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2006/04/20 Council Information -for period ended April 20, 2006- *Municipal* 1. Letters to Premier and Ministers re: OLGC Tax Appeal & casino Niagara 2. Ministry of Transportation Funding of $1.67 million to Niagara Falls 3. Niagara Falls Hydro Report on Director Compensation 3. Niagara Development Corridor 4. Niagara River Bi-National Mayors Coalition re: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative 5. Recreation Committee Minutes *Provinciall A.M.O.* 1. MPAC Ombudsman Report 2. A.M.O. re: Energy Announcements 3. Proposed Construction Zone Changes *Regional* 1. T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Nomination Kit 2. Council Highlights 3. Niagara Region Smart Gardening Campaign *Resolutionsl Miscellaneous* 1. Rural Mailboxes 2. Current Value Assessment 3. Municipal Politicians Seminar: Firefighting 101 4. St. John Ambulance General Meeting Office of the Mayor &- Inter-Department Memorandum TO: Dean Iorfida DATE: April 12, 2006 City Clerk FROM: Cathy Crabbe Executive Secretary Ext. 4202 RE: Council Information Dean; Please include the following letters in the next council packages; I. Letters from Mayor Salci to Premier McGuinty, Minister Caplan, Minister Gerretsen, and Minister Duncan regarding the OLGC's appeal of their 2003 to 2005 tax assessments for Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. 2. Letter from Premier McGuinty responding to Mayor Salci' s letter regarding the status of Casino Niagara. Thank you, Cathy _._"~-_.~--_._-_._------------~_.,---,..- I. City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salci Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.niagarafalls.ca (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalci@niagarafalls.ca Aprilll,2006 The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A lAl Dear Premier McGuinty: Re: Niagara Falls Casinos Assessment Appeals At a recent meeting, Niagara Falls City Council learned that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) has appealed the 2003 to 2005 assessments for Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. While it is understandable that the bureaucrats at the OLGC are trying to look for ways to save money and maximize profits, our Council is disappointed and chagrined that they are trying to do so at the expense of the local taxpayers. In 2005, for example, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls and local school boards received more than $18 million in taxes. The City received about $7 million of this amount. Needless to say, budgets have been set and tax rates calculated accordingly on the basis of the Casino assessment amounts. Having any amount less than the $7 million will mean either a reduction in municipal services or an increase in taxes to maintain service levels. Any benefit realized by the OLGC, from the appeal, will be to the detriment of other commercial properties and other property classes. The effect will be even worse if the City has to reimburse the OLGC for previous years, money which has already been spent on infrastructure and other essential services. Secondly, the assessment levels of the properties in the vicinity of the two local casinos have, undoubtedly, gone up in the last few years. This is a sign of the prosperity and increase in market value for these properties. It would stand to reason that the value inherent in casino property has also increased. ,. -2- Even if the OLOe was to see a reduction in its assessment would the amount make much of a difference after legal costs have been expended? It is our understanding that the City of Windsor will be expending up to $200,000 to fight the appeal. Niagara Falls anticipates fees in the six figures. Undoubtedly, the legal expenses for the OLGC lawyers in the Windsor and Niagara Falls appeals will be similarly high; therefore, it is easy to see $1,000,000 being spent on legal fees alone. Finally, what is most disturbing to the average taxpayer is probably the fact that the OLGC, a Crown agency established by the Ontario government is disputing the assessment, set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, a not-for- profit corporation funded by all 445 Ontario municipalities, and the taxes, in turn, paid to municipal and regional governments. I do not believe that the taxpayers appreciate levels of government arguing over monies that ultimately come out of the taxpayers' purse. Based on the above, Niagara Falls City Council is opposed to the OLGC appealing its assessment. Although you may not feel that it is appropriate for you to get involved, any influence you could exert to have this waste of taxpayers' money stopped would be greatly appreciated. The OLGC is better off looking for ways to cut costs and maximize profits in the operations of their casinos than get a break at the expense of the public purse. Sincerely, ~j~, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:di:cec c Members of Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Peter Partington, Niagara Region .__....~ -..-- City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salel Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 A web site: www.nlagarafalls.ea \ (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 ~ Fax: (905) 374-3557 ~ tsalei@niagarafalls.ea April 11, 2006 The Honourable David Caplan Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Mowat Block Building 6th Floor 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A lL2 Dear Minister Caplan: Re: Niagara Falls Casinos Assessment Appeals At a recent meeting, Niagara Falls City Council learned that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) has appealed the 2003 to 2005 assessments for Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. While it is understandable that the bureaucrats at the OLGC are trying to look for ways to save money and maximize profits, our Council is disappointed and chagrined that they are trying to do so at the expense of the local taxpayers. In 2005, for example, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls and local school boards received more than $18 million in taxes. The City received about $7 million of this amount. Needless to say, budgets have been set and tax rates calculated accordingly on the basis of the Casino assessment amounts. Having any amount less than the $7 million will mean either a reduction in municipal services or an increase in taxes to maintain service levels. Any benefit realized by the OLGC, from the appeal, will be to the detriment of other commercial properties and other property classes. The effect will be even worse if the City has to reimburse the OLGC for previous years, money which has already been spent on infrastructure and other essential services. Secondly, the assessment levels of the properties in the vicinity of the two local casinos have, undoubtedly, gone up in the last few years. This is a sign of the prosperity and increase in market value for these properties. It would stand to reason that the value inherent in casino property has also increased. .. " --_.~ -2- Even if the OLGC was to see a reduction in its assessment would the amount make much of a difference after legal costs have been expended? It is our understanding that the City of Windsor will be expending up to $200,000 to fight the appeal. Niagara Falls anticipates fees in the six figures. Undoubtedly, the legal expenses for the OLGC lawyers in the Windsor and Niagara Falls appeals will be similarly high; therefore, it is easy to see $1,000,000 being spent on legal fees alone. Finally, what is most disturbing to the average taxpayer is probably the fact that the OLGC, a Crown agency established by the Ontario government is disputing the assessment, set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, a not-for- profit corporation funded by all 445 Ontario municipalities, and the taxes, in turn, paid to municipal and regional governments. I do not believe that the taxpayers appreciate levels of government arguing over monies that ultimately come out of the taxpayers' purse. Based on the above, Niagara Falls City Council is opposed to the OLGC appealing its assessment. Although you may not feel that it is appropriate for you to get involved, any influence you could exert to have this waste of taxpayers' money stopped would be greatly appreciated. The OLGC is better off looking for ways to cut costs and maximize profits in the operations of their casinos than get a break at the expense of the public purse. Sincerely, 943h' R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:di:cec c Members of Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Peter Partington, Niagara Region _._._~- - ---- ------------~-------_._- ,. -------.....-- City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salei Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.niagarafalls.ea (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalci@niagarafalls.ea April 11, 2006 The Honourable John Gerretsen Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street 17th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 Dear Minister Gerretsen: Re: Niagara Falls Casinos Assessment Appeals At a recent meeting, Niagara Falls City Council learned that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) has appealed the 2003 to 2005 assessments for Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. While it is understandable that the bureaucrats at the OLGC are trying to look for ways to save money and maximize profits, our Council is disappointed and chagrined that they are trying to do so at the expense of the local taxpayers. In 2005, for example, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls and local school boards received more than $18 million in taxes. The City received about $7 million of this amount. Needless to say, budgets have been set and tax rates calculated accordingly on the basis ofthe Casino assessment amounts. Having any amount less than the $7 million will mean either a reduction in municipal services or an increase in taxes to maintain service levels. Any benefit realized by the OLGC, from the appeal, will be to the detriment of other commercial properties and other property classes. The effect will be even worse if the City has to reimburse the OLGC for previous years, money which has already been spent on infrastructure and other essential services. Secondly, the assessment levels of the properties in the vicinity of the two local casinos have, undoubtedly, gone up in the last few years. This is a sign of the prosperity and increase in market value for these properties. It would stand to reason that the value inherent in casino property has also increased. .~---~ .. .~. - 2- Even if the OLGC was to see a reduction in its assessment would the amount make much of a difference after legal costs have been expended? It is our understanding that the City of Windsor will be expending up to $200,000 to fight the appeal. Niagara Falls anticipates fees in the six figures. Undoubtedly, the legal expenses for the OLGe lawyers in the Windsor and Niagara Falls appeals will be similarly high; therefore, it is easy to see $1,000,000 being spent on legal fees alone. Finally, what is most disturbing to the average taxpayer is probably the fact that the OLGC, a Crown agency established by the Ontario government is disputing the assessment, set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, a not-for- profit corporation funded by all 445 Ontario municipalities, and the taxes, in turn, paid to municipal and regional governments. 