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2003/02/171) THIRD MEETING Monday, February 17, 2003 From 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B Approval of the 2003 2 10 Community Services Committee Minutes. 2) REPORTS a) MW-2003-12 - b) MW-2003-36 - c) MW-2003-40 d) MW-2003-27 - Althea Street at Portage Road Intersection Comrol Review Geotechnical and Environmental Investigations Site Preparation and Enhancement of the McLeod and Montrose Road Properties Proposed Community Centre and Skate Park Development Main Street EA - Update STAFF CONTACT Darrell Smith Darrell Smith Darrell Smith Darrell Smith 3) NEW BUSINESS 4) ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING, Monday, February 10, 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, Alderman Art Federow, Alderman Kim Craitor STAFF: John McDonald, Ed Dujlovic, Dean Iorfida, Ken Burden, Sue Forcier, Ray Kallio, Barney Ruddell, Mel Brown, Lynn Molloy, Steve Non'is ABSENT: Pat Burke, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review GUESTS: Emilio Raimondo, Charles Burland 1) MINUTES IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER and seconded by Alderman Craitor that the minutes of the February 3, 2003, meeting be approved. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 2) REPORTS a) BBS-2003-03 - Canadian Niagara Hotels - Clifton Hill at Falls Avenue Sign Variance IT WAS MOVED ALDERMAN CAMPBELL and seconded by Alderman Janvary-Pool that the required variances to the Sign By-law 6661, as amended, for two proposed projecting signs, be approved. Motion: Conflict: Opposed: Carded Mayor Thomson Alderman Fisher Alderman Feren Alderman Wing, Alderman Federow Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 Community Services Committee 2 February 10, 2003 b) MW-2003-30 - Preparation of Base Plans for The Casino Road Reconstruction IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Feren that this report be received for information. Motion: Conflict: Action: Carded Alderman Orr Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 e) MW-2003-31 - Falls Avenue Transfer to The Regional Municipality of Niagara IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Feren that Part 1 on Plan 59R-11573 be transferred to The Regional Municipality of Niagara. Motion: Conflict: Action: Carried Alderman Wing Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 d) R-2003-09 - Proposed Cemetery Fee Charges and Business Plan Update IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON and seconded by Alderman Feren that the following recommendations be approved. 1) That the changes to the 2002 Cemetery charges, as specified in the attached Cemetery Fee Schedule, be approved effective April 1, 2003. 2) 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. Motion: Action: Carried Unanimously Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 Community Services Committee 3 February 10, 2003 e) IS-2003-01 - Acceptable Use for Internet Access and Computer Systems IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PUTTICK and seconded by Alderman Wing that Council approve the following options: 1) 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 official's email or data without their explicit consent. Violation of this agreement by any Information Systems staff member would be met with disciplinary action. 2) Advise Members of Council to use an altemate email address other than the one provided and maintained by the City of Niagara Falls. Motion: Action: Carded Unanimously Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-02-10 3) NEW BUSINESS Alderman Puttick advised staff that the road on Thorold Stone Road heading east across from the Falls Chevrolet dealer has an excessive dip in the middle to the point that the bottom of a car would scrap. Ed Dujlovic advised that staffwould investigate and report back to Committee. 4) ADJOURNMENT MEETING WAS ADJOURNED, seconded by Alderman Volpatti at 5:17 p.m. COM MITTE E-OF-TH E-WHOLE Council met on Monday, February 10, 2003 at 5:20 p.m. in Committee-of-the-Whole. All members of Council, were present, with the exception of Alderman Ionannoni. Alderman Ken Feren presided as Chairman. Following consideration of the item presented, the Committee-of-the-Whole rose to report in open session. Community Services Department The City Of Niagara Falls Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: munwks@city, niagarafalls.on.ca February 17, 2003 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2003-12 Members: RE: MW-2003-12 Althea Street at Portage Road Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that this report be received fOr the information of the Committee. BACKGROUND: Staff has recently carried out a cursory review of the all-way stop control at the intersection of Portage Road and Althea Street. An all-way stop control was installed at this intersection in January 2002. The initial concern stemmed from the available sight distances for motorists on Althea Street, viewing approaching traffic on Portage Road and the speed of vehicles on Portage Road. When the all-way stop control was installed in January, additional signs were installed at, and in advance of the intersection due to the curvature of Portage Road at Althea Street. This included the installation of an additional stop sign on