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2001/02/05 FIRST MEETING Monday, February 5, 2001 From 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the 2000 11 20 Community Services Committee Minutes DEPUTATION: 3) a) c) REPORTS: BBS-2001-04 - R-2001-03 - MX~-2001-14 - lvlXV$-2001-13 - lVlX~-2001-09 - Proposed Fee Increase Sign By-Law Additional Information on Heating & Cooling System - Fralick's Tavern Regional contract RN 00-44 Montrose Road Reconstruction, City's Share of Project Waste Collection Contract Enhanced Level of Service Waste Management User Fee Staff Contact: Sue Wheeler Adele Kon EdDujlovic Ed Dujlovic Ed Dujlovic 4) COMMUNICATION ITEMS: 5) NEW BUSINESS: 6) ADJOURNMENT: MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, November 20, 2000, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 4:30 P.M. PREIENT: Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson, Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Ed Michalczyk, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Ken Feren, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Selina Volpatti ABJ'ENT: John MacDonald Ed Lustig, Ed Dujlovic, Woody Wagg, Ken Burden, Peter Corfield, Doug Darbyson, Ray Kallio, David Heyworth, Tom Mussari, Marianne Tikky (Steno) PRE/J: Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review, Rob McGregor - CHRE 1) MINUTEI' IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the minutes of the October 30, 2000 Community Services Committee Meeting be approved with an amendment referring to New Business item 2 - Alderman Wing concerned with option selected for the QEW @ Sand Plant Hill - CNR Structure Replacement and QEW Widening why has the Ministry veered away from the "Thread the Needle" option. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 10 30. 2) a) REPORTS MW-2000-131 - Petition for Rural Road Upgrade - Oft Road, Weaver Road, Willick Road & Reixinger. Aldermmn Fisher advised Council that the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) should cost share the reconstruction of Weaver Road to Reixinger Road as the heavy truck traffic has caused extensive damage to the roads. Ed Dujlovic advised Council that Staff has already contacted NI~ who have made a commitment to repair all roads damaged during the construction of the golf course. c) d) IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that sections of these roads be considered for inclusion in the 2001 Current Budget and following years and that an increase in the funding level for the surface treatment program be considered for the 2001 Budget. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 PD-2000-126 - Warren Creek Watershed Master Plan Provincially Significant Wetlands IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Wing that Council. approve Option 3 in this report to endorse the Watershed Plan and direct Staff to advance the wetland policies for this area. Motiom Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to.Council 2000 11 20 BBS-2000-14 - Set Fines & Short Form Wording Various By-Laws & Building Code Act IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Craitor that Council be advised that the following set fines and short form wordings as set out on the attached appendices shall be forwarded to the Regional Senior Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice for the Province of Ontario. Motiom Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 ~1 20 BBS-2000-15 - Litter By-Law Proposed Administration Fee IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Mayor Thomson that Council approve an amendment to Litter By-Law No. 96-32 to provide for an administration costs of $250.00 exclusive of disbursements. Motiom Carried Actiom Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 BBS-2000-16 - Sign By-Law Variance - 6326 Thorold Stone Road IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that the variance for ground sign having an area of thirty-two (32') square feet with a three (3') foot side yard set back, for Sunstrum's Town and Country Florist sign at 6326 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario be approved. Motion: Carried Conflict: Alderman Feren Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 h) i) BBS-2000-17 - 5888 Thorold Stone Road - Sign Applications IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that Council approve the variance to allow nine signs in total at 5888 Thorold Stone Road. Motiom Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 BBS-2000-18 - 5950 Victoria Avenue - Courtyard Marriott Variance Ground Sign IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that Council approve the variance to allow three ground signs in total at 5950 Victoria Avenue. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 BBS-2000-19 - 6546 Buchanan Avenue Applebee's Restaurant IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that the variance for ground sign at Buchanan Avenue be approved. Motion: Carried Conflict:. Alderman Volpatti Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 11 20 R-2000-76 - Cemetery By-Law Alderman Puttick addressed Staff as to how the City is go'mg to reduce the deficit for City owned/operated Cemeteries. Noting other cities nation wide charge a great deal more for burial plots. Mayor Thomson advised Alderman Puttick and Council that we are not running in a deficit, that the City is trying to stay competitive with neighbouring cities and has adjusted the budget to reflect these changes. The City is now getting to the po'mt of having resictents go elsewhere to purchase burial plots. Mayor Thomson asked Adele Kon to update Council on the cost involved. Adele Kon advised Council that all burial cost axe recovered and reviewed the following by City: Burial Cost $598.00 $540.00 $525.00 $590.00 Niagara Falls (Including Tent) St. Catharines Pleasantview Hamilton Cremation $168.00 $ 42.00 $200.00 $190.00 Niagara Falls St. Catharines Pleasantview Hamilton Plot Sales $781.00 Niagara Falls $789.00 St. Catharines $900.00 Pleasantview $581.00 - $900.00 Hamilton Alderman Puttick addressed Council with the concerns of a resident that visited the cemetery only to find the flowers she had placed on a cremation plot were removed, after reporting this to the cemetery official she discovered that Staff had removed and labeled all floral arrangements. Alderman Puttick would like to know why the flowers where removed and why the deceased family members where not informed. Adele Kon advised Council that when flower arrangements are place in and around cremation plots it makes it difficult to cut and trim the grass. Numerous times Staff has used a weed wacker and damaged the turf around the marker causing complaints that the cemetery looks shabby. The revised By-law will aide Staff in their efforts to keep the cemeteries dean. IT WAS MOVED BY Mayor Thomson, seconded by Aldem~an Fisher that: a) The revised Cemetery By-law be approved effective January 1, 2001. b) That following City Council's approval, the new Cemetery By,law be forwarded to the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Cemeteries Branch, for their review and approval in accordance with the Cemeteries Act. c) That following City Council's approval and prior to implementation, thirty (30) days public notice be given outlining the changes in the Cemetery By-law. Motion: Carried Opposed: Alderman Puttick Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 J) FS-2000-14 - Protective Clothing for Fire Fighting IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN JANVARY-POOL, seconded by Alderman Fisher that Council approve the purchase of 19 sets of firefighter's safety clothing from Safedesign Apparel Limited, in the amount of $1,023.93 plus taxes each (Total $19,454.67 plus taxes). Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 NEW ~) 2) Alderman Wing advised Council that there is a litter problem around the Drummond Road/Lundy's Lane area and suggested more garbage bins are needed on Drummond Road because the amount of litter generated by customers of the fast food restaurants and convenience stores near Drummond Road and Lundy's Lane continues to grow. Alderman Wing suggested the businesses pay a surcharge to cover the cost of more garbage bins and more frequent collection. Mayor Thomson suggested that the area schools be contacted and start an Adopt A Street Program to help with the clean up efforts. Alderman Janvary-Pool recommended that the City should increase garbage pick up and keep the large bins in the parks or add dumpsters in designated areas for residential waste disposal. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN WING, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that Staff report back on the options available in dealing with the dumping of garbage throughout the City. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 Alderman Fisher noted that the McCredie Burial Plot through research by David Reid is a historically significant burial plot and should be marked by a plaque or monument. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Alderman Wing that City Staff to contact LACAC regarding a placement of a plaque at the McCredie Burial Plot and on Karl Road Exit off Montrose Road. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 3) 4) Alderman Wing recommended that the City post the major rules and regulations from the by-law at all cemetery entrance. Alderman Wing questioned Staff as to what the fines are for an individual and does the City have control in enforcing these fines. Ray Kallio addressed Alderman Wing and Council noting that on page 16 section 10.1 Penalties of the by-law that an individual would be liable for a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.33, as amended, is $5,000 for an individual. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN WING, seconded by Alderman Orr that Staff report back on the posting of major offences and penalties as outlined in the Cemetery by-law at City Cemeteries. Motiom Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 Alderman Michalczyk advised Council of the Kiss & Ride Program at Riverview School. Alderman Michalczyk asked Staff to look into the cost involved in excavating and stoning the East side of the school. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, seconded by Alderman Craitor that Staff report back on the cost of excavating and stoning a turn-around at Riverview School on Cattell Drive to accommodate the Kiss & Ride Program. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 Alderman Wing advised Council Oakwood Park Lodge is experiencing a lack of bus services leaving the resident isolated. When Oakwood Park Lodge selected this site to build it was with the understanding that Oakwood Drive road way would be extended through, to date nothing has been done. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN WING, seconded by Alderamn Craitor that staff prepare a report on the extension or construction of a turn-around on Oakwood Drive. Motion: Carried : Actiom Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Wing that the tipping fees for Fruit Belt Development be waived for the home that was provided to the Fire Depa~ tment for Fire Suppression Training. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 8) Alde~s~mn Fisher advised Council that she had requested sidewalks repaired along the Chippawa Parkway and to date nothing has been done. Ed Dujlovic addressed Alderman Fisher's concerns advising Council that a contract had recently been signed to repair the water main under the street and the sidewalks would be repaired at the same time. Alderman Fisher would like Staff to conduct a study on Willoughby Drive including the bend on what should be done to reduce speeding. Alderman Fisher also suggested trimming back the trees for better visibility. Mayor Thomson questioned whether speed bumps along this stretch on road would prove useful in reducing the speed limit. Alderman Craitor advised Council that the City has looked at putting speed bumps along Valley Way and that Staff should wait to see if this is the kind of effect we are looking for on Willoughby Drive. Ed Dujlovic advised Council that staff would investigate and report back on the options available. (No Motion) IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN WING, seconded by Alderman Craitor that Staff prepare a report regarding the traffic problems associated with the valet parking lot on Robinson Street. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 Alderman Craitor advised Council of the on going problem with a bar located on Murray Street and Drummond Road. Alderman Craitor had questions on why the bar was allowed to build a licenced patio to the street, after some investigation by Alderman Craltor he discovered that Drummond Road was a Regional Road at the time of construction and the bar received an encroachment agreement. This agreement has since expired and Drummond Road is now a City maintained road. Alderman Craitor would like staff to investigate and see if the City is w~llir~g to continue the encroachment agreement. Alderman Wing mentioned to Council that if Drummond Road was a City road at the time of building the owners would have needed a pemfit to extend the patio. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN CRAITOR, seconded by Alderman Wing that as part of the report on the parking problems at Murray Street and Drummond Road Staff also review the encroachment agreement for the patio on Drurm-nond Road to be presented at the next COuncil Meeting. Motion: Carried Actiom Recommendation submitted to Council 11 20 2000 ~DJOURNMENrf Meeting was adjourned moved by Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk at 5:20 p.m. The City of Niagara Falls Canada Community Services Department Building and By-taw Services 4310 Queen Street Niagara Fails, Ontario L2E 6X5 'Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-mail: melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Mel Brown Director BBS~001~4 February 5, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: RECOMMENDATION: Re: BBS-2001-04 Proposed Fee Increase Sign By-Law That the fees for permits for signs be increased to $65.00 minimum fee and $1.50 per square foot after the first 25 square feet and that Sign By-law No. 6661, 1964, be amended accordingly. BACKGROUND: The fees for sign permits have not been increased since 1997. It is proposed to increase theminium fee from $60.00 to $65.00 and increase the fee for the sign area, from $1.45 per square foot to $1.50. This is in line with the increase in other permit fees over the same period. eeler r of By-law Enforcement Director of Building & By-law Services idw~~d.p lly sub~mitted: Chief Administrative u ,, .~ Approved by: ff John MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services. CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2001- A by-law to amend By-law No. 6661, 1964 as amended with respect to signs in the City of Niagara Falls. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: Subclause 7 of clause (a) of section 5 of By-Law No. 6661, 1964, as amended is further amended by striking out the initial sentence of the said subclause and substituting the following thereof: "Prior to the issuance of a pemfit the following fee shall be paid: $65.00 for the initial 25 square feet, or part thereof, of the sign area, plus $1.50 for each additional square foot of the sign area with a minimum fee of $65.00." By-Law No. 96-236 is repealed on the date that this By-Law comes into force. That this by-law be in force on the day of passing. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-law Services Passed this day of ,2001. E. C. WAGG, CITY CLERK WAYNE THOMSON, MAYOR First Reading: ,2001. Second Reading: ,2001. Third Reading: ,2001. Niagara Falls JJ~,l~J Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture 7565 Lundy's Lane Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail: akonl~lcity.