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2012/02/28 �—�� � - ,�..�.� �•� �� ..� ..,.a - '4 � r s S • e t -' • ow-- u # • • �/ d - • J., j 4 0, t ' e rr :M COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Order of Business and Agenda Package Niag ara all s J <-, IN AI)A COUNCIL MEETING February 28, 2012 PRAYER: Councillor Thomson ADOPTION OF MINUTES: Council Minutes of February 14, 2012 DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a brief explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. * * * ** DEPUTATIONS /PRESENTATIONS Anti - Stigma Campaign Ellis Katsof, Chief Executive Officer of Pathstone Mental Health will address Council regarding the "Anti- Stigma" campaign surrounding mental health issues. Community Safety Zone John Grubich, Traffic Planning Supervisor and representatives of the Niagara Regional Police (NRP) will inform Council of a proposed Community Safety Zone in the Kalar and McLeod Road area. -AND- TS-2012-08 - Kalar Road and McLeod Road - Community Safety Zones * * * ** - PLANNING MATTERS Public Meeting AM- 2011 -015, Zoning By -law Amendment Application 5401 River Road Applicant: David Hagerman Proposed Cottage Rental Dwelling Background Material: Recommendation Report: PD- 2012 -16 -AND - Correspondence from Susan Wall Correspondence from Ruza and Vlado Maralica Correspondence from James Yasotorn Correspondence from Kenneth and Anne Westhues Correspondence from Dave Hagerman * * * ** Public Meeting AM- 2010 -022 Official Plan and Zoning By -law Amendment Application 6881 Stanley Avenue (Former Loretto Academy) Applicant: 1149948 Ontario Limited (Tony Zappitelli) Agent: Richard F. Brady; Ed Lustig, Broderick and Partners Proposed Hotel /Residential Condominium Development Background Material: Recommendation Report: PD- 2012 -19 -AND - Correspondence from Norma Guindon Correspondence from the Niagara Parks Commission Correspondence from Mount Carmel * * * ** ADULT ENTERTAINMENT MATTERS 1. CD- 2012 -02 - Live Adult Businesses By -law, Sam's Montrose Inn, 8675 Montrose Road * * * ** MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS * * * ** -3- COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 1. Epilepsy Niagara - requesting that March be proclaimed as "Epilepsy Awareness" month and that March 26 be recognized as "Purple Day ", encouraging people to wear purple to increase awareness. RECOMMENDATION: For the Approval of Council. 2. Fresh Air Fund - requesting that March 20' be proclaimed as "Fresh Air Fund Day ", the program that provides vacations to low income children from New York City. RECOMMENDATION: For the Approval of Council. 3. Arts & Culture Committee - requesting Council fill the committee vacancies with the recommended candidates. RECOMMENDATION: For the Consideration of Council. 4. Sinnicks Avenue Residents - correspondences in favour and opposed to the reinstatement of the sidewalk ploughing. RECOMMENDATION: For the Consideration of Council 5. Donna Mancuso - requesting the City name the Thorold Stone Road extension after her father. RECOMMENDATION: For the Consideration of Council. Additional Items for Council Consideration: The City Clerk will advise of any items for Council consideration. * * * ** REPORTS BUDGET The Director of Finance will make a presentation on a debt management strategy. -AND- F-2012-11 - Debt Management Strategy (HANDOUT) * * * ** RATIFICATION OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RECOMMENDATIONS RATIFICATION OF "IN CAMERA" RECOMMENDATIONS -4- * * * ** RESOLUTIONS 1. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Niagara Falls City Council indicate its support for Bill C -311 and notify the local Member of Parliament. 2. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Consumer Services be petitioned to either amend the Vintners Quality Alliance Act to allow fruit wines, 100% grown and produced in Ontario, to qualify for quality certification; and that the Province introduce legislation to allow the sale of fruit wines at Ontario farmers markets. CONSENT AGENDA THE CONSENT AGENDA IS A SET OF REPORTS THAT COULD BE APPROVED IN ONE MOTION OF COUNCIL. THE APPROVAL ENDORSES ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN EACH OF THE REPORTS WITHIN THE SET. THE SINGLE MOTION WILL SAVE TIME. PRIOR TO THE MOTION BEING TAKEN, A COUNCILLOR MAY REQUEST THAT ONE OR MORE OF THE REPORTS BE MOVED OUT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA TO BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. F- 2012 -07 - Monthly Tax Receivables Report MW- 2012 -12 - Drinking Water System Summary Reports MW- 2012 -13 - Falls Avenue ( formerly Roberts Street) Gateway Landscaped Boulevard and Median Maintenance PD- 2012 -17 - Request for Relief of Lease Rate for Downtown Cafes TS- 2012 -05 - Parkside Road - Parking Review TS- 2012 -09 - Carolyn Avenue at Heather Avenue - Intersection Control Review TS- 2012 -10 - Leader Lane - Intersection Control Review TS- 2012 -11 - Forestview Boulevard - School Crossing Guard Review TS- 2012 -01 - McMicking Street, Parking Control Review TS- 2012 -06 - Cherrygrove Road at Dovewood Drive Intersection Control TS- 2012 -13 - Award of Pavement Marking Tender * * * ** -5 BY -LAWS The City Clerk will advise of any additional by -laws or amendments to the by -laws listed for Council consideration. 2012 -11 A by -law to establish Falls Avenue Plan 294 Town of Niagara Falls lying between Newman Hill Road and John Street, City of Niagara Falls. 2012 -12 A by -law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting held on the 28` day of February, 2012. NEW BUSINESS (2/22/2012) Dean lorfida Delegation to Council age From: "Teresa Shanley" <tshanley @Pathstone.ca> To: Date: 1/25/2012 10:32 AM Subject: Delegation to Council Good Morning, I was wondering if its possible for the CEO of Pathstone Mental Health to make a delegation to Council, regarding the "Anti- Stigma" campaign surrounding mental health issues. This will be an oral presentation which will be accompanied by a 15 second video, if this is acceptable could you email me back some possible dates for February or March. Also if would it be possible for you to advise on the exact time, location and anything else we need to do on our end. Thanks and have a good day! Teresa Shanley Executive Assistant Pathstone Mental Health 3340 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 ' Ph: 905 - 688 -6850, ext. 106 7 Fax: 905 - 688 -1966 www.PathstoneMentalHealth.ca < http: / /www.PathstoneMentalHealth.ca> Confidentiality Notice: This e -mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e -mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Avis de confidentialite: Les informations contenues a I'interieur de ce courriel, y compris tous les documents qui y sont attaches, sont pour ('usage exclusif du /des destinataire(s) designes ; car elles peuvent etre de nature confidentielle et privilegiee. N'importe quelle revue, utilisation, divulgation ou distribution non autorisee est interdite. Si vous n'etes pas le ou les destinataire(s) designes, veuillez immediatement en aviser I'expediteur par courriel et assurer vous d'avoir detruit toutes les copies du message original. TS- 2012 -08 Niagara a 11s February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -08 Kalar Road and McLeod Road Community Safety Zones RECOMMENDATIONS 1) That a Community Safety Zone be established on Kalar Road between a point 130 metres north of Forestview Boulevard /Rideau Street and a point 105 metres south of McLeod Road. 2) That a Community Safety Zone be established on McLeod Road between a point 40 metres east of Garner Road and a point 115 metres east of Kalar Road. 3) That Parking and Traffic By -law 89 -2000 be amended to include a new schedule for Community Safety Zones. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A Community Safety Zone is recommended to be established on Kalar Road between a point 130 metres north of Forestview Boulevard /Rideau Street and a point 105 metres south of McLeod Road, and on McLeod Road between a point 40 metres east of Garner Road and a point 115 metres east of Kalar Road. Community Safety Zones results in increased fines for moving violations and are enforced by the Niagara Regional Police Service. BACKGROUND The Niagara Regional Police Service has asked City Staff to investigate the possibility of establishing Community Safety Zones on Kalar Road and McLeod Road. They regularly receive citizen complaints about speeding on these two roads and provide enforcement on a regular basis. COMMUNITY Community Safety Zones are sections of road where the community has SAFETY designated as an area where the safety of children /citizens is paramount. ZONE Community Safety Zones are intended to be established in areas that may include schools, day care centres, playgrounds, parks, hospitals, FINES senior citizen residences and may also be used for collision -prone areas IDC0Ei °ED within a community. Traffic related offences committed within a Community Safety Zone is subject to increased fines. Many set fines are February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -08 doubled such as speeding and traffic signal related offences. Parking - related infractions are not subject to increased penalties. Motorists are informed that they are entering a Community Safety Zone through the required regulatory sign. As motorists enter the established zone, the sign will display a "Begins" tab posted beneath; as they exit the zone the sign will display an "Ends" tab. At this time there are no designated Community Safety Zones in the City of Niagara Falls. Regular police enforcement is an integral component which makes a Community Safety Zone a successful traffic safety tool. The Niagara Regional Police have implemented an initiative targeting traffic safety on the two roads and approached the City in establishing a Community Safety Zone on both Kalar Road and McLeod Road. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Both Kalar Road and McLeod Road have multiple significant pedestrian generators directly abutting the road. Loretto Catholic /Kate S. Durdan Public School, Forestview Public School, John N. Allan park, the Girls Home for Soccer, the Meadows of Dorchester Senior Centre and residential dwellings front onto Kalar Road between Forestview Boulevard /Rideau Street and McLeod Road. Saint Michael Catholic High School and the Boys and Girls Club front onto McLeod Road between Garner Road and Kalar Road. The implementation of a Community Safety Zone on the study roads is intended to advise the motorist that they are within a zone where the fines have been increased through a special designation under the Highway Traffic Act. Staff were advised that during a six -day enforcement effort, police officers handed out forty -nine (49) provincial offence notices in the study area with more than 80% of these offences being speed related. The majority of motorists fined were travelling in excess of 75 km /hr in a 50 -km /hr zone, with the highest recorded speed of 92 km /hr. Speed control devices are not recommended on either road given their classification as arterial roads. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material cost is accounted for in the 2012 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the required signage is approximately $3,000. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study area drawing Recommended by: / _ Karl ren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: 1 Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer ° ? p � 4 -:, - .z..+`.. .,t7 . J 3a ' fit': ;'' [ -`' ". e ,j j w M¢ Forestview Public School • ` m i -_-., [ L r 5 ° 1 Meadows of i . D orchester ' '� . Girls Home �+ ° for Soccer - i - d ti _I ' Loretto /Kate : , ' �' j 1 Durdan School _1I , f } jj _ _ , ` - ' �' John N. Allan _ } Park , ' Saint Michael Catholic _ t _ i � . High School ,t E. -" _`_ - - — - .1e Boys & Girls ._, Club TS- 2012 -08 Kalar Road and McLeod Road ff Community Safety Zones Niagara ,,,IIs Proposed Community Safety Zone NORTH COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONES Transportation Services Department February 28, 2012 WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONE? The Highway TrafficAct delegates authority to municipal Councils to designate a part of a highway under its jurisdiction as a Community Safety Zone, if in the Council's opinion, public safety is of special concern on that part of a highway. May include roadways near schools, day -care centres, retirement facilities, or areas with high accident rates. COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONES The fines for speeding violations are doubled, as will the minimum fines for many other "moving" violations including, but not limited to the following offences: Not completing a full legal stop for a stop sign; Failing to yield the right -of -way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk; Passing a school bus with overhead signals activated and stop arm extended; and, Failure to obey school crossing stop sign. Demerit points are not doubled Parking related infractions not included HOW DO DRIVERS KNOW THEY ARE IN A COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONE? COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONE FINES INCREASED BEGINS ENDS Community Safety Zones must be signed with the above regulatory sign. Longer zones will have signs posted at regular intervals The start /end of the zone is accompanied with a B FitGI \S and F\ DS tabs respectively ENFORCEMENT The ability of the NRP to effectively enforce moving offences must be taken into consideration to make a Community Safety Zone a successful traffic safety tool If enforcement is not aggressive or carried out consistently, it compromises the credibility of the signs and motorists will continue to drive at the speed that they are comfortable with The Niagara Regional Police have implemented an initiative targeting traffic safety in this area KALAR ROAD & MCLEOD ROAD X orestview Public School Meadows of Dorchester Girls Home for Soccer Loretto /Kate Durdan School ohn N. Allan Park Saint Michael Catholic High School Boys & Girls Club • Both Kalar Road and McLeod Road have multiple significant pedestrian generators directly abutting the road • City Staff receives complaints about traffic /pedestrian safety on these streets • During a six -day enforcement blitz, N.RP officers handed out 49 provincial offence notices in the study area • More than 80% are speed related • The majority were travelling 75 km /h or more in a 50 km /h zone CONCLUSION The goal of Community Safety ' /,ones is to modify driver behaviour and increase safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable road users like children and seniors Staff is recommending that Kalar Road and McLeod Road be established as the City's first Community Safety Zones, as it is a growing area of our community and has significant pedestrian generators Thank You Any Questions? -o r D z z Z G) 3 D — I — I m JJ cn PD- 2012 -16 Niagarapalls February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PD- 2012 -16 AM- 2011 -015, Zoning By -law Amendment Application 5401 River Road Applicant: David Hagerman Proposed Cottage Rental Dwelling RECOMMENDATION That Council approve the Zoning By -law amendment application to rezone the land to a site specific Residential Single Family and Two Family (R2) zone to permit the existing single detached dwelling to be used as a cottage rental dwelling with a maximum of four (4) bedrooms. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The applicant has requested a zoning amendment to permit the existing single detached dwelling on the property to be used as a cottage rental dwelling (rented to a single group of travellers for a period of Tess than 28 days). The amendment can be supported because: • the proposed use is similar to bed and breakfast establishments which are permitted in residential areas by the Official Plan, where they are compatible with the neighbourhood; • the property is located in the River Road Satellite Tourism District which has convenient access to the Tourist Core and is where bed and breakfast establishments are permitted as of right; • the proposed use would be compatible with the surrounding dwellings; • no changes are proposed to the dwelling that will alter its appearance or character; • the size of the groups renting the dwelling will be controlled; and • the City can regulate the use through licensing and enforcement of its noise by -law. BACKGROUND Proposal A Zoning By -law amendment is requested for 5401 River Road, which is located on the west side of River Road through to River Lane, south of Eastwood Crescent and east of River Lane (see Schedule 1). A detached dwelling exists on the 880 square metre (9,472 square foot) property which is being used as a cottage rental dwelling contrary to the February 28, 2012 - 2 - PD- 2012 -16 Zoning By -law. The application was filed as the result of a complaint. The amendment is requested to recognize the use and a number of existing site conditions. Schedule 2 shows details of the property. The subject land is currently zoned Residential Single Family and Two Family (R2 -2), which permits single detached, semi - detached and duplex dwellings on appropriately sized parcels and allows a dwelling to be used as a tourist home (bed and breakfast). Site specific zoning regulations are requested to be added to the zoning of the land to add a cottage rental dwelling to the list of permitted uses. In addition, site specific modifications are requested to the R2 regulations to recognize the existing north side yard setback and to increase the maximum parking area in the rear yard. At the January 24, 2012 Council meeting, Council directed staff to conduct a review of the policies affecting cottage rental dwellings. This application was submitted prior to Council's direction and therefore, should be considered under the current Official Plan policies. Staff will provide a report outlining the results of the policy review at a future Council meeting. Site Conditions and Surrounding Land Uses The dwelling on the property is 223 square metres (2400 square feet) and was constructed in 1913. The property is surrounded by detached dwellings to the north, west and south. To the east is the Niagara River Gorge. The Queen Victoria Park Tourist District is located less than 500 metres south of the property. Circulation Comments Information regarding the proposed Zoning By -law Amendment was circulated to City divisions, the Region, agencies and the public for comments. The following summarizes the comments received to date: • Regional Municipality of Niagara - No objections. • City Clerk - A license to operate the cottage rental dwelling will be required. • Building Services - A Building Permit will be required for the change of use. • Municipal Works, Parks and Recreation, Transportation Services, Legal Services, Fire Services, Niagara Falls Transit - No objections. • Surrounding Neighbours - Letters received from neighbours are on tonight's agenda. The letters express concerns about excessive noise from groups staying in the house, parking problems on River Lane, large groups (excess of 8 people) staying in the house, drug use on the site, use of a fire pit in the rear yard and the deterioration of the neighbourhood. The applicant has advised that since they became aware of disturbances from their occupants, they require February 28, 2012 - 3 - PD- 2012 -16 occupants to sign a contract that requires a $300.00 damage deposit, which should assist in deterring problem occupants. They have also removed the fire pit from the property. Neighbourhood Open House A neighbourhood open house was held on January 12, 2012 to explain the proposal and to answer questions. One neighbour attended to submit a letter; the applicant was present. ANALYSIS 1. Official Plan The land is designated Residential in the Official Plan. While dwellings are intended to be the predominant use under this designation, a variety of ancillary uses including bed and breakfast establishments may also be permitted where they are compatible with the residential environment. Such facilities are to be carefully regulated as to their location, size and traffic generation in order to minimize disturbances to adjacent properties and to protect the character and identity of the overall neighbourhood. The land is also within the River Road Satellite Tourist District, which provides for alternative forms of accommodation providing the residential character of one neighbourhood is maintained. The proposed development complies with the Official Plan as follows: - A cottage rental dwelling is a form of small scale, short term accommodation, similar to a bed and breakfast establishment, that is permitted throughout the City's residential areas, where they are considered compatible land uses; - The site is an appropriate location for small scale, short term tourist accommodations, being located in the River Road Satellite Tourist District, in proximity to the Tourist Core, and having convenient access to River Road (recognized as a Scenic Road in the City's Official Plan); - The residential character of the property will be maintained as no changes are proposed to the property and existing dwelling; - A cottage rental dwelling rented to a single group of travellers should not generate any more traffic than a typical detached dwelling; and The intensity of the use should be no different than any other detached dwelling and the use should be compatible with surrounding residences provided the number of bedrooms is limited to four (4), occupancy is limited to eight (8) persons and the dwelling is only rented to a single group of travellers at a time. Cottage rental dwellings are a relatively new form of tourist accommodation in the City. A modest number of cottage rental dwellings in a neighbourhood do not appear to adversely affect its character. However, a concentration of cottage rental dwellings in a neighbourhood with no permanent residents would likely change the character of a neighbourhood. The subject property is located in the Ryerson Neighbourhood. Currently there is only one approved cottage rental dwelling within February 28, 2012 - 4 - PD- 2012 -16 300 metres (984 feet) on River Road. Schedule 3 shows the location of all licenced Bed & Breakfasts and Cottage Rental dwellings within 500 metres of the site. The resulting proximity of cottage rental dwellings is not expected to have a significant impact on the neighbourhood. 2. Zoning By -law The requested site specific zone change is to add a cottage rental dwelling, with four (4) bedrooms, to the list of uses permitted on the property. The applicant has requested site specific modifications to the R2 regulations to recognize the location of the dwelling on the lot. The zone changes include a reduction to the minimum side yard depth from 1.8 metres (6 feet) to 0.45 metres (1.5 feet), an increase in the maximum area for parking in a rear yard from 40 square metres (430 square feet) to 70 square metres (753 square feet). These zone changes are acceptable since they recognize the existing building and are compatible with the surrounding land uses. The dwelling has four (4) bedrooms all on the second floor. The use of the dwelling as a cottage rental dwelling should be limited to a maximum of four (4) bedrooms and eight (8) occupants for the following reasons: - The building's occupancy with larger groups has resulted in complaints from the neighbours. - The Ontario Building Code limits the occupancy of bedrooms to two (2) persons. - The property has a limited area for parking and there is currently sufficient parking for four vehicles. The recommended limits should assist in ensuring the cottage rental dwelling is small scale such that the land use is compatible with the surrounding residences. 3. Licensing and By -law Enforcement Although the letters from neighbours expressed concern about noise, the City has not received any noise complaints against the property. If the rezoning is approved, the applicant will be required to obtain a municipal license to operate the cottage rental dwelling. The applicant and the guests will be expected to abide by all city by -laws, most notably the Noise By -law. By -law services staff will take normal action upon receipt of a complaint if there is non - compliance of any by -law. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The proposal is supported by the City's Official Plan in terms of locating small scale tourist accommodations in residential areas where compatible. February 28, 2012 - 5 - PD- 2012 -16 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ► Schedule 1 Location Map ► Schedule 2 Site Plan ► Schedule 3 Map of Licensed Bed & Breakfast and Cottage Rentals Recommended By: ; .k - k Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully Submitted: LIAX4 Ke Todd, Chief Administrative Officer D.Deluce Attach. S: \PDR\2012 \PD- 2012 -16, AM- 2011 -015, 5401 River Road.wpd February 28, 2012 - 6 - PD-2012-16 SCHEDULE 1 LOCATION MAP Stabled Land 14 1 ' 7 /, / c, -..„, / / ' r $ ' ",...,,,,. " r . / 1 / I , 411 N N / i / N ' \ /./ / , \</ i slur sr 7 , / ) > 4414 6 , '1/ / ,/>\ 1 Mt 4 ). / / , sr 1 .., ,// ; . , . , ,..,, / Amending the Zoning By-law No. 79-200 Location: 5401 River Road Applicant: David Hagerman AM-2011-015 February 28, 2012 - 7 - PD- 2012 -16 SCHEDULE 2 r Lane g 1 4 4J. a7 .3' p -+-- W. - OA la '4 b r ‹b t , ' O 6 � q . q$ 4. A r.. 41 i 4 1 .T11t E N !yam h c'1 i +'Y'Y 2 4 Z 5 4 : - \ A a K 1 i .r. s .Z.4 2 3 x "f � a jz = \\,, m vs - 6. S • 4. -- / 14.p pc i A' J ra e lei re r Road PcP,v OF Sall.el r OP' P.ltr OF 4 24- ,2•G'D PLAN 29 /NV 7f• FotMF.P 771(WN Of N4047,4 Q f14.6, COV417Y OF hrFtt4NO 14 c✓rr of N /01G.4 4 F.acc $ Aftsvoiv,R t AI 4LJf C/P,4L /7 y ag /1/04 ArzaY! ALAN if A.tu+a £4$A/ .f$ A.sv 19 SGild f*8Z0' 1 .1.N. /QZJt¢ W. $b ke. �'rw,:.. y rtstocc re; r `4 /1.. t+w« as c74 + a ...deifme 00444,44,7 11•44* at. laws./ a K. , MOntinrd 1 Al -.Of February 28, 2012 - 8 - PD- 2012 -16 SCHEDULE 3 Licensed Bed & Breakfasts and Cottage Rental Dwellings in the Area R lgih 1 MCiIAE ST ,r '111111119' 1l111 x 1141 Hi S Q ' 1'H ill, N subject ject Radius La d _ - '' \ , ,� p 50 Subject Land ,y '' i 11 '� 4#J E _ fit .4 ¢x r,S } 44k,_ \ \ tvr , . 4. -Al a `.ki p y'. "�,.