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2006/11/20 , j) ,:;., .., , < T FIFTHTEENTH MEETING Monday, November2Q, 2006 From 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. City H,all, Committee Room #2A& B 1) Approval of the 2006-10-30 Community Services Minutes. 2) REPORTS: ~ STAFF CO NT ACT: a) BBS-2006-08 Assistant Municipal By-law Officer .. Ed Dujlovic Permanent Position b) MW-2006-121 Oakwood Drive - Parking Control Review Ed Dujlovic c) MW-2006-132 Callan Street at Lamont Avenue - Intersection ' Ed Duj lovic , Control Review d) MW -2006:"134 Radar Speed Board ~ Camera U&e - Dunn Street Ed Duj Iovic e) MW-2009-136 Capital Asset Accounting (PSAB) Ed Duj lovic f) 'F-2006-59 Request for Waiver of Development Fees - Lundy's Lane United Church - New-Entrance Ken Burden - '3') NEW BUSINESS: . 4) ADJOURNMENT: - ,- 1 r ~ MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, October 30, 2006, City Hall, Room 2 at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT: Chair - Selina V olpatti, Mayor Ted Salci, Alderman Jim Diodati, Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Alderman Joyce Morocco, Alderman Vince Kerrio, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni., Alderman Wayne Campbell. REGRETS: Denyse Morrissey STAFF: John MacDonald, Ed Duj lovic, Karen Kelly, Pat Burke, Steve Hamilton, Ken Burden, Karl Dren, Dean Iorfida, Serge Felicetti, Trent Dark, Marianne Tikky- Steno PRESS: Rob Lapensee, Niagara This Week, Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review GUEST: Jeffery Marques, Mr. Maldina, - Bill Board Sign Proponents, Ron Clouti, Wayne Stark - Optimist Club Members, Len & Gwen Mather.. 6164 Kalar Road, Jen Vrieswyk, Betty Jean Keown & Doris Adams - 6069 Keith Street MINUTES It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Morocco and seconded by Alderman Diodait, that the October 16, 2006 minutes be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation sublnitted to Council 2006-10-30. REPORTS a) MW-2006-117 - Brookdale Drive @ Michael Street Intersection Control Review It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco that a stop sign be installed at the intersection of Brookdale Drive and Michael Street facing eastbound motorists on Michael Street. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. b) MW-2006-118 - Stamford Street @ Macdonald Avenue Intersection Control Review 1. It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Diodati and seconded by Alderman Morocco that the existing stop signs on Stamford Street at MacDonald A venue facing eastbound and westbound motorists be removed; and, 2. A stop sign be installed on MacDonald A venue at Stamford Street facing northbound motorists on MacDonald Avenue. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation sublnitted to Council 2006-10-30. t " "T' -2- c) MW-2006-126 St. Michael Avenue Extension through Hydro One Corridor It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Diodati and seconded by Mayor Sa1ci that the City proceed with negotiations for the acquisition of the property required for the extension" of Saint Michael Avenue from Hydro One and further that all costs associated with the purchase be funded from the Development Charges Reserve Fund. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. d) MW-2006-124 - Keith Street - Parking Review It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Wing and seconded by Mayor Salci that the permit parking zone on the north side of Keith Street between Sinnicks Avenue and a point 165 metres west of Sinnicks A venue be reduced by 16 metres and staff to review the on-street parking on Keith Street. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. e) MW-2006-130 Kalar Road / Rideau Street - Operations Review It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Mayor Sa1ci that an all- way stop be installed at the intersection of Kalar Road and Rideau Street. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. 1) MW-2006-131 - Agreement with 3C North America for the Secure Transfer of Credit Card Information It was ORDERED on the Inotion of Alderman Diodati and seconded by Alderman Morocco, 1. That the 3 year agreement with 3C North America for the Secure Transfer of Credit Card Information between the Hectronic Pay and Display Parking Machines the City's Bank, be approved; and further 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreement. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. g) MW-2006-125 Interim Sign By-law It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Kerrio and seconded by Mayor Sa1ci that the interim amendments passed for the City's existing sign by-law expires on October 31, 2006 be extended until January 31, 2007. , r fI -3- Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. h) CD-2006-16 Optimist Club Billboard It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Ioamloni that Council consider whether to grant a further variance for the sign currently installed on Optimist club property (10' x 40', two paneled, L-shaped sign containing 800 square feet of advertising space) . Motion: Carried Opposed: Alderman Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-1 0-30. i) F-2006-52 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Sa1ci and seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that the 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements be received for the information of the Community Services Committee. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. j) BDD-2006-06 - Cost Sharing for Feasibility Study, Planning Solutions and Programming - Adaptive Re-use for Former Railway Bridge It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo and seconded by Mayor Sa1ci that Council authorize staff to partner with CP Rail and share the cost to hire Studio V and FTL Engineering to prepare development concepts for the re-use of the decommissioned rail bridge and conduct a structural analysis of the bridge regarding the proposed concepts. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation sublnitted to Council 2006-10-30. NEW BUSINESS a) It was ORDERED on the motion of Aldernlan Pietrangelo and seconded by Alderman Campbell that staff investigate a Kiss & Ride Program at Martha Cullimore School. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2006-10-30. ADJOURNMENT It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Kerrio that the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee be adjourned at 5:43 p.m. , Community Services Department BB5-2006-08 t Building & By-law Services John Castrilli 4310 Queen Street Director P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca ~ Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-mail: i castrill iCCUcity. n iaaarafall s. on. ca November 20, 2006 Alderman Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: BBS- 2006-08 Assistant Municipal By-law Officer - Permanent Position RECOMMENDATION: That the position of Assistant Municipal Law Enforcement Officer be made a permanent full time position within the Building & By-law Services. BACKGROUND: Council, at its November 1,2004 meeting, discussed the hiring ofa part-time by-law officer during 2005 budget deliberations (see attached). As a result, a part time position was created, at Council's direction, in July of 2005 for a period of approximately six months which proved to be very successfuL This position was renewed in January 2006 and continues with great success. During the busy summer season the Law Enforcement Officer works weekends and nights enhancing our level of service. The hours of work and issues/complaints being handled were varied - weeds, business licences, untidy yards, noise complaints, problems with dogs, and more recently election signs. In several instances, using the Law Enforcement Officer in the evenings proved beneficial and convenient, as it coincided with when the majority of residents are at home. City Council recently indicated that our enforcement process should be enhanced to provide a municipality that is clean, safe and enjoyable. Therefore, staffis seeking to make this a permanent position within Building & By-law Services in order to permit a more efficient operation year round. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services November 20, 2006 -2- 885-2006-08 , T This position wa s included as part of our budget process for the past two years will he included in the 2007 budget should approval be granted. c.---- Re~ect; ;t:Z Robert Judge ohn MacDonald Manager of By-Law Services Chief Administrative Officer ... ~ hoC John Castrilli Director of Building & By-law Services JC:rj From: Dean lorfida To: John Castrilli; Marianne Tikky Date: 11/7/20064:29:46 PM Subject: By-law Enforcement From Nov. 1/04 Minutes: ORDERED; on the motion of Alderman loannoni, seconded by Alderman Campbell, that the report be received and adopted, that a letter be forwarded, through the Mayor's Office to Inspector Lillico, outlining the complaints of area residents and the need for more policing along Queen/Park and Huron Streets; and further, that the matter of hiring another by-law enforcement officer be referred to budget deliberations. Carried Unanimously From April 18/05 Council Minutes: Alderman Campbell advised that he has received a number of complaints regarding the lack of By-Law Enforcement on the weekends. Staff indicated that it is the Corporation's intent to have additional staff working extended hours during the summer months by May 1,2005. Until that time, the current By-Law Enforcement officers are willing to work additional hours should a situation arise. Also, Nick has been included in by-laws appointing municipal enforcement officers. Such by-laws, however, do not differentiate between full-time and part time. Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.niagarafalls.ca MW-2006-121 Ed Dujlovic Director ~ Tel.: Fax: E-mail: (905) 356-7521 (905) 356-2354 eduj lovi@niagarafalls.ca November 20, 2006 Alderman Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2006-121 Oakwood Drive Parking Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that: Parking be restricted on the west side of OakwbodDrive and on both sides of Oakwood Drive at all three horizontal curves in the road. a "no parking" restriction be installed on the west side of Oakwood Drive between Mc d and a point 645 metres north of McLeod Road; 2) a "no parking triction be installed on the west side of Oak Drive between a point 880 metres north of akwood Drive; 3) 4) a "no parking" nction be installed on the east side of ood Drive between a point north of McLeod Road and a point 810 metres north 0 cLeod Road; and, a "no parking" restriction be installed on the east side of Oakwood Drive betwe 880 metres north of McLeod Road and the north limit of McLeod Road. BACKGROUND: Staffhas been requested to conduct a parking control review to determine whether any revisions are required to the existing on-street parking controls on Oakwood Drive between McLeod Road and the north terminus of Oakwood Drive. The concern stems from motorists parking their vehicles in front of several commercial, institutional and light industrial establishments, thereby reducing the roadway width and impeding motorists traveling in opposite directions. It was identified that parked Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works. Fire Services. Parks, Recreation & Culture. Business Development. Building & By-Law Services , November 20, 2006 -2- MW-2006-121 vehicles have impeded heavy vehicle operator access to the commercial and light industrial properties. In the study area Oakwood Drive is a minor collector roadway consisting of two traveflanes, one in each direction. This section of Oakwood Drive extends northerly from McLeod Road approximately 1.0 kilometre and terminates into a private facility. Oakwood Drive is 7.5 metres in width with narrow gravel shoulders and ditches present on both sides of the roadway. There are no sidewalks in the study area. This section of Oakwood Drive provides access to various commercial establishments. Also, within the study area there are two long term care facilities located on the west side. The Millennium Trail is present alongside most of the east side. A walkway that extends from the trail to Oakwood Drive is present opposite of the care centres. Four horizontal curves are present throughout the length of the study section. A short parking restriction directly in front of the existing long term care facilities on the west side is currently present. The restriction stretches for 230 metres between the reverse curve and a point 880 metres north of McLeod Road. Staff carried out technical studies to determine whether parking revisions are required on the study roadway. Site investigations reveal that the predominant area where vehicles have been observed parked is on the east side of Oakwood Drive, adjacent to the two long term care facilities. Other vehicles have been observed sporadically in front of the other commercial and light industrial properties and within or very near to one of the curves. Observations have noted that vehicles parked on the roadway, particularly near the curves further reduce the width of the 7.5-metre road making it difficult for motorists to traverse unimpeded in opposite directions. This may be further complicated during the winter months when snow accumulates on the road edges. A collision review, conducted for the previous three-year period reveals that a collision problem does not exist, with only one collision being reported within this time frame on the entire study section. Parking questionnaires were delivered to each establishment that contains frontages onto Oakwood Drive in the study area. Through the questionnaire, business owners/managers and residents of the long term care facilities had an opportunity to comment on the type of parking control that would most benefit their situation. The minimum criterion requires at least 60% of the residents petitioned to respond to the questionnaires delivered. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were delivered, ofwhich only ten (10) questionnaires were returned, well below the required criteria of 60%. Of the returned questionnaires five (5) respondents, being owners or operators of the commercial or light industrial developments were in favour of restricting parking on both sides of Oakwood Drive. Although the minimum response rate was not achieved amongst all the business owners/operators and tenants, a parking restriction is warranted to provide and maintain safe traffic operation throughout the roadway. This is due to the below standard roadway width for a collector roadway and narrow shoulders with only one outlet to the road segment, combined with the several curves on which visibility may be restricted by parked vehicles. Also, as this is a commercial area, it is vital that at least one side of the roadway be kept clear of parked vehicles throughout its length to ensure heavy vehicle operators and emergency crews do not experience difficulty when traversing the roadway. As noted earlier, this road segment has only one outlet, thus alternatives are not available. The absence of parked vehicles will ensure that the minimum stopping sight distance is achieved at anypoint, and allow pedestrians crossing to the park unobstructed sight lines in both directions when J . November 20, 2006 - 3 - MW-2006-121 carrying out their crossing. Therefore, Staff is recommending that parking be restricted at all times on the west side of