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2001/11/19REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 19, 2001 Order of Business and Agenda Package REGULAR MEETING November 19, 200'/ PRAYER: Alderman Victor Pietrangelo ADOPTION OF MINUTES: Planning/Regular Meeting of November 12, 2001. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a brief explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. MAYOR~ REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, REMARKR DEPUTA~ONS Mr. Clyde Carruthers, Trails & Bikeway Committee wishes to address Council on issues regarding trails and bicycle related programs. Mr. Bruce Green, Niagara Falls Firefighter wishes to express his appreciation to members of Council for making it possible for him to go to New York City and assist with the firafighteFs dealing with critical incident stress. Mr. Nell McGregor, Chair, Board of Directors, Aids Niagara wishes to address Council with respect to the gravity of Aids in Canada and requesting that Council proclaim December 1, 2001 as "World Aids Day" in Niagara Falls. -2- REPORTS RA TIFICA TION OF CORPORA TE SERVICES COMMITTEE ACTION-q (Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair) CORPORA TE SERVICES MA TTERS 1. Chief Administrative Officer F-2001-67, Water Meter Information- Further Report. PLANNING MA TTERS 1. Chief Administrative Officer PD-2001-101, Smart Growth in Niagara. MUNICIPAL WORKS MA TTERS 1. Chief Administrative Officer MW-2001-155, Deletion of Industrial Development Charges for City Purposes from By- law No. 99-144. MISCELLANEOUS MA TTERS 1. Chief Administrative Officer 0D-2001-12, Special Occasion Permit, Regency Hockey Club. BY-LAWS The Acting City Clerk will advise of any additional by-laws or amendments to the by-laws listed for Council consideration. 2001-244 To amend By-law 99-144 being a by-law with respect to development charges. 2001-245 To authorize monies for General Purposes (November 19, 2001) NEW BUSINESS The City of ~l~l~ I - Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture 7565 Lundy's Lane Niagara Fails, ON L2H 1G9 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail: bbolibru@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Kon Director November 5, 2001 Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of City Council Re: Request to Make a Presentation to City NOV OFFICE On behalf of the City's Trails & Bikeway Committee, I would like to request an oppommity to speak to Members of Council on a few issues relating to bicycling and recreational trails in the City of Niagara Falls. As you are aware, it is the mandate of the City's Trails & Bikeway Committee to advise Council on issues regarding trails and bicycle related programs. We would like to make a brief presentation to Council on Monday, November 19, 2001. Please advise me if such a presentation could be made. City staff can reach me by phone during the day at 905-354-9033 or at home at 905-358-9966. Clyde Carruthers, Member of the Trails & Bikeway Committee BB: S:\Trafls & Bikeway~Letters~2001 \prcsentatlon request.wpd Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development SENT BY: AN; t1-15- 1 12:39PM; 9059881921 => 905 356 9083; #2/5 November 14, 2001 Ms. Barb Muir, City Clerk's Department City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen St, Box 1023 Niagara Falls ON L2E 6X5 Dear Ms, Muir: The Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and clients of AIDS Niagara are joining AIDS Service Organizations and related agencies from around the world in recognizing December 1, 2001 as World AIDS Day rot this year. Worldwide there are approximately 34 mdlion people infected with the HIV virus, over 40,100 of them being Canadians ~'Ve would like an opportunity to appear before the Niagara Falls City Council on November 19, 200'1 to remind the Councillors of the gravity of this disease, and that after 20 years there still is no cure for AIDS. At the same time, we will be asking the Council to adopt a proclamation naming December 1st, 2001 as World AIDS Day for the City ef Niagara Falls Please contact me at (905) 384-1028 should you have any further questions regarding our presentation Sincerely Nell McGregor Chail. Board of Directors AIDS Niagara Al:DS Niagara programs a~d services funded by a combination of grants and fundrais~ng efforts. Core programs such as Support Service. Education Services, Volunteer Program and Office Management, receive funds from the Ontario Ministry mc Fle~lth - AZI)S Rure-,u. StreetWorks - N~edle Exchange Program, is funded 8y the Ontario Ministry of Health throogh the Niagara Regiona~ Health Services Department. Our Community Outreach and Prevention Program is funded by Health Canada - A]:bS Community Action Program Supportive Housing, Ceregiver Support and Friendly Visiting are funded by the Ontario ~- Ministry of He~th - Long Term Care D/vision O c~?'Grants received from local ~it~ W~offic~ he~ to ~pport our Client Assist~ce Pr~ram. ~ ~o~y ~is~ the~h our Ann~ 'WaJk for T A[D5", the Shaw FMtival ~trds "Fair & Fete', other s~ci~l events, a~ pr~te do~tio~ is us~ in the fo~low[~ · Enhancement of our Cfiettt Assistance Program · Tnc~ease of ali supports and suites Purchase of r~seurce materials (books. videos, newsletters) for our Library · Paper, printing, photocopying ard distributia~ of tducal'iond ma?eria~s · Purchase of audio/visual equfpment for ec~ucafional purposes - Volunteer tronic9 o f speakers end presenters in 1-h¢ communiry Normandy R~r,a.~ce Can,rea ~tl Church Street (~)9~-~ ~ t-~-~3-~3 ~p~i~ H~i~ (905) 688-5670 F~: (905) 688-99~5 S~e?Wo~ N~le ~chan~ (~) 3Z~67X~ Websitt ~ E-mail hi ~ p://~.v~i~.co~& dsni~ar~ eidsni~xin,,com TOG HER WE CAN Al:D5 Nk~cra and its progrm~ are funded by: 'Ontario/Rinistry of Health ~ AIDS &ureau - Health Car~. Program~ Division "Health and Welfare Cans~ "Area United W~y Offices Privatt donations art critical in our efforts to m~et the growing needs of people infected or affected by I-EV or AZD5 il~ Niagara Region. Please Help! C~arit~bl~ aueiness ~ 13E66 04;?4 RRO001 AIb5 Niagara is a community based organizmian mede up of dedicated and caring staff and volunteers, commitled to providing support. education and advocacy, ~'n a safe and confidential environment, to ell individuals who ere infected or affected by H]:V ~nd A~DS. (905) 984-8684 Initially c~lled the "A~b$ Committee of advisory committee to ~he ~iage~ Public H~lth 5ervic~ - A~bS ~l~m~nt~ to look at t~ problem of H~V ~nd A~5 in th~ Niagara Region, if ~as quickly r~lized lh~t more hod to bz don~. Peapt~ in th~ c~m~i~ were living ~nd d~ng of HZV and AZDS, and needed service. Zn ~e to thee ne~s, the committee became an active ~lunteer, communi~-b~ed AIO5 service arganizati~. AZDS ~[~g~a's services ere provided ~ no chaPge~ to all r~id~ts of the R~o~t Municipality of Nie~ra. Services are provided to ~ople living wi~h H~V er A~DS, o~ ~o their friends and f~milies "affected" by the disuse. A~DS ~agore is a r~istered, non-profit org¢niza?