1 do not believe that the taxpayers appreciate levels of government arguing over monies that ultimately come out of the taxpayers' purse. Based on the above, Niagara Falls City Council is opposed to the OLGC appealing its assessment. Although you may not feel that it is appropriate for you to get involved, any influence you could exert to have this waste of taxpayers' money stopped would be greatly appreciated. The OLGC is better off looking for ways to cut costs and maximize profits in the operations of their casinos than get a break at the expense of the public purse. Sincerely, ~j~ R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:di:cec c Members of Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Peter Partington, Niagara Region .. City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Sale; Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.niagarafalls.ea (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalei@niagarafalls.ea April 11, 2006 The Honourable Dwight Duncan Minister of Finance Frost Building, S. 7th Floor 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto, ON M7A lY7 Dear Minister Duncan: Re: Niagara Falls Casinos Assessment Appeals At a recent meeting, Niagara Falls City Council learned that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLOC) has appealed the 2003 to 2005 assessments for Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. While it is understandable that the bureaucrats at the OLGC are trying to look for ways to save money and maximize profits, our Council is disappointed and chagrined that they are trying to do so at the expense of the local taxpayers. In 2005, for example, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls and local school boards received more than $18 million in taxes. The City received about $7 million of this amount. Needless to say, budgets have been set and tax rates calculated accordingly on the basis of the Casino assessment amounts. Having any amount less than the $7 million will mean either a reduction in municipal services or an increase in taxes to maintain service levels. Any benefit realized by the OLGC, from the appeal, will be to the detriment of other commercial properties and other property classes. The effect will be even worse if the City has to reimburse the OLGC for previous years, money which has already been spent on infrastructure and other essential services. Secondly, the assessment levels of the properties in the vicinity of the two local casinos have, undoubtedly, gone up in the last few years. This is a sign of the prosperity and increase in market value for these properties. It would stand to reason that the value inherent in casino property has also increased. ""~ -2- Even if the OLGC was to see a reduction in its assessment would the amount make much of a difference after legal costs have been expended? It is our understanding that the City of Windsor will be expending up to $200,000 to fight the appeal. Niagara Falls anticipates fees in the six figures. Undoubtedly, the legal expenses for the OLGC lawyers in the Windsor and Niagara Falls appeals will be similarly high; therefore, it is easy to see $1,000,000 being spent on legal fees alone. Finally, what is most disturbing to the average taxpayer is probably the fact that the OLGC, a Crown agency established by the Ontario government is disputing the assessment, set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, a not-for- profit corporation funded by all 445 Ontario municipalities, and the taxes, in turn, paid to municipal and regional governments. I do not believe that the taxpayers appreciate levels of government arguing over monies that ultimately come out of the taxpayers' purse. Based on the above, Niagara Falls City Council is opposed to the OLGC appealing its assessment. Although you may not feel that it is appropriate for you to get involved, any influence you could exert to have this waste of taxpayers' money stopped would be greatly appreciated. The OLGC is better off looking for ways to cut costs and maximize profits in the operations of their casinos than get a break at the expense of the public purse. Sincerely, ~J~ R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:di:cec c Members of Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Peter Partington, Niagara Region I. il . C. (VIem.b?lS "t lounei \ The Premier Le Premier ministre lIj of Ontario de l'Ontario Legislative Building Edifice de I' Assemblee legislative /.;:,....\.. Queen's Park Queen's Park \. , . .i2( - Toronto, Ontario Toronto (Ontario) .' ',' .''':.. .. ...~ "'-"'~,.,j1 "I Ontario M7A lAl M7A lAl 6}S.Ect\jEn\~ ~PR :'l !; 1.\}\)6 March 3D, 2006 1~i;~OP:$ off\CE ...-r<\ . i <;l His Worship R.T. (Ted) Salei Mayor City Hall .. 4310 Queen Street PO Box 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Mayor Salci: Thank you very much for your letter, passed on to me by MPP Kim Craitor, outlining your concerns about the status of Casino Niagara. Know that you are a valued municipal partner, and I always welcome your insights on the issues that affect Niagara Falls and the rest of our province. I recognize that Niagara Falls is an economic powerhouse and a world-class entertainment location, and I understand the importance of its casinos as local employers and tourist attractors. I have noted the issues and recommendations put forward in the PKF Consulting report. As you may already know, it is not the government's intention to close Casino Niagara at this time. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is committed to a strategy for the success of both casinos in Niagara - the recent capital investments in Casino Niagara are evidence of this commitment. At the same time, our government is looking to the OLGC to optimize the province's gaming investments. I note that you have also forwarded your correspondence to the Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. I am confident that he will give your views and recommendations his consideration. ... 2 @ I. " n__... - 2- Mayor Salci, thank you again for sharing your insights. Prosperity in your community means prosperity for our province. We will continue to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Ontario. Please accept my personal regards. y truly, c: The Honourable avid Caplan Kim Craitor, MPP ..- --.-----.--.- ., I. ---" -.;...;--.::~ Ministry of Ministry of lIj Transportation Finance - Office of the Minister Office of the Minister _ Ferguson Block, 3n:l Floor Frost Building South ~ 77 Wellesley St. West 7 Queen's Park Cr Ontario Toronro,Onmno T~onro,ON M7A1Z8 M7A1Y7 (416) 327-9200 (416) 325-1590 www.mto.gov.on.ca www.fin.gov.,~).. R E" (1 n TT.rn..' ..., ." It. ~ I ti. \" 11 . 1.,\,..... .'. ..... ,:p..'" ,1-1. \,) J.'J I ';1; !1:.. II fJ(" . . ' '. ..,.< ". , March 24 2006 . "'lo hECiZ.iVG;'~''''\ f MAR 3 0 200~--' 1 , . - M!,"'; ':1 20fJS j\,) " i ! r.'O, \ ' . - . - - <- -, w' . ," _ _ ~ i;' "!,'(j!1'S OFFICE" 'c,< " \ ," " : _~ri i Dear Head of Council: ~?;9 (j 1/.;: ~b.l.in1<UJj. . &I ))'-!.Jlull/C-, ~ 1 p We are pleased to advise that, as announCed in the 2006 Budget, the Ontario ~ government is providing a one-time investment of $400 million through Move ...;)f~ Ontario to help municipalities primarily outside the GTA, with special emphasis on rural and northern communities, invest in municipal roads and bridges. Municipalities will determine their own road and bridge priorities. The details of your municipality's allocation are provided with the enclosed Notice of Payment. This $400 million investment builds on other major initiatives already under way to support municipalities, including . Investment of $298-million toward the $900 million fund for the Canada- Ontario Municipal Rural Investment Fund (COMRIF) . Assistance to more than 190 municipalities with up to $2.4 billion in low- cost, longer-term loans, for more than 1,200 critical public infrastructure projects, through the Ontario Strategic Infrastructure Financing Authority. . Investment of $300M over the next three years to move towards a 50:50 partnership for the cost of municipal land ambulance services by 2008 . Increased funding of $1 07M to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund in 2006 (totalling $763M); . . Increased flexibility for municipalities to direct 100% of provincial gas tax revenues to operating expenditures, as well as capital projects. . More than $1.4 billion in provincial gas tax revenues to municipalities over five years; . Increase in the provincial share of funding for public health to 75% by 2007; .../2 _._-,._--~-- .. Roads and Bridges Funding ~ Ontario March 2006 Notice of Payment City of Niagara Falls 18101 Region of Niagara lOne-time Roads and Bridges Funding I $1,674,7051 Note t Under Move Ontario, the government is making an immediate, one-time investment of $400 million to help municipalities primarily outside of the GTA - with emphasis on rural and northern communities - invest in municipal roads and bridges. Municipalities will determine their own roads and bridges priorities. Key Data Inputs Population I 78,815 RSCM 3.1% Data Sources Population 2001 Census, Statistics Canada. RSCM The Rural and Small Community Measure represents the proportion of a municipality's population residing in areas classified by Statistics Canada as being rural or small communities. -~........_---"-,_._.,.,,---_. .. --~- 0159265 CP ,110 Supplier Number: 3305 Payment Date Payment Number Supplier Site Name: 4310 QUEEN S1 28-MAR-06 159265 I- Invoice Number Invoice Invoice Description Invoice Amount Z w Date ::e IUW ;)- MTOTP2005465 26-MAR-06 MTO Move Ont. - Improving Rd 1,674,705.00 ;:~ :lw :Co u:::> Jc( .w ccr 'w :0 :cr io :11:1 ~ ----------------- Total: 1,674,705.00 ONTARIO SHARED SERVICES 1-866-320-1756/416-212_2345 SERVICES COMMUNS DE L'ONTARIO 1-866-320-1756/416-212_2345 TIlAN$"I!R'~AYMll<<tll 0159265 CP ~&:"l:lI:!~fif$FERT 28-MAR-06 'One r.tilJ.~lf>n;p~x~H't1rJd~"'d '$(;ji\7enty-Follr Thou$and $*1,674,705.00 Seven K~~r~dFive Dollars And Zero Cents ***** CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS 4310 QUEEN ST PO ~OX 1023 20060328-01 TP CHQ NIAqA/:l.i1..FAI,LS, ON L2E '\lXS CANADA 3305 159265 In Imperial Bank of Commerce Banque Canadienne Imperiale de Commerce -ce Court Commerce Court Ontario MSL 1 G9 Toronto (Ontario) MSL lG9 1t"0 ~ s'i 2(; Sit" 1:0000 2"'0 ~Ol: ? :1'''8 ~q ~ :lit" --~., .. REcEr(nljl ,) .. Lj - i MAR 3 0 2006 1 ~ j NIAGARA FALLS HYDRO OFFICE OF I THEADMINISTfiATOR i _. March 29, 2006 City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Attention: John MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer Dear John: Enclosed please find a report outlining the Board of Director Remuneration for the year 2005 for Niagara Falls Hydro. The Board also requested that I provide to you a copy of our Report on Director Compensation, which we have previously provided to City Council. If you should require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, ~iIki' CGA President BW/cs Encl. 7447 Pin Oak Drive, PO. Box 120, Niagara Falls. Ontario L2E 659 Telephone: (905) 356-2681 Fax: (905) 356-0118 E Mail: info@niagarafallshydro.on.ca Web: www.niagarafallshydro.on.ca I. NIAGARA FALLS HYDRO INC. BOARD OF DIRECTOR REMUNERATION 2005 SPECIAL BUSINESS SALARY MEETING DEVELOPMENT TOTAL FEES PROJECT PEN WEST MERGER Bob Campbell $2000 $3600 - $5600 Wayne Campbell $2000 $3000 - $5000 Bill Haskin $2000 $3000 $1050 $6050 Janie Palmer $2500 $3150 $3450 $9100 Andy Panko $2000 $2700 - $4700 Ted Salci $2000 $1350 - $3350 Joyce Morocco $2000 $2700 - $4700 Carolynn loannoni $2000 $3300 - $5300 TOTAL $16500 $22800 $4500 $43800 .. ---- ~ort on Director Compensation Terms of Reference To conduct an informal survey of Board of Director compensation amongst municipal electric distribution companies. Decision Criteria Compensation 2000-2004: Chair $5000 per year $250 per Diem Director $4000 per year $250 per Diem Compensation as determined by Council: Chair $2500 per year $160 per Diem Director $2000 per year $160 per Diem lnformation has been solicited from municipal electric utilities and is provided as follows: Exhibit I - Municipal Electric Utilities, Regional Municipality of Niagara Exhibit 2 - Board Remuneration Survey 2004, prepared by KPMG for Pen West Utilities Exhibit 3 - Survey of Company Structure and Board Compensation, Guelph Hydro .- [I -~ Exhibit I MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITIES REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA Company Chair Director Per Diem Grimsby $4500 $175 (max 12) $3500 $150 (max 12) Niagara -on-the- Lake $4000 $3000 $100 Pen West $6000 $5000 $150 St. Catharines $5000 $4000 0 Councillor - 0 0 Weiland $5000 $150 $4000 Councillor $100 -~~-_..~-~--~----~-_.._._....,...--- " ~- - . '" . Q ~ E .. 888 . c -6 0 @.@@. 8- '" fij j;l --- "" ;;;;;; '" ~ s s w .. . . E E g'8. ~8. i~ ~~ t~ ~ E E E E - . s:; f: - . 8-E C;Gj i'[E .. . . . ="E E E _u E 6~ u ~ m ~ ~ 0 um - 88 88 88 8 1:Hil :?::?: '0..0 ~ E ~~ v;;;; NN j ~~ ~~ ~ E E 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ E g' ~ E E S E S E S E S E S S E S E S E E S E S E S .. 0 g"Gj 0- ~t @ Q; ~~ .. 0- ,2ii ~~ 0- 211 E E ~4) .. c ~ t c ~ c. g c c . c . . ~ E c . c . ~ E ~ E c . . . . E . E . E . E . E E . E .- . E . " E N - ~ .. >- 8- U U 8.~ ~~ H 8- 8.8. 8.8- 1iE H U 8.8- U ~ 0 w 0 N > 888 88~ 88g 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 8 88 8 "' '" ~ ::l ~@~ gj;l13 ~:?:~ ~H/ 82 @~ @~ ~1il 81il 8~ 8~ 8~ 8 812 ~ " '" E ~~ NC0 ,f)0.I ~ Z . "-:M~ ccitll ~ f"iV'J >< .rl U) ~.~ ,-","V} .n~ ~.~ M.~ '.0" tn o;Vl o~ ~. ~.Ul ~ " 0 ~~~ ~ B ~ . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;;; ~ >- " c '" >- << ~ ~ '" 0 w " Z >- ::l D ~ U W ~ ~ . '" E S E S :;; 0 2 ii ~ t "- '" c . . << . E . E a: 0 U U al 88 88 ~ !i11il ~.~ ~.~ o,~ ~ ~ . t5 ~ = = = = ~ ~ = = = = = ~ ~ E E E E S 2- es E S E S E S E S E S E S E S E S E S E S E S o 0 0 ~ll= E$ ~i ~m Ei 21: E i Ei ~i E"Gi Eli Et E Gj .. c c c c c c :; E a ~ E ~ E ~ E ~ E ~ E c. ~ E ~ E c. . . . . . E . E . E . E . E E 8-H _ _ E H H H H U U 8.8- U 8.8. H U H ~ 1i1ii; 888 88 88g 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 8 88 8 ~@~ @j;l ~.,,- ~~ @~ @~ @~ ~1il ~~ 1il~ ~~ @~ @ ~~ ~ ~N .. - .. ..:C"')-.- N'" ....-ut x ~.~ .".~ .".~ ~tIl ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ N'~ .".~ ~. ~.~ ~ ~~.. ;;; ~ . ~ .. ;;; ~ .. ~ ;;; ;;; ~ ~ ;;;. c . "" '" u 0 w u. " :>:: - ~ '" ~ '" :z " E 0 J ~ .:--.~ ~.. .--..---.- ."