both the north and south approaches, hazard markers below each stop sign, and "stop ahead" signs in both directions. Southbound motorists approaching the intersection have their line of sight oriented to the left side of the roadway, due to the curve at Althea Street and therefore view the secondary stop sign located on the left side of the road, as opposed to the stop sign on the right side of the road. Motorists that are proceeding northbound on Portage Road must also negotiate a curve, while decelerating for the stop signs. Technical studies have recently been carded out to evaluate the effectiveness of the all-way stop control. An analysis of the following was completed. · stop sign compliance study · radar speed study · collision analysis · visibility Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services February l7,2003 -2- MW-2003-12 Stop Sign Compliance Study NB & SB on Portage Road (at Althea Street) May 2002 Stop Sign Compliance Study NB & SB on Portage Road (at Al~ea Street) January 2003 ~ Non Stopping [] Practically Stopped ~ Non Stopping [] Practic~y Stopped [] Stopped by Tr~c [] Voluntary comp~e stop [] S~pp,~ by T~ ~ wun~,w Comp~ sto. The stop sign compliance study conducted in May 2002 indicates that approximately 85% of the motorists did not carry out a full legal stop at the intersection. The majority of motorists practically stop, which includes motorists proceeding through the intersection at speeds up to 5km/h. Similar results were obtained from the stop sign compliance study conducted again in January 2003. The results indicate that behaviour of motorists' has not significantly varied within the past year. The Niagara Regional Police Force has been carrying out ongoing enforcement at the intersection when manpower permits. To date a total of 73 Provincial Offence Notices (Tickets) have been issued to motorists failing to carry out a complete stop at the stop signs on Portage Road at Althea Street. As well, a number of warnings were also given. A radar spot speed study was also undertaken on Portage Road, north of Althea Street. The table below summarizes the results obtained from the radar study, in comparison with the radar spot speed study that was conducted prior to the installation of the all-way stop control. Before Ali-Way Stop After Installation of All-Way Stop 85th percentile speed* Average speed Percent violation 60 krrffh 60 km/h 53 km/h 53 km/h 56% 56% * - 85th percentile speed is the speed at which 85% of the motorists are travelling at or below. The results of the study indicate that motorists' speed has not been affected by the installation of the all-way stop controls. A review of the collision history indicates that there have been no reported collisions at the intersection since the installation of the all-way stop control. In the three years prior to the installation of the all-way stop, two collisions occurred at the intersection. Both collisions occurred on adverse pavement conditions. One collision was susceptible through correction by the installation of an all-way stop. The other was a rear-end type collision that occurred on February l7,2003 -3- MW-2003-12 Althea Street. As indicated, the concern at this intersection was the available sight distances for motorists on Althea Street, viewing approaching traffic on Portage Road. Previously on the northwest comer of the intersection, a hedge and fence encompassed the perimeter of the property. The minimum intersection sight distance for Althea Street motorists was well below the minimum guidelines. The vegetation has since been removed, and the chain link fence has been lowered to the satisfaction of the City. The resulting sight distance to the north is now above the minimum guidelines, based on the 50 krn/h speed limit. BEFORE AFTER The purpose of an all-way stop control is to assign the right-of-way between two roadways that have similar volume and operating characteristics. Portage Road is an arterial roadway and is designed primarily to accommodate the movement of large volumes and various types of traffic between major land uses in the City. Alternatively, Althea Street is a residential roadway that provides Althea Street and Burdette Drive homeowners access to adjacent arterial roads, namely Portage Road and Drummond Road. An intersection traffic count indicated that 97% of the traffic entering the intersection was from Portage Road. The ratio split equals to one vehicle on Althea Street for every 32 vehicles on Portage Road. Emergency services such as fire trucks and ambulances/paramedics are required to complete a full stop at all stop signs prior to proceeding through the intersection. Portage Road extends throughout the majority of the urban boundary in a north/south direction and may therefore be a preferred route in an emergency situation particularly from the fire station on Morrison Street. The Greater Niagara General Hospital is also in close proximity to the study area. In summary, the City of Niagara Falls Residential All-Way Stop Control Warrants is not fulfilled. The criterion for the installation of an ail-way stop includes roadway function and geometrics, traffic volumes and volume ratio, collision history, intersection visibility and resident's preference for intersection control. Therefore, staff concurs with our previous