HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-2025 Niagara7'j' MINUTES
PqNAD City Council Meeting
2:00 PM -Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, February
4, 2025, at 4:42 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Tony Baldinelli,
PRESENT: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike
Strange (attending in Council Chambers)
COUNCIL Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg,
ABSENT: Councillor Chris Dabrowski
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Nidhi Punyarthi, Luciano Chieca, Shelley
PRESENT: Darlington, Joe Zambito, Tiffany Clark, Erik Nickel, James Sticca,
Margaret Corbett (attending in Council Chambers)
Trent Dark (attending via Zoom app.)
1 IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
1.1 In-Camera Resolution
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session on February 4, 2025.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Pietrangelo absent from the vote).
2 CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 4:42 PM.
3 ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Council Minutes of January 14, 2025
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of January 14, 2025 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
3.2 Council Minutes of January 21, 2025 (Budget Meeting)
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Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the January 21, 2025 Budget Meeting
as presented.
Carried Unanimously
4 DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None reported.
5 MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati discussed the following events and announcements:
Border Mayor's Alliance of Canada
• Reinstated the Alliance
• Advocacy and support of the Premiers and Prime Minister
• Networking with US elected officials
• Sharing facts and clarifying misinformation
OLG Recognition Event
• Attended by Mayor Diodati as well as Councillor Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Patel, Councillor Strange, Councillor Baldinelli, Councillor
Lococo and Councillor Pietrangelo
Sports Wall of Fame
• Attended by Mayor Diodati as well as Councillor Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Patel, Councillor Strange, Councillor Baldinelli, Councillor
Lococo and Councillor Pietrangelo
Niagara District Firefighter's Association
• Attended by Mayor Diodati and Councillor Patel
Premier's Visit
• Mayor Jim Diodati attended with two other Mayors, Mayor Siscoe and
Mayor Campion, for the endorsement of Premier Doug Ford.
• Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg and the Minister of
Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria.
Business Happenings
• Spice Kerala Grand Opening attended by Mayor Diodati and Councillor
Patel
• Falls Auto Body 50 year anniversary attended by Mayor Diodati as well
as Councillor Pietrangelo, Councillor Baldinelli and Councillor Patel.
Councillor Leave of Absence
• The Mayor notified Council and the Public that the City Clerk has
received written notice from Councillor Nieuwesteeg about taking an
unpaid leave of absence.
Congratulations
• The City of Niagara Falls was recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara's
top employers
• City of Niagara Falls projects were recognized at the Niagara Biennial
Awards
Coming Up
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• Valentine's Day-Friday February 14th
b) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th, 2025.
6 DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Recognition - Inspector Chris Gallagher - Niagara Parks Police
Mayor Diodati recognized Inspector Chris Gallagher, on his retirement from the
Niagara Parks Police and his many accomplishments during his time of active
service.
6.2 Recognition of Blair McKeil
Mayor Diodati, on behalf of Council, recognized Blair McKeil for his
contributions to benefit residents and families of Niagara Falls through his
investments in the Santa Claus Parade. The Mayor also recognized Robbie
and Ana Bratina, who built the Teddy Tug float for the parade.
6.3 Niagara Parks Commission
Postponed until April 8th, 2025
6.4 Big Brothers Big Sisters
Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara,
provided an update on their life-changing mentorship in Niagara Falls.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation and direct staff to post donation
information on City social media, to inform the public how donations can be
made to the Nearly New thrift Store Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Niagara,
located at 4311 Queen St. in Niagara Falls.
Carried Unanimously
7 REPORTS
7.1 MW-2025-04
Sidewalk Winter Maintenance
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
It is recommended:
1. THAT Report MW-2025-04 and the accompanying presentation
regarding Sidewalk Winter Maintenance be RECEIVED for information;
2. THAT Council ADOPT the Snow Clearing Bylaw on today's agenda with
an effective enforcement date starting October 1, 2026; and,
3. THAT Council DIRECT staff to develop a financial assistance program
for low-income individuals with physical limitations, including seniors.
Carried Unanimously
7.2 MW-2025-05
Portage Road Watermain Replacement-Niagara Parks Commission Cost
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Sharing
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
It is recommended:
1. THAT Staff be DIRECTED to enter a cost sharing agreement with the
Niagara Parks Commission for the replacement/improvement of the
Portage Road Watermain from Marineland Parkway to Old Mcleod Road
allowance.
2. THAT the Mayor and City Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute all
necessary agreements.
3. THAT Council APPROVE a capital budget amendment of$1,250,000, to
be funded by Capital Special Purpose Reserve (CSPR) 73, so that Staff
can proceed with initiating this new project.