~ ~ Guelph .. Hydro,,, Survey of Company Structure and Board Compensation The Survey of Company Structure and Board Compensation was forwarded to 22 companies. Responses were received from the 19 companies listed below: Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc. Burlington Hydro Cambridge & North Dumfries Hydro Enwin Powerlines Greater Sudbury Utilities Guelph Hydro Inc. Hamilton Utilities Corporation Hydro Ottawa Kitchener- Wilmot Hydro London Hydro Markham Hydro Distribution Inc. Niagara Falls Hydro Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. Ottawa River Power Corporation Peterborough Utilities Group St. Catharines Hydro Thunder Bay Hydro Veridian Corporation Waterloo North Hydro Inc. ,. ---~~- ~ Guelph '0 Hydro,.o Survey of Company Structure and Board Compensation Holding Company and Subsidiary Companies I. Do you have a Holding Company as a parent company with subsidiary affiliate companies? Total number oj respondents: 19 Responses: 17 Yes 2 No 2. Please provide an outline of your corporate organization (attach a separate sheet if needed) please see attachments 3. Is the Board of the Holding Company the Board for the subsidiary companies? Total number oJrespondents: 19 Responses: 9 Yes I Yes Jor Wires Company 7 No 2 Not Applicable (no holding company) 4. Does the Holding Company Board operate with Committees of the Board (e.g. Governance, Finance & Audit, Nominating)? Please provide detai Is. Total Number oj Respondents: 19 16 Yes I No 2 Not Applicable OJ the 15 who responded 'yes' the Jollowing committees were specifically identified: Audit/Audit & Finance/Budge I3 Governance/Executive 7 Nominating 8 Joint Advisory I Human Resources 4 Compensation 3 Communications I LDC Committee I Energy & Telecommunications I 2 -'-----~ 5. Do the Subsidiary Company Boards operate with Committees of the Board similar to the Holding Company? Please provide details. Total Number of Respondents: 19 11 No 7 Yes I Not Applicable · two do not have holding companies - operate with Board Committees. Municipal Shareholder Board Representation I. Does the Holding Company Board include the Mayor or Mayor's Designate and/or City Councillors as Directors? Please provide detail. Total Number of Respondents: 19 Mayor 14 Mayor's Designate 3 Council/ors 1/ Not Applicable 2 (no holding company) Note: Does not add to 18 as it reflects some LDC's with multiple municipal shareholders and some Boards with Mayor and Counci//or(s). One respondent has no Council representation on the Holding Company Board 2. IfCouncillors(s) on the Board please advise the number of Councillors. Total Number of Respondents: 19 10 Yes 7 No 2 Not Applicable (no Holding Company) 3. If you have more than one municipal shareholder please identify representation for each municipal shareholder. Total Number of Respondents: 19 1 Shareholder /3 2 Shareholders 2 3 Shareholders 1 4 Shareholders 1 Not Applicable 2 Note: Where multiple municipal shareholders each shareholder has representation on the holding company board 3 '-,r- II -~ Do the Subsidiary Company Boards include the Mayor and/or City Councillors as Directors? Please provide detail by company. Total Number of Respondents: /9 Mayor/Mayor Designate // Yes. 9 No (more than /8 due to companies with multiple municipal shareholders) Councillors 8 Yes. /0 No No response I If more than one Councillor please provide details. Frequency of meetings I. How often does the Holding Company Board hold regularly scheduled meetings? (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually) Total Number of Respondents: 19 Monthly 9 Monthly, moving to bi-monthly I Bi-monthly 2 Quarterly 4 As needed. usually 5 per year I Under Review I Not Applicable I · One respondent indicated meetings during summer months at call of the Chair. 2. How often do the Holding Company Board Committees hold regularly scheduled meetings? (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually) Total Number of Respondents: 19 Monthly as required I Bi-Monthly / As required /0 Semi-annually 2 Quarterly / Annually / Not Applicable 3 3. How often do the Subsidiary Company Boards hold regularly scheduled meetings? (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually). Please provide detail for each Company. Total Number of Respondents: /9 4 ---rr- " Monthly 9 Monthly. moving to bi-monthly I Bi-Monthly 2 Monthly (LDC), others under review I None 2 Quarterly 2 3 times per year I As Required I Not Applicable 2 · Note column adds to more than number of respondents as frequency of meetings were varied among Boards of individual respondents. 4. How often do the Subsidiary Company Board Committees hold regularly scheduled meetings? (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually). Please provide detail for each Company. Total Number of Respondents: 17 Hi-Monthly I Annually I Semi-annually 1 None 2 Not Applicable 10 As Required 2 · Note: Committee meetings for some respondents not on the same frequency Board of Directors Annual Compensation Total Number of Respondents: 19 Chair $ 5,000-$10,000perannum 11 $10.001 - $15,000 per annum 7 $15,001 - $25,000 per annum I Average $10.139 per annum Vice Chair $ 4,000 - $ 8,000 per annum 9 $ 8.001 - $12,000 per annum 4 $12,00 I - $20,000 per annum 1 Not Applicable 5 Average $ 7,092 per annum Director $ 4,000 - $ 8,000 per annum 14 $ 8.001 - $12,000 per annum 4 $12.00 I - $20.000 per annum 1 Average $ 6. 700 per annum 5 --_. ~---_.----~--~-_..._~ -_.,~ I. If there are Subsidiary Company Directors not on the Holding Company Board is the compensation the Same as or Different to the Holding Company Board? If Different please provide details. Total Number of Respondents: 12 Same as Holding Company 4 Not Applicable 6 Different 2 Board Compensation for Council representatives on the Board Please provide the Annual Honorarium for the Council representatives. Total Number of Respondents: 19 (Mayor/Councillors) $ 4.000 - $ 8,000 10 $ 8,001 - $10,000 2 Not Applicable 7 Average $ 6, 108 per annum * Note: One respondent had provision for Council representatives to be paid the same. however payment has been waived. Per Diem I. Does your company provide a per diem for attendance at Board meetings? Total Number oj Respondents: 19 14 yes 5 no Per Diem Amount (9 respondents) $ 90.00 - $ 150.00 per meeting 2 $151.00 - $300.00 per meeting 3 $301.00 - $450.00 per meeting 1 $451.00 - $600.00 per meeting 3 Average per diem $337 per meeting. Per diem average is calculated on actual per diem reported. not the range noted above 6 - ----_._---~_._.._~-- .. _,'-_."-'-'~ 2. Does your company provide a per diem for Board Committee meetings? Total Number of Respondents: 19 12 yes 1 yes if held on separate day from regular Board 6no If "Yes" what is the per diem? $ Total Number of Respondents: 19 $ 90.00 - $150.00 per meeting 3 $151.00 - $300.00 per meeting 6 $301.00 - $450.00 per meeting 3 $451.00 - $500.00 per meeting I Not Applicable I No 5 Average per diem $ 288 per meeting One respondent noted amount capped at $1,500 per annum 3. Does the Board Chair receive a greater per diem than other Board members? Total Number of Respondents: 18 16 no I yes I Not applicable If "Yes" What is the Chair's per diem? $250 4. Does the Board Committee Chair receive a greater per diem than other committee members? Total Number of Respondents: 19 16No 1 Yes 2 Not Applicable If"Yes" What is the Chair's per diem? $500 7 .. II 5. Is the per diem the same for the subsidiary companies? Total Number of Respondents: 17 9 yes 2 no 6 Not applicable Note: several respondents noted that if meetings are held on the same day for multiple companies then only one per diem is paid If different please provide details. Attendance at other activities/functions l. Do Directors participate in other business related activities (e.g. EDA Annual and District meetings, MEARIE Seminar, Industry Conferences, Shareholder meetings) and is a per diem paid for attendance at those events? Please provide details: Total Number of Respondents: /9 Attends EDA Annual Meeting, per diem paid 9 Attends EDA Annual Meeting, no per diem paid I Occasionally attends EDA Annual Meeting. no per diem 2 Do not attend EDA Annual Meeting 6 Did not answer this question 1 Attends EDA District Meetings. per diem paid 7 Attends EDA District Meetings, no per diem paid I Occasionally attends EDA District Meetings. no per diem 1 Do not attend EDA District Meetings 9 Did not answer this question 1 Attends MEARIE Seminar, per diem paid 5 Attends MEARIE Seminar, no per diem paid 0 Occasionally attends MEARIE Seminar. no per diem paid 1 Irregularly attends MEARIE Seminar, per diem paid 1 Do not attend MEARIE Seminar 1/ Did not answer this question 1 Attends Industry Conferences, per diem paid 5 Attends Industry Conferences. no per diem paid 1 Occasionally attends Industry Conferences. per diem paid 1 Occasionally attends Industry Conferences. no per diem 2 Irregularly attends Industry Conferences. per diem paid I Do not attend Industry Conferences 8 Did not answer this question 1 8 - .-- - Director's Preparation I. Does your per diem policy include a per diem for a Director's preparation time related to Board/Committee meetings? Total Number of Respondents: 18 16 No I Yes (preparation time was limited to one Director and is not currently part of policy) I Not Applicable If a per diem is paid for preparation what is the per diem? $400 Compensation Limits I. Does your Board compensation policy include a limit (maximum amount) that would be paid to a Director in any fiscal year? This would be the sum of all honorarium and all per diem amounts. Total Number of Respondents: 19 18 No I Not applicable If yes, what is that limit? Expenses I. Does your Board have a documented expense reimbursement policy? Total Number of Respondents: 19 15 Yes 4No 2. Does the Company pay any expenses over and above Board business travel expenses? Total Number of Respondents: 19 6 Yes 13 No For example does the Company pay expenses for "home office" expenses such as computer supplies, print paper, printer supplies (e.g. ink jet cartridges), shredding services? If "Yes" would you please provide examples. Total Number of Respondents: 6 9 -. .. " Examples include access to computer and printer, allowance of $1,910 per year. home office (fax machine, designated phone line etc.). working meals. software. meals, meeting room expenses, printer paper, binders. reimbursement of out-ol-pocket expenses upon presentation of receipts. 10 .. CORPORATE STRUCTURE (15 Respondents) HOLDCO I I I LDC SUBSIDIARY REGULATED UNREGULATED AFFILIATES and may be more than one UNREGULATED AFFILIATES INCLUDE: Retail Energy, Energy Services, FibreOptics, Retailers, Generation Respondents have structured the Unregulated Affiliates in a variety of arrangements: . Generation as a separate entity wholly owned by the Holdco. . District Energy as a separate entity wholly owned by the Holdco. . FibreOptics as a separate entity wholly owned by the Holdco. . Retail Energy as a separate entity wholly owned by Holdco . Services including Fibre, Retail Energy in one entity wholly owned by Holdco . One Energy Affiliate reports an equity interest in a FibreOptics entity . Two holding companies, each report an equity interest as a partner in FibreOptics joint venture companies. 11 ~.._-_. ._-_._-----_..~- CORPORATE STRUCTURE (1 RESPONDENT) HOLDCO I r I LOC JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP REGULATED EQUITY INTEREST UNREGULATED . Holdeo reports an equity interest in a FibreOptie joint venture entity with other partners. . Regulated affiliate wholly owned by Holdco. 12 -"~._--_.",. ._-""1"'r""" CORPORATE STRUCTURE (2 RESPONDENTS) HOLDCO I I LOC SERVICES RETAIL AFFILlA TE AFFI L1A TE REGULATED UNREGULATED UNREGULATED Unregulated Affiliates include: . Services Affiliate (1) provides a range of services to LDC, retail entity, other LDC's and generators. . Retail affiliate (1) combines rentals, generation and FibreOptics. . Services affiliate (1) provides management and billing services . Retail affiliate (1) is a FibreOptics business. 13 I. CORPORATE STRUCTURE (1 RESPONDENT) . No holding company. . One corporate entity for LDC. . One corporate entity for an unregulated entity with FibreOptics and Equipment Rentals. . Separate Boards of Directors 14 I. .-- ~ beanl~ijida: Ni~9araDe\lelcJi>ir1.~nICcJrria6.r. . ... . .... ..Page1! From: "Serge Felicetti" <sfelicetti@niagarafalls.ca> To: <diorfida@city.niagarafalls.on.ca> Date: 4/13/2006 3:38:46 PM Subject: Niagara Development Corridor The Niagara Development Corridor is simply a marketing banner the 4 municipalities of Niagara Falls, SI. Catharines, Fort Erie and Weiland have used from time to time in co-operative marketing efforts to promote development along the QEW and 406. From our perspective we promote the Montrose Business Park located adjacent to the QEW Thanks, Serge I. ."-~- -6- September 19,2005 MAYOR'S REPORTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Salci advised that a condolence letter had been sent to the family of the late Dr. Peter Davidson. Mayor Salci advised of the following recent events: the vistt by Chinese President Hu Jintao, the visit by Premier Dalton McGuinty announcing the beginning of construction on the new Niagara Tunnel project, the Pro-AM Golf Toumament at Thundering Waters Golf Course, the Parade to the Unknown Soldier and Battle of Britain Ceremony, the Terry Fox Run and the closing of Loretto. Mayor Salci stated that recently in a joint effort with Fort Erie, St. Catharines and Weiland and their Economic Development departments the "Niagara Development Corridor" was launched. This will consist of four municipalities working together to promote bringing businesses to the Region. Finally, the Mayor asked for the endorsement of Council to support the border mayors attendance in Washington D.C. to lobby U.S. Congress to not go ahead with the proposed passport initiative. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Kerrio, seconded by Alderman loannoni that Council supports the attendance of the cross border mayors in Washington D.C. to lobby Congress to not institute the proposed passport requirements. Carried Unanimouslv *. *.. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 1. Lupus Foundation of Ontario - Re: Lupus Month - requesting that the month of October be proclaimed as "Lupus Month" and to fly the Lupus flag for the month of October. RECOMMENDATION: For the approval of Council 2. Minister of Citizenship and Immlgration- Re: Citizenship Week - requesting that the week of October 17-23 be proclaimed as "Canada's Citizenship Week". RECOMMENDATION: For the approval of Council 3. Fire Prevention Week - requesting that the month of October be proclaimed Fire Prevention Month. RECOMMENDATION: For the approval of Council 4. Heart Nlagara- Re: Funding Request- requesting that Council consider a request for $10,000 a year to held fund the Cardiac Rehabilttation Program. RECOMMENDATION: That it be referred for the 2006 budget. 