2003/04/07 SIXTH MEETING
Monday, APRIL 7, 2003
From 4:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
Approval of the 2003 3 31 Community Services Committee Minutes as amended.
2) PRESENTATION
Information Presentation
People Mover System
Doug Allingham - Totten Simms Hubicki
David Schram - David Schram Associates
Gregg Loane - IBI Group
3) REPORTS
a) MW-2003-66 - Main Street Environmental Assessment
Notices sent out for 5:00 p.m.
b) MW-2003-75 - Main Street EA - Lincoln Motor Inn
STAFF CONTACT
Ed Lustig
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovie
4) DEPUTATION
Mr. Terry Welch of 5616 Leonard Avenue - City property
which houses the Sea Cadets.
5) NEW BUSINESS
Ed Dujlovic
6) ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING,
Monday, March 31, 2003, City Hall, Room 2 at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Chairman Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson,
Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman
Janice Wing, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Wayne Campbell,
Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Ken
Feren, Alderman Selina Volpatti
STAFF:
Pat Burke, Dean Iorfida, Ken Burden, Ray Kallio, Karl Dren, Ed Dujlovic,
Sue Forcier, Adele Kon, Todd Harrison, Tony Ravenda.
ABSENT:
Alderman Art Federow, Alderman Judy Orr, John MacDonald
PRESS:
Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
GUESTS:
Mr. Joe DiCosimo and Mr. Vince DiCosimo - Hilton Hotel,
Mr. Menechella - Niagara 21 st Group,
Mr. Yerich Jr - Skylon, David Maddocks - OLGC, Mr. Kerrio - NHH,
Mr. Jovanovic - Lincoln Motor Inn, Mr. Karl Gonnsen, Mr. Tom Saks,
Mr. Bob Saks - Renaissance Hotel, Mr. Crabbe - 7451 Redhaven Crescent,
Ms Bernadett Secco.
MINUTES
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER and seconded by Alderman Feren that the minutes
of the March 17, 2003 meeting be approved as amended. Alderman Wing was absent from the
March 17, 2003 Community Services Meeting.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Cotmcil 2003-03-31
2) REPORTS
a) MW-2003-66 - Main Street Environmental Assessment
After a brief question and answer period by Council and Senior Staff the Chair opened the forum
to members of the public. Mr. David Jovanovic of the Lincoln Motet Inn, 6417 Main Street
spoke on his behalf regarding Option 6. Mr. Jovanovic on several occasions accused staff of
deliberately refusing to meet with him or deny him one on one meetings with the City's
consultants. Mr. Jovanovic advised Council that the Region's and the City's consultants are not
using accurate traffic volume numbers for Main Street since the introduction of Option 6 and
would like the opportunity to meet with staff with the accurate numbers to discuss his personal
stake in the diversion of traffic from Main Street. Ed Dujlovic advised Council that he would
have to investigate this allegations and would be happy to meet with Mr. Jovanovic at a time that
is suitable for both parties.
Based on the above information Council made the following motion.
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PUTTICK, seconded by Alderman Wing that the filing of
the Environmental Study Report with Option 6 as the preferred alternative be deferred to the
April 7, 2003 Community Services Committee meeting.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-03-31
b) MW-2003-67 - Casino Road EA - Update
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Feren that this report
be received and filed and that staff meet with stakeholders.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-03-31
c) R-2003-18 - Development Options of Phase 2 of Millennium Trail
Mr. Jim Crabbe of 7451 Redhaven Crescent addressed Council with residential concerns if the
Millennium Trail were located on the east side of the hydro canal. Mayor Thomson advised
Council and members of the public present, that he committed his support two years ago to this
project and would follow through on that conunitment. Alderman Ioannoni questioned staff if
the monies to construct the $200,000 bridge could be drawn from the Community Re-investment
Fund. Staff informed Council that these budget matters would be addressed at the April 14, 2003
Council meeting.
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Ioarmoni that the
development of Phase 2 of the Millennium Trail occur on the west side of the Niagara Power
Canal south of McLeod Road and staff to investigate the financial implications.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-03-31
d) R-2003-20 - Chippawa Lions Park Swimming Pool Proposal Selection
Ms. Bemadett Secco advised Council that staff is recommending that the City go with the second
lowest bidder and felt that the reasoning behind this decision was incorrect and the additional
$13,850.00 could be spent on additional equipment or saved. Alderman Volpatti questioned Ms.
