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2006/03/20 , CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA DEAN IORFIDA FOURTH MEETING Monday, March 20, 2006 Council Chambers - 6:00 p.m. Staff Contact: 1. Minutes of the February 20, 2006 Meeting 2. DeDutation: Niagara Falls Art Gallery Brian Smylski, Executive Director Correspondence from the Manager of Finance Todd Harrison 3. ReDorts: R-2006-16 - Winter Lights Celebrations Denyse Morrissey 4. Information Items: Niagara Falls Transit - Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2005 Niagara Chair-A-Van - Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2005 Verbal Update on the Winter Festival of Lights Serge Felicetti 5. 2006 Budaet Discussion: Presentation by the Chief Administrative Officer John MacDonald 2006 General Operating and Capital Budgets 6. New Business 7. Adiournment PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR BUDGET BINDER _._~m __~~''''".'.'n~.~~__,____.~~_______n'''__''''M_''''_ -"'0- TT _...... .._.....- - . MINUTES THIRD MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20,2006 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Ted Salci, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair; Aldermen Jim Diodati, Vince Kerrio, Joyce Morocco, and Victor Pietrangelo REGRETS: Aldermen loannoni, Vol patti and Wing STAFF: John MacDonald, Dean lorfida, Denyse Morrissey, Ken Beaman, Ed Dujlovic, Ken Burden, Patrick Burke, Doug Darbyson, Serge Felicetti, Todd Harrison, Joanna Daniels PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review Rob Lapensee, Niagara This Week CONFLICTS: Alderman Morocco indicated a conflict with the Niagara Falls Tourism presentation as she is a contract employee. Alderman Kerrio indicated a conflict with the Niagara Falls Tourism presentation as he has a business relationship. 1. MINUTES: Alderman Morocco noted that the minutes of February 13, 2006, recorded a motion without identifying a seconder. A review has indicated the motion should read as follows: F-2006-12 - Reaional Taxes MOVED by Alderman Kerrio, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that Report F-2006-12 - Regional Taxes, be received for information. Motion Carried Unanimouslv MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman loannoni, that the minutes of the February 13, 2006 Meeting be adopted as amended. Motion Carried Unanimouslv 2. PRESENTATIONS: I. ---- -2- Niaaara Falls Tourism MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Diodati, that the business plan submitted by Niagara Falls Tourism be approved along with the allocation ofthe OPG funds as identified in the plan. Motion Carried Unanimously Conflicts as Dreviously noted The business plan submitted by Niagara Falls Tourism projects a reduction in funding from the City over a period of five years. It was suggested that perhaps the same type of business plan could be implemented for the Winter Festival of Lights. During discussion, it was agreed there were many variables that may not make such a business plan adaptable to the Winter Festival of Lights. It was recommended that staff look at all possibilities. MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Alderman Kerrio, that Staff investigate the funding of the Winter Festival of Lights. Motion Carried UnanimouslY 3. REPORTS F-2006-16 - BMA ManaQement ConsultinQ ProDosal MOVED by Alderman Diodati, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that BMA Management Consulting Inc. be engaged to develop a Future Trend Analysis, Policy Review and Financial Policy Planning Session at a total cost of $18,000 plus applicable taxes. Motion Carried UnanimouslY 4. CORRESPONDENCE MOVED by Alderman Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Sa lei, that the correspondence from Ontario Power Generation be received for information. Motion Carried Unanimously 5. 