~on which became incorporated in 1990. As ~ actiw ~ember of the ~tario Network (OA~)~nd the Ca~di~ AZDS Society (CAS), AZDS ~iagara has the support ~d access to the r~ourc~ of A~D5 Service Or~nizaNona (ASOs) across A £omrnuni?y bo-~ed, charitable organization, RTD$ Niagara (AN) ~s committed * improv~r~ the g~aJ~' of tr~tmen% support and ~dvoc~cy for ~1[ those affected by HiV/A~ * erodicatm9 th~s deadly Education ~ervices - resource library, speakers for workshops, pamphJets, videos, articles about HIV and AIDS and related issues, pre and post test counselhn9 Support Services - one to oneand group support, Client Assistance Program, foodbonk, vitamin, information, advocacy and referral to medical and other professional/health services, Test Partners Community Outreach & Prevention - providing support and prevention education to groups in the community who are most at risk of HIV infection; youth, women, men who have sex with men, injection drug users 5teeetWorks Needle Exchaz~e - mobile van pro- viding syringes/condoms/info/support to people who injecl drugs, and exchanges cleon syringes for used ones Supportive Housinq - Housing units for people with HTV or AT. bS. 24 hour staff to assist with all aspects of health care & daily ~iving Coeegiver Support - confidential counselling for friends/family o~d caregivers of people with HIV or RIDS Friendh/ Visiting - volunteers will visit people with HIV or ATD5 in the home, the community or medical facility Fundraising/$pecial Events - Amuol Walk for A~DS, 5how Fair & Fete. health fairs., community eve~nt$ Volunteer .Services - training, support and supervision of vofunteers in all program areas Individual pamphlets are available describi~j each pr mjram A belief in affirming the unique se~fiworth of individuals that both celebrates their differences and recognizes their interdependence. ~ belief that we should provide assistance to any individual affected by the HZV virus, or affected by the impact of the virus, in an atmosphere of respect, co~pc~sion, coring and strict confidentiality. A belief that each of us has o responsibility for both personal involvement and service to o~hers. A belief in equality of opportunity for oil members of the com~nunity, regardless of r~ce. color, creed, ethnic origin, gender, age, ~anguage, physical or mental StOtUSr Sexual orientation, religion or economic A belief that we should advocate in ~he community for continuous improvement on support services, education, public awareness, beh~4or~l change, end public financial commitment to these activities. A belief in the empowerment of individuals through mutual support and collective action. A belief in a dynamic partnership of consumers, staff, volunteers, organizotio~s ~nd communities workin9 together in reflection of their constituencies to he~p shape the percep~ ion ~n¢ reaiity of Corporate Services Department F-2001-67 The cia, of Niogoro Foils IJ~l~. Finance Division 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www. city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 355-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2016 E-mail: kburden@city.niagarafalls,on.ca Ken Burden Director November 19, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: F-2001-67 - Water Meter Information - Further Report RECOMMENDATION: That City Council maintain the current rate and fee structure for the City's Water/Sewer Utility. BACKGROUND: On September 17, 2001, a public meeting was specially called by the City Council to address public concerns over the implementation of the water meter program and the billing to ratepayers for water/sewer costs. Staff provided a PowerPoint slide presentation to the Council and Report MW-2001-124. This report provided a brief history of Council's consideration for water meters. It gave a brief overview of the public information campaign. It also provided several frequently-asked questions that staff have encountered and staff responses to the questions. All of the information details a process over several years to today' s full implementation of the water meter program and the billing to ratepayers for water/sewer costs. Attached is the report that was presented on September 17t~ including the frequently-asked questions from the public. The public meeting on September 17th provided another oppommity for the public to present their concerns. Although some of the speakers comments were repetitious of the concerns, there were a variety of issues raised including suggestions for the City Council's consideration. The following is a summary of the comments received at the meeting on September 17, 2001. CONCERNS ABOUT FAIRNESS Ratepayers expressed their concern about the fairness ofthe City,s water/sewer billing system. For example, the cost of treating rainwater as sewer is unfairly charged to ratepayers when they control neither the rain nor the decisions that would separate rainwater from sewer; likewise, charging for sewer when usage of water is for gardens and watering lawns. Similarly, ratepayers expressed concern about the fairness of monthly charges when there is no use at all of the water/sewer service. Ratepayers expressed concern that the City's water/sewer billing system unfairly charges ratepayers who cannot afford to pay; for example, senior citizens on an income supplement no longer receive an annual subsidy from the City for the water/sewer bill. November 19, 2001 -2- F-2001-67 Ratepayers also expressed concern that the City's water/sewer billing system did not include adjustments for the seasonal use of water; for example, during the summer season, ratepayers use more water that does not go into the sewer system. Likewise, different areas of the City require more maintenance and replacement, however, the billing system does not distinguish between these area ratepayers. CONCERNS ABOUT COSTS OF WATER/SEWER SERVICE Ratepayers expressed their concern about the costs of water/sewer services. For example, the sewer consumption rate is almost twice the rate that the City pays to the Region for sewer treatment. Similarly, the water consumption rate was significantly more than what the City pays the Region for water purposes. Ratepayers expressed concern that the monthly charges were for costs like debt payment, maintenance, and capital program, that do not directly relate to their usage of water and sewer. Similarly, ratepayers expressed concerns about the cost for the water meter and installation even though the meter does not belong to the ratepayer. Ratepayers expressed concerns that the water/sewer service contained charges that were giving the City a profit. For example, charges for sewer when the water used was not going into the sewer, and monthly charges even though there was no use at ail of the water/sewer system. Ratepayers expressed concerns about the disclosure of the various costs/charges that were included in the water/sewer billing. The publication of the increases was presented as an average rather than the detailed increases for each rate or fee which the Council approved. Ratepayers expressed concerns that comparative costs in the neighbouring municipalities were significantly more than the costs experienced in Niagara Falls. SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS: Option 1 - Pay for Usage The water meter program has provided the mechanism by which the usage of water, and consequently the treatment of the used water, can be measured. This consumption charge Provides revenue to the City to pay for the costs of the water purchased from the Region and for sewer treatment. Although sewage treatment is not metered, the