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Kon Director R-2001-03 February 5, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2001-03 Additional Information on Heating & Cooling System - Fralick's Tavern RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the attached report R-2001-02. BACKGROUND: On January 22, 2001, Council deferred Report R-2001-02 and asked staffto provide Council with an information report on how the quotation and design process for the HVAC system for Fralick's Tavern was carded out. The following is a chronological event of the process. October 2000, Jon Jouppien, Heritage Consultant, advised the City that he request~t pricing ~om McRae Heating and Air Conditioning for installation of a heating and air conditioning system for Fralick's Tavern. The City indicated to Mr. Jouppien that staff would also request a price from the City contractor, Emerald Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Pricing for a simple residential type heating and air conditioning system sized by the contractors was received by the City as follows: Municipal Works Working Together to Serve Our Community Fire Sendces Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development R-2001-03 - 2 - February 5~ 2001 Emerald Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning McRae Heating and Air Conditioning $10,700.00 + GST $11,250.00 + GST The City forwarded these results to Chapman Murray Architects. Wayne Murray reviewed the bid proposals and suggested that humidification should be added to the system. In early October, a meeting was held with the consultant from the Ontario Heritage Foundation (OI-IF) to review the City's grant application for the Heritage Challenge Fund. The consultant recommended that we forward the information concerning the HVAC system to the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, (MCZCR) Museum Branch to ensure it complied with their standards. Mr. Murray's office prepared a document entitled, "Outline Design Build Specifications Heating and Cooling System for Fralick's Tavern." A copy of this Outline was forwarded to both the MCZCR and OHF Copies were also given to the mechanical contractors to review and revise their pricing. On November 10, 2000, McRae Heating and Air Conditioning submitted a revised price that included any changes noted in Mr. Murray's specifications and their revised price was $14,506.00 plus GST. Emerald Plumbing did not submit a revised price. On November 20, 2000, the City received a report from MCZCR, entitled "Suggestions for Meeting Museum Conservation Standards for Environmental Controls in the Fralick's Tavern Restoration Project." This report provided a guideline for the design of an HVAC system for Fralick's Tavern, and once again changed the scope of the project. Mr Murray recommended that staff request the mechanical con~'actors to provide a quotation on a Performance Based Design Build HVAC system. The City contacted the mechanical contractors and provided them with the MCZCR's report and advised them that the City would require new pricing for a Performance Based Design Build I-IVAC system for Fralick's Tavern. The new price was to include any Engineering and design fees that would be required to verify that the completed system complied with the MCZCR's standards as set out in the November 20, 2000 report. On December 5, 2000, staff received pricing from Niagara Heating and Air Conditioning (Commercial Division of McRae Heating and Air Conditioning) for the lump sum of $23,980.00 plus GST. Emerald Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning advised that they needed more time to put their price together as they did not have a mechanical consultant to review the project. City staff advised Emerald that Pen Engineering worked on the project with Niagara Heating and Air Conditioning and suggested that they also retain the services of Pen Engineering to assist them with their quotation. On January 15, 2001, the City received a proposal from Emerald Plumbing and Heating for a lump sum total of $32,000.00 plus GST. R-2001 - 03 - 3 - February 5, 2001 The City recently received notification that our Heritage Challenge grant application for the restoration of Fralick's Tavern was approved for $100,000. The grant funds will be used to offset the cost of the enhanced I-IVAC system. In a telephone conversation with the consultant from the MCZCR, staff was made aware that the enhanced HVAC would strengthen the City's future grant application for funding for Fralick's Tavern. Conclusion: Initially, staff was fully prepared to accept the low bid for the HVAC system. H~)wever, after discussions with representatives of both the OHF and MCZRC it became clear that we could jeopardize the Heritage Challenge grant and other potential grant funding by accepting the low bid for a standard house HVAC system. With this new information coupled with the historic significance of Fralick's Tavern staff are now recommending the improved or more costly system. Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Approved by: ~~elcdtor of Community Services Attachment $:\Council\Council 200BR-2001-03.wpd Respectfully Submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Niagara Falls Community ~ervices Departmem Perks, Recreation & Culture 7565 Lundy's Lane Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail: akon~city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Kon Director R-2001-02 January 29, 2001 Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chairperson and Members of the Corporate Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2001-02 Heating and Air Conditioning System Fralicks Tavern RECOMMENDATION: That Council award the installation of the new heating and air conditioning (I-~AC) system for Fralicks Tavern to Niagara Heating and Air Conditioning for the quoted price of $25,658.60 including PST and GST. BACKGROUND: Quotations for the installation of an I-IVAC system which meets museum standards for environmental control were received from mechanical contractors. The following is a list of the quotations received. Niagara Heating and Air Conditioning $25,658.60 St. Catharines, Ontario Emerald Plumbing and Heating $34,240.00 Niagara Falls, Ontario. . .!