2003/02/101)
2)
b)
SECOND MEETING
Monday, February 10, 2003
From 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
Approval of the 2003 2 03 Community Services Committee Minutes.
REPORTS
BBS-2003-03 Canadian Niagara Hotels Falls Avenue and
Clifton Hill Sign Variance
MW-2003-30 Preparation of Base Plans -
Casino Roads Reconstruction
c) MW-2003-31
d) R-2003-09
e) IS-2003-01
4)
Falls Avenue Transfer to The Regional
Municipality of Niagara
Proposed Cemetery Fee Charges and Business
Plan Update
Acceptable Use for Intemet Access and Computer
Systems
STAFF CONTACT
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
Adele iKon
Tony Ravenda
NEW BUSINESS
5) ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING,
Monday, February 3, 2003, City Hall, Room 2 at 4:45 p.m.
PRESENT:
Chairman Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson,
Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman
Selina Volpatti, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman
Norm Puttick, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Ken Feren
STAFF:
Ed Dujlovic, Dean Iorfida, Ken Burden, Sue Forcier, Ray Kallio, Barney
Ruddell, Todd Harrison, Lynn Molloy, Steve Norris
ABSENT:
John McDonald, Pat Burke, Alderman Art Federow, Alderman Kim
Craitor
PRESS:
Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
GUESTS:
John Rizzo of The Regional Municipality of Niagara, Mike Hubicki of
Totten Simms Hubicki, Gord Shields of Totten Simms Hubicki, Tim
Stuart of Totten Simms Hubicki, Lou Gallucci of O.M.G. Media, Gary
Dingwall of O.M.G. Media
MINUTES
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER and seconded by Mayor Thomson that the minutes
of the December 9, 2002, meeting be approved.
Motion:
Action:
Carded
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
2) PRESENTATION
a) MW-2002-26 - Stanley Avenue Road Reconstruction - Marineland Boulevard and
Main Street
John Rizzo - Representing the Regional Municipality of Niagara
Mike Hubicki - Representing Totten Simms Hubicki
After a brief discussion by Aldermen, Staff and Consultants the following motion was
made;
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Volpatti that;
Community Services Committee 2 February 3, 2003
City Council reaffirms its intention to proceed with this project and cost share with the Region at
an estimated cost of $3,435,120.00 (structural soil not included).
That the Structural soil be deleted from the contract at a savings to the City of approximately
$500,000.00.
That the City confirms its agreement to relocate Niagara Falls Hydro from overhead lines to
underground at an estimated cost to the City of $800,000.00.
That staff continues to investigate other sources of funding through the Fallsview BIA and Super
Build Fund and report back to Council upon completion of these investigations.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
3) REPORTS
a) MW-2003-25 - Cost Sharing Payments Neighbourhoods of St. Davids
IT WAS MOVED MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that City Council
authorizes the payment of the City's share of the storm sewer construction completed by the
Walker Community Development Corporation on St. Paul Avenue in conjunction with the
servicing scheme for the Neighbourhoods of St. Davids Plan of Subdivision.
That staff be directed to forward the funds paid by The Eagle Valley Golf Course to Walker
Community Development Corporation that have been collected on their behalf.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
b)
MW-2003-28 - Transfer of Agreement Olifas Marketing Group Inc. -
O.M.G. Niagara
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Feren that the
Committee approves the transfer of the agreement from Olifas Marketing Group Inc. to O.M.G.
Niagara and further that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the said agreement.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
c)
MW-2003-24 - St. Davids Sanitary Servicing Project Confirmation of Cost Sharing
Arrangement
Community Services Committee 3 February 3, 2003
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Feren that the City of
Niagara Falls confirms its support for the proposed sanitary servicing scheme for the community
of St. Davids and commit to a maximum contribution of $350,000.00 for the City's share of the
costs to construct the new sanitary sewer on Stanley Avenue between Portage Road and Highway
#405. Further, that Municipal Works staff be directed to arrange a meeting with the landowners
that would benefit from this new sewer to discuss cost recovery alternatives and report back to
Council with a recommended financing scheme.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
d) MW-2003-19 - Niagara Falls Water System Long Term Capital Needs
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN and seconded by Mayor Thomson that this report
be received for the information of Committee.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
e)
MW-2003-29 - Reconstruction of Roberts Street from Stanley Avenue to Falls
Avenue and Stanley Avenue from Stamford Street to north of Valley
Way Regional Contract RN 02-47
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN and seconded by Mayor Thomson that City
Council confirms its participation in this project and the related cost.
