HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-16-2025 Niagara , #' MINUTES
JqNAD Cit Council Meeting
A
2:00 PM - Tuesday, September 16, 2025
The Exchange Facility/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday,
September 16, 2025, at PM, at the Exchange Facility, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski,
PRESENT: Councillor Vince Kerrio, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo,
Councillor Mike Strange
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Erik Nickel, Tiffany Clark, Chief Jo Zambito,
PRESENT: Shelley Darlington, Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Nidhi Punyarthi
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 2:15 PM.
2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
2.1. In-Camera Resolution
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session.
Carried Unanimously
3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING
The Council Meeting reconvened at 4:37 PM.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4.1. Council Minutes of August 26, 2025
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the August 26, 2025 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
a) Councillor Lococo declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.3, PBD-2025-51,
Northwest Secondary Plan as the Councillor is a member of Club Italia and this
plan could affect the members.
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b) Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.3 - PBD-2025-
51, Northwest Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan, as the Councillor's
parents are member of Club Italia. Councillor Pietrangelo also declared a
conflict to by-laws 2025-110 and 2025-111 as both relate to AM-2025-012
(conflict listed above), as the Councillor owns property that can be affected.
c) Councillor Mike Strange declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.2 - PBD-2025-
50 - Garner West Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan, as Masterson
Realty has listings within this secondary plan.
d) Councillor Mona Patel declared a conflict of interest to Item #9.3, PBD-2025-
51, Northwest Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan, as the Councillor is a
voting member of Club Italia.
6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following City events:
Opening of Niagara Takes Flight in Niagara Parks
• Also attended by Councillors Baldinelli, Strange and Patel.
Heater's Heroes at Oakes Park
• Congratulations to Councillor Strange on another successful event
• Also attended by Councillors Baldinelli, Patel and of course Councillor
Strange.
Charity Community BBQ for NF hospice and hospital
• Raised more than $30K for these charities
• Thank you to all of our volunteers
• Attended by Councillors Dabrowski, Baldinelli, Patel, Lococo, Kerrio,
Strange and Nieuwesteeg
Summer Trillium Awards — at the Gale Centre
• Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Pietrangelo and Patel
Dance Your Face Off- at Club Italia
100th Anniversary of NF Illumination Board
Terry Fox Run — Gale Centre
Councillor Representation
Councillor Strange and • Puck Drop at Niagara Falls Canucks Home
Baldinelli Opener
Councillor Lococo • Carifalls Event
Business Milestones and Events:
• Pampered Pups — new location Sodom Road
a Also attended by Councillor Patel
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• Honeypot Smoke Shop — 10 year anniversary
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
• The Keg at Wyndham Grand Fallsview — Grand Opening
o Also attended by Councillors Patel, Nieuwesteeg and Pietrangelo
• Samanthan Quick Hair
o Also attended by
Flaq Raisinqs:
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
o Also attended by Councillors Strange and Pietrangelo
• PKD Awareness Day
o Also attended by Councillor Baldinelli
b) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025 and will
be back at City Hall, Council Chambers.
7. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
7.1. Civic Recognition
1) 11 U AA Niagara Falls Falcons Ontario Baseball Association (OBA)
Recognition
Mayor Diodati recognized the recent achievements of the 11 U Niagara Falls
Falcons OBA.
2) Southern Tier Admirals U11 AAA Hockey Team
Mayor Diodati recognized the achievements of the Ull AAA Hockey Team.
8. PLANNING MATTERS
8.1 . PBD-2025-52 - PUBLIC MEETING
AM-2025-007, Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
Application
5981 and 5969 Dunn Street
Proposal: 3 On-Street Townhouses
Applicant: Marianne Callahan and Keith Callahan
Agent: Daniel Banatkiewicz (NPG Planning Solutions Inc.)
The Planning Public Meeting commenced at 5:22 PM.
Mayor Diodati left the meeting at 5:24 PM and returned at 5:25 PM.
