake necessary policy and related study
work to determine the best approach in addressing privately initiated settlement
area boundary expansion applications and report back to Council.
THAT Council DIRECT staff to prepare an Interim Control By-law, to restrict
any new settlement areas and settlement area boundary expansions for a
period of one year or until the new Official Plan policies are in effect, whichever
is less.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict).
7.8. PBD-2024-54 (Discussed this matter after Item #7.1 at 5:42 PM).
Fence Variance — 5528 Buchanan Avenue
Nick DeBenedetti, spoke to the appeal for which he submitted.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DENY an encroachment agreement with Niagara Regional
Housing to allow a fence on City property and not to approve the minor
variance for the height of the proposed fence for 5528 Buchanan Avenue.
Carried Unanimously
8. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
8.1. In-Camera Resolution - December 10, 2024
8.2. Special Meeting of January 21, 2025 - Resolution to go In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session on December 10, 2024 and
on January 21, 2025.
Carried Unanimously
9. CONSENT AGENDA
9.1. F-2024-40
Approval of Interim 2025 Spending Limits
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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THAT Council, in the absence of an adopted 2025 Tax Levy Supported
Operating Budget, APPROVES that City departments be allowed to incur costs
to a level of 50% of the departments' expenditure budget of the prior year.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Dabrowski was absent).
9.2. MW-2024-47
Intersection Control Review - Crawford Street at St. James Avenue
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE an all-way stop to be installed at the intersection of
Crawford Street at St. James Avenue.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Dabrowski was absent).
9.3. MW-2024-49
Phase 3 - Rural Road Speed Limit Reviews
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. THAT Council APPROVE the speed limit on Baker Road between
Willoughby Drive and City's east limit be reduced from 70 km/h to 60
km/h;
2. THAT Council APPROVEthe speed limit on Marshall Road between Ort
Road and Sodom Road be reduced from 70 km/h to 60 km/h;
3. THAT Council APPROVEthe speed limit on Ort Road between Marshall
Road and north limit be reduced from 70 km/h to 60 km/h;
4. THAT Council APPROVEthe speed limit on Reixinger Road between
Ort Road and Stanley Avenue (west) be reduced from 70 km/h to 60
km/h; and,
5. THAT Council APPROVEthe speed limit on Beechwood Road between
Taylor Road and McLeod Road be set at 70 km/h.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Dabrowski was absent).
9.4. R&C-2024-21
Installation of Wind Phone
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the installation of a Wind Phone along the Olympic
Torch Run Legacy Trail.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Dabrowski was absent).
10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Flag-Raising Request - Serbian Statehood Day
Attached is a request from the Founder and Director of the Serbian School
"Nikola Tesla" to request Council's support in organizing a flag-raising
ceremony for the Serbian Flag at City Hall on Friday, February 14, 2025, in
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honour of"Serbian Statehood Day (Sretenje)."
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony for the
Serbian Flag at City Hall on Friday, February 14, 2025, in honour of "Serbian
Statehood Day (Sretenje)."
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony for the Serbian Flag at City
Hall on Friday, February 14, 2025, in honour of "Serbian Statehood Day
(Sretenje)."
Carried Unanimously
10.2. Flag-Raising and Proclamation Request - Crime Stoppers of Niagara
Attached are letters from Crime Stoppers Niagara requesting a flag-raising
ceremony at City Hall in the month of January 2025 and to proclaim January
2025 as Crime Stoppers Month.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony at City
Hall in the month of January 2025 and proclaim January 2025 as "Crime
Stoppers Month.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall in the month of
January 2025 and proclaim January 2025 as "Crime Stoppers Month.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Resolution - Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
Attached is correspondence pertaining to the NPCA's 2025 Meeting Schedule.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
11.2. Resolution - Township of Larder Lake - Redistribution of the LTT and GST
The Township of Larder Lake at its regular Council meeting held on Tuesday,
November 12, 2024, adopted the following resolution,
a motion to support the Town of Aurora regarding - Request to the Provincial
and Federal government for the Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer
Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
11.3. Resolution - City of Thorold - Flag Desecration
Attached is a resolution passed by the Council of the City of Thorold at their
November 12, 2024 Regular Council meeting regarding flag desecration.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
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11.4. Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is corresondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following matter:
1. CLK-C 2024-119 CSD 48-2024 - 2025 Budget - Water and Wastewater
Operating Budget, Rate Setting and Requisition
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
11.5. Letter from Minister Calandra - Additional Residential Units (ARU)
Attached is a letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul
Calandra, regarding additional residential units (ARUs).
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #11.1 through to and
including Item #11.5.
Carried Unanimously
12. RESOLUTIONS
No resolutions presented.
13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) Ratification of In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
Direction was provided to Staff on the matters discussed In-Camera.
Carried Unanimously
14. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
14.1. NOTICE OF MOTION - Maximizing Parking at the Exchange and Niagara
Falls History Museum
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Nieuwesteeg
regarding Maximizing Parking at the Exchange and Niagara Falls History
Museum.
Notice of Motion - Councillor Nieuwesteeq - Maximizing Parking at the
Exchange and NF History Museum
14.2. NOTICE OF MOTION - Naming "March" Youth Empowerment Month
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Nieuwesteeg
regarding naming "March" Youth Empowerment Month.
Notice of Motion - Councillor Nieuwesteeq - Naming March Youth
Empowerment Month
14.3. Niagara Regional Transit
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Direction to Staff: That Staff provide a Niagara Regional Transit update as it
pertains to the operating budget.
14.4. Free Parking - Queen Street - December 2024
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council waive the procedural by-law to allow for a motion to be
presented and further, THAT Staff be directed to offer free parking on Queen
Street for the remainder of December 2024.
