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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-2025 Niagara MINUTES FallsMeeting Council City 4:00 PM -Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 Council Chambers/Zoom App. The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: COUNCIL Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, Councillor Lori PRESENT: Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo COUNCIL Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mike Strange ABSENT: STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Erik Nickel, Tiffany Clark, Chief Jo Zambito, PRESENT: Signe Hansen, Nidhi Punyarthi Trent Dark, Heather Ruzylo, Shelley Darlington (attending via Zoom) 1. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 1.1. In-Camera Resolution (Councillor Patel was not present for this vote) Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session on February 25, 2025. Carried Unanimously - Councillor Patel was not present for this vote 2. CALL TO ORDER The City Council Meeting was called to order at 4:09 PM. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1. Council Minutes of February 4, 2025 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of February 4, 2025 meeting as presented. Carried Unanimously 4. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None reported. Page 1 of 9 5. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Mayor Diodati discussed the following events and announcements: The Keystone Awards with Arlene Dickinson • Attended by Mayor Diodati Coldest Night of the Year Event • Attended by Mayor Diodati as well as CouncillorsPatel, Nieuwesteeg, Pietrangelo and Lococo Caps, Corks and Forks Event • Attended by Mayor Diodati Grand Openings • Trinity Massage Therapy & Wellness - Attended by Councillor Patel • Niagara Sweet & Spicy, Trinidad & Caribbean Restaurant - Attended by Mayor Diodati as well as Councillors Baldinelli and Patel Cippy's Place Farewell • Attended by Mayor Diodati Flag Raisings • Serbian Statehood Day - Attended by Mayor Diodati as well as Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel and Baldinelli • Kosovo's Independence Day - Attended by Mayor Diodati Coming Up • Niagara Health Gala - Saturday, March 1st at the Fallsview Casino • Next City Council meeting Tuesday, March 18, 2025 b) Councillor Wayne Campbell - Notice of vacancy Staff notification was received that Councillor Wayne Campbell expressed his wish to vacate his seat at Council for medical reasons, and 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 they have 60 days to fill the seat in one of two ways: 1. Appointing a person 2. Require a by-election Staff recommend the following: THAT Council WAIVE the procedural by-law 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 next runner-up in the last election, to confirm if they are agreeable to fill the vacancy. Page 2 of 9 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council WAIVE the procedural by-law 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 next runner-up in the last election, to confirm if they are agreeable to fill the vacancy. Carried Unanimously 6. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 6.1. Niagara Transit Niagara Transit attended the Niagara Falls Council meeting to address questions raised by Council. Chair, Mat Siscoe, Chief of Staff, Jordan Hambleton and General Manager, Carla Stout, of the the Niagara Transit Commission were all in attendance. Councillor Lococo made a motion THAT Staff and the Transit Commission PREPARE a summary report regarding finances involving Transit Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Staff and the Transit Commission PREPARE a summary report regarding finances involving Transit Not put. (No seconder) 7. PLANNING MATTERS 7.1. PBD-2025-13 AM-2024-007, Zoning By-Law Amendment Application 26CD-11-2024-002, Plan of Vacant Land Condominium 8168 McLeod Road PART TWP LOT 179 STAMFORD, PART 1 59R18167; CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS Applicant: Lotus Land Development Corp. (Aman Gandhi) Agent: Nicholas Godfrey (Upper Canada Planning & Engineering Ltd.) Jason Burgess, CAO, left Council Chambers at 5:16PM and returned at 5:21PM The Public Meeting commenced at 5:16 PM. Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an overview of the report PBD-2025-13. Page 3 of 9 Nicholas Godfrey addressed Council in person. The Public Meeting closed at 5:31 PM. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski It is recommended: 1. THAT Council APPROVE the Zoning By-law Amendment to rezone the property to a site-specific Residential Low Density, Group Multiple Dwelling (R4) to allow for the development of 3 blocks of 18 townhouse dwelling units with the permission for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) located at the rear of the property subject to the regulations outlined in this report; 2. THAT the Draft Plan of Vacant Land Condominium be draft APPROVED subject to the conditions in Appendix 1; 3. THAT the Mayor or designate be AUTHORIZED to sign the Draft Plan of Vacant Land Condominium as "approved" 20 days after notice of Council's decision has been given as required by the Planning Act, provided no appeals of the decision have been lodged; 4. THAT Draft APPROVAL be given for 3 years, after which approval will lapse unless an extension is requested by the developer and granted by Council; and, 5. THAT the Mayor and City Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute the Condominium Agreement and any required documents to allow for the future registration of the condominium when all matters are addressed to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. Carried Unanimously 7.2. PBD-2025-14 AM-2024-026, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application 7737 Lundy's Lane Part Township Lot 133, Stamford as in RO521749; City of Niagara Falls Proposal: To increase the density permitted and rezone the subject lands to facilitate the conversion of an existing motel to 118 dwelling units with various commercial uses. Applicant:1000977112 Ontario Inc. (Santiago Rioja) Agent: Miles Weekes (Fotenn Planning + Design) The Public Meeting commenced at 5:32 PM. Nick DeBenedetti, provided an overview of the report PBD-2025-14. Leslie Laan , of 5520 Reixinger Rd addressed Council with asking about the permanency of the units remaining as affordable units. Joedy Burdette, of 4480 Bridge St, addressed Council with his input on this Page 4 of 9 matter. Councillor Dabrowski left Council Chambers at 6:00PM and returned at 6:03PM Miles Weekes the Agent, attended via Zoom and offered to answer any questions on behalf of the Applicant. The Public Meeting closed at 6:09 PM. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo It is recommended: 1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By- law Amendment to increase the permitted density and rezone the subject lands for the conversion of an existing motel to 118 bachelor dwelling units and various commercial uses, subject to the regulations detailed in this report. 2. THAT Council APPROVE Official Plan Amendment No. 178 and pass the related Zoning By-law included on tonight's agenda. 3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending by-law which includes 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. 4. THAT Council APPROVE that any planning application being considered, within the boundaries of a Business Improvement Area, be circulated to the respective BIA for comments. (Added) Carried Unanimously 8. REPORTS 8.1. PBD-2025-15 Our Niagara Falls Plan- Phase 3 - Policy Directions Report and Discussion Paper 7 -Conformity and Implementation Donna Hinde, of The Planning Partnership and Joe Nethery of Nethery Planning both attended in person and provided an overview of PBD-2025-15. Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo It is recommended: THAT Council RECEIVE PBD-2025-15 for information. Carried Unanimously 8.2. Housing Target Progress —Verbal Update Brian Dick, Senior Manager of Policy Planning, provided Council with an update on the progress of housing targets. Page 5 of 9 Mayor Diodati left Council Chambers at 6:43PM and Councillor Pietrangelo stepped in to chair the meeting in the Mayor's absence. Mayor Diodati returned at 6:54PM and Councillor Pietrangelo returned to his seat. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation for information. Carried Unanimously 9. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 9.1. Proclamation and Flag-Raising Request -World Autism Day Attached is a request for Council to proclaim Wednesday, April 2, 2025 as "World Autism Day" and to "fly the flag" on the same day at City Hall in Niagara Falls. Recommendation: THAT Council proclaim Wednesday, April 2, 2025 as "World Autism Day" and to "fly the flag" on the same day at the City Hall in Niagara Falls. 9.2. Flag-Raising Request - Pride Niagara - Niagara Pride Week Attached is an annual request for Council to approve a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 2nd, 2025 at 2:00 PM at City Hall to recognize June as "Pride month." Recommendation: For Council to APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 2nd, 2025 to recognize Niagara Pride week (Saturday, May 31st - Sunday, June 8, 2025) and to recognize the month of June as "Pride month." 9.3. Resolution - Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus - Support of Canadian and Ontario Governments' Negotiations with the United States Government on Trade Tarriffs On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC), please see the attached resolution "EOWC Support of Canadian and Ontario Governments Negotiations with the United States Government on Trade Tariffs." Recommendation: THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution. 9.4. Resolution — City of St. Catharines — Calls to the Provincial and Federal Governments to protect businesses impacted by potential Tariffs Attached is a resolution from the City of St. Catharines pertaining to "Calls to the Provincial and Federal Governments to protect businesses impacted by potential Tarrifs." Recommendation THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Items #9.1 through to and including #9.4. Page 6 of 9 Carried - (Councillor Lococo opposed to #9.3 and #9.4). 10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 10.1. Correspondence from Community Services - Homelessness Update Attached is a memo from Jeffrey Sinclair, Manager, Homelessness Services at Niagara Region, describing the progress that has been made to address homelessness in the Niagara Region. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. 10.2. Resolution - Town of Fort Erie - Provincial Election Health Care Advocacy Attached is a resolution from the Town of Fort Erie adopted at its Special Council meeting of February 11, 2025 pertaining to "Provincial Election Health Care Advocacy." Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the Town of Fort Erie pertaining to "Provincial Election Health Care Advocacy." Carried Unanimously 10.3. Notification of Application Launch for DEI Committee Attached is a memo to notify Council to the request for applications to an advisory committee of council. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. 10.4. Memo from Planning - Attached is a memo from the Planning Department to provide further information pertaining to the addition of By-law 2025-028. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #10.1 #10.3 and #10.4. Carried Unanimously 11. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA Nothing to Ratify. 12. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS a) Threat of Proposed US Tariffs Councillor Patel presented a motion THAT Mayor Diodati work WITH the Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York to come up with a guiding document or information sheet regarding what is affected or not affected, by the tariffs being Page 7of9 proposed. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Mayor Diodati collaborate WITH the Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York to come up with a guiding document or information sheet regarding what is affected or not affected, by the tariffs being proposed. Carried Unanimously b) Watermain Cost-Sharing Agreement Councillor Pietrangelo addressed Council with questions pertaining to the watermain cost-sharing agreement the City has with The Niagara Parks Commission. Councillor Pietrangelo requested a report that includes information about any applicable charges, permit fees and taxes that may be required as part of this agreement. Direction to Staff for the CAO to report back to Council regarding the watermain cost-sharing agreement the City has with the Niagara Parks Commission. 13. BY-LAWS 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for the 024. development of a mixed-use building consisting of 118 residential dwelling units with various commercial uses. (AM-2024-026). 2025- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 178 to the City of 025. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-026). 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for the 026. purpose of a boarding or rooming house (AM-2024-002). 2025- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 175 to the City of 028. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-005). (Added) 2025- A by law to amend By law No. 79 200 to permit the use of the Lands for an 18 029. storey mixed-use building with a hotel and tourist attractions, subject to a 1 year sunset clause and the removal of a Holding (H) symbol (AM 2021 005). (Added) 2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its 030. meeting held on the 25th day of February, 2025. (By-Law Number Revised) Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed. Carried Unanimously 14. ADJOURNMENT a) Adjournment Page 8 of 9 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT the City Council Meeting be ADJOURNED at 7:42 PM. Carried Unanimously Mayor City Clerk Page 9 of 9