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12/13/2022Niagara MINUTES alis CityCouncil Meeting CANADA 4:00 PM - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 Council Chambers/Zoom App. The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 4:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: PRESENT: Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, and Councillor Wayne Thomson EXCUSED: 1. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 1.1. Resolution to go In -Camera Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg That Council enter into an In -Camera session. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Campbell was absent from vote). 2. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:34 PM. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1. Council Minutes of November 22, 2022 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson That Council approve the minutes of the November 22, 2022 meeting as presented. Carried Unanimously 3.2. Council Minutes of November 18, 2022 Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson That Council approve the minutes of the November 18, 2022 meeting as presented. Carried Unanimously Page 1 of 14 3.3. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett - Adoption of Minutes 3.4. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett - regarding Bill 23 4. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST a) Councillor Victor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to the following matters on agenda: • Item #9.4 - MW -2022-56 - Removal of School Crossing Guard - deals with the Niagara Catholic District School Board, which is Councillor Pietrangelo's employer. • Items #11.1, #11.3 and #11.7 as all these matters discusses Bill 23 and family owns land which can be affected. • Item #11.6 - Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Consolidated Financial Statements - as a member of Councillor Pietrangelo's family was involved with preparing the statements. 5. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following: • Bryan Strange - Uncle of Councillor Mike Strange b) Mayor Diodati provided the following updates regarding recent events: Push for Change – Joe Roberts [photo was shown] • Joe Roberts—"Skid Row CEO" • Shopping cart across Canada in 2016 • One of his favourite stops—Table Rock House in Niagara Falls • He and his wife Marie raise funds for social.. awareness • His book, "The Push for Change" • Thank you to Chief Jo Zambito for bringing this inspiring speaker • Also attended by o Councillor Patel and Councillor Nieuwesteeg Check your Smoke Detector Pizza Party [photo was shown.' • Promoting fire prevention • Stat re functioning smoke detectors • Contest engaged the community and winners: Isherwood Family Flag Raisings [photos were shown.' • AIDS Awareness—also attended by Councillors Mona Patel and Tony Baldinelli • National Day of Romania— Grand Openings/ Business Happenings [photos were shown.' • Chrispy African Market—also attended by Councillor Pietrangelo, Councillor Patel, Councillor Nieuwesteeg and Councillor Baldinelli • Smokeshow Cigars—also attended by Councillor Patel, Councillor Nieuwesteeg and Councillor Baldinelli c) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2023. 6. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS Page 2 of 14 6.1. South Niagara Hospital Development Presentation Niagara Health provided the Niagara Falls City Council with an update on the new South Niagara Site hospital project, as we get closer to the construction stage of this exciting project. Niagara Health presented its request to the City of Niagara Falls for the municipality's local share commitment toward the new hospital. The following staff from Niagara Health made the presentation: • Lynn Guerriero, President & CEO • Dr. Johan Viljoen, Chief of Staff • Angela Zangari, Executive Vice President, Finance, Redevelopment and Support Services, Chief Financial Officer • Cliff Harvey, Chief Planning Officer The South Niagara Site is located on 50 acres at the corner of Biggar Road and Montrose Road in Niagara Falls. The hospital will be 10-12 storeys high, totaling 1.2 Million square feet, with 469 Beds, 8 Operating Suites ' and Centres of Excellence for Complex Care, Wellness in Aging and Stroke. The project team is working toward the South Niagara Hospital being the first WELL® certified hospital in Canada. WELL® certification will improve the work - life experience and promote well-being for staff and physicians who will travel across Niagara, and overall improve the experience for all who use the building. The site will also be the first hospital of its kind to have an Indigenous Healing Space and Garden to create a culturally safe and welcoming space for Indigenous People. At the meeting, Niagara Health requested the municipality's local share commitment toward the new hospital to be $30-32 million. The following staff presented information pertaining to the South Niagara Hospital Development: • Sam Valeo - Director, Building & Enforcement Services • Erik Nickel - General Manager, Municipal Works • Andrew Bryce - Director of Planning, Building & Development Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg That Council receive the presentation made by Niagara Health and staff for information. 