5. Niagara Region- New Capping Options for 2005 - requesting a follow up letter of support" to eliminate all tax capping programs for the year 2006". -AND- Memo from Ken Burden, Director of Finance RECOMMENDATION: That Council not support the elimination of capping programs. .. I. .. -- Niagara River Hi-National Mauors Coalition March 29, 2006 The Honorable Joshua Bolten Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 Dear Director Bolten: As U.S. and Canadian mayors representing the Buffalo Niagara-Ontario region on both sides of the border, we are writing to request that your office designate the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTi) an economically significant regulatory action. Such a designation would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of their proposed regulation, which hopefully will help ensure that they not only increase border security but facilitate the flow oflegitimate trade and travel between our two countries as well. We are very concerned that DHS' current vision for WHTI will reduce cross-border travel and severely affect the economies of the communities we govern. On September 1, 2005, the DHS and the Department of State (State) jointly published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking intended to implement Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. Section 7209 requires that all US citizens and foreign nationals present a passport or combination of documents denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere beginning in 2008. We understand the need to increase border security and agree that DHS must ensure that those entering the country from Canada present valid and secure documents. But we also believe that WHTI can and must be implemented in a way that will not deter legitimate cross-border travel and trade. The economies of Buffalo-Niagara and Ontario are largely dependent on cross-border travel and trade. Tourist attractions, restaurants, cultural destinations, professional sports teams, hospitals, college and universities, and countless other businesses on both sides of )Junalo 1'00"t Erie Niagara l'alls,NY Niagara l'alls.ON Lewiston Niagara-oll-the-Lake 1 I. the border rely on visitors from both nations for their livelihood. In 2004, Canadians made over 2.2 million visits to New York State, with an economic impact of over $550 million. Conversely, a recent survey of American travelers coming to Niagara Falls, NY found that nearly 70 percent had immediate plans to travel to Canada, and that a majority of them had chosen to come to the region because they can experience two countries at one destination. If these visitors are required to obtain documentation that is expensive and/or difficult to obtain, they will vacation elsewhere, resulting in a dramatic loss of revenue for our communities. In addition, the Buffalo-Niagara region is a gateway for international trade. The Peace Bridge, connecting Buffalo to Fort Erie, is the country's second busiest border crossing with over 1.3 million trucks and 20 billion dollars of commerce passing over it each year. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 requires the federal government to carefully analyze the economic consequences of proposed rules. To meet this requirement, Section 3 ofE.O. 12866 mandates that a federal agency designate a proposed rule as "a significant regulatory action" if that rule is deemed likely to have an annual impact on the economy of $100 million. Section 6 ofE.O. 12866 says that federal rules designated "a significant regulatory action" must undergo a thorough cost-benefit analysis prior to being printed in the Federal Register as notice of proposed rulemaking. Evidence strongly suggests that it will be difficult to construct the WHTI rule without dramatically affecting cross-border trade and commerce by more than $100 million per year. State has indicated that implementation ofWHTI will cost cross-border travelers above and beyond the $100 million threshold. State's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Frank Moss, testified in front of the House Homeland Security Committee about WHTI on June 22, 2005. In his testimony, Mr. Moss suggested that the demand for passports due to WHTI will increase from 12 million in Fiscal Year 2006 to 17 million in Fiscal Year 2008. Assuming that the cost of an adult passport remains at $97, cross-border travelers will be spending $485 million over three years due to the WHTI requirements. If those same travelers choose not to buy a passport or substitute documentation the economic impact of their failure to travel will likely have an impact well beyond $100 million as well. WHTI, if implemented poorly, will severely impact the travel and tourism industry, as well as border communities in New York State and Ontario, Canada. For WHTI to be implemented effectively, it is imperative that OMB designate the proposed rule an economically significant regulatory action and require DHS to conduct a thorough cost- benefit analysis. A cost-benefit analysis will assist DHS in evaluating secure and cost- effective options for implementing WHTI, while avoiding adverse effects on legitimate travel and trade between the U.S. and Canada. We appreciate your attention into this matter and await your prompt response. 2 _..~- Sincerely, Wayne H. Redekop Byron W. Brown Mayor of Fort Erie Mayor of Buffalo Ted Salci Vincenzo V. Anello Mayor of Niagara Falls (Ontario) Mayor of Niagara Falls (New York) Gary Burroughs Richard Soluri Mayor of Niagara- on- the-Lake Mayor of Village of Lewiston cc. The Honorable Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland ~ecurity cc. The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State 3 .. RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M. MACBAlN COMMUNITY BOARD ROOM MINUTES OF MEETING Present: Glen Mercer, Acting Chair, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Pat Mascarin, Paul Campigotto, Rob DeGiuli, Alderman Jim Diodati, Dolores Shwedyk (Secretary), Denyse Morrissey (Staff) Rel!rets: Mick Wolfe, Joe Talarico, Don Jackson, Chair, Reg Jones, Enzo Della Marca Absent: Mike Verma, Rich Merlino I. AdoDtion of Minutes Recreation Committee Meeting of February 21,2006 IT WAS MOVED BY Pat Mascarin, seconded by Paisley J anvary Pool, that the minutes of the meeting of February 21, 2006, be approved as written. Motion Carried 2. Business Arisinl! from the Minutes of Februarv 21. 2006 a) Update on Arena Fundraising Campaign for Additional Seating Don Jackson forwarded an e-mail updating the Committee on the Arena Seating Fundraising Campaign which was handed out to all Committee members. Pat Mascarin reported that the fundraising campaign did not go very well at Niagara Square this past weekend. She also announced that the next meeting for the Fundraising Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2006. 3. Communications a) Invitation to Mayor's Prayer Breakfast IT WAS MOVED BY Paul Campigotto, seconded by Rob DeGiuli, that the above communication be received and tiled for information. Motion Carried ,. " ..~- -2- 4. "Action Required" Items a) City of Nial!ara Falls Recreation Committee Grant Aoolication - Leadershio Trainine i) Niagara Falls Girls Soccer Club - Level 3 Coaching Clinic - at St. Catharines Concord Club on March 12, 2006 and Community Course Senior Soccer at Brock University on March 25 & 26, 2006. . Dino Casucci . John Wallace HANDOUT: ii) Niagara Falls Girls Soccer Club - Child level Coaching at Brock University on February 26, 2006. . Rick Morocco IT WAS MOVED BY Paul Campigotto, seconded by Paisley Janvary-Pool that the above applicants be approved $45.00 each, subject to receiving an official receipt. Motion Carried 5. Unfinished Business a) Civic Pride Award Alderman Jim Diodati forwarded an e-mail including basic information regarding the Civic Pride A ward. After a brief discussion regarding how best to provide and offer this specific award it was decided to defer this issue to the next meeting. 6. New Business 7. Next Committee Meetinl! Tuesday, April II, 2006 MacBain Community Centre Board Room 8. Adiournment IT WAS MOVED BY Pat Mascarin, seconded by Paisley Janvary-Pool that the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Motion Carried S:\Recreation Committee\Minutes\2006\March 14, 2006.wpd [Dean..I.clrfida ~AeriILet1:er..ioHead,()(Councii -Ol11budsmanisRel'ort Page 1 From: "ARTHUR ANDERSON" <ANDERSAR@mpac.ca> To: "ARTHUR ANDERSON" <ANDERSAR@mpac.ca> Date: 4/12/2006 2:45: 13 PM Subject: April Letter to Head of Council - Ombudsman's Report On March 29, 2006, I forwarded you a copy of the information sent by MPAC Chair Debbie Zimmerman to all Heads of Council, with respect to the Report of the Ombudsman of Ontario. As a follow up, I am attaching a new letter dated April 11, 2006 from the Chair to all Heads of Council, updating them on the changes we are planning as part of our response to the Report. While the attached letter was faxed directly to all Heads of Council, I am forwarding a copy of this material to you for your reference. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me. Arthur R. P. Anderson Director Municipal Relations Municipai Property Assessment Corporation. 1305 Pickering Parkway, 3rd Floor Pickering, Ontario L 1V 3P2 Phone (905)837-6993 Fax (905)837-6280 andersar@mpac.ca I. -.---. In Case of Transmission Difficulties, Please Call 416-863-2101 or 1-866-309-3811 Please Deliver To: Ted salci ~paC' IY1UNICIPAI.. PROPERTY 1'"\5Sf.:SSr-..iiENT CORPORATION Aprilll,2006 Dear Heads of Council: As Chair of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), I would like to bring you up to date on the changes we are planning as part of our response to the Report ofthe Ombudsman of Ontario. I would like to take this opportunity to convey that our Board welcomed the Ombudsman's review when it began last October and have cooperated fully with the Ombudsman's office prior to and during his review. We will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman's office in the months ahead. In all, the Ombudsman made 22 recommendations. Ofthese: . Since 2004, we have worked on and can implement 17 recommendations as soon as possible; . Two recommendations are the responsibility of the provincial government and beyond our control; and . Three have significant resource, technology and cost implications and require further review before they can be implemented. We are now conducting this revIew. Our detailed response to each ofthe 22 recommendations is posted on our web site at \V\V\V.nlPaC.ca. As you are aware, the Minister of Finance extended the assessment appeal deadline for the 2006 tax year from March 31 to June 30. C'fIj-:~e oftb~ (]Flir 1:./0 J'v'1.Ull1<;,;'iP,ll PTt]P~lt:,' .A_f:S~-::';:>ITl':;n~ (\rq)('lr~ltjOn ]:~os PickeI-ing _Pmi<wd_~"', PlL::ken11g.. Ci:ntarl'::-1, 1 V 3T'2 T: 9()~.hg::: iYJ90 '~',xt. 225 F: 90SS3)..U(LC!O \\:\'''''''', :tlpFlC.'::;~1 ._-~--' .. --.-- All Heads qf Council April] 0, 2006 Page 20{3 In keeping with the Ombudsman's recommendations, we will be providing taxpayers with additional information about their property and how they can have their concerns addressed. By moving forward with 17 of the Ombudsman's 22 recommendations, we believe that we will be able to significantly increase transparency and the accuracy ofthe 4.5 million properties we assess. This is consistent with the direction that MPAC's Board of Directors established for the organization in 2004 when we identitied four key priorities - product quality, service delivery, productivity and communications. Significant progress has been made in each of these four areas. For example: . The cost of assessing a single property has been reduced from $34.17 in 2000 to $33.23 today as a result of productivity improvements; . Last fall during the 2005 assessment update, we held more than 600 meetings with municipal councils, municipal officials and taxpayer groups; . We extended hours at our field offices so that more taxpayers could have their questions answered; . In total, we met with more than 10,000 people including elected and non-elected municipal officials and taxpayers across Ontario; . The time it took to answer a taxpayer's call at our Customer Contact Centre was reduced from an average of 5.5 minutes to 30 seconds; . We have cut the time it takes to respond to a request from a taxpayer to review his or her assessment in half; . Our new computer system will be fully online this year. The Integrated Property System (IPS) is a multi-million dollar and multi-year project. It played a significant role in improving the quality of our data for the 2005 assessment update and, in keeping with the recommendations of the Ombudsman, will allow us to provide more information about individual properties in 2006; and . We added new information to the Property Assessment Notice, including the previous assessed value, the percentage increase for the property's assessed value, and the percentage increase for the municipality. I,~ :,!'i-:.:r:' nf; - >; 1,-"1;,'11- L\ :,' s;~,~;,FU':.';l-r iiC ('nt",,!.::. .~.i \' Yf<: 1': 9fSn?!~: '1l)',;'I) ,:~xt ::2:;, I' ': J:;; :-~n .Ut!.:\i) ",'.