` - t fis h '^'•� 3 h k 111111 Licensed Bed & Breakfast 1l Licensed Cottage Rental DweUaig K. yG75 RnquexU; MiY +,CUSfarnilncer*WyPluairwp■BB C00 tebury 2012 r (''« Plannnng Susan M Wall 5421 River Lane Niagara Falls, On. L2G 3P4 905 -380 -3161 Regarding: Zoning By -law Amendment Application City File AM 2011 -015 January 9, 2012 Director of Planning & Development City Hall 4310 Queen St. Niagara Falls, On. L2E 6X5 To Whom it may concern Please consider the following comments when making your decision to convert this area to a cottage rental dwelling to the list of permitted uses. I live directly behind this home, the front of my house faces the parking area and garage of 5401 River Rd. This past summer the home was rented to more than one large group. This results in more traffic on River Lane because the guests must access the dwelling via River Lane. There are only a few homes on River Lane it is quiet and there is low traffic volume. On the occasions where the home was rented it made it difficult to get past vehicles parked on the Lane due to a lack of parking at the property. There are currently 5 spaces for vehicles on this property therefore if someone has to park on the Lane you know there are far more than 8 persons staying there. I have counted as many as 20 at a time. This home is huge and although a few large families have rented the property and the noise was not an issue the traffic was. On the occasion where the noise was an issue it was due to bachelorette parties or similar gatherings. More than once while I was sitting in my living room or laying in bed (both of these rooms are at the front of my house) with the windows open on a hot summer night I could smell both cigarette smoke and marijuana smoke. This is very disturbing to me I don't smoke at all I have a allergy to smoke. I have my youngest son living with me who I have tried to keep away from this sort of thing all his life. I thought the guests were family members of the home owner so I didn't call the police in the future I will not hesitate to call. If this permit is allowed and they rent out this property as a cottage it will be very detrimental to the way of life for those on River Lane. I for one am against it. This is something the owner should have researched before purchasing the property. There was no indication from the owner RECEIVED JAN 1 1 2012 when I first met David (was not given a last name) that the property would be a rental. He simply stated he was going to take his time moving in. Instead a number of different vehicles and parties started to show up. As I indicated I thought they were family members staying because it was summer in Niagara Falls. Then a concerned neighbor put a letter in my mail box and brought to my attention the fact that it was a rental unit and had a website. I went on line to view the website pictures and rates for the summer. I hope that these letters are taken seriously and that it isn't just another case of who you know in Niagara Falls to get what you want. I bought my house on River Lane because it was quiet and no one knew where it was. I work in the hotel industry and want to get away from it when I come home at night. I would be very disappointed if this was to be allowed. Sincerely, T ,\L-4 4 2-"DY) Susan M Wall Mazalica family Owners /residents of 5411 River Road Niagara Falls ON L2E 3H1 Tel. 905 - 356 -6425 Re: 5401 River Road (Roll No. 2725 - 030 - 002 - 14600) Zoning By -law Amendment Application City File: AM- 2011 -015 Director of Planning & Development, City Hall Niagara Falls, Ontario Dear Sir / Madam, As the neighbours of the property in question we have already witnessed the negative effects of the proposed zoning amendment. The property at 5401 River Road has already been rented out as a cottage and has been advertised on VRBO 352129 (Vacation Rentals By Owner). Some of the issues we have witnessed are intoxicated partiers, loud noises during all hours, even after midnight until dawn, inappropriate language and unruly behaviour. We have also seen beer and liquor containers amongst other trash being thrown in our yard. There is also a fire hazard concern since there is a fire pit in the applicants yard and we have also seen It cigarettes being thrown onto our property. As our home is in very close proximity to the applicant dwelling, we are troubled and concerned about this proposal. This is a very nice, quiet and safe residential neighbourhood and having strangers next door partying and acting in a threatening manner is very disturbing to us. We have had much trouble sleeping on many occasions when the applicant had renters there in the past year. There are seniors including ourselves in the area as well as kids and we feel that a cottage rental is completely inappropriate and would have absolutely no benefit to our community. Please consider our fears and concerns. Thank You. Mazalica family 1 uz a, and VLac,Jo axd;e 4 RECEIVED JAN 1 2 2012 PLANNING & • V LO M NT January 5, 2012 My name is fames Yasotorn; my wife, Nataya and l own Nataya Bed and Breakfast. We have owned this property for 7 years. I am extremely troubled by what is happening. Although we closed the business for the winter, we've had no problems before. And to hear that our undisturbed neighborhood is having these problems (trash, noise, nuisance, partying, etc.) Just shocks rne. As an adjacent property owner, I expect the same respect I give while 1 any there. This is a peaceful residential -like neighborhood, and there must be an understanding that bed and breakfasts are located throughout the neighborhood< A lot of our guests corne from out of town, and Berne even from another country; most are fir4t - tire visitors to Niagara Fails, We want to make sure they come back. And as for the reeturning guests, I'd like to make sure they get they same treatment and feeling they experienced during the previous visit last year. I'm hoping that I, and our neighborhood, can provide that for them when we open our doors again this spring. Any consideration regarding this matter wRI be immensely appreciated. Respectfully yours, ,.......... 4 yr�yy CC p ` �+ y f .. ne 1 S . +`assoto2 n Owner Nataya Bed & Breakfast 0i rem 85B- 49 -5546 Email: iN ataya.bb@gmaiLOOM Naeayti BZId & Breakfast• 5395 Rivrr Road • Niagara Faits • Ontario • Canada • L2i Mil • 1 -828- 414 -4237 S419 fiver Road Niagara Falls, Unte,rio l,2 E31 t 11 ?ar:uary 2012- O1 -1.1 Director of Planning & Development City Hall, 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E6X5 Dear air- or Madame: We regret that on account of being in Waterloo for the rest of thiii week, we are uitable to attend the cpen house scheduled for 1.2 January, with regard to the application for zoning modification of 5401 River Road, the property two doors up the hill from our home. Please accept this letter in lieu of our attendance at that meeting. We, strongly oppose addition of cottage rental dwelling to the list of permitted uses of this property. •leer the past 14 months, we have spent mare than $40O,OOU on the purchase., ren ovation. and restoration of the heritage house and garage at 5419 River Rd. We moved in It Noveinbe.r. This is our permanent residence, where we intend to live for the rest of our lives. Our decision to invest so much money in the property was premised on the residential character of the neighbourhood. We were pleased to welcome Alex and t)ave Hagerman when they bought the property last spring from Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, android us of their plans for renovation. We would be pleased to have the flagerrnans as neighbours. We believe that allowing use of the house as cottage re ^tai, along with the other modifications in ;l e application, would seriously diminish the residential character of the neighbourhood. An :?n„siipe.rvised old House with four bedrooms invites rental interest from groups of young people ivai ?zing to 'cut Loose" and party fora weekend or a week. This was already the case last summer. laud noisy parties around bonfires in the backyard, f telle.d by kindling and alcohol. The use of the ,, ;use. tor cottage rental changes the whole character of the neighbourhood and diminishes its eratoyrnent by residents, some of whom have lived here for decades. ,i further reason to oppose this application, since there is no access to 5401 River Road from the front, is that it work increase traffic on River lane and make this narrow, curving, single -lane alley more dangerous than it already is. Long -term residents know to drive slowly an carefully on River Larne, Short - term tourists worild r t. know to take precautions. We are greatly d:sappoirtfd that this application far zoning modification' has been made. Alex and Dave Hagerman roast have known the zoning regulations omen they purchased the property. We sere no reason to change there, and suspect that doing so would .reauce the value not only of the neighbouring properties, ours included, but also of the subject property. With thanks for your consideration; Sincerely, . Keranerh and Angus Wt4sthues Page 1 of 1 David Deluce - FW: Dave Hagerman - occupancy con ct fo 401 Rivier road From: ALEX RASIULIS <arasiulis @hotmail.com> To: <ddeluce @niagarafalls.ca> Date: 1/13/2012 4:03 PM Subject: FW: Dave Hagerman - occupancy contract for 5401 Rivier road Attachments: On The River House Occupa.doc; ATT00001 H i David Here is the occupancy contract that Sue (property mgr) has set up for 5401 River Road. Let us know if there is anything else that you require befor your meeting monday Have a good weekend Thanks Alex and Dave From: contact @eclectics.ca Subject: ORH - occupancy contract Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:43:58 -0500 To: arasiulis@hotmail.com Hi Alex, Here is Lhe contract. Please let me know if you need any changes done. Sue RECEIVE157 JAN 1 3 2012 PLANNING & V 'LOPM< file: / /C: \Documents and Settings \dd2961Local Settings \Temp\XPGrpWise\4F1055CBDom... 1/16/2012 On The River House - Occupancy Conditions 5401 River Road, Niagara Falls, ON Owners of On The River House require a damage deposit of $300.00 payable in advance by credit card. If you respect the house and its contents and follow the by -laws set forth, the damage deposit will not be charged to your credit card provided at reservation. 1) Liability - You accept full responsibility for any and all damages caused to this house, its contents and property as a result of your own negligence. The property owners and management are not responsible for accidents or injury to guests or loss of personal property unless they are due to their negligence. Guests are responsible for the safety and security of all persons in the house including children, at all times during the rental period. 2) Municipal By -Laws — In accordance with municipal by -laws set forth by the city of Niagara Falls, we do not allow any parties or gatherings other than the acknowledged guests staying at this house. Guests shall respect the surrounding neighbours by not creating loudness in the yard, quiet time begins at 10:30 pm. 3) Parking — Guests shall only park in the four parking spaces provided beside the garage and shall not park in the alley or in neighbouring parking spaces, to a maximum of four vehicles allowed. 4) Outdoor Fires — Guests are not permitted to have outdoor fires, for cooking or entertainment, in the yard or surrounding areas. 5) Smoking — No smoking is permitted inside this house. There will be a surcharge of $100 for any smoke related clean up. 6) House maintenance — This house is professionally cleaned prior to your arrival and following your check out. Please help us maintain by following these simple procedures. a) place all used towels in the bath tub b) run the dishwasher with soiled dishes prior to checking out c) dispose of all left over food and waste in the garbage bins provided in the back yard. Recycling must be separated: glass /plastic in one bin, paper /cardboard in the other bin. d) do not strip or make the beds e) if extra cleaning or sanitizing is required beyond normal wear and tear, a fee will be charged to cover these costs and/or the $300 damage deposit may not be refunded. I agree to the terms stated above: Signature Cash or Credit Card Number: Dated: /'j+✓�� PD- 2012 -19 Niagaraaalls February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PD- 2012 -19 AM- 2010 -022, Official Plan and Zoning By -law Amendment Application 6881 Stanley Avenue (Former Loretto Academy) Applicant: 1149948 Ontario Limited (Tony Zappitelli) Agent: Richard F. Brady; Ed Lustig, Broderick and Partners Proposed Hotel /Residential Condominium Development RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council approve the application to adjust the built form requirements contained in Official Plan Amendment No. 90 and amend Zoning By -law No. 79 -200 to permit hotels or apartment buildings on the subject lands consisting of 3 buildings, the southerly building with a height up to 32 storeys, the central building with a height up to 57 storeys and the northerly building with a height up to 42 storeys. 2. That site specific zoning by -laws be passed for each of the three buildings and address the following matters: (a) limit the podium for the south building to a height of 17 metres; (b) include a holding provision in all three by -laws requiring Provincial sign -off on a Stage 4 Archaeological Assessment prior to development; and (b) include a holding provision in the by -law for the southerly building requiring the completion of a further microclimate study to mitigate pedestrian level impacts on the Our Lady of Peace chapel. 3. That the passage of the amending zoning by -laws be conditional on the execution of Section 37 agreements for each of the three buildings to secure the design of each of the projects, a capital facilities contribution based on 5% of the construction value of the net floor areas above 30 storeys and a contribution of $388,000 for streetscaping works on abutting street frontages. 4. That the above noted Section 37 Agreement include provisions to require the Loretto Academy be retained /conserved /restored in accordance with a Heritage Conservation Plan to the satisfaction of the City and designate the Loretto Academy building and the east front lawn (as shown on the attached schedules) under the Ontario Heritage Actfollowing the issuance of the first Building Permit for the central building. February 28, 2012 - 2 - PD- 2012 -19 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The applicant has requested changes to Official Plan Amendment policies introduced by Amendment No. 90 to address built form and a Zoning Amendment to permit the development of 32, 57 and 42 storey hotel and /or apartment buildings on the property. The amendments can be supported because: • the redevelopment has received support from the City's Municipal Heritage Committee and the restoration of the former Loretto Academy will be secured through a Section 37 Agreement; • the requested design changes meet the objectives of the Official Plan in providing adequate gaps between tall buildings and avoiding a solid wall of buildings on the escarpment above the Falls; and • the amending by -laws will establish regulations to implement the recommended policies. The recommended holding provisions will secure completion of archaeological work as well as a further microclimate study to mitigate impacts on the Our Lady of Peace Chapel. Section 37 agreements should be used to secure building form, streetscaping improvements and capital facilities contributions. BACKGROUND Proposal An Official Plan Amendment is requested to change the urban design policies of Part 2, Section 4.6.11(d) which were introduced by Official Plan Amendment No. 90 (OPA No. 90) in 2009. These changes reflect modifications to the building form and massing including podium height, floor plate size, tower width and the southerly side yard setback. The amendment involves a 3.03 hectare (7.5 acre) parcel of land known as 6881 Stanley Avenue (see Schedule 1), the site of the former Loretto Academy. A zoning by -law amendment is requested to change the current site specific Tourist Commercial zoning of the property, which limits the use of the land and the existing building to an assembly hall. The applicant seeks to increase the height permitted on the lands from the current 12 metre (40 feet) limit. The applicant is now seeking planning approvals that would allow three high rise buildings (32, 57 and 42 storeys) which may be developed as hotels and /or apartment buildings (condominium ownership) on the land. The three buildings are intended to be developed independently and on separate parcels with three site specific TC zones to be applied to the lands. Site Conditions and Surrounding Land Uses The former Loretto Academy building is located in the centre of the property. The building is surrounded by landscaped open space which includes a large number of mature trees to the north, south and east of this building. February 28, 2012 - 3 - PD- 2012 -19 Lands to the north are developed with high -rise hotels including the 30 storey Marriott Gateway Hotel, the Radisson Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel and the 36 storey Embassy Suites Hotel. The Scotiabank Convention Centre is located to the west, the Mount Carmel Centre and Our Lady of Peace Chapel are located to the south and the former Michigan Central Railway, Portage Road and Queen Victoria Park are located to the east. Circulation Comments Information regarding the requested zoning amendment was circulated to City divisions, the Region, agencies and the public for comments. The following summarizes the comments received to date: • Regional Municipality of Niagara - No objections to the proposed amendments provided all archaeological investigations are completed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Culture. A holding provision should be placed on the land if these investigations are not completed prior to passage of the amending by -law. - Given the size of the development a servicing study is required at the site plan stage to ensure sufficient infrastructure is provided forthe development. In addition, as Stanley Avenue is a potential noise source that may impact on residents, a noise study should be completed at the site plan stage if the buildings are developed as apartments. • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) - No objections. There are no species at risk impacted by the development. • Municipal Heritage Committee - The Committee accepts the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared on behalf of the applicant by Goldsmith Borgal Architects and the location of the buildings as per the design revisions presented by Peter J. Lesdow Architect shown on the plans submitted (revision date Dec. 2, 2011). - The Committee recommends the property at 6881 Stanley Avenue be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act upon completion of a Conservation Plan forthe property and shall immediately follow the issuance of the first Building Permit for the redevelopment and that this requirement be secured in the Section 37 Agreement. Schedule 2 of the designating by- law shall include the east front lawn as a cultural heritage landscape. • Municipal Works - No objections to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning changes. There are no issues regarding capacity with respect to City services. A stormwater management report is to be submitted at the site plan stage to demonstrate post development flows do not exceed pre - development flows. February 28, 2012 - 4 - PD- 2012 -19 • Transportation Services No objections to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning changes. A 3 metre wide road widening will be required at the site plan or consent stage along the south side of Livingstone Street for a length of 70 metres as measured from Stanley Avenue. - Vehicular and pedestrian activity from the development will create the need for bus bays on the east side of Stanley Avenue and south side of Livingstone Street abutting the property. The applicant should be responsible for funding these additional operational requirements. - Staff note that there are some transportation conflict points on the site and the potential of traffic queues spilling out on surrounding streets. An in -depth review of transportation design will be carried out at the site plan stage. • Parks and Recreation - Cash -in -lieu of parkland is be dedicated for the development at the Building Permit stage, as determined by an appraisal. • Building Services, Fire Services - The proposed development will be required to conform to Ontario Building Code requirements. • Legal Services - No objections. • Public Comments - One letter (included in Council's agenda) has been received from Father Makacinas of Mount Carmel Centre, who is concerned about the latest design of the buildings. Neighbourhood Open House A neighbourhood open house was held on January 25, 2012 to explain the proposal and to answer questions. The applicant, the applicant's agents, representatives of the Niagara Parks Commission and six residents were in attendance. The residents and the Niagara Parks Commission had questions about shadowing, waste disposal, traffic impacts, setbacks from the Our Lady of Peace Cemetery and public access to the former Loretto Academy. The applicant's agents noted that shadowing only affects Queen Victoria Park later in the afternoon, waste disposal areas would be concealed on- site and traffic reports indicate that traffic generated by the development can be accommodated by Stanley Avenue. They also noted that under Provincial regulations the proposed south building is to be set back 5 metres from the south property line to protect the adjacent cemetery and that the former Loretto building, though privately owned, would be accessible by virtue of its use as restaurants and meeting rooms of a hotel. February 28, 2012 - 5 - PD- 2012 -19 Residents expressed concerns about the loss of trees and green space on the property, particularly the treed areas north and south of the existing building, to which the applicant's agents noted that 35% of the site is being preserved and some of the mature trees would be saved. The Niagara Parks Commission also expressed concerns about storage of household goods on balconies if buildings are developed as residential condominiums. The applicant's agents noted that this matter could be addressed through condominium by -laws. ANALYSIS 1. Official Plan The land is designated Tourist Commercial in the Official Plan as amended by OPA No. 90. OPA No. 90 allows a development consisting of three hotels and /or apartment buildings to be considered on the land. The southern building is limited to a maximum building height of 32 storeys. The central building is limited to a maximum height of 57 storeys and the northern building is limited to 42 storeys. The heights of the buildings are allowed in return for retaining, conserving and /or restoring the former Loretto Academy and retaining and conserving the portion of the site running north /south in an alignment to the east of the existing building. Policies require the following: - A Zoning By -law amendment application be accompanied by a heritage impact assessment, shadow impact assessment, pedestrian level wind study, transportation impact study, tree inventory and saving plan, archaeological study and an architectural peer review report. These studies have all been submitted. - A Section 37 agreement which secures the contribution of facilities and /or cash for the portion of the building(s) above 30 storeys, based on 5% of the construction cost (this is in addition to streetscaping contributions required for all high -rise tourist commercial projects). This will be a requirement of approval. The policies establish a set of urban design requirements for the buildings that establishes maximum podium heights, building floor plate sizes and tower length to width ratios; minimum tower setbacks and separation distances between towers; podiums and /or landscaping that define streets; coordinated parking areas and driveways; and require parking to be provided on site. The applicant is requesting changes to these requirements that would allow the podiums of the buildings to be one storey taller (5 storeys), the tower portions of the buildings to have larger floor plates (1700 square metres from the 5 to the 15 floors and 1150 square metres above the 15 floor), the towers to have length to width ratios of 1:2.6 from the 5th to the 15 floors and 1:1.5 to 1:1.8 above the 15 floor, and to allow the tower portions to be as close as 10 metres from any interior lot lines. The sections below address how these policies have been addressed through the required studies, as well as an analysis of the changes in the design policies. February 28, 2012 - 6 - PD- 2012 -19 2. Heritage Impact Assessment and Associated Peer Review The applicant submitted a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), prepared by Goldsmith Borgal & Company Architects, to support the application and the associated restoration of the Loretto Academy building. The HIA concludes the existing building and site have heritage values and notes the following: - The new buildings will diminish the scale of the existing building. However mitigative options, including preservation of building features and reconstruction of the former mansard roof and cupola, would conserve the majority of its heritage attributes. - To preserve the cultural heritage landscape pursuant Provincial regulations, it is recommended the green space to the east of the building along the top of bank, visual connections to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Mount Carmel Centre and portions of the perimeter fence all be preserved. - Extension of the proposed "garden wall ", located along the south side of the south building, by one arch eastward from the building could frame the Chapel from the site to provide a visual link. The use of light and transparent materials at the base of the new buildings should be used to provide a contrast to existing buildings. To ensure an expert, independent review of the HIA, the City contracted another heritage consultant (ERA Architects Inc.). ERA Architects Inc. concluded that the entire east lawn, as measured from an alignment with the east wall of the former Loretto Academy, should be preserved as a significant cultural heritage landscape. This would require moving the north and south buildings westward 13 metres and 21 metres, respectively. The developer responded to these comments by shifting the north and south buildings westward 3 metres. Planning staff accept the findings that the Loretto Academy exhibits heritage value and the site relationship with Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Mount Carmel lands as a cultural heritage landscape. While it would be desirable to protect a greater portion of the cultural heritage landscape and to maintain visual continuity between the Loretto Academy building and Our Lady of Peace Chapel by moving at least the southerly building back, the developer is unable to alter his development plans further. The applicant's heritage consultant notes that the current building configuration frames the Loretto Academy building. The Municipal Heritage Committee met with the developer, reviewed the HIA and the associated peer review and support the location of the development and request the Loretto building and east lawn be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The developer is agreeable. 