surcharge could be calculated to better address the volume of used water to be treated. Under this option, the ratepayer would pay the regional cost of water and the regionai cost for sewer treatment. The volume of sewer treatment would be equal to the volume of water purchased or something less in order to reflect that not ail the water used goes into the sewer (e.g. lawn watering, watering gardens, etc.). In addition to the volume charge for water and sewer, the billing would include a flat rate charge for the maintenance of both the water system and the sewer system. The monthly flat fee would pay for such costs as regular maintenance of the system and billing charges. This user pay option addresses some of the concerns of ratepayers for their control of costs. Under this option, not all of the costs would be charged in the water/sewer billing. Some ofthe costs would have to be charged to another revenue source, most likely, property taxation. These other costs would include debt repayment, contributions to capital works programs, leaked water costs and sewer infiltration treatment costs. November 19, 2001 -3- F-200'1..67 Option 2 - Seasonal Rates This option also addresses the concems ofratepayers for the usage of water that does not find its way into the sewer system (e.g. lawn watering, watering gardens, etc.). This option would provide varying rates of sewer charges respective of the seasonal changes in the year. For example, during the summer, the sewer charge would be less than what is charged in the winter. This option presents complexity that will require staffto estimate the usage of sewer treatment during each season. This option could also be integrated with the user pay option to provide even further attempts to satisfy ratepayers' concerns. As with the user pay option, costs that are not recouped through various sets of rates would have to be charged to another revenue source, most likely property taxation. Option 3 - Rebates for Low-Income Seniors Prior to 2001, the City provided an annual $100 rebate to low-income seniors. This rebate was in recognition that some seniors, firstly, did not consume the quantities of water that a large family might and, secondly, did not have the financial resources to pay the City's flat rate water bill. Implementation of the water meter program addressed this disadvantage to seniors by providing a meter by which the senior's water bill could be reduced simply through the reduced usage. Unfortunately, not all seniors benefited from the water meter program. The water rebate program can take many forms but generally requires a method by which the low-income seniors can be identified and the cost of the program recouped from other ratepayers. For 1998 to 2000, the programs have cost on average $52,800. Option 4 - Variations of Water/Sewer Billing Variations of the current system being modified by the above options could be explored to perhaps fred the optimum compromise in addressing ratepayers' concerns. This means that any costs that are not recouped through the water/sewer billing must necessarily be charged to another income source, most likely, property taxation. Staff advises that the current full cost recovery was achieved through a process of almost ten years in the making. Future change should not be expected to occur quickly as the approach will cause shifts of costs that may equally create taxpayer concerns. IMPACTS ON PROPERTY TAXATION Each of the suggested options would cause some of the water/sewer costs to be charged to another revenue source, most likely, property taxation. For example, if all of the suggested options were implemented, approximately 60% or $14.5 million could be removed from the water/sewer billing. If all of these costs were redirected to property taxation, the levy increase would be substantial; for each $1,000,000 in transferred costs, the levy increase is approximately 3%. Taxpayers would be required to pay these costs in proportion to the assessment on their property. OTHER IMPACTS Conservation of water usage is a major focus for the water meter program. The water/sewer billing is based on the metered usage of the water and consequently promoted conservation. By transferring costs from the water/sewer utility, the motivation to reduce usage/cost is affected and may undermine conservation efforts. November 19, 2001 -4- F-2001-67 Major repairs to the existing water/sewer infrastructure are funded by revenues collected via the water/sewer billing. Currently these revenues provide $3.4 million annually to the Capital Project Budget. This funding is only used on water/sewer infrastructure projects, including the sewer separation program required by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. A transfer of this funding to property taxation may create an impediment to dedicate this level of funding to water/sewer infrastructure. Provincial discussions on the provision ofw~ter/sewer services have identified a preference for full cost recovery billing. Although these discussions have not yet resulted in regulation, staff expects that the province may require the full cost recovery billing structure in the long term. SUMMARY On September 17, 2001, a Public Meeting was specially called to address public concerns over the water meter program and related billings. The public provided several comments, questions and suggestions. In general, the public expressed concern about the fairness of the water/sewer billing system and expressed concern about the costs of water/sewer service. Several options were also presented for the Council's consideration. All of the suggested options require transfer of some water/sewer costs to another revenue source, most likely, property taxation. Also other impacts may result from changes to the full cost recovery billing structure. Staff recommends that City Council maintain the current rate and fee structure for the City's water/sewer utility. Recommended by: K.E. Burden Director of Finance Recommended by: E. Dujlovic Director of Municipal Works Approved by: T. Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services al roved by: / d Executive Director of Community Services Respectfully submitted by: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer · e c /of Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal wortm 4310 Queen Street P~O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 wet) site: www. city.nisgarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mall: darrell~city, niagsrafalls.on.ca Ed Dujlovlc, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-t24 September 17, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario The recommendation(s) contained in this report were adopted by City Council Members: re: MW-2001-124 Water Meter Information Report RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received for information. BACKGROUND: In order to discuss the current situation with respect to the rates for water and sewer, the first step that needs to be taken is to review the history and the decisions made by thc City that brought us to the point that wc arc at today. In 1992, Council authorized thc formation of a Water & Wastewater Subcommittee. One of thc first recommendations of the Committee contained in report MW-92-278 was inereasing the sewer surcharge from 