Oakwood Drive between McLeod Road and the northern terminus. Also, parking restrictions are recommended on the east side of Oakwood Drive between McLeod Road and a point 645 metres north of McLeod Road. Parking will be permitted for a portion of a straight portion between a point 645 metres north and a point 880 metres north, opposite of the long term care facilities to allow some overflow parking for area businesses. This area will be able to accommodate approximately 35 vehicles. However, twenty-metre restrictions will be installed on either side of the pathway leading to the Millennium Trail to ensure adequate sight lines are available to crossing pedestrians. This area already contains signs informing motorists to be aware of potential pedestrian crossings, which are augmented with "Seniors" tabs. Finally, staff conducted studies to determine whether any additional signs are required on the roadway. Through ball-bank studies conducted on each curve, it was determined that additional warning signs are warranted to guide motorists traversing the roadway of the alignment changes and appropriate speed to travel. Staffs have scheduled to have all necessary warning signs installed. Committee's concurrence with the recommendations outlined in this report would be appreciated. Prepared by: Respectfully submitted: 1'\7 / ~~ ~ l/v~ I1l~~M , , ( Karl Dren, C.E.T. /' / John MacDonald "- Manager of Traffic & Parking Services C / Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: [G6~ Ed Dujlovic, . ng. Director of Municipal Work B. Skiba S:\TPS\TPS 1.00 Administration\TPS 1.06 Reports\2006 Conn1lUuity Services\ll Nov 20\MW-2006-121 Oakwood Drive-Parking Col1trol Review.wpd I : LEGEND ~ ~ . is . ..... Existing Parking Restriction . . ~ . t:Q . _1_ Proposed Parking Restrictio ;S . . . ~ . 1I1 . . . Z . fjj :::::> 0- ~ p:j ~ B > u <r: CENTENNIAL ST. ~ ~ VJ ~ ~ t ~ Eo-< VJ ~ ~ ~ [j~ ~lJ ~ g r:/J ~ . 0 ~ ~ z 8 u 0 ANN ST. SUNHA VEN DR. _ ~. MUNICIPAL WORKS NiagaraPcqll~ TRAFFIC & PARKING SERVICES Oakwood Drive NORTH Parking Review NOT TO SCALE November 20, 2006 Bart Skiba . . Community Services Department MW-2006-132 Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic 4310 Queen Street Director P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.niagarafalls.ca ~ Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: edujlovic@niagarafalls.ca November 20, 2006 Alderman Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2006-132 Callan Street @ Lamont Avenue Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received for the information of Committee. BACKGROUND: Staffhas been requested to carry out a review of the intersection of Callan Street at Lamont Avenue to determine whether an all-way stop control needs to be installed at this location. The concern at this location stem from motorists travelling in excess of the legal speed limit and an increase in the number of motor vehicle collisions reported at the intersection. Both roadways, Callan Street and Lamont A venue are local roadways consisting of two travel lanes, one in each direction. Callan Street extends in the north/south direction and Lamont A venue extends in the east/west direction. Sidewalks are present on both sides of both roadways and they are separated from the edge of the road by a boulevard. The intersection is currently controlled by a stop sign on Lamont A venue facing eastbound and westbound motorists. Several studies have been carried out at the intersection to determine whether an all-way stop is warranted at this location. The studies include observations, manual and automatic speed studies, a visibility study, a collision review and a traffic volume count at the intersection which was applied to the City of Niagara Falls Residential All-way Stop Warrant. Observations revealed that the existing stop signs are in good condition and clearly visible to motorists approaching the intersection. There are no stop bars currently painted at the intersection guiding motorists stopping at the intersection. The automatic traffic recorder speed studies Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services November 20, 2006 -2- MW-2006-132 , conducted on Callan Street, where the speed issue has been noted to occur, reveal that the 85th percentile speed, or the speed which the majority ofmotorists travel at or below is 53 km/h between Lamont A venue and Sarah Street, and 53 km/h between Lamont A venue and Parkway Drive. In addition, a manual speed study was conducted s on Callan Street which revealed an 85th percentile speed of 51 km/h. Typically speeding occurs when majority of motorists travel at least 10 km/h in excess of the speed limit. Given the 50 km/h speed limit of Callan Street, a speeding problem does not exist. The visibility study conducted at the intersection reveals that visibility for motorists on Lamont A venue is adequate when viewing traffic to the north and south on Callan Street, exceeding minimum required criteria of 130 metres. A collision review was conducted at the study intersection for the previous three-year period, which reveals only two angle type collisions occurring at the intersection. One collision occurred when a motorist