3. Architectural Peer Review All buildings proposed in the Tourist Commercial area greater than 10 storeys are subject to an architectural peer review. Guidelines were originally developed under the Tourist Area Development Application Guide (TADS), which encouraged the development of high rise buildings in a "wedding cake" form, with a reduction in mass above a 4 storey podium, and a further reduction in mass above the 15 storey. February 28, 2012 - 7 - PD- 2012 -19 Council adopted new guidelines in 2004 which are contained in the Tourism Policy Review Implementation Handbook. The changes were introduced in response to the development community, which indicated the "wedding cake" buildings were difficult to achieve. Both sets of guidelines meet the objectives of the Official Plan in ensuring high -rise buildings are set back from streets, building mass is reduced above the podium to ensure appropriate gaps are provided between buildings and the creation of a wall of buildings at the top of the escarpment is avoided. The applicant is seeking amendments to the site specific design policies including an increase in podium height from 4 storeys and 15 metres to 5 storeys and 21 metres, an increase in tower length to width ratio from 1:1.8 upwards to 1:2.6 up to 15 storeys, a decrease in the side yard setback from 12.5 metres to 10 metres and an increase in floor plate size from 1115 square metres to 1700 square metres up to 15 storeys and 1150 square metres above 15 storeys. The Architectural Peer Review architect, Mr. Steven Robinson, has completed a review and does not support the project as designed. He contends the wider building designs contribute to a "wall effect ", along the top of the escarpment above the Falls, diminishing the vistas from the Park and the City. He is also of the opinion that both the north and south buildings should be set back in exact alignment with the east wall of the Loretto Academy to preserve the entire lawn on the east side of the building. Staff has reviewed the project in terms of the TADS and the Tourism Policy Review Implementation Handbook. It is noted that these guidelines have been adopted for the tourist area as a whole. This property is much larger than other properties in the Central Tourist Core which provides some flexibility in design without causing adverse impacts. Planning Staff have the following specific comments: - The TADS guidebook requires separation distances of 25 metres between buildings from the podium to the 15 floor, and 35 metres above the 15" floor. The applicant is providing 25 metres between the south and central towers up to the 15' floor and 34.5 metres above the 15" floor. Between the central and north towers a separation distance of 37 metres is provided up to the 15 floor and a separation distance of 54 metres above the 15 floor. The proposed separation distances are consistent with the requirements. - Minimum tower setbacks from all property lines stipulated by the guidelines are met, except from the south property line. The setback is requested to be reduced to 10 metres from 12.5 metres to accommodate a cantilevered penthouse. Staff note that this setback is meant to provide adequate separation from future high -rise buildings that may be built. Staff are of the opinion that there is limited potential to develop a high rise building on these lands, and the reduction is acceptable. - Staff does not object to the requested change in podium height from 17 metres and 4 storeys to 21 metres and 5 storeys as a general policy for the lands. The podiums tend to be located away from street frontages, so streetscape should not be adversely impacted by this increase. However the proposed increase in height of the southerly building from 17 metres to 19.5 February 28, 2012 - 8 - PD- 2012 -19 metres cannot be supported as it would overshadow the adjacent Our Lady of Peace Chapel. A letter of objection has been received from Mount Carmel Centre respecting the request design changes including the change in podium height. In addition, the developer entered into an agreement with Mount Carmel Centre to establish the original height and design of this podium. It is recommended this podium be kept to a height of 17 metres. With the exception of the podium height for the south building, Staff is satisfied the proposed design meets the general intent of the Official Plan and both sets of design guidelines, that point towers are being proposed and sufficient separation exists between buildings to avoid a continuous wall of buildings. 4. Microclimate Study The applicant has submitted a comprehensive microclimate study by RWDI Associates. The study concludes that certain wind conditions (particularly around the Marriott Gateway Hotel) are pre- existing and that the use of wind screens and tree planting will mostly mitigate impacts caused by the proposed buildings. The study also concludes that these buildings will have minimal impact on the microclimate around the Falls. The planting of 9 metre tall deciduous trees along Stanley Avenue is recommended to assist in mitigating wind impacts. This will need to be secured in future site plan agreements. The study concludes that adverse wind conditions will be created by the proposed buildings which will affect pedestrian safety at the northerly entrance to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel. These conditions should be mitigated as much as possible. Therefore it is recommended that the amending zoning by -law for the southerly building include a holding provision to secure a further microclimate study to determine building /landscape mitigation measures to reduce wind impacts around this entrance. 5. Archaeological Studies The applicant has completed Stage 1, 2 and 3 Archaeological Assessments for the site. The Stage 3 Assessment has been submitted to the Province for review as per Provincial regulations, however Provincial sign -off on this study has not yet been received. The Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment recommends a Stage 4 Archaeological Assessment be completed prior to development for 2 sites, one that approximately covers the footprint of the north tower and one located immediately south -east of the Loretto Academy Building. This study would determine remedies for conserving archaeological resources (which may involve removal and cataloguing). To ensure completion of the Stage 4 Assessment, it is recommended that a holding provision be placed on all three parcels until the Stage 4 Assessment is complete and appropriate approvals have been granted by the Province. It is expected that excavations related to this Assessment would take place immediately prior to construction. February 28, 2012 - 9 - PD- 2012 -19 6. Scoped Environmental Impact Study Portions of the site are covered with mature trees. A Scoped Environmental Impact Study (EIS) was completed to address the Official Plan requirement for a tree inventory and saving plan. The study concludes that most trees will need to be removed to accommodate the buildings, however 25% of the trees on the property could be saved. These trees are mainly located along the east lawn area. The study also concludes that there are no species at risk impacted by the proposed development. This conclusion has been supported by the NPCA. The study recommends that additional native trees and shrubs be planted on the property, and this will be addressed at the site plan stage. 7. Traffic Study The traffic study submitted with the application found that the surrounding streets generally can accommodate the traffic generated by the development. Proposed driveways into the development (one in front of the north building off of Livingstone Street and two off of Stanley Avenue) would adequately serve the development. The existing gated driveway off of Fallsview Boulevard is to be closed. A 3 metre wide road widening will be required along the south side of Livingstone Street from Stanley Avenue to the front of the north building, to accommodate traffic and existing loading requirements. This widening will require a redesign of the porte cochere in front of this building. • The Traffic Study notes that in the future there will be insufficient capacity at the intersection of Stanley Avenue and Dunn Street, whether or not this proposal is developed. The study recommends a right turn lane on the southbound Stanley Avenue which will need to be confirmed by the Region of Niagara. 8. Zoning By -law Three proposed buildings are intended to be built separately, therefore the applicant has requested separate by -laws be passed for each of the parcels shown on Schedule 2. The by -laws would contain provisions for the height, massing and setbacks of the proposed buildings and their components. The location and building height envelopes will be shown on a separate by -law schedule. The increased height and density (massing) of the buildings will be secured through the requirement of a Section 37 agreement under the Planning Act. To permit the development of the north and south buildings for residential use the amending by- laws for these two buildings would permit an apartment dwelling. The following site specific relief is sought: - Building heights: 118 metres (387 feet) requested for the south building, 197 metres (646 feet) requested for the central building and 141 metres (462 feet) metres requested for the north building. February 28, 2012 -10 - PD- 2012 -19 Building podium heights: 21 metres (69 feet) requested for the three buildings. Staff recommend the podium for the south building be limited to 17 metres (56 feet) to ensure the Our Lady of Peace Chapel is not unduly impacted by scale and wind. - Parking: 331 spaces proposed for the south hotel whereas 332 spaces are required. The reduction in one parking space will not have off -site impacts. Alternatively the proposed south hotel could be adjusted slightly to meet current parking requirements. - Landscaping: 32% requested for the south building parcel, 40% requested for the central building parcel and 35% requested for the north building parcel. This request will protect the east lawn area as recommended in the HIA. Planning staff recommend a landscaping strip of 19 metres to 29 metres be secured along the east property line and 6 metres be secured along Stanley Avenue as shown on Schedule 2. - Loading spaces: 0 requested for the south building, 1 requested for the central building and 1 requested for the north building. Given the design of the site, loading would not have an impact off -site. At the consent stage cross - easements should be secured to permit the south building development to utilize the loading area adjacent to the central building. 10. Section 37 Agreements Section 37 Agreements are permitted under the Planning Act to secure community facilities, in return for increased height and density. As the three proposed parcels may be developed independent of one another, a Section 37 Agreement should be executed with the City for each parcel. All projects over 4 storeys in height in the tourist areas are required to pay for streetscape improvements on abutting streets. The streetscaping along Stanley Avenue abutting the land has already been completed at the City's cost. The Section 37 Agreements should secure a cash contribution forthis amount. As the streetscaping work along Livingstone Street has not been completed, the Section 37 Agreement for the north building will require a letter of credit to secure completion of the streetscaping. The estimated cost of all the streetscaping is $388,000 based on the standard charge per lineal metre. Developments over 30 storeys are required to make a cash contribution based on 5% of construction cost for the net floor areas over 30 storeys, in return for the height increase. The net floor areas excludes elevators, stairwells, mechanical rooms and ventilation /mechanical shafts. The estimated contribution for the buildings are between $2.7 million and $3.4 million depending on the following scenarios: South building: Hotel: $ 203,000 Condominium: $ 85,000 Central building: $2,269,000 North building: Hotel: $ 988,000 Condominium: $ 410,000 February 28, 2012 -11 - PD- 2012 -19 As construction costs are different for condominium dwellings and hotels, the Section 37 Agreements will need to contain clauses to accommodate various options of hotels, apartment buildings or a combination thereof for the final development. The Agreement could provide that a minimum contribution be secured for the lower amount for the north and south buildings assuming residential construction with provisions to require an additional contribution at the Building Permit stage if the projects are developed as hotels instead. The contributions are to be directed to one or more of the following municipal community facilities: - Gale Centre - Portage Prospect (proposed public plaza at top of the incline railway) - Livingstone Outlook (at Fallsview Blvd. and Livingstone Street) - Millennium Trail - Niagara Falls History Museum - West End Fire Hall - Proposed Bus Terminal on Stanley Avenue As with other Section 37 Agreements the general architecture and design of the project, as shown in the attached schedules, would be secured. In addition, as requested by the Municipal Heritage Committee, the Section 37 Agreements would require a Heritage Conservation Plan and the designation of both the Loretto Academy and the east lawn under the Ontario Heritage Act after issuance of the first Building Permit for the redevelopment. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The proposal is supported by the Economic Vitality Strategic Priority in that it provides a new tourism product and it capitalizes on the opportunity generated by the adjacent Scotiabank Convention Centre. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ► Schedule 1 - Location Map ► Schedule 2 - Site Plan ► Schedule 3 - East Elevations Recommended By: / -Ljz, 1 ( 1 � Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development . ‘ 2 4A4Ai t Respectfully Submitted: Ken odd, Chief Administrative Officer A.Bryce:mb Attach. S: \PDR\2012 \PD- 2012 -19, AM- 2010 -022, 6881 Stanley Avenue, Loretto Academy.wpd February 28, 2012 -12 - PD- 2012 -19 SCHEDULE 1 LOCATION MAP c't Lend "..9:,y.,..7 Sub le i � ' N ,Tr . TIC - " ed7t1G 1 M t 5 y 11 1 \ ,_,,,,,:,,: , ' -,. --„-::: _ im limn " 1 , %::'' „ , - ' t 5 4 ilk,- dos icill \ '‘')11;a& k NI .0. ..iip .......,..1.111 ,...,„,,,,,, .... *,.."..4tt \ „ 4,, , .1111 „ A the Zoning By -ta No. 79-200 February 2012 Location: 6881 Stanley Avenue Applicant: 1149948 Ontario Limited AM- 2010 -022 February 28, 2012 -13 - PD- 2012 -19 SCHEDULE 2 I 1 L _I — � '1---------------------------- i ! 3 r 7i fir'' p. \\ -1 G ��. r MIN �}" \ �+ � - - a / a,,, ,f 1 1 - 1 ' . . , g'-g1.472' t 9 .. :: . .,.., , s _ 0 amo I3 p s,.} MEN x ; 1 k ': q f i III F 1 Y r o � � es. w �, 1 ..111,1N=IM:\X., \ \ \ .,!, –s k\ \- '!. \ \ \ '‘H. , \ .,_ \ :‘,.‘ \ ' Id. III _ ,!..! 1 , im i o . i 1,1* ; , i1 . .: 11:,:::' ,, 4 .,..'", Mil ,. — ' i I l' i 1 IP z , . , r .- ,............,...„.....„:, :, . ' s i5 �# , 3 " + "fi 0 , 1 i 1 February 28, 2012 -14 - PD- 2012 -19 SCHEDULE 3 : o 2 I I QS w' 9 r 1 „Yz i . °: a:meE eEeararsT rnr ea r -ea - - on m ratzma r_a li t,v. y . s 911,2411 -rE is rasa NS3 Ess W e#e gp#!1;.N ass 1x_i rismR 4 TT+r _ � t t r f �- 2` IL, .I _ it fl E m saa as s -. E i =1ertU i . _ ritit s!-I..f is..1rL:1 ! IMI..I_[$ - , •"nip ..N»�N; J � f1, — N NN A NN • ��a111 I Nl. f.� i ._ esn.�� : ii i� 3® ni i a `. _ _ F • sp �� / r t L ` iliiirilean!s`EREI:TsEVIIIREI fllrlsltl:I Ct liri i g� 0 4 _ _�, ei sass _ i ;I'I ;t =lit+ i!E"sl @I • 8 _,- M tt 1i - ,--- -- - - 1 ; i t r 11i1 1i11:1iall : ,itl • 33 41 s C-' , 1 1 r &C/Le_._ Norma Guindon - ,DLO / C` - c 6489 Burwood Ave., 2e Fee GQ' � /a Niagara Falls, Ontario y c L2H 1Z6 eiJ(G� / January 25, 2012 Director of Planning and Development City Hall, 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontari L2E 6X5 Thank you for the notification of the Open House Held Wednesday. I was unable to attend due to family commitments. I was unable to either See or comprehend schedule 1. However judging by the past I can comment. If this is a request to increase the build cover of ground space, I am against it. If this is a request to increase the paved areas , I am against it. If this is a request to increase the height and density of the build I am against it. If this is a request to undo or change offset requirements, I am against it. If this is a request to lessen the small remaining green, open space, I am against it. You will find in your records that I spoke against this development and I have not changed in any regard. My concerns then are my concerns now. Early in my residence in this city I participated in open meetings and discussions on the plan for the Tourist District. I was pleased to see the City involved in planning for development with control although at great cost to the taxpayer in fees, time spent by staff and council etc. However, since then I have never seen City Council fmd a rezoning or non compliance application they didn't like. All plans should be flexible but not to the point of negating the reason for the plan in the first place. 1 think both City Council and the Hotel owners have taken a very short term view . The reason people come is to see the Falls in all its majesty and wonder as a miracle of nature. Each development so far has minimised the impact of the Falls. The traffic has drowned its roar, the concrete wall surrounding it has minimised its size and the sheer number of buildings has taken away the green and natural beauty of a wonder of the world. The future tourists will be nature oriented and much concerned with our impact on the climate and the earth. I would like to see all future proposals based on quality not quantity. I am sure this is the way forward, and perhaps it is time to cease allowing ANY building close to the Falls. My final concern deals with the impact of this and the other developments on the residents and taxpayers of this city. The air quality , emergency services etc. , traffic patterns , etc., all impacting on our lives and our finances.. Sincere y °/°)-) No a Guindon ' D FEB 032012 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT i ^rii 11 ?� • Niagara David E Gillis Direct: Phone: 905/356 -2241, ext. 260 P arks 14, 1 Fax: 905/356 -7262 E -Mail: dgillis @niagaraparks.com An agency of the Government of Ontario Since 1885 February 16, 2012 Andrew Bryce Planner 2 City of Niagara Falls City Hall, 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Sir, RE: AM 2010 -022 6881 Stanley Ave, former Loretto College Official Plan and Zoning By Law Amendment Application Hotel / Condominium Development Thank you for the documentation and background information related to the above noted project. The Niagara Parks Commission reviewed the application and we have no objection to the development. We do however wish to ensure that certain aspects of the project do not adversely affect the views from Queen Victoria Park. In this regard, the Niagara Parks Commission requests that the development protects the green space and trees on the river side of the project as shown on the submitted plans. We also request that the development respect the Niagara Parks Act and Regulations, eg: signage requirements (no third party signage) and that apartment or condominium policies ensure that all tenants/ owners are cognizant of the Niagara Parks Act and Regulations. Yours truly, D III ;S David Gillis, MCIP, RPP Manager, Planning & Properties Infrastructure & Guest Services Support DG /nh RECEIVED FEB Z 1 2012 PLANNING & C VELOPMENT Janice Thomson THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION Fay Booker Chair P.O. Box 150, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6T2 General Manager www.niagaraparks.com 1/1 (04-UI U (J' r = OUNT + Q CARMEL An ecumenical retreat and conference centre 7021 Stanley Avenue • Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7B7 • 905-356-4113 • Fax 905- 358 -2548 _ Box 767 • Niagara Falls, New York 14302 • www.carmelniagara.org • 25 January 2012 Alex Herlovitch Director of Planning & Development City Hall 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 RE: Assessment Role No 2725- 080 - 001 -10200 The Monastery of Mount Carmel has grave reservations regarding the proposed changes to this plan, since they contravene the spirit and the intent of the City's Official Plan. Specifically, the increase in the height of the podium, the changes to the length and width ratios and the possibility of having the tower portions being so close to the interior lot lines. Formal objections will be made at the appropriate times. Sincerely, / 4., Rev. Stanley E. Makacinas, O. Carm. Director • RECEIVED JAN 2 5 2012 & DEVELOPMENT CD- 2012 -02 Niagararalls February 28, 2012 ( 1Y f0.1 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Clerks Department SUBJECT: CD- 2012 -02 Live Adult Businesses By -law Sam's Montrose Inn, 8675 Montrose Road RECOMMENDATION That based on Bylaw 2009 -179, it is not in the public interest to amend the Live Adult Businesses By -law (2002 -197, as amended) to warrant an increase in adult entertainment parlours. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City's Live Adult Businesses By -law (2002 -197, as amended) when passed allowed for four (4) adult entertainment establishments. The cease of operation and failure to renew a licence at 5769 Ferry Street dropped the City's inventory to three establishments. At Council's direction, staff brought forward an amendment to the by -law on November 16, 2009 reducing the number of permitted adult entertainment parlours to three(3). Council determined it was no longer in the public interest to have four adult entertainment parlours and that the market no longer required as many establishments. Sam's Montrose Inn at 8675 Montrose Road is zoned industrial. As a result, the establishment, with an amendment for some site specifics, was permitted to house a body rub parlor. The establishment has operated lawfully for eight years. The owner, Simo Bielich, is willing to close the body rub operation if permitted an adult entertainment parlour. The Live Adult Businesses By -law would have to be amended to allow for a fourth adult entertainment parlour. A zoning by -law amendment would also have to be undertaken by the owner as any new adult entertainment parlours are restricted to 929 square metres and in a stand alone building. An amendment to the City's Live Adult Businesses By -law should only take place if the Council is satisfied that the amendment would be in the public interest. Also, there may be others, in the community, that have an interest in a licence if a fourth licence was made available. BACKGROUND In November 2002, Niagara Falls City Council passed the Live Adult Businesses By -law (2002 -197), a licensing by -law, and related zoning by -laws. The by -law "grandfathered" a number of locations for adult entertainment parlours (AEP's) and body rub parlours. The related locational requirements stipulated that future adult entertainment uses would be restricted to lands zoned industrial. The by -law also set limits on the numbers of adult entertainment parlors at four (4) and body rub parlours at five (5). February 28, 2012 - 2 - CD- 2012 -02 One of the "grandfather" locations was 5769 Ferry Street, known as the Concord and, later, the S.I. Lounge. The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), who administer the licensing and enforcement of AEP's on behalf of the municipality, confirmed that no application for renewal of a licence occurred for the S.I. Lounge. Also, despite having a valid licence in 2008, the business had not operated for much of that calendar year. Niagara Falls City Council directed in late 2009 that the Live Adult Businesses By -law be amended to reduce the number of permitted adult entertainment parlours to three (3). Last fall, Simo Bielich, the owner and proprietor for Sam's Montrose Inn at 8675 Montrose Road inquired about the opportunity for an AEP at his establishment. An adult entertainment establishment is a permitted use at the location. A body rub parlour has existed at the site for approximately eight (8) years. An AEP licence would not be possible unless the body rub parlour ceased to operate, something Mr. Bielich was willing to do; however, due to the 2009 amended to the by -law, all AEP licences (3) were accounted for. To allow a fourth AEP establishment, Council would have to amend the by -law and increase the number of AEP's to four (4). This information was provided to Council at the October 14, 2011 meeting and the owner made representations through legal counsel at the meeting. Council passed a motion that the matter be referred to staff, soliciting comments from the Niagara Regional Police and exploring options with the applicant. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Police Services and Other Comments As per By -law 96 -174, the City of Niagara Falls has an agreement with the Niagara Regional Police Services Board to provide the administration, inspection and enforcement services with respect to licensing and regulating AEP's. The NRPS made no judgment on the possibility of an additional AEP. The letter from the By -law Enforcement and Licencing Unit confirms that the NRPS will continue to provide the contracted services at any new location. As expected, some correspondences were received from religious groups and nearby business operations. Although adult entertainment uses are often questioned on moral grounds, they are permitted businesses and the location does permit such establishments. The existing body rub parlour has operated without issue since 2004. Comments at the time from the Butler Group, the consultants that studied adult entertainment and body rub uses, indicated that "given the site's location away from residential areas, sensitive land uses, the downtown area and tourist areas, the site is appropriate for this (adult) use and in general conformity with the study." Although the Warren Woods subdivision is proposed, arguably, an AEP at this location would still be farther way than residential uses from the three (3) existing, legal non - conforming AEP's. As noted in the letter from E.S. Fox, arguably a body rub parlour is a less intrusive adult entertainment use than an AEP. February 28, 2012 - 3 - CD- 2012 -02 The lawyer for Rudan Holdings makes the representation that his client decided not to pursue the renewal of the licence 5769 Ferry Street, when he came upon the property in a bankruptcy sale. The fact is that section 2(5) of Schedule "A" of the by -law provides that if the licence for the adult entertainment parlour at a location is allowed to expire, the designation of this property is repealed and issuing an adult entertainment licence for the location becomes prohibited. Staff advised the NRPS and representatives of Mr. Rudan, in 2009, of our position and that 5769 Ferry Street is no longer a permitted location for an adult entertainment parlour. If a licence was available now, it would have to comply with the Industrial zoning set out in the by -law. As the public becomes aware of this matter coming to Council, there is a good likelihood of more letters coming in, likely opposed to an additional AEP in the community. If Council was to amend the by -law to increase the number of permitted establishments to four (4), timing could be an issue, as the owner would still have some Planning issues to resolve, which could result in someone else making an application, subject to applicable zoning. Planning The Official Plan permits adult entertainment parlours in industrial areas, subject to a 300 metre separation distance from residential areas and such sensitive uses as places of worship, schools, day care and community facilities and parks, and generally a 100 metre separation distance from controlled access highways. The subject land is designated industrial by the Official Plan. The Official Plan also exempts the subject land from requiring a 100 metre separation distance between an adult entertainment parlour /body rub parlour and the QEW. The property is zoned Prestige Industrial (PI -505 and PI -662) with site specific provisions that permit a hotel and ancillary outdoor volleyball courts, and a body rub parlour within the same building as the hotel. Schedule C of Zoning By -law No. 79 -200 identifies the land as within the industrially zoned area where adult entertainment parlours and body rub parlours may be permitted. An adult entertainment parlour is permitted within the PI zone provided it is within the area identified by Schedule "C" of By -law No. 79 -200 and subject to the following regulations: A separation of at least 300 metres from any other adult entertainment parlour or body rub parlour. - The adult entertainment parlour is to locate in a freestanding, single use structure. A maximum floor area of 929 square metres is permitted for an adult entertainment parlour. The owner has indicated that he would cease the body rub parlour operation if granted an approval for an AEP. It is assumed that the AEP would be within the existing hotel building. At this time no detailed proposal has been submitted for review. Nonetheless, a zoning by -law amendment application will be required to permit the AEP within the same building as the hotel as well as removing the permitted body rub parlour use. In addition, February 28, 2012 - 4 - CD- 2012 -02 the building and the site conditions do not appear to comply with the provisions of the PI zone, including front yard depth and landscaped open space provisions. An application would need to address any such deficiencies. Exploring Other Options Part of Council's motion in October was to explore other options with the applicant. It is assumed that Council was interested in the possibility of one of the other legal non- conforming AEP's leaving their current location to operate at Sam's Montrose. Although it is understandable that Council would want existing legal non - conforming uses to move, this would be a private business matter between business owners. Public Interest/Market Conditions /Numbers When Council amended the Live Adult Businesses By -law to reduce the number of AEP's, the rationale was set out in the recitation lines of the by -law. As indicated, as the licence for one of the four, legal non - conforming AEP's expired, as per the by -law, the designation for the property was repealed. The Council felt it was not in the public interest to have four AEP's in the community and the sporadic nature and failure of the establishment at 5769 Ferry Street indicated that there was not a market for four AEP's in the community. What is an adequate number of AEP's in one community may not be the same in another. As a result, staff has not done an extensive survey of other municipalities. In all likelihood, Niagara Falls would likely have a higher number of AEP's per capita due to the industry being well established here and the proximity to the border. The most comparable municipality would be Windsor, which has six (6) AEP's for a population of just more than 200,000 (approximately one AEP per 33,000 population). At last count, Toronto had twenty -one (21) AEP's for a population of 2.5 million (approximately one AEP per 120,000 population). Niagara Falls has one AEP per 27,000 population. An additional AEP would bring the calculation to approximately one AEP per 20,000 population. In addition, there is an AEP in Thorold close to the Niagara Falls border. Of course, our community also has annually a large number of visitors. FINANCE /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The owner should demonstrate that it is in the public interest and there is a market case to amend the by -law to warrant an increase in adult entertainment parlours. With regard to a market case, it should be noted that Council removed the requirement of market studies for significant retail development last term. There is no prescribed method as to how a municipality makes a determination of what is and what is not in the public interest, however, in cases involving sign by -laws, the courts have commented favourably upon municipalities that hold public meetings before making such a determination. Also, Council should refrain from increasing the number of licences without hearing from other potential licensees. The current interested party is not the only interested party, as evidenced by the letter from Mr. Rudan's lawyer. There would have to be an open and transparent process for determining who would be entitled to the fourth licence. February 28, 2012 - 5 - CD- 2012 -02 Finally, if a fourth AEP was permitted, the owner, operators and dancers would all require to go through the licensing process. The owner, operators and staff associated with Sam's Montrose Inn have gone through the licensing process with regard to a body rub parlour without issue. It should be noted that the supply of dancers has decreased when the Federal government instituted restrictions on foreign dancers in 2007. As a result, a number of AEP's are only open on the weekends. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Supporting and fostering growth in the small business sector, while maintaining a healthy and safe community. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ► Letter from Police Services Board ► Letter from Broderick & Partners, as per Rudan Holdings ► Letter from E.S. Fox ► Letter from Grace Gospel Church ► Letter from Church at the Falls ► By -law 2009 -179, a by -law to amend by -law 2002 -197, the Live Adult Businesses By -law. Recommended by: Dean lorfida, Ci Cler Respectfully submitted: 1 *L-11-1j& Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer DI /AB /KB Niagara Regional Police Service FIIF. F+ .LS CLERK'S,' 12 01, 10:0i; 68 Church St, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2R 3C6 Tel. (905) 688 4111 Fax. (905) 685 -5081 www.nrps.com nrps@nrps.com A Chief of Police Wendy E. Southall January 20, 2012 Dean Iorfida City Clerk City of Niagara Falls Dear Mr. Iorfida: Re: Application for additional Adult Entertainer's Licence Sam's Montrose Inn — 8675 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario This correspondence is in response to your inquiry in respect of the potential for an additional licence to be issued by the City of Niagara Falls to the above -noted establishment. As identified in your correspondence, the Niagara Regional Police Service is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Niagara Falls By -law 2002 -197, being the "Live Adult Business By- law" which regulates and licences adult entertainment establishments in the City of Niagara Falls. Please be advised that should the City of Niagara Falls amend its by -law to provide for an additional owner's licence, the Niagara Regional Police Service would continue to administer and enforce the by- law at any new location. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Craig Labaune Detective Sergeant #9531 By -Law Enforcement & Licencing Unit Niagara Regional Police Service 'A. Fort Erie • Grimsby • Lincoln • Niagara Falls • Niagara -on- the -Lake • Pelham Port Colborne • St. Catharines • Thorold • Wainfleet • Welland • West Lincoln �,,` BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS Broderick&Partners LLP Effective legal service in Niagara since 1951. December 8, 2011 4625 ONTARIO AVE HAND DELIVERED P.O. BOX 837 Ken Beaman NIAGARA FALLS, ON City of Niagara Falls CANADA L2E 6V6 P.O. Box 1023 4310 Queen Street ( 35s zszl Niagara Falls, Ontario TEL L2E 6X5 FAX (905) 356-6904 Re: Rudan Holdings Ltd. broderickpartners.com As you are already aware, I act for Rudan Holdings Ltd. and Mr. Chris Rudan. It is our understanding that a request for an adult entertainment licence has J.J. BRODERICK been made in the City of Niagara Falls. I wish to re- iterate my client's tLC.. L.S.IL Law Society Certified concerns with respect to this development. As you will recall, the licence for Mil litigation Specialist the former Concord aka Gentleman's Lounge lapsed in 2009. At that time, my W.A. AMADIO client decided not to pursue renewal of this licence as the City of Niagara Falls was looking to reduce the number of permitted adult entertainment J.B. HOPKINS parlors from four (4) to three (3). In reliance on this representation, at that G time in 2009, my client decided not to pursue the renewal of that licence despite meeting all of the requirements for same. In fact, Niagara Falls City LiI. BILBERT! Council directed in 2009 that the live adult business by -law be amended to Fluent lnitaliw &French reduce the number of permitted adult entertainment parlors from four (4) to R. B. BURNS three (3). E.P. LUSTIG It is our opinion that based on the above history, there is not a licence M Dl6IROLAMO available to be applied for. If Council is considering to amend the live adult business by -law to increase the number of licences from three (3) to four (4), Z. SASKIN it is our position that Mr. Rudan should be granted the fourth licence for his Fluent ln Bosnian, Croatian property on Ferry Street. I have been instructed to vehemently oppose any & Serbian proposed request to Council to amend the live adult business by -law so to D. F. MARINELLI increase the number of licences in the city of Niagara Falls. (1945. 1997) If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, BRODERICK & PARTNERS LLP Per: - ZIJAD SASKIN ZS /smm Anthony W. Pylypuk Barrister & Solicitor HI :. F1ILs CLERKS 7 11 1202 1113 80 King Street, P. O. Box 605 80, rue King, C.P. 605 Welland, Ontario Welland (Ontario) L3B 5R4 L3B 5R4 Telephone: 905 735 2300 Telephone : 905 735 2300 Telecopier: 905 735 9230 Telecopieur : 905 735 9230 Email: awpylypuk @pylypuk.com Courriel : awpylypuk @pylypuk.com December 2, 2011 Dean Iorfida, City Clerk The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, Box 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Sir: Re: Application by Sam's Montrose Hotel for an adult entertainment licence for the premises situate at 8675 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario Further to our conversation on November 28, 2011, please find enclosed a letter from E. Spencer Fox, III, president of E.S. Fox Limited, to yourself in the above- captioned matter. Yours very oe„.)40,11, Anthony W. Pylypuk AWP /pjc Encl. F: \genERAL \esfl \sams \di ltrl.doc P G OMP p Ny OF UNIQUEA4140- 4. HEAD OFFICE: MAIL: P.O. Box 1010 CO#dl "E sx e f'rt?:t5 HI cot. F , — ._ s ALLS CLERK '11 1 _'_ 4 9127 Montrose Road 7 5 YEARS Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada L2E 7J9 TELEPHONE: 905- 354 -3700 FAX: 905- 354 -5599 E -MAIL: esfox @esfox.com INTERNET: http: / /www.esfox.com November 30, 2011 Dean lorfida, City Clerk The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, Box 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Sir: Re: Application by Sam's Montrose Hotel for an adult entertainment licence for the premises situate at 8675 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario I write to express my personal and our corporate opposition to the above - captioned application. Sam's Montrose Hotel proposes to exchange its massage parlour licence which, however questionable that activity may be, is a relatively low intensity intrusion into our neighborhood, for an adult entertainment licence offering public nudity to throngs of patrons. Our opposition is founded upon the adverse impact a strip club at Sam's Montrose Hotel would undoubtedly have on the enterprises of E.S. Fox Limited, its tenants and its good corporate neighbours, including ALO North America Inc., Minacs Marketing Solutions, Greater Niagara Golf Course, Niagara Square Shopping Centre and the new residential development known as Warren Woods which when completed will encompass a residential and recreational community designed to provide a sustainable, eco- friendly community integrated with local school boards for `living lab' studies and recreational programs. For E.S. Fox Limited, which is a major employer in the local economy and which regularly hosts present and potential customers from across Canada and indeed from the four corners of the world, the presence of a house of dubious repute in its vicinity would undoubtedly impact adversely upon its ability to secure business opportunities. EDMONTON • HAMILTON • INGERSOLL • KINCARDINE • KINGSTON • NIAGARA FALLS • PICKERING • PORT ROBINSON • SUDBURY • THUNDER BAY • TORONTO 2 I believe the same considerations would also apply for our neighbours. By reason of the foregoing, E.S. Fox Limited unconditionally opposes the above - captioned application. Yours tr E . - • LIMITED ..____(---- Spencer Fox, III President / ESF /eam cc. Mayor Jim Diodati Councillor Wayne Gates Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni Councillor Vince A. Kerrio Councillor Bart Maves Councillor Joyce Morocco Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Councillor Wayne Thomson Councillor Janice Wing Todd Shoalts, Acting Chair, The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board Dana Hoover, ALO North America Inc. Mark Harrietha, Minacs Marketing Solutions Kathy McRae, Niagara Square Shopping Centre Robert O'Dell, Warren Woods Land Corporation . 5;. fir - 'i Y `. s h '. r .�`.: tl . , cY � i.: G114C[ GOSPEL C1WRCll.... FALLS' CLERKS' 111128 x.2 e ,^'✓ t) Cd, 2i4 a L 'COIvaA t' 1, G td a N/ 4 0 %fr,', ii 0 �i.Cdp November 24, 2011 Dear Mayor Jim Diodati and Council Members: I am grateful to know that you are trying diligently to make Niagara Falls a "family friendly" place. As a concerned citizen and a pastor, I am writing to urge a motion at City Council of Niagara Falls to reject the current application submitted by Mr. Simo Bielich requesting an adult entertainment license. I commend the Council's earlier decision to reduce the number of such establishments from four down to three in 2009. As it is, these establishments are poorly located across from family campgrounds and on a main tourist road. We already face huge issues of crime, human trafficking through the sex trade, and the challenge of making this city a safe place to live. While City Council may not be able to change what has happened in the past, you do have the ability to affect decisions now and for our future. The addition of such a business, as well as its proposed location near a population growth area in our city's southwest sector, exposed to the QEW, would not speak well for our city —a world class destination as well as a great place to live and raise a family. As you make this decision, please consider the families of over 300 concerned citizens in our church, along with many other like- minded citizens along with your own families, and concerned residents throughout this great city. Sincerely yours, Pastor Rev. Martin Goode mgoodeegraceniagara. ca . �// / Youth Pastor R. Terry Miller ! ° / ,/ terry®gacervagara. co G' 5G // . _ _ Children "s Pastor Mr. Bruce Miller bmiller ®gacenlagara ca. co Visitation Pastor Rev. Ron Bergstrom Martin Goode rbergstrom®gaceniogaro.co Senior Pastor Secretary Mrs Heil Nickel office®gaceniagara. ca 5856Vdtey Way . opy: Mr. Dean Iorfida, City Clerk Niagara Fels ON L2E 1X9 905.354.2811 ww W. graceniagara. ca /.G A550C ,OSP, CHURCH. 1 - 4056 Dorchester Road - Niagara Falls, ON - 905 - 353 -0013 Meeting at the Niagara Square Cineplex Dear Mayor Jim Diodati and Council Members: I'm writing to express my support to a motion that the City of Niagara Falls council reject Sam's Montrose Inn application for a live adult entertainment licence. This issue was brought to my attention by the attached Niagara This Week newspaper article, concerned residents of our city, members of the Church at the Falls Directional Leadership Team and families throughout Niagara Falls that partner with our church. Church at the Falls as a community of over one hundred and fifty partners and adherences strive to create opportunities to support strong families. We can't believe that the licensing of another live adult entertainment venue in our city supports this cause. Further, we believe that granting this licence is counterproductive to providing a safe and crime free community. We empathize with your difficult responsibilities to make fair decisions. However, as a Christian community we do not feel that the placement of an adult entertainment establishment so close to our church is helpful or edifies our great city. We also believe that crime may follow the licensing of this establishment and thereby increase our taxes. Please think about families throughout this great city as you make this decision. Brandon Duff Lead Pastor Join me this Sunday at Church at the Falls part of NetworkChurches.tv 905- 353 -0013 brandon @churchatthefalls.com www.churchatthefalls.com November 10, 2011 attach. Hutton, Richard. (October 25, 2011) From body rubs to nude dancers: Falls motel owner offers to trade body rub licence for exotic dancing. Niagara This Week, retrieved November 9, 2011 from http : / /www.niagarathisweek.com/news /article /1231478- .from - body -rub s -to- nude - dancers Exotic dancers will be taking it all off at Sam's Montrose Inn once again if the owner gets his way. Sam Bielich, owner of the hotel which currently houses a licensed body rub parlour, wrote in a letter to City Clerk Dean Iorfida that his grandfather held the first adult entertainment licence in the city for the inn dating back to 1967. Currently, the inn is a country music bar. In the letter, Beilich said that he and lawyer David Crowe had attempted to get the license back "several years ago" and was told that only four licenses were issued to allow for strip clubs under the City's Live Adult Business Bylaw. He said that it "was indicated to me that if the Concord or Mints wanted to relocate that the Montrose hotel would be the No. 1 spot." George Radicic, a lawyer representing Bielich, said he was well aware that he would have to "relinquish" the body rub licence and that Bielich was willing to do so if it meant getting an approval from council for an adult entertainment license. Bielich has been operating Vibrations, a licensed body rub parlour at Montrose Road, since 2004. In a written response to Bielich, Iorfida wrote that as it stands now, there are only three licences issued after council amended the bylaw when the Concord — also known at the time as the Gentlemen's Lounge — closed its doors. "Council would have to amend the Live Adult Business Bylaw to increase the number of licences for your request to be considered," Iorfida wrote. On Monday, Radicic said he acknowledged opening another strip club was a "sensitive, delicate issue" but that his client felt the hotel's location on the fringes of the city made it a logical spot for such an establishment. Councillor Janice Wing agreed. "I would certainly argue that this location is better than anywhere else," Wing said. "I move we refer this to staff and ask the (Niagara Regional Police) for comment and explore various options with the applicant." Council proceeded to do just that. CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By -law No. 2009 - 179 A by -law to amend By -law 2002 -197, the Live Adult Businesses By -law. WHEREAS in November 2002, Niagara Falls Council passed the Live Adult Businesses By -law (the "By- law "), a licensing by -law; and WHEREAS the by -law grandfathered four (4) existing locations for adult entertainment parlours; and WHEREAS one of the four (4) permitted adult entertainment parlours was located at 5769 Ferry Street; and WHEREAS the licence under the By -law for 5769 Ferry Street expired at the end of December 2008; and WHEREAS the licence for 5769 Ferry Street was not applied for or renewed in 2009, as per the By- law; and WHEREAS section 2(5) of Schedule "A" of the By -law provides that if the licence for the adult entertainment parlour is allowed to expire, the designation of the property is repealed and issuing an adult entertainment licence for the location becomes prohibited; and WHEREAS based on section 2(5) of Schedule "A" of the By -law, the issuance of an adult entertainment licence is prohibited at 5769 Ferry Street; and WHEREAS on November 2, 2009, Niagara Falls City Council passed a resolution that it was no longer in the public interest to have four (4) adult entertainment parlours in the municipality; and WHEREAS the failure of the adult entertainment parlour at 5769 Ferry indicates that the Niagara Falls market requires no more than three (3) adult entertainment parlours. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. Schedule A, section 2(1)(a) is hereby amended by deleting the word "four" and replacing it with the word "three ". 2. Schedule A, section 2(1)(b) is hereby amended by deleting the word "four" and replacing it with the word "three ". 3. Schedule A, section 2(2) is hereby amended by deleting the word "four" and replacing it with the word "three ". -2- 4. Schedule A, section 2(4) is hereby amended deleting (1) 5769 Ferry Street. 5. Schedule A, section 2(4) is hereby amended to read as follows: (1) 8860 Lundy's Lane (2) 8870 Lundy's Lane (3) 5951 Main Street 6. These amendments take force and effect as of November 3, 2009. Passed this sixteenth day of November, 2009. p, 277:-UCSdAn DEAN IORF I A, CITY CLERK R.T. (TED) SALCI, MAYOR First Reading: November 16, 2009. Second Reading: November 16, 2009. Third Reading: November 16, 2009. n 0 C z_ n O z • �� 5017 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls ON L2E 4C9 Epilepsy l {� N a a r / l� p L (. pJy L t�t�l�! lit T: 905-353-1096 EPILEPSY F: 905- 353 -0758 Niagara Email: info @epilepsyniagara.org http: / /epilepsyniagara.org Board of Directors: December 14, 2011 Desa Boric President Beverly Chavers Secretary ATTN: Mr. Dean lorfida, City Clerk Stephanie Christian City of Niagara Falls Treasurer 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Tahera Vawda Director Gabriel Tiberi RE: REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION FOR MARCH TO BE DECLARED AS EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH Director Claudia D'Jesus Dear Mr. lorfida, Director Please accept this letter as Epilepsy Niagara's official request for a motion to proclaim and declare March as Epilepsy Charles Steel Awareness month in Niagara Falls. Director Epilepsy is a common, serious neurological condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 Canadians. Natalie Sprott Within the , Niagara Region, approximately 5,000 people are living ith epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Statistics show Director g g pp y p eo p g that for every ONE person who is living with epilepsy, there are at least FOUR more people that are also affected. This then tells us that there are more than 20,000 people within our Region that are living with or affected by this Staff: very misunderstood condition. Kristin Welton In partnership with the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, Epilepsy Niagara raises awareness across the Region, and we Executive Director encourage people to show their support and understanding about epilepsy and seizure disorders. With the many myths and misunderstandings surrounding this condition, many of our clients struggle with social disorders, Bob Romeo depression, suicide, bullying, isolation, poverty, employment issues, prejudice, disrespect, and discrimination. It is Community Outreach our goal to make the Niagara Region a 'Seizure Aware' community — a place where epilepsy is not only understood, Coordinator but those living with epilepsy will feel accepted and respected. Since 2008, Epilepsy Niagara has had the support of the Niagara Parks Commission in illuminating the Horseshoe Falls Special thanks to and this past March, the Peace Bridge was lit up for the first time in support of Epilepsy Awareness. For March 2012, we are encouraging the illumination of more buildings and landmarks, we will be hosting our first Gala event, and we have also invited all elementary and secondary schools to help us in creating awareness within the Region. United Way We are requesting for your support in assisting us to generate a successful awareness campaign by officially proclaiming March as Epilepsy Awareness month in the city of Niagara Falls. We feel that this is the first important and necessary step to spread this proclamation across the Region. Ontario ,� Fondation Trillium rrifium If you have any questions or concerns regarding this important request, please don't hesitate to contact me. Foundation Al / , de !'Ontario V Sincerely, [1'ILEPS\ �--� Bob Romeo Community Outreach Coordinator � p r*, communitypepilepsyniagara.org I_. f `l'll.Ll "rIl • • • EPILEPSY Niagara March is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Within Niagara, approximately 5,000 people are living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Epilepsy Niagara's mission is to improve the quality of life for the people living with epilepsy and /or affected by epilepsy throughout the Niagara Region. There is a stigma associated with the condition of epilepsy, a stigma we would like to erase. By creating awareness we will be educating the community to understand and accept those who suffer from epilepsy. 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, it is important to know how to react and handling the situation properly. Throughout the month of March awareness will be spread throughout the community as well as events scheduled. A Gala will take place on Friday March 30th at John Michael's Banquet & Conference Centre in Thorold. March 26 in particular is recognized as Purple Day. Purple Day is an idea that Cassidy, a nine year old girl from Nova Scotia who has epilepsy created. She decided that there should be one special day each year so that kids and grown- ups with seizures wouldn't feel so alone. On this day the Falls will be Illuminated Purple as well as the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie. The community will be urged to wear purple that day to create awareness. We urge that as leaders and ambassadors of the city, you will choose to lead by example. Epilepsy Niagara presents the lit yi nnual . - -- if • l; • • . 