Motion:
Conflict:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Wing
Recommendation submitted to Council 2002-12-09
0 R-2003-10 - Coronation 50 Plus Recreation Centre Membership Monitoring System
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN and seconded by Mayor Thomson that the Request
for Proposal #P1-2003 for a Membership Monitoring System be awarded to Toplnet of Montreal,
Quebec at the total cost of $22,470.00 including taxes.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
g) CPS-2003-01 - Acceptable Use for Internet Access and Computer Systems
After a lengthy discussion the following motion was made;
Community Services Committee 4 February 3, 2003
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN and seconded by Alderman Fisher that this report
be received for the information of Council.
Motion:
Opposed:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Puttick
Alderman Ioannoni
Alderman Wing
Alderman Orr
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
- Further -
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PUTTICK and seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that a
report be prepared regarding confidentiality of Council's email and computers.
Motion:
Action:
Carried Unanimously
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-03
4) NEW BUSINESS
5) ADJOURNMENT
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED, moved by Alderman Volpatti at 6:05 p.m.
The City of
Niagara Fallst
Canada
Community Services Department
Building & By-Law Services
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Fax:
E-mail:
(905) 356-7521
(905) 374-7500
melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
BBS-2003-03
Mel Brown
Director
February 10, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members: Re:
BBS-2003-03 - Canadian Niagara Hotels -
Clifton Hill at Falls Avenue Sign Variances
RECOMMENDATION:
That the required variances to the Sign By-law 6661, as amended, for two proposed projecting
signs, be approved.
BACKGROUND:
The owners are proposing to install two oversized signs at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel for the
new Marvel Super Heroes Adventure City.
The sign by-law permits a maximum sign area of 75 sq. ft. and a maximum height of 25 ft.
Sign #1
Sign #2
the Hulk is 1,049 sq.ft, and 52 ft high.
Spiderman with Chrysler Building is 639 sq.ft, and 52 ft. high.
Both signs exceed the maximum allowable sizes, but the subject signs are proportionate to the size
of the building they are affixed to and appear to be consistent with other similar signage in the area.
They do not appear to adversely affect adjacent properties or associated signs. The Niagara Parks
Commission has been notified of this proposal.
}Yorking Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services
- 2 - BBS-2003-03
Prepared by:
~V~°a~b ea~ eJrUod~ ~3 y - L aw Services
Respectfully submitted:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Mel Brown
Director of Building & Bylaw Services
attach.
NOTES - for final s~gn location see ID__(_).
: . see SG 02 01 2 for sign box graphiCS
Community Services Department
T ..... ~-xa, Municipal Works
n.e L.I~/0! ~r~. 4310 Queen Street
T~ web site: www. city. niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: darrells@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
MW-2003-30
Ed Dujlovic
Director
February 10, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
MW-2003-30 - Preparation of Base Plans for
The Casino Roads Reconstruction
RECOMMENDATION:
That this report be received for information.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with City's purchasing policy Delcan Corporation has been engaged to prepare the
base plans for the road work adjacent to the permanent Casino. The roads include Murray Street,
Fallsview Boulevard, Portage Road, Dixon Street, Dunn Street and Main Street. The base plans will
be used for the design of the works, both underground and above ground. Normally these plans
would be produced in conjunction with the design, however to move the process forward, this work
is being commenced immediately.
Committee':
t P.Eng.
Manager of Engineering Services
concurrence with the recommendation would be appreciated.
&.
Respectfully Submitted by:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
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Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services
The Cily of
Niagara Fallst
Canada
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.:
Fax:
E-mail:
(905) 356-7521
(905) 356-2354
edujlovi@city, niagarafalls.on.ca
MW-2003-31
Ed Dujlovic
Director
February 10, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
MW-2003-31 - Falls Avenue Transfer to The Regional
Municipality of Niagara
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Part 1 on Plan 59R-11573 be transferred to The Regional Municipality of
Niagara.
BACKGROUND:
As Committee is aware report MW-2003-22 recommended that a portion of Falls Avenue be
transferred to The Regional Municipality of Niagara. Unfortunately, the Region forwarded only one
of the plans for transfer and hence the need for the report.
Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated.
Approve/q~by:
Ed Dujlovic. P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Respectfully submitted:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
S:hREPORTS~2003 ReportsWlW-2003-31 - Portion of Falls Avenue Transfer.wpd
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services
The City of
Niagara FallsI
Canada
Community Services Department
Parks, Recreation & Culture
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city, niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.:
Fax:
E-mail:
(905) 356-7521
(905) 356-7404
akon@city, niagarafalls.on.ca
R-2003-0g
Adele Kon
Director
February l0,2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
R-2003-09 - Proposed Cemetery Fee Charges
and Business Plan Update
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the changes to the 2002 Cemetery charges, as specified in the attached Cemetery Fee
Schedule, be approved effective April 1, 2003
That following City Council's approval, the 2003 Cemetery Fee Schedule be forwarded to the
Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Cemeteries Branch, for their review and
approval in accordance with the Cemetery Act.