failed to Yield the right-of-way to a motorist on Callan Street, and the other collision was a result of a motorist with a medical condition experiencing distress at the time of collision. These are motor vehicle collisions investigated and reported by the Niagara Regional Police Service. The results of the various technical studies conducted at the study intersection were incorporated into the City of Niagara Falls Residential All-Way Stop Warrant, which revealed that the all-way stop control is not warranted at this intersection. In addition, a questionnaire was delivered to each homeowner residing within 75 metres of the intersection, which allows them to provide input into the type of control they prefer at the study intersection. A total of twenty-three (23) questionnaires were delivered, of which only nine (9), or 39% of the completed questionnaires were returned. Of these, seven (7) residents were in favour of an all-way stop, and the remaining two (2) residents were in favour of maintaining the existing traffic control. Therefore, 30% of the residents in the immediate vicinity of the study location prefer amending the intersection control. The residential component of the warrant is considered when the technical component is fulfilled and if at least 80% of the homeowners that reside within 75 metres of the intersection are in favour of an all-way stop control. Based on this information it is recommended that an all-way stop control not be installed at the intersection of Callan Street at Lamont Avenue. The installation of this type of traffic control at an unwarranted intersection may lead to the noncompliance of the stop signs. Also, there will be an increase in noise and air pollution, and delays experienced by emergency vehicles requiring access to the subdivision. With respect to the speeding concern, residents have the option of participating in the Neighbourhood Speed Watch Program. This is a safety awareness program intended to give motorists a friendly reminder of their speed when travelling through your neighbourhood. By volunteering to participate in this program, residents have the opportunity to help make their neighbourhood safer. Often, drivers who speed in residential areas are unaware of the effect their actions have on the peace and safety of you and your neighbours. The radar board displays the actual speed of the passing car (whether it is speeding or not) and helps the specific violator become aware of their excessive speed and lets them learn from the experience, without the consequence of a fine. Staff will review the data collected and the Niagara Regional Police may further assist in reducing speeds in the neighbourhood through enforcement. . . November 20, 2006 - 3 - MW-2006-132 Committee's concurrence with the recomnlendation outlined in this report would be appreciated. Prepared by: / Respectfully submitted: . L /~D \~ 'Ii' ~ --... . J. / \,~ 1ft 4-/ _.1Y' , ..", Karl Dren, C.E. T. ,/ '- john MacDonald Manager of Traffic & Parking Services :/ / Chief Administrative Officer t/ (;L# Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Work Bart Skiba S:\TPS\TPS 1.00 Administration\TPS 1.06 Reports\2006 Comnlwlity Services\11 Nov 20\MW-2006-132 Callan Street at Lamont A venue-Intersection Control Review. wpd /J~ ~ft. ~~ -6 _ ~ MUNICIPAL WORKS NiagaraFHll~TRAFFIC & PARKING SERVICES Callan Street at Lamont Avenue Intersection Control Review NORTH NOT TO SCALE November 20, 2006 Bart Skiba '" .. Community Services Department MW-2006-134 Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic 4310 Queen Street Director P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca ~ Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: eduj lovi@city.niagarafalls.on.ca November 20, 2006 Alderman Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2006-134 - Radar Speed Board & Camera Use Dunn Street RECOMMENDATION: That Embassy Suites enter into a licencing agreement with the City of Niagara Falls with respect to the installation of a Radar Speed Board and External Camera to be placed on city right-of-way on Dunn Street (near 5770 Dunn Street). BACKGROUND: A proposal has been received fronl Embassy Suites to assist in deterring motorists frOln exceeding the speed limit on Dunn Street. Embassy Suites' specific interest lies with the valet drivers who exceed the speed limit while transferring vehicles between their hotel located on Fallsview Boulevard and the offsite parking located on Dunn Street west of Ailanthus A venue. The proposal from the company consists of a public-private partnership which includes the installation of a permanently mounted radar speed board in conjunction with a stand-alone camera unit on city property on Dunn Street. The radar speed board is a unit that displays the speed of passing vehicles so that motorists are aware of their speed by way of instant feedback. The camera will capture footage, and the image captured will be that of the speed display board and the vehicle that passes by. This information will be utilized by Embassy Suites to assist them in identifying valet drivers exceeding the speed limit. The image will show only the rear image of the car, which Embassy Suites identified is satisfactory in assessing whether staff disciplinary action will be warranted. Data collected from the radar speed board will be of interest to the city for statistical compilation, however, there is no intention by the city to use the camera or its images in any capacity. The information from the camera will be processed and used solely by Embassy Suites in accordance with the Embassy Suites Information and Privacy Policy. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services <, November 20, 2006 - 2 - MW-2006-134 Discussions with City legal staff indicate the installation and use of the camera on city property is acceptable given its intended use as there is no expectation to maintain public privacy on municipal lands. It was however, suggested that a sign such as "speed monitored" be installed to keep citizens informed. Should this proposal be accepted by the committee, Embassy Suites will be purchasing both the radar speed board, camera and all related hardware/software, paying for installation and for future maintenance costs. Embassy Suites will be required to enter into a licencing agreement acceptable to the City. Committee's concurrence with the recommendation outlined in this report would be appreciated. Prepared by: Respectfully submitted: ; ~D l L;1ff/-4 ,~/ 'r{/)'O- '_I -- / ~ ;' - tf ,,/(" t ,t:~_/ " ".. ( A",'; ; Karl Dren, C.E.T. //1 )0I:n MacD.o~ald . . Manager of Traffic & Parking Services ," / ChIef AdmInIstratlve Officer I t-/ Ed Duj lovic, P . Eng. Director of Municipal Work S:\TPS\TPS 1.00 Administration\TPS 1.06 Reports\2006 Community Services\!! Nov 20\MW-2006-134 Dunn Street radar board.wpd ~ . MW-2006-136 Community Services Department Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic 4310 Queen Street Director P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 ~ web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: edujlovi@city.niagarafalls.on.ca November 20, 2006 Aldem1an Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Comlnunity Services COInInittee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario MeInbers: Re: MW-2006-136 - Capital Asset Accounting (PSAB 3150) RECOMMENDATION: That the City enters into a consulting services agreement with Urban Environn1ental Managen1ent (UEM) at a cost of$59, 700.-00 plus GST and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreen1ent. BACKGROUND: The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) of the Canadian Institute of Charter Accountants have served notice that municipalities will be required to report on tangible capital assets on their Municipal Financial Statements beginning in 2009. This along \vith the Sustainable Water and Sewer Act passed by the Province in 2002 will require n1unicipalities to begin reporting depreciation of their assets and to implement asset management systems and best practices. The City will be required to develop corporate standards, tools and processes that support the production of complete, consistent information for Capital Asset reporting and management. In order to assist municipalities in making this transition, the Ontario Municipal BencID11arking Initiative (OMBI) with support frOITI the Province of Ontario/Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is developing the OMBI Guide to Municipal Capital Asset Accounting. There is also the potential that funding n1ay be provided froln the Province in the implen1entation of 3150. It is anticipated that the work that will be required to carry out will include; Working Together to Serve Our COlnlnUl1ity Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services , , November 20,2006 - 2 - MW-2006-136 . IdentifYing the City assets based on a set of classification, level of detail and threshold standards. . Measuring the costs of the City's assets based on a set of valuation standards. These standards will include a combination of actual historical costs, discounted replacement or reproduction values possibly combined with the use of Federal governments Book Value Calculator or Ontario Good Roads Association's Municipal Data Works. . Creating a systematic and rational basis for allocating the costs of using each class of assets to operations. . Establishing presentation and disclosure policies that demonstrate stewardship and the costs of using assets to deliver the City's programs and services. UEM has provided the City a proposal to assist the City in meeting its requirements for the PSAB 3150 beginning in 2009. The deliverables for the project include: Asset Mana~ement Vision 1. Vision statement and recommendation to better manage assets. 2. Compliance to legislation. Defined Standard for Asset Representation 1. Asset hierarchy for all assets. 2. Asset trees for all asset classes including valuation/depreciation levels and processes. Recommendation for Policies and Procedures 1. PSAB compliance plan for 2009 in accordance with 3150 and the City's external auditor. 2. Recommendations for existing/future policies and procedures. 