70% to 85% and the removal of thc corresponding amount Rom the urban service area property tax. In addition, the Committee was to continue investigating sewer charges, billing periods, billing methods, water chargcs and otber related matters. The Committee, late in 1993, presented report MW-93-246 that recommended the sewer surcharges be increased to 100% for 1994 and that thc Water and Wastewater Subcommittee further investigate the utility approach to water and wastewater, including universal water metering. The report indicated that water and wastewater should be totally funded by user pay fees, thus there would be no funding through taxation and, in order to implement this utility appreaeh, several changes were required to be made to current practises for water and wastewater billing. The changes inelnded the revision to the water rate table, universal water metering and increases to the sewer surcharge, so that none of the sewer cost was supported by taxation. The report was approved by Council. It should be noted that thc Province, through the MinisLry of Natural Resources, had issued a discussion paper that year which promoted universal water metering and mandatory metering, however, due to the change in government this discussion paper was never acted upon. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks. Recreation & Culture Business Development November 19, 2001 -2- F-2001-67 Ratepayers also expressed concern that the City's water/sewer billing system did not include adjustments for the seasonal use of water; for example, during the summer season, ratepayers use more water that does not go into the sewer system. Likewise, different areas of the City require more maintenance and replacement, however, the billing system does not distinguish between these area ratepayers. CONCERNS ABOUT COSTS OF WATER/SEWER SERVICE Ratepayers expressed their concern about the costs of water/sewer services. For example, the sewer consumption rate is almost twice the rate that the City pays to the Region for sewer treatment. Similarly, the water consumption rate was significantly more than what the City pays the Region for water purposes. Ratepayers expressed concern that the monthly charges were for costs like debt payment, maintenance, and capital program, that do not directly relate to their usage of water and sewer. Similarly, ratepayers expressed concerns about the cost for the water meter and installation even though the meter does not belong to the ratepayer. Ratepayers expressed concerns that the water/sewer service contained charges that were giving the City a profit. For example, charges for sewer when the water used was not going into the sewer, and monthly charges even though there was no use at all of the water/sewer system. Ratepayers expressed concerns about the disclosure of the various costs/charges that were included in the water/sewer billing. The publication of the increases was presented as an average rather than the detailed increases for each rate or fee which the Council approved. Ratepayers expressed concems that comparative costs in the neighbouring municipalities were significantly more than the costs experienced in Niagara Falls. SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS: Option 1 - Pay for Usage The water meter program has provided the mechanism by which the usage of water, and consequently the treatment of the used water, can be measured. This consumption charge provides revenue to the City to pay for the costs of the water purchased from the Region and for sewer treatment. Although sewage treatment is not metered, the surcharge could be calculated to better address the volume of used water to be treated. Under this option, the ratepayer would pay the regional cost of water and the regional cost for sewer treatment. The volume of sewer treatment would be equal to the volume of water purchased or something less in order to reflect that not all the water used goes into the sewer (e.g. lawn watering, watering gardens, etc.). In addition to the volume charge for water and sewer, the billing would include a flat rate charge for the maintenance of both the water system and the sewer system. The monthly flat fee would pay for such costs as regular maintenance of the system and billing charges. This user pay option addresses some of the concerns of ratepayers for their control of costs. Under this option, not all of the costs would be charged in the water/sewer billing. Some ofthe costs would have to be charged to another revenue source, most likely, property taxation. These other costs would include debt repayment, contributions to capital works programs, leaked water costs and sewer infiltration treatment costs. 2001-9-10 -3 - MW-2001-124 Ontario. This is the most f~a~ible way of approaching user pay for recovering sewer cost, Water meter readings are a surrogate for measuring sewage flows." and it goes on to say, "Niagara Falls as in most Municipalities, customers metered water flows are used in the calculation ora customer sewage chazge. Overall, this is a fair way of achieving user pay for the sewage cost. It is meant to allocate sewer cost in proportion to each customer's usage of the system. Although, there is a flow deferential betwee~ water and sewer systems due to seasonal water use in the summer and for sewer due to inflow and infiltration, these variations more or less even out over the year. The use of water consumption is reasonable surrogate for sewage flows and is the only practical way of achieving user pay for sanitary sewer charges." Another important note contained in the report was, "Also, there will be high residential water users who will not be happy with paying for what they use. It must be emphasized that this is now a user pay system and customers have a measure of control over the size of their bilL" PUBLIC INFORMATION The City undertook a Public Information Program as part of the installation of the water meters. The program concentrated on the following points: 1. The introduction of the water meter 2. The reasons for metering water (i.e., fairness) 3. Reading the meter and detecting leaks 4. Com~rvation At the start of the process, two public meetings were held in May of 1999, one at Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall and the other at the Memorial Arena. The meetings included City Staff and representatives of Schlumberger. At the meetings, there were several displays showing why the City decided to switch to a use-based system, as well as information on the type of meter, and conservation tips. The meetings were attended by 47 people. A newsletter was prepared and circulated to eveqr home in Niagara Falls through the Ad Bag. The newsletter explained all aspects of the water meter program including conservation tips. At the same time as the circulation of the newsletter, ads were placed in the Niagara Falls Review, The Shoppers News and on the radio (River 101.1). The ads contained minimum information, but included a "hofline" and web site address where homeowners' could receive additional information. The "hofline" was maintained by the City and ScMumbergar RMS for the duration of the contract. The web site was updated from time to time to include current information, but in 2000 the web site was discontinued. City staffplaced a booth at Earth Day in 1999, which included a demonstration of conservation using low flow shower heads and taps and all the information which was available for the origin,at public meetings. This booth was set up again at Canada Day at Optimist Park this year to help further explain conservation. Handouts were available at both places to provide additional information. Further, when the Building Staffheld their annual information booth at Niagara Square, water meter handouts were available. 