recommendations that the stop signs on Portage Road facing northbound and southbound traffic are not warranted. The Co .mmittee's concurrence with the recommendations outlined in this report would be appreciated. Febmaryl7,2003 -4- MW-2003-12 Prepared by: Karl Dren, C.E.T. Manager of Traffic & Parking Services Appro~y~ by: Director of Municipal Works ~spectfijlly Submitted by: · //John MacDonald {/Chief Administrative Officer S:\TRAFFIC'xREPORTS~2003~2003 Community Services~lW-2003-12.wpd Community Services Department · Municipal Works The C~ty of ..... lB/,~ 4310 Queen Street N~agara I-a,s~~ p 0 Box 1023 Cclnod~___~,~'Nia~ara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 ~-r web site: www.city, niagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: edujlovi@city, niagarafalls.on.ca MW-2003-36 Ed Dujlovic Director February 17, 2003 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2003-36 - Geotechnical and Environmental Investigations Niagara Falls Community Centre RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the firm of Jagger Hims Limited be retained at a cost of $34,200.00 plus tax to carry out the necessary geotechnical and environmental works. BACKGROUND: In order to facilitate the construction of the Community Centre and Skate Park, a geotechnical investigation needs to be carried out in order to prepare the necessary specifications for the parking lot construction, footings and foundations for the Community Centre and Skate Park. In addition as a result of a preliminary environmental investigation carried out by CERTI, additional environmental investigations are necessary and required to satisfy the Province for the funding received. Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. Approve1 by: _ /dqEd Dujlovic, P.Eng Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: ~hil~e fMA~CmI~°ni st r at iv e Officenald ~ r Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services The City 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-2003-40 Ed Dujlovic Director February 17, 2003 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re,' MW-2003-40 - Site Preparation and Enhancement of the McLeod and Montrose Road Properties Proposed Community Centre and Skate Park Development RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that: o The Public/Private Partnership Proposal submitted by Integrated Municipal Services (IMS) be accepted for the proposed development of the City properties on the East and West sides of Montrose Road; and Staff should be directed to prepare an agreement of partnership with IMS to complete the site enhancements on the East and West side properties. BACKGROUND: The City owns two parcels of land on McLeod Road at the intersection of McLeod and Montrose Roads. The property on the east side of Montrose Road is a 23-acre parcel of land bordered by McLeod Road, Montrose Road and Kinsmen Court (henceforth referred to as the East Side). It is the property selected as the site for the new Niagara Falls Community Centre. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services February '17, 2003 -2 - MW-2003-40 The property on the west side of Montrose Road is a 77-acre parcel of land bordered by McLeod Road, Montrose Road, the Hydro corridor and John Allan Park (henceforth referred to as the West Side). Both properties were used to dispose of rock and earth spoils excavated from the hydro canal in the 1920's. In addition, approximately 40 acres in the northern half of the West Side property was used as a Municipal landfill that was closed in 1967. Since then, both properties have not been used for any useful purpose. A comprehensive site selection process in 2001 identified the East Side as the preferred location for the Community Centre. However, the site requires significant grading including the removal of rock and earth spoils, before the Community Centre and the Skate Park are constructed. The East Side grading is also required to address Federal Government SuperBuild conditions that require the establishment of three monitoring wells on the property. The plan for the East Side also includes the development of parklands and complimentary recreational uses. In the course of planning for the site grading work on the East Side, staff identified a significant opportunity to enhance both the East and West Side properties for both the short term benefits of this project and the long term benefits to the City. The Neighbourhood Plan Staff determined that by developing a neighbourhood plan that involved enhancing both the West and East Side properties there would be opportunities to: Prepare and grade the East Side property for construction of the Community Centre, Skate Park, and parkland amenities at significantly reduced costs by using part of the West Side to dispose of excess material from the East Side. 2. Profit from the recovery and use of rock spoils as aggregate from the West Side property. o Grade and excavate 25 to 30 acres of the West Side property adjacent to McLeod Road. This would create a parcel of land that would be suitable for future development and significantly increase its marketability and the value of the property for sale or City use. Develop the remainder of the West Side (45 to 50 acres) for useful recreational purposes including connections to other neighbourhoods