3. High level review on information technology requirements. PSAB Work Plan 1. Asset management system reference model for the City. 2. High level budget and resource requirements for 2007, 2008, 2009 and beyond. The report is to be delivered to the City by February 2007 in order to provide the necessary information that will be required in developing the 2007 Budget in order to deal with this matter. It is staff's intent to hold a workshop with Council to fully explain the impacts. It is staff's recommendation that the City retains UEM to carry out a PSAB Readiness Review and Implementation Plan in order to meet the requirements ofPSAB 3150. ~ J . November 20, 2006 - 3 - MW-2006-136 Committee's concurrence with the above recomn1endation would be appreciated. Prepared and Recon1n1ended by: '~ Res;ectfullY S~brrritted~ ~ '\ ~ It' .~&"~-.,/ . '., 'V\,/ {' j' -- Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. / / J ot:n MacD.ol:ald . Director of Municipal Works tJ ChIef AdmInIstratIve Officer ~ Ken Burden Director of Finance Attach: S:\REPORTS\2006 Reports\MW-2006-136 - Capital Asset Accounting PSAB.wpd ,J . . Ministry of Municipal Affairs Ministere des Affaires municipales ~ Ontario and Housing et du Logement Office of the Deputy Minister Bureau du Sous-minlstre 17TH Floor He etage ~i:'14iA:. 7n Bay Street n7, rue Bay RECEIVED Toronto ON MSG 2E5 Toronto ON M5G 2E5 T et: (416) 585-7100 tele (416) 585-7100 Fax: (416) 585-7211 telecopieur: (416) 585-7211 JUL 1 2 2006 OFFICE OF !, July 5, 2006 THE ADMINISTRATOR: Dear Municipal Chief Administrative Officer: Re: New Accountin2 and Reporting Reauirements Most municipai finance staff are aware of new accounting and reporting requirements recently considered by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) including the PSAB Handbook section PS 3150, Tangible Capital Assets amendments approved by the PSAB Board on June 12,2006. I am writing to highlight the significance of these amendments to municipalities and to share with you some of the activities currently underway to assist you in preparing for compliance by January 1, 2009. As you know, the PSAHandbook requires that federal, provincial and territorial governments prepare their financial statements in accordance with accrual accounting principles. The current local government standards contained in the PSA Handbook are based on modified accrual accounting standards that do not require capital expenditures to be recognized as tangible capital assets on the statement of financial position. The depreciation of these assets over their useful lives is also not recognized as an expense on the statement of financial activities. Expenditures by municipalities on tangible capital assets are therefore currently reported as capital expenditures in the period that these assets are acquired. Under the recently-approved section PS 3150 amendments, effective January 1,2009, municipalities will be required to report tangible capital assets as assets in the statement of financial position. In addition, the amortization of the costs of tangible capital assets is to be accounted for as expenses in the statement of operations. While the new accounting and reporting requirements for tangible capital assets are a significant undertaking, they provide for improved accountability to the taxpayer, a better basis for decision making and more effective means to determine the appropriate expenditure levels to maintain the asset. In short, it is understood that the improved asset management and reporting practises, which the PSAB' amendments are designed to promote, win assist all governments in the delivery of efficient and effective services. Municipalities should further note that the changed requirements also have implications for federal programs that are already seeking greater accountability for reporting purposes - e.g., in support of the funding allocated to them under current Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) programs, municipalities will (by 2009) be required to report out on their municipal capacity building activities which in most cases include asset management components. /2 1322(06195) -- ----------- - --------- -------------- . . l, -2- In consideration of the implications to municipalities associated with the major PSAB 'ch.anges described here, the Province is working in partnership with a number of municipal associations to provide assistance and guidance where appropriate. For example, the Province has provided financial assistance to the Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative (OMBI) to fully fund the development of an interim guide, "Municipal Guide to Accounting for Capital Assets", to assist municipalities in preparing for the changed requirements. The first draft has been prepared and is now posted online at www .ombi. calaccounting. asp, while complementary educational and training materials for the guide are expected to be made available in the Spring, 2007. As well, under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), funding of$5.9 L million will be made available to municipalities that are COMRIF-eligible (municipalities with populations of250,OOO or less) to assist with asset management and capacity building. Finally, a co-ordinating committee for municipal asset management initiatives comprised of senior staff from