Additions 2008/12/01 ADDITIONS TO COUNCIL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008
Corporate Services Committee
1. F-2008-48, 2008 Fiancial Update
Council
Planning Matters
1. Re: PD-2008-110, 6320 Pinegrove Avenue
Memo and Recommendation from the Municipal Heritage Committee
2. Re: PD-2008-108, Catharine Crescent
Correspondence from Regional Planning Department
Correspondence from Niagara peninsula Conservation Authority
Communications
1. Request from Downtown BIA for free on street parking during December.
RECOMMENDATION: For the approval of Council
Council Information
1. Invite to Event at 4555 Queen Street for Nov. 29th
December 1, 2008 ~ F-2008-48
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Niagara~alls
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Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Chair
and Members of the Corporate Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: F-2008-48
2008 Financial Update
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the 2008 Financial Update be received, and that the Committee recommend
additional quarterly and semi-annual financial reporting.
BACKGROUND:
In the presentation made by Staff on November 17`h, Staff highlighted the challenges
facing the Municipality in respect to revenues for the 2009 General Purposes budget.
Some of the challenges that will impact 2009 also have an effect on 2008. As a result of
the discussion that ensued, improvements are required to the formal process by which
Staff updates Council of variances between budget and actual information.
During the past year, Staff has reported to Council, on the activity and balances at year
end for Reserves, Development Charges and Capital accounts. During 2008, Staff
implemented a new Capital Budget process that enhanced divisional spending requests
to include Staff prioritization. Likewise, Staff embarked on a review of Building Permit Fees
and Planning Fees in the DAAP process. Council continues to receive monthly accounts
of expenditures in the Municipal Accounts, quarterly reports of tax receivables and annual
reports on the capital leases held by the Corporation, Municipal Performance Measures
and the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Staff recognizes the aforementioned information is a significant volume of data to review.
However, in light of a changing economic situation, Staff believes that additional reporting
is required to provide Council with the necessary information to respond to these changes.
Staff recommends that commencing 2009, Council receive quarterly updates on the fiscal
performanceofthemunicipality. Thesequarterlyreportswillhighlightsignificantvariances
from the 2009 budget as the year progresses. Semi-annual reporting on capital projects
will be also implemented commencing in 2009.
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Working Together to Serve Our Community I Corporate Services Department
i Finance
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December 1, 2008 - 2- F-2008-48
2008 Financial Update
As Council is aware, fiscal performance in 2008 will impact the 2009 budget as Staff is
required to utilize any surplus in the 2008 General Fund to offset the next years' taxation
levy. For 2008 budget deliberations, the City was fortunate to have a significant surplus
from the year ending in 2007 of $2.5 million. This surplus was used to reduce the tax
increase for 2008 to 2.48%.
Alternatively, in years wherein actual expenditures may be greater than revenues, Staff
is faced with a two-fold dilemma. First, since municipalities cannot record operating
deficits, Staff must utilize reserves to offset unplanned expenditure increases or to offset
revenue deficiencies. Secondly, where the previous year does not have a surplus, there
is no opportunity to reduce the following year's tax impact.
The final operating results for 2008 are not known at this time and likely will not be known
until late January once year end postings are completed. Staff is concerned that an
operating shortfall of approximately $750,000 is possible. Staff is providing this report to
highlight the factors contributing to this shortfall.
Operating Revenues
Actual operating revenues will be higher than budget due to a variety of factors. Staff
anticipate that increases of approximately $600,000 will be realized once the final
supplemental tax bills are sent out in December. In addition an increase in revenues of
approximately $600,000 was achieved in Payments in Lieu due to one time adjustments.
Similarly, the City received revenues from the sale of lands and donations which were not
budgeted because neither revenue stream was known or predictable at the time that the
2008 budget was established.
Some revenues that are greaterthan budgeted are directly related to costs incurred by the
municipality. Three areas where this result has occurred are in fire code violations, in tax
registrations and in the People Mover Project. In all of these areas, revenues are
generated which increase annual revenues, however costs offset these revenues directly.
Similarly, the BIA levy is billed to each association and the matching payments are made
to each BIA based on their levy. This has the impact of inflating both revenues and
expenses. As a result, a net benefit is not generated.
Staff is predicting that certain revenue streams will be less that planned. Specifically, the
compensatory payment from OLGC was over estimated by $400,000. Likewise, revenues
from Transit garage sales both in services and in diesel fuel will be less than budgeted.
Staff are predicting that Planning revenues will be less due to the fact that review was more
lengthy than anticipated. In addition, revenues generated from arena ice rentals will be
less due to the need for a Cancellation Of Ice policy. Lastly, a decline in interest rates has
negatively impacted the investment income generated in the operating fund and the
cemetery trust funds.
The net effect is a modest increase in total revenue for 2008.