Carried Unanimously
7.3 PBD-2025-10
Street Name Change—Schisler Road to Pattison Lane
Portion of Schisler Road at Montrose Road
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
1. THAT Council DIRECT staff to change the street name for a portion of
Schisler Road, west of Montrose Road, shown on Appendix 1 as the
affected segment, to Pattison Lane.
Carried Unanimously
7.4 PBD-2025-12
Construction Fencing
Joedy Burdett provided comments regarding the the Construction Fencing
report and by-law.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
It is recommended:
1. THAT Council RECEIVE this Report or information purposes;
2. THAT Council APPROVE and enact the Construction Fencing By-law
attached as Attachment 1 to this Report (hereinafter referred to as the
"Construction Fencing By-lave');
3. THAT Council DELEGATE authority to the General Manager of
Planning, Building and Development and their further delegates, as
appropriate, to take any step or action necessary to administer the
Construction Fencing By-law.
Carried Unanimously
7.5 PBD-2025-11
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Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Project—Addendum Report to Report
PBD-2025-08
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
1. THAT Council RECEIVE the addendum report for information.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the initiation of Phase 2 of the SRO report
to be undertaken in 2026
3. THAT Council APPROVE a budget amendment of$70,000 in the 2025
budget.
4. THAT Council DIRECT staff in Phase 2 of the update to the SRO
Project to revisit all options of the Study as well as to develop location
criteria to limit the number of SRO operators, ensuring that there is no
concentration of SRO's in any particular area of the City.
Carried Unanimously
7.6 CAO-2025-03 - Clerks
Mid-Term Requests and Adjustments for Advisory Committees of Council
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. That Council ALLOW Staff to commence the application process to fill
recent vacancies on the Senior's Advisory Committee and Heritage Committee;
and
2. That Council ALLOW for the Senior Advisory Committee, Anti-Racism
Committee, Environmental Committee and Heritage Committee to implement a
range of committee members for the remainder of the 2022-2026 Council
Term; and
3. That Council ALLOW Staff to open the application process when a
committee is below their minimum threshold of members.
Carried Unanimously
7.7 CAO-2025-04 (FIRE)
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Decontamination Washer
Project
Capital Budget Amendment
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
It is recommended:
THAT Council APPROVE a 2025 Capital Budget Amendment to create project
F-112-25 for the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Decontamination
Washer project with a total budget of$58,000 (inclusive of non-recoverable
HST), to be funded by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Fire Protection
Grant 2024-25;
And THAT Council permit a Single Source procurement with A.J. Stone
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Company Ltd. in the amount of$49,606.00 excluding HST to purchase a
MEIKO decontamination washer in accordance with Section 18 of the City's
Procurement By-Law No. 2021-04.
Carried Unanimously
8 CONSENT AGENDA
8.1 CS-2025-18 (Finance)
2024 Q3 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited)
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council RECEIVE the 2024 Q3 Water and Wastewater Fund Budget to
Actual Variance report for the period ended September 30, 2024 for
information.
Carried Unanimously
9 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
Councillor Baldinelli left Chambers at 6:36 PM and returned at 6:38 PM
9.1 Proclamation and Flag-Raising Request - Christian Heritage Month
Attached is a request for Council to proclaim December 2025 as "Christian
Heritage Month" and to include a flag-raising ceremony this year to provide a
meaningful and visible was to recognize this initiative.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM December 2025 as "Christian
Heritage Month" and to arrange for a flag-raising ceremony in 2025 to
recognize this initiative.
9.2 Proclamation and Flag-Raising Request - Bulgarian Heritage Day
Attached is a request from the Consul General, Republic of Bulgaria for
Council to proclaim Monday, March 3, 2025 as "Bulgarian Heritage Day" and to
arrange a flag-raising ceremony for the same day.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM Monday, March 3, 2025 as
"Bulgarian Heritage Day" and to arrange a flag-raising ceremony for the same
day.
9.3 Proclamation & Flag Raising Request - Polish Constitution Day
Attached is a a formal request from Jan Dabrowski for Council to proclaim the
month of May "Polish Heritage Month". And that Council proclaim Saturday,
May 3rd as "Poland's Constitution Day" and to arrange a flag-raising ceremony
for Saturday, May 3rd.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM the month of May "Polish
Heritage Month". THAT Council PROCLAIM Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 as
"Poland's Constitution Day" and to arrange a flag-raising ceremony for
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
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9.4 Proclamation and Flag-Raising Request - Parental Alienation Awareness
Day
Attached is a request for Council to proclaim Friday, April 25, 2025 as "Parental
Alienation Awareness Day" and to schedule a flag-raising ceremony for the
same date.
