Loading...
2000/10/02COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA TWELFTH MEETING Monday, October 2, 2000 From 6:30 p,m. to 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) 2) 3) Staff Contact: Approval of the 2000 09 25 Community Services Committee Minutes DEPUTATION: R-2000-67 - Use of Maple Street School by Project Share E. Dujlovic (Residence have requested to speak on the above matter) REPORTS: BBS-2000-11 - Sign By-Law Variance Thorold Stone Road J. MacDonald 4) COMMUNICATION ITEMS: s) NEW BUSINESS: 6) ADJOURNMENT: MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2000, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 5:13 P.M. PRESENT: Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson, Aldern-tan Paisley Janvary-Pool, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Ed Michalczyk, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Carolynn Ioarmoni, Alderman Ken Feren ABSENT: Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Selina Volpatti, Ed Lustig STAFF: John MacDonald, Ed Dujlovic, Peter Corfield, Woody Wagg, Tony Ravenda, Ken Burden, MarianneTikky (Steno Trainee), Cathy Crabbe (Steno) GUEST: A.S. Blott, Q.C., Keith Lindberg, Gary Conway, Steve Tchang, Patrick Tchans, Mr. & Mrs. R. Adams, Anthony Vitraterna, Lorete Vitaterna, John Panlakovich, Lynne Orr. PRESS: Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review, Mr. Bob McGregor - CHRE Radio 1) MINUTES IT WAS MOVED BYAlderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the minutes of the September 11, 2000 Community Services Committee Meeting be approved with amendment by Alderman Wing section (4d) to read Murray Street not Monroe Street. MOTION: Carried ~ ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. 2) DEPUTATION: a) MW-2000-110 - New Sidewalk Installation on Various Streets (Area residents were invited to attend the Committee Meeting). Mr. Gary Conway of 6770 Culp Street addressed Committee with concerns regarding sidewalk installation on the south side of Culp Street Mr. Conway noted that there is little foot traffic on the street with eighty percent (80%) of the children attending Princess Margaret School being bussed and the children visiting the Boy's & Girl's Club also being bussed. Ed Dujlovic addressed Mr. Conway's concerns noting that the grade differential on the north side of Culp Street was the reason for sidewalk placement on the south side of Culp Street. Mr. R. Adarns of 3712 Winde/-cf, ere Road addressed Committee with a petition signed by seventy percent (70%) of the residence on east side of Windermere Road against sidewalk installation. Mr. Adams noted that most of the children are bussed and the teenage students do not use the sidewalks in the area but prefer to walk on the roads. Mayor Thomson addressed Ed Dujlovic as to the original request for sidewalks on Windera, ere Road Ed Dujlovic' advised Committee that St. Paul High School had requested the installation of sidewalks on the east side of Winden~iere Road and that the City tries to accommodate school requests as best they can. Alderman Campbell advised Committee that sidewalk installation would reduce the residence driveways to one car forcing them to park on the street. Alderman Ioannoni advised Committee that these are not elementary aged students. The students at high school age know to walk on the side of the street to avoid traffic. Alden-x~an Wing advised Committee that she would support sidewalk installation between Camrose Street and Isaac Street. Alderman Janvary-Pool addressed Committee on problems with tendered work being completed. Several streets are in disrepair or have begun repairs and never finished. Ed Dujlovic advised Committee that City Staff was investigating the problem of tender work not being completed. ~ Alden~an Michalczyk addressed Committee if there was any problems with curb faced sidewalks. Ed Dujlovic advised Committee that winter maintenance issue arise with curb faced sidewalks. During snow removal the snow piles up onto the sidewalks. IT WAS MOVED BYMAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Orr that report MW-2000-110 be approved with the deletion of Culp Street, Corwin Avenue and that staff report back on the installation of sidewalks on Windermere Road. CONFLICT: Victor Pietangelo MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. 3) PRESENTATION Mw-2000-104 - Warren Creek Watershed Master Plan - Final Report. Presentation by Ron Scheckenberger and Jim Dougan that outline the work carried for the study. Mr. Allen Blott addressed Committee voicing his concerns on the Warren Creek Watershed Study. Mr. Blott reiterated his concerns as contained in his two letters and asked that the wetland assessment not be included in the watershed study. Mayor Thomson advised the Committee that the City has a significant stake as a Municipality and asked if there is a way the City can challenge what lands have to be set aside as Provincial Wetlands and has staff investigated reducing the amount of weftands for developmenting industrial land. Alex Herlovich addressed Mayor Thomson's concerns and advised the Committee that the challenge would have to come from the land owners. The majority of the City lands are outside of the Watershed. The City hired Dougan & Associates and the conclusion was that all the areas indicated in brown on the map are significant. We would have to hire a new set of experts to contradict the set of experts hired initially. Mayor Thomson inquired that if the City or Mr. Blott would like to challenge what has been set aside as Provincially Significant Wetlands is there an opportunity to do this through a process or have we lost that right by the method in which this research was carried out. Mayor Thomson asked Ed Dujlovic if staff have maximized every effort to keep as much land for development purposes as possible under these circumstances. Ed Dujlovic advised Committee that staff has had several meeting with Mr. Blott and the Depaa-h~Lent of Natural Resources and are satisfied with the findings of the Watershed Master Plan. ~ IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that Warren Creek Watershed Plan - Final Report be deferred for two weeks. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. 