and City recreational uses via a trail system. The Request for Proposal In December 2002, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued by the City for a Public/Private Parmership to do Site Preparation and Enhancement of the McLeod and Montrose Road Properties. A closing date of January 31, 2003 was set for receiving proposals. The RFP asked that interested parties address a number of key elements necessary to the development of this project. February 17, 2003 - 3 - MW-2003-40 Review of Partnership Proposals The City received two (2) proposals that addressed these key elements. A proposal was received from Integrated Municipal Services (IMS) and from Rankin Construction. Both firms are local, well known and have the capacity, experience, and expertise to complete the required work. In addition, both firms have identified, as part of their willingness to engage in a partnership with the City, a strong belief that the enhancement of the West Side property will create a profitable land development opportunity. The IMS Proposal Staff reviewed the two proposals and is recommending that the IMS proposal be accepted to complete this work for the following reasons: A Partnership Proposal is one that would allow for IMS to carry financing for the project for up to two years before the City would be required to pay for grading and site preparation costs. This would provide the City with sufficient time to decide on the ultimate use of the West Side property. o The scope of services provided for the grading of the East Side and West Side is complete and would meet the schedule requirements to commence construction on the Skate Park soon, followed by the Niagara Falls Community Centre construction. 3. The total estimated cost includes a financing cost. 4. Unit costs for managing materials were the lowest. 5. The proposal also includes an opportunity for the City to share 50/50 in rock recovery. East Side Property - Phase I in · wood chips for [. Traffic control & signage [ City use [. Cut & rem?ye ill! to West Side I · Large rock for [. Rough grading of entrances, parking lot I landscape use I _ & hard surfaces _ I I Fine Gr.ading_~of Community CentreI $4.20 M3 I excavation, Skate Park, storm pond February 17, 2003 - 4 - MW-2003-40 West Side Property - Phase II Clearing, grubbing & silt fencing Rock crushing & providing aggregate to City at cost Earth moving Address any Environmental Issues Site Development & Marketing Plan $2,708,000 Woodchips for City use Recovery of 140,000 tonnes of aggregate - estimated value of $280,000 which City shares Value of 25 to 30 acres of land for development The proposal and the requirements of the project call for the enhancement to be completed in two phases. The first phase would see the completion of the East Side enhancement for the purposes of commencing construction on the Community Centre as soon as possible. This is work that is required to be completed and has always been anticipated in the selection of this site. Entering into a partnership with IMS to complete this work affords the project the opportunity to complete the required grading work at a reduced cost when included with the development of the West Side. The second phase would see the enhancement of the West Side property for the purposes of creating land use suitable for future development. Tying this property enhancement with that of the East Side allows the City to capitalize on the efficiencies of one parmer doing the required work for both parcels of land and allows for the potential to offset the costs of doing the required enhancement of the East Side with the profit opportunities of the West Side enhancement. Ifa decision is made not to develop the West Side, funds from the Community Centre Project will be used to cover the cost of preparing the east side. Open Houses On November 13, 2003, the Steering Committee for the Niagara Falls Community Centre had an Open House to unveil the Conceptual Floor Plans for the Community Centre. The Open House also unveiled a neighbourhood context plan that illustrated the proposed site preparation work for both the East Side and West Side properties and how the properties would fit with the many other developments currently being initiated in this area of the City. Residents of the area were specifically invited to the Open House through the door to door distribution of invitations. The preliminary plan for preparing the sites was well received at the initial Open House. A second Open House has been scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2003 to give the community another opportunity to review plans for the Community Centre as well as inform the community about the plans to prepare both the East and West Sides for future development. February 17, 2003 -5- MW-2003-40 Conclusion: It is recommended that Council authorize staff to negotiate with IMS to create a two-stage agreement that would: Require IMS to begin work immediately on the East Side so that the necessary background studies in support of the Community Centre and the Skate Park construction can begin as soon as possible. Allow the recovery of rock on the East and West Side by IMS for use on the Community Centre site and for sale to produce revenue. Provide the City with flexibility to defer a final decision on the development of the West Side until a decision is made on the intended use and development potential on this site. Moreover, the agreement should provide for a flexible payment schedule. Approv~,d by: Director of Municipal Works R.