--".'" ,"i ';;lpiJC (:;1 -- II " All Heads of Council April] O. 2006 Page 3 qf 3 The Ombudsman's Report confirms that we are heading in the right direction. His report will add impetus to these initiatives. Three recommendations deal with increased rates of property inspection, providing a Property Profile Report with assessment Notices and greater access to MP AC assessors. Most of the costs would involve hiring added staff to conduct more physical inspections of properties, production costs for including the Property Profile Report with 4.5 million assessment Notices and increasing statling levels in the tield otlices to meet with local taxpayers. As members of this corporation, I encourage you to review our response if you have not already. You have my commitment that I will keep you fully informed of our progress in implementing the recommendations as we proceed. Yours truly, "Original Signed by" Debbie Zimmerman Chair, Board of Directors Copy Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer, MP AC I.>ct'j-: >:' nf !f~,x Clj.};', L\:!S;~~;;FW,':lor: (,:n:::~_-I<' .:. i 'i ~iT'~~ r' '.,-'i-~~;.h~$~: l '))f; ,:',;,d. -:'.",> F ':.IO:;~::; ,Ckl.:!i_) ",\:\','\'': -"l1Xi\~ '::;'1 II " Member Communication .It!!Ie Association of ! " Municipalities For Your it of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Sute 1701 Onformation Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Te1: (416) 971-9856 o fax: (416}971-6191 email: amoiQl:amo.on,ca To the attention of the Clerk and Council. For Immediate Attention April 13, 2006 - FYI 06/004 Several Announcements Related to Energy - Announcements and Synopsis - ISSUE: The Province has announced the new Regulated Price Plan, a new Conservation Program, and two initiatives targeting energy costs for low-income families. A) REGULATED PRICE PLAN: The Ontario Energy Board (DEB) released new electricity commodity prices and distribution rates for utilities under the Board's Regulated Price Plan (RPP): these prices are reflected on the "Electricity" line of consumers' bills. The GEB envisions the RPP will "make sure that prices consumers pay for the electricity they use better reflect the prices paid to electricity generators, but without the volatility that exists in wholesale electricity market prices." Starting May 1st, prices for RPP consumers who buy their electricity commodity from a utility will be 5.8 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity use up to a certain threshold per month (up from 5 cents) and 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour for consumption above that threshold (up from 5.5 cents). The threshold will remain at 750 kilowatt hours per month throughout the year. Municipalities qualify for the RPP as "designated consumers" under the "MUSH" sector, which also includes hospitals, schools, colleges and universities. This is expected to remain the case until April 1, 2008. The announced increase was due in part to increased electricity demand, lower than normal electricity output from hydroelectric plants, and higher than anticipated prices for natural gas. For most consumers, the total impact of the RPP prices and distribution rates announced today will be in the range of 3% to 15% on their total bill. Synopsis/Action: The Province decided in 2004 that consumers should pay the real costs of electricity. There is broad consensus that paying artificially low prices that do not reflect the cost of supply gives no incentive for consumers, including municipalities, to conserve electricity. However, AMO has several concerns. We will be working with the Province to ensure it develops programs to assist municipalities with the capital costs of upgrading facilities, conducting retrofits, and installing software and meters to monitor energy consumption. In addition, we must collectively ensure such pricing programs do not adversely affect those on fixed and/or low-incomes in our communities. .../2 ,....~--- II II --- -2- B) EVERY KILOWATT COUNTS: Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield and Chief Energy Conservation Officer Peter Love recently announced a new conservation campaign entitled: "Every Kilowatt Counts". Thus far the campaign consists of incentives to replace inefficient central air conditioners with a new ENERGYSTAR@ qualified system, a $75 rebate on the supply and installation of a programmable thermostat, and an educational program targeting consumers. Synopsis/Action: AMO will push for an extension of incentive programs aimed at individual consumers to include the municipal sector where appropriate. C) LOW-INCOME PROGRAMS: Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced yesterday that the Province plans to introduce legislation that would, if passed, provide up to $120 per low-income family, to help them with rising electricity costs. Under the proposed Ontario Home Electricity Relief Program, single people would receive one-time payments of up to $60, while families would receive up to $120 to offset the projected average increase of $10 per month. Eligibility will be determined according to tax returns and funding will be allotted on a sliding scale - decreasing with income up until $35,000. The Ministry of Finance estimates that almost 1.5 million families would be eligible for this payment. If the legislation is proclaimed, relief payments will begin in the fall of 2006. The Province has also announced that it intends to double the Emergency Energy Fund to help low-income Ontarians facing energy-related emergencies. This Fund, administered by the municipal sector, is aimed to help social assistance recipients and other low-income households pay for utility arrears, security deposits and reconnection costs for electricity, hydro, natural gas, oil and other forms of energy. Synopsis/Action: AMO is supportive of any initiative that includes provincial funding to support our most vulnerable citizens and believes that these announcements signify steps in the right direction. We will continue to push the Province to develop further supports for social housing providers, senior and long-term care facilities, as well as for the individual citizens who need financial assistance to both help deal with rising energy costs and to make the necessary improvements to help conserve energy. D) ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: AMO continues to advocate for provincial funding and other support for energy conservation measures. Furthermore, in addition to developing a bulk electricity-purchasing program to complement the existing GASAMO natural gas program, AMO also plans to develop additional educational and support materials for our member municipalities, including a one-day conference directed at municipal finance officers to be announced shortly. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of/he AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, please contact: Scott Vokey, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 ext. 334 -- -- , . Please circulate to: Ed Dujlovic CC: D..u..A - April 19, 2006 Municipal Advisory &J Ontario Ministry of Transportation For Immediate Release flpril19, 2006 MUNICIPAL ADVISORY: CONSTRUCTION ZONE CHANGES. Bill 169 New rules governing speed limits in designated construction zones and the doubling of speeding fines in a construction zone came into effect March 31,2006. These amendments are part of Bill 169, the Tldnsportation Statute Law Amendment Act. 2005, which received Royal Assent on November 21. 2005. With the Bill 169 amendments municipalrties in Ontario will obtain new power under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to designate construction zones on roads in their jurisdiction. This legislation will improve the safety of both workers and motorists by doubling the HTA fines for speeding in a designated construction zone and making it easier for municipalities to reduce the enforceable speed limits in construction zones. Bill 169 also makes it an offence to disobey a traffic control person's STOP and SLOW sign. Construction Zone Speed Limits Lowering the speed limit in construction zones reduces the risk of collision. Under the new legislation, municipalrties have the option of reducing speed limits in construction zones wrthout passing a by-law. The municipal council simply delegates the authorrty to designate a construction zone, and wrth that the authority to set the speed limit to a senior staff member who ensures that records are kept detailing when a construction zone speed is changed. The reduced speed limit becomes effective once the required signs are posted. The Act requires that a construction zone must be clearly marked with standard 'CONSTRUCTION ZONE BEGINS" and 'CONSTRUCTION ZONE ENDS' signs found in Regulation 615 of the HTA and in the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7. (ie. see Figure #1 below) The reduced speed limit becomes effective once the required signs are posted. ...page 2 YJI . . ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION ~..-. 6355 Kennedy Road, Unit #1., Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795-2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Email: info@ogra.org -.---- ~ II ..' , , ...page2of2 Increased Speed Fines Increasing fines is an effective way to discourage motorists from speeding The legislation doubles the normal HTA penalties for motorists exceeding the speed limit in a designated construction zone when there are workers present at the site and the prescribed signs are used. The current practice for speed zone signing in a construction zone is shown in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 Temporary Conditions. The speed limit signs would be posted as per Figure TL-3 or TL-4 using regulatory black and whne speed limit signs. To advise motorists of the doubled speed fines, information signs are recommended but not required under the legislation for the double fines to be in effect Figure #1 Sign Examples CONSTRUCTION SPEED RNES ZONE CONSTRUCTION DOUBLED l1li ZONE IN CONSTRUCTION . . ZONES WHEN SPEED FINES WORKERS PRESENT DOUBLED ENDS WHEN WORKERS PRESOO Examples of the Doubling of Fines for Speeding in Construction Zones . The previous HTA fine for exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h was $4.50 per km/h over the speed limit and 3 demerit points. With the Bill 169 amendment, the fine for exceeding the posted speed limn in a construction zone where workers are present is doubled to $9.00 per km/h (demerit points remain at 3). . Also under Bill 169, the HTA fines for travelling 30 to 34 km/h over the speed limit have increased from the previous $4.50 per km/h to $7.00 per km/h and 4 demern points. When this new amount is doubled it increases to $14.00 per km/h over the limit (demerit points remain at 4). . ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION """""~~ 6355 Kennedy Road, Unil#2, Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795-2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Email: info@ogra.org _."~-_.. -or- " ~.__.,."- Niagara _I Region Office of the Regional Clerk 2201 Sl. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042, Thorold ON L2V 4T7 Tel: 905-685-1571 Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215 Fax: 905-685-4977 www.regional.niagara.on.ca April 13, 2006 Mr. Dean lorfida, Municipal Clerk City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Myofflda: ~ We are pleased to announce the fourth year of the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award honours the memory of the late T. Roy Adams and will be presented annually to a permanent resident of Niagara who best exemplifies his values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life. Attached is a Nomination Kit. It includes details with respect to the eligibility criteria and the nomination procedures. Please circulate this to your Municipal Councillors and encourage them to share this information with their colleagues and constituents. We want to reach as many potential nominees as possible. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2006, with the presentation of the award to take place at Regional Council on August 17, 2006. The Nomination Kit will also be circulated to Regional Councillors, Regional staff, and volunteer groups via a broadcast fax from Information Niagara. It is also available on Niagara's website www.reaional.niaaara.on.ca or from the Clerk's Office, Regional Headquarters Building, 2201 St. David's Road, Thorold, Ontario. Any questions or comments should be directed to Hope Manzer at 905-685-4225, Ext. 3224. Thank you for your assistance. % - Sincerely f! ." F' r ,-,", P~~ ,-, ~ ~~ Regional Clerk ~ pam .ailrovla)reaional. niaaara.on.ca ..- CD ..