9.5 Proclamation Request - Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM)
Attached is a request asking Council to declare the month of February 2025 as
"Preventative Health Awareness Month" in the City of Niagara Falls.
Recommendation: THAT Council DECLARE the month of February 2025 as
"Preventative Health Awareness Month" in the City of Niagara Falls.
9.6 Proclamation Request - Heritage Week
Attached is a request for City Council to proclaim the week of February 17-23,
2025, as "Heritage Week" in the City of Niagara Falls.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM the week of February 17-23,
2025, as "Heritage Week" in the City of Niagara Falls.
9.7 Memo - Council Advisory Committee Appointment Request - Municipal
Heritage Committee
Attached is a memo to Council regarding a vacancy on the Municipal Heritage
Committee.
Recommendation: For the APPROVAL of Council.
9.8 Victoria Centre BIA - 2025 Budget/Levy
Attached is the Victoria Centre BIA 2025 budget for Council consideration.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the Victoria Centre BIA's 2025
Budget as presented.
9.9 Flag Raising Request
Attached is a request from the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in
Toronto, to organize a flag raising ceremony to commemorate Kosovo's
Independence Day, on or around February 17, 2025.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
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 Resolution - City of Peterborough - Bill 242, Safer Municipalities Act, 2024
Council Resolution
Attached is a resolution passed by Council of the City of Peterborough on
January 13, 2025.
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Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
10.2 Resolution-Cityof Welland-Redistributinga portion of Land Transfer Tax
to municipalities
Attached is a letter from the City of Welland. The letter is asking Prime Minister
Trudeau to consider redistributing a portion of collected land transfer taxes as
well as a percentage of any GST collected on property sales, amongst the
municipalities in order to provide additional funding for infrastructure needs and
investments.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
10.3 Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region pertaining to the
following matters:
1. CLK-C 2025-002 Niagara Region Motion respecting Use of the
Notwithstanding Clause
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
10.4 Correspondence from the Niagara Transit Commission - Niagara Transit
Master Plan Public Engagement
Attached is correspondence from the Niagara Transit Commission, to notify the
public of the upcoming public engagement sessions that will be offered,
regarding their Facilities, Strategic Asset and Service Network Master Plan.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE for information Item #10.1 through to and including
Item #10.4.
Carried Unanimously
11 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1 2024 Memorandum of Understanding for Engineering Review Function
with Niagara Region
Attached is correspondence from the Niagara Region informing of the Bill 23
proclamation date for the Region is March 31, 2025.
Recommendation: THAT Council ENDORSE the MOU and AUTHORIZE the
CAO to sign.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
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THAT Council ENDORSE the MOU and AUTHORIZE the CAO to sign.
Carried Unanimously
12 RESOLUTIONS
12.1 AM-2024-035-9304 McLeod Road & PID 1337
A Public Meeting was held by Council on January 14, 2025, to consider an
Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate 544
dwelling units, parkland, a stormwater management facility, and watercourse
protection. The recommendations of Report No. PBD-2025-02 were approved
by Council on January 14th , 2025 and By-Law No. 2025-021 has been placed
on Council's agenda this evening. Since January 14, 2025, it was identified by
Staff that zoning relief is required to permit accessory buildings, with or without
additional dwelling units, in the front yards of the lots abutting McLeod Road or
Beechwood Road, and to eliminate the maximum width of a driveway or
parking area in the front yard for these same lots, as depicted on the
Demonstration Plan that was submitted with the application and presented to
Council and the public on January 14th, 2025.
The attached resolution is required to deem the proposed changes minor and
exempt the requirement for further notice for the purpose of granting the zoning
relief required to permit accessory buildings, with or without additional dwelling
units, in the front yards of the lots abutting McLeod Road or Beechwood Road,
and to eliminate the maximum width of a driveway or parking area in the front
yard for these same lots.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council APPROVE the resolution pertaining to AM-2024-035-9304
McLeod Rd & PID 1337, to deem the proposed changes minor and exempt the
requirement for further notice for the purpose of granting the zoning relief
required to permit accessory buildings, with or without additional dwelling units,
in the front yards of the lots abutting McLeod Road or Beechwood Road, and to
eliminate the maximum width of a driveway or parking area in the front yard for
these same lots.
Carried (opposed by Councillor Patel and Councillor Lococo)
13 RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) Ratification of In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
Motion to go back In-Camera at 6:41 PM, to reaffirm earlier items that were on
the February 4, 2025 In-Camera Agenda. The meeting reconvened at 7:07 PM.