6 1 ' 10 E ■ , c) • s . • +. • • 0 . . a j0,01 :g iers Ban i..et & c in f eretice Centre : +► _ Tickets are $ 65.00 each and can be purchased at. ti Epilepsy Niagara. To reserve your tickets, call 905-353 - 1 096 before March 1 5th. Tickets must be paid in full # .L. by March Z0, 2012. Proceeds are to benefit Epilepsy.Niagara's support, education and employment programs. -. CRA No. 82439 21 20 { - This evening is brought to you by J u - 4 C (2/22/2012) Dean Iorfida Letter Nia9ara docx Page February 13, 2012 Mayor Jim Diodati Mayor's Office The City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, P.O. 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada L2E 6X5 Dear Mayor Diodati and members of council, In 2012, The Fresh Air Fund looks forward to its 136th summer of providing free summer vacations in rural and suburban communities to low- income children from New York City! The city of Niagara Falls continues to provide a beautiful setting for the hundreds of Fresh Air children who visit each year. In fact, a total of nearly 4,000 boys and girls between the ages of six and 18 will participate in our Volunteer Host Family Program this summer, enjoying new experiences and making lifelong friends throughout 13 Northeastern states and Canada. There are many more New York City children who can benefit from summer days spent in suburban and small town communities. We would greatly appreciate your help with reaching out to families who might enjoy hosting Fresh Air Fund children this summer by proclaiming March 20, 2012 "Fresh Air Fund Day" in Niagara Falls. Your participation will be a great help to the host recruitment efforts of our volunteer leaders in your city. Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million children from low- income neighborhoods. Fresh Air Fund youngsters leave hot city streets behind for up to two weeks of simple summertime fun — running through grassy fields, swimming in lakes and gazing at star - filled skies. For many of these children, a free Fresh Air vacation is their first time away from the inner - city, and host families tell us that they gain more from the experience than their Fresh Air visitor. With your help, we hope to create these special bonds for more Canadian families and New York City children, through the proclamation of "Fresh Air Fund Day" on March 20th. Attached please find a sample proclamation and background materials for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Eileen Lucas Jenny Morgenthau Catherines, ON Executive Director (905) 646 -2046 th Fres/i Aii fund crv vi n,c !w" FACTS ABOUT THE FRESH AIR FUND THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not - for - profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low- income communities since 1877. Nearly 9,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2011, close to 4,000 children visited volunteer host families in rural, suburban and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300 -acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fresh Air Fund's year -round camping and after - school programs serve an additional 2,000 young people each year. FRESH AIR CHILDREN Children are selected to participate in The Fresh Air Fund's programs based on financial need. Children are from low- income communities. Fresh Air youngsters are registered by more than 90 social service and community organizations in all five boroughs of New York City. FRESH AIR FUND VOLUNTEER HOST FAMILY PROGRAM Fresh Air boys and girls from six to 18 years old visit over 300 rural, suburban and small town communities, called Friendly Towns, during the summer. Fresh Air children on first -time visits to Friendly Town host families are six to 12 years old and stay for one to two weeks. Sixty -five percent of all children are reinvited to stay with the same host families, year after year. Reinvited youngsters may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18, and many spend the entire summer in the country. Fresh Air children and volunteer families often form bonds of friendship that last a lifetime. VOLUNTEER HOST FAMILIES Fresh Air Fund volunteer host families open their homes to inner -city children for one to two weeks or more in the summertime. Each Friendly Town community is supervised by a committee of volunteer leaders. Committee members select host families after reviewing their applications, visiting them in their homes and checking their personal references. There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. The majority of hosts simply want to share their homes with inner -city youngsters. Host families are not paid. The Fresh Air Fund has a program for placing children who have special physical or emotional needs. FRESH AIR FUND CAMPING PROGRAM 3,000 New York City youngsters, ages eight to 15, attend five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300 -acre site in Fishkill, New York. Camp Hidden Valley is for boys and girls with and without special needs, eight to 12 years old; Camp Tommy is for 12- to 15- year -old boys; Camp Hayden -Marks Memorial is for nine- to 12- year -old boys; Camp Mariah is a coed camp for 12- to 14- year -old career campers; and Camp Anita Bliss Coler is for girls, nine to 15 years old. For 13- to 15- year -olds at Camp ABC, The Fresh Air Fund has established the Precious Center for Teen Leadership intended to give young women a safe, nurturing environment to focus on their futures. Additionally, many young people participate in year -round weekend camping experiences. Special features shared by all camps include a planetarium, model farm, wilderness trail and ropes course. Camp Tommy is named in honor of designer Tommy Hilfiger for his dedication and support of Fresh Air children. CAREER AWARENESS PROGRAM The Fresh Air Fund's innovative Career Awareness Program is designed to help New York City youngsters understand the relationship between school and work and how to make choices that will determine their futures. In New York City, 12- to 14- year -olds participate in job shadowings that offer close -up views of business, receive after - school tutoring with volunteer tutors, and attend a career fair. The year -round program includes weekend camping trips and an intensive three - and -a -half week summer session at the Career Awareness Camp — Camp Mariah. The career camp is named in honor of Board member /singer Mariah Carey for her dedication, support and commitment to Fresh Air youngsters. Career awareness graduates continue to receive support through the PreOccupations Club and benefit from the guidance of volunteer mentors. FRESH AIR FUND HISTORY In 1877, the Reverend Willard Parsons, minister of a small rural parish in Sherman, Pennsylvania, asked members of his congregation to provide country vacations as volunteer host families for children from New York City tenements. This was the beginning of The Fresh Air Fund tradition. By 1884, Reverend Parsons was writing about The Fund for New York's Herald Tribune, and the number of children served grew. In 2011, close to 9,000 New York City children experienced the joys of summertime in Friendly Towns and at five Fresh Air Fund camps in upstate New York. FRESH AIR FUND CONTRIBUTIONS The Fresh Air Fund is a not - for - profit agency, depending primarily on support from private contributions. It costs The Fresh Air Fund $917.00 for a visit with a volunteer host family and $1,655.00 to send a child to Fresh Air camp. Over 75% of The Fund's contributions come from individual donors. Tax - deductible contributions may be sent to The Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Families who wish to be hosts, or parents who would like to sign up their children, may call The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367 - 0003 or visit www.freshair.org. NEW YORK CITY VOLUNTEERS The Fresh Air Fund has an active group of New York City volunteers. Metropolitan area volunteers help reach out to New York City parents and children, support Camping, Career Awareness and Volunteer Host Family programs and seek in -kind donations. To volunteer, call (212) 897 - 8900 or visit www.freshair.org. SPOKESPERSON FOR THE FRESH AIR FUND Jenny Morgenthau, Executive Director (212) 897-8898 PUBLICITY CONTACTS Jake Grinsted, Director of Public Relations (212) 897-8890 Andrea Kotuk, Andrea & Associates (212) 353-9585 The Fresh Air Fund • 633 Third Avenue, 14` Floor, New York, NY 10017 • (800) 367 -0003 • www.freshair.org (2/22/2012) Dean lorfida - SAMPLE PROCLAMATION Niagara Falls docx Page 1 I SAMPLE PROCLAMATION WHEREAS The Fresh Air Fund provides free summer vacations in the country to close to 9,000 New York City children each summer, and WHEREAS The Fresh Air Fund allows city youngsters to visit the homes of volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada, and WHEREAS Niagara Falls families have been participating in The Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town program for over 130 years, and WHEREAS The Fresh Air Fund allows New York City youngsters to enjoy Niagara Falls backyards, parks, and wide open spaces, and WHEREAS The Fresh Air Fund is celebrating its 136th summer, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls, do hereby proclaim March 20, 2012 to be: "FRESH AIR FUND DAY" in Niagara Falls, in recognition of the valuable summertime experiences offered by The Fresh Air Fund. Memorandum TO: Dean Iorfida, City Clerk DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 FROM: Beth Angle, Community Development Coordinator Recreation & Culture Department RE: Arts & Culture Committee Appointments Recommended New Members Laurie Crain -Anez, Torena Gardner - Durdle, and Nicolina Maruca resigned from the Arts & Culture Committee since their appointment to the 2011 -2014 term of the Arts & Culture Committee. The resignations brought the total number of committee members down six, which is below the recommended minimum of eight, and substantially below the maximum of twelve. As per the General Terms of Reference to Advisory Committees of Council approved in 2011, City Council may choose to not fill a vacancy(s), go the runner up list from the beginning of the Council term, or accept recommendations from the Advisory Committee. There were no runners -up from the original application process and the Arts & Culture Committee would like to make recommendations to fill the six vacant spots. The Arts & Culture Committee is recommending that the vacancies be filled by Jordan Fry, Priscilla P. Brett, Leona Grandmond, Angela Heppner, Laura Moffat, and David Fanstone. Please see attached for additional information on the recommended individuals. (2/22/2012) Dean lorfida Fwd Winter Sidewalk Clearing Sinnicks Ave (West Side) OnGoin Com taint File # 2011002913@e 1_ From: Sarah Conidi To: Dean Iorfida Date: 2/16/2012 10:08 AM Subject: Fwd: Winter Sidewalk Clearing - Sinnicks Ave (West Side) - OnGoing Complaint File # 2011002915 »> "Rick Lundy" <rlundy1@ cogeco.ca> 2/14/2012 7:40 PM »> Dear Mayor Jim Diodati and City of Niagara Falls Council Members, I have received information that a directive of Council at the January 25, 2012 Council Meeting was made to reinstate winter sidewalk clearing on various streets including Sinnicks Ave. I am both very disappointed and displeased by this decision. After complaining about the annual sod damage and unsightly mess caused by the winter sidewalk clearing, I was ecstatic that Council had adopted the recommendations of Municipal Works Report # MW- 2011 -54. As you are aware the report recommended the proposed removal of sidewalk clearing for the west side of Sinnicks Ave from Thorold Stone Road to Mayfair Drive. Finally a solution that unfortunately was short lived. On January 13, 2012 further damage occurred and to add to this compounding frustration the directive issued to reinstate sidewalk snow removal on January 25th. I have previously submitted information and photographs via e-mail. Complaint File #2011002915. I am not aware of the reason for this reinstatement and alarmed that the City has incurred $60,000. in costs for sod restoration. Please note that I take it upon myself to clear the snow in front of my residence and am of the opinion that this damage and waste of tax dollars is totally unnecessary. I would respectfully ask that you reconsider your directive in regards to the clearing of snow along the west side of Sinnicks Ave. Sincerely, Rick Lundy 3263 Sinnicks Ave, Niagara Falls H- 905 - 354 -2467 rlundyl (a�cogeco.ca :14). 4 it atial` iLte- Leatitz:a /-edoui et_ Ro..#4,4,fien th-t4-n. duzi elta fttik Se xe/i-4etlxt.g eLe xiti /V-en.440, ikit t 1 1 24 A , tce-i(4_7tut 4-01 Vc=e, s ice-et/Jac/4- c,L z-t /1 e Ltacd R_o /A. tLer d!..4 ty Cut_ -4-Clif ? 6t V (5Y 0 r" 0-4.11/2- Lt q/Le_ico i2t44 to_e, )4-0 s ctiocaL , ct,Le et te t otAI 4-&1j-c,„fr ate_co-e-e-dt d kAyn st e.ze gke-ec-4 %.cocceio c ft, /Po L.2_4pe iu/e-errn-er -Aa/V-e_ till-It-its, LAji-t-Z-ee i b-c(d4, crx•eti -51:41+v - cle_otiett-tt Ce. e 4r tkk-e .a4/C42,41 11Z-ctfo7 Pt oet4.& CIL-ft - 0 etaLx..d 6 ba iirtitA„ (4" C6-42itPick. tA.14-u „,zanat L-14- Cazt-- c-ti-t. v a()-41-Ehte " dic=i-tde. suat, 36it s .A ) • 3 e 3 r --C■kflAJee_ itt tit/ A. 14-024.4 ky-rxq' 3 3 4 Si ft 6 h Itcleti,66- 3;4( Clerks Department Inter - Department Memorandum TO: Mayor James M. Diodati DATE: February 28, 2012 & Members of Council FROM: Dean Iorfida City Clerk Ext. 4271 RE: Donna Mancuso Request A communication was received by Ms. Donna Mancuso opposing the request to the Region to name the extension of Thorold Stone Road as "Terry Fox Way ". Ms. Mancuso would like the extension named after her father, Pete Mancuso. Mr. Mancuso has extensive involvement in sport in the community. He was first inducted into the builder category of the Sports Wall of Fame in 2002. Some clarification: The City is not the road authority for Thorold Stone Road or the proposed extension of Thorold Stone Road, which Council would like to see named "Terry Fox Way ", as per the resolution passed at the last Council meeting. The Region is the road authority and the decision rests with the Region, not the City. As part of their process, the Region will give public notice of any possible street name change and have a public meeting. Ms. Mancuso could make representations at the future meeting at the Region. There will be an internal road that will have to be built leading to the Gale Centre. The name or method of naming the internal road has not been determined yet. There has been some suggestion of selling the naming rights of the internal street.. Council could forward Mr. Mancuso's name for consideration for the internal road or another street in the community. RECOMMENDATION: For the Consideration of Council 1)/(111 Working Together to Serve Our Community (2/22/2012) 0 Dean Iorfida Council Meeting Page 1 From: Donna Mancuso <d.mancusol9 @hotmail.ca> To: <diorfida @niagarafalls.ca> Date: 2/21/2012 1:30 PM Subject: Council Meeting Good Afternoon Sir: I would like to be put on the agenda for the next council meeting if there is room or for the next one available. It is in regards to the naming of the street going to the Gale Centre being named after Terry Fox. I'm totally against it and have been petitioning for it to be named after my father PETE MANCUSO. Someone who was born and raised in this city and devoted 50 years of his life coaching and mentoring youth in sports. Kim Craitor will also be attending this meeting with me along with other supporters after 1 put the date on Facebook. Thank you and I will await you speedy response. Donna Mancuso d.mancusol 9 @hotmail.ca x rn 0 r c —I 0 z cn jo CITY OF .CANADA N IAGARA FAD The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution No. Moved by Councillor Seconded by Councillor WHEREAS Private member's bill C -311 has been introduced in the House of Commons to amend the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (the "Act "), a law passed in 1928 to combat bootlegging; and WHEREAS the Act makes it illegal to bring a bottle of wine from one province to another; and WHEREAS many Canadian travelers may not realize that the Act prohibits them from bringing home a bottle of wine while on vacation; and WHEREAS Bill C -311 create a personal exemption from the Act to allow individuals to either directly import, send, take or transport, or cause to be imported, sent, taken or transported wine only for personal consumption. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Niagara Falls City Council indicate its support for Bill C -311 and notify the local Member of Parliament. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. DEAN IORFIDA JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR Lffiegi S CITY OF . CANADA N IAGARA FAAST - The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution No. Moved by Councillor Seconded by Councillor WHEREAS there are over two dozen licensed fruit (non - grape) wineries in Ontario; and WHEREAS the product of many of these fruit wineries is 1005 produced in Ontario; and WHEREAS fruit wineries do not currently qualify for VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance of Ontario) certification; and WHEREAS without VQA certification, fruit wineries are required to remit 58% of every LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Canada) sale to the Provincial government; and WHEREAS the fruit wine industry have developed a Fruit Wine Quality Certification (FWQC) that would allow maintenance of 100% Ontario product, while allowing these wineries to prosper; and WHEREAS the proposed Bill 132, in 2009, would have allowed fruit wines to be sold at farmers markets, a practice allowed in four other provinces. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Consumer Services be petitioned to either amend the Vintners Quality Alliance Act to allow fruit wines, 100% grown and produced in Ontario, to qualify for quality certification; and FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Province introduce legislation to allow the sale of fruit wines at Ontario farmers markets. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. DEAN IORFIDA JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR m 0 Cn F- 2012 -07 Niagara February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department SUBJECT: F- 2012 -07 Monthly Tax Receivables Report RECOMMENDATION That Council receive the Monthly Tax Receivables report for information purposes. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report is prepared monthly to provide Council with an update on the City's property tax receivables. Outstanding taxes as of January 31, 2012 were $17.7 million compared to $18.7 million in 2011. During January, tax receivables as a percentage of taxes billed decreased from 11.2% in 2011 to 10.5% in 2012. The City's finance staff has begun the tax collection process for properties that are subject to registration for 2012. There are currently nineteen properties scheduled for tax sale in the next two years. BACKGROUND This report is being provided as part of the monthly financial reporting to Council by staff. It is also submitted to our banking institution for compliance with our banking agreement. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Tax collection for 2012 improved during the month of January. Table 1 shows that taxes outstanding at January 31 2012 are $17.7 million. This represents a decrease from $18.7 million in arrears for the same period in 2011. Finance staff continues to actively pursue property owners in arrears. Table 2 provides the breakdown of outstanding taxes by assessment class. The majority of outstanding taxes are for residential and commercial properties. The chart shows that the taxes owing from the commercial property class have decreased from a year ago, whereas the residential property class has increased. Finance staff takes specific collection actions for properties that are subject to registration. These action steps have been outlined in previous reports. At January 1, 2012, 403 properties were subject to registration. Table 3 summarizes the progress of these actions after one month of activity. This table shows 44.1 % of the tax accounts or 178 properties have been paid in full or the owners have made suitable payment arrangements. During January, thirty accounts were paid in full. Finance staff continues to make every effort to have accounts paid in order to avoid the registration process and the associated costs related to that process. February 28, 2012 - 2 - F- 2012 -07 Table 4 identifies the properties and associated tax arrears scheduled for tax sales in the future. During the month of January, two registered properties were redeemed. The outstanding taxes for registered properties represent 7.0% of the total outstanding taxes at month end. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Tax arrears as a percentage of taxes billed in a year is a performance measure that stakeholders utilize to analyse an organization's financial strengths. Niagara Falls, due to its high reliance on commercial assessment, is traditionally higher compared to municipalities of similar size. The percentage of taxes outstanding to taxes billed as at January 31, 2012 is 10.5% which is a decrease from 2011's value of 11.2 %. The municipality has a record of full collection and earns significant penalty revenues to offset the higher measure. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Table 1 Taxes Receivable at January 31, 2012 Table 2 Taxes Receivable by Property Class at January 31, 2012 Table 3 Number of Properties Subject to Registration Table 4 Scheduled Tax Sales Dates for Registered Properties Recommended by: Todd Hard. on, Dir- tor of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Tod , Chief Administrative Officer A. Felicetti TABLE 1 Total Taxes Receivable Owing at January 31, 2012 2012 2011 Outstanding Taxes @ January 1, 2012 $ 18,304,517 $ 19,567,496 Penalty charged in January $ 197,267 $ 208,958 Taxes Collected during December $ 823,783 $ 1,028,966 Outstanding Taxes @ January 31, 2012 $ 17,678,001 $ 18,747,488 TABLE 2 Taxes Receivable by Property Class as at January 31, 2012 2012 % of Class 2011 % of Class Taxes Owing Taxes Owing Residential $ 7,434,195 42.05% $ 7,281,221 38.84% Multi- Residential $ 222,344 1.26% $ 273,261 1.46% Commercial $ 9,368,225 52.99% $ 10,435,192 55.66% Industrial $ 612,997 3.47% $ 750,231 4.00% Farmlands $ 40,241 0.23% $ 7,582 0.04% Total Receivables $ 17,678,001 100.00% $ 18,747,488 100.00% TABLE 3 Properties Subject to Registration as at January 31, 2012 Initial Amount 403 Paid in Full 30 7.4% Payment Arrangements 148 36.7% Ongoing Collection 225 55.8% Action Registered 0 0.0% 403 100.0% TABLE 4 Scheduled Number Taxes Tax Sales of Oustanding Date Properties Amount May 2012 3 $ 759,964 November 2012 8 $ 90,922 May 2013 8 $ 384,712 Totals 19 $ 1,235,598 MW- 2012 -12 NiagaraJalls February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW- 2012 -12 Drinking Water System Summary Reports RECOMMENDATION That this report be received and filed. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In accordance with the Safe Drinking WaterAct, each municipal Council having jurisdiction over its water distribution system is required to receive and publish an Annual Summary Report prior to March 31 in each calendar year. This report provides technical data regarding the system's performance. Additionally, attached is the DWQMS Management Review which is to be provided to the system Owner annually. The Management Review evaluates the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the quality management system. This year's report confirms that the City is operating in accordance with all current legislation and is taking appropriate measures to guarantee the safety of the drinking water quality to all of its consumers. BACKGROUND Each year the Annual Summary report is presented to Council to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the drinking water system. No significant operational changes or events occurred during 2011. The attached Annual Summary report provides detailed quantitative and qualitative information regarding the performance of the drinking water system. Also attached is the DWQMS Management review. The purpose of the Management review is to evaluate quality management system on an annual basis. An important note entering 2012, is Section 19, of the Safe Drinking WaterAct, 2002 will be coming into force on December 31, 2012. Section 19, entitled Standard of Care, Municipal Drinking Water System states that the Owner and /or each person on behalf of the Municipality that oversees the operating authority or exercises decision making authority over the system must exercise the level of care, diligence and skill in respect of a municipal drinking water system that a reasonable prudent person would be expected to exercise in a similar situation. Section 19, in its entirety has been attached for your reference. February 28, 2012 - 2 - MW- 2012 -12 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS None. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Annual Summary Report must be received by the drinking water system owner by a date of no later then March 31 of the following year. Failure to submit this would contravene the Safe Drinking Water Act. The drinking water quality management standard requires that the results of the Management Review be provided to the Owner on an annual basis. Failure to provide the results would initiate a non - conformance with the standard. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This report and the attached water distribution system annual summary report are consistent with Council's strategic commitment to continually monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the City's operations. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. City of Niagara Falls Water Distribution System Annual Summary Report 2. 