3. That following City Council's approval and prior to implementation, 30 days public notice be
given outlining the changes in Cemetery charges.
4
That information on additional initiatives to increase revenue and decrease operating costs be
received and filed.
BACKGROUND:
The Cemeteries Business Plan was approved in principle by Council on November 25, 2002. The
objective of the Business Plan is to move the cemetery operations toward self-sustain ability over
time. A number of initiatives were recommended that staff are reviewing and implementing in the
near future. This report identifies some of these initiatives.
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February 10, 2003 - 2 - R-2003-09
Fee Schedule
The Business Plan suggests that the fees for basic services do not increase in 2003, however, new
options are recommended that would increase revenue. The 2003 Cemeteries Fee Schedule
identifies two of these options.
Tiered Fee Structure: "Preferred" lots, those along the roadways and in the front sections,
would cost an additional $100.00 per single lot and $200.00 per double plot. "Preferred"
cremation plots would cost an additional $100.00. The additional charge for preferred lots
provides an opportunity to increase revenue while still providing affordable options that will
not compromise a person's choice of interment. The current price for a single lot and
cremation plot is $860.00 and $430.00 respectively.
"No Vault" Interment Fee: Extra maintenance costs are incurred due to the ground sinking
over several months time when a vault is not used for an interment. An additional $70.00
fee for a grave opening without a vault will help to recoup the costs to manually fill and top
seed the sunken grave. An estimated $12,000 in revenue could be realized on an annual
basis.
Additional Fee Schedule changes proposed for 2003 include the increase in fees for a Memorial Tree
from $200.00 to $250.00; and the increase in "Funeral Crew Standby" from $20.00 per 1/4 hour to
$25.00 per 1/4 hour for weekdays and from $26.00 per 1/4 hour to $35.00 per 1/4 hour for weekends
and holidays. These increases are a result of higher costs associated with employee rate increases
and overtime costs. The purchase of quality trees for the Memorial Tree program requires staff to
pass the increase in price to the consumer.
Additional Initiatives
Additional actions stemming from the Business Plan will be implemented that will increase revenue,
decrease costs, as well as improve the marketability of the cemeteries portfolio.
1. A revenue generating initiative is to realign larger six lot plots to the more popular single
and double plots. This has the potential to increase revenue up to $125,000.
The Business Plan also recommends that students be hired to supplement seasonal
employees. Utilizing college/university students to cut grass has proven to be a very
effective way to reduce the cost of service while still maintaining high standards in other
municipalities. An estimated $32,000 savings will be achieved annually through the
employment of students.
The public will be able to purchase a "pre-need"cemetery plot through post dated cheques
over a one year period. Debit and credit card payments will also be implemented. Flexible
payment plans for the public through debit and credit cards, as well as the option to make
equal payments over a one-year period will help to increase pre-need sales and thereby
increase revenues.
February 10, 2003 -3 - R-2003-09
The Cemeteries will be profiled in the next issue of the Parks, Recreation & Culture
"Leisure Guide". A one page promotion of cemetery services and information will help to
educate the public and potentially increase pre-need sales.
o
A Cemetery website within the City's Website will be implemented for the purpose of
informing the public of current fees, payment options, updates on new developments, as
well as detailed information on the municipality's Pioneer Cemeteries and genealogy
services.
6. A brochure will be produced that highlights the cemetery services and will be distributed
to the Funeral Homes and other key locations.
Conclusion
The Mayor and City staff met with representatives of the local Death Care Services Industry on
February 4, 2003, to review the proposed 2003 Cemetery Charges and the recommendations
stemming from the Cemeteries Business Plan. The increase in the above noted fees and the
discussion surrounding the Cemeteries Business Plan met with a favourable response.
Council's concurrence with the recommendations contained in this report would be appreciated.