2001-9-10 -4 - MW-2001-124 In addition to the direct efforls of the City, Schlumberger handed out information. In their initial contact letter, Schlumberger included the masons that the City was switching to thc Use-bescd billing system. Further, at each install, a drip card was dropped off. The drip card included information on how to read the meter, how to detect le~ks and how much leaks could increase a homeowner's water biH. In preparation for the start up of the billing, City Staff worked closely with Niagara Falls Hydro to p~0are and include information with the Hydro Bill. There were two bill stuffers included in the Niagara Falls Hydro bills. The first stuffer informed people that Niagara Falls Hydro would be reading the meters on behalf of the City and that the bills would be combined. The second stuffer included a mock up of the bill showing how to correctly read the bill and monitor your own water usage. A separate joint newsletter hos been prepared and circulated to the homes in Niagara Falls. It included conservation tips on how to lower water usage. This was also discussed on the Mayor's "Call in Show" on several occasions. In addition to all the information which was circulated, staff answered thousands of direct inquiries which were made either by phone or in person. At that time, staff always tried to provide the best information that was available regarding installation, billing, conservation and/or leak detection. However, pm'ticularly with billing and rates, those decisions were not made until the fall of 2000. Therefore, staffwas not in a position to provide the information to the public until that time. However, it is obvious, based on the recent inquiries and concerns, that more needs to be done to help the residents understand the water meter issue, including rates and conservation. To that end staff is meeting with OEB to review public education options md prepare a plan to provide the public with the information thcy require. The progr~n will be concenlrating on answering thc questions about rates and conservation. Further, staffwill be reviewing the present bill to see it'any changes can be made to meke the information clearer. It is hoped that an increased public awareness program will answer the majority of questions that are coming forward. 2001-9-10 -5 - MW-2001-124 Answers to froquently asked questions arc attach~ to this report for Council's information. Darrell E. Smith, P.Eng. Manager of Engineering Services Director of Municipal Works s~ fully Submitted by: Chief Administrative Officer / Approved by: ~irector of Community Services DES/des FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONED Why did the City institute water meters? To provide a more equitable system, Council was concemed that smaller'families, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, were subsidizing large families and the commercial sector. With a Meter Utility, your cost is based on your consumption. Why have I not saved under the water meter system? If you are consuming more than 26 cubic meters per month then you will be paying more than under the former flat rate system. Statistics Canada reports that the average person uses approximately nine (9) cubic meters per month. The average household in Niagara Falls is 2.5 people per household. Therefore, the average use should be 23 cubic meters. What is 26 cubic meters? One cubic meter = 1,000 litres 1,000 litres = 22(} gallons At 220 gallons per meter, 26 cubic meters = 5,720 gallons Your cost for one cubic meter is $1.22. I hardly use any water yet my consumption is high. How come? You may have a leak in your plumbing or a running toilet. Certain activities like doing many loads of laundry contribute inordinately consumption rates. to How can I tell if I have a leak? Thc easiest way to determine if there is a leak is to make sure all the taps are turned off in the house and that there is no water being used (including humidifiers, air conditioners and ice machines). 2 Go to the water meter and ff the red triangle located on the top of the meter is moving then there is a leak somewhere in ~he plumbing. How can I check for a leaky toilet? Go to the toilet tank and listen for water running. Place some food dye in tho tank at the back of the toilet bowl and if the coloudng makes it way into the bowl, providing no one has used the toilet, then the toilet is leaking water. What can I do to decrease my consumption? Use a low flow shower nozzle. According to Environmem Canada (htto://www.ec.ac.ca/water), a low flow showerhead can decrease one's consumption by 50% or more. Do not usc the toilet to dispose of dry waste. Keep a dally log of how you are using water (i.e., lawn watering, car washing, how many times the toilet is used, how many showers are taken in a day and how much laundry is being done) and reduce the frequency if possible. Use a bucket with a sponge plus a trigger nozzle on the hose to wash your vehicle. Compared to a running hose, you will save about 300 litres of water. Make sure you are doing a full load of lanndry and the dishwasher is full when you use it. Has anyone actually saved under the new system? YES. Based on the first two billing periods, 62% of homeowners are consuming 26 cubic meters per month or less. Note, homeowners should expect that their consumption over the summer months will be higher due to normal seasonal habits. How does the City determine the rates? The cost to the water and sewer system are made up of.' *the charges from the Region for the purchase of water and the treatment of sanitary sewage - The bill shows . Service Charge - Water, Sewer. *maintenance co~ incurred by the City *the capital costs, i.e., replacing old pipes *the preparation of the bills and their collection. How much docs the Region charge for water? .318 per cubic meter How much does the City charge for water? .410 per cubic meter 4 Why the difference? Not all of the water that is pumped from the Regions water treatment plant makes it to the customers in Niagara Falls. Water is lost throughout thc system. Have thc meters in Niagara Falls' homes been accurate? There have been relatively few problems with the meters. In fact, the meters in homes probably under read by 3%. This is an allowable standard and is factored in when setting the rates for water consumption How much does the Region charge for sewer treatment? .489 per cubic meter How much does the City charge for sewage treatment? .806 per cubic meter 'vVhy the difference? There is ground water that leaks into the sanitary system. 