7. PLANNING MATTERS 7.1. PBD -2022-74 AM -2022-019, Zoning By-law Amendment 5073 Kitchener Street Carried Unanimously Page 3 of 14 Proposal: Convert the existing single detached house into a Vacation Rental Unit Applicant: Monique Reid Agent: NPG Planning Solutions (Aaron Butler) The public meeting commenced at 5:32 PM. Alexa Cooper, Planner 2, provided an overview of the report PBD -2022-74. 5073 Kitchener Street is designated Tourist Commercial, which permits Vacation Rental Units (VRU) but is currently zoned Deferred Tourist Commercial (DTC), which does not permit a Vacation Rental Unit. Council approved the site-specific Deferred Tourist Commercial zone that would permit the VRU in the existing building. The property is within walking distance of the tourism area of Niagara Falls (Victoria Ave is about 400 metres away) and is located within the Clifton Hill Tourism Subdistrict. Aaron Butler (Agent, Development Principal, NPG Solutions) provided a presentation to support the application. Kali Carrington (Client), of 45 Woodsend Run, Brampton, spoke to support the application. The Public meeting closed at 6:10 PM. Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo 1. That Council approve the Zoning By-law amendment as detailed in this report to permit a Vacation Rental Unit in the existing single detached house, subject to the regulations and recommendations outlined in this report; and further, 2. That the amending Zoning By-law not be presented to Council for passage until an encroachment agreement, as outlined in this report, has been executed; and further, 3. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an encroachment agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and further, 4. That staff investigate possible off-site parking options and report back to Council for approval. 8. REPORTS 8.1. F-2022-42 Carried (Councillor Wayne Thomson opposed). Page 4 of 14 2022 Third Quarter Water & Wastewater Fund Variance (unaudited) Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson That the Water & Wastewater Fund year to date report for the third quarter variance analysis to September 30, 2022 BE RECEIVED. Carried Unanimously 8.2. F-2022-49 2023 Schedule of Fees Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg THAT the Schedule of Fees, as presented in the attached schedule, BE APPROVED with fees effective January 1, 2023; And, THAT staff report back throughout the year with further amendments to the Schedule of Fees, as required, stemming from ongoing fee study's being performed in various departments; And, with the exception of the cemetery fees not increasing to March 1, 2023, and to have staff come back to Council with further options; and for staff to give notice of fee increases to existing cemetery plot owners. Carried Unanimously 8.3 F-2022-65 . GROW Grant Request for Property Tax Forgiveness Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson THAT Council approve the grant request for GROW for the purpose of subsidizing property tax payments for the property located at 4377 Fourth Avenue, owned by Pamela Farrell. Ayes: Councillor Wayne Campbell, Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Mike Strange, and Councillor Wayne Thomson Nays: Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth - Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, and Councillor Victor Pietrangelo DEFEATED (Councillors Baldinelli, Lococo, Patel, Pietrangelo and Nieuwesteeg are opposed). 4-5 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg Page 5 of 14 THAT Council deny the grant request for GROW for the purpose of subsidizing property tax payments for the property located at 4377 Fourth Avenue, owned by Pamela Farrell. Carried (Councillors Campbell, Strange and Thomson opposed). 8.4. R&C-2022-21 Recreation & Culture Municipal Fee Assistance Policy A Municipal Fee Assistance policy and pilot project to help subsidize qualifying children, youth, and older adults, to access programming and activities like open swim and public skating opportunities, has been created and approved by Council. The qualifying persons, the subsidy would include: • Children 17 and under — 50% discount on all registered programs. Maximum of four programs per person per calendar year. • Families — free activity pass for open swim and public skates. The Municipal Recreation Fee Assistance program would provide financial assistance to participate in municipally organized programs exclusively. An overarching Corporate Fee Assistance Policy is recommended in the future. Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli 1. That Council approve the proposed Recreation & Culture Municipal Fee Assistance Policy and implement the program as a one-year Pilot Project specific to Recreation and Culture Programs. 2. That staff be directed to report back on the results of the pilot project. 3. And further that Staff provide options for Council to consider for the development of an overarching Corporate Policy regarding Fee Assistance for all appropriate municipal rates and fees. Carried Unanimously 8.5. R&C-2022-22 Merger of the Anti -Racism and Diversity & Inclusion Committees of Council Council considered a staff report recommending the merger of the Anti -Racism and Diversity & Inclusion Committees and decided that the Committees would remain separate. Additional efforts to enhance collaboration and increase communication will be undertaken. Sherri Darlene, attended in person in Chambers and spoke in favour of keeping the committees separate. Saleh Waziruddin, of 158 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, spoke in favour of keeping the committees separate. Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Page 6 of 14 That Council oppose the merger of the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Anti -Racism Advisory Committee; And, that current members of both committees be automatically accepted onto the new committee should they apply. Carried Unanimously 9. CONSENT AGENDA 9.1. F-2022-60 Monthly Tax Receivables Report - October Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That Council receive the Monthly Tax Receivables report for information purposes. Carried Unanimously 9.2. F-2022-66 Approval of Interim 2023 Spending Limits Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That, in the absence of an adopted 2023 General Purposes Budget, City Council approves that City departments be allowed to incur costs to a level of 50% of the departments' expenditure budget of the prior year. Carried Unanimously 9.3. MW -2022-56 Homewood Avenue — Speed Control Review Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That the speed control plan consisting of three (3) speed cushions on Homewood Avenue betweenValley Way and Morrison Street be approved. Carried Unanimously 9.4. MW -2022-57 Victoria Avenue at Queen Street - Removal of School Crossing Guard Services Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That the services of the school crossing guard be removed from the intersection of Victoria Avenue at Queen Street at the end of 2022. Page 7 of 14 Carried Unanimously (Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict). 9.5. PBD -2022-75 Matters Arising from the Municipal Heritage Committee Removal of Properties from Municipal Register of Heritage Properties Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That Council approve the removal of the property known municipally as 5986 Lundy's Lane from the Municipal Register of Heritage Properties; and That Council approve the removal of the property known municipally as 8554 Lyon's Creek Road from the Municipal Register of Heritage Properties. Carried Unanimously 9.6. CAO -2022-17 Fee waiver for single -ride bus passes for use by qualified social service agencies Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That a fee waiver of $3,000.00 be approved for single -ride bus passes to be provided to Homelessness Services at the Niagara Region. Carried Unanimously 10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 10.1. Proclamation Request - Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance - Wear Red Canada Campaign A volunteer from the Wear Red Canada team, a student from the University of Ottawa, is requesting Council to approve the request to proclaim February 13, 2023 as "Wear Red Canada Day" in Niagara Falls. Wear Red Canada is celebrated annually across Canada on February 13th to raise awareness about women's cardiovascular health. Organized events held across the country serve as a reminder for everyone, especially women, to be mindful, curious and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness. 10.2. Proclamation Request - Green Shirt Day - Friday, April 7, 2022 Attached is a request to proclaim Friday, April 7, 2022 as "Green Shirt Day," to honour and remember the Humboldt hockey team and the bus crash that occurred in April of 2018. A request to light the falls green this same day has been sent to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange Page 8 of 14 That Council approve/support Item #10.2 and Item #10.2. Carried Unanimously 10.3. Downtown BIA - 2023 Budget The Downtown BIA is asking Council to approve their 2023 budget at $908,918.00, with a requested levy of $463,571.00. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg That Council defer the Downtown BIA budget until the newly appointed board approves the 2023 budget and brought back to Council for approval at the January 17, 2023 meeting or at a Special meeting of Council, if necessary. Carried Unanimously 11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 11.1. Resolution - Town of Aurora - Opposition to Bill 23, The More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 Attached is correspondence further to the Town of Aurora Council meeting of November 22, 2022, regarding a resolution adopted by Council respecting "Opposition to Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022." 11.2. Resolution - Town of Aurora - Modifications to York Region Official Plan Attached is correspondence further to the Town of Aurora Council meeting of November 22, 2022, regarding a resolution adopted by Council respecting "Modifications to York Region Official Plan." 11.3. Resolution - Norfolk County - Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. The attached resolution was passed at the Council of the Corporation of Norfolk County, at its November 16, 2022 Council -in -Committee meeting. 11.4. Memo from Recreation & Culture - Spooky Awards Attached is a memo from our Recreation & Culture Department informing Council of the 2022 Spooky Awards. 11.5. Joint Niagara Compliance Audit Committee In accordance with the requirements of the Muncipal Elections Act, a joint Compliance Audit Committee has been established. The attached correpondence provides the list of appointed members and their contact information. 11.6. Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Consolidated Financial Statements Attached are the 2021 Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Consolidated Financial Statements for review. 11.7. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett 11.8. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett Page 9 of 14 11.9. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett - safety at Downtown BIA meeting 11.10. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett - donations 11.11. Correspondence from Joedy Burdett - affordable housing Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel That Council receive and file for information Item #11.1 through to and including Item #11.11. Carried (Councillor Campbell opposed and Councillor Pietrangelo declaring a conflict to Item #11.1, #11.3, #11.6 and #11.7). 12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 12.1. St. John Ambulance Support Attached is a letter and financial comparison between the Niagara Region St. John Ambulance St. Catharines and St. John Ambulance Niagara Falls. RECOMMENDATION: That Council re -affirm the motion made in 2020 and support the presence of St. John Ambulance in the City of Niagara Falls and reject any suggestion of any other Niagara branch or other group taking over the Niagara Falls operations. And further, that based on the success of the Niagara Falls branch, Council would support that their staff, volunteer leadership and Board of Directors are in charge and run any potential amalgamated branch in the Niagara Region. Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel That Council re -affirm the motion made in 2020 and support the presence of St. John Ambulance in the City of Niagara Falls and reject any suggestion of any other Niagara branch or other group taking over the Niagara Falls operations. And further, that based on the success of the Niagara Falls branch, Council would support that their staff, volunteer leadership and Board of Directors are in charge and run any potential amalgamated branch in the Niagara Region. Carried Unanimously 12.2 Downtown Board of Management - Election Results (Clerk's Memo and emails from Phil Ritchie and Eric Martin added; further comments from resident added) Attached is a letter on behalf of the BIA Board regarding the 2022 Downtown Board of Management BIA regarding the 2022 BIA election results. RECOMMENDATION: That Council for the City of Niagara Falls approves the appointment of the remaining 12 nominees (see below for names) at the time of the BIA election to the Downtown Board of Management for the four-year term of 2022- 2026, along with at least one City Councillor. If one or more Board member(s) were to resign during the four years, the Board would not move to fill the position unless Page 10 of 14 the number of Board members fell below nine positions with the BIA constitution, with the number of available positions returning to nine Board spots for the 2026 election. 