HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-2025 Niagara MINUTES
FqNlls City Council Meeting
,1 1) . 2:00 PM - Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The Exchange Facility/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, July 29,
2025, at 4:28 PM, in the Exchange Facility, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, Councillor Vince Kerrio,
PRESENT: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange
COUNCIL
ABSENT: Councillor Tony Baldinelli
STAFF Jason Burgess, Kira Dolch, Kathy Moldenhauer, Nidhi Punyarthi, Erik
PRESENT: Nickel, Shelley Darlington, Tiffany Clark, Jo Zambito, Dave Etherington,
Margaret Corbett, Heather Ruzylo (attended at the Exchange)
Kent Schachowskoj (attended via Zoom)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 2:10 PM.
2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
2.1. In-Camera Resolution
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council enter into an In-Camera meeting.
Carried Unanimously
3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING
The City Council Meeting reconvened at 4:28 PM.
Councillor Tony Baldinelli left the meeting and did not return.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4.1. Council Minutes of July 8, 2025
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council APPROVE the In-Camera minutes of July 8, 2025 as presented.
Carried Unanimously
Page 1 of 32
5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None reported.
6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati expressed condolences to the following:
• Patrick Mallaley, brother of Kevin Mallaley from our Municipal Works
Department and Uncle to Kaitlyn Mallaley of our Recreation, Culture and
Facilities Department.
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following events and announcements:
Tesla Legacy Night
• At the Niagara Parks Power Station
• Attended by none
Club Italia Family Picnic
• At Club Italia Event Centre
• Also attended by Councillor Patel
VCBIA "Centre of it All" Mural
• At the side of the LCBO on Ferry St.
• Attended by Councillor Patel
King's Medal Celebration for Jo Zambito
• Our Fire Chief, Jo Zambito, was honoured with the King Charles III
Coronation Medal
• Recognized for his exceptional leadership, innovation and over 30 years of
dedicated service in fire safety.
• Congratulations Jo!
Council of the Federation Gala Reception
• At Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville
• All Premiers and Prime Minister in attendance
Wes Brown from Manchester United Visit
• At the Niagara Parks Power Station
• Attended by none
Firefighter Graduation Ceremony
• At Delphi Banquet Hall
• Also attended by Councillors Patel & Lococo
Councillor Representation
Councillor Patel • Mayor's Cup Cricket Tournament
• Tesla Fest at Oakes Garden Theatre
• African Women Acting Group
• Lokma —_grand opening
Page 2 of 32
• The Lagos State Government Youth
Delegates Council
• Kick-Off to Cricket Tournament
• Commemoration Battle of Lundy's Lane
Business Milestones and Events:
• KOA Picnic in the Park — grand opening
o Attended by none
• Wildflower Social — grand opening
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg, Patel, Baldinelli &
Strange
• Erion Insurance Group- grand opening
o Attended by none
• Crock-A-Doodle — grand opening
o Attended by Councillor Patel, Pietrangelo
• Harrvest South Asian Supermarket
o Attended by Councillor Patel
• Morgan Animal Hospital — 50-year business anniversary
o Attended by Councillor Patel
• The Barry Team — 10-year business anniversary
o Attended by none
Flaq Raisings:
• Nikola Tesla Day
o Attended by Councillor Patel, Lococo and Baldinelli
c) The next scheduled Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025
at the Niagara Falls Exchange, 5943 Sylvia Place (due to renovations at City
Hall).
7. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
7.1. RCF-2025-12 - Report and Presentation
Chippawa Willoughby Community Centre Project
Cherie Ng Architect Inc., provided Council with a presentation to the report,
sharing the results from the Chippawa Willoughby Arena Feasibility Study.
The study aims to transform the facility into a vibrant, multi-purpose community
hub by merging the arena and library into an inclusive, accessible space for
year-round use.
Three redevelopment options were considered: building a new facility next to
the existing arena, major renovations with a small addition, or replacing the ice
rink. On July 8th, the province announced a ten-million-dollar funding allocation
for the project, which includes building a new facility on city-owned land
adjacent to the existing facility and renovating the current structure for indoor
sports.