3
Secco's credentials in dealing with pools. Ms. Secco would not disclose this information. Adele
Kon advised members of Council and the public that the lowest tenderer did not meet City
specifications for the work tender, therefore the City will go to the next lowest bid.
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that the contract
be awarded to Kan-Du Pools & Spas Limited.
e) R-2003-17 - Niagara Youth Network Arena Waiver Request
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN IOANNONI, seconded by Mayor Thomson that the request
for waiver of the arena rental be approved.
BBS-2003-04 - Tender for Demolition of Unsafe Building at 4052
Portage Road
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that the Director
of Building and By-law Services be authorized to call for tenders for the demolition of the unsafe
building at 4052 Portage Road.
Motion:
Conflict:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Craitor - Works within 500 feet of the site.
Recommendations submitted to Council 2003-03-31
g)
MW-2003-68 - Huron Street, west of Ontario Avenue, Chicane Operational
Review
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Fisher that this report be
received for the information of the Community Services Committee and that planters be
installed.
Motion:
Opposed:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Craitor
Recommendation submitted to Council 2003-03-31
3) NEW BUSINESS
4) ADJOURNMENT
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED at 5:50 p.m.
Community Services Department
Th=, t"'~ n; ~k.~ Municipal Works
,~v vl.y ... ~'m~ . 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-2003-66
Ed Dujlovic
Director
April7,2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2003-66 - Main Street Closure Environmental Assessment
RECOMMENDATION:
That Committee authorizes staffto prepare and file the Environmental Study Report with Option 6
as the preferred alternative., and that the City proceed as soon as possible in
reviewing Main Street from Stanley Avenue to Murray St.
BACKGROUND:
On February 17, 2003, Staff brought forward a report requesting permission to take Option 6 to a
Public Meeting. On March 6, 2003 the Public Information Center was held at Our Lady of Peace
Parish Hall. The following is a summary of the comments received.
Approximately 65 people attended the meeting. Representatives from Totten Sims Hubicki
Associates (TSH) were on hand to respond to questions and concerns. Darrell Smith from the City
of Niagara Falls was unable to attend due to illness.
The following members of the project team were in attendance:
TSH
Garry Pappin, Project Manager
Tim Stuart, Project Co-ordinator
In addition, Alderman Kim Craitor also attended the PIC.
NOTIFICATION
A notice of the Public Information Center was published in the Niagara Falls Review prior to the
PIC on March 6, 2003. Notices were sent by mail to anyone who had provided written comments
over the course of the study. Notices were also hand-delivered to properties along the Study Area
WorMng Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services
April 7, 2003 -2- MW-2003-66
section of Main Street the week of February 24, 2003.
Upon arrival, people were asked to sign the meeting register. Approximately 65 people signed
iu.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
A total of 27 questionnaires were submitted as of March 26, 2003. The following is a summary
of the comments received.
Question #1
Iam:
7 respondents are Residents in the study area.
7 respondents are Residents outside the study area.
12 respondents are Business Owners within the study area.
3 respondents are Business Owners outside the study area.
0 respondents are elected representatives.
1 respondent is a member of a concerned agency.
1 respondent replied Other: Main/Ferry BIA.
1 respondent replied Other: Neighboring facility
Question #2
I have reviewed the information provided at this Public Information Center and have the
following comments:
11 Respondents are satisfied with the preferred solution as presented.
16 Respondents are not satisfied with the preferred solution as presented.
0 Respondents checked "I have No Opinion"
The following is a summary of comments provided by residents who were satisfied with the
preferred solution as presented:
The traffic movements of Alternative 6 seem very complex but are probably the best
solution possible in light of all the objectives to be achieve and difficulties to be resolved;
Project Team did well to come up with this plan to please all parties. It will nm smoothly
and safely for all;
Appreciation for the consideration that has been given to the west leg of Murray Street;
Suggestions for an overpass with pedestrian walkways, something signature/significant
for the area;
Historical importance of Portage Road as some consider, the most important road in
Canada. Please remember to install historical plaques when finished;
Bicycle traffic should be considered prior to approval of the project;
A mechanism should be in place to stop a future closure of Main Street as originally
proposed;
April 7, 2003
-3- M'¢/-2003-66
Concerns over parking within hydro corridor;
Concerns with the emergency access area. It should be moved to the west side of Level
Avenue. Allow the use of Allendale to Dixon Street, Dixon Street to Level Avenue and
Level Avenue to'Dunn Street; and
The preferred alternative is the best one yet. It is too bad you cannot access Main Street
directly from Oakes Drive.