~: ~,,,~ ~: .~: ,~.~ The new I-IVAC was designed in accordance to the recommendations and suggestions included to guidelines prepared by the Ministry o fCommikn-/eations, CBltore and Recreation's (MCCR) Museum Couservation Advisor. By installing a system that meets the guidelines in the MCCR's report the City may be able to qualify for future operating gnmts available from the MCCR. R-2001-02 - 2 - January 29, 2001 Funds are available in the Capital Construction Budget. This is part of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Millennium Project. The $684,000 project is being funded as follows: Millennium Bureau - $228,000, Friends of Lundy Lane Battlefield - $228,000; and City of Niagara Falls - $228,000. Council's favourable consideration with the recommendation would be appreciated. Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Respectfully Submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Johti MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services C TM:sc s:\cotmcil*,.counci12001'~R2001-02.wpd The City of Niagara Falls llld~ Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street 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: fhiggins~city.niagarafalls.on.ca Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-14 February5,2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re'- MW-2001-14 - Regional Contract RaN 00-44 Montrose Road Reconstruction, City's Share of Project RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City of Niagttra Falls conl-u'm to the Region, the City's share of the funding for this project, estimated at a cost of $1,121,810.00. REPORT: This project will consist of full road reconstruction on Montrose Road from approximately Highway 420 to Thomld Stone Road. Included in this work is the installation of storm sewers, a small section of sanitary sewer, replacement of a section of old watermain, new sidewalk on the west side, improved slxeet lighting and shared bike lanes. Property acquisition is currently underway by the Region. The total estimated project cost is $1,560,000.00, excluding property acquisition and utility relocations. Tenders for the underground portion of this project were recently called by the Regions Public Works. Volsei Construction was the low bidder at a cost of $1,209,995.50. The City's portion of this tender, together with engineering and contingencies, is estimated at $1,121,810.00. The City's share is higher at this time since the majority of the work being carried out is under the City's control. The next phases of this project, the City's share will be considerably less. A total of $1,080,000.00, for this project has been budgeted over the last two years. The balance of $41,810.00 has been placed in the 2001 Capital Construetinn Program. This project has received Regional Council approval on January 18, 2001 subject to the City of Niagara Falls confirmation of the cost sharing. The cost sharing is based upon the Regional cost sharing policy. This policy is also used when the City calls tenders and Regional cost sharing is applied. Construction is anticipated to commence on February 12, 2001. Completion of this contract is estimated at the end of May. Municipal Works }Forking Together to Serve Our Community Fire Sen, ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development Building & By-Laws 2001-02-05 -2 - MW-200'I-'I4 Property acquisition and utility relocation is continuing this year with the road reconstruction in 2002 and 2003. Pmparedby: Frank Higgins, C.E.T. Manager of Projects Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Works _Approved by: John MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services Respectfully submitted by: Edward P. Lusti~ Chief AdminisWative Officer Community Services Department M,,nicipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: w'w~v.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Ed D,,jlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-13 February 5, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re; MW-2001-13 - Waste Collection Contract Enhanced Level of Service RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Committee approve the recommended enhanced levels of service as indicated BACKGROUND: As indicated in report MW-2000-49 - Waste Collection Contract (attached) the Regional Municipality of Niagara assumed responsibility for waste management fi.om the area Municipalities in January of 1997. In that the City was in the middle of a five year waste collection contract which was to expire April of 2000 the City continued to manage and pay the expenses for waste collection. When the Region assumed the responsibility for waste collection in April of 2000 it decided at that time to extend the existing City conuact by an additional year so that its' expiration would coincide with the collection contracts in Fort Erie, Port Colbome and Welland. As indicated in report MW-2000-49 the Region made a request to the City, as to what enhanced services for the City of Niagara Falls were to be included in the Regional base level of service collection con~ract, being called for Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colbome and Welland. As indicated in the chart attached to MW-2000-49 the services that the Region refers to as being enhanced, were in fact being provided by the City as part of its' basic waste collection service to the taxpayers. Accordingly, Committee approved the inclusion of various enhancements as defined by the Region. The enhanced services and their costs that are being offered to the City are as follows: a) Street Litter Receptacle Container Collection The City currently provides street container collection five days per week and seven days per week from mid-May to mid-October. The cost to implement this service is $55,794.00 per year with the addition or deletion of a receptacle resulting in an increase or decrease of $448.00 per container. In addition City staffasked that a price be submitted for seven day a week collection on a year round basis due to the increase demand for this service. The cost 2001-02-05 -2- MW-2001-13 to provide this service would be an additional $5,800.00 for a total of $61,594.00. To add or delete a receptacle would be $536.00. As a result of increased usage of the receptacles on a year round basis it is Staff's recommendation that the City implement the year round collection service. b) Containerized Services For Multi Residential Buildings This service is not included in the base level of service provided by the Region and their waste collection contract, however, it is a service that bas been provided by the City. The cost to provide the collection service is $149,989.00. As it is a service that the City has been providing, it is Staff's recommendation that it be included in the contract. c) Increased Container Limits in Tourist Areas The additional cost to provide this service over and above the base level of service, nine containers, is $10,791.00. This will provide for an increase to twenty containers for the months of July and August for the ICI sector. As it is a service that is currently being provided it is also recommended that it be included. d) Leaf And Yard Waste Collection For Residential Properties Effective April 1, 2001 the base level of service for residential waste collection will be reduced to three containers and yard waste is not collected. There will be a special pick up of yard waste on a bi-weekly basis for a total of eight pickups per year fi:om April to June and October to December. The property owner can put out an unlimited amount of containers during this period. As a result of significant problems that were encountered by the City of St. Catharines with this limited service, items were included in the Regional tender for once per month and bi- weekly leaf and yard waste collection during the Spring, Summer and Fall months not covered by the Regions base level of service. The cost to provide the once per month collection is $74,120.00 with bi-weekly costing $163,064.00. Based on the reaction that the residents of St. Catharines had and that the current service being provided to the residents of Niagara Falls allow them to dispose of yard waste on a weekly basis provided that they remain within their four bag limit, it is Staff's recommendation that the bi-weekly service be implemented. e) Recycling For Commercial Properties The City currently provides weekly collection of cardboard and recyclables fi:om the commercial sector. This service is not included in the base level of service. The cost for the recycling cart collection is $222,700.00 and for cardboard $59,280.00. These two services are currently carried out by City staff. Based on the prices submitted it is recommended that the collection of cardboard at $59,280.00 per year be done by the contractor and that the cart collection continue to be carded out by the City at approximately $100,000.00 per year. Finally it is also recommended that the practice of special set outs for those individuals that have difficulty in getting their waste to the curb be continued at a cost of $3,640.00 per year. The impacts of the new base level of service being provided by Region and the recommended enhancements as compared to the cost incurred by the City in the year 2000 are summarized in the chart below. 2001-02-05 - 3 - MW-2001-13 Year 2000 2001 Waste Collection Costs $995,000 $949,000 Enhanced Level of Service Included above $549~000 TOTAL $995~000 $1.498.00.~._~0 As noted in report MW-2000-49, it was indicated that the base level of service for waste collection would be part of the Regional Tax Levy for 2001 and that only the enhancements to the base level of service would be charged back to the area Municipalities. Although there was some discussion regarding this issue, the Region has decided to continue to charge the area Municipalities for both the base level service and enhanced services. The impact of this decision is more fully explained in report MW-2000-09. Committees concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. Ed Dujlovic Director of Municipal Works Approved by: John MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services Respectfully Submitted by: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Tl~e Ci~ of ~l~. Niagara Falls y,~,~' Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street 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-mait: edujlovi@city, niagamfalls.on.ca Ed Oujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2000-49 File #G-280-31 May 29, 2000 