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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-2025 Niagara MINUTES ails CityCouncil Meeting FCNADA 2:00 PM - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Council Chambers/Zoom App. The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, PRESENT: Councillor Vince Kerrio, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange COUNCIL Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuewsteeg ABSENT: STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Erik Nickel, Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, PRESENT: Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Shelley Darlington, Kailen Goertz, Margaret Corbett, Heather Ruzylo (Present in Chambers) Trent Dark, Gerald Spencer (Present via Zoom) 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 2:03 PM. 2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 2.1. In-Camera Resolution Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council enter into an In-Camera session. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Dabrowski was absent from the vote). 3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING The meeting was reconvened at 5:00 PM. 4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 4.1. Council Minutes of May 27, 2025 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the June 17, 2025 meeting as presented. Carried Unanimously 5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Page 1 of 18 a) Councillor Victor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.2 - Report CS-2025-34, Debenture Financing for Adopted 2025 Capital Budget, as the Councillor's family and himself own property that is part of the project. b) Councillor Mike Strange declared a conflict of interest to Item #11.7 - Noise By- law Exemption - 14th Annual Heaters Heroes Run for Children, as the Councillor is a member of the Fallsview Hose Brigade. c) Councillor Tony Baldinelli declared a conflict of interest to Item #11.7 - Noise By-law Exemption - 14th Annual Heaters Heroes Run for Children, as the Councillor is a member of the Fallsview Hose Brigade. 6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Mayor Jim Diodati mentioned the following City events: Events & Announcements: 40 Under 40 Achievement Awards -At Holiday Inn & Conference Centre in St. Catharines •Also attended by Councillors Patel and Nieuwesteeg Ching Ming Festival -At the Fairview Cemetery ComicCon 'Organized by Councillor Dabrowski Rick Rose Street Sign Unveiling •Also attended by Councillors Strange, Pietrangelo, Lococo, Nieuwesteeg and Patel 80th Anniversary & Annual Ceremonial Review Parade — Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Niagara 'Waterfall Folklore Festival [photos] Pathstone HOPE Gala 'Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg Councillor Patel • MASS Niagara 5th Anniversary • NICHE Manufacturing Event • 70th Annual Rose & Flower Show • St. John Ambulance 64th Annual Regional Recognition Event Councillor • Think Kitchen Grand Opening Pietrangelo • Shrinier's Club Flag Raising • Firefighter Recruit Graduation Councillor Lococo • City of Niagara Falls DEI Summit Councillor Strange • Daredevil Barrels Exhibit at the Page 2 of 18 Skylon Tower Councillor • Niagara Jazz Mardi Gras Event Dabrowski Councillor • St. Paul Graduation Ceremony Nieuwesteeg Business Milestones and Events: •Continental Pancake House —40th Anniversary •Healthy Planet- Grand opening •Think Kitchen- Grand opening Flag Raisings: •Azerbaijan Independence Day •PRIDE Flag oAlso attended by Councillors Patel and Lococo -Italian Heritage Month oAlso attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Lococo and Patel •Senior's Month oAlso attended by Councillors Lococo and Nieuwesteeg •Shriner's Week oRepresented by Councillor Pietrangelo and oAlso attended by Councillor Patel •Filipino Independence Day oAlso attended by Councillors Patel and Strange Coming up: Canada Day •Tuesday, July 1st •Firemen's Park •NEW- VIP paid parking onsite ($ to SCVFA & Heartland Forest) oShuttles at various locations •Live entertainment from 11AM to 6PM •Kids stage — Scooby Doo and much more! •Food trucks — beavertails and more! •Heartland Forest train •Lots of free interactive fun! b) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Page 3 of 18 7. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / APPOINTMENTS 7.1. Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) Year-End Deputation The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) provided Council with a presentation to include the following: • Scholarship presentation - Tom Mitchinson recognized Madeline Berardi, a grade 12 student at A.N Myer Secondary School, as the scholarship recipient. • Annual Year-End Deputation - MYAC Co-Chairs, Paulina Labarta and Shivani Patel, reviewed MYAC's 2024-2025 school year. Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation by the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) for information. Carried Unanimously 7.2. Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. - Presentation The following individuals were present to provide a brief presentation to Council regarding updates from Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.: Brian Wilkie, President and CEO of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Suzanne Wilson — Chief Operating Officer, CA, CPA Shanon Wilson — Senior Vice-President Asset Management, P. Eng Paul Blythin -Vice-President Regulatory Affairs & Revenue, CPA, CGA Rocky Vacca, Chair of NPEI Board Direction to staff: to promote NPEI through our social media channels to assist in sharing the services that NPEI provides. Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation by the Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., for information. Carried Unanimously 7.4. Correspondence from Store manager - Grand Bazaar Niagara - Seasonal Vendors Attached is an email from the store manager of Grand Bazaar Niagara on Victoria Avenue, pertaining to the seasonal business licensing by-law. Mel Ertemiz, of Grand Bazaar Niagara, was present to address this matter. Recommendation: For the Consideration of Council. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Page 4 of 18 Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council REFER the matter to staff to consult with the local BIA's to solicit their opinions and to report back to Council at the July 29, 2025 meeting; AND THAT any new applications for a Seasonal Business Licence be put on hold until a staff report comes back to Council and further direction is given. Carried Unanimously 7.3. Levels of Service - Asset Management Plan (AMP) Presentation Daryush Esmaili, from Aspire Consulting, along with Andrew Mirabella from Hemson Consulting, and Tara Gudgeon, Senior Manager Asset Management Municipal Works presented to Council pertaining to the Levels of Service - AMP. Erik Nickel, General Manager of Municipal Works, along with Amanda Beattie, from Aspire Consulting, were also in attendance. MW-2025-17 Levels of Service Asset Management Plan 2025 Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council RECEIVE for Information the presentation from Aspire Consulting regarding "Levels of Service - Asset Management Plan (AMP). Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo 1. THAT Council APPROVE the City's Levels of Service Asset Management Plan prepared in accordance with Ontario Regulation 588/17; 2. THAT Council RECEIVE the tax-supported financial information of the Plan that identifies a funding gap of$302.2 million over the next ten years comprised of $164.2 million to meet proposed service levels, and $138.0 million for service level enhancements and strategic investments; 3. THAT Council RECEIVE the rate-supported (water/wastewater) financial information of the Plan that identifies a funding gap of$58 million over the next ten years to support growth and meet service level targets; 4. THAT Council DIRECT Staff to make the Plan publicly available on the City's website before the July 1, 2025 deadline; 5. That Council DIRECT Staff to submit the Plan to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing before the July 1, 2025 deadline; and, Page 5 of 18 6. That Council DIRECT Staff to incorporate recommendations of the Asset Management Plan including the financing strategy, development of a 10-year capital budget, preferred levels of service, utilization of risk- based prioritization, and increase of asset condition knowledge into the 2026 capital budget process. Carried Unanimously 8. PLANNING MATTERS 8.1 PBD-2025-38 - Public Meeting AM-2024-019 & 26CD-11-2024-007, Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Vacant Land Condominium Application 6111 Carlton Avenue Proposal: 6 townhouse and 1 detached dwelling along a private roadway Applicant: Tanya Byrd and Eric Byrd Agent: Upper Canada Consultants The Planning Public meeting commenced at 7:15 PM. Councillor Lococo left the meeting at 7:15 PM and returned at 7:18 PM. Councillors Pietrangelo and Kerrio left meeting at 7:15 PM and returned at 7:20 PM. Councillor Baldinelli left at 7:15 PM and returned at 7:19 PM. Chris Roome, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2025-38. Mary Anne Seppala, of 6106 Corwin Avenue, spoke in opposition of the development citing compatibility issues and safety concerns with the development in this area as a school is nearby. Christopher Aubin, of 6125 Carlton Avenue, spoke in opposition of the proposal citing concerns with site lines, privacy and density. James Bredin, of 6746 Barker Street, spoke in opposition of the development citing compatibility concerns. Ellen Sides, of 6099 Carlton Avenue, spoke in opposition of the proposal citing noise and traffic and parking concerns. Mayor Jim Diodati left Chambers at 8:25 PM and Councillor Pietrangelo resumed as I Chair. Mayor Diodati returned to Chambers at 8:27 PM. William Heikoop and Eric Beauregard, from Upper Consultants provided a presentation in support of the development, acting as the agent, representing the applicant. The Planning Public meeting was closed at 8:44 PM. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski Page 6 of 18 THAT Council DENY the application and recommendations as presented. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Chris Dabrowski Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo and City Councillor Vince Kerrio CARRIED (Councillors Kerrio and Lococo were opposed). 7-2 on a recorded vote 8.2. PBD-2025-39 - Public Meeting City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment AM-2023-001 Zoning Consolidation Councillor Dabrowski left Chambers at 8:58 PM and returned at 9:07 PM. The Planning Public meeting commenced at 8:58 PM. Chris Roome, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2025-39. The Planning Public meeting closed at 9:08 PM. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council APPROVE the amendments to the City's Zoning By-law No. 79- 200 and REPEAL By-law 395/66, By-law 1538 (1958) and By-law 70-69, as outlined in this report. Carried Unanimously 9. REPORTS 9.1. CS-2025-31 2025-2026 Insurance Program Renewal Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange 1. THAT Council RECEIVE Report CS-2025-31, 2025-2026 Insurance Program Renewal for information; 2. THAT Council APPROVE the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Insurance Program from Intact Public Entities Inc. (IPE); 3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the City Solicitor to execute the necessary documents with IPE for the provision of Comprehensive Insurance Services for the period July 1, 2025 —June 30, 2026 in the amount of up to approximately $2,159,939 plus applicable taxes. Carried Unanimously 9.2. CS-2025-34 Debenture Financing for Adopted 2025 Capital Budget Page 7 of 18 Councillor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 9:09 PM as he had declared a conflict to this matter. He returned to Chambers at 9:13 PM. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski 1. THAT the debt financing outlined in Attachment 1, per the 2025 Capital Budget BE APPROVED; 2. THAT the Annual Repayment Limit (ARL) in Attachment 2 BE RECEIVED for information; 3. THAT staff BE AUTHORIZED to execute all agreements necessary to finance capital projects with debentures as outlined in Attachment 1. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict). 9.3. CS-2025-35 Filing Claims with the City Through the City's Online Claim Portal Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information. Carried Unanimously 9.4. CS-2025-36 Fee Waiver Applications -June 2025 Submissions Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo 1. THAT Council approve, approve in part or deny the Fee Waiver applications received for the June 17, 2025 submission date, listed as follows: • Project Share of Niagara Falls - Coldest Night of the Year - in the amount of$226.00 to waive the costs of the "road use special event permit." • Niagara Jazz Festival - Sax in the City - in the amount of$1,632.85 to waive the costs of the Exchange facility rental. • Chippawa Volunteer Firefighters Association - Chippawa Cruise Nights - in the amount of$3,038.49 to waive the costs associated with the Chippawa Lions parking lot. • Victim Services Niagara - 2025 Victim Services Niagara Police vs Fire Charity Softball Game - in the amount of$115.34, to waive the costs associated with the hourly rate for the athletic field and lighting. • Meals on Wheels Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake - Souper Lunch - in the amount of$200.00 for the waiving of the fees associated with the Page 8 of 18 rental of the Memorial Room at the Gale Centre. • Cat & Monkey Events/Ronnie Dons Ice Cream - Halloween on Queen - in the amount of$905.00 to waive the costs associated with the road closure, staffing, equipment and permit application fee. 2. THAT Council DENY the Fee Waiver request from P.L.A.Y. Niagara for the estimated $4308 in fee waivers for ice rental so as not to set precedent for other school groups looking for similar waivers. (See below in report under "background" for further explanation) Carried Unanimously 9.5. PBD-2025-41 Noise Concerns Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council RECEIVE the report for information. Carried Unanimously 9.6. PBD-2025-42 Amendments to Sign By-law No. 2021-24 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT Council APPROVE the amendments to Sign By-law No. 2021-24, as outlined in this report and as shown in red in Appendix 1. Carried Unanimously 10. CONSENT AGENDA 10.1. PBD-2025-40 Building Faster Fund Investment Plan Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange 1. THAT Council RECEIVE the City's Building Faster Fund Investment Plan report for information purposes. 2. THAT Council APPROVE a capital budget amendment, to create a new singular Capital project in the amount of$1,721,209, for the project consisting of the initiatives approved under the Provincial 2023 Building Faster Fund (BFF) grant; and further, 3. THAT Council APPROVE the use of the City's 2023 Building Faster Fund (BFF) grant funding of$1,711,755 received from the Province, plus year-to-date interest earned on the funds of$9,454, to accommodate the requested budget amendment; and further, Page 9 of 18 4. THAT the Mayor and City Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute the necessary contract documents. Carried Unanimously 11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 11.1. Noise By-law Exemption Request - St. George Serbian Orthodox Church Attached is a request for a Noise By-law Exemption for the following dates and events to be held in 2025, that will take place on the church grounds of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church located at 6085 Montrose Rd. The requested exemption is for the following dates and events: • Saturday, June 28, 2025 and Sunday, June 29, 2025 - St. George Church and the Serbian National Shield Society will be hosting the 80th Annual Serbian Day in Niagara Falls. The organizers respectfully request an exception to the Noise By-Law to have it extended to midnight on Saturday, June 28th. respectfully request an exception to the Noise By-Law to have it extended to midnight on Saturday, June 28th. • Saturday, August 2, 2025 and Sunday, August 3, 2025 - Annual Kordun Family Picnic. For the Saturday evening (August 2nd) , the organizers are requesting an exception to the Noise By-Law to have it extended to midnight. Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the noise by-law exemption request at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church for the playing of music until midnight on Saturday, June 28, 2025 and Saturday, August 2, 2025. 