Chris Roome, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2025-52.
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council supporting the
application.
Max Fedchyshak, Agent, from NPG Planning Solutions Inc., was present to
address any questions of Council. Council did not have any questions for Mr.
Fedchyshak.
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The Planning Public Meeting concluded at 5:37 PM.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
It is recommended:
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendments to redesignate the lands to a special policy area of the
Residential Designation to permit an increased density and rezone the
lands to a site-specific Residential Low Density, Grouped Multiple
Dwellings (R4) zone to facilitate the construction of 3 on-street
townhouse dwellings.
2. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-
laws included on tonight's agenda.
3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending by-law to include a sunset
clause to require the owner to obtain a building permit 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.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council APPROVE to move up Item #9.6 of the agenda for discussion
as external auditors were present in the gallery.
Carried Unanimously
9. REPORTS
9.1. CS-2025-51
2025 Customer Service Standards Policy
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council supporting the report
while addressing some concerns.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Staff Report CS-2025-51, Customer Service Standards Policy be
RECEIVED for INFORMATION;
AND THAT Council APPROVE Policy Number CS-CST-001, Customer Service
Standards Policy.
Carried Unanimously
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9.2 PBD-2025-50
Garner West Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan
Councillor Mike Strange left the meeting at 5:47 PM as he had declared a conflict of
interest. Councillor Strange returned at 6:20 PM.
Councillor Victor Pietrangelo left the meeting at 5:50 PM and returned at 5:52 PM.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council ENDORSE the Garner West Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan, in
principle, attached as Appendix 3 to this report.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor
Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris
Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
Carried (Councillor Strange had declared a conflict of interest and Councillor
Lococo was opposed). 6-1 on a recorded vote
9.3. PBD-2025-51
Northwest Secondary Plan Preferred Concept Plan
Councillors Pietrangelo, Lococo and Patel left the meeting at 6:20 PM as they
all declared a conflict of interest to this report, and returned to meeting at 6:29
PM.
Chris Millar, Senior Project Manager - Secondary Plans, provided a
presentation to Council.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council ENDORSE the Northwest Secondary Plan Preferred Concept
Plan, in principle, attached as Appendix 3 to this report.
Carried Unanimously (Councillors Lococo, Pietrangelo and Patel all
declared a conflict of interest).
9.4 PBD-2025-53
GTY-2025-001, Retroactive Gateway Improvement Plan and Municipal
Employment Incentive Program Application
7874 Blackburn Parkway
1769806 Ontario Limited (LaPennaco Liquidation)
Applicant: John LaPenna
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
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Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. That Council APPROVE the retroactive Niagara Gateway CIP Tax Increment
Based Grant program and Municipal Employment Incentive Program Application
for 7874 Blackburn Parkway, as directed by Council at the May 27, 2025
Council Meeting, subject to the Owner satisfying the program requirements.
2. That the Mayor and Clerk be AUTHORIZED to sign and execute the Gateway
CIP grant agreement and Municipal Employment Incentive Program Agreement.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony
Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and City Councillor Vince
Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed and Councillor Dabrowski and Patel
were absent from vote). 5-1 on a recorded vote
9.5. CS-2025-53
Fee Waiver Applications - September 2025 Submission
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council APPROVE the Fee Waiver applications received for the
September 16, 2025 submission date, listed as follows:
• Ontario Festival of Culture, Arts and Sports - Niagara Fiesta
Extravaganza - in the amount of $462.57, to waive the costs associated
with the painting of lines in the parking lot at Firemen's Park.
• Niagara Jazz Festival - Big Easy 2nd Line Celebration - in the amount of
$226.00, to waive the costs associated with the street use special event
permit.
• Nikola Tesla Day Festival - Tesla Fest 2025 - in the amount of
$1,369.00, to waive the fees pertaining to the Building permit and
business licence fee.