Carried Unanimously
15. MOTIONS
15.1. Waiving of Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law - re: 2025 Budget
Discussions on November 26, 2024 December 10, 2024 and January 21,
2025
Councillor Lococo brought forth the motion below requesting the waiving of
Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law.
Motion:
WHERE AS the City Budget is a roadmap that outlines our strategic priorities.
Council decides on how money should be spent and which projects should be
implemented. It outlines the services that we will provide to our residents and
the infrastructure that is required for our community;
WHERE AS Section 15.3 of the Procedural By-Law No. 2019-04 states that:
"No Member may speak to the same question or in reply for any longer
than five (5) minutes including comments, questions to staff and staff
responses in Council, without leave of the Council."
WHERE AS Council has previously discussed the option of waiving the
Procedural Bylaw for the five minute rule for important and detailed subjects;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 15.3 of the Procedural Bylaw be
waived for the 2025 budget discussions on November 26, 2024, December 10,
2024 and January 21, 2025.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Motion, as per above.
No seconder to motion received.
Not Put.
16. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
123. traffic on City Roads. (Parking Prohibited, Stop Signs at Intersections).
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2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
124. traffic on City Roads. (Speed Limits on Highways - 60 km/h, Speed Limit on
Highways - 70 km/h, Speed Limit on Highways - 80 km/h).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2007-41, being a by-law to regulate the
125. maintaining of land in a clean and clear condition within the City of Niagara
Falls to introduce new regulatory provisions.
2024- An interim control by-law to prohibit the creation of a new settlement area or
126. amend the existing settlement area within the City of Niagara Falls under
Section 38 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13, as amended (PBD-2024-
53).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
127. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2024- A by-law to appoint Councillor Victor Pietrangelo as Acting Mayor.
128.
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
129. meeting held on the 10th day of December, 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 Pietrangelo declared a conflict to By-
law 2024-126).
17. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 8:11 PM.
Carried Unanimously
. jam
M or
City Clerk
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Heather Ruzylo
Subject: Councillor Nieuwesteeg-notices of motion
Notice of Motion
RE:maximizing parking at the Exchange and NF History Museum
For Tuesday, December 10th
• Whereas the Exchange provides a much-needed element of culture in the City and is a great
benefit to the residents, but parking challenges for events there have been identified.
• Whereas residents and visitors to the location have expressed they are discouraged with the
parking situation since the Exchange has been up and running alongside the Museum.
• Whereas the Exchange was intended to house a farmer's market and City Council voted to move
the market location,with one of the reasons cited as insufficient parking.
• Whereas the 10,000 square foot event space in the Exchange and adjacent Niagara Falls History
Museum(Museum)require parking to be maximized to get the most out of these venues.
• Whereas challenges with parking create a poor customer experience that translates into declining
attendance numbers and could impact event rentals.
• Whereas attendees look for parking elsewhere and often infringe on parking lots and spaces of
neighbouring business properties.
• Whereas businesses and neighbours are bearing the brunt of the parking overflow challenges.
• Whereas the Main and Ferry BIA has identified that there has long been an issue with parking in
the area,years before the Exchange was added and parking was further limited.
• Whereas advertised parking spaces on the website within a 5-minute walk does not paint an
accurate picture for event-goers.
• Whereas other factors need to be considered that deter visitors from parking at suggested off-site
lots including accessibility,walking distance for older adults or families with young children,
feeling of safety and security in the neighbourhood,winter and other weather events.
• Whereas there are options that can be considered to maximize parking on-site.
• Whereas at larger events,shuttle service could be explored between nearby lots to address some
of the concerns of parking at off-site lots.
• Whereas every opportunity to maximize parking seasonally including removing snow from the site
instead of piling it there to cover any available spots should be considered.
• Whereas there is a loading dock and surrounding area that is minimally used and space allocation
could be revisited.
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• Whereas the parking lot design of the Exchange includes unnecessary curbs and plantings(park-
like design/where parking needed).
• Whereas attached photos indicate some of the curbs in question.
• Whereas decorative curbs can cause seasonal driving obstacles,for example when covered in
snow.
• Whereas redesigning decorative curbs and plantings could recoup additional parking spaces on-
site.
• Whereas when events are on,alt thoroughfares and access to facilities should be opened for
traffic to move freely.
• Whereas street closures during events should be strongly discouraged as they create a
perception of added inaccessibility to get close to the facility.
• Whereas Niagara Region Transit has opted to move the bus stop away from the front of the
Museum,freeing up valuable on-street space that had been used for busses to stop.
• Whereas transit changes have created opportunities for more on-street parking in front and
adjacent to this location that should be explored.
• Whereas other innovative and creative solutions and best practices should be explored.
• Whereas the silver lining with the move of the market to transform the Exchange into an
opportune event venue,should not be hindered by parking but instead should serve to enhance
the venue.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
• The City of Niagara Falls utilize and maximize all on-site parking and surrounding street parking to
enhance the Exchange and Museum and to redesign the parking lot to maximize the number of
parking spaces and that this be done as soon as possible to better serve the users of the facility.
2
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Heather Ruzylo
Subject: NOTICE OF MOTION -From Councillor Nieuwesteeg-Naming March Youth
Empowerment Month
Notice of Motion
RE: Naming March Youth Empowerment Month
For Tuesday, December 10th
• Whereas youth make up nearly one fifth of the population of our community.
• Whereas our youth are the future of our City and will be leading us into the next decade.
• Whereas the young people of the day need to be empowered to make decisions in governance
and community engagement.
• Whereas the representatives of our Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee reach out to make a
difference in the community and empower others.
• Whereas our support of the youth is a meaningful part of empowering them to learn and develop
leadership skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
• Whereas empowered youth give back and have a positive impact on our community.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
• The City of Niagara Falls recognize March as Youth Empowerment Month.
t
I
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