30% of the sanitary sewer system in Niagara Falls is still combined. What this means is that there is one pipe from the street that collects both sanitary sewage and storm water off the roads. Accordingly, not only does the City have to treat the sewage that the customers contribute to the system we also have a considerable amount of storm water entering the system that needs to be treated. The City is responsible for the cost of treatment of storm water. What is the City doing to resolve the problem of its aging infrastructure? UnforOmately, 30-40% of the City still has the dated combined sewers found, naturally, in the older sections of the City. The cost to separate all of these combined sewers is in the neighbourhood of $100 million. The 2001 budget allocated $2.3 million to the sewer separation program. Obviously, it will be some time before all sewers in the City are separated. Why is the sewer charge based on consumption? It is the most common method of determining sewer usage in Ontario. This method was recommended by the City's consultant as the most equitable way of charging consumers for sewage because it is based on the amount of water used. Some municipalities place sewage charges on their tax bills. When such a method is used, thc sewage rates are determined by assessment value of the home. Using water consumption rates seems to be a more logical way of determining these charges. If the ~wer char~es were to go on the tax bills what would the results be? A resident's tax bill could increase 30%. (Of course, the water bill would decrease). Because of Provincial capping requirements (certain classes of taxes can only rise a cct~in percentage per year), homeowners would be subsitti~inS the sewer charges of commercial classes. Is the residential sector currently subsidizing the commercial sector? No. Under the former fiat rate system residential customers contributed about 59% of the revenues of water bills despite the fact that usage is split fairiy evenly between the two groups. The user-besed water motor system has helped rectify this inequity. Why am I ch~r~ed so much when not all of the water I use goes into the sewer? Other than the summer months, more than 90% of the water usage in a home ends up the sanitary sewer. Also, the City needs to raise funds to pay for the water that is entering the sewer system for which the City is billed by the Region when it is treated at the sewage trcaUnent plant. How much profit does the City make under this new system? None. Any gain or loss experience is put into the next year's budget. The water and sewer bill is not used as a profit centre for the City. The rates that we charge are to cover all the cost to operate thc water end sewer system. How doe~ the City's sewage treatment cost compare to other municipalities ia the Region? Why the difference? All the Municipalities within the Region pay the same rate for water and the treatment of sewage. The difference in total is dependent on the amount of water purchased and the amount of sewage that needs to be treated. The City is the third highest in the Region based on the percentage of sewage treated versus water consumed. The reason for this is because of a higher preponderance of older leaky pipes and more combined sewers. What are the fixed charges on the bill for? These are known us ready to serve charges and they include: *the Capital Works Program (the replacement of existing sewers and watermains and decombining areas served by the old combined sewers) *debt *maintenance, which includes employees wages *cost of the water meter *billing and collection costs Why am I now paying service charges? Homeowners were always paying these charges, however, before they were a part of the flat rate charges. We have decided to give the taxpayers a better understanding of where their money is going. Why was the public not informed of the changes? The public was informed in 1999, when Council approved Schlumberger as the contractor for the meter installation. Two public open houses were held prior to the implementation of the meter installation program. A flyer was distributed to the residems notifying them of the change. In late 2000, information was provided with the water and sewer bill indicating the changes and how the residents could determine what the impact would be on them. 7 A pamphlet, sent to residents, also indicated water conserving techniques. In addition, information was shared and discussed twice on the Mayor's "Call In Show". What kind of research was done in determining the rates? Acres and Associates carried out a study, which included a survey of the public's aRitude, on behalf of tha municipality. A public advisory committee was formed which included test homes. In early 2000, R.M. Louden Limited, a consults~t, was hired by the City to determine an appropriate rate structure. How much are we paying for the actual meters? The meter installation cost is $172.00 which has been added to the ready to serve cost and amortized over several years. Why are the water bills for Niagara Falls higher than other municipalities? The bills are calculated differently. Some municipalities place the sewer charges on the resident's tax bill. In addition, the age of our system and the fact that 30% of our system is combined sewers results in higher costa. Many lawns are brown this summer. Wouldn't we have been better off under the fiat rate system? Had we been under the fiat rate system there would have been no irapediment in watering one's lawn, however, in all likelihood there would have been a watering ban as was experienced in other Municipalities in the Region. The water treatment plant would not have been able to keep up with the demand of people watering their lawns. In addition if the City was still on the flat rate system in all likelihood we would have been in a deficit situation in regard to cost exceeding revenues for 2001. How much water does my lawn actually need? Not as much as people realize. Many gardeners are too generous, often providing twice the amount the lawn really neeAs. Most grass needs 1 to 2 inches of water per week (except when rainfall makes up the difference). Watering Lawns Though lawns do need lots of water, many gardeners are too generous, often providing twice the amount the lawn really needs. Over watering does more tlum just waste water. It leaches fertilizer and natural soil nutrients from the root zone; it creates perpetual wet conditions that can encourage disease, and a heavily watered lawn grows faster and requires more mowing. In general, warm-season grasses require less moisture than cool-season types; the tall fescues are amoung the least needy of the cool-season so,ts. On average, however, most grasses need 1 to 2 inches of water per week (except when rainfall makes up the difference). To encourage roots to grow deep, it's best to water infrequently, adding the I to 2 inches all at one time. If you simply sprinkle on a little water each day, the mots will stay near the surface. If there is then a prolonged dry spell or if you forget to water, the root system won't be able to draw enough water from deeper in the soil to survive. After watering, wait until the top inch or two of soil has dried before watering again. To check, probe the soil with a thick piece of wire of a long screwdriver, it will move easily through moist soil but stop when it reaches firmer, dry soil. You eau also use a soil sampling tube. An even faster way to tell ifa lawn needs watering is simply walk across it. If your footprints rema'm for several minutes, it's time to water (a well-watered lawn springs right back). Water early in the day, when there's less moisture 10ss due to heat evaporation and wind is less likely to blow water away. If you need to water later in the day, do so well before dusk, so the grass will dry before nightfall; grass that stays damp for long periods is typically more susceptible to disease. Corporate Services Department Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-maih planning@city.niagarafails.on.ca Doug Darbyson Director PD-2001-101 November 19, 2001 }:[is Worship Mayor W. Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: PD-2001-101, Smart Growth in Niagara RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended: 1) that Council receive and accept the Region's Smart Growth in Niagara report as a basis for developing Smart Growth policies at the local level and as a framework for the review of development proposals; and 2) that Council and staff representatives attend the Region's Smart Growth Summit on November 29, 2001 at the White Oaks Conference Centre. BACKGROUND: The Region has prepared the Smart Growth in Niagara Report to look at ways to manage growth, revitalize urban centres and protect the important qualities of the Region which contribute to its special character. The report was prepared as a collaborative effort between the Region and the 12 area municipalities together with a consultant retained by the Region. Smart Growth initiatives across Canada and United States are cited in the report and serve to demonstrate the challenges municipalities are facing to better utilize existing services, improve environmental conditions and quality of life and combat sprawling patterns of development which strain fiscal resources. The Smart Growth report contains several recommendations to promote the principles of Smart Growth both regionally and locally. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance Hurnan Resources Information Systems Legal Planning & Development November 19, 2001 - 2 - PD-2001-101 Updating Official Plans and zoning by-laws to reflect Smart Growth principles, promoting Smart Growth through coordinated municipal and regional actions, and encouraging community involvement are ways and means of achieving effective implementation. The Regional Municipality of Niagara is hosting a Smart Growth Summit at the White Oaks Conference Centre on November 29, 2001. Staff and Council have been invited to attend. Participating in the summit and the endorsement of this report is recommended to indicate the City's interest in the Smart Growth planning initiative. Prepared and recommended by: Doug Darbyson Director of Planning & Development Respectfully submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services DD:tc Attach. FILE: S:~PDR~2001 h°D200 [ - 101 .wpd74 DPD 129-2001 October 10, 2001 File: D.16.UR.re REPORT TO: SUBJECT: Chair and Members of the Planning Services Committee Smart Growth in Niagara: Report from the Smart Gro~vth Technical Advisory Committee RECOMMENDATIONS That this Committee recommends to Regional Council: That this report be received and circulated to the Smart Growth Community Steering Committee and the Transportation Strategy Steering Committee for information and as a contribution to those Committees' further work. That this report be circulated to the local municipalities as a basis for developing Smart Growth policies at the local level and as a framework for the review of development proposals. That staff report further on possible policies for inclusion in the Regional Niagara Policy Plan. PURPOSE This report outlines a Smart Growth approach for Niagara. The principles developed in this exercise will provide the basis of policy development for both the Regional and local official plans. BACKGROUND SUMMARY The Smart Growth in Niagara report, a collaborative effort of staff from the local municipalities and the Region, outlines the goals, objectives and co-ordinated approach of a Smart Growth strategy. Smart Growth initiatives from across North America and within Niagara are included, as well as design concepts for a number of urban redevelopment scenarios. Finally, a number of recommendations are included for implementing Smart Growth principles within Niagara. This report should contribute to the work of both the Smart Growth and Transportation Strategy Steering Committees. DPD 129-2001 October 10, 2001' Page 2 Introduction As part of the Regional Policy Plan Review and at the request of Regional Council, a Smart Growth Technical Advisory Committee was set up to develop an overall Smart Growth strategy. The Technical Advisory Committee consisted of planners from Niagara's 12 area municipalities, the planning consultants of peter j. smith & company, inc., and Regional staff from Public Works and Planning. The term Smart Growth has many facets, but the focus for this exercise was to find innovative and visually pleasing ways of incorporating substantially more growth within the existing urban areas in Niagara Region. The Smart Growth strategy developed by the Technical Advisory Committee is intended to encourage more compact growth, revitalize urban centres, and offer protection to both agricultural and natural areas. The Smart Growth Community Steering Committee will apply this focus along with complimentary efforts such as Regional Agricultural Economic Study and Transportation Study to create a Smarter Niagara Framework. The Goals of Smart Growth The report outlines the fiscal and environmental benefits of implementing Smart Growth principles that would contribute to a higher quality of life for the residents of Niagara. The Goals of Smart Growth are as follows: · Create a mix of land uses - a mix of jobs, stores and homes makes life more convenient · Promote compact built form -- this contributes to a sense of community as neighbours get to know each other, not just their cars Offer a range of housing opportunities and choices - not everyone wants or needs the same thing Produce walkable neighbourhoods and communities - -- gets people out of cars, reducing traffic and gridlock · Foster attractive communities and a sense of place - each' community has unique features worth preserving · Preserve farmland and natural resources - people understand and appreciate their connection to nature and the land · Direct development into existing communities - take advantage of existing community assets · Provide a variety of transportation choices - people need another way to get where they're going · Make development predictable and cost effective - obstacles to implementing Smart Growth should be removed, and · Encourage community stakeholder collaboration - plans developed with strong community involvement tend to get implemented. DPD 129-2001 October 10, 2001 Page 3 Taking A Co-ordinated Approach Smart Growth deals with land use, transportation and infrastructure, economic development, protection of the environment and the importance of tackling these issues with a co-ordinated approach. By meeting the following objectives, the above goals could be met in Niagara: · Land Use - The communities in Niagara will promote land use decisions that result in compact, mixed-use development. · Transportation - When reviewing projects in Niagara, efforts will be made to integrate transportation