2006 BUDGET MOVED by Alderman Diodati, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that the amount of $178,000 for a park crew be put back into the budget, funded by reserve funds. Motion Carried Alderman Kerrio Opposed -3- MOVED by Alderman Diodati, seconded by Mayor Salci, that the 2006 General Operating Budget and the 2006 Capital Projects Budget be approved. Motion Defeated MOVED by Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Morocco, that approval of the 2006 General Operating Budget and the 2006 Capital Projects Budget be deferred to the next budget meeting. Motion Carried Unanimously MOVED by Alderman Morocco, seconded by Alderman Kerrio, that the 2006 Municipal Utilities Budget be approved. Motion Carried Unanimously 6. NEW BUSINESS: Alderman Pietrangelo requested an update on staff's progress with reduction of the industrial class tax ratio. The Director of Finance advised that the first step was to present this issue to the Area Treasurers. This matter was discussed at a recent Area Treasurer's and a motion to reduce the industrial class tax ratio was defeated. The next step is to petition the Minister of Finance for permission to reduce the industrial class tax ratio for only the City's municipal taxation. The Director of Finance will report at a future meeting. 7. ADJOURNMENT: MOVED by Alderman Morocco, seconded by Alderman Kerrio, that the meeting adjourn at 6:55 p.m. Motion Carried Unanimously .. Corporate Services Department Fin"ance Division Inter-Department Memorandum TO: Ken Burden DATE: March 10, 2006 Director of Finance FROM: Todd Harrison Manager of Finance Ext. 4286 RE: Niagara Falls Art Gallery This memo is a response to your request to provide more information regarding the grants provided to the above group. Before 1990, Niagara Falls Art Gallery received a yearly City Grant of $12,600. In 1990, a dispute commenced between the Art gallery and the Olha Kolankiswy Estate on the ownership of a valuable art collection known as the Kurelek Collection. This dispute resulted in City Council recommending to withhold the grant for 1990. In subsequent years, City Council has not recommended to reinstate the grant. At this time, the dispute between the Art Gallery and the estate has been resolved and the outstanding taxes on the property have been paid in full. The provision of this grant would be considered new. In recent Budget deliberations, City Council has not encouraged or undertaken new grant requests from various groups. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerks . Finance . Human Resources . Information Systems . Legal . Planning & Development ------~-~-_._-__rr_ I, NIMAlAFAUSAlTWUIY --~~ " _.,t _ ..if:: '~. ,r,J ,.J. i f" ::,: _ Ji '_,~ _ MJ , _ 'j , 11 8058 Oakwood Drive - Niagara Falls, Ontario - Canada, L2E 6S5 905-356- 151 4 www.niagarafallsartgallery,ca 27 Years of Community Service 1979 - 2006 February 10, 2006 . Wayne Campbell Chairman, Corporate Services Committee, c/o Finance 4310 Queen Sir., P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Re: Request for Community Program Support Dear Mr. Campbell: Ihe NIagara .Falls Art Gal1ery is requesting that we now continue with the Art Gallery's 2006 grant request of $18,000. The Art Gallery now has the needed financing in place and has paid the owed back taxes accumulated by the Kolankiwsky Estate to the City of Niagara Falls. Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to outlining the Art Gallery's program initiatives in the near future. Regards, C' , "> /' '/e ( . .-:.l . ".--'\.'~--~- > Brian Smylski Executive Director cc: Director of Finance City Clerk Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture .b-~D. Ff:u "', ,~: 'ifiU6 t: :;.. .~" ""'~~~l~N , {,:'':.\.,,, "l'\i~.~~ __._!L'... HNi';\'-""""'o · . Community Services Department R.2006.14 Parks, Recreation & Culture Denyse Morrissey 4310 Queen Street Director P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2 E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca ..-- Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E.mail: dmorrissey@niagarafalls.ca March 20, 2006 Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chairperson and Members of Corporate Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2006-14 - Winter Lights Celebrations RECOMMENDATION: 1. That Winter Festival of Lights be approached to consider executing and providing direct coordination of the 2006 National Winter Lights Celebrations program. 2. That Parks, Recreation & Culture serve as a liaison with the Winter Festival of Lights in this program. 3. ounci! con~~~ed in the 2006 budget to support repea clpatlon In na c n 6. . 3. lhG-+ no -tUJ\&I"5 ~ a.cUM.- 1> ite-b~howQ..\/Il() If ~---\"Or'lS a..re-I"\O+ as OJ\+iCAPccf-e.ot.." BACKGROUN D: -.