Page 3 of 32
2026 Preliminary Budget Projection
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Report CS-2025-41, 2026 Preliminary Budget Projection BE RECEIVED
for information;
2. AND THAT Council DIRECT staff to prepare budget options ranging from a 0%
to 3.5% operating levy increase during the 2026 budget process;
3. AND THAT Council DIRECT staff to prepare budget options ranging from a
0.0% to 4.5% capital levy increase, which staff recommend to be dedicated to
the City's roads program during the 2026 budget process.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony
Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
Carried
7-1 on a recorded vote
9.4. CS-2025-42
Tax Arrears Registration Changes
Councillor Pietrangelo left meeting at 8:54 PM and returned at 8:58 PM.
Councillor Nieuwesteeg left meeting at 8:56 PM and returned at 9:04 PM.
Councilllor Strange left meeting at 8:58 PM and returned at 9:02 PM.
Mayor Diodati called for a 5 minute break at 9:20 PM. Council resumed at 9:33
PM.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
1. THAT Council RECEIVE for information CS-2025-42 Tax Arrears
Registration Changes, including switching to a two (2) year
collection/registration process.
Carried Unanimously
9.5. CS-2025-45 - Clerks
Seasonal Business Licences
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council RECEIVE the report on Seasonal Business Licences.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZES the termination of the Seasonal Business
Page 7 of 32
Licence and repeal By-laws 2007-123 and 2009-089.
3. THAT Council AUTHORIZES the continuance of the one remaining
Seasonal Business Licence until it's expiry of October 13, 2025.
Carried Unanimously
9.6. MW-2025-18
Contract No.2025-643-25 Queen Street Staff Parking Lot Construction —
Request for Allocated Funds
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council citing concerns of
report.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Council APPROVE a 2025 Capital Budget Amendment of
$350,000 to create a new Capital Project - BP72-25 for the Queen
Street Staff Parking Lot to be funded from the Capital Special Purpose
Reserves - CSPR1 — General, Unallocated, subject to availability.
Carried Unanimously
9.7. MW-2025-19
Detenbeck Road Bridge Replacement - Budget Amendment and Contract
Award
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council AWARD RFT-MW-ENG-25-32, Detenbeck Road Bridge
Replacement, to the lowest compliant bidder, Rankin Construction Inc., in the
amount of$844,870.00 + HST.
2. That Council APPROVE a 2025 capital budget amendment for the
Detenbeck Road Bridge Replacement project (BC28-21) in the amount of
$100,000 from the OCIF grant reserve, for a total Capital Budget of
$1,000,000.
3. That the Mayor and Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute the necessary
agreements
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council EXTEND the curfew of Council meeting beyond 10:00 PM.
Carried Unanimously
9.8. RCF-2025-13
2025 Arts & Culture Wall of Fame Inductees
Page 8 of 32
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the following 2025 Arts & Culture Wall of Fame
Inductees: Raimondo + Associates Architects, Michael Madden, Kurt
Swinghammer and Charles Vandersluys.
Carried Unanimously
9.9. CAO-2025-10
Aerial 1 Replacement - Capital Budget Amendment
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council APPROVE a 2025 Capital Budget Amendment of an
additional $235,000 to F103-24 for Aerial 1 Replacement, resulting in a revised
total budget of$3,235,000 (inclusive of non-recoverable HST) funded from
Fleet Replacement Capital Special Purpose Reserve (CSPR 85).
2. THAT Council AWARD the Request for Proposal (RFP) CAO-FIRE-25-
02 — Aerial Platform Fire Apparatus to the highest ranked proponent, Fort
Garry Fire Trucks Ltd., in the amount of$3,177,113.00, excluding HST.
Carried Unanimously
10. CONSENT AGENDA
10.1. CS-2025-39
2026 Budget Timetable and Budget Engagement Plan
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE Report CS-2025-39, 2026 Budget Timetable and
Budget Engagement Plan for information.
Carried Unanimously
10.2. PBD-2025-45
To provide Council with a status update on the implementation of the
Sunset Clause condition introduced in 2024
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information purposes.
Carried Unanimously
Page 9 of 32
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Flag-Raising Request - Ukraine's Independence Day
Attached is a request for Council to approve a flag-raising ceremony on Friday,
August 22nd, 2025 at City Hall to commemorate Ukraine's Independence Day.
This year marks 34 years since Ukraine fought and achieved its independence
from the Soviet Union and today is still fighting to keep that independence and
sovereignty.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony on
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 at City Hall to commemorate Ukraine's
Independence Day.