Carried Unanimously
9.6. CS-2025-54 - Finance
2023 Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls (Draft) Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements
Direction to Staff: That Staff provide a breakdown of the outstanding legal
claims totaling $43 million that is noted in the financial statements.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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THAT Council APPROVE the 2023 Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls
Draft Consolidated Financial Statements.
Carried Unanimously
10. CONSENT AGENDA
10.1. CS-2025-50
Declare Surplus Part of Burning Springs Hill between Niagara River
Parkway and Portage Road
Our File: 2025-036
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. That Council AUTHORIZE that part of Burning Springs Hill (the "Lands") as
shown outlined in blue on Attachment 1 attached hereto be declared surplus.
2. That Council AUTHORIZE that the requirements in the City's Sale of Land
By-law to obtain an appraisal of the Lands and to give notice to the public of
the proposed sale be dispensed with.
3. That Council AUTHORIZE the transfer of the Lands to the Niagara Parks
Commission, for nominal consideration.
4. That Council AUTHORIZE the Chief Administrative Officer and City Solicitor,
or their designate, to execute all documentation and take steps necessary to
carry out Recommendations 1, 2 and 3.
Carried Unanimously
10.2. CS-2025-52
At Your Service Niagara Falls (AYSNF) - Implementation Update
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Staff Report CS-2025-52, At Your Service Niagara Falls (AYSNF) —
Implementation Update be RECEIVED as INFORMATION.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Proclamation Request -Wrongful Conviction Day - Thursday, October
2nd, 2025
Attached is a request for Council to proclaim Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 as
"Wrongful Conviction Day" and to illuminate City Hall in yellow to recognize this
day.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
as "Wrongful Conviction Day" and to illuminate City Hall in yellow to recognize
this day.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
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THAT Council PROCLAIM Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 as "Wrongful
Conviction Day" and to illuminate City Hall in yellow to recognize this day.
Carried Unanimously
11.2. Proclamation Request - Fire Prevention Week 2025
Attached is a memo from Fire Chief, Jo Zambito, with a request for Council to
proclaim the week of October 5, 2025 - October 11, 2025 as "Fire Prevention
Week."
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM the week of October 5, 2025 -
October 11, 2025 as "Fire Prevention Week" in Niagara Falls.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council PROCLAIM the week of October 5, 2025 - October 11, 2025 as
"Fire Prevention Week" in Niagara Falls.
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Correspondence from Enbridge - Consultation on the future of natural
gas expansion in Ontario
Attached is correspondence sent from Enbridge to municipalities across
Ontario inviting municipalities to participate in the Ontario Ministry Energy and
Mines' Consultation, on the Future of Community Natural Gas Expansion.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.2. Correspondence from Niagara Transit - Quarter 2 2025 Statistics
Attached is a letter and Q2 statistics from Niagara Transit for the information of
Council.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.3. Resolution - City of Thorold - Respecting Publication of the Sexual
Offender Registry
Attached is a resolution passed by the Council for the City of Thorold, at its
meeting on September 9, 2025 regarding the Publication of the Sexual
Offender Registry.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.4. Correspondence from the Old St. John's Heritage Association
Attached is a letter sent to Council from the Old St. John's Stamford Heritage
Association, with information pertaining to their 200 Year Anniversary Event on
Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
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Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #12.1 through to and
including Item #12.4.
Carried Unanimously
13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
Nothing to ratify as it was direction to staff and information provided to Council.
14. MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
No motions for consideration.
15. NOTICE OF MOTION
15.1. Notice of Motion - Automated Speed Enforcement
Attached is a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Lori Lococo regarding
automated speed enforcement.
16. NEW BUSINESS
a) Call for Reforms Following Heinous Crime in Welland
Councillor Mona Patel brought forth a motion to support the correspondence
from the City of Welland calling for reforms following the brutal assault of a
three-year-old child in the City of Welland.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council waive the procedural by-law for Councillor Patel's proposed
notice of motion to be considered.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
WHEREAS the recent assault of a child in Welland has shaken our entire
region, and our communities share in the grief and outrage.