\hen CoI.U'\.d \ Cf) ) be o..pp~ od:-+h.cd-- po i f\f-. The goal of the Winter Lights Celebrations is to create attractions for tourism from within Canada and abroad. Winter Lights Celebrations is a national competition encouraging municipalities, large and small throughout Canada, to celebrate light with decorative, cultural and spiritual programs, with the objective of creating attractions for tourism from within Canada and abroad. The application to enter the competition must be completed by the municipality as this is a municipal competition. At the March 6, 2006 Council meeting, a presentation on the 2005 Winter Lights Celebration competition and the awards given to the City of Niagara Falls was given by the Chair of the Committee, a sub-committee of the Park in the City Committee. The motion was made and passed that the City of Niagara Falls enters the 2006 Winter Lights Celebration competition. This Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works' Fire Services' Parks, Recreation & Culture' Business Development' Building & By-Law Services March 20, 2006 - 2. R-2006-14 information is being provided as additional background to outline the associated costs and expenses for participation in this national competition again in 2006. 2005 Competition In September 2005, The Winter Festival of Lights General Manager and staff attended a Park in the City Committee meeting. A presentation of the Winter Lights Celebration was presented to the Committee. This program is seen by Staff to be a direct fit with the mandate of The Winter Festival of Lights. In September 2005, the Winter Festival of Lights requested that the City of Niagara Falls enter into this 2005 National Competition. The Winter Festival of Lights indicated that their organization was willing to pay for half of the entry fee of $650.00 and their staff would assist with the submission and organization of the Judges Tour. In September 2005, the Park in the City Committee passed a motion to enter into the 2005 Winter Lights Celebration and that $2,000 be found and allocated from the 2006 Park in the City budget and that a sub-committee be established and a chair appointed. With the timing of entering late in the year of 2005, only approximately six weeks of planning time would be available, when in contrast, other communities had been planning and organizing for more than 12 months and had budgets reflective of the expenses associated with such a competition. 2005 Budget The $2,000 budget allocated for the 2005 Winter Lights Program from the Park in the City budget was significantly insufficient to support the breadth of costs that are standard elements of a national competition like this campaign. The total expenses were approximately $17,000, and were primarily paid for by sponsors who were approached for the basic financial support. The 2005 budget summary includes a list offirms/organizations that provided financial support as shown in Appendix I. Additionally, other expenses incurred by Parks, Recreation & Culture included ceremony attendance costs for one staff member so that the City of Niagara Falls would be represented at the national award ceremonies in northern British Columbia (given the competition entry does imply that representation at the awards is expected by those communities that compete). Parks, Recreation & Culture also provided the exclusive dedication and reassignment of a staff person from his/her regular responsibilities for six weeks or more to complete the breadth of planning and work related to this competition. Municipalities such as the City of Brampton are understood to have had a budget in the range of $25,000, as well as dedicated staff allocated to participate in the 2005 Winter Lights competition. 2006 Estimated Budget & Expenses It is estimated that total expenses in the range of $20,000 to $22,000 would be incurred to again participate in the 2006 competition, as well as the costs of staff resource(s). Whether direct March 20, 2006 - 3- R-2006-14 expenses, as was the case in 2005 could be offset and paid for directly by partners and sponsors is not guaranteed. The 2006 award ceremonies will be held in Ottawa on February 15-17, 2007, and additional expenses would be incurred for representation at this event dependent upon the number of representatives attending the ceremony. Recommended by: Respectfully Submitted: l,. Jf/,..,) N~ John MacDonald Denyse Morrissey Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Chief Administrative Officer DM/das Attachment S:\Council\CounciI2006\R-2006-14 - Winter Light Celebrations.wpd I. Appendix 1 200S Winter Lights Celebration Budget Expenses Registration Fee $ 650 Competition Submission (Scrapbooks - 3) 960 Promotional Event - Pancake Breakfast 50 Heritage Dinner at Battleground 225 Promotions, Organization & Various Events* 15,010 Awards Ceremony Attendance (Northern BC) 1.615 TOTAL: $18,510 * Note I Revenue Park In The City (allocation from 2005 budget) $ 2000 Parks, Recreation and Culture (seminar budget used) 1500 Partner Contributions - Expenses Paid 15.010 TOTAL $18,510 *Note 1: Financial Expenses or Cost of Goods & Services Donated Supporter Name: Expense or Value of Service Donated: 105.1 FM The River $ 500.00 Blistex $ 100.00 City of Niagara Falls - Mayor & City Council $ 100.00 Cogeco Cable 10 $1500.00 Embassy Suites Hotel $ 800.00 Expressions - Flowers & Gifts $ 600.00 J.P. Marketing & Event Planning $ 80.00 Kaumeyer Paper $ 600.00 Kraft Canada $ 200.00 Marriott Fallsview $3500.00 Minolta Tower $ 500.00 Niagara Falls Hydro $ 80.00 Niagara Helicopters $ 400.00 Niagara News $ 500.00 Niagara Parks Commission $ 500.00 Niagara Transit $ 500.00 Red Lobster $ 100.00 Royal Linen $ 150.00 St. Patrick Church - CWL $ 200.00 The "New" Food Box $ 300.00 The Niagara Falls Review $1400.00 Tim Hortons - Victoria Avenue $ 500.00 Tony Roma's - Ferry Street $1700.00 Winter Festival of Lights $ 200.00 $15,010.00 Other Supporters: (Non-Financial) Battleground Museum Hotel Cairn Croft Best Western Candy Cane Lane - Lundy's Lane B.LA. Club Italia Downtown B.LA. Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Niagara Region Safety Village Project Share Tender Wishes S:\Council\R-2006~14 Appendix.wpd .. Niagara N Transit 4320 Bridge St., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 2R7 Office 905-356-1179 Garage 905-358-9749 Fax 905-356-5576 Email tlibrocklalniagaratransit.com Webslte www.niagaratransit.com February 15, 2006 Mayor and Members of Council City of Niagara Falls, Canada 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6V5 Dear Council Members: On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I am pleased to enclose the 'Statement of Affairs' for the Greater Niagara Transit Commission for the year ending December 31, 2005. 1. REGULAR TRANSIT During the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2005, Niagara Transit buses travelled in excess of one million kilometres and carried approximately 1.25 million passengers. This represents a 13% increase in regular transit ridership over 2004. The Srock Rapid, in its twelfth year of operation, continues to provide transportation for both Srock University in St. Catharines and Niagara College students in Weiland. To a lesser extent, this service is utilized by city residents for access to Weiland, St. Catharines and Thorold, through connections with the other municipal transit services converging at Srock University. In 2005, bus transportation to Srock University was included in tuition fees, eliminating the deficit for this service. In 2005, Niagara Transit continued to provide direct service to Niagara College Glendale campus with Niagara College covering the deficit to ensure no cost to taxpayers. On March 6, 2005 Niagara Transit implemented additional weekend service (Saturday and Sunday) at no cost to the local taxpayer as it will be funded by Provincial gasoline tax subsidy dOllars. In the coming year, Commission and staff will continue to examine ways to improve public transit services for city residents. I. --..- ----.._--- 2 2. FALLS SHUTTLE Again this year (May to November), the Falls Shuttle transported visitors between various accommodations on Lundy's Lane, in the Fallsview, Chippawa and River Road areas, the bus terminal and train station; to attractions such as the Casino, Queen Victoria Park and Marine/and. We offer visitors to our city a transportation bargain that allows children 12 and under to ride free of charge when accompanied by an adult using an 'All Day' pass. In 2005, we experienced a 5.7% ridership decrease from 2004. As in past years, we will continue to foster relationships with accommodations, attractions and organizations throughout the City, with the sole purpose of making tourist visitations more enjoyable. 3. INTER-CITY BUS TERMINAL The downtown bus terminal at Bridge Street and Erie Avenue continues to be a successful business venture for the taxpayer. It acts as a hub for visitors travelling to our city by Inter-city bus and rail, and we continue to take pride in knowing the terminal is still regarded throughout the industry as a model for other municipalities, even after eighteen years of operation. We are hopeful Inter-city carriers will be able to expand tour and day tripper markets that exist to the Falls which, in turn, will further enhance the viability and profitability of our downtown transportation terminal. 