Items that were ratified:
1. Council supports the library board's decision to move forward in a
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.
partnership with the University of Niagara Falls, in a lease agreement and
further direction will be given to staff
2. THAT Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to act on behalf of the City
to execute a lease for the MacBain Community Centre cafe from House Cook.
And that the Mayor, City Clerk and City Solicitor be authorized to prepare,
review and execute whatever documents are required to complete the lease
3. That due to the existing conditions of volatility with both the City's supply
chains and currency rates, THAT Council provide delegated authority to the
Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager of Corporate Services,
to authorize modified procurement process including single source
procurements up to $2 million. This delegated authority must be reported to
Council at the next available Council meeting. This delegated authority expires
no later than May 1st, 2025 or unless cancelled by Council.
CARRIED
14 NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
14.1 NOTICE OF MOTION - Homelessness Committee Attached is a request for a
Notice of Motion from Councillor Lori Lococo requesting Council to re-instate
the Homelessness Committee to assist in dealing with the issues that the City
has regarding homelessness, mental health and addiction.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council WAIVE the Notice of Motion requirements within the Procedural
By-law to allow Council to discuss and vote on item #14.1 on today's agenda.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT the City of Niagara Falls RE-INSTATE the Homelessness Committee to
assist in dealing with the issues that the City has regarding homelessness,
mental health and addiction.
Withdrawn
In lieu of re-instating the City's homelessness committee, there was
direction given to staff to reach out to the Niagara Region for possible
involvement with their homeless committee.
14.2 NOTICE OF MOTION - Commercial Parking Lots
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Patel pertaining to
Commercial Parking Lots.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
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THAT Council WAIVE the Notice of Motion requirements within the Procedural
By-law to allow Council to discuss and vote on item #14.2 on today's agenda.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Staff PREPARE a report to come back to Council outlining:
• How many private parking lots exist in the City and indicate the
locations.
• What the requirements are to be compliant with the City's Commercial
Parking Lot Licensing bylaw.
• How many lots are compliant with the City's Licensing by-law with;
paved/lined/lights/signs/updated/updated license/insured/etc.
• The current fees required for a Commercial Parking Lot license; and
identifying if there are there different fees charged for different sized lots
• A comparison to other by-laws in larger cities, including Toronto, and
cities with a high number of visitors.
• That this comparison is done this season
• That it takes into account a review of rates
• When the fees were last reviewed and updated within the licensing by-
law.
• Whether all noncompliant parking lots have been served notices by
Enforcement Staff to comply with the by-law.
• What the ramifications are with regard to commercial parking lot staff
trying to solicit potential customers while walking onto City
sidewalks/roads with signs and/or hand gestures.
The efforts made this season to ensure all parking lots are in compliance,
including:
• giving notification to these parking lots about some form of budget or
proforma on what kind of review to anticipate
• giving notification of a renewed updated parking fees schedule that is
reflective of Niagara Falls and the parking opportunity.
Carried Unanimously
15 BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to declare 11211 Sodom Road; Willoughby Township Hall; as surplus.
014.
2025- A by-law to declare 8196 Cummington Square West; Chippawa Town Hall; as
015. surplus.
2025- A by-law to regulate the clearing of snow and ice from sidewalks within the City
016. of Niagara Falls.
2025- A by-law to prescribe construction fencing as it relates to building permits
017. issued under the Building Code Act.
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• ,
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2024-045, to expand the Administrative
018. Monetary Penalties System ("AMPS") for Non-Parking Matters to include
additional administrative monetary fines for By-law No. 2015-101, By-law No.
2009-73, By-law No. 2001-31, By-law No. 93-242, By-law No. 98-217 (as
amended by By-law No. 99-217), By-law No. 99-16, By-law No. 2014-58, By-
law No. 2005-70 (as amended by By-law No. 2014-153), By-law No. 2021-24
and By-law No. 2019-35.
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to align Additional Dwelling Unit
019. regulations within the City of Niagara Falls with Provincial policies (AM-2024-
034).
2025- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 179 to the City of
020. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-035).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to regulate the McLeod Meadows Plan
021. of Subdivision, subject to the removal of a Holding (H) symbol (AM-2024-035).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
022. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
023. meeting held on the 4th day of February, 2025.
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 (Councillor Lococo and Councillor Pietrangelo opposed to By-
Law number 2025-015. Councillor Lococo and Councillor Patel opposed
to By-Law numbers 2025-020 and 2025-021.
16 ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
That Council adjourn the meeting at 7:32 PM.
Carried Unanimously
yor
Ci y Clerk
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