Recommended by: .~~'-~
Ade~''-~/~'~
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
CR/das
Attachment
Respectfully submitted:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
CiTY OF NIAGARA FALLS
PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE
CEMETERY FEE SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE APRIL t, 2003
Jult Single Lot 516.00 344.00 860.00 60.20 920.20
· eferred Adult Single Lot 576.00 384.00 960.00 67.20 1027.20
Jult Two Lot Plot 1032.00 688.00 1720.00 120.40 1840.40
'eferred Adult Double Lot 1152.00 768.00 1920.00 134.40 2054.40
]ult Three Lot Plot 1548.00 1032.00 2580.00 180.60 2760.60
Jult Four Lot'Piot 2064.00 1376.00 3440.00 240.80 3680.80
]ult Six Lot Plot 3096.00 2064.00 5160.00 361.20 5521.20
fild/Infant Single Lot (Fairview) 153.00 102.00 255.00 17.85 272.85
Jllbom Single Lot (Lundy's Lane) 117.00 78.00 195.00 13.65 208.65
'emafion Plot (Four Lots) 258.00 172.00 430.00 30.10 460.101
'eferred Cmmain Plot 318.00 212.00 530.00 37.10 567.10
]ult Casket Burial 650.00 10.00 656.00 .46.20 706.20
fild Casket Burial 310.00 10.00 320.00 22.40 342.40
fanl/Sffilbom Casket Burial 186.00 10.00 196.00 13.72 209.72
· emains Um Burial 185.00 ~ N/A 185.00 12.95 197.95
· emains Scatter Burial (Fairvlew) 110.00 N/A t10.00 7.70 117.70
lerment Cancellation - Casket 260.00 N/A 260.00 18.20 278.20
lerment Cancellation -Um 115.00 N/A 115.00 8.05 123.05
~ult Single Lot 774.00 516.00 1290.00 90.30 t380.30
]ult Two Lot Plot 1548.00 1032.00 2580.00 180.60 2760.60
l ult Throe Lot Plot 2322.00 1548.00 3870.00 270.90 4t 40.90
lult Four Lot Plot 3096.00 2064.00 5160.00 361.20 5521.20
lult Six Lot Plot 4644.00 3096.00 7740.00 541.80 8281.80
~ild/Infant Single Lot (Fairview) 231.00 154.00 385.00 26.95 411.95
illbom Sin~lle Lot (Lundy's Lane) 174.00 116.00 290.00 20.30 310.30
emation Plot IFour Lotsl 387.00 258.00 645.00 45.15 690.15
:lult Casket Burial
975.00
10.00
965.00 68.95
~ild Casket Burial 465.00 10.00 475.00 33.25
fant/Stillbom Casket Burial 280.00 10.00 290.00 20.30 310.30
remains Um Burial 278.00 N/A 278.00 19.46 297.46
165.00
'emains Scatter Burial (Fairview)
terrnent Cancellation - Casket
N/A
165.00
11.55
176.55
390.00 N/A 390.00 27.30 417.30
termentCancellation- Um 172.00 N/A t72.00 12.04 t84.64
.EASE NOTE:
All Committal Service scheduling is at the approval of the Cemetery's Section based on location, weather, staff availability & the number of services
requested by Funeral Directors per day
Monday to Fdday Interment Services (except on statutcxy or City holidays) may be scheduled, subject to Cemetery's Section approval,
between 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. only. Saturday Interment Services may be scheduled, subject to Cemetery's Section approval, between 10:00 a.m.
& 1:00 p.m. only.
Sunday & Statukxy Holiday Interment Services may be scheduled, subject to Cemetery's Section approval, between 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
A 'scheduled" Funeral late arrival & olher interment surcharges will apply as indicated in lhe Cemetery Fee Schedule - 'Interment Surcharges"
Funeral late arrivals will be subject to an additional fee for "funeral crew standby", as indicated in the Cemetery Fee Schedule - "Interment Surcharges"
Funeral Directors are responsible for advising families, in advance, of potential funeral late charges & applicable surcharges.