11.2. Flag-Raising Request - Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara is requesting Council approve a flag-raising
ceremony in recognition of Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in September of
2025. This initiative celebrates the life-changing impact of our free and
inclusive mentorship programs for children and youth across Niagara. The flag
raising also serves to recognize the dedication of our volunteer mentors,
highlight the resilience of the young people we serve, and encourage broader
community involvement.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremonyat City
9
Hall in recognition of Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in September of 2025.
11.3. Flag-Raising Request - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - September
Attached is a request for Council to approve a flag-raising ceremony on
Monday, September 2nd, 2025 to support Childhood Cancer Awareness month
for September.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony on
Monday, September 2nd, 2025 to support Childhood Cancer Awareness month
for September.
11.4. Proclamation Request - Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator
Appreciation Day
Attached is a request for Council to proclaim and participate in Child Care
Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day on Tuesday, October 21,
2025.This day recognizes the commitment, skills and hard work of Early
Childhood Educators (ECEs) and staff who work with young children. Each
year, the day is proclaimed by the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
(OCBCC), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), municipalities
and school boards across Ontario, and is marked by hundreds of child care
centres, unions, and allies.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM Tuesday, October 21, 2025 as
"Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day."
11.5. Noise By-law Exemption - Niagara Gujarati Samaj Inc.
The Niagara Gujarati Samaj Inc. is requesting that Council grant an exemption
to the City's Noise By-law until 11:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025 and
Saturday, September 27, 2025 for the purpose of playing music for their event
Page 10 of 32
taking place at Firemen's Park in Niagara Falls. This event is a
religious/cultural dance celebration.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request from the Niagara
Gujarati Samaj Inc., to grant an exemption to the City's Noise By-law until
11:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025 and Saturday, September 27, 2025
for the purpose of playing music for their event taking place at Firemen's Park
in Niagara Falls.
11.6. Noise By-law Exemption Request - St. George & St. Archangel Michael
Serbian Church
Attached is a request for a Noise By-law Exemption for an upcoming event
taking place at the Serbian Church grounds located at 6085 Montrose Road, to
allow for the playing of music until midnight (12:00 AM) on Saturday, August
30, 2025.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a Noise By-law Exemption for an
upcoming event taking place at the Serbian Church grounds located at 6085
Montrose Road, to allow for the playing of music until midnight (12:00 AM) on
Saturday, August 30, 2025.
11.7. Proclamation Request - Rail Safety Week 2025
CN is requesting Council to PROCLAIM the week of September 15 to 21, 2025
as "Rail Safety Week."
For more than 20 years, CN has partnered with Operation Lifesaver Canada
(OL) to raise public awareness about the dangers of crossing and trespassing
on railway property. In recent years, they have seen disturbing spikes in deaths
and serious injuries related to both. Inattention and distraction at crossings,
risky behaviours on and around trains, the rise of homeless encampments
along rail corridors, and mental health crises are all factors driving the recent,
negative reversal in trendlines.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM the week of September 15 to
21, 2025 as "Rail Safety Week."
11.8. Noise By-law Exemption - Taps Brewhouse
Attached is a request for a Noise By-law Exemption for a series of outdoor
events hosted by Taps Brewhouse in the City of Niagara Falls to allow for the
playing of amplified music and live music performances until 11:00 PM on the
dates listed in the correspondence.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a Noise by-law Exemption for
Taps Brewhouse to allow for the playing of amplified music until 11:00 PM on
the following dates:
• Aug 16 - Music festival - 1-11 PM - AP Records
• Sept 4 - Music festival -3-11 PM - 7 churches 40th anniversary tour
• Sept 6 - Music festival - Street survivor fest 2-10 maybe 11:00 PM
• Sept 12 - Music festival - 5-11 PM
• Sept 20 - Music event - Bethlehem housing music charity - 2-11 PM
• Sept 27 - Music event - 2-11 PM
Page 11 of 32
11.9. Flag-Raising Request - Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Attached is a request for Council to APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony on
Thursday, September 4, 2025 to recognize PKD Awareness Day in Niagara
Falls.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony on
Thursday, September 4, 2025 to recognize PKD Awareness Day in Niagara
Falls.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Items #11.1 through to Items #11.9.