1. Alex Brandeau, BATL Axe, 4437 Queen Street 2. Cat Thagard, Cat and Monkey Events, 4400 Queen Street 3. Eric Martin, Taps Brewing Company Inc., 4680 Queen Street 4. Joe Mrkalj, Grand Central Bar & Grill, 4573 Queen Street 5. Kevin Fraser, Apsis Communications Inc., 4635 Queen Street 6. Lisa Vanderklippe, Third Space Cafe, 4345 Queen Street 7. Phil Ritchie, Keefer Management Inc., 4605 Crysler Avenue 8. Starr Bowes, Paris Crepes Cafe, 4613 Queen Street 9. Steve Falco, BreakOUT Escapes, 4455 Queen Street 10. Steven Sunderland, STS Building Consultants, 4635 Queen Street 11.Timm Paugh, RT Pizza, 4572 Queen Street 12. Tony Barranca, Back Alley Barbershop, 4407 Queen Street Moved by Councillor Mike Strange Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell That Council approves the appointment of the 12 nominees at the time of the BIA election to the Downtown Board of Management for only the four year term of 2022 to 2026 and if one or more Board members were to resign during the current term the Board would not look to fill any vacancies unless the number of Board members were to drop below nine positions. The 12 appointed members are: Alex Brandeau, Cat Thagard, Eric Martin, Joe Mrkalj, Kevin Fraser, Lisa Vanderklippe, Phil Ritchie, Starr Bowes, Steve Falco, Steven Sunderland, Timm Paugh and Tony Barranca. Ayes: Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, and Councillor Wayne Thomson Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Mona Patel CARRIED. 6-3 on a recorded vote Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel That Council waive the procedural by-law to allow residents to speak to this matter (Item #12.2). Carried Unanimously a) Dr. Joanne McKinley-Nikodynia, of 4750 Valley Way, spoke opposing the suggested recommendation. Zoran, from Hatch Building, spoke opposing the suggested recommendation. Page 11 of 14 Anna Tartaglia, from 4416 Queen Street, spoke opposing the suggested recommendation expressing her concerns that there were many proxy votes not accepted. 12.3. Council Member Appointments A list of the various Committees, Boards and Commissions was distributed to Council in preparation of Council making their appointments. In some cases, a vote may be required where there is more interested members than required to sit on each Committee etc. 13. RESOLUTIONS 13.1. Resolution - to appoint Councillors to the HOLDCO Board That the nine (9) directors to be selected by the Shareholder for the current term of Council be as follows: Mayor Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mike Strange and Councillor Wayne Thomson. Moved by Councillor Wayne Thomson Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange That the nine (9) directors to be selected by the Shareholder for the current term of Council be as follows: Mayor Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mike Strange and Councillor Wayne Thomson. Carried Unanimously 14. RATIFICATION OF IN -CAMERA a) Ratification of In -Camera Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli That Council approve the sale of land within the Montrose Business Park, being Part 17 on Reference Plan 59R-16028, at a price of $225,000 per acre. Carried Unanimously 15. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS a) Dalton's Toy Drive Councillor Mike Strange discussed the annual toy drive, where all toys donated would be donated to Ronald McDonald House. Unwrapped toys can be brought to Boston Pizza on Dorchester Road on Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 PM. 16. BY-LAWS Page 12 of 14 2022- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 154 to the City of 129. Niagara Falls Official Plan. 2022- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2000-68 and to repeal and replace By-law 130. 2020-35, concerning the removal of the requirement of parkland dedication for certain development and redevelopment of land for residential purposes within identified Community Improvement Plan area boundaries of the City. 2022- A by-law to repeal and replace By-law No. 2020-036 and By-law No. 98-151 131. respecting the conveyance of land for park purposes as a condition of development or redevelopment of land zoned for specific commercial and industrial purposes. 2022- A by-law to repeal and replace By-law 2020-37 which provides for the 132. conveyance of land for park or other recreational purposes as a condition of development, redevelopment and subdivision of land for residential purposes. 2022- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking 133. and traffic on City Roads. (Parking Prohibited, Speed Limits on Highways (Part 2 — 60 km/h) 2022- A by-law to amend By-law No. 96-50 being a by-law to provide for 134. establishing parking lots in the City of Niagara Falls, and for regulating, supervising and governing the parking of vehicles in various municipal parking facilities thereon and charging a fee for such parking. 2022- A by-law to fees and charges for various services, licences and publications 135. for the City of Niagara Falls. 2022- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City 136. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. 2022- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting 137. held on the 13th day of December, 2022. Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell That the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed. Carried Unanimously 17. ADJOURNMENT a) Adjournment Moved by Councillor Mona Patel Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli That the Council meeting adjourn at 8:17 PM. Carried Unanimously Page 13 of 14 City Clerk Page 14 of 14