CEMETERY FEE SCHEDULE · APRIL 1, 2003
iterment Rights Transfer 45.00 3.15 48.15
tterment Rights Exchange 45.00 3.15 48.t 5
~terment Rights Replacement/Duplicate 22.00 1.54 23.54
~mete Records Search . ~~i
lemorial Tree 250.00 17.50 267.50
lemorial Bench 1250.00 87.50 1337.50
lemorial Planter 450.00 31.50 481.50
leekday Funeral Late Arrival Scheduled After 3:15p.m. 83.00 5.81 88.81
uneral Crew Standby - Weekdays 25 per tl4 hr. 1.75 26.751 114 hr
aturday Casket Burial - Arrival Before 1:00 p.m. 295.00 20.65 315.65
unda¥ & Holiday Casket Burial - Arrival Before 2:00 p.m. 378.00 26.46 404.46
aturday Cremains Burial - Arrival Before 1:00 p.m. 153.00 10.71 163.71
aturday Scattering Cremain BufiaI-An'ival Before 1:00 p.m. 85.00 5.95 90.95
unday/Holiday Cremains Burial - Arrival Before 2:00 p.m. 242.00 16.94 258.94
uneral Crew Standby - Sat., Sun. & Holidays 35 per 114 hr. 2.45 37.451 tl4 hr
ent Rental (Child/Sfillbom/Cremains Burials) 160.00 11.20 17t.20
ent Rental Only (Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays) 324.00 22.68 346.68
Dss Than 8 Working Hours Casket Burial Order 157.00 10.99 t67.99
Dss Than 8 Working Hours Cremains Burial Order 79.00 5.53 94.53
o Vault Interment 70.00 4.90 74.90
3wer & Seal Concrete Vault]Liner Lid 25.00 1.75 26.75
)wer Concrete Vault/Liner Box 50.00 3.50 53.50
3undafion Concrete/Cubic Foot Supply & Install 19.00 1.33 20.33
~undafion Installation (Minimum Charge) 223.00 15.61 238.61
eteran Upright Marker Setting 80.00 5.60 85.60
mall Flat Marker Setting Under 172 Square Inches 36.00 2.52 38.52
]r~e Flat Marker Settir~ Over 172 Square Inches 80.00 5.60 85.60
~rner Markers Settin Per Set of 4 45.00 3.15 48.15
at Marker Over 172 Square Inches 50.00 3.50 53.50
pright Marker Including Base Up To 4 Feet High/Long t00.00 7.00 107.00
pright Marker Inciudir~ Base Over4 Feet High/Long 200.00 14.00 214.00
dult/Child Dis-interment Only *
dult/Child Re-interment
~fant/Sfillborn Dis-interment Only *
~fant/Slillborn Re-interment
remains Dis-interment Only *
remains Re-interment
· 915.00
1500.00
340.00
470.00
168.00
345.00
64.05
105.00
23.80
32.90
11.76
24.15
979.05
1605.00
363.80
502.90
179.76
369.15
Remains are removed from Municipal Cerneteq/
LEASE NOTE:
) Dis-interments will take place on a day, & at a time determined by lhe Cemetery Section
) Dis-interments may be scheduled from May 1st to November 1st only
I Dis-interments not in a vault will be contracted out & will be lfle responsibility of ~he Funeral Director
I The Funeral Director is responsible for the scheduling & all related costs of; - caskeP, vault\um removal
- vault\urn unsealing & resealing
- Niagara Regional Health Unit
Niagara Falls y~,~l~
Cor,
Corporate Services Department
Information Systems
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-7404
E-maih Imolloy@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
IS-2003-01
Lynn Molloy
Director
February 10, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
IS-2003-01 Acceptable Use for lnternet Access
and Computer Systems
RECOMMENDATION:
COUNCIL APPROVES OPTION ~2 & ~3
BACKGROUND:
On June 12, 2000 Council approved report 'HR-2000-04 Computer and Voice Mail Policies'. This
report presented a policy for acceptable computer use for employees and elected officials of the
Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls. The policy states, in part, that employees shall not examine,
change, or use another person's files, output or user name for which they do not have explicit
authorization and that depending on the severity of the violation, employees may be subject to
disciplinary action from written warnings through to employee termination. This policy remains in
effect and is strictly enforced by the Corporation with the assistance of Information Systems staff.
On April 30, 2001 after a presentation by Information Systems encouraging the use of notebook
computers for Members of Council, Council approved the purchase of notebook computers for those
wishing to participate. All Members of Council elected to participate and signed a Notebook Offer
Form.
As a result of our discussions with Alderman Puttick concerns of 'security' and 'privacy' of
information have come to the forefront. Staffwould like to present three possible options for Council
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Clerks · Finance · Human Resources · Informa#onSysterns · Legal · Planning&Development
February 10, 2003 - 2 - IS-2003-01
to consider for addressing these concerns:
Options
Continue with the current policy, which already enforces strict guidelines and
requires Information Systems staff to obtain permission from Members of Council
in the event that work needs to be done on the notebook.
Amend the current policy to include a confidentiality agreement for Information
Systems staff to sign. This agreement would prevent Information Systems staff from
accessing any elected officials email or data without their explicit consent. Violation
of this agreement by any Information Systems staff member would be met with
disciplinary action.
Advise Members of Council to use an alternate email address other than the one
provided and maintained by the City of Niagara Falls.
Council's direction with respect to this matter is requested.
Prepared by:
Steve Norris
Manager of Information Systems
Respectfully submitted by:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
f'~Recommend
L~ollo,
by:
Director of Information Systems
Approved by:
Tony Ravenda
Executive Director of Corporate Services
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