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Home My WebLink About01-27-2026IF Niagara MINUTES � Fall" City Council Meeting 4:00 PM -Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Council Chambers/Zoom App. The City Council of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 4:22 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 Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Tiffany Clark, Erik Nickel, Shelley Darlington, PRESENT. Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Chris Gallagher, James Sticca, Margaret Corbett (all attending in Chambers) Dave Etherington, Kent Schachowskoj, Michael Warchala, Paul Brown (attending virtually via Zoom). 1. CALL TO ORDER The City Council meeting was called to order at 4:22 PM. Councillor Victor Pietrangelo chaired the Council meeting. 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 2.1. Council Minutes of January 20, 2026 Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange THAT Council ADOPT the minutes of January 20, 2026 as presented. Carried Unanimously 3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST a) Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict of interest to budget Item #4.2 - Report CS-2026-01 - 2026 Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums Recommendations for the mention of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery, as they receive $28,000 per year from the City. Councillor Lococo sits a s a resident on the board of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery. Councillor Lococo will not speak to this item but will continue to speak to the budget as a whole. b) Councillor Victor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to Item #5.1 - Mayor's Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget - Variance Analysis with references to the reconstruction at Montrose/Biggar/Lyons Creek as the Councillor's family and himself owns property that can be afftected. (GL 5190 - pg. 207 & pg. 276 and pg. 12 #46 - of the variance analysis report. From Item #5.3 - Mayor's Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget - Page 1 of 9 Overarching Discussion, Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict to pg. 19 - development charges. 4. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 4.1. Niagara Falls Innovation Hub Dan Bordenave, CEO of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, provided Council with a brief presentation providing an overview of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub regarding their financial information and their start-up successes throughout the year. Eleanor Pineau, founder of MYCO Pet, provided Council with a summary of her business and its success since its inception of March 2024, as a result of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub. Her products are in over 125 stores nation-wide and has 6 local employees. MYCO Pet is a Canadian pet -health company focused on functional mushroom supplements and microbiome-support solutions for dogs, cats (and soon, horses). Dan Bordenave responded to Councillor's questions pertaining to the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub. Sandor Ligetfalvy, addressed Council in support of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Mayor Jim Diodati THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation brought forth by Dan Bordenave, CEO of the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub. Carried Unanimously 4.2. CS-2026-01 -Finance 2026 Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums Recommendations Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT Council RECEIVE the 2026 funding levels and classifications for Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums as presented on Attachment 1 totaling $8,582,538 of which $7,354,465 will be funded by the tax levy, representing an increase in tax levy funding of $294,243 (0.3% levy impact) from prior year. For clarity, these increases are already included in the Mayor's proposed budget in CS-2026-03. Carried Unanimously 5. REPORTS 5.1 CS-2026-03 -Finance Mayor's Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget -Variance Analysis Page 2 of 9 Councillor Mike Strange left the meeting at 5:42 PM and returned at 5:43 PM. Chair of Meeting, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, called a recess at 5:55 PM to resolve a technical matter. Council meeting resumed at 6:08 PM. Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski THAT Council suspend the rules of the procedural by-law and not listen to Mr. Burdett. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo Carried (Councillor Lori Lococo was opposed and Councillor Nieuwesteeg was absent). 7-1 on a recorded vote Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange 1. THAT Council RECEIVE report CS-2026-03 (Finance), Mayor's Proposed Tax Levy Supported Budget - Variance Analysis for information. 2. THAT Council APPROVE the 2025 budget reclassifications identified in Attachment 8. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Nieuwesteeg was absent from the vote). 5.2 PRESENTATION - 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance, presented the 2026 Operating Budget to Council. Councillor Nieuwesteeg returned to Chambers at 6:15 PM. Councillor proposed amendments were discussed and voted upon. Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove newly requested positions -four (4) Part Time Service Advisors (16 hours/week). Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. 2-7 on a recorded vote Page 3 of 9 Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove newly requested position - IT Cyber Security Analyst. Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. 2-7 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove newly requested position -Junior Assistant, used to assist Mayor/CAO office staff. Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. 2-7 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove newly requested student -Landscape Design - 4 months. Not Put. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove two (2) newly requested students -Building Inspection - 16 weeks. Not Put. Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council DIRECT staff to offset total Airport Operating funding request with OLG Reserve Funds. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel CARRIED. 7-2 on a recorded vote Page 4 of 9 Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council DIRECT staff to offset total Illumination Board funding request with Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Special Purpose Reserves, Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council DIRECT staff to offset the increase in beautification spending with Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Special Purpose Reserves. Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council DIRECT staff to apply a general reduction to new positions spending related to gapping deferring the full impact of new positions to the 2027 budget. Ayes: Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. 1-8 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council DIRECT staff to offset remaining levy funded amount for social service grants with OLG Reserve Funds. Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo Councillor Patel WITHDREW motion. Not Put. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council DIRECT staff to reduce Doctor Recruitment by $200,000. Page 5 of 9 Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. 1-8 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council DIRECT staff to remove entire fee for service ($700,000) for Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo Nays: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio DEFEATED. (Councillor Baldinelli was absent from vote). 1-7 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Mayor Jim Diodati THAT Council DIRECT staff to further reduce increase in fee for service for Niagara Falls Public Library from a 3.0% increase to a 2.5% increase. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, and Councillor Mona Patel CARRIED. 6-3 on a recorded vote 5.3 CS-2026-04 Mayor's Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget -Overarching Discussion Mayor Diodati left the meeting at 735 PM and returned at 739 PM. Councillor Chris Dabrowski left the meeting at 7:41 PM and returned at 7:43 PM. Councillor Tony Baldinelli left the meeting at 7:47 PM and returned at 7:49 PM. Chair Councillor Pietrangelo called a recess at 7:54 PM to allow time for the Director of Finance to readjust the numbers in the budget recommendations. The Council meeting resumed at 8:09 PM. Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio 1. THAT Council RECEIVE the Mayor's Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget with revenues and expenses each totaling $179,702,889 as revised. Page 6 of 9 2. THAT Council RECEIVE for information, the use of reserve funding as outlined in attachment 3. 3. THAT Council RECEIVE for information, a capital budget amendment of $2,038,500 to add one (1) Contract Administrator FTE and additional roads totaling 4.13 centreline lane km to the Mill and Pave Program both funded by the Mayor's Proposed Capital Levy increase of 2.0% as identified in the amended Capital Budget Worksheet in attachment 5. 4. THAT Council RECEIVE for information, the 2026 net tax levy of $101,177,220. 5. WHEREAS the cost of fleet, including fire trucks, continues to rise at significant levels, THAT Council DIRECT staff to find alternative ways to manage fleet and replacement vehicles to reduce the impact on taxpayers. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, 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 opposed). 8-1 on a recorded vote Moved by Mayor Jim Diodati Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli THAT Council RECEIVE for information, the new staffing requests identified in attachment 4. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Mona Patel CARRIED. (Councillors Lococo and Patel opposed) 7-2 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Strong Mayor Power Motions 30-day Review Period Should Council be satisfied all possible amendments have been considered: THAT Council shorten the 30-day review period (January 8, 2026 to February 6, 2026), allowed under the Strong Mayors Act, by ten (10) days, such that the review period ends on January 27, 2026. Page 7 of 9 10-day Veto Period (if applicable) If amendments have been made, the Mayor has an opportunity to veto said amendments during the Veto Period (if no amendments, the Veto Period is not applicable). Should the Mayor be satisfied that he will not exercise his veto rights to Council's amendments: THAT the Mayor consider shortening his 10-day Veto Period by 10 days, by providing written documentation to members of Council and the Municipal Clerk to shorten the Veto Period, such that the Veto Period ends on January 27, 2026, thereby allowing the Mayor's Proposed Draft 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget to be deemed adopted on January 27, 2026. Carried Unanimously 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.1. CS-2026-02 -Finance 2026 Budget Engagement Survey Results Moved by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council RECEIVE Report CS-2026-02, 2026 Budget Engagement Survey Results as information. Carried Unanimously ?. BY-LAWS 2026- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its 010. meeting held on the 27th day of January, 2026. Moved by Mayor Jim Diodati Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio THAT the by-law be read a first, second and third time and passed. _��111:7�1►�i1��1 a) Adjournment Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 8:14 PM. Carried Unanimously Carried Unanimously Page 8 of 9 City Clerk Page 9 of 9