The following is a summary of comments provided when the respondents were asked to indicate
why they were not satisfied with the preferred solution:
Alternative 6 will be bad for buses on Main Street. Alternative 1 is preferred;
Alternative 1 better for businesses on Main Street;
Prefer Alternative 1 or 2. It is best to have Main Street access. A stop sign or traffic
lights should be provided at Main Street for traffic to flow through easier;
Preference to Alternative 5A;
Many small businesses on Main Street would probably not survive having Main Street
with little or no access;
Main Street should be available for full north-south travel. Alternative 6 cuts off
nothbound traffic onto Main Street and through Main/Ferry Business Area;
Dixon Street should be closed at Level Avenue to prevent traffic going down Dixon
Street to Drummond Road. Alternative 6 will harm new parking lot. Marineland Parkway
and Portage Road should be used to access casino for tracks, buses and cars as entrance
and exit;
Left turn up Dixon Street closes Main Street from Fallsview Boulevard and limits
movements from business parking lots;
Alternative 6 limits movement onto Main Street from the south. It limits access into the
Casino from Dixon Street;
Left turn movements from Stanley Avenue onto Main Street should not be prevented;
Murray Street should not be closed west of Allendale;
Dixon Street should not be closed west of Allendale;
Dixon Street should be designed to connect to Cleveland Avenue;
A "fast" route to/from Chippawa for emergency vehicles should be provided. Tourists
travelling from Chippawa will not visit the businesses on Main Street due to the barrier
blocking access;
Preferred alternative prohibits traffic from entering into Main Street from Stanley
Avenue. Only the right hand turn off Stanley Avenue is permitted. This will restrict the
flow of traffic into our business;
A turning signal should be used similar to that of the Hwy 420;
Staggered/stages traffic lights will help alleviate the anticipated congestion in the area.
Traffic coming from Chippawa/McLeod Road travelling along Stanley Avenue to center
of city will become disoriented when reaching this new intersection;
Preferred alternative limits traffic flow past comer of Main Street and Murray Street; and
The preferred alternative inhibits traffic flow to our business and therefore should not be
selected. There should be no restriction to traffic at Main/Stanley intersection. It will
effectively deter all Casino-bound business from travelling through our area and
April 7, 2003 -4- MW-2003~66
negatively affect Main Street businesses.
The following is a summary of additional comments made regarding the project:
Use Murray Street to Fallsview Boulevard to get into the front entrance of the casino.
Close Allendale at Main Street. Bring Allendale over to Stanley Avenue;
Alternative 1 accounts for the flow traffic from both sides;
Opporttmity for small business to survive in better conditions and is good for everyone,
including the Casino;
Severe financial consequences will occur from closing left down Dixon Street from Main
Street for businesses;
This study is being rushed to meet the completion date of the Casino. If the alternatives
were used over the last ten years, a feasible and correct alternative would have been
chosen;
Since start of Casino construction there has been an increase in traffic on Dixon Street;
and
Dixon Street must be kept open in both directions for traffic flow ease, business growth
and expansion.
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
Most of the comments received have been submitted previously for other alternatives. All of the
comments and concerns were reviewed and the consultant tried to balance the needs of all the
affected parties, while meeting the objective of making this intersection safe.
It is the opinion of staff and the consultant, that Option 6 is the best compromise solution. It
meets the safety criteria while maintaining as many of the traffic movements as possible.
MOVING FORWARD
Based on the comments, it is apparent that we have received more support of this option than any
of the others. However, many of the major stakeholders in the area are still opposed to Option 6.
The Fallsview BIA stated preference is Option 4 with modifications, however they will accept
Option 6 if certain concessions are made in the Casino Roads EA (guarantee of no more than
four lanes on Fallsview Boulevard, bus parking on the road, close Main Street from Stanley
Avenue to Murray Street and convey the property to the adjacent landowners).
Therefore, Staff is of the opinion that we should proceed with filing Option 6 for the following
reasons:
Through the process there were 10 (ten) options examined at the first PIC, 5 (five)
options at the second PIC and 2 (two) subsequent options that have been reviewed and
brought forward to the public. In addition there have been several modifications of
options examined. Through this whole process, it is evident that there is no option
that will satisfy all stakeholders; in fact, there is no option that will satisfy the
April 7, 2003 -5- MW-2003-66
majority of the stakeholders.
