2002/12/02niece.
TWENTY- FOURTH MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Council Chambers
December 2, 2002
Council met on Monday, December 2, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of
considering Regular Business matters. All members of Council were present. Alderman
Art Federow offered the Opening Prayer.
Alderman loannoni indicated a pecuniary interest on Cheque No. 271762 and
271982 payable to her.
Alderman Feren indicated a pecuniary interest on Cheque No. 271842 made out to
his Company and Report L- 2002 -68 and L- 2002 -82 conflict.
Alderman Orr indicated a pecuniary interest on Cheque No. 271790 payable to her
Alderman Craitor indicated a pecuniary interest on Cheque Nos. 271815, 271970
and 271971 payable to the Region because a member of his family is employed by the
Region.
Arts Culture Commission Recognition
Doctor Appreciation Week
PRESENTATIONS
His Worship Mayor Thomson recognized and presented awards, with the assistance
of Karen Akalu, Chair of the Arts Culture Commission) to local residents Dave
Thomson and Paul Gigliotti of the musical group Wave for their international success
DEPUTATIONS
His Worship Mayor Thomson presented tokens of appreciation to Dr. Peter
Davidson, Dr. Xin Chong and Dr. David Dec. Dr. Davidson was recognized for his many
years of service in the medical profession. Dr. Dec expressed his gratitude to Council and
especially to Dale Morton and Serge Felicetti, who, along with Dr. Davidson, were
instrumental in finding a replacement for his practice, in Dr. Xin Chong.
Romanow Report
City of St. Catharines
Hydro Issues
Niagara Falls Hydro
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It was explained that a Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Task Force has
been established by the municipality. The committee has increased our community's
presence at Provincial Recruitment fairs and liaised with High School Principals to identify
students who are looking towards a medical career. Doctors looking for a position in
Niagara Falls can peruse information on the web site that has been established
http: /docsinniagarafalls.com
Also in attendance were members of the Task Force such as, Laura Menechella,
Ian Milne, Amy Bignucolo, Victor Ferraiuolo, George Waters and Janie Palmer.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Puttick, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that a
resolution in support of the Romanow Report be forwarded to Prime Minister Jean
Chretien, Premier Ernie Eves, Premier Ralph Kline and AMO. Carried Unanimously
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Craitor, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that the
resolution from the City of St. Catharines indicating that the Provincial government should
disallow communities from engaging in the practice of providing financial incentives to lure
medical professionals, effective immediately; and, that the Provincial government begin to
aggressively work towards alleviating the present medical professional shortage be
endorsed. Carried Unanimously
DEPUTATION
Wayne Gates addressed Council and expressed concerns about Niagara Falls Hydro bills
and is of the opinion that Council should revisit their decision to operate Niagara Falls
Hydro for the maximum profit allowed by law; that all Board members not be paid
$7,000.00; that members become elected positions; and that all minutes be made public
to the citizens of Niagara Falls
Bill Haskin, Chair, Niagara Falls Hydro introduced Brian Wilkie, President, and most
members of the Hydro Board i.e. Bob Campbell, AId. Wayne Campbell, Janie Palmer,
His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson, Andy Panko, John Prentice, and George
Waters. Mr. Wilkie provided clarification on Niagara Falls Hydro operating as a for profit
entity, as well as insight to clear up some questions surrounding deregulation of the
electricity market in Ontario. He also gave a general overview of the Energy Minister's Bill
210 and how it will affect the utility, the City, and the residents of Niagara Falls. He
advised that the mandate of Niagara Falls Hydro is to operate the utility as a for profit utility
which would function in the best interest of its rate payers
Alderman Wing vacated the Council Chambers
Niagara Falls Hydro has been instructed by the Province to use the postal service to issue
credit cheques to its customers at a cost of $75,0000.00 versus applying a credit to its
customers' accounts that would cost less than $10,000.00 to do so.
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ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Feren that a
resolution be sent to Mr. Wilkie and the Board for their attendance at Council. The motion
Carried with Alderman Puttick voting contrary to the motion and with all others voting in
favour.
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Communication No. 191 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson Re: Hydro Issues
The communication advises that an invitation was extended to Bart Maves, M.P.P. to
attend the Council meeting of December 2, 2002 to provide a provincial perspective on
Hydro issues.
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Communication No. 192 Bill Haskin, C. A., Chair, Niagara Falls Hydro The
communication expressed concerns about the correspondence written to Wayne Gates by
The Honourable John Baird; stresses the importance of the Ministry of Energy staff having
the correct facts and figures regarding the financial relationship with their shareholder, and
the financial pressures faced by all distribution companies.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Report L- 2002 -66 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Niagara Falls Hydro Holding
Corporation; Niagara Falls Hydro Inc.; Niagara Falls Hydro Services Inc.; Annual
Meetings.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Campbell that the
report be received and adopted.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman loannoni that the
minutes of the Hydro meetings be made public. The motion Carried with Alderman Puttick
voting contrary to the motion and with all others voting in favour.