~~//ectfully submitted: John MacDonald Chief Administrative Officer C:\W1NDOWS\TEMP\MW-2003-40 - Community Centre Site Preparation.wpd The City of Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: Fax: E-mail: (905) 356-7521 (905) 356-2354 darrells@city, niagarafalls.on.ca MW-2003-27 Ed Dujlovic Director February l7,2003 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2003-27 - Main Street Environmental Assessment RECOMMENDATION: That Committee authorizes a Public Meeting to present Option 6 and that staff brings a report back to Committee at a later date. BACKGROUND: On January 13, 2003, Council directed staff to contact the Ministry of the Environment to discuss the significance of the proposed amendments to Option 4. Since that time, there have been several developments with respect to the Class Environmental Assessment. Attached, please find a letter from The Regional Municipality of Niagara (Region). The Region states their opposition to Option 4 and any amendments and they repeat their preference for Option 5A. Since the Region is the Road Authority for Stanley Avenue, they can prohibit the construction of Option 4 regardless of the outcome of the environmental assessment. Regional Staffagrees with the City's consultants and Staff that Option 5A is the best for the road network and safer than Option 4. They also agree that the proposed modifications to Option 4 are unsafe. Since then Staffhas been meeting with the stakeholders to try to find a solution, which will allow the process to move forward. On February 6, 2003, a meeting was held with the engineering representatives of all the stakeholders, at that meeting several other alternatives were considered, of the alternatives Option 6 was seen to have the most potential. When it was rated, it scored higher than Option 5A because it allows more local access and at this point appears acceptable to both the Region and FMC. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services I:ebruary 17, 2003 -2- MW-2003-27 Since Option 6 is a new alternative, under the Environmental Assessment process, the City must hold a public meeting before we can proceed with revising the Environmental Assessment Report. At this point, Option 6 has the greatest potential of solving the stalemate, therefore, Staff is recommending that a public meeting be held with the results to be brought back to Committee at a later date. Committee's concurrence with the recommendation would be appreciated· Prepare~'¢~.' Manager of Engineering Services Director of Municipal Works Respectfully Submitted by: ///John MacDonald ~ Chief Administrative Officer S:~R~PORTSL2003 Reports~N-2003.27 - Main Street EA - 3 wpd NIA~A January 24, 2003 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT The Regional Municipality of Niagara Transportation Services Division 2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 Municipal Works File:~ copt? Mr. James O'Mara Director of Environmental Assessment & Approvals Ministry of Environment 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, Ontario M4B 1L5 Dear Mr. O'Mara: Main Street Environmental Assessment City of Niagara Falls Our File: O.01.04.77.102 VIA FAX Further to our telephone conversation with your Ms. Benita Caiado, we are in receipt of a copy of the City of Niagara Falls staff report dated January 13, 2003 regarding the above mentioned EA and wish to express our concern with City Council's selection of Option//4 as the preferred alternative and further with the recently suggested amendments. A copy of City staff report MW-2003-17 is enclosed for your reference. As a commenting agency, we have provided written comments (attached) to the City on the various alternatives and we agree with its consultant's analysis and selection of Alternative 5A as the technically preferred alternative. Our involvement in the process to date has been relatively minor. We have relied on the City, as study proponents, to resolve the concerns/issUes that have been raised through the process. We now have no choice but to intervene given the modifications being considered. The safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and traffic along the Stanley Avenue corridor is paramount to us. Regional Niagara has jurisdiction on Stanley Avenue and as such any planned improvements would be ours to construct and maintain. We are opposed to the modifications being suggested by the objectors and further reiterate our support for Alternative 5A as the technically preferred alternative to this complex intersection. Phone: (905) 685-! 571 Fax: 1-800-263-7215 Website: (905) 687-8056 www.regional.niagara.on.ca Mr. James O'Mara Ministry of Environment Main Street Environmental Assessment January 24, 2003 Page 2 We trust this outlines our position on this matter. Should you however have any questions or require further clarification please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Yours truly, Project Manager Transportation Engineering /R/dr L/Msword/Rizzo/Letters/2OO3/lO2stanmainMOE 01-24 O,Mara Attach. cc. E. Dujlovic, Director of Municipal Works, City of Niagara Falls J. Cousins