4. GARAGE SERVICES As in past years, revenue generated from servicing out-of-town buses and Inter-City carriers at our garage facility continues to provide additional income, reducing our deficit. In 2005, garage services to out-of- town buses and inter-city carriers increased by approximately 4.2% over 2004. I attribute the success of the garage operation to aggressive marketing of our services to visiting tour bus operators by both the Commission and staff. In addition, we have actively sought to secure service contracts with locally based tour operators as well as inter-city bus companies operating throughout the municipality. In light of the forgoing, I hope Council agrees the Commission should continue to pursue its commitment to marketing the service portion of our operation, particularly as revenues help reduce our overall operating deficit. 3 5. NIAGARA TRANSIT - COMMUNITY SUPPORT Niagara Transit offers reduced rates to seniors, students, children, low income, unemployed and welfare recipients identified and approved by senior government agencies. In addition, we support the community through involvement in the following: . Transportation - city departments (i.e. business development) . Transportation for Project Share's Restaurant Walk . Good News Breakfast - Food Collection . Out of the Cold Program . Casino Marathon . Festival of Lights Activities . Community Information Sessions i.e. Canada Day/Community Centre . School Co-op Placement Program . School Education/Safety Programs . School Oaycare Field Trip Program . The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee 6. SUMMARY The net cost to the City for combined Operating/Capital expenditures for 2005 (including gasoline tax subsidy), is under the approved budget by approximately $71,100. This is a result of ridership and garage revenue increases. In order to put our operation in perspective, Niagara Transit's operating cost for 2004 (the last year for which comparable statistics are available) was $24.02 compared to the Provincial average of $46.61. Niagara Transit's alternate sources of revenue contribute to lowering our deficit, easing the financial burden to the taxpayers. I trust the forgoing meets with Councils approval. Yours truly, NIAGARA TRANSIT ( owJ (2wp~ T. Oi Giacomo Chairman TDljrb Encl. -- I. ~ NIAGARA CHAIR-A-VAN Tel. 357-0122 5734 Glenholme Avenue Niogaro Falls, Ontario L2G 4Y3 February 15, 2006 Mayor and Members of Council City of Niagara Fall~ Canada 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6V5 Dear Council Members: On behalf of my fellow Management Board members, I am pleased to enclose the 'Statement of Affairs' for Niagara Chair-A-Van for the year ending December 31, 2005. The Management Board consists of Vince Audibert and Ross Durdan of St. John Ambulance; Anita MacKenzie and Murray Culp representing disabled riders; Terry Librock and myself of Niagara Transit. The staFF, St. John Ambulance personnel are: Allan Levesque, Shane Mouradian and Mark D'Anna full-time van operators, Bill Andrews, Donna Andrews and Margaret Corry as casual operators, with Jackie. Zufelt as dispatCher. The staff continue~ as in the past, to do a most commendable job. Chair-A-Van's regular hours of service are from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday. In 2005, we carried 16,277 passengers, a 6.5% increase in ridership from 2004. .-------.-- .. ----- 2 The net cost to the City, including Provincial subsidies, for combined Operating and Capital expenditures for 2005 is under the approved budget by approximately $57,100 as a result ofthe Gasoline Tax subsidy. In order to put our operation in perspective, Niagara Chair-A- Vans' net operating cost for 2004 (the last year for which comparable statistics are available) was $3.29 per capita compared to the provincial average of $8.44. As you can see, the cost of providing transportation for the physically challenged in Niagara Falls continues to be substantially lower than the provincial average. Finally, the members of the Board appreciate Council's contribution towards this most worthwhile service. Yours truly, NIAGARA TRANSIT (MOV~~ \ T. Di Giacomo Chairman TG/jrb Encl.