MAYOR'S REPORTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. REMARKS
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal Recipient List
His Worship Mayor Thomson advised that presentations were held in Niagara On
the Lake by Niagara Falls Riding, Gary Pillitteri, M.P. which included 17 residents from the
City of Niagara Falls who were recognized for their community involvement;
Vince Audibert
Frank Mildred Branscombe
Angelo Carrie
Major Brian Doucet
Robert Foley
Paisley Janvary -Pool
Rev. Duncan Lyon
Douglas Mann
Amanda Maraldo
Wilma Morrison
Mary Mottola
Lt. Col. Bernard Nehring
Mai Nguyen
Gordon Singleton
Col. Ron Yorke
Sherman Zavitz
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ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Feren that a letter
of congratulations be forwarded to the Queen Elizabeth I I Golden Jubilee Medal recipients.
Carried Unanimously
Mancuso Chemicals
His Worship Mayor Thomson referred to the recent, tragic accident at Mancuso
Chemicals. Niagara Falls Fire Services were not called by the Hamilton dispatch and were
unaware of the nature of the emergency involving toxic chemicals, having heard of the
accident on the monitor only. It is hoped that a contamination area will be part of the new
addition at the Greater Niagara General Hospital.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Feren, seconded by Alderman Craitor that a
resolution expressing the concern of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Niagara
Falls be forwarded to the Ministry of Health. Carried Unanimously
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Feren, seconded by Alderman Craitor that this
report be received and adopted and refer to the Fire Chief and Staff for a full report back
to Council about the difficulties experienced with this situation and other incidents that he
has concerns about. Carried Unanimously
Letter of Condolence
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Feren, seconded by Alderman Craitor that a letter
of condolence be forwarded to the family of the late Charles T. Condez, victim of the tragic
accident at Mancuso Chemicals. Carried Unanimously
REPORTS
BBS- 2002 -19 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Indexing of Permit Fees. The report
recommends that this Report be received for the information of Council.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alerman Pietrangelo that the
report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
MW- 2002 -159 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Bill 175 An Act Respecting the
Cost of Water and Waste Water Services. The report recommends that this report be
received and filed.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Puttick, seconded by Alderman Feren that the
matter be deferred. Carried Unanimously
R- 2002 -73 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Community Centre Update. The report
recommends that this be received and filed for the information of Council. David Schram,
Consultant, referred to an Open House held recently which displayed the conceptual
layout for the Community Centre Alderman Janvary-Pool expressed concerns about the
size of the building and would prefer to see a larger facility for the growing population. Mr.
Schram indicated that the flexibility is there for an upward and outward expansion at a later
date.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the
report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
F- 2002 -72 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Municipal Accounts. The report
recommends that City Council approve the municipal accounts totalling $2,215,002.18 for
the period ending December 2, 2002.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo that the
report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
See By -law 2002 -219
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IS- 2002 -03 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Purchase of Large Format Printer. The
report recommends that Council agree to the purchase of a large format printer, as per the
attached quote from Value Added Systems, in the amount of $18,050.00 plus applicable
taxes and shipping.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the
report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
CD- 2002.21 Chief Administrative Officer Re: 2003 Council Schedule. The report
recommends that Council pass the by -law appearing on tonight's agenda adopting the
attached schedule for 2003.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Shirley Fisher, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that
the report be received and adopted. The motion Carried with Aldermen loannoni and
Craitor voting against the motion and with all others voting in favour.
See By -law No. 2002 -218
L- 2002 -68 Chief Administrative Officer Kerrio Corporation, Encroachment
Agreement with the City, Fallsview Blvd., Parts 2, 3, 5,and 6 on Reference Plan 59R-
11875. The report recommends that Kerrio Corporation be permitted to encroach on part
of Fallsview Avenue shown as Parts 2, 3, 5 and 6 on Reference Plan 59R -11875 for the
purposes of:
1) existing portion of Appleby's Restaurant's building and patio;
2) existing exit/entrance lift gates;
3) existing overhead sign.
until such time as the City requires Parts 3, 5 and 6 on Reference Plan 59R -11875 for road
widenings purposes.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that
the Report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
L- 2002 -82 Chief Administrative Officer Kerrio Corporation, Encroachment
Agreement with the City, Ellen Avenue Part 2 on 59R- 11888. Our File No. 2002 -553.
The report recommends that Kerrio Corporation be permitted to encroach on part of Ellen
Avenue shown as Part 2 on Reference Plan 59R- 11888.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that
the Report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously
BY -LAWS
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that
leave be granted to introduce the following by -laws, and the by -laws be read a first time:
2002 -218 A by -law to amend By -law 89 -155 and adopt a Schedule of Meetings.
2002 -219 A by -law to authorize monies for General Purposes (December 2, 2002)
2002 -220 A by -law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting
held on December 2, 2002.
The motion Carried with Aldermen loannoni and Craitor voting against By -law 2002 -218;
Aldermen Craitor, loannoni, Feren, Orr voting against By -law 2002 -219 and with all others
voting in favour.
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ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that
leave be granted to introduce the following by -laws, and the by -laws be read a second and
third time
2002 -218 A by -law to amend By -law 89 -155 and adopt a Schedule of Meetings.
2002 -219 A by -law to authorize monies for General Purposes (December 2, 2002)
2002 -220 A by -law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting
held on December 2, 2002.
The motion Carried with Aldermen loannoni and Craitor voting against By -law 2002 -218;
Aldermen Craitor, loannoni, Feren, Orr voting against By -law 2002 -219 and with all others
voting in favour.
ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Feren, that the
meeting be adjourned. Carried Unanimously.
READ AND ADOPTED,
4t,
DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK
WAYNE THOMSON, MAYOR