4) REPORTS a) MW-2000-102 - Willoughby Drive, Zoning Amendment - Traffic Review IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, seconded by Alderman Feren that report MW-2000-102 Willoughby Drive, Zoning Amendment be received for the information of Council MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. b) MW-2000-103 - Petition to Remove Requirement for Sidewalks Silvan Street (Mount Forest VI/Flowers Estates) IT WAS MOVE BYMAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Feren that report MW-2000-103 the petition from the residents of Silvan Street to prevent the installation of sidewalks within the new subdivision be deferred until such time as seventy-five percent (750/0) (or greater) of the lots within the subdivision are occupied. MOTION:' Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. c) MW-2000-106 - Residential Water Meters Installation Update IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, seconded by Mayor Thomson that report MW-2000-106 - Residential Water Meter Installation Update be received by Committee for information. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. d) MW-2000-107 - People Mover Consultant Selection for Study Design Document IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that the City of Niagara Falls retain the firm of Deloitte & Touche Corporate Fianc~ Canada Incorporated at a cost qf thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) plus GST for the People Mover Study. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. e) MW-2000-109 - Water System Condition Update Report Alderman Craitor advised Committee that residents in sections of the City have had an ongoing problem with discoloured water and the amount of work required to rectify the situation. Ed Dujlovic responded to Committee that the City spends an estimated one million dollars per year on watemain replacement and rehabilitation. Capital Program has been on going. Alderman Craitor inquired that with the installation of the water meters would there be any additional revenue generated that could be applied to the rehabilitation program. Ed Dujlovic responded to Committee that the meters were installed for fairness to the residence and do not generate any additional revenue. Mayor Thomson advised Committee that discoloured water is not just a City problem and is common in other municipalities. IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that report MW-2000-109 - Water System Condition Update Report be received by Committee for infoniiation. MOTION:' Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. f) MW-2000-114 - Waste Management - Waste Credit System IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that (1) The Waste Credit System end with the closing of the Mountain Road Landfill which is occurring on October 29, 2000. (2) Staff be authorized to retain a consultant to investigate the establishment of a User Pay System for Waste Management in the City of Niagara Falls. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. g) R-2000-64 - Defibrillation Program IT WAS MOVED BYMAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Feren that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the attached agreement with Heart Niagara/Niagara Regional Bask Hospital Paramedic for the Defibrillation Program in City Facilities. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. h) BBS-2000-10 Projecting Sign - 5008 Centre Street. Alderman Craitor advised Committee that the sign requested blocked out the opposing businesses. Questioned why the above sign was approved and other business owners requests for larger signs denied. Mayor Thomson advised Committee that staff should make contact with surrounding neighbours prior to approval so that all parties involved are satisfied with the decision. John MacDonald advised Committee that the sign only blocks the opposing signs when viewed by pedestrians approaching the CILfton Hill, Victoria Avenue, Centre Street intersection from an easterly direction and when at the southeast comer. John MacDonald raised concerns regarding contacting neighbouring properties and will try to get a by-law in place. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, seconded by Mayor Thomson that report BBS-2000-10 be received by Committee for info~niation purposes. CONFLICT: Alderman Feren MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. 5) IN CAMERA IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that the claim by Volsci Construction be denied. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25 6) NEW BUSINESS Alderman Fisher addressed Committee that New Little Mississippi Drain has not be completed between Cattell Drive and Niagara Parkway. This has been ongoing for four years and the residences on Cattell Drive are becoming frustrated at the City efforts. Ed Dujlovic advised Committee to carry out this work would cost in the order of $400,000 to $450,000. This will be added to the list of projects for consideration in the 2001 budget. Aldetn-~an Fisher addressed Co~xnittee with the problem of weeds and other debris that needs to be cleaned up. Ed Dujlovic advised Committee that the City has not been carry out grass cutting operations or brushing on any of the drains or creeks in the City. We do not have the equipment, manpower or funds required in order to carry out such work. Alderman Michalczyk advised Committee that the residence feel abandoned and the City must make an effort to put the New Little Mississippi Drain in 2001 budget as the area needs to be cleaned up. Mayor Thomson advised Committee that the Shriners Creek is also experiencing the same problems. Mayor Thomson referred the matter to Budget Council for next years committee review. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Alderman Michalczyk that rehabilitation of the New Little Mississippi Drain be referred to Capital Budget for consideration by Council. MOTION: Carried ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 09 25. 7) ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned, moved by Alderman Michalczyk, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni at 7:10 p.m. Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture 7565 Lundy's Lane Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9 web site: www.city.niagarafails.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail: akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Ken Director Ro2000-67 October 2, 2000 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2000-67 , Use of Maple Street School by Project Share RECOMMENDATION: That the request of Project Share to enter into a long term lease for the gym and auditorium portion of Maple Street School be denied, and further that the group be advised to pursue alternative facilities with the private sector. BACKGROUND: At the September 11, 2000, Community Services meeting, a representative from Project Share requested that the City not demolish the gym and library portion of the school but instead, that the City provide them with a long term lease for the area. Council's decision that evening was to demolish the older part of the school and retain the gym and library section. Council also directed Staff to prepare a report on the costing of Project Share's request; the use of the park acquisition fund for non parks purposes; and the necessity to rezone the property. This past summer, City Council directed staff to acquire the 2.26 acre Maple Street. School site to alleviate the City's largest area deficiency of neighbourhood parkland. The deficiency in the Elgin Community Planning District is 21.18 acres. A decision to provide this property to Project Share is indirect conflict with Council's decision to acquire the property for park purposes. The property was acquired for $250,000 and the sum was appropriately charged to the Reserve Funds Park Purpose or the parkland acquisition account. This fund was established through legislation for the required contribution from developers who provide 5% cash in lieu of parkland. Section 42(15), of the Planning Act, specifies that the fund can only be used for parks or public recreation purposes. If Council decides to provide part of the land to Project Share then the value of that portion cannot be taken from the established Reserve Funds - Park Purpose. If approximately 43% or .97 acres is given to Project Share for a social service use then $107,500 must be taken from another reserve account. According to the Director of Finance, funds were not budgeted for this purpose. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire So/vices Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development -2- Staff met with representatives of Project Share to determine their needs for space and the required building renovations. Their requests and associated costs are as follows: a) install the water service - in kind service that City staff will handle; b) cap the sewer line fi'om the older portion of the school and ensure that the sewer line is connected - in kind labour service that City staff will handle, plus a $1,000 cost for materials; c) extension of roof line, extra demolition cost and canopy at main entrance will cost approximately $16,000; and d) roof replacement will be required in approximately 7 years at a cost of $45,000. Project Share has also requested additional property for potential future expansion. The site plan was reviewed by representatives of Project Share and they requested that the entire school building envelope and a portion of land to Maple Street be considered for their current and future use. This would translate into approximately 43% or .97 acres of the 2.26 acre site. The property is currently zoned R2 and this zoning permits government or public institutional use such as a school or parks. However, Project Share is not considered a government or public institutional, and therefore, the property must be rezoned. CONCLUSION: Staff is not in support of part of the property being provided for the use of Project Share for the following reasons: the cost of their request will be $169,500 and these funds have not been budgeted; this will add another building to the City's inventory which will increase City costs, as a landlord, the City will be responsible for all structural and exterior repairs; the reason the property was acquired was to meet the area's large deficiency in parkland; and staff would not have pursed the acquisition of the property had it been know that it would be used for social services. Recommended by: ~ Adele Kon Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Respectfully Submitted: Edward P. L~g/~/q'2 Chief Administrative Officer J~o~MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services S:\Council\Council 2000\R-2000-67.wpd The City of t Community Services Department Building and By-law Services 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-mail: melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca BBS-2000-1 Mel Brown Chief Building Official October 2, 2000 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: re: BBS-2000-11 - Sign By-Law Variance 6011 Thorold. Stone Road RECOMMENDATION: That the variance for a ground sign having an area of forty-eight (48) square feet with a three (3 ') foot side yard set back, for Murphy's Music, 6011 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario be approved. BACKGROUND: An application was received for a ground sign at 6011 Thorold Stone Road. The Sign By-law requires a six (6') foot side yard set back for all ground sigI~s. The applicant has requested a variance to allow the three (3') foot side yard set back. The request for the variance is made so as not to place the sign in the centre of a parking space. Compliance has been met on all other aspects of the Sign By-law. A letter from the sign company with a plot plan and diagram of the proposed sign is attached for Council's review. e Wheeler anager of By-law Enforcement ~ded by: Mel Brown Chief Building Official Ap oved by: John MacDonald e Director of Community Services Re tTlly~_m~ ~w~dP. Lustig ' Chief Administrative Officer sw Attachment Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-law Services September 20, 2000 Dear Mayor Wayne Thomson & Members Of Council: I'm writing this letter to ask for your approval for a minor variance in the city sign bylaw as our property is very confined. We know that we have to have a six foot side yard set back, but due to the configuration of our property our sign would end up in the driveway or entrance way on one side and in the handicap parking space on the other side. It would be very helpful to us if we could use a three foot side yard set back instead of six. I have attached a sketch of our property so you can see what I mean. We hope that this meets with your approval and grant our request. Murphy' s Music