2011 DWQMS Management Review 2. Section 19 - Standard of Care, Municipal Drinking Water System Recommended by: ,T Geoff Holman, Di ctor of Munici al Works Respectfully submitted: p Y Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer James Sticca /Geoff Holman MW- 2012 -12 Attachment #1 Niag ara ails CANADA City of Niagara Falls Water Distribution System Annual Summary Report Period: January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 Waterworks Number: 260002304 Created February 2012 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Waterworks Description 1 Compliance 2 Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program 2 Safe Drinking Water Act 3 Niagara Falls Water Quality Test Results 4 Adverse Water Quality Incidents and Actions 4 Operational Activities 5 Flow Rates 6 Definitions 7 City of Niagara Falls Water Distribution Annual Summary Report Introduction In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act this report provides members of Niagara Falls Municipal Council, the legal Owners of the water distribution system with an annual summary report of actions that took place from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. In accordance with the Act, this report must list any time the City failed to meet the conditions and requirements of the Acts, Regulations, Approvals, Drinking Water Works Permits, Municipal Drinking Water Licences and Orders issued by the Ministry of the Environment. For each requirement not met, the report must specify the duration of the failure and the measures taken to correct the failure. Additionally, the report must list the summary of the quantities and flows of the water supplied. Waterworks Description The City of Niagara Falls is a class 2 water distribution system, which receives all treated water from the Regional Municipality of Niagara via the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant. The raw water source is surface water supplied from the Niagara River, via the Welland River. The distribution system consists of approximately 440 km of watermain, 3,000 fire hydrants and 4,600 valves owned and operated by the City of Niagara Falls. Additionally, there is 45 km of watermain owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The size of watermains owned by the City of Niagara Falls range from 25mm to 450 mm in size. Additional information regarding the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant can be found on the Regional Municipality of Niagara website. Website http: / /www.niagararegion.ca /home.aspx Water Distribution Summary Report 1 Niagara) ails Compliance Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program As part of a recommendation made by Justice 0' Connor during the Walkerton Inquiry, the Ministry of the Environment has introduced a new program, the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program. This program requires the Drinking Water System Owner (City of Niagara Falls) to obtain a licence to operate their drinking water system. There are four components to each licence; the Drinking Water Works Permit, Implementation of a Drinking Water Quality Management System, Accreditation of the Quality Management System and preparation of a Financial Plan. • Drinking Water Work Permit allows the Municipality to alter, add, replace, modify and extend the drinking water based on a series of predefined conditions. • Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) is a series of 21 elements that address all aspects of a water system. The overall goal of the DWQMS is continuous improvement with respect to planning, operating and reviewing the drinking water system. Through the creation of an operational plan the drinking water system Owner demonstrates the ability to operate a safe and effective drinking water system, while continuously monitoring performance and compliance via internal and external audits. • Accreditation of the Quality Management System is achieved through internal and external audits, the goal of these audits are to ensure that the Owner is following the processes and procedures laid out in the operational plan. The Ministry of the Environment has engaged in an agreement with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) to act as the Quality Management System accreditation body. • Ontario Regulation 453/07, Safe Drinking Water Act requires that each Owner prepare a Financial Plan for the drinking water system. The City has retained a consultant to aid in the preparation of the Financial Plan. On March 3, 2011, an on -site audit was performed by the Canadian General Standards Board. The City received a rating of 100% compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard. The City will be required to re- submit documentation to the Canadian General Standards Board in 2012, for their review as part of the accreditation process. ►,,��% Water Distribution Summary Report 2 NiagaraapflIs Safe Drinking Water Act To remain compliant with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the City performs a minimum of 88 microbiological samples a month. Each of these samples is taken from a different location, providing a diverse profile of the water distribution system. Disinfection levels showing a free chlorine residual are also taken at the time of each sample; ensuring proper disinfection levels are maintained. The City takes additional free chlorine residuals throughout the week, again to ensure proper disinfection levels are maintained. The City also takes water samples testing for elevated levels of trihalomethanes (THM), a chlorine disinfection by- product. The City takes these water samples from areas where the formation of THM would most likely occur. The Ministry of the Environment has also provincially mandated a Community Lead Testing Program. The City has been granted permission, by the Ministry of the Environment to reduce the number of lead samples taken per sampling window due to the ratio of results that meet the Provincial Water Quality Objectives, compare to the samples that do not. The sample numbers have been reduced to 40 resident samples and 4 non - residential samples. This must be done once between December 15 and April 15 and again June 15 to October 15 on an on going cycle. All of the aforementioned samples, in accordance with the Act must be taken by an individual with a Water Operators licence or a Water Quality Analyst licence. These licences are distributed by the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 128/04, Safe Drinking Water Act. Samples are then taken to a Ministry of the Environment approved laboratory. Laboratories must meet quality standards determined by the Ministry of the Environment and are audited by the Canadian Association for Laboratories Accreditation. In the event an incident occurs where water samples do not meet Provincial water quality standards, this is deemed an Adverse Water Quality Incident (AWQI). This is detailed further in the chart following entitled Adverse Water Quality Incidents and Actions An Annual Drinking Water Report has been completed and is available free of charge to the public through the City website and at the Municipal Service Centre. Members of the public may also view water sample results at the Municipal Service Centre. On December 31, 2012 has been named as the date for which section 19 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. Section 19 entitled, Standard of Care requires the Owner of the Drinking Water System and each person with decision making authority to exercise the level of care, diligence and skill in respect of a municipal drinking water system that a reasonably prudent person would be expected to exercise in a similar situation and to act honestly, competently and with integrity with a view ensuring the protection and safety of the users of the drinking water system. Section 19 has been listed as an attachment to the accompanying Council Report. Water Distribution Summary Report 3 Niagarafwlls Niagara Falls Water Quality Test Results Parameter MAC Number of Samples Range Comments Microbiological Analysis Escherichia Coli Indicates presence of fecal (E. Coli) CFU/ 100mL 0 1272 0 matter Total Coliforms Indicates the possible CFU/ 100 mL 0 1272 0 — 24 presence of fecal contamination Fecal Coliforms Indicates the possible CFU/ 100 mL 0 1272 0 — 17 presence of fecal contamination Heterotrophic Plate Count N/A 1272 0 - >500 Indication of overall water (HPC) CFU /mL quality Chemical Analysis Trihalomethanes 0.10 0.0259 — Average of Samples taken mg /L mg /L 4 0.0474 quarterly Residential and Non- Residential 0.010 264 <0.00002 — Lead services were used in Lead Plumbing mg /L 0.0671 construction prior to 1955. mg/L Distribution 0.010 0.00006 — City does not have lead mg /L 25 0.00427 watermain Disinfection Free Chlorine Residual 0.05 mg /L to 4.0 1356 0.05 - 1.34 Level of disinfectant mg /L Adverse Water Quality Incidents and Actions Date Location Parameter Result Actions Date of Resolution 2011/1/19 4305 Sixth Lead * 0.0141 mg /L Followed direction of N/A Ave 0.0135 mg /L Heath Unit 2011/1/19 4314 Sixth Lead * 0.012 mg /L Followed direction of N/A Ave 0.0109 mg /L Heath Unit 2011/1/19 4289 Sixth Lead * 0.0671 mg /L Followed direction of Ave 0.0554 mg /L Heath Unit N/A 2011/05/17 8278 Thorold Tot. Coliform 24 CFU/ 100mL Flushed, resampled 2011/05/24 Stone Road 2011/06/09 5500 Ferry Tot. Coliform 1 CFU /100mL Flushed, resampled 2011/06/13 Street 2011/09/27 6141 Keith St Lead * 0.0178 mg /L Followed direction of N/A 0.0185 mg/L Heath Unit 8839 2011/09/27 Parliament Tot. Coliform 4 CFU /100mL Flushed, resampled 2011/10/3 Ave * In each cases the occupant service line was the source of lead levels Water Distribution Summary Report 4 Niagaraf fills In the event of an adverse water quality incident (AWQI), the City receives immediate notification from the laboratory. The City is then required as per Ministry of the Environment regulations to verbal notify the Regional Public Health Unit and the Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Centre. Additionally, the City has chosen to contact our local Ministry of the Environment Inspector to share this information. These individuals are then faxed the same information that was shared verbally. To ensure water safety, the City immediately sends a member of staff to flush the nearest fire hydrant, and take additional water samples at the source of the AWQI, as well as upstream and downstream of the AWQI. This occurs for two consecutive days at minimum until the City receives verbal notification from the laboratory that the water samples are all clear. In the above table, the column "Date of Resolution" indicates the date in which the City has received copies of the laboratory results and submits the "Notice of Resolution" to the Ministry of the Environment and Public Health Unit. It should be noted that an Adverse Water Quality Incident does not indicate that the drinking water is unsafe; rather it indicates that with respect to that specific sample, the Provincial water quality objective was exceeded. In the event a lead result exceeds the Provincial standard, this result does not indicate system wide lead levels, rather the sample is site specific. Possible sources of lead include; lead solder, leaded brass fixtures and lead service lines. Prior to 1955 it was common to use lead water service lines as opposed to copper due to the malleability of lead. Properties that have lead results that exceed the Provincial standard are given an information package on ways to best reduce lead in their drinking water. Operational Activities In 2011, the City of Niagara Falls experienced 45 water main breaks, down from 66 in the previous year. The City follows a standard operating procedure, detailing the steps taken to repair the water main, while ensure water quality. Following the water main break, microbiological samples are taken upstream and downstream of the break; ensuring the break was repaired in such a way that water quality levels were not affected. �r Water Distribution Summary Report 5 Niaga Flow Rates 2011 Monthly Water Flow Rates (Mega Litres) Month Quantity (ML) January 1,462.193 February 1,349.175 March 1,459.202 April 1, 358.678 May 1,489.576 June 1,633.236 July 2,165.551 August 1,990.823 September 1,647.533 October 1, 584.424 November 1,425.598 December 1,493.311 Total 19, 059.3 Monthly Average 1,588.275 Daily Average 52.21 1 Mega Litre = 1,000,000 Litres Water Distribution Summary Report 6 Niagara/ 40 Definitions MAC - Maximum Acceptable Concentration This is a health - related standard established for parameters which when present above a certain concentration, have known or suspected adverse health effects. The length of time the MAC can be exceeded without injury to health will depend on the nature and concentration of the parameter. (Ontario Drinking Water Standards. Ministry of the Environment. Revised January 2001. PIBS #4065e. Page 2.) mg /L - milligrams per litre (parts per million) cfu /100 mL - Colony Forming Units per 100 millilitres of sample ug /I - micrograms per litre (parts per million) - Less than > - Greater than Microbiological parameters (ie. bacteria) - the source of bacteria may come from wastewater treatment plants, livestock operations, septic systems and wildlife. Microbiological analysis is the most important aspect of drinking water quality due to its association with dangerous waterborne diseases. (Paraphrased from Ontario Drinking Water Standards. Ministry of the Environment.) Total Coliform - the group of bacteria most commonly used as an indicator of water quality. The presence of these bacteria in a water sample indicates inadequate filtration and / or disinfection. (Ontario Drinking Water Standards. Ministry of the Environment.) Escherichia coli (E. coli) - a sub -group of coliform bacteria. It is most frequently associated with recent fecal pollution. The presence of E. coli or fecal coliforms in drinking water is an indications of sewage contamination. (Ontario Drinking Water Standards. Ministry of the Environment) Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) - an estimate of the number of background bacteria present in the distribution system. It is not an indicator of fecal contamination, but more a general indicator of disinfection effectiveness and distribution system status with respect to biofilm presence and the influence of bacterial re- growth in the distribution system. att Water Distribution Summary Report 7 Niagara,F'alls Trihalomethanes (THM's) - The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for Trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water is 0.10 mg /L based on a four quarter moving annual average of test results. Trihalomethanes are the most widely occurring synthetic organics found in chlorinated drinking water. The four most commonly detected Trihalomethanes in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane and bromoform. The principal source of Trihalomethanes in drinking water is the action of chlorine with naturally occurring organics (precursors) left in the water after filtration. Lead - Metals, for the most part, are naturally present in source water, or are the result of industrial activity. Some, such as Lead, may enter the drinking water from plumbing in the distribution system. Lead can occur in the source water as a result of erosion of natural deposits. The most common source of lead is corrosion of the household plumbing. The MAC for lead levels is 0.010 mg /L. Water Distribution Summary Report 8 NiagaraJlls MW-2012-12 Attachment #2 r Niagara�alls CANADA DWQMS Management Review 2011 Table of Contents Introduction 1 1. Incidents of regulatory non - compliance 1 2. Incidents of adverse drinking -water tests 1 3. Deviations from critical control point limits and response actions 2 4. Efficacy of the risk assessment process 2 5. Internal and third -party audit reports 2 6. Results of emergency response testing 3 7. Operational performance 3 8. Raw water supply and drinking -water quality trends 3 9. Follow -up on action items from previous management reviews 4 10. Status of management action items identified between management reviews 4 11. Changes that could affect the Quality Management System 4 12. Consumer feedback (i.e., internal & external communications) 4 13. Resources needed to maintain the Quality Management System 4 14. Results of DWQMS Infrastructure Review 4 15. Operational Plan currency, content & updates 5 16. Staff suggestions 5 T' � Niagaraaa , s 2011 DWQMS Management Review Introduction Element 18 of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard states that a Management Review must be completed once every 12 months. This review is to be completed with the person(s) deemed Top Management in the Drinking Water System. The purpose of the Management Review is to document the actions and effectiveness of the Quality Management System. The outcome of the Management Review must be reported to the Owner of the Drinking Water System. The information reported to the Owner can be relayed at the same time as the Summary Drinking Water System Report, which must be provided to Council by March 31 each year. 1. Incidents of regulatory non - compliance In July, the Ministry of the Environment completed an onsite inspection. No incidents of regulatory non - compliance were indicated in the July 25, 2011 inspection report. The City received a compliance rating of 100 %. 2. Incidents of adverse drinking - water tests As of December 5, 2011 there have been 3 drinking water samples that resulted in an adverse test result. i) May 17, 2011 — 8278 Thorold Stone Road: Total Coliform of 24 ii) June 9, 2011 — 5500 Ferry Street: Total Coliform of 1 iii) September 27, 2011 — 8839 Parliament Ave: Total Coliform of 4 In each case, Staff followed SOP "MW- ES -DWS- SOP - 012 -001 — Adverse Water Quality Incident Reporting ". Each incident was resolved by re- sampling. DWQMS Management Review 2011 Page 1 of 5 Niagara falls 3. Deviations from critical control point limits and response actions There were no deviations from critical control points in this report period. 4. Efficacy of the risk assessment process The current Risk Assessment has gone through two annual reviews and in 2011 went through a full review look at all risks to the drinking water system. Currently, there are no measures to protect the City against private fire hydrants. Procedures are available in the event of an adverse water quality incident stemming from the private hydrant. It has been suggested, that a private hydrant by -law be created outlining the responsibilities of maintaining the hydrant, to property owners. 5. Third - party and Internal audit reports Third Party Audit On March 3, 2011 a Canadian General Standards Board Auditor completed an on -site audit of the QMS. Zero non - conformances were found during this audit, the Auditor did list some suggestions to improve the QMS, these have been listed as Opportunities for Improvement (OFI). The City received a letter from the CGSB dated April 15, 2011 stating the City has achieved full scope accreditation. Internal Audit Only two incident of non - conformance has been identified during the internal audits. Under element 8; Risk Assessment, to date no measures have been taken to protect the hydrant from private hydrant performance. Corrective action # 2011- 003. Under element 15 Infrastructure Maintenance, Rehabilitation and Renewal, the City's Operational Plan states that hydrants are to be flushed and inspected annually. In 2011 target of all hydrants will not be met, however hydrants will be inspected for deficiencies throughout the winter months. Corrective action # 2011 -004 DWQMS Management Review 2011 Page 2 of 5 Niagarapalls 6. Results of emergency response testing On September 27, 2011, Environmental Services Staff participated in an Emergency Response desktop training exercise. The scenario detailed a watermain break at the end of a crescent that was created due to fire fighting operations. The fire fighting operations created suction on the cracked part of the main, causing the backfill material to enter the main. Environmental Services supervisory staff was asked to go through the scenario, assuming they could not call other supervisors for help, to determine how each staff member would respond. Answers were shared and discussion was held. 7. Operational performance In addition to the continual maintenance activities of hydrant inspection and valve operation, Environmental Service as of December 5, 2011 has responded to 39 watermain breaks. These range from ring breaks, to total pipe segment failure resulting in pieces of PVC watermain being spliced in to the system. Unaccounted for water has increased over the past 3 years, approaching 23% of the volume purchased. Staff currently performs proactive leak detection. It is felt that some of the unaccounted for water may be lost to theft/ meter tampering and / or billing inconsistencies. The City has instituted a by -pass inspection program, to stop any by- passing of the water meter. In addition, Staff suggests the installation of radio read water meters. This new technology will allow the City to obtain meter readings on a more consistent basis. Coupled with new "E- Coder" meter register, this technology will also Staff to determine if any; meter tampering has occurred, small leaks after the meter, or if a reversal of flow has taken place. 8. Raw water supply and drinking - water quality trends The Region of Niagara is responsible for all sampling and testing of raw water. Through the hydrant maintenance program, Staff has found areas of the drinking water system were weekly or bi- weekly flushing can improve water quality, these areas are tracked via a flushing report form. Source water temperature changes in late spring and fall result in resident inquires about chlorine levels. The majority of these calls originate from the south end of the City, the area closets to the water treatment plant. Weekly, chlorine residual results are received from the Region of Niagara, these results indicate no significant fluctuation in chlorine levels leaving the treatment plant. DWQMS Management Review 2011 Page 3 of 5 NiagaraJ?alls 9. Follow -up on action items from previous management reviews The 2010 Management review resulted in no action items. 10. Status of management action items identified between management reviews The 2010 Management review resulted in no action items. 11. Changes that could affect the Quality Management System It was reported in the 2010 Management Review that the MOE would be consulting Municipalities on possible changes to the DWQMS Standard. Date, no consultation has taken place; however, recent talks have indicated that changes may taken place in 2012. In 2012, City Staff may not be available to perform the internal audit. If this is the case, it is likely a consultant would be retained. 12. Consumer feedback (i.e., internal & external communications) In 2011, Environmental Services and Engineering staff worked together to create a document that is now included in all capital projects, making the contractor aware of the City's legislative duties, as well as, the level of permission the contractor has to operate the Municipal Drinking Water System. The winning bidder is required to sign the document, assuring they have read and understand the responsibilities listed. 13. Resources needed to maintain the Quality Management System In 2012, the QMS Representative may have to hire a consultant to perform the internal auditing duties. A recent quotation estimated the annual cost of hiring the consultant at approximately $3,900.00. 14. Results of DWQMS Infrastructure Review The Infrastructure Review is now rolled into a 10 year infrastructure needs assessment. This assessment is kept current by Infrastructure Staff. The needs assessment was presented to Council November 14, 2011. DWQMS Management Review 2011 Page 4 of 5 Niagaraaalls 15. Operational Plan currency, content & updates The Operational plan will under go a revision in early 2012. Procedures are updated as required. 16. Staff suggestions To date, no Staff suggestions have been made to improve the QMS. DWQMS Management Review 2011 Page 5 of 5 MW- 2012 -12 Attachment #3 Standard of care, municipal drinking water system 19. (1) Each of the persons listed in subsection (2) shall, (a) exercise the level of care, diligence and skill in respect of a municipal drinking water system that a reasonably prudent person would be expected to exercise in a similar situation; and (b) act honestly, competently and with integrity, with a view to ensuring the protection and safety of the users of the municipal drinking water system. 2002, c. 32, s. 19 (1). Same The following are the persons listed for the purposes of subsection (1): 1. The owner of the municipal drinking water system. 2. If the municipal drinking water system is owned by a corporation other than a municipality, every officer and director of the corporation. 3. If the system is owned by a municipality, every person who, on behalf of the municipality, oversees the accredited operating authority of the system or exercises decision- making authority over the system. 2002, c. 32, s. 19 (2). Offence Every person under a duty described in subsection (1) who fails to carry out that duty is guilty of an offence. 2002, c. 32, s. 19 (3). Same O A person may be convicted of an offence under this section in respect of a municipal drinking water system whether or not the owner of the system is prosecuted or convicted. 2002, c. 32, s. 19 (4). Reliance on experts 15) A person shall not be considered to have failed to carry out a duty described in subsection (1) in any circumstance in which the person relies in good faith on a report of an engineer, lawyer, accountant or other person whose professional qualifications lend credibility to the report. 2002, c. 32, s. 19 (5). MW- 2012 -13 Niagaraaalls February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW- 2012 -13 Falls Avenue (formerly Roberts Street) Gateway Landscaped Boulevard and Median Maintenance RECOMMENDATION That Council direct staff to enter into an Operating Agreement with the Niagara Region for the ongoing care and maintenance of the boulevard and median on Falls Avenue (formerly Roberts Street) from Stanley Avenue to Victoria Avenue. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In September of 2002 the City of Niagara Falls signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Niagara Parks Commission, Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation with respect to the development of Robert Street (Falls Avenue) as a "gateway" to Ontario, The Niagara Region and The City of Niagara Falls. The MOU established the responsibilities of each party but did not legally bind each partner to these roles for any particular period of time. The MOU indicated that a further agreement between the Niagara Parks Commission, Region and the City was to be signed setting out the apportionment of costs for the ongoing maintenance. This Agreement was never completed. The NPC has maintained this area at their expense for the past ten years. In May of 2011 the Niagara Parks Commission made the decision that their role prescribed was beyond their mandate and that they would no longer continue to provide maintenance services to the boulevard and median areas to this section of roadway. Municipal Works staff have been working cooperatively with Niagara Parks and Niagara Region staff to share records and operational details to ensure the intent of the original MOU with respect to the "gateway feature" is preserved. The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the recent changes, authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of an Operating Agreement with the Niagara Region and finally to add funding in the amount of $30,000 to the 2012 Operating Budget for the City's share of this new program. BACKGROUND In 2002 the City of Niagara Falls signed a MOU with four public sector government agencies to develop an attractive gateway along Roberts Street between Stanley Avenue and Victoria Avenue. Roberts Street (Falls Avenue) falls under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Region and is subject to a Connecting Link Agreement with The Ministry of Transportation. This informal, non - binding agreement assigned specific responsibilities to February 28, 2012 - 2 - MW- 2012 -13 each partner with a provision to meet on a periodic basis to coordinate their respective efforts to achieve the common objective. A copy of this agreement is provided as Attachment "1". In May of 2011, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) revisited this matter and determined that the provision of maintenance services at this location falls outside of their mandate and discontinued service. (See Attachment "2 "). In the Fall of 2011, staff from the Region and City met NPC operations staff to discuss the transfer of responsibilities for grass cutting, bed maintenance, debris collection and winterization of the sprinkler system. At a meeting held on January 25, 2012, NPC staff confirmed their previous position and offered technical support to assist in the transition. (See Attachment "3 "). Niagara Region staff have expressed an interest to work with the City of Niagara Falls to ensure that the intent of the original gateway concept is continued by entering into an appropriate Operating Agreement that sets out the respective obligations of each party. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Falls Avenue (Roberts Street) is identified as a Gateway and an Entry Corridor in the City's Official Plan which states; "4.3.4 Gateways and landscaped entry points will be constructed as part of a tourist area greening programme and will be designed to visually attract visitors through distinctive landscaping, paving and lighting." "4.3.7 Entry Corridors..., shall be designated as the main points of access through which visitors arrive at the Niagara Falls Tourist area. Entry Corridors shall be automobile- oriented streets whose main purpose is to accommodate vehicular traffic with an attractive, sign- posted and landscaped streetscape. Council shall ensure that public improvements and new developments are consistent with the Design Criteria for Entry Corridors." The City's policy respecting the need to maintain the boulevard and median areas to a higher standard clearly requires the commitment of resources at this location, notwithstanding the fact that this is a Regional Road. Niagara Region staff have agreed to cover the costs associated with the grass cutting as it is consistent with the standard level of service provided on Regional Roads. The plantings, bed maintenance and operation of the irrigation system and grass cutting duties will be performed by a single contractor under the supervision of Municipal Works staff. The Region's share will be billed back on an annual basis. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS This is a new expenditure in the annual Operating Budget which will require funding in the amount of $30,000 to be added to the Contracted Services Account. This amount is not included in the draft budget distributed at the Council Meeting on January 31, 2012. Accordingly this account will need to be increased from $117,500 to $147,500. (Parks Grounds Maintenance Account No.11 -3- 711000 - 040000). The Region's share of the cost is estimated to be approximately $15,000 annually based February 28, 2012 - 3 - MW- 2012 -13 on the quotations received under the City -wide Beautification Program tender. (See Attachment "4 "). LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Niagara Region staff have suggested that we jointly develop the terms of an Operating Agreement to protect our mutual interests and to address any liability issues with respect to operating within the Regional road allowance. This Agreement can be prepared and presented to Council at a future meeting, as required. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The recommendation contained in this report is consistent with Council's Strategic Priorities to enhance the City's economic vitality and to support the Official Plan policies of a Well- Planned City. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Memorandum of Understanding 2. Letter from Niagara Parks Commission, dated May 17, 2011. 3. Letter from Niagara Parks Commission, dated February 9, 2012. 4. Cost Estimate, dated February 7, 2012. Recommended by: Geoff Holman, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ljfilkk Ken To d, Chief Administrative Officer Geoff Holman MW- 2012 -13 Attachment #1 aG � C � p a Y 9 � , u ep 7 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 2 09 <2 AMONG The Regional Municipality of Niagara, The - Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara Parks Commission, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Recitals 1. The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding wish to see Roberts Street developed as "gateway" to Ontario and to the Niagara region; 2. The parties have, over the last several months, had discussions among themselves as to what actions each may take to further development of Roberts Street; and 3. The parties wish to set out their understanding as to the steps that each believes is necessary to be taken to achieve the ultimate development of Roberts Street as a "gateway" to Ontario and the Niagara region. UNDERSTANDINGS General 1. This document is a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out to the best of the parties' ability at this time, the steps that each will take towards the creation of Roberts Street as a gateway to Ontario and the Niagara region. The understandings stated in this document do not create and the parties do not intend to create, legal obligations. Z. All of the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding will enter into such legal agreements as may be necessary from time to time to achieve the development of Roberts Street. 3. The parties agree to meet on a periodic basis to co- ordinate each of their activities in relation to the development of Roberts Street. 2 4. Each of the parties will provide such assistance to the other parties as it can in carrying out their roles as stated in this Memorandum of Understanding.. • 5. Each of the parties shall advise the others should they perceive that anv of their respective roles, as outlined in this memorandum, change, Role of The Regional Municipality of Niagara 6. The Regional Municipality of Niagara will take the lead in the development of Roberts Street as a gateway" to Ontario and the Niagara region including, assuming responsibility for Roberts Street as a road acquiring all property for the development of Roberts Street enhancements contracting for all work necessary related to the enhancements. 7. The Regional Municipality of Niagara will enter into agreements with The Niagara Parks Commission for the development of the enhancements and the maintenance of them on reasonable terms and conditions. Role of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls g. The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls shall participate in the acquisition and rehabilitation of Roberts Street as a municipal i nprovement in accordance with such • agreements as may be reached with The Regional Municipality of Niagara and other parties. Role of The Niagara Parks Commission 9 . The Niagara Parks Commission will design and construct the landscape enhancements in consultation with the other partners. 10. The Niagara Parks Commission will contribute such funds to the development of the enhancements as The Niagara Parks Commission may from time to time authorize. 1 1 . The Niagara Parks Commission will, after the completion of the landscaping enhancements, maintain such of them as are parks on an ongoing basis, only after reaching agreement with the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls on the costs associated with the maintenance of such Parks. a 0 ''p 3 Role of the Ministry of Transportation 12. Ministry of "Transportation plans to execute a Connecting Link Agreement with the Regional Municipality of Niagara which will address the transfer of Roberts Street to the Region and the costs associated with its' reconstruction. 13. The Ministry of Transportation will in accordance with Government of Ontario policy and direction transfer Iands owned by it which are surplus to its roads need and are adjacent to Roberts Street to The Regional Municipality of Niagara. 14. On an ongoing basis the Ministry of Transportation will exercise its mandate in relation to the development and maintenance of roads in the area of Roberts Street in a manner that is consistent with the Development of Roberts Street as gateway Role of the Ministry of Tottrisrn, Culture and Recreation 15. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation will be the Government of Ontario lead in supporting the development of Roberts Street as a gateway to Ontario and the Niagara Region. 16. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation shall integrate its plan to the extent possible or practicable in the circumstances for the development of Tourist Information facilities with the general plans for the development of Rs 'efts Street in consultation with The Niagara Parks Commission and The egional t " kik 'cip ity of Niagara. 1 6 .-....... .. The Regional Municipal' of Niagara . \( L..)-,/ ( The Corpora ao , a ' of Niagara Falls '/ €lie N:ag,ata r . onimission \1 Ministry" f Transpor"Lion - Ministry of/tourism, Culture and Recreation Niagara MW- 2012 -13 Attachment #2' Fa Booker Direct: Phone: 905/358 -2241, ext. 223 Parks Fti Fax: 905/3545041 E -Mail: fbookerQniagaraparka.com An agency of the Government of Ontario e6 re 1613 May 17, 2011 Mr. Gary Burroughs, Chairman Regional Municipality of Niagara P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 417 Dear Chairman Burroughs: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me regarding The Niagara Parks Commission' (NPC) involvement in the maintenance and landscaping of the Region's property on Roberts Street. I have been advised by staff that in 2002, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara Parks Commission, the Ministry of Transportation and, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation signed a memorandum of agreement to "...see Roberts Street developed as a `gateway' to Ontario and to the Niagara Region ", In accordance with that agreement, NPC was to be responsible for the design and construction of the gateway landscape as well it agreed to contribute funds to the overall development of the new Roberts Street plans. Staff have also indicated to me that the ongoing maintenance of the landscaped enhancements was to occur "only after reaching agreement with the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls on the costs associated with the maintenance of such Parks ". Our research and files show that no agreement has ever been entered into for the ongoing maintenance of the Roberts Street gateway. As such, the Commission considered this matter at its meeting of May 11 and given that this property falls outside of the mandate of The Niagara Parks Commission, it was decided that NPC can no longer continue to provide maintenance service for the Roberts Street property. Additional reasons for making this decision include the fact that as a financially self - sufficient agency, NPC receives no financial benefit to offset the cost of this annual maintenance, and further NPC employees are placed at risk by conducting work which is not subject to an operating agreement, agreed to by all parties. ...2 Fay Booker THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION Robert J. Mcllveen Chair P.O. Box 150, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2B 6T2 Interim General Manager www.niagaraparks. com 1 � -2- Should theRegion- wishrto-enter into an- agreement for- NPC -to- continue to-provide-landscaping services, regional staff could discuss this option with NPC's Executive Director of Parks, Debbie Whitehouse at 905 - 356 -2241 x 237 or NPC's Superintendent of Parks, Scott Priest at extension 238. Given this decision, NPC staff have been instructed to immediately cease the provision of further service for this property. Regional staff may contact either Debbie or Scott if there are any questions relating to this action. We thank you for your understanding in this matter and appreciation of Niagara Parks' commitment to work within its mandate. Yours truly, .� Fay ooker, FCA, C. Dir FB /js Chair cc: The Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Transportation X{im Craitor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls Niagara. MW- 2012 -13 Attachment #3 Fay Booker Direct' Phone: 9061356 -2241, ext. 225 1 3 arks 1' E -Mall: fbookerrnlag rraperk m n. , AMYdao Goverment d ()static torte 1 s February 9, 2012 Mr. Geoff Holman Director of Municipal Works City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. Holman: RE: ROBERTS STREET Further to the meeting of January 25, 2012 between staff of The Regional Municipality of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, and The Niagara Parks Commission, this is to confirm details of our discussion regarding Roberts Street. At Roberts Street, Niagara Parks contributed approximately $1.2 million in landscaping enhancements dating from 2002. Niagara Parks has conducted annual maintenance on an ongoing basis, incurring costs for mowing and gardening of approximately $220,000 for the period between 2005 to 2010. The Niagara Parks Commission is not intending to enter into any further agreement to continue this program. As discussed, further to recent audit reviews, The Niagara Parks Commission confirmed that it is neither Iicensed nor mandated to conduct works beyond its properties. Further Niagara Parks has fulfilled the terms of the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding between Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara Parks Commission, the Ministry of Transportation and, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Recreation. We have confirmed that there have been no further agreements made by Niagara Parks subsequent to the original Memorandum of Understanding. Niagara Parks confirmed their intention that the plantings and installed irrigation equipment to enable the maintenance of this property on site will be left in place. During our discussions in January, the Region of Niagara confirmed that they will work with you to determine the ongoing maintenance on this property at Roberts Street. You confirmed it will be the choice of City of Niagara Falls to determine whether plantings beyond grass are to be maintained by the City, or whether the plantings would be eliminated and this area be ...cont 'd /2 Janice Thomson THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION Fay Booker Chair P.O. Box 150, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6T2 General Manager www.niagaraparks.com transitioned to mown grass. was also noted that a similar arrangement was made-with the Ministry of Transportation where the City chose not to maintain plantings along the 420 highway, between Stanley Avenue and the QEW, thus the Ministry arranged for plantings to be removed (e.g. center raised medians) to reduce maintenance costs. City staff are invited to contact our Superintendent of Horticulture, Scott Priest at 905-353-5547 for details (e.g., landscape plans, irrigation) that would further facilitate transition of the property maintenance at Roberts Street and the City's knowledge of the property and equipment. Yours truly7/ / ../ Fay Booker. FCA, C.Dir., 113/1c General Manager cc: Mr. Ken Brothers, Region of Niagara 2 MW- 2012 -13 Attachment #4 1 , Kelly Dig's Landscaping �+ ' u` 874 Foss Rd. stimate Fenwick,Ont. LOS 1C0 Number: E175 , ?;:-:`' 7 ",,? ( ' ,, Phone 905 - 984 -7225 , Date: February 07, 2012 Fax, 905 -892 -3164 Bill To: Ship To: ,Cynthia Roher•ts 'Cynthia Roberts Sr_ :City Of Niagara Falls City Of Niagara Falls 3200 Stanley Ave. 3200 Stanley Ave. !ia3ara i•a' 5, Ong.. 1,2E 604 Niagara Fa 115, Ont. .1,2E 664 G.S.T 87055 9374 RT0001 Terms Project 2012 season . Date :Description Per time' Rate j Tax Amount 2/7/22 . 42e li•sy. at. Stan Lcey Ave . 15.00 1,847.07: 27,706 to Victoria Ave. J cludes both sines of ilwy.and 5ratiic medians. , General garden main tainenre on a by ;weekly schedual. For , 2012 season. . .420 Hwy. at Stanley Ave. 15.00 988,004 14,320.00: t o Vict.orza Ave. . Lncludes both skies o gt.. rraffio d s mn_an. 'May 1 to October 31 2012 i and includes hi - .-ies).1v ; •yiaa n Ott i n:_ and 'trimming. ".0. 4) 0 . ;75. b "_i.an Street +' beds a _ � � _ Ov^ . by- weakly maintenance Ferry Street A bed 15.00 30.00 45C.c: } y- wee1y maintenance • Sub -Total i $43,651 .05 HST 13.0Q% on 0.00 0 . '/ 0 Total $43,651.05. i. ZOOZ XVd L0 :170 8TOZ /8T /CO PD- 2012 -17 NiagaraJalls February 28, 2011 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PD- 2012 -17 Request for Relief of Lease Rate for Downtown Cafes RECOMMENDATION That Council waive the fee requirement for sidewalk cafes in the downtown area for the 2012 season due to the ongoing construction along Queen Street. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A number of downtown eateries provide outdoor cafes on City sidewalks, subject to lease agreements with the City. A new lease rate for sidewalk cafes in the downtown area was to be initiated in 2012. However, there has been a delay in the completion of the streetscaping initiatives along Queen Street. It is expected that the streetscape work will be completed this summer. However, there will be other work being undertaken in the area. Based upon this ongoing work, the Downtown BIA has requested lease charges be waived for 2012 and 2013 (see Appendix 1). BACKGROUND On January 17, 2010, City Council approved a new lease rate for sidewalk cafes within the Downtown and Historic Drummondville CIP Areas of $10.00 per square metre. It was anticipated that the streetscaping work along Queen Street would have been completed by now. Unfortunately, the contractor ended their work term in late November due to the onset of the winter season. The contractor is expected to start up again soon and complete the streetscape work this summer. Further work will occur in the Downtown area in 2012 including further infrastructure along Buckley Avenue at Queen Street, and the Downtown Park. Because of this ongoing work, there will be issues of dust, noise and disruption which will affect the operation of outdoor sidewalk cafes. Consideration should be given to provide relief to the outdoor cafe businesses in the Downtown for 2012. It is expected that much of the Downtown work will be completed this year and the lease rate for outdoor cafes should be reinstituted in 2013. Therefore, the waiver should be only for the current year and not the 2 year period requested. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Delays have been experienced with the completion of the streetscape work. Everything is back on track and much of the streetscape work will be completed in the next few months. In the meantime, construction activities are expected to have an impact on the operations of the sidewalk and the patron's enjoyment. February 28, 2012 - 2 - PD- 2012 -17 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There will be a loss of some revenue of $4,094 based on last year's rates for the 5 cafes. The Downtown BIA has asked that the lease rate be waived for 2012 and 2013. If Council waives the lease fees for 2012, the $10.00 a square metre fee should be reapplied in 2013. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The completion of the Downtown improvements will satisfy Council's strategic priorities in the long term by strengthening and promoting economic development in the Downtown. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ► Appendix 1 - Copy of an e-mail from Downtown BIA to the City Clerk. Recommended by: j Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: LIkA-4-A9- Ken odd, Chief Administrative Officer B.Bolibruck Attach. S: \PDR\2012 \PD- 2012 -17, Request to Waive Lease Rate for Downtown Cafes.wpd February 28, 2012 - 3 - PD- 2012 -17 APPENDIX 1 From: Dean Iorfida To: Bob Bolibruck; General Manager Date: 1/19/2012 11:14 AM Subject: Re: Downtown Outdoor Cafe Licences CC: Chris Anders; Geoff Holman Probably makes sense, Nem. I'll talk to the other applicable staff and bring It forward at a future meeting. Thanks Dean »> "General Manager" <gm @niagarafallsdowntown.com> 1/19/2012 10:49 AM >» Hi Dean: The downtown BIA and its membership would like to request to have the fee waived for the outdoor cafe licences do to the ongoing construction In downtown. We would like to have the fee waived for 2012 & 2013. We anticipate construction will go beyond 2012 and do not want to have to go through the process again to get It waived for 2013. Regards, Nemanja Kuntos BSc General Manager BIA Downtown Board of Management Office Location: 4660 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2L8 P: 905 -356 -5444 C: 289- 407 -2989 F: 905- 356 -5667 gm@niagarafalisdowntown.com www.niagarafallsdowntown.com TS- 2012 -05 February 28, 2012 Niagararq. 1 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -05 Parkside Road - Parking Review RECOMMENDATION That parking is restricted on the west side of Parkside Road between Heikoop Crescent and a point 25 metres north of Upper Canada Drive between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday, June through September, inclusive. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The recommended parking restriction will prohibit parking on one side of the roadway thereby allowing for unimpeded two -way traffic flow in the summer when the Girls Home for Soccer Park is fully utilized. Parking will remain on the east side of Parkside Road so that children can disembark the vehicle from the passenger side directly to the park, minimizing interaction with passing traffic. BACKGROUND In response to correspondence submitted by an area resident, Staff carried out a review of the parking situation on Parkside Road between Heikoop Crescent and Milomir Street. The concern stems from overflow parking on Parkside Road resulting from the Girls Home for Soccer facility. At the present time, parking is permitted on both sides of Parkside Road alongside the soccer facility. A stopping prohibition is posted on both sides of Parkside Road adjacent to the hydro corridor where there is a raised centre median island. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Parkside Road is a collector road located in the Garner Estates Subdivision that extends in a north /south direction from McLeod Road to north of Forestview Boulevard. The roadway is 9.15 metres in width, consisting of sidewalks on both sides separated by boulevards. On the west side, the sidewalk terminates just north of Upper Canada Drive. The Girls Home for Soccer is located on the east side of Parkside Road within the study area. Loretto Catholic and Kate S. Durdan Public Elementary school abuts the soccer facility. The Girls Home for Soccer has three separate parking area totalling 246 parking spaces. The joint elementary school has 74 parking spaces. A questionnaire was delivered to each residence on Parkside Road requesting input from the homeowner on their parking preference. The petition yielded a 46% response rate. A minimum of 50% is required to proceed with the restriction, however staff have identified the area as a safety concern, related to the safe mobilization of emergency vehicles. February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -05 A collision review was carried out on Parkside Road for the previous three years, revealing that a collision problem does not exist in the study area. A review of the signs in the study area reveals that all signs are in good condition, including "Playground Ahead" signs advising motorists that they are approaching a park area where children may be present. Area observations were done at various times when soccer was being played and reveal that drivers park on Parkside Road once the off - street parking spaces are occupied. Most patrons park on the east side, closest to the park, but numerous other vehicles were also observed parked on the west side of Parkside Road. As a result of vehicles parked on both sides, the resulting road width is sufficient to accommodate traffic proceeding in one direction only. Pedestrians attempting to cross the road between parked vehicles are not easily seen by passing drivers. In order to ensure safe traffic operations on Parkside Road, Staff is recommending that parking be prohibited on the west side of Parkside Road between Heikoop Crescent and a point 25 metres north of Upper Canada Drive between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, June through September, inclusive and all day on Saturday and Sunday, June through September, inclusive. Parking is proposed to remain on the east side of Parkside Road so that persons can disembark the vehicle from the passenger side directly to the park. There is more parking available on the east side of Parkside Road as there are significantly fewer driveways that must remain clear. Further, the proposed parking restriction will ensure uninterrupted two -way traffic flow, and minimizing delays for emergency personnel responding to an emergency in the area. Finally, by prohibiting parking on the west side, it minimizes the number of pedestrians having to cross Parkside Road to /from their vehicle. Outside of the four -month outdoor soccer season, parking will be available on both sides of Parkside Road as parking on the street outside of soccer season was noted to occur sporadically. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material cost is accounted for in the 2012 General Purposes Budget. The estimated cost to install the signs is approximately $750. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing. Recommended by: Z--" Karl Dren, Director of ransportation Services Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer e* • Hyd - Corridor �:. Hydro Parking Lot _ ' , ' TA 4 I ; c f , Parking Lot Girls Home � ' � _ 13 ,i F for Soccer ,r ` + I 4 Loretto Catholic and # Kate S. Durdan Public Elementary Schools Parking Lot "'` 4 4\tc. a � l . r e� 9 �e Y3 ' 5 , x 4 h t S ,' \ Existing Playground Sign .........0-",--- .---/ Niagaraaalls ■ • • • Existing Stopping Restriction NORTH ia 10 MALE TS- 2012 -05 Proposed Parking Restriction Parks Road 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m, Monday - Friday, June - September Parking Review All Day, Saturday & Sunday, June - September TS- 2012 -09 Niagaraaalls February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -09 Carolyn Avenue at Heather Avenue Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATION That a stop sign be installed facing southbound motorists on Heather Avenue at Carolyn Avenue. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A stop sign is warranted facing southbound traffic on Heather Avenue at Carolyn Avenue that will require all drivers stop before entering the intersection. BACKGROUND City Staff has been requested to investigate the feasibility of installing a stop sign at the intersection of Heather Avenue and Carolyn Avenue. Currently, the study intersection is controlled by a yield sign. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Study results indicate that a stop control is warranted at the intersection of Heather Avenue and Carolyn Avenue. The visibility triangle requirements for the yield sign control are not met thus warranting additional controls. This is common in developed residential areas with buildings and fencing normally constructed within the visibility clear zone. This triangle provides motorists sufficient visibility to view approaching vehicles and therefore be able to react appropriately. The proposed stop sign will necessitate all southbound motorists to carry out a full legal stop and ensure that there is no conflicting traffic prior to entering the intersection. A collision review revealed that no collisions have been reported at the intersection in the previous three -year period. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the stop sign is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material costs are accounted for in the approved 2012 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the sign is approximately $200. February 28, 2012 - 2 - TS- 2012 -09 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing. Recommended by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: V4414Aj Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer /M. Carrick Z /' � ti� y 6 s' 4 7 • b 4 S` 0 cn .-0, .. / .; . .,-- 0; .c ,,, �r Gem #. � { it l *3 Mtip' --„k, /6, C o C3 vC'V ' ... L , e,,,„....,,• , , r � 4 4 0 - 4 - > Q a 4 e a � r e � r y �' O N N . O C cll ''. '''''' -*t' ' .11°' - ''''''''' ,''',A.. , _9 , ,:,,,,,,,,,,,,,,., , ,,,,,, i. O C c U , .....,,,f .;.41/111,.. ' , � :, N O L }_, T. .., ; '4' ','4,.,,, 'f;,4 . V) HU - k L - -3:1 ..,. ia .., , 1 '... 1 , . i „ I. _. .. 6. 1,. , _, ..,:,,,l, I .. k 11 TS- 2012 -10 Niagara & 11s February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -10 Leader Lane Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS That stop sign control be established at all streets intersecting with Leader Lane. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A stop sign is warranted facing northbound traffic on each road intersecting Leader Lane; Acheson Avenue, Dyson Avenue, Muir Avenue, Martin Avenue, Broughton Avenue and Hickson Avenue. In each case the sign will require all drivers stop before entering the intersection. BACKGROUND City Staff has been requested to investigate the feasibility of installing a stop sign at each intersection along Leader Lane. Currently, there is no control at each study location. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Study results indicate that a stop control is warranted at each intersection along Leader Lane. The visibility triangle requirements for the basic right -of -way rule are not met at each location, thus warranting additional controls. This is common in developed residential areas with buildings and fencing normally constructed within the visibility clear zone. This triangle provides motorists sufficient visibility to view approaching vehicles and therefore be able to react appropriately. Further, there is not enough sight distance available to post yield controls. A collision review revealed that no collisions have been reported at any intersection along Leader Lane in the previous three -year period. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the stop signs is to be carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material costs are accounted for in the approved 2012 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the signs is approximately $1,200. February 28, 2012 - 2 - TS- 2012 -10 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing. Recommended by: A Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: *2 1 1 41 - 10 Ke Todd, Chief Administrative Officer /M. Carrick -4.r ' 4 ..'...„. '1 1 a° r y r 07 _: � ,, • P k 0 L. o. m 55 r Y ° a ' r . 4 ,, . k ... r- 1 . : ' '''!" . .ft L ' 1 . - ''''''.'‘.*,,, ..,,,_, . ''' 7 ' : ■ '" ' "'", = CD ; ,r F 0) m p ^ V , i* r , ti �•� i ,n- as , y '-- k - j } a) A + •Tip 0 - .'f.. 1 W tY ° . r fi ce" o!v o v e� 00 j 1 J Q (n N I J 1211,1i CIO5' tz ♦1 /y �1 TS- 2012 -11 February 28, 2012 Niagarara \s REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -11 Forestview Boulevard School Crossing Guard Review RECOMMENDATION That a school crossing guard be stationed during the morning and after school hours to provide assistance to school children crossing at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A school crossing guard is warranted at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road to supervise the high volume of children crossing at this location. BACKGROUND The Principal of Forestview Public School requested City Staff to investigate the feasibility of providing assistance for students crossing Forestview Boulevard at Desanka Avenue and /or Parkside Road. Forestview Public School is a junior kindergarten to eighth grade school located on the north side of Forestview Boulevard between Kalar Road and Parkside Road in the Deerfield Estates Subdivision. The school boundary extends from Thorold Townline Road to the west, the hydro transmission corridor south of Milomir Street to the south, the Queen Elizabeth Way to the east and Lundy's Lane to the north. New residences continue to be constructed within the immediate area. The majority of students live within the walking boundary. The school operates a Kiss and Ride program and school buses board and alight students in the school parking lot. These were both design consideration when this property went through site plan control before the school was built. Forestview Boulevard is a 9.15 metre wide collector road extending in an east /west direction from Garner Road to Kalar Road where it continues east as Rideau Street. Forestview Boulevard consists of a curb and gutter, grass boulevard and concrete sidewalk on both sides. Stopping prohibitions exist on both sides of Forestview Boulevard abutting the school lands. Parkside Road is a collector road consisting of the same cross - section as Forestview Boulevard. The roadway extends from McLeod Road to the south to Angie Drive to the February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -11 north. Light standards are present on both sides providing nighttime illumination. Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road is currently an all -way stop controlled intersection. Desanka Avenue is a local road that extends south from Forestview Boulevard and consists of a sidewalk on the east side only, separated from the road by a boulevard. The intersection of Forestview Boulevard and Desanka Avenue is controlled by a stop sign facing northbound motorists only. All of the local roads within the Deerfield Estates subdivision with the exception of cul -de -sacs either have or is planned to have a sidewalk on at least one side. Kalar Road is a four -lane arterial road and it abuts the elementary school to the east and its intersection with Forestview Boulevard /Rideau Street is signalized. Two (2) crossing guards provide assistance to students at this intersection primarily for those residing east of Kalar Road. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Technical studies to assess whether a school crossing guard is warranted were carried out at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road. The intersection is currently controlled by an all -way stop. There were 12 students observed crossing Forestview Boulevard in the morning, and 58 students were observed crossing in the afternoon. The warrants for the crossing guard were fulfilled based on pedestrian and vehicle volume. Additional studies were carried out to determine whether a school crossing guard is warranted at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard and Desanka Avenue. There were eight students crossing in the morning and an additional twelve students following dismissal. Observations indicated that this mid block location, immediately in front of the school is not a suitable crossing location given the volume of vehicle traffic and that the location is between the two main driveways of the school. Children wishing to cross in this area should proceed to either Kalar Road where there are currently two school crossing guards, or to Forestview Street and Parkside Road where the new guard is recommended. A review of the collision files for the previous three years identifies that a collision problem does not exist on Forestview Boulevard. A visibility review at the two intersections identified that motorists have adequate sight lines to see and stop for the downstream stop signs, and once in a stopped position, can see approaching traffic on the opposing road. Pedestrians are also afforded unrestricted visibility at both intersections. All posted signs were observed to be in good condition, clearly visible to approaching motorists. Speed data was collected on Forestview Boulevard midway between Kalar Road and Parkside Road using a handheld radar device. The operating speed obtained was 51 km /h during the morning session and 52 km /h during the afternoon. Given the 50 -km /h speed limit, a speeding problem on Forestview Boulevard was not observed. However, stop sign compliance studies at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road indicate that there is a high noncompliance rate. The Niagara Regional Police have been requested to provide enforcement of the fail -to -stop violations at this intersection. Given the high vehicular turning and pedestrian crossing volumes at Parkside Road and Forestview Boulevard, Staff recommends that school crossing guard assistance be provided to supervise students crossing at this location. Staff is not recommending that February 28, 2012 _3_ TS- 2012 -11 a school crossing guard be provided for the intersection of Forestview Boulevard and Desanka Avenue. There is substantial vehicular activity in this area due to parents queuing on the street waiting to enter the parking lot which would make a mid block crossing at this intersection undesirable. Students proceeding north on Desanka Avenue can proceed either to the existing crossing guard location at Kalar Road or at the recommended Parkside Road location, both of which are Tess than 150 metres (500 feet) away. City Staff notified the school principal of its recommendation to provide a school crossing assistance at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard at Parkside Road. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The placement of the school crossing guard and associated school crossing signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. Cost estimates for the signs are approximately $1,100. The annual cost for employing the school crossing guard is approximately $7,000. All costs have been included in the 2012 General Purposes Budget. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study area drawing Recommended by: /f'6.X Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Q . yj L L. 0 .� O C al in . w al , ��` 4 i--",(1.,- Y , W = U r �.-. 1 ! ^.N ' t . ' �- r a C N O O i co r 7 r o Y R Y E 8 1 ��` " , 4 7, T s ` s 1 `/ k aP 1 b { • RS ° 3 0 ° - Ce O a w rl1 sl cn r C ^41* , r O Q O O , >, J N / � i • C .. / 2 f-- vs d ,, O Q. �; '','' y Ail a •;<'" d ii i:" °'' y, �� h - s.. r.... .� re Q. '�- VII �, -, .. - =a � In TS- 2012 -01 February 28, 2012 NiagaraFalls REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -01 McMicking Street Parking Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS 1. A no stopping zone between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, be established on the north side of McMicking Street between Dorchester Road and Piva Avenue. 2. A no stopping zone at all times be established on the south side of McMicking Street between a point 10 metres west of Piva Avenue and a point 10 metres east of Piva Avenue. 3. A no stopping zone at all times be established on the north side of McMicking Street between Piva Avenue and a point 15 metres east of Piva Avenue. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed stopping prohibitions will enable unobstructed traffic progression on McMicking Street throughout the school year while maintaining on- street parking on one side for parents of children attending Prince Philip Public School. Parking will remain available on both sides for residents after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. BACKGROUND In response to safety concerns, staff has carried out a parking review on McMicking Street in the vicinity of Prince Philip Public School. The concern at this location stem from vehicles being parked on both sides of McMicking Street restricting two -way traffic flow. McMicking Street is a residential roadway extending in an east/west direction between Dorchester Road and St. Paul Avenue. The roadway is 8 metres in width and consists of a curb face sidewalk on each side. At the present time there are no parking restrictions in the study section of McMicking Street. Prince Philip Public School is located on the east side of Dorchester Road, south of McMicking Street. The school's parking lot is accessible through a one -way entrance from Dorchester Road and a one -way exit onto McMicking Street opposite of Piva Avenue. The parking lot is for school administration and staff. Eleven (11) full size school buses February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -01 transport students to /from Prince Philip Public School on a daily basis. At school dismissal, bus drivers line up in the entrance driveway to the school and overflow onto the east shoulder of Dorchester Road. To deter parents /guardians from attempting the access the school parking lot during pickup time, the school has posted a sign at the driveway stating "Buses Only 2:40 p.m. to 3:05 p.m., Monday - Friday." McMicking Street is the closest option for parents to park. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Staff observed that vehicles parked on both sides of McMicking Street between Dorchester Road and Piva Avenue obstructed through traffic. Furthermore, it was observed that drivers are parking within the functional area of the McMicking Street/Piva Street intersection. This poses a challenge for school bus drivers as they attempt to exit the school parking lot. The above mentioned parking concerns are prevalent during the drop off /pickup time at Prince Philip Public School and can be exacerbated during the winter months when snow banks further reduce the road width. To mitigate the aforementioned concerns, Staff is recommending a no stopping zone during school days /hours on the north side of McMicking Street between Dorchester Road and Piva Avenue. This restriction will enable traffic to adequately proceed along this section of McMicking Street. Further, it will allow children to board or disembark their guardian's vehicle directly from the sidewalk that extends along the south side of McMicking Street, thus reducing a child's exposure to traffic. No stopping zones are also recommended on the south side of McMicking Street adjacent to the school exit, as well as a short section on the north side of McMicking Street east of Piva Street. These restrictions will prevent drivers from parking too close to the intersection, thus increasing sight lines and manouevre space for drivers at the intersection and allowing bus drivers to safely exit the school site. The results obtained from a parking petition on McMicking Street did not reveal a statistical consensus. A review of the collision files reveals that there were no collisions involving parked vehicles reported in the study area in the previous three years. Staff met with the school principal to discuss the parking concerns and to recommend a Kiss and Ride program for the school. The school property has an ideal layout with an entrance only via Dorchester Road and exit onto McMicking Street. The asphalt width along the entrance driveway would need to be doubled, from 18 feet wide to 36 feet wide to accommodate the required number of lanes needed for buses and parents. However, the school is not interested in establishing a Kiss and Ride program on their property at this time, and to discourage parents /guardians from entering the school property, a sign stating "Buses Only 2:40 p.m. to 3:05 p.m., Monday - Friday" is posted at their entrance. Should there be any traffic /parking operational resulting from the proposed stopping prohibitions, Staff will encourage the school to reconsider a Kiss and Ride program to mitigate adverse off -site conditions. The proposed parking controls are supported by the school principal. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material cost is accounted for in the 2012 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the required signage is approximately $650. February 28, 2012 _3- TS- 2012 -01 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study area drawing Recommended by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: 1 Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer /M. Carrick . I a 7 . ; s , '- L i ice „. a ' ? 8E ,; a ., 4 4 j 33 w '` .. . e . 111 POP } ;-:, -, ,th. i s t Prince Ph p . ublic School h 3m . _ ../01 { Nia garapittils ;xe NORTH McMicking Street Parking Control Review • • • • • Proposed "No Stopping 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday" Zone Proposed "No Stopping At All Times" Zone TS- 2012 -06 Niagarafg1,4 February 28, 2012 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -06 Cherrygrove Road at Dovewood Drive Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATION That a stop sign be installed facing southbound motorists on Dovewood Drive at Cherrygrove Road. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A stop sign is warranted facing southbound traffic on on Dovewood Drive at Cherrygrove Road that will require all drivers stop before entering the intersection. BACKGROUND City Staff has been requested to investigate the feasibility of installing a stop sign at the intersection of Cherrygrove Road at Dovewood Drive. Currently, there is no control at this intersection. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Study results indicate that a stop control is warranted at the intersection of Cherrygrove Road at Dovewood Drive. The visibility triangle requirements for the basic right -of -way rule are not met thus warranting additional controls. This is common in developed residential areas with buildings and fencing normally constructed within the visibility clear zone. This triangle provides motorists sufficient visibility to view approaching vehicles and therefore be able to react appropriately. A collision review revealed that no collisions have been reported at the intersection of Cherrygrove Road at Dovewood Drive, nor any of the roads extending from the intersection in the previous three -year period. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour and material cost is accounted for in the 2012 General Purposes Budget. Cost studies estimate that the cost to install the stop sign is approximately $350. February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -06 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, and public transit. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study area drawing Recommended by: / �_� ---- - - - --- Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: [2144.4) Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer /M Carrick ✓. f , 4 / , , y a • . , 4)110 a1'� , + A ¢ ) n4 2 3? a {,� %sit a //V��' . ....IV' e ' ^@ "' .`n' ,� VJ i.e. 4 ,� t N» _. X709 dmi + \ C/ / ' r- ' :: 7 : 1 p . - d . 0 > t a 0 _ U • Dovewood Dr. ar in } L j a � # 1 " O O O ., ,_ - ,- o q i F.. 0 it { -... # y ', : 1 a 1,... TS- 2012 -13 February 28, 2012 Niagara, ails REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2012 -13 Award of Pavement Marking Tenders RFT04 -2012 and RFT05 -2012 RECOMMENDATION 1. That Provincial Maintenance be awarded Contract RFT04 -2012 and RFT05 -2012 for on- street pavement markings, truck - mounted and small machines, and 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The execution of the two tenders by the successful bidder will provide for the application of pavement markings on city streets throughout Niagara Falls commencing April 2012 and terminating December 31, 2014. BACKGROUND In the presence of the Manager of Clerks Services, and Manager of Supply and Services tenders for the Supply of Materials and Services for Pavement Marking were opened on Tuesday February 14, 2012. Two tenders were issued for a three - yearperiod each. Three (3) bids were received for contracts RFT04 -2012 & RFT05 -2012. A summary of the bids is detailed below: RFT04 - 2012 - Truck Mounted Company Name Business Location Tender Price (exc. HST) 2012 Guild Electric Toronto $ 264,943.30 Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 148,510.00 Woodbine Pavement Markings Scarborough $ 264,050.00 2013 Guild Electric Toronto $ 264,943.30 Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 148,510.00 Woodbine Pavement Markings Scarborough $ 264,050.00 2014 Guild Electric Toronto $ 264,943.30 Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 148,510.00 Woodbine Pavement Markings Scarborough $ 264,050.00 February 28, 2012 -2- TS- 2012 -13 3 -year Total bid for Truck Mounted Guild Electric Toronto $ 794,829.90 Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 445,530.00 Woodbine Pavement Markings Scarborough $ 792,150.00 RFT05 -2012 - SmaII Machines on- street Company Name Business Location Tender Price (exc. HST) 2012 A -1 Asphalt Maintenance Dundas $ 133,050.00 Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 97,720.00 Guild Electric Toronto $ 155,025.50 2013 A -1 Asphalt Maintenance Dundas $ 145,150.00* Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 106,770.00* Guild Electric Toronto $ 169,330.50 2014 A -1 Asphalt Maintenance Dundas $ 145,150.00* Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 106,770.00* Guild Electric Toronto $ 169,330.50 3 -year Total bid for all SmaII Machines on- street: A -1 Asphalt Maintenance Dundas $ 423,350.00* Provincial Maintenance Niagara Falls $ 311,260.00* Guild Electric Toronto $ 493,686.50 * indicates corrected bid ANALYSIS /RATIONALE The tender procures contractors services for providing labour, materials and equipment for applying pavement markings on- street throughout the city. On- street pavement markings are essential for vehicle safety and regulation of traffic. Provincial Maintenance is the lower bidder on the tenders and has previously performed the required duties to the City of Niagara Falls standards. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The budgeted amount for 2012 for combined on- street truck mounted and small machine pavement markings is $ 247,000.00. The successful low bid amount for the single year is $246,230.00 demonstrating a variance of under $1,000.00. Appropriate funds have been allocated in the 2012 budget. February 28, 2012 -3- TS- 2012 -13 CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include ensuring that environmental, health, and social benefits direct transportation planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling, public transit and safety. Recommended by: �--, Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: P4414i- Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer /M. Carrick co -< 1 D ca CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2012 - A by -law to establish Falls Avenue Plan 294 Town of Niagara Falls lying between Newman Hill Road and John Street, City of Niagara Falls. WHEREAS Section 31 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides, in part, that a municipality may pass a by -law to establish a highway; THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. That Falls Avenue Plan 294 Town of Niagara Falls lying between Newman Hill Road and John Street, in the City of Niagara Falls, in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, be established for public highway purposes. 2. That said Falls Avenue Plan 294 Town of Niagara Falls lying between Newman Hill Road and John Street, City of Niagara Falls is hereby established as a public highway, be known as and form part of North Falls Avenue. Passed this 28` day of February, 2012 DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR First Reading February 28, 2012. Second Reading February 28, 2012. Third Reading February 28, 2012. CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By -law No. 2012 - A by -law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting held on the 28t day of February, 2012. WHEREAS it is deemed desirable and expedient that the actions and proceedings of Council as herein set forth be adopted, ratified and confirmed by by -law. NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The actions of the Council at its meeting held on the 28t day of February, 2012 including all motions, resolutions and other actions taken by the Council at its said meeting, are hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed as if they were expressly embodied in this by -law, except where the prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board or other authority is by law required or any action required by law to be taken by resolution. 2. Where no individual by -law has been or is passed with respect to the taking of any action authorized in or with respect to the exercise of any powers by the Council, then this by -law shall be deemed for all purposes to be the by-law required for approving, authorizing and taking of any action authorized therein or thereby, or required for the exercise of any powers thereon by the Council. 3. The Mayor and the proper officers of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said actions of the Council or to obtain approvals where required, and, except where otherwise provided, the Mayor and the Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents arising therefrom and necessary on behalf of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls and to affix thereto the corporate seal of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls. Passed this twenty- eighth day of February, 2012. DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR First Reading: February 28, 2012 Second Reading: February 28, 2012 Third Reading: February 28, 2012