- Attach. .:0 ,::>. ~ Building Community. Building Lives. --rr- [I T. ROY ADAMS HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD The Region of Niagara is pleased to announce the third year of the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award. This award will be presented annually to a permanent resident of Niagara to honour the memory of the late T. Roy Adams. The recipient will be someone who best exemplifies Roy's values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life. T. Roy Adams was an eminent Niagaran, well known throughout the Region, Canada, and abroad for his service to God, his country and his fellow citizens. He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, to his wife Pearl, his son Bill, daughter-in-law Cathy, and granddaughter Katie. IN MEMORY OF T. ROY ADAMS Thomas 'Roy' Adams was born and raised in St. Catharines, the second eldest of 10 children (seven boys and three girls). Born to parents who encouraged their children to serve the Lord, Roy committed his life to service through the Salvation Army. He served as a leader of the youth (Sunday School Teacher, Young People's Sergeant Major, Young People's Band Leader, and Chairman of the Group Committee of the Boy Scouts) and through adult ministries (Songster Leader and Deputy Bandmaster). When not in active leadership, his steady participation in the music ministries exemplified the faithfulness of his purpose. Roy enlisted in the Lincoln and Weiland Regiment in June 1940, served overseas and was honourably discharged in 1945. He remained a member of the Regimental Association, and was Director for 3 years, and President until his death. He also was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and enjoyed planning, organizing and arranging charter flights to Holland, as well as annual reunions, for many years. Roy was employed by Foster Wheeler for more than 20 years in various capacities, including personnel supervisor. In 1972 he joined ARC Industries as workshop director and was then appointed Executive Director of the St. Catharines Association for the Mentally Retarded. He was elected Mayor of the City of St. Catharines in 1976 and served in that capacity for 9 years, and served on Regional Council from 1988 until 2002. During Roy's terms on Regional Council, he was a member of several standing committees, served as Chair of the Community and Health Services Committee for many years, and Chair of the Police Services Board. Roy was actively involved in many organizations including: the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; the St. Catharines General Hospital Board of Governors; the Niagara District Health Council, Executive Committee; the Niagara Rehabilitation Centre; the St. Catharines Hydro Electric Commission; the St. Catharines South Rotary Club; the Christian Business Men, St. Catharines; President, Canadian Bible Society, St. Catharines; President, Probus Club, St. Catharines and District; Christian Connections; the Lincoln and Weiland Regiment Band; the Thorold Reed Band; the I -~-----11 Niagara Falls Concert Band; the Port Colborne Band; the Clown BandlHungry Seven; and the BandmasterlDirector of Holland's Glorie Band. Roy believed that "every person matters", and had a sincere interest in people, particularly those less fortunate, whether because of disability or misfortune. He was a man respected for his service and dedication to the people of St. Catharines, the Region of Niagara, and the country. CRITERIA: WHO IS ELlGIBILE? The Adjudication Committee will be seeking nominees who meet the following criteria: - a permanent resident of Niagara - evidence that the spirit of volunteerism and community service plays an integral part of the individual's life - a person whose community service has been predominantly in the Region of Niagara NOMINATION PROCEDURES A nominee for the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award may be sponsored by: - an organization, or - two individuals - a sponsor and one co-sponsor not related to the nominee The nomination must include the following information: - the completed Nomination Form, signed by the sponsors - a detailed description, approximately two pages in length, that highlights the nominee's lifetime of community service and volunteerism - an explanation as to why the sponsors feel the nominee deserves to be recognized with this award Candidates will not be considered posthumously. Nomination forms must be submitted by June 30, 2006 to: Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk Regional Municipality of Niagara 2201 St. David's Road Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 An Adjudication Committee comprised of the Regional Chair, Regional Councillors, and Regional Senior Staff will review the nominations and select the recipient. The award will be presented at the Regional Council meeting in August. The recipient's name will also be engraved on the commemorative plaque which is displayed in the lobby of the Regional Headquarters Building. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A NOMINATION KIT Visit Niagara's website at www.reQional.niaQara.on.ca, or call Hope Manzer at (905) 685-4225, Ext. 3224, or visit the Regional Clerk's Office. - -_._~-'--,._._-~-'------.--...-- - THE T. ROY ADAMS HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINA liON FORM NOMINEE Surname: Given Name(s): Occu pation: Address: Phone: SPONSORS A nominee for the 1. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award may be sponsored by an organization, OR two individuals - a sponsor and a co-sponsor, not related to the nominee. ORGANIZA liON: Corporate Address: Phone: Name of Contact Person: Signature: INDIVIDUALS Sponsor (Contact Person): Address: Phone: Signature: Co-Sponsor: Address Phone: Signature: (Note: the supporting documentation must accompany this application.) This information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of administering the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award. Any questions relating to the collection of personal information may be directed to Anne Heppelwhite, Corporate Records Manager, at (905) 685-1571 ,extension 3741. All nominations will be kept Confidential The deadline for nominations is June 3D, 2006 "11 --...- il :1 From the April 13, 2006 Meeting of Regional Council Volume 14, Issue 5 Fifth Annual Tobacco-Free Poster S t. Catharines Cycling Club and the Contest Awards Ontario Cycling Association 2006 Events The Fifth Annual Tobacco-Free Poster Contest Awards in support of the new Mr. William Coyle of the SI. Catharines provincial legislation that will be Cycling Club and the Ontario Cycling implemented on May 31, 2006 were Association apprised Regional Council of presented at the April 13, 2006 Regional the past events and the 2006 events being Council meeting, this year's theme for the held by the Sl. Catharines Cycling Club posters was "My Smoke Free Ontario and encouraged everyone to visit their means....". The first place winners were in website at www.stcatharinescc.com for the Primary Division: Ashley Hornby, Hoiy further information. Name, Weiland; French Primary Division: Additional Funding for Ambulance Myrah Flatt, Champlain, Weiland; Junior Division: Jessica Yang, SI. Anthony, SI. Catharines; French Junior Division: Service! Elizabeth Greco, SI. Patrick, Port Regional Chair Partington joined Niagara Colborne; Intermediate Division: Lisa Mancini, SI. Ann, SI. Catharines; French Falls MPP Mr. Kim Craitor on March 31, Intermediate Division: Adrianna Cappelietti, 2006 to announce the additional funding Confederation, Weiland. Please visit for ambulance service. The www.reoional.niaoara.on.callivino! announcement, worth approximately $1.22 health wellness!smokino!Tobacco-Free- million this year, is the first stage of a three Poster-Contest-Winners.aspx to view all of year program to obtain funding to a 50 - 50 the winn ing posters. level between the Region and the Province. First Niagara Watershed Report Card Ontario's Plan to Establish an Mr. Andy Burt, General Manager! Ontario Agency for Health Protection Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula and Promotion Supported I Conservation Authority provided Regional Regional Council supported through Council with a presentation on the First Annual Niagara Watershed Report Card. resolution Ontario's plan to establish an The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Authority and the Regionai Municipality of Promotion, thereby urging the provincial Niagara along with their partners have government to ensure that the special compiled the first Report Card on the purpose legislation necessary for the environmental health of the Niagara creation of the Agency be introduced in the watershed. The Report Card is designed spring parliamentary session, to assure to inform residents about how water review and passage of the legislation resources are affected in our watershed, to during the spring or, at the latest, fall 2006 stimulate government action, and to parliamentary session. encourage public. stewardship initiatives in the watershed. For further information contact the Regioni!l\ Oerk's office at (90S) 685-1571 or 1-800-263-7215 www.reglonal.niagara.on.ca OC:[!: 02\70 90. S~~313 S11tl3 '~HH --,-,-~-,-. ,. -----..----.--- Niagara - GT A Corridor - Formation of a Opening of the Great Wolf Lodge Stakeholder Group! Regional Regional Council was apprised of the opening of the Council supported a resolution that Great Wolf Lodge in the City of Niagara Falls, encourages the Heads of Council group to continue please visit www.oreatwolf.ca for details. its advocacy of the Niagara - GTA Corridor and PUbliC Health Open Houses expand its membership to include other municipalities as it sees fit; with the formation of a stakeholder group which includes area Chambers of Commerce, business leaders, and other private Regional Council was apprised of the Public Health sector organizations to develop a parallel strategy to Department's Smoke Free Ontario Act Open ensure, through a two pronged approach, the timely Houses being held April 18'h to the 21 ". April 18'h_ completion of the Niagara - GTA Corridor, with the Regional Headquarters; April 19'h - Niagara Falls; Niagara Economic Development Corporation acting April 20th - SI. Catharines and April 21" - Weiland. as a liaison between the Heads of Council group Please visit www.reoional.niaoara.on.ca/livino/ and the private sector stakeholder group. health wellness/smokefree/defaull.aspx for more Information. Summit 2006: Creating the Cross Border Niagara Capital - One Region. Two Niagaras. Our Shared Region Designated as a Best Future. Practice Spotlight Organization! Regional Councillors were encouraged to attend the Regional Council accepted the terms and conditions 2006 Summit One Region. Two Niagaras. Our as required by the Registered Nurses Association of Shared Future being held on Thursday, May 11'h in Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Niagara Falls, Ontario and Friday, May 12'h in Care (MOHL TC) for participation in the Nursing Best Niagara Falls, New York. The Planning Team from Practice Guideline Program and to be considered as both sides of the River have assembled a variety of a Best Practice Organization (BPSO). interesting presenters; programs which have been Congratulations to Corporate Services Staffl distributed; and the Registration Deadline is Monday, May 1'" B oil Water Advisory - Township of Wainfleet Regional Council congratulated Corporate Services staff members Brenda Garrett, Manager, General Accounting; Debbie Williams, Senior Financial Dr. Williams, Medical Officer of Health updated Analyst; Richard Bendell, Financial Analyst, Regional Council on the Boil Water Advisory that Development Charges and Karen Russell, was issued for all properties in the Township of Administrative Assistant for receiving the Canadian Wainfleet located in the area south of the Trans Award for Financial Reporting Recognizing Canada Trail (former CN railway), extending to the Excellence in Governmental Accounting and Lake Erie shoreline, effective April 10, 2006, Financial Reporting. The award recognizes following extensive consultation with a panel of excellence in governmental accounting and financial national, medical and technical experts, and reporting and represents a significant receiving advice from the Chief Medical Officer of accomplishment by a municipal government and its Heaith of Ontario. management. Studies conducted by the Niagara Region's Public Niagara's Health and Public Works Departments have concluded that significant bacterial contamination New Inter-Municipal Specialized exists in the groundwater source for private and Transit Service, Named! communal wells. Drinking water drawn from a well Regionai Council approved the name of the using this groundwater source could pose a Regional Municipality of Niagara's new significant health risk. Property serviced by the Long Beach private communal system or a cistern Inter-Municipal Specialized Transit Service as the (supplied with water from an approved source), are "Niagara Specialized Transit". excluded from this advisory. .~ . Niagara IJIfI/II Region MEMORANDUM DATE: April 12, 2006 TO: City of Niagara Falls Clerk's Department FROM: Sherri Tait, Program Manager Waste Management Services SUBJECT: Niagara Region's Smart Gardening Campaign On April 18, Niagara Region launched a new exciting program called Smart Gardening. The primary goal is to motivate residents, and businesses to implement environmentally friendly lawn and garden practices. As part of the program, the Region has organized several workshops through out the Region to provide information on Smart Gardening techniques to residents. To help promote the program and workshops, we are asking the local municipalities make the enclosed bookmarks available to residents at your local municipal office. If you have any questions regarding Niagara Region's Smart Gardening program, please do not hesitate to contact me at 905-685-4225 ex!. 3458. Regards, Smart Gardening ~~ Workshops (all workshops run from 7~9 p.m.) Sherri T ait Grimsby Program Manager I Monday, April 24,2006 Waste Management Services Senior Citizen Centre, Senior's Lounge 18 Livingston Ave. Niagara Falls Monday. May I, 2006 Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena 9000 Sodom Road Thorold Wednesday, May 3,2006 Council Chambers, Regional Headquarters 220 I St. Davids Road Weiland Monday, May 8. 