various provincial ministries and municipal organizations has 8;lso been established. The purpose of the committee is to share information on asset management, accounting, financial reporting and regulatory activities and education and training that are underway to ensure that these initiatives proceed in a timely and co-ordinated manner and also to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. The Municipal Finance Officers Association (MFOA) and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) have also been very active on this file and have formed a joint working committee to respond to PSAB proposals. This committee includes Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) staff as a resource and is a helpful forum for identifying related issues arising from PSAB proposals. MMAH also plans to work formally with the municipal sector, including MFOA and AMCTO, to review possible legislative changes and future data requirements arising from PSAB requirements. In summary, the PSAB changes, approved and pending, have significant implications for all Ontario municipalities from a financial accounting and reporting perspective. Municipal leaders are strongly encouraged to work with their municipal associations and partners now to begin the comprehensive but neceSSaf'j work required to be compliant in advance of the Janumy 1,2009, deadline. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact your nearest Municipal Services Office of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing or Mr. Al Horsman, Manager, Municipal Perfonnance and Accountability Branch at (416) 585-6299 or Mr. William Tumasz, Municipal Finance and Accounting Specialist at (416) 585-4281 for any assistance or further infonnation. Yours truly, John S. Burke Deputy Minister ~ , ,. . Corporate Services Department F-2006-59 Finance Division 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Kenneth E. Burden Director ~ Tel.: Fax: E-mail: (905) 356-7521 (905) 356-2016 kburden@city.niagarafalls.on.ca November 20,2006 Alderman Selina V olpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: F-2006-59 - Request for Waiver of Development Fees Lundy's Lane United Church - New Entrance Vestibule RECOMMENDATION: That the request for a grant for Lundy's Lane United Church for a new entrance For the eonsideration oftRe Community Sorviees Comm.ittee. vestibule in the amount of $606.84 be approved. BACKGROUND: Lundy's Lane United Church has requested City Council to waive the development fees charges for their New Entrance Vestibule Project, as per the attached letter. The construction requires building pem1its which have been applied for through our Building Division. The construction falls under the category of an institutional building and, as such, is assessed a building permit rate of $14.42 per square metre. There are also City development charges of $26.27 per square meter. The Regional development charges are exempt as per their Development Charge By-law exemption for institutional developments. The Regional Development Charge exemption saved the Lundy's Lane United Church $36.49 per square metre. Based on 23.1 square meters, the total fees are as follows: Building Pennit (23.1 x $14.42/m2)........................... ..................... ...$ 333.17 City Development Charges (23.1 x $26.27/m2) ................................$ 606.84 Regional Development Charges ................................................... Exempt $ 940.01 Should Council consider assistance to the Lundy's Lane United Church, staff suggests that a grant for the fees and charges could be based on either (i) the full amount of fees and charges payable or (ii) a value to pay a portion ofthe fees and charges payable. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerks . Finance . Human Resources . Information Systems . Legal . Planning & Development .. November 20, 2006 -2- F-2006-5~ ' : "- Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: /r~ ~ /11'11J/( K. E. Burden John MacDonald Director of Finance Chief Administrative Officer .....-.---..._--........_....... ....-..----...---.. ... . I , ... ~ '" LUNDY'S LANE UNITED CHURCH (Corner of Lundy's Lane and Hanan Avenue) 5825 Lowen Avenue~ Niagara Fans, Ontario L2G 7C2 Phone/Fax (905) 358-5622 EmaiJ: .Lllu.~b:.~t\lli9l!f.@D.Qr.chli,gf1Lq w cbsite; ,~y~yY.\::.!}j&m1n,\.r~J1.?,fh~.\r5::h~Ds~,~ INTERIM MINISTER: REV. BARRY DUNABAR October 27, 2006 To: Members of Niagara Falls City Council clo Mr. Dean lorfida, City Clerk Re: New Entrance Vestibule Project, Lundy's lane United Church Ladies and Gentlemen: Please consider our application for exemption from the "Development Fee" levied during the Building Permit application process for our New Entrance Vestibule construction project As a charitable organization, this additional fee imposes a considerable strain on the Church's budget. In order to move forward with the Building Permit process, we have already paid the Development Fee in the amount of $606.84 through our contractor, Scott Construction Niagara Inc., and respectfully request that this amount be refunded. Thank you for your consideration. L~ Chairman, Building Committee Lundy's Lane United Church I