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson, and Members of the Community Services Committee, City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2000-49 Waste Collection Contract RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Enhanced Waste Collection Services, as indicated in the following report, be included in the tender being prepared by the Region for Waste Collection in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colbome and Welland. BACKGROUND: As Committee is aware, the Regional Municipality of Niagara assumed responsibility for waste collection in January of 1997. Subsequem to the assumption of waste rmmagement, the Region carried out an extensive review of the issue which involved considerable public consultation. The results of the study and public consultation was the "Waste Collection Harmonization Plan" which included the base level of service for waste collection. The Harmoni?ation Plan was presented to the Committee on March 30, 1998 and was subsequently approved by the Region in July of 1998. The attached chart provides a comparison of the Regional base level of service with the collection service presently being provided by the City of Niagara Falls. In addition to the base level of service the Region is prepared to provide enhanced waste collection as requested by any area municipality at the expense of that municipality. It should be noted that currently the Region is charging the area municipalities for the waste management services it currently provides. It is anticipated that for the 2001 Budget, Waste Management Services will be part of the Regional tax levy and only those services not provided for in the base level services would then be charged back to the area municipality. After reviewing lhe chart, it is Staff's recommendation that in addition to the base level of service, that the Region include in their tender items for the monthly collection of yard waste for July, August, September and also the option for bi-weekly collection as currently being done in St. Cathadnes throughout the summer. As indicated, the City currently provides street container collection five days per week and seven days per week from mid May to mid October. It is Staff's recommendation that this service be increased to seven days per week year-round in order to meet increased demand. Accordingly the tender should include an option for the current service. Municipal Works Working Together to Serve Our CommuniO~ Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development 2000 05 29 -2- MW-2000-49 It is also recommended that the current practice of increasing the bag limits for the I.C.I. sector to 20 containers for July and August and the servicing of mult-unit residential buildings be included in the tender also. It is anticipated that the Region will be proceeding with a tender call in June of 2000, following which, sometime in August, a report will be presented to this Committee, at which time a final decision can be made as to which enhancements the City will proceed with. It should be noted that the current level of service for waste collection will continue until March 31, 2001. The Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. ~nded by: Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng., Director of Municipal Works Respectfully Submitted by: Edward P. Lusfig, Chief Administrative Officeicer Approved by: John MacDonald, Executive Director of Community Services ED:lag Attach. me City of ~Jl~ Niagara Falls llJJ can d __. lr Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X§ web site: www.¢ity.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-09 February 5, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2001-09 - Waste Management User Fee RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended th. at the City implement a user pay system for waste management. BACKGROUND: In September of 2000 Committee approved report MW-2000-114 - Waste Management Waste Credit System which authorized Staff to obtain a consultant to investigate the establishment of a user pay system. As a result Staff retained the rum of C.N. Watson & Associates Limited to carry out the study. Before dealing with the issue of a user pay system it is important the Committee have an understanding of the impact on the budget as a result of the changes in waste management services and the closure of the Mountain Road Landfill. For the year 2000 gross expenses for waste management were $3.4 million dollars which was offset by a revenue of $1.6 million dollars which resulted in a net expenditure of $1.8 million dollars. The revenues for waste management included $700,000 in tipping fees received.at the:gate and $900,000 from Regional brokering. As Committee may recall when the Region took over the administration of the Mountain Road Landfill it successfully amended the Certificate of Approval to allow for waste from the entire Region to be disposed of at the site. Having amended the C of A and realizing that the available capacity at the Mountain Road Landfill would not be used prior to it's closure the Region requested proposals from the private sector to make use of this capacity. As a result the City and Region earned considerable revenue from this arrangement. In addition to the private sector waste, waste from a number of neighbouring Municipalities were also diverted to the Mountain Road Landfill, which resulted in additional revenue for the City except for the waste being diverted from Fort Erie. Instead of paying to dispose of our waste at the Fort Erie landfill the City received a credit, that is for every ton of waste brought In from Fort Erie the City would in the future be able to dispose of an equal amount of waste at a Regional facility. The credit that has been built up over the years and is in excess of 25,000 tonnes. 