WHEREAS this horrific crime was committed by a repeat offender, highlighting
the failures of the current justice system.
WHEREAS the revolving door of justice is putting our children, families, and
neighborhoods at risk, with offenders too often released back into our
communities.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Niagara Falls stand with
the City of Welland in calling on the Provincial and Federal Governments to
take urgent action to:
•End the revolving door justice system.
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•Strengthen bail laws and ensure repeat offenders are kept off our streets.
-Impose tougher sentencing for serious crimes, particularly those involving
children.
•Strengthen and expand the Sexual Offender Registry, including stronger
monitoring and restrictions for repeat and high-risk offenders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the
Prime Minister, the Premier and all Niagara municipalities, all Niagara
Members of Provincial Parliament, all Niagara Members of Parliament, the
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Minister of Public
Safety, the Attorney General of Ontario, and the Solicitor General of Ontario,
urging them to join this call for action to protect our communities.
Carried Unanimously
b) Electric Scooters - Safety of Riders
Councillor Patel discussed the increase in volume of children riding electric
scooters without helmets. Erik Nickel provided comments stating that a review
of the current legislation would have to be undertaken and would look for ways
to implement some safety programs.
Direction to Staff: For Staff to come back to Council with a report that would
include a review of other municipalities and to provide options as to what can
be done to improve scooter safety within the City of Niagara Falls.
c) Niagara Falls Canada Hotel Association (NFCHA)
Councillor Strange discussed the NFCHA and the Municipal Accommodation
Tax.
Direction to Staff: THAT Staff report back with an update on the Niagara Falls
Canada Hotel Association and the Municipal Accommodation Tax and
reformatting their organization.
d) "Slow Down" Signage Campaign
Councillor Dabrowski was looking to staff for an update on the "slow down"
signage campaign, that was adopted by Council a few years ago.
Direction to Staff: For Staff to come back with a report in a couple of cycles,
providing Council with an update as to the slow-down signage campaign and to
include feedback from staff as to the success of this program and what other
municipalities are doing to reduce speed in school zones.
e) NS & T Trail at Dorchester Road - Request for flashing lights
Councillor Pietrangelo requested flashing yellow lights for a pedestrian
crossing on the NS & T Trail at the crossing of Dorchester. In our 2026 Capital
budget, this issue will be addressed and will be building that signal for 2026.
f) City-Owned Mewburn Lands
Councillor Pietrangelo inquired about the status of the City owned Mewburn
lands and expressed concern relative to the current specialty crop designation.
Councillor Pietrangelo identified that the City should be prepared to respond to
the Niagara Escarpment Commission ten-year plan review process, relative to
the appropriateness of the specialty crop designation.
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Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council AUTHORIZE an expenditure of up to $30,000 to undertake the
necessary studies to determine the appropriate land use designation for
Mewburn lands and DIRECT staff to confirm the timelines for the Niagara
Escarpment Commission ten-year plan review.
Carried Unanimously
17. BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to provide feedback for the adoption of Amendment No. 187 to the
108. City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (OPA #187).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the construction of 3 on-street
109. townhouse dwellings, subject to a 3-year sunset clause (AM-2025-007).
2025- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 185 to the City of
110. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2025-012).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to permit vacation rental units on the
111. Lands and to repeal By-law No. 2010-131 and By-law No. 2016-111 (AM-2025-
012).
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2024-027, for housekeeping purposes to
112. remove any reference to By-law No. 1998-183. (Added)
2025- A by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the
113. enforcement of provincial or municipal laws. (Updated)
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
114. meeting held on the 16th day of September, 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 opposed to by-law 2025-110 and by-law 2025-
111 and Councillor Patel declared a conflict of interest to by-law 2025-110
and Couoncillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict to by-laws 2025-110 and
2025-111),
18. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council ADJOURN the meeting at 7:01 PM..
Carried Unanimously
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Mayor
City Clerk
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