2006 Community Room. Weiland Arena SO I Klng Street Nlagara-on~th.Lake Wednesday, May 10,2006 Mary Snider Room. Centennial Arena 1565 Four Mile Creek Rd,Virgil To register call Niagara Region's Waste Info Line at: (905) 356-4141 or 1.800.594.5542 ~ TOWNSHIP OF KING *1* Telephone: (905) 833.5321 ;;;;:#-~ Municipal Offices Toll Free: 1-800-688-5013 , =-~ 2075 King Road Fax: (905) 833-2300 II ]1 King City, Ontario e-mail: online@township.king.on.ca KING L7B IAI Website: www.townshiD.kinl!.on.ca INCORPORATED \850 At its meeting of February 27th, 2006, Council of the Township of King adopted the following Resolution regarding Canada Post and. rural mail boxes: WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of King has received numerous complaints regarding recent changes in the delivery of mail in the rural communities; and Local Canada Post offices have replaced many traditional rural mailboxes located at the end of rural lanes in favour of community mailboxes throughout the Township of King; and In most instances, these changes have been undertaken without any advance notice, with mail delivery simply being stopped until the community mailboxes can be installed; and No arrangements had been made for the interim delivery of mail resulting in many residents and business people being greatly inconvenienced during the transition period and forced to go looking for their mail at the local post office, which in some cases is a long distance away; and Local Post Office staff advised that the reasons for these changes is due in part to mailboxes that are located by the roadsides presenting unsafe delivery conditions, and a recent change in the status of rural mail carriers from contractor to employee has resulted in Canada Post making efforts to improve working conditions for the carriers; and Canada Post carriers have been delivering mail to the existing rural mailboxes for decades, providing one of the few visible and very essential services these residents and business people receive; NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT: I. Canada Post be advised that residents and businesses of the rural areas in the Township of King prefer to retain their existing individual mailboxes which continue to play an important role in providing an affordable postal service of the highest quality. 2. In the event of unavoidable future mailbox changes, Canada Post ensure that all affected residents receive advance notice of what is planned, with information on how the mail delivery will be handled during the transition period, where the new community mailboxes will be located and when they will be available for use. 3. Council of the Corporation of the Township of King requests that Canada Post review the standards for rural mailbox locations and establish realistic requirements. 4. Canada Post provide rural mail carriers with a flashing light and signage for their vehicles for increased visibility and safety. 5. The Canada Post website indicates it is Canada Post's goal "to be a world leader providing innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and all Canadians" - it is also important that its traditional values of dependability and service not be ignored. 6. This resolution be forwarded to Peter Van Loan MP York-Simcoe, Lui Temelkovski MP Markham-Oak Ridges-King, Julia Munro MPP York-North, Greg Sorbara MPP Vaughan-King-Aurora, Canada Post, the Township Post Offices and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to be circulated to all the municipalities in Ontario for support. Chris Somerville Township Clerk --,~~--'"-~~'-"'" ,. Township of South Algonquin PO Box 240 MADAWASllA, Ontario KOJ 2eO Telephone #1-613-637-2650 Fax #1-613-637-5368 T ownshiuofSouthAll!onouinfalbancom .net April 7, 2006 Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 TORONTO, Ontario M5G IE6 SUBJECT: Reauest for Chane:es to the Current Value Assessment Svstem Dear Sir or Madam: At a regular Council Meeting held on April 6th, 2006, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of South Algonquin passed the following resolution: Dated: Anril 6. 2006 Resolution No.: 06-096 Moved by: Councillor Gerry Belisle Seconded by: Councillor Percv Bresnahan . WHEREAS the Ontario Ombudsman has completed his extensive review ofMPAC's administration of Current Value Assessment (CV A) and has issued a scathing 94-page Report admonishing MP AC for mishandling the administration of assessment in Ontario and has included numerous recommendations in his report for immediate change. . WHEREAS the ombudsman states at page 64 of his Report that his mandate was limited to the administration of property assessment, not the system itself, however he states that he cannot overlook the wave of concern directed at the existing assessment legislation and therefore sets out some compelling arguments for the Provincial Government to introduce urgent reform to CV A, such as a 5% cap on the maximum allowable annual increase in property assessment. . WHEREAS the 5% cap on property assessment increases has existed since 1999 in Ontario for all industrial and commercial property owners and by applying the cap to residential properties it would create a level playing field for assessment relating to all classes of properties. . WHEREAS M.P.P. Tim Hudak has recently introduced a Private Members Bill in the Legislature that, if passed, would: (a) establish a 5% cap on increases for residential property owners (b) allow homeowners to make $25,000.00 in home repairs, alterations, or additions to their properties without triggering increases in property assessments (c) allow seniors and disabled property owners to be exempted from paying taxes on the first $10,000.00 of assessed value on a principal residence. . WHEREAS Health Units, Nursing Homes and District Social Services Administration Boards establish their levies to member municipalities using "weighted assessment" that creates outrageous increases in levies due to spikes in municipalities levels of assessment which, if capped at 5% would not occ~~_._._,.._..,~ _,~ _ .~~~,_.~' ._____. ~ _ __ ________ ~_ -~_.._..._-----.-- -.-~.._-~-------_. ~---~----_.~-- . , - ----"..- . BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that the Township of South Algonquin requests the Provincial Government to immediately introduce the changes described above to the Current Value Assessment system as reflected in the Ombudsman's Report (para. 178, 179, and 180 at page 64), as well as the preceding changes contained in M.P.P. Tim Hudak's Private Members Bill so as to provide immediate reliefto the countIess ratepayers in all parts of Ontario who are being unfairly served by a punitive, unstable and volatile Current Value Assessment system. . BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that all 445 municipalities in Ontario as well as A.M.O. and R.O.M.A. receive this resolution and be asked to support this resolution by sending a copy of their endorsement to Premier McGuinty at their earliest convenience. Carried by: Mavor Jim Etmanski I, Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk for the Township of South Algonquin do hereby certifY this to be a true copy of Resolution No. 06-096 as passed in an open meeting of Council held on April 6th, 2006 at the Township of South Algonquin Municipal Office. Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk Township of South Algonquin , ----" ----- Mayor and Members of Council: Re: Municipal Politicians Seminar: Firefiahtina 101 Ontario Sundav Mav 7 and Mondav Mav 8, 2006 Association of Fire Chiefs The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is working to help municipal 2005-2006 Councillors to better understand the challenges of the fire service and its President importance to your community. This year as part of our Annual Meeting and CHIEF L.. GRANT Educational Seminars we are offering two seminars for politicians. 705-745-3283 Fax 705-745-2460 laranttUK:jtv. oeterborouah. on. ca The first seminar is a one day Emergency Management Workshop. On Saturday 1 st Vice-President May 6 Emergency Management Ontario will detail what you need to contemplate CHIEF R. BOYES 905-338-4426 before declaring an emergency in your community and municipal Council's role Fax 905-338-4403 before, during and after the event. This seminar is limited to 24 participants. rbovesa1>oakville.ca 2nd Vice-President The second seminar is a two day course: Firefighting 101. This seminar will OEPUTY CHIEF T. BOYKO 416-338-9052 provide you with first hand information and knowledge about the fire service and Fax 416-338-9060 tbovkolli>toronto.ca will provide you with an experience that you will never forget. On Sunday May 7 Treasurer the OAFC has partnered with the City of Toronto Fire Services to offer you a CHIEF P. BARBOUR special program tailored specifically for politicians. You will slip into bunker gear 519-773-5344 and experience first hand the life of a firefighter by participating in a number of Fax 519-773-5334 firechief{ij)townshio.malahide.on.ca live training exercises. Sunday night you will attend a moving Memorial Service Past-President which recognizes Fire Officers who have died during the past year. CHIEF R. BROWNING 519-741-2500 On day two, Monday, you will have a choice of 15 seminar sessions including Fax 519-741-2697 rob. browni nalWcitv. kitchener. on.ca presentations from the Honourable Monte Kwinter Minister of Community Safety DIRECTORS and Correctional Services, the President of Bruce Power on Leadership in Changing Times, and Terrorism in Canada. Monday afternoon you will be able to CHIEF T. BECKETT visit the largest Fire Services Trade Show in Canada where you will be able to 519-741-2926 Fax 519-741-2697 see a wide variety of fire vehicles and equipment and be able to talk directly to tim. beckettl'Blcitv. kitchener. on, ca the suppliers and manufacturers. Politicians who attended this seminar last year CHIEF w. BRINKMAN said that it was one of the best conferences and training sessions that they had 807-467,2090 FAX: 807-467-2155 ever attended! wbrinkman/iilcitv.kenora,on.ca CHIEF T. BRYAN Full Seminar details are available on line at www.oafcevents.com. Registration 705-295-6880 cost includes a wine and cheese reception, two lunches and Monday breakfast. Fax: 705-295-6786 lrvan/iilotonabeesouthmonaahan .ca Registration for this unique seminar is limited to 24 people. CHIEF D. CARRUTHERS 705-428-6230 ext. 245 To register please complete the attached registration form and fax it to the OAFC;:S FAX: 705-428-3610 office. If your Fire Chief is a member of the OAFC then you will receive the ~ dcarrutherst'Zi)clearviewtwo. on.ca DEPUTY CHIEF G. MILLS special Member registration rate. ~ 613.580-2424 ext. 29430 <n Fax 613-580-2864 Yours truly, ~ Gordon.Mills@ottawa.ca @ DEPUTY CHIEF N. MURPHY ~~ ~ 613-548-4001 Ext 5202 Fax: 613-384.5233 :'5: nmurohv@citvofkinaston.ca ..... CHIEF C. POWERS Lee Grant u::J ..... 905-640-9595 OAFC President 00 Fax 905-640-9517 ffi chris.oowers/iiltownofws.com ASST. CHIEF C. ROSS TUSTIN OAFC BOARD OFFICE 335 Bayly St. West Suite 206, Ajax, Ont L 1 S 6M2 905-775-7311 Tel: 905-426-9865 or 1-800.774-6651 Fax 905-426-3032 E-mail: administration@oafc.on.ca Fax: 905-775-0163 crosstustin/iiltownofbwa.com --,r- ,It -,*,' " ~ .. o / ,-~.. .1 ,.. ....'1 / ~ " ~ a ,.~. , ::lI; .::'-(:.:':-.::"'" --........... \ . / ,~ .. ,... .... .... . .............................. }~t:--. ,. '-:~j - ~.~ . . A ,;..-.A,"J!. -# l. , $ J ~....................;..,' '.' if "" .-'- .,:::> r.'--' - - ./t t . I oranter', ang~ess' entrei~0 . Double Tree ,International Plaza Hotel ,.Tor6nto,ciwOntario ,{;;.,,:;; 2006 OAFC Annual Conference "''''%1\W~~~@,'' ,_". .s',', ;\~"-~\:)":>\:'>:'~':~;."_' "::~":" This year's Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Meeting ".' \~<;:::_' .~,,~,:, ": Educational Seminars and Trade Show offers 9 pre-conference "",',: ~:,:.,~ Courses/Workshops, 7 educational programs and Canada's premier fire services Trade Show. Registration to any event includes admission to the Trade Show. Rural and Suburban (Volunteer) Fire Chiefs Seminar: Dates May 6 & 7 This seminar focuses on the rural and suburban fire departments and features presenta- tions on firefighter heat stress, the proposed new standards for SCBA , tips on media Pre Conference Courses: relations, long range master fire planning and rural water supply operational solutions as well as a discussion of current hot topics. On the second day participants will join the These courses are being offered prior to the main conference and require an Pre,Conference seminar (see below) to hear 3 dynamic speakers. additional registration fee. An overview of the course and requirements are posted on the web site www.oafc.on.ca. Note that some of the courses are Pre Conference Seminar one day and some are 2 day. Registration fee for all courses includes daily lunch, breaks and a pass for the Trade Show. The enrolment of these Sunday May 7 I courses is limited 50 book early. This full day workshop offers three knowledge packed presentations which will have you I thinking hard about your role and responsibilities and will provide you with lessons Hands On Training: learned that you can apply in your department. Speakers are sponsored by VFIS and Offered by the Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers and open to all VFIS members receive a discount on the cost of registration. fire service personnel. This is hands on training and requires participants to bring their own personal protective gear. "The Seeds of Greatness" by Fire Chief John Buckman, German Township Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana and former President of the International Association of Fire Auto Extrication May60r7 Chiefs. What every leader needs to teach, what every firefighter needs to learn! This . Live Fire Training May60r7 seminar is designed to discuss and reinforce the best practices of a nurturing leader. It Rapid