2001-02-05 -2 - MW-2001-09 For the year 2001 the gross expenditure for waste management is estimated at $4.5 million dollars and since the Mountain Road Landfill is now closed, there is no revenues to the City, hence the net expenditure is $4.5 million dollars. There are a number of factors that have lead to this substantial increase in the gross expenditure. The first and foremost is that the City no longer has a landfill and is now paying the Regional rate of $71.40 per ton which is considerably more than the cost incurred at the Mountain Road Landfill site. Other factors contributing to this increase include the enhancements to the base level of service as indicated in report MW-2001 - 13 and overall increases due to inflation. Another factor that is important to note is that the City for 2001 will be making use of the credit it has accumulated as a result of the waste taken in fi.om Fort Erie. If this credit was not available, there would be an additional $1.8 million dollars in expenditures for 2001. Accordingly, irrespective of any inflationary adjustment, it is estimated that for 2002 waste management expenses for the City will be approximately $6.3 million dollars. This amounts to a $4.8 million dollar net increase in two years. As indicated in previous reports rather than include waste management as part of the Regional levy, the Region has decided to bill the area Municipalities for waste management service. In order to deal with this bill the City has a number of options which include a City Tax Levy, a Regional Tax Levy and the implementation of a User Pay System. City Tax Levy Due to the significant increase in waste management costs fi.om 2000 to 2001 of $4.7 million dollars and a projected further increase of $1.8 million dollars in 2002 a thirty-eight percent (38%) increase would be required to the tax levy to accommodate this cost. In addition, this service is now provided by the Region, therefore, it would not be appropriate to express it as a City tax levy. b) Region Tax Levy One of the options to the City is applying a tax rate for each of the property classes as calculated by the Region in order to recover the waste management charges fi.om the Region. Although simple to administer, one of the draw backs of implementing the Regional rate would be that those properties not currently receiving waste management services would end up being charged. As this is a charge for a Regional service, the City's Finance staff are of the opinion that the City could not establish a rebate program for a service that it does not provide. Even if the City had the authority to implement a rebate program the funds, in the order of $600,000, would have to be recovered fi.om those properties receiving the service. In that the City has established a practice of providing a credit to those properties that were not receiving waste collection services fi.om the City it would be difficult now to impose a charge for waste management services. c) User Pay System As indicated, the City retained the fu-m of C.N. Watson & Associates to help develop the user pay system. The theory behind the user pay system is that only those properties receiving the service would be issued a bill. This would eliminate the concerns of those properties not receiving the service. In addition to determining the cost for the various property classes the consultant also raised a number of issues with respect to the legality of 2001-02-05 -3 - MW-2001-09 implementing user charges. A review conducted by the City Solicitor as well as the consultant has determined that under section 220.1 of the Municipal Act the City has the authority to implement user fees via by-law for waste management services. This authority, however, is limited by Regulation 26/96 in that the Municipality can only charge those persons who use the waste management service. Therefore, properties or individuals not receiving the service can not be charged. Based on the figures provided by the City and Region, including the recommended enhanced level of service, the cost for a residential homeowner on a yearly basis is approximately $114.00. Should the City decide to eliminate the enhanced service for residential, the yearly cost would drop to $107.00. It should be noted that these are preliminary figures and there may be adjustments pending finalization of the budget. For the commercial sector, the cost for base level of service is approximately $297.00 with an additional $278.00 for the enhancements. The enhancements include street receptacle pickup, increased bag limit and recycling collection. The annual charge for containerized waste collection services for apartment buildings within the City is dependent upon the size of containers and number of pickups required. The cost range is f~om $432.00 to $9,100.00 per year, per individual unit. Council's concurrence with the recommendations outlined in this report would be appreciated. Ed Dujlovic Director of Municipal Works Approved by: [ · John MacDonald. ~,/ Executive Director of Community Services Respectfully submitted by: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer