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2005/03/21 FOURTH MEETING Monday, March 21, 2005 From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B Approval of the 2004-02-14 Community Services Minutes. 2) PRESENTATION: 1S-2005-01 - New City Web Site - Presented by Information Systems Division 3) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT: a) MW-2005-20 - Kalar Road Parking Control Review Ed Dujlovic b) MW-2005-25 - Commercial Parking Lots Update Ed Dujlovic c) MW-2005-26 - Staffing Requirements - Traffic & Parking Ed Dujlovic d) R-2005-13 - McBain Community Centre Status Report Adele Kon 4) NEW BUSINESS: 5) ADJOURNMENT: MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, February 14, 2005, City Hall, Room 2 at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT: Chair - Alderman Volpatti, Mayor Ted Salci, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Alderman Jim Diodati, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Ioannoni, Alderman Joyce Morocco, Alderman Vince Kerrio. REGRETS: Adele Kon, John MacDonald STAFF: Tony Ravenda, Ed Dujlovic, Ray Kallio, Dean Iorfida, Pat Burke, Bob Bolibruck, John Castrilli, Marianne Tikky- Steno. PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review. GUESTS: Michelle St. Angelo - #8-3896 Sirmicks Avenue. MINUTES It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Morocco and seconded by Alderman Campbell, that the minute~ of the January 31, 2005 meeting be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. DEPUTATION a) Michelle St. Angelo - Ailanthus Avenue Parking It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco that Niagara 21 ~t Group be requested to test emissions, install landscape strips as per original site plans and control bus idling at the Ailanthus Avenue parking lot. Amended by Alderman Ioannoni, that the response from the Ministry of the Environment and Regional Public Health regarding Ailanthus Avenue parking lot be forward to Committee once received by staff. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. b) Letter from Sullivan-Mahoney regarding the Stanley Avenue/Main Street Intersection Re-alignment It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco that the letter from Sullivan-Mahoney be received and filed. -2- Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. REPORTS a) BBS-2005-01 - Ground Sign Variance - Cupolos Sport Centre Ferry Street It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo and seconded by Alderman Kerfio that the Committee recommend the approval of the variance to Council. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. b) MW-2005-13 - Consulting Design Services for Park Street and Crysler Avenue It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo and seconded by Mayor Salci that in accordance with the City's Consultant Selection Policy, it is recommended that the City of Niagara Falls enter into a Consulting Services Agreement with Delcan Corporation for the design of new storm sewers, sanitary sewers, watermains and road on Park Street from Ontario Avenue to St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue from Park Street to Bridge Street for the upset limit of $57,500.00, excluding GST and the financing of this design from the 2005 Municipal Works Capital Projects Budget, Bridge Street Storm Separation program, be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. c) MW-2005-14 - Sir Adam Beck III - Hydro Electric Project Update It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Mayor Salci that this report be received and filed. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. d) M3V-2005-15 - Watermain Replacement - Queen Victoria Park It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Alderman Morocco that the City replace the watermain in Queen Victoria Park in conjunction with the Niagara Parks Commission Storm Sewer Replacement, and; That $200,000 be committed from the 2005 Watermain Replacement Program to pay for the work. -3- Motion: Carried Conflict: Alderman Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2005-02-14. ADJOURNMENT It was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Ioannoni and seconded by Alderman Kerrio that the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee be adjourned at 4:40 p.m. and Committee go into an In-Camera Session. Corporate Services Department IS-2005-01 Information Systems Steve Norris TheS¢¥ °f ~1¢ 4310 Queen Street MIS J'qiCgC~ FQii5 Y~I~ P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Fails, ON L2E 6X5 ,~ web site: www. city.niagarafalls,on,ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-2880 E-mail: snorris@city.niagarafalls.on.ca March 21, 2005 Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: IS-2005-01 - New City Logo RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the registration of the new City of Niagara Falls Corporate Logo submitted by Courtois Mather Creative Inc. BACKGROUND: In January of 2004 IS(Information Systems) Division undertook the task o fcreating a new Web Site for the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls. IS identi fled four key areas to develop and improve upon. Look and Feel, Navigation, Site Search, and Content. The Official City Web Site's image needed to be updated so we took this opportunity to look at the Corporation's image as well. For this we turned to Courtois Mather Creative Inc., a local marketing firm with expertise in corporate branding, logo creation, and web design. Courtois Mather Creative Inc. advised that a new logo could be used as the cornerstone for the rest of the creative process. In November of 2004 Council directed City Staff to hold a Centennial Logo Contest to allow residents and businesses to submit Logo entries for the Corporation to consider. The Centennial Logo Committee comprising of Alderman Jim Diodati, Sne Forcier, Dean Iorfida, Steve Norris and Lynn Molloy was created to organize the contest and choose a winner. On December 7, 2004 after careful consideration, the Courtois Mather Creative Inc. entry was selected to be the winner of the contest. Working Together to Serve Our Communi~ Clerk's · Finance Human Resources Information Systems · Legal Planning & Development March 21,2005 - 2 - IS-2005-01 Council's concurrence of the recommendation would be appreciated. Prepared by: Respectfully submitted: / " '-/ John MacDonald Steve Norris Manager of Information Systems Chief Administrative Officer Recommended by: _~ Lynn Molloy Director of Information Systems T. Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance Human Resources Information Systems Legal Planning g Development Community Services Department Municipal Works MW-2005-20 The C[-y of 4310 Queen Street Ed Du.flovic Niogora Farts' P.O. Box 1023 Director C©r"©O.'Q .Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: ~¥w.city.niagarafalls, on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: edujiovic@city, niagara falls.on.ca March 21, 2005 Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson and Members of the Con~n~unity Se~wices Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2005-20 Kalar Road Thorold Stone Road to Niven Street Parking Concerns RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that: 1) the existing "no parking" signs on botb side of KaIar Road between Thorold Stone Road and Niven Street be replaced with oversize "no stopping" signs, and; 2) enforcement of the sigms be carried out on a regular basis, and; 3) edge line pavement markings be applied on Kalar Road between Thorold Stone Road m~d Niven Street during the 2005 Pavement Marking season. BACKGROUND: In early 2004, parking restrictions were installed on both sides of Kalar Road between Thorold Stone Road and Niven Street (Report MW-2004-01). The restriction was implemented as a result of patrons of nearby commercial establishments parking their vehicles on the road for extended periods of time. As a result of the parked vehicles, concerns related to the available road width, visibility m~d the safety of pedestrians were expressed by residents. At the Community Services Meeting held on October 18, 2004, staff was directed to investigate additional controls to deter motorists from parking on this section of Kalar Road as a result ora large number of motorists disobeying the signs and parking il legally. Worlch~g Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services March 21, 2005 - 2 - MW-2005-20 In order to deter motorists from parking illegally on the boulevard, three options were explored: 1) reconstruct the road to provide a physical barrier (curbing) to deter motorists from parking 2) install portable curbs along the extent of the road 3) replace the existing "no parking" restriction with a "no stopping" restriction Reconstruct the road to provide a physical barrier (curbing) to deter motorists from parking This option was explored and as a result of the cost benefit ratio, it was not considered to be feasible at this time. The estimated cost for the project is approximately $600,00.00. The incorporation of curbs should however be evaluated in part of any future Environmental Assessment on this section of Kalar Road. Install portable curbs alon~ the extent of the road Although this option is economically viable in comparison to the option of permanent curbing (approximate cost $10,000), there are several areas of concern related to their installation. 1) These curbs are readily prone to vehicular damage, particularly snow clearing equipment. Thus, the replacement of these curbs will be required on a regular basis. 2) As a result of the number of residential driveways along Kalar Road, the placement of the curbs will be fragmented creating more of a safety hazard than providing the benefit intended. Each curb end would need identification through a yellow/black hazard marker resulting in a visually unappealing street. 3) Drainage considerations must be taken into account to ensure that ponding does not occur. The possibility of ponding is great, as the curbs may channel water away from catchbasins. Replace the existing "no parking" restriction with a "no stopping" restriction This option consists of sign replacement from a "no parking" restriction to a "no stopping" restriction at a cost of $500.00. The signs to be installed are the larger size typically used on high speed arterial roads to provide maximum sign visibility. The fine for a "no parking" infraction is $ 20.00 while the fine for a "no stopping" infraction is $40.00. The increased fine should be a deterrent to the majority of illegal parkers. Any unpaid tickets are registered with the Ministry of Transportation, who in turn deny licence plate renewal until all fines, including administration fees are paid. The last option is viewed as being economically viable and effective in resolving the parking situation on Kalar Road as an interim measure. Once the road is reconstructed at some time in the future, a proper urban cross section should be