Knowing that there is no way to satisfy the majority of the stakeholders, staffhas the
opinion that we should proceed forward with the option that will satisfy the intent of the
Environmental Assessment Process, which is Option 6. It is both technically and
procedurally sound and scored higher than any other option.
3. Continuing to defer to try to find a different alternative will be a futile exercise that will
only serve to delay the process. There is no magic solution to be found.
The stakeholders have an avenue of appeal open to them through the Ministry of
Environment. If the MOE is of the opinion that the stakeholders have not received a
fair hearing of their concerns, the MOE will order the City to reopen the EA or
enter into a higher level process.
Time is critical. The City has entered into a legal agreement with Ontario Gaming and
Lottery Corporation requiring the City to complete the specified infrastructure
improvements prior to the opening of the new casino. The casino is scheduled to open in
April 2004. If everything goes perfectly, the work requires three months for detailed
design and a minimum of seven calendar months (thirteen months of working days) to
complete the work. If we do not meet these deadlines there may be consequences.
There has been some discussion lately about linking the Environmental Assessment for
Main Street and the Environmental Assessment for the Casino roads reconstruction.
Under the EA process, the City cannot promise certain outcomes in one EA to receive
concessions in another EA. This is not permitted under the Environmental Assessment
Act which governs the EA process.
Committee's concurrence with the recommendation would be appreciated.
CDarrell Smith, P.Eng.
Manager of Engineering Services
Respectfully submitted:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Approved_ by:
Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Community Services Department
_ ,-.~.. _~ ~& · Municipal Works
Th= ~,,.y u~ ~'~,~ 4310 Queen Street
Niogoro FolIs~_ p.o. Box 1023
Conodo ~~Niagara Falls, ON L2E 5X5
~mm web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovi@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
MW-2003-75
Ed Dujlovic
Director
April 7, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2003-75 - Main Street EA - Lincoln Motor Inn
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that this report be received and filed.
BACKGROUND:
On Thursday, April 3, 2003 City staff, its consultant along with Regional staff met with David
Jovanovic and his consultant to discuss the concerns he raised at the Monday, March 31, 2003
Community Services Meeting regarding Option 6 for the Main Street EA. The issues that were
discussed were traffic numbers used and the possibility of pulling back the stop bar and removal of
the island on Stanley Avenue to allow left tums for north bound traffic on Stanley Avenue onto Main
Street.
The City's consultant did concur that there would be a reduction in the amount of traffic using this
intersection under Option 6, however, this reduction still did not allow for the left turn to be made
in a safe manner. It should also be noted that various other alternatives were discussed regarding the
resolution to Mr. Jovanovic's concerns and as well issues for all of the property owners in the area.
It was concluded that there was no solution that could satisfy all of the stakeholders.
Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated.
Approved ~
Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Respectfully submitted:
John MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
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Community Services Department
The Cifv of Ji~' Municipal Works
" ,l~' · _ 4310 Queen Street
Niogora Folls~J~.~ p O Box 1023
Canado -~M~ Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
~T~ web site: www,city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: edujlovi@city, niagarafalls.on.ca
MW-2003-76
Ed Dujlovic
Director
April 7, 2003
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2003-76 - Casino Road Environmental Assessment
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that The City of Niagara Falls supports the establishment of an elevated walkway
on Fallsview Boulevard between the permanent Casino and existing hotels.
BACKGROUND:
On Friday, April 4, 2003 a meeting was held between City representatives, City consultants,
Stakeholder and Stakeholders consultants regarding the Casino Roads EA and in particular the
impact on Fallsview Boulevard. As a result of the discussions that have taken place between the
various property owners and FMC a solution has been reached regarding Fallsview Boulevard
between Main Street and Murray Street.
The purposed solution will allow for five (5) lanes between Murray Street and Main Street,
accommodation of buses for the Hilton Hotel off the road allowance, traffic signals for the entrance
to the porte coch~re for the Casino and the construction of an elevated walkway between the Casino
and existing hotels. The purposed solution also addresses the concerns as raised by City staff and
its consultant as part of the environmental assessment process.
One of the key points in arriving at this solution is the establishment of the elevated walkway,
accordingly, it is staff's recommendation that the City support the construction of the pedestrian
bridge.
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