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Memo - Costs Associated with Integrity Commissioner Investigation
Attached is a memo from the City Clerk, detailing the costs associated with an
Integrity Commissioner investigation.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE this memorandum for information.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE this memorandum for information.
Carried Unanimously
13. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
13.1. Memo - Planning - City of Niagara Falls Site Plan Control By-law Update
Recommendation: That Council pass By-law No. 2025-096 to repeal and
replace By-law No. 2011-112 and By-law 2022-049, thereby consolidating and
updating the City of Niagara Falls Site Plan Control By-law in accordance with
Council's previous direction and approvals.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
That Council pass By-law No. 2025-096 to repeal and replace By-law No.
2011-112 and By-law 2022-049, thereby consolidating and updating the City of
Niagara Falls Site Plan Control By-law in accordance with Council's previous
direction and approvals.
Carried Unanimously
14. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
Nothing to ratify.
Page 12 of 32
15. MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
15.1 MOTION -Transit - Discounted Fair for Seniors
Councillor Nieuwesteeg submitted the attached motion suggesting offering free
transit for Seniors.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT the Council of the City of Niagara Falls REQUESTS that the Niagara Transit
Board of Directors investigate the feasibility of providing significantly discounted
transit fare for Seniors.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony
Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed). 7-1 on a recorded vote
Motion - Councillor Nieuwesteeg - Transit Motion re. Free Rides for Seniors
16. NOTICE OF MOTION
There were no notices of motions presented.
17. NEW BUSINESS
a) Niagara Military Heritage Centre - 12761 Sodum Road
Councillor Patel requested a tourist sign be erected to promote the Niagara
Military Heritage Centre in Chippawa.
Direction to Staff: That Staff work with the MTO to help with the potential of
implementing a tourist-oriented directional sign (TODS) on the QEW.
b) Panhandlers in the City
Councillor Patel brought up the issue of panhandlers on the rise in the City of
Niagara Falls. CAO has recently met with NRP and enforcement staff to look at
options on how to deal with the illegal panhandling within the city. Looking at
options that will provide a more permanent solution to the issues evident at
prominent intersections.
c) Street Sweeping - Main roads - bike paths
Councillor Pietrangelo discussed the need to increase the maintenance of
roads in our warmer months, particularly the main streets with bike paths.
Direction to Staff: Erik Nickel, General Manager of Municipal Works, made a
commitment to take this matter away and will review the current sweeping
schedule for streets with bike lanes and acknowledged a higher level of service
is required for these roads. Erik will also pass along this message to the
Niagara Region to address our regional roads.
d) Payment in Lieu (PIL) Report -
Councillor Pietrangelo addressed the Payment in lieu process and how it
applies to NPC properties.
Page 13 of 32
Direction to staff: Staff to report back on current status of NPC properties to
include which ones are NPC-owned versus tenanted, and of the tenanted
properties, identify who pays the development charges, permit fees and city
taxes.
e) Welland River -Sludge in River
Councillor Lori Lococo addressed the issue of the sludge that has been leaking
into the Welland River for over a year and the fact that the source has not yet
been determined.
Erik Nickel, General Manager of Municipal Works, spoke of the matter equally
expressing his concerns. He spoke of the Sewer use by-law and the need for it
to be updated and enforced, stating that the by-law will hope to be a deterrent,
however, challenging as the source has not been determined. Will continue to
put resources on this issue and will follow-up with Ontario's Ministry of
Environment for additional support.
18. BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 395, 1966, to permit the use of the lands for an
093. assembly hall with a maximum floor area of 230 sq. m. (AM-2025-003).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
094. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2025- A By-law respecting sick leave, pensions and other benefits for city employees.
095.
2025- A by -law to designate the whole of the City of Niagara Falls as a site plan
096. control area, to define the classes of development that may be undertaken
without the approval of plans and drawings, and to delegate the powers or
authority of Council permitted under section 41 of the Planning Act, R. S. O.
1990, c. P. 13 to the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development,
and to repeal By-law No. 2011-112 and By-law No. 2022-049.
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
097. traffic on City Roads.(Stopping Prohibited, Parking Prohibited, Stop Signs at
Intersections)
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
098. meeting held on the 29th day of July, 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 Unanimously
19. ADJOURNMENT
Page 14 of 32
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 10:43PM.
Carried Unanimously
/
ayor
City Clerk
Page 15 of 32