considered. Further to the above, a sidewalk was recently constructed on the east side of Kalar Road south of Thorold Stone Road. The application of white edgeline markings in the 2005 Pavement Marking March 2t, 2005 - 3 - MW-2005-20 Program will delineate the traveled po~lion of the road fi-om the sidewalk, lo ensure pedestrian safety. The Com~xittee's co ~cu~7'ence with the recon:mendadons outlined in this report would be appreciated. Prepared by: Respectfully submitted: Karl Dren, C.E.T. : /John MacDonald Manager of Traffic & Parking Services ,. Chief Adm/nistra~.ive Officer Approved Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Mm2icipal Work Bart Skiba V:k2005COUNCIL\050321\M\¥-2005_20 Kalar R~ad-Parking Rexiew.wpd Community Services Department MW-2005-25 Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street Ed Dujlovic C+'~ O~ ~/& P.O. BOX 1023 Director r~iQ~.~rc F~]]s W~,~I~ Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 C_.OR~w web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 ~ I -- Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-maih edujlovic@city, niagarafalls.on.ca March 21, 2005 Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2005-25 Commercial Parking Lots Update RECOMMENDATION: That staff continues to monitor and strictly enforce commercial lots not in compliance with the licensing by-law. BACKGROUND: The Commercial Parking Lot schedule to the Licensing By-law has been in effect since 1998. Since that time, staffhas monitored and inspected lots to attempt to ensure compliance. The by-law is straight forward, either you have a license to operate or you don't. If you do not meet the requirements, then you are in violation and should not be allowed to operate. Hence, we have · 7 lots that have complied and are licensed; 15 operators who have applied for a license but are not in compliance; · there are several hotel operators who refuse to apply regardless of the fact that they advertise that parking is available to public, however, claiming they require this parking for their hotel guests; · an undetermined number who have never applied. Staff would like to proceed with strict enforcement under the licensing by-la~v. Under the by-law, operators who are in the process of attempting compliance cannot operate until they fully comply. The display of signs (without permits) indicating parking fees, and open to the public, is a clear indicator that a commercial lot may be in operation. It is unfair to those who have made the effort and have spent large amounts of money in order to meet the requirements of the by-law. The intent of the by-law is to ensure that lots are constructed in such a fashion so as to provide for beautification and to prevent people from creating "fly-by- night" operations Working Together to Serve Our Cotnrnuni~y Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services March 21, 2005 - 2 - MW-2005-25 On April 6, 2004, a public and invitational meeting was held to better advise operators of the requirements of the licensing schedule. Owners and operators were advised that licencing by-laws are intended to set standardized requirements for the care for a property that will protect the public. Pending inspections, staff may identify additional lots that have failed to initiate the process tt'h-ough the filing of an application. Staff proposes inspections on evenings and weekends to ensure that maximum effect is achieved in identifying operators. Staff is seeking direction from Council to ensnre that all lot operators comply with this schedule. To this end, Traffic and Parking Services will be working in conjunction with By-Law Services to determine lots not in compliance, and lots not licensed. Staff is suggesting a three-step approach: identification, working through compliance, and as a last resort the laying of charges. Staff is available to operators to assist in the licensing process. Through education and meetings, staff will help identify non compliance issues, relate these to owners in written format, and provide reasonable time lines to achieve these goals. Staff realizes that some operators have financial restrictions and cannot resolve some issues as timely as others. All operators are expected however, to achieve compliance to the by-law. This is essential to present the public with consistent maintenance, safety and appearance in the high profile tourist district. Council's concnrrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. Prepared by: ,_ Respe. ctfully sub. mitred:/ Karl Dren, C.E.T. John MacDonald Manager o f Traffic & Parking Services -. Chief Administrative Officer (John/~, astrilli ~ D,,.D,,.D,,.D,,.D,~tor of Building & By-Law Services Approved i. Director of Municipal Work S. Wheeler S:\TPS\TPS 1.00 Administration\TPS 1.06 Reports~2005 Community Service\March 2 I\MW-2005-25 - Commercial Parking kots Update.od ~-- '~ Of Community Services Department MW-2005-26 '~iog,~r~ ~11 Municipal Works Ed Dujlovic F'~r~r!~ 4310 Queen Street '- '"- P.O. Box 1023 Director web site: www.cit y. nia§a rafall$ .on .ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: edujlovic@city.niagarafalls.on.ca March 21, 2005 Alderman Selina Volpatti, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2005-26 Staffing Requirements Clerical/Administrative - Traffic & Parking Services RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the current temporary positions of First Attendance Clerk and Permit Clerk (currently General Clerk 1), be posted as fidl time positions. BACKGROUND: Prior to 2000, parking control, parking administration/adjudication and the school crossing guard program were under the direction of Legal Services. At that time, one full time and one temporary clerical position were required to perform all functions relative to parking. The temporary position's duties were split between back up to the primary clerk, and cashiering functions. In 2000, the above services were transferred to Traffic & Parking Services. At that time, the fidl time position was transferred to Finance to perform cashiering functions, and the temporary position was transferred to Traffic & Parking Services(First Attendance Clerk). This was an interim measure taken prior to the evaluation of the long term needs for'this operation. Within six months, an additional temporary part time clerk was brought in to assist with the parking control operation workload. Six months later, the part time position was changed to temporary full time in order to address the increased work load. Therefore, since 2001, we have been operating with two temporary clerks in the parking control and school crossing areas. The clerical/administrative component of Traffic & Parking Services has had an ever growing increase in duties. In 2004, Traffic & Parking Services has taken on the additional responsibility of transportation planning. In doing so, there was a need to shift the administrative/clerical aspects of parking permit issuance from technical staff. Therefore, this has created an increased workload for our clerical staff. This shift was done to ensure that the technologists focus on utilizing their expertise towards technical matters rather then matters clerical in nature. Working Together to Serve Onr Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services March 21, 2005 - 2 - MW-2005-26 In addition, permits have increased from an original issuance level in t997 of 300 per year to over 4,000 per year in 2004. Permit increases are due primarily to the expanding tourist areas, as well as, the two casinos and the need to ensure that residential area parking rights are maintained. The implementation ora new parking permit software system, introduced early in 2005, will assist with better control over the issuance of parking permits. However, this has necessitated a realignment o f duties to various clerical staff members, including increased responsibility that do not accurately reflect their existing responsibilities. As we are currently working with a complement of two clerical positions in the parking area, the number of positions will not increase. A realignment of job duties and the creation of two full time positions from existing temporary positions will rednce a high turn around in front line staff and will provide the stability needed to perform the job fimctions effectively and efficiently. These positions are critical front line staff positions, and should be recognized as full time employees. The costs to implement these changes are negligible, as they have been budgeted for, in the 2005 operations budget. Both of these position have been in the Traffic & Parking Services budget for approximately five years. Hence, it has become apparent that these position are vital to the operation of the parking control/school crossing guard activity. Therefore, it is being recommended that the current temporary positions of First Attendance Clerk and Permit Clerk (currently General Clerk 1), be posted as full time positions. Council's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated. -Respectfully submit,ted: / Prepared by: ~ ,, ~ Karl Dren, C.E.T. , John MacDonald Manager of Traffic & Parking Services L Chief Administrative Officer Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Work Community Services Department R-2005-13 Parks, Recreation & Culture Adele Eon 4310 Queen Street Director ~'l~.. P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail: akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca March 21, 2005 Alderman Selina Volpatti and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R -2005-13 - MacBain Community Centre Status Report RECOMMENDATION: For the information of Members of Council. BACKGROUND City Council, at its meeting of January 31, 2005, requested Staff to prepare a status report on the ongoing development and construction of the MacBain Community Centre. This report responds to that request and provides an update on project costs, the construction schedule and other matters related to the future use of the Community Centre. PROJECT BUDGET AND SCHEDULE The approved project budget for the development, design and construction of the MacBain Community Centre is $24 million. As noted in Report R-2003-62 dated October 6, 2004, the capital sources of this budget are as follows: · City $15 million · Canada - Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP) $ 6 million · YMCA of Niagara $1 million · Capital Campaign Target $ 2 million TOTAL $24 million Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law Services March 21, 2005 -2- R-2005-13 As of January 2005, the contractor estimates that construction is about 70 percent complete. The contractor continues to forecast a late summer 2005 opening. City Staff is planning a mid-September 2005 Grand Opening for the MacBain Community Centre. The project also continues to be within the approved budget. Our architects forecast that the project will be completed within the budget. The