decisions and land use planning to promote pedestrian, bicycle and transit friendly communities. · Co-ordinated Approach - Communities in Niagara will consider the entire Region and available resources when making future housing, economic development and environmental protection decisions. · Economic Development - Municipalities will encourage, where feasible, the use of brownfield sites, existing buildings and infill opportunities, especially in downtowns and on urban arterials, as preferred locations for new businesses. · Environment - The Region will promote cooperation among municipalities, developers and environmentalists to preserve unique natural features. The combination of these objectives help to shape the ~social wellbeing and attractiveness of the Niagara Community. Examples - How Smart Growth Can Work The report documents a number of other Smart Growth initiatives in Canada and the United States, making it clear that similar challenges are being addressed across North America. Smart Growth is already taking place in Niagara and some of these initiatives are illustrated in the report as well. The towns, villages and cities in Niagara, like most urbanized areas in Ontario, have areas that would benefit from redevelopment based on Smart Growth principles. Concept drawings of redevelopment possibilities were prepared for: · a village centre or "Main Street" in the Town of Lincoln; · an urban arterial road in the City of Niagara Falls; · a suburban shopping centre in the City of Welland; and · a former industrial site in St. Catharines. New ideas for greenfield and suburban development are illustrated using photos of recent Canadian initiatives that encompass many of the Smart Growth principles. DPD 129-2001 October 10, 2001' Page 4 Recommendations for Implementation Suggested recommendations to implement the Smart Growth principles include the following: 1. That the Smart Growth principles in this report be the basis for Smart Growth policies in the Regional Policy Plan and these policies, which would include density guidelines, be the framework for implementation at the local municipal level. 2. That Regional and local p!anners work with their Council members and the community to implement the Smart Growth principles. 3. That the Region and local municipalities continue to work together on implementing Smart Growth. 4. That local municipalities review and revise their official plans and zoning by-laws to reflect the principles in this study. 5. That development applications be considered on a broad level rather than on a site-by- site basis. 6. That urban boundary expansions of municipalities only be considered collectively as part of the five year Regional Policy Plan Review, and 7. That in designating urban areas, servicing should be an important consideration with an emphasis on upgrading the servicing capacity in existing areas to accommodate intensification before new expansions are considered. Finally, a checklist provides a detailed and practical Smart Growth framework for the review of individual development applications at both the Regional and local level. CONCLUSION The Smart Growth in Niagara report by the Smart Growth Technical Advisory Committee is a significant step in the collaborative effort within Niagara to implement the principles of Smart Growth. Submitted by: Approved by: C°mmissi°ner °f Planning a~d,~21opment cM~eef ,~Jma ~n, ricer This report was prepared by~Janice Emeneau, MCIP, RPP, Planner, and reviewed by GeorgE--n, MClP, RPP, Senior Policy.Coordination Planner The City of Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niegerefalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-752'1 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-155 November 19, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2001-155 Deletion of Industrial Development Charges For City Purposes From By-Law No. 99-144 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Council give favourable consideration to the deletion of the requirement of development charges on industrial uses within the City of Niagara Falls, and approve the by-law for the same. BACKGROUND: The 1999 development charges study contained the requirement of the payment of development charges on approximately 622 acres of industrial zoned lands in the area of the City's Montrose Road Business Park. The charge would have been at $3,149.00/acre raising approximately $2,120,000.00 for the whole area. As Council is aware, the City has been trying to develop Montrose Road Business Park for a number of years, with little or no success. The imposition of development charges has been one of the contributing factors to this lack of success. Through the efforts of the City's Business Development Section, ALO North American will soon be the first to locate in the City's Montrose Road Business Park in a new 28,300 sq. ft. building. Another part of the area in question has recently been the subject of an official plan amendment application to change the use of approximately 200 acres of industrial land to Resort Commercial (Heartland Forest). In addition to the above, preliminary discussions have taken place to change the use of an additional 50 acres of industrial land to a variety of residential uses. If these changes take place the anticipated residential and commercial development charges will more than offset the $2,120,000.00 industrial development charges lost. }Forking Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Sen/ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development · Building and By-Laws 2001 - 11-19 -2 - MW-2001-155 The deletion of the industrial development charge will put Niagara Falls on the same footing as St. Catharines, Welland, Brantford among others that do not charge industrial development charges. The above change will make the City' s business park and the remaining industrial zoned lands more attractive for development. Council's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. Prepared by: Sam Iorfida Manager Special Projects Recommended by: Director of Municipal Works Respectfully Submitted by: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Donald Director of Community Services Corporate Services Department Niagara FOilS Canod~,,~~ Clerk's Division 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-9083 E-mail: wwagg@city.niagarafalls,on.ca November 19, 2001. His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls Members: CD-200t-t2 E.C. Wagg City Clerk Re: CD-2001-12 - Special Occasion Permit RECOMMENDATIONS: That Council indicate it has no objection to the issuance of a Special Occasion Permit to the organization listed in this report. BACKGROUND: Correspondence has been submitted by the following organization and have been reviewed and approved by the Parks, Recreation & Culture; Building & Inspections Division; and the Fire Department. Council's concurrence with the Recommendation is requested. Regency Hockey Club Mens' Recreational Nov. 22 -25, 2001 Stamford/Jack Hockey Tournament Bell/Niagara Falls Memorial Arena - (Friday Only) il ~.~Ka~ by: Acting City Clerk Respectfully submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services ROK:lw Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance · Human Resources Information Systems Legal Planning & Development