Intervention Training May 6 & 7 will also give you many fresh ideas on making your station and department a place your . Fire Fighter Survival May 6 & 7 firefighters will want to come back to, rather than get away from. Senior Officials: Incident Management System "Crew Resource Management' by Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, City of Atlanta, Georgia. Offered by the Ontario Fire College This presentation discusses the principles that commercial airlines use to ensure opera. . Legislation 101 May 3 tional safety and applies it to the fire service incident command system. Chief Rubin will , The Essentials of IMS - Classroom May 4 & 5 highlight ways that this information can be used to improve fire fighter health, safety and . The Essentials of IMS - Practical May 6 & 7 operational effectiveness. Senior Officials and Municipal Politicians "Thinking Outside the Box" by Gene Carlson, Director of Research and Development, Offered by Emergency Management Ontario and targeted to senior and VFIS. This discussion deals with several fire service hot topics such as: "Everyone Goes elected municipal officials Home"; several driving problems such as seat belts, rollovers, and roadway safety; fire- Emergency Management Workshop - Senior Officials May 6 fighter safety; new personal protective equipment; hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction; and responsibility and leadership. Training Officers Offered by the Ontario Fire College to Training Officers seeking certification For Municipal and Provincial Politicians: under the Window of Opportunity Communications, Leadership & Supervision May 7 Emergency Management Workshop, May 6 Gain an understanding of the roles, relationships and responsibilities of local govern- Conference Programs: menls, provincial ministries and federal departments before, during and after a declared Rural & Suburban (Volunteer) Fire Chiefs' Seminar May 6 - 7 emergency. Learn what you need to contemplate before declaring an emergency and Pre-Conference Seminar May 7 become familiar with the five components of Emergency Management. This workshop is Municipal Politicians Seminar May 7 - B presented by Emergency Management Ontario and is geared to elected and senior gov- . Annual Meeting and Educational Seminars (AMES) May7-10 ernment officials. Ladies Program May7-10 Firefighting 101, Dates May 7 & B Training Officers Seminar MayB,10 . Ontario Industrial Fire Protection Association MayB-tO This program is specifically designed for municipal and provincial politicians to provide them with informalion and knowledge about the fire service as well as to provide them with an experience that they will never forget. On Sunday you will slip into bunker gear Lessons for Survival in Life and Business and experience first hand the life of a firefighter by participating in a live fire training ses- Yvonne Camus will delight you with messages sion. On Monday there will be seminars on current fire department issues, a speech by of success and survival highlighted by her expe, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and then a visit to the rience at the World Championships of largest fire Trade Show in Canada. Councillor John Christie of Owen Sound said "I Adventure Racing - Eco,Challenge. Valuable found the entire exercise fascinating!..it is time well spent for any politician." 'j insights about Teamwork, Commitment and Registration is limited to 24 people - book earty. Enthusiasm for Life are entwined in her presen- tation full of spectacular visuals and humourous II One of the best conferences and training sessions I have ever attendedhWel/ worth I stories the time and money.", Jim Foubister, Councillor, City of Sarnia/County of Lambton , i Main Conference 54th OAFe Annual Meeting and Educational Seminar, Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers Seminar, and Ontario Industrial Fire Protection Association Seminar Leadership and the Changing World of the Fire Service Dates: May 8-10 . The Trade Show will be taking place on Monday May 8, 12:00 to 6:00 Three Associations have worked together to bring you an p.m. and Tuesday May 9, 12:00 to 4:30 p.m. Note that Monday night is a outstanding program with a line up of over 35 presenters. free night and the Trade Show will not be open. The Trade Show is in the Toronto Congress Centre (directly across the street from the Plaza Hotel) Hurricanes: and this year the Entrance to the Trade Show will be on the west side of the building. All Exhibits will be inside, in climate controlled comfort, and Fire halls under water. Buildings blown apart. on one floor. With over 150 suppliers and more than 50 emergency servo No power. Fighting a fire waist deep in water ice vehicles bring your whole purchasing Committee and get all of your which contains snakes. fire department shopping done in two days. Admission to the Trade Show Fire Chief Larry Hess from the St Tammany is included with the registration to any of the courses or programs. Fire Protection District NO.1 in Slidell Day passes to the Trade Show are avaiiable or can be purchased at the Louisiana will share his unbelievable expen- door for $20. ences delivering emergency response during Hurricanes Katrina and Isadore. . Tuesday Night Safetek Emergency Vehicles sponsors a fun Hawaiian themed supper. . John Buckman former President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs . Wednesday night is the OAFC Banquet. Win a trip for two to the Mid and Chief of the German Township Volunteer Fire Department in Indiana will dis- West olthe United States. Tours of Minneapolis, flights on a private plane cuss how to install Flawless Execution in your fire department. to Mount Rushmore and Nebraska and more. ResQtech has offered one lucky Active OAFC Member this exclusive executive trip for two to the Mid . How serious is the real world threat of Terrorism in Canada? Gene Carlson, West. To win you have to be a paid up member of the OAFe; you have to Director of Research & Development for VFIS will focus on who are the terrorists, be registered at the AMES; and you have to be in attendance at the ban- what have they done, and what are their intentions. quet. . Buncefield Oil Terminal Fire . Accommodation: Delegates are responsible for coordinating their own The biggest peace time explosion in hotel accommodations. Europe's history. 20 oil storage tanks each with 3 million gallons of extremely volatile Please call the conference hotel DoubleTree Intemational Plaza Hotel at fuel. A black smoke cloud so large that it 1-800-222-TREE (1-800-222-8733) and request the OAFC block. was visible from space. A battle that took Conference room rates are $128. 1000 firefighters, 60 million litres of water, and $2.8 million of foam concentrate. The Radisson Hotel, across the street, has two room suites Chief Roy Wilsher from the Hertfordshire (conference rate $129). Call 1-800-333-3333 for reservations and request Fire Brigade in England will give you the the OAFC block. inside story on fighting the huge Buncefield Oil Terminal Fire along with . Memorial Service: Please contact the OAFC office at 1-800-774-6651 or amazing photos. administration@oafc.on.ca if you are aware of a present or past member of the OAFC, who has passed away since the last conference. We would . Roger Plamondon Vice President of Home Oepol will discuss their leadership like to remember them at our Memorial Service on Sunday night program and their disaster support program. . Duncan Hawthorne President and CEO of Bruce Power will provide his per- The general dress code for the conference Is casual but please bring your spective on what is required from leaders in Changing Times. uniform, business suit or mess kit for the Memorial Service, the Ministers' Panei and the Banquet. . Hurricanes! Tsunamis' 2005 was a challenging year around the world. Or James Young will talk about World Disasters and Pandemics We look forward to seeing you at the conference. . The International Chiefs Forum, an interactive session to discuss the fire Lee Grant, OAFC President services topics of the day, will be held in the Trade Show. Richard Boyes, Professional Development Committee Pete Barbour, Rural & Suburban Committee. 2006 OAFC Annual Conference Registration Form FAX completed registration form with MAIL this form with payment to: Official Conference Site: credit card information to (905) 426-3032 Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Conference www.oafc.on.ca 206-335 Bayly St. W, Ajax ON L 1 S 6M2 OAFC Office 1-800-774-6651 Full Name: .................................................................. PARTNERS OF THIS CONFERENCE Title/Position: .............................................................. INCLUDE: Department: ................................................................ Address: ............................... ...................................... City/Province/Postal Code: ......................................... E-Mail Address: .......................................................... Phone: ................ .................. ...Fax:............................ Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Companion's Name Tag: ............................................ . . ' '. t ~ REGISTRATION \.. ';../ Conference & Seminars: MEMBER NON-MEMBER Ontario Association of Ontario Industrial Fire AMES (Sun-Wed) o $400.00 o $450,00 Fire Training Officers Protection Association I Rural/Suburban Seminar (Sat-Sun) o $250.00 o $30000 ACCOMMODATIONS Rural/Suburban Seminar - Sat Only o $ 150.00 o $200.00 i To avoid disappointment, call now and reserve a Pre-Conference Seminar (Sun) o $ 150.00 0$175,00 room at one of the following locations: Pre-Conference Seminar for o $ 12500 o $ J 50.00 Doubletree International Plaza Hotel VFIS Members ID# 665 Dixon Rd, Toronto ON BEST VALUE! Reservations: 1-800-222-TREE (8733) All-Inclusive Seminar Pass (Sat-Wed) 0 $600.00 o $700.00 Training Officer's Seminar (Man-Wed) o $300.00 o $350.00 Radisson Suites Toronto Airport Hotel 640 Dixon Rd, Toronto ON Industrial Fire Protection (Man-Wed) o $300.00 o $350.00 Reservations: 1-800-333-3333 Industrial Fire Protection - Wed Only o $ 150.00 o $200,00 To receive the conference rate, be sure to quote Municipal Politician Seminar o $200.00 o $250,00 'OAFe' or 'Fire Chiefs Conference'. Ladies Program (Sun-Wed) o $ 1 1000 o $ J 1000 Additional One Day Trade Show Pass o $20.00 Courses & Other Events: One Dav Courses 1$100,001 Legisiatlon 101 - May 3 PLEASE CALL I Auto Extrication - May 6 OR 7 1.800.774.6651 to confirm space II' Live Fire Training - May 6 OR 7 availability for each I Comm Leadership - May 7 course that you wish to I' Emergency Management Workshop - May 6 register for. YOU MUST 00 THIS TO Two Dav Courses 1$200,001 ENSURE A SPOT. The Essentials of IMS Each course is limited to a maximum class size. Classroom - May 4 & 5 After calling, circle your The Essentials of IMS Practical - May 6 & 7 coursers) and submit this Cancellations after April 21st will be charged $50.00 Rapid Intervention Training - May 6 & 7 form with payment. Credit Card Payment Information: Firefighter Survival - May 6 & 7 o VISA o MASTERCARD Golf Tournament Mav 7 1$135.00) Name of Cardholder: ................................................................... SUBTOTAL: Card Number: ................................................................................ PLEASE ADD 7% GST: Expiry: .............................................................................................. TOTAL FEES DUE: Signature of Cardholder: ............................................................. ------ --- - -------- St. John Ambulance Niagara Falls Administration Centre Notice of Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2005 Annual General Meeting of members of the St. John Ambulance, Niagara Falls Administration Centre Branch will be held at the St John Ambulance Hall, 5734 Glenholme Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the 27th day of April, 2006, commencing at 6:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. wine & cheese; 7:00 p.m. meeting) for the following purposes: 1. Election of Board Members; 2. Appointment of Committee Chairs; 3. Ratification of Acts and Appointments of the Executive and the Board taken over the past 12 months (Omnibus Resolution); 4. Acceptance of Treasurer's Report; 5. Presentation of D 1197 SARN Charter; 6. Presentation of Awards; 7. Transact such further and other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. Keynote Speaker: Debbie Anderson, Manager of Volunteer Resources for Niagara Health System with responsibility for St Catharines General, Ontario Street and Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospitals where more than 500 community members share their time, talents and energy. She is also a Professor for the Volunteer Management Post-Diploma Program at Niagara College and facilitates a variety of organizational development workshops at Niagara College through the Centre for Community Leadership. In addition to being an engaging speaker, she is also a contributing author to Charity Channel Volunteer Management Review and is the chairperson of the Regional Association of Volunteer Managers. DATED the I st day of April, 2006 Peter Corfield 2005 Board Chair Note: Members who are unable to present personally at the meeting are requested to sign and return the accompanying Form of Proxy for use at the meeting. There will be refreshments. Please RSVP to the office 905-356-7340 to assist us in determining the numbers we will be serving. Thank you. ..._,.,,- --~----_..._-'----._~ ---"---