11.2. Special Occasion Permit Request -Thunder River Bikefest Organizers of the Thunder River Bikefest are looking to Council for a letter of Municipal Significance for the Thunder River Bikefest 2025 taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2025 and Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the National Military Heritage Museum, 12761 Sodom Road, Niagara Falls. With Council declaring the event as "municipally significant," this will assist the organizers with obtaining a Special Occasion permit from the AGCO. Recommendation: THAT Council DECLARE the Thunder River Bikefest 2025 taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2025 and Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the National Military Heritage Museum, 12761 Sodom Road, Niagara Falls as an event of "municipal significance" in the City of Niagara Falls in order to assist with a Special Occasion permit from the AGCO. 11.3. Clifton Hill BIA - 2025 Budget Attached is Clifton Hill BIA's annual budget for 2025. Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the 2025 budget for the Clifton Hill BIA. 11.4. Lundy's Lane BIA - 2025 Final Budget Attached is the Lundy's Lane BIA's 2025 proposed budget for Council approval. Page 10 of 18 Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the Lundy's Lane BIA's proposed budget for 2025. 11.5. Flag-Raising Request - National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW) Attached is a request from Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON) to recognize National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW), November 16, 2025 - November 22nd, 2025, with a flag raising ceremony in Niagara Falls. Recommendation: THAT Council recognize National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW), November 16, 2025 - November 22nd, 2025, with a flag raising ceremony in Niagara Falls. 11.6. Proclamation Request - World Hepatitis Day Attached is a request for Council to proclaim Monday, July 28th, 2025 as "World Hepatis Day" in the City of Niagara Falls. Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM Monday, July 28, 2025 as "World Hepatitis Day" in the City of Niagara Falls. 11.7. Noise By-law Exemption - 14th Annual Heaters Heroes Run For Children The Heaters Heroes Committee, along with the Fallsview Hose Brigade, are requesting that Council grant an exemption to the City's Noise-By-law until 11:00 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2025 for the purpose of playing music for their annual event taking place at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls. Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request from the Heaters Heroes Committee, to grant an exemption to the City's Noise By-law until 11:00 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2025 for the purpose of playing music at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls. Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo THAT Council SUPPORT/APPROVE Items #11.1 through to Item #11.7. Carried Unanimously (Councillors Baldinelli and Strange had a conflict of interest to Item #11.7 only). 12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 12.1. Resolution - City of Peterborough - Bill 6, Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 Attached is a resolution passed by the Council of the City of Peterborough regarding Bill 6, Safer Municipalities Act, 2025. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information. 12.2. Resolution - City of Kingston - Bill 5: Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 Attached is a resolution from Kingston City Council passed on May 20, 2025. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information. Page 11 of 18 12.3. Correspondence from the Niagara Region Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region for information. 1) Niagara Region Report - PDS 11-2025 - Corporate Climate Change Action Plan 2) Niagara Region Report - PW 20-2025 - 2024 Reserve Water and Wastewater Treatment Capacities 3) Niagara Region Report - PW 19-2025 - Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program — 2025 Funding Recommendations Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information. 12.4 Office of the Integrity Commissioner— Matter No. IC-35449-0325 O'Connor re: Pietrangelo —Joint Code Complaint / MCIA Application Attached is an investigation report from the Integrity Commissioner and Investigator with regard to the above captioned matter. Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information. Direction to Staff: Direction from Council to report back on the costs of the Integrity Commissioner for this matter (IC-35449-0325). Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #12.1 through to and including Item #12.4. Carried Unanimously 13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA a) Ratification of In-Camera A list of candidates for the Licence Appeal Committee (LAC) were discussed in closed session for personal reasons and a vote was held in open session to name the following candidates members of the Licence Appeal Committee: • Elena Berezovskaia • Frank De Luca • Frank Messina • Laurie Taylor • Roderick McRae Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council DEFER the appointment of the Councillor representatives on the Licence Appeal Committee (LAC). Carried Unanimously Page 12 of 18 14. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS 14.1. NOTICE OF MOTION - Impacts of Bill 5 on Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan Attached is a notice of motion from Councillor Lori Lococo pertaining to the impacts of Bill 5 on Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan. Notice of Motion Impacts of Bill 5 - from Councillor Lococo 14.2. New Business Item - Traffic Lights - Current traffic flow Councillor Baldinelli mentioned the increased traffic throughout the tourist season, and as such, requested that the current traffic lights (ie., advanced lights....) and the flow of traffic be reviewed. Direction to Staff: THAT staff be directed to contact the Region requesting a summary of the regional intersections in the City of Niagara Falls as it pertains to safety and the flow of traffic with the current traffic lights. 14.3. New Business Item - Extension of Highway 405 - Exit off of Concession 6 Councillor Pietrangelo brought forth the request to expand and improve upon the connectivity of Highway 405 and suggested a joint request to the Province with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake at the upcoming AMO Conference. Direction to Staff: THAT staff request that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake be added to the AMO delegation submission regarding the extension of Highway 405. 14.4. New Business Item - CN - Emergency repairs - Railway tracks Councillor Dabrowski requested an update as to when CN plans to repair the railway crossings on Kalar Road and other various locations throughout the City of Niagara Falls. Direction to Staff: That staff follow up with CN to finalize the repair work on Kalar Road, scheduled for completion the week following Canada Day and to inform of other areas requiring improvement throughout the city. 15. MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION 15.1. MOTION — Lines on Roads Mayor Jim Diodati brought forth the following motion regarding lines on roads. Moved by Mayor Jim Diodati Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio • Whereas, since governmental regulations changed, providing higher environmental standards on what paint can be used on roads, lines on roads don't last long • Whereas, this change has meant that municipalities have to re-paint lines more often, sometimes several times per year to maintain visibility • Whereas, more painting means more trucks on the road, more staff time and more tax dollars • Whereas, faded or barely visible lines on the road are a hazard to Page 13 of 18 drivers • Whereas, it's extremely challenging to see during inclement weather conditions • Whereas, we shouldn't have to wait for collision statistics to tell us what we already know- when lines vanish, danger increases • Whereas, The City of Ottawa has already taken the lead on this national concern for safety. Therefore be it resolved that staff come back with some options that meet environmental standards and keep drivers safe, while not re-painting lines several times per year. Carried Unanimously 15.2. MOTION - Bubble Zones Attached is a motion from Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg requesting a staff report to review a Bubble Zone Bylaw that would prohibit protests around faith based and cultural institutions and city-owned facilities and property. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT the motion from Councillor Nieuwesteeg requesting a staff report to review a Bubble Zone by-law be DEFERRED until the Council meeting of July 8, 2025. Carried Unanimously Motion - Councillor Nieuwesteeg - Bubble Zones 15.3. MOTION - Veterans Day Memorial Crosswalk or Alternatives Councillor Patel brought forth the following motion pertaining to the installation of a memorial crosswalk or alternatives to honour the veterans. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo • WHEREASthe brave men and women who have served in our armed forces have shown extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting the freedoms and values we hold dear. • AND WHEREAS it is our solemn duty as a community to honour and remember their service in ways that are both meaningful and enduring. • BE IT RESOLVED THATthe Council DIRECT staff to investigate and report on the feasibility, design, cost, and suitable and prominent locations for the installation of a Veteran Memorial Crosswalk or alternatives that may include, but are not limited to, public art, memorial gardens, interpretive displays, commemorative benches, or other creative installations that provide a heartfelt and lasting tribute to our veterans. • AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the development and planning of these tributes be conducted in close collaboration and meaningful consultation with local legions and any other veterans' associations. May this initiative serve not only as a symbol but as a lasting expression of our Page 14 of 18 community's deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served, reminding all who see it of the price of our freedom and the courage of our veterans. Carried Unanimously 16. BY-LAWS 2025- A by-law to amend Schedule 11 "Commercial Parking Lots" to By-law No. 065. 2001-31, being a by-law respecting the issuance of licences in the City of Niagara Falls. 2025- A by-law provides for the adoption of Amendment No. 182 to the City of 074. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-037). 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for the 075. development of 28 stacked townhouse dwelling units, subject to a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-2024-037) 2025- A by-law provides for the adoption of Amendment No. 185 to the City of 076. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-028). 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for the 077. development of a 10 storey, 112-unit apartment dwelling, subject to a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-2024-028). 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to permit the use of the Lands for the 078. purpose of 42 stacked townhouse dwelling units, subject to a 3-year sunset clause (AM-2025-004). 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2021-24, to delegate approval of sign by-law 079. amendments to the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development or their Designate, reduce the notice time period, adjust the outlined process and provide for an appeal process for sign by-law amendments, permit the issuance of Sign Permits for minor variances within the appeal period if the applicant proceeds with a sign permit application, and make position title changes. 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2019-35, to waive the requirement of an annual 080. registration fee for Service dogs. 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City 081. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. 2025- A by-law to enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure related to 082. the provincial Transfer Payment Agreement for Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program — Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream. 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and 083. traffic on City Roads. (Pedestrian Crossovers, Parking Prohibited, Speed Limits on Highways (Part 2 - 60 km/h), Stop Signs At Intersections, Community Safety ' Zones) 2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and 084. traffic on City Roads. (Yield Signs at Intersections, Stop Signs at Intersections). 2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its 085. meeting held on the 17th day of June, 2025. Page 15 of 18 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 17. ADJOURNMENT a) Adjournment Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council ADJOURN the meeting at10:00 PM. Carried Unanimously 2 *.2.- 1/? 'A- •- - - Mayor Ciy Irk 1 Page 16 of 18 Notice of Motion by Councillor Lori Lococo Impacts of Bill 5 on Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan WHEREAS the City of Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan was unanimously approved by City Council, in September 2023—to be implemented over 5+ years, with a report every second year to City Council. AND WHEREAS the Adaptation Plan is critical to our city's long-range planning. AND WHEREAS the Adaptation Plan is a community-based strategic direction tailored to local needs, but subject to provincial legislation. AND WHEREAS passage of provincial legislation Bill 5 [Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025] is designed to fast-track projects by"reducing regulatory barriers"—allowing exemptions from municipal by-laws and impact assessment requirements, weakening planning oversight mechanisms, prohibiting municipal planning policies that exceed provincial minimum standards, and eliminating legislative safeguards in place when this Adaptation Plan was approved (September 2023). AND WHEREAS Bill 5 therefore poses direct and significant impact on municipal regulatory authority to set goals, implement and enforce policy standards in our city's Adaptation Plan. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council —out of concern for public protection (from flooding and other site hazards to ensuring building safety), responsible growth, climate-change resiliency of infrastructure (from wastewater treatment to energy- efficient green initiatives), planning adequate housing, transportation networks ... fiduciary duty to constituents and environmental stewardship—direct staff to provide a Summary Report of Bill 5 impacts on the Adaptation Plan, with resulting implications (including impacts to the budget), as part of the forthcoming 2-year report to Council. AND ... That this (above) Summary Report be presented to Council for approval and sending to the following, for support, as part of the ongoing, widespread efforts to have Bill 5 revoked: The Premier of Ontario The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Local MPPs Niagara Regional Council City Councils of(all) Ontario Municipalities Page 17 of 18 Heather Ruzylo Re: Bubble Zones WHEREAS,we need to protect the right of our residents to worship without threats of intimidation,and WHEREAS, City owned public spaces and spaces in the vicinity of faith-based cultural institutions including streets and sidewalks should feel safe and free from protestors, and WHEREAS, some protests invoke harassment and intimidation,and WHEREAS,those attending religious institutions should be able to do so in peace, and WHEREAS,the history of bubble zones goes back to 1995 where they were first adopted in British Columbia,and WHEREAS, causes that are of international concern are being taken up by local residents and visitors more often as issues on the world stage become increasingly pronounced,and WHEREAS, redirecting political protests away from innocent and vulnerable religious minorities and children will make sure that their rights are not impeded, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that City Council ask for a staff report to review a Bubble Zone Bylaw that would prohibit protests around faith based and cultural institutions and city-owned facilities and property. 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