following provides a summary of project costs compared to the approved budgets to January 2005: Project Activities Approved Budget Costs to 70% Completion A. Construction Contract, Contingencies and $ 21,000,000 $14,438,000 Allowances B. Architectural Fees and Disbursements, Site Preparation, Equipment $ 3,000,000 $ 2,545,000 and Furnishings, Project Planning and Contingencies TOTAL $ 24,000,000 $16,983,000 THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Under the leadership of the YMCA of Niagara, the Capital Campaign is considered a success. The campaign target of $2 million has been exceeded and the credit must be given to the YMCA and its team of dedicated volunteers. The campaign is proceeding with a "stretch goal" to raise funds in excess of the $2 million. City Staff continues to support these efforts and recommend that Council acknowledge the leadership of the YMCA and the dedication of the volunteers in exceeding the campaign target. PROPOSED COMMUNITY CENTRE CAPITAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM The success of the capital campaign program has provided an opportunity to allocate additional budget to essential and enhancement features for the Centre. Council was advised on January 17, 2005, that the donation of $1 million from Mr. John MacBain would provide dollars in excess of the $2 million capital campaign target. The $1 million has been forwarded to the City. The campaign will exceed its initial target goal by at least $600,000.00. City Staff met with the YMCA to review the allocation of these excess or "stretch" dollars. We agreed that there are both essential additions and some enhancements that need to be included in the Community Centre. March 21, 2005 -3- R-2005-13 We are currently establishing a list of"essentials" and "enhancements" in consultation with the YMCA. Under consideration are outdoor lighting, external signage, back-up electrical generating systems and an outdoor accessible children's playground. UNITED WAY The Community Centre design included space for the relocation of the Small Business Enterprise Centre which has been operating fi.om City Hall. Project Management was advised last Fall that the Centre would locate elsewhere in the downtown area as per the requirement of the Province which sponsors the program. The United Way of Niagara Falls has expressed an interest in locating their operations in the MacBain Community Centre. The United Way request was reviewed with the Community Centre Operations and Services Committee and there was unanimous support for their inclusion. ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRE - NIAGARA FALLS The Community Centre project has always been envisioned as a true Community Centre and one that would provide a facility in which the many participating organizations could work together, share resources and develop innovative services and programming initiatives to meet the needs of the Niagara Falls community. Not only would there be program space dedicated to partners for the implementation of their programs, but the Centre would also have additional multi-purpose spaces that could be used by community organizations for occasional programs and services that might meet a programming niche not being fully realized by any of the other partners in the Centre. The Ministry of Community and Social Services initiated the development of 103 Early Years Centres across the province in 2002. The programs are administered on local levels by a variety of different agencies. The Niagara Falls Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) is administered by the Niagara Catholic District School Board and operates out of Mary Ward School with an additional three satellite operations throughout the City. The centres are designed to be a focal point for services for children under the age of 6, providing children, their parents, and grandparents an opp. ortunity to play, explore, grow and develop in a supportive and stimulating environment with the assistance of professional staff. The services are free to families and attempt to be as flexible and accessible to as many members of the community as possible. The Niagara Falls OEYC has approached Project Management about the possibility of offering a satellite program out of the new MacBain Community Centre, as this is an area of the City that OEYC has identified as needing service. The program would require the use of multi-purpose programming space for 9-12 hours/week. The Operations and Services Committee is very supportive of this initiative and is currently working with the OEYC to ensure that this valued community program for children and their families is made available in the MacBain Community Centre. March 21,2005 -4- R-2005-13 CONCLUSION The development of the MacBain Community Centre continues toward a completion date this Summer and ~vithin the approved $24 million budget. The close working relationship among all the participants has greatly assisted the Project Team in managing this important community project. The leadership provided by the YMCA of Niagara and its volunteer team has resulted in a successful capital campai~ that has met and exceeded contribution targets. Prepared by: Respectfully submitted: tSteve Hamilton John MacDonald Community Development Coordinator Chief Administrative Officer Recommended by: Adele Kon Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture AK/SH/cad S:\Council\Counci12005~R.-2005-13 Cormnunity Centre Status Report .wpd