December 1, 2008 - 3- F-2008-48
Operating Expenditures
The planned 2008 operating expenditure for the municipality is approximately $92 million.
Staff has reviewed actual versus planned expenditures. In some areas, expenses are
higher than planned, while in others, costs have not been incurred or have been
significantly reduced. Since the end of the 3rd quarter, Staff have been reviewing divisional
spending priorities to ensure cost variances are minimized.
The major variation from planned expenditures is in the area of labour. At the time of the
budget preparation, Staff were negotiating with the Fire Association and with CUPE for
Labour contracts. The negotiations with the Fire Association went to provincial arbitration
while the contract with CUPE was negotiated in the summer. In preparing for the 2008
budget, Staff estimated the expected increases, however, the amount set aside for
settlement was not sufficient. In addition, employee retirements and overtime contributed
to higher than expected costs. Staff is predicting that labour costs will be approximately
2.6% higher than budget.
Other areas where costs are greater than expected include fuel costs as the City saw
diesel costs increase sharply during the year. Materials and services which use petroleum
products like asphaltwere higherthan expected. Costs in areas such as health and safety
were higher than expected due to the Ministry of Labour increased reviews of practices of
all municipalities across the province. This led to increased remedial work and to
additional training initiatives. Further an asbestos abatement work was initiated that had
not been planned. Lastly, a significant repair was required in the street lights which was
not anticipated.
Staff has initiated expenditure savings that has partially offset the areas of cost increase.
Specifically, increases in staff complementthat had been budgeted were delayed. Savings
were achieved in debt issuance costs as debentures were not issued and new cash flow
management techniques were utilized that minimized the need to utilize operating lines of
credit. Planned amounts for animal control were not expended. Savings were achieved
in rehabilitation of city buildings particularly in pools wherein planned work has been
postponed.
The net effect is an increase in total expenditures for 2008.
Summarv
This report is intended to update Council of fiscal performance for 2008. The transactions
until the year end as well as the work required to finalize the year will impact final results.
Staff believe that the modest revenue increase will offset some of the increased operating
costs and that the initiatives to reduce spending in the final quarter may be sufficient.
Should this result not occur, Staff will review the options available to Council to offset any
potential year end deficit.
Recommended by:
Todd Harriso Director f Financial Services
Approved by: ~~~~~s~~
Ken Burden, Executive Director of Corporate Services
Community Services Department
Planning and Development
Inter-Department Memorandum
TO: Dean Iorfida DATE: November 27, 2008
Director of Council Services & CiCy Clerk
FROM: Peggy Boyle
Assistant Planner
Ext. 4334
RE: 6320 Pine Grove Avenue
Municipal Heritage Committee Recommendation to Council
This is to advise that the Municipal Heritage Committee, at its meeting of November 26, 2008,
adopted the following motion:
"The Municipal Heritage Com~nittee recommeHds that Cau~~cil issue a
Notice of Intention to Designnate for the property knowii as 6320 Pine
Grove Avenue due to its cultural heritage value and interest to the City of
Niagara Falls. "
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Working Together to Serve Our Community
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Background
It was brought to the attention of the Municipal Heritage Committee that the property at 6320 Pine
Grove Avenue was being considered for aredevelopment proposal wYrich would involve the removal
ofthe current single detached dwelling and replacing it with a 3-4 storey, 18 unit apartment building.
The Municipal Heritage Committee has reviewed the property using the criteria in Regulation 9/06
of the Ontario Heritage Act which is used far determining the Cultural Heritage Value or interest
of a property prior to designation.
The Ontario Heritage Act considexs a property appropriate for designation if it meets one or more
of the following criteria:
• has design value or physical value because it is rare or unique;
• has historical value or associative value, being a direct association with a theme, event,
belief, person, activity, organization, or instituYion that is significant to a community;
• has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining ar supporting the
character of an azea, is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its
surroundings, or is a landmark.
The Municipal Heritage Committee has determined that the property at 6320 Pine Grove Avenue
has design and physical value as the house was built 1929-1930 and is considered an excellent and
rare example of the Tudor Revival style of architecture, one of a few remaining such structures in
the City. The style is recognizable with its half-timber and stucco exterior. Other features of the
style seen on this property include the mimerous prominent gables, large medieval chimney and
expansive windows often set with small panes in lead sash.
The historical or associative value of the property is seen with the original owner Earl A. Thomas,
who owned the house from 1930-1966 and during that time was a prominent figure in the City as
he was the Secretary Treasurer for T.G. Bright & Company and would go on to become the Vice
President and President of T.G. Bright & Company. In 1954, Mr. Thomas was one of the prime
figures in the fund raising drive for the current hospital. He was also Chairman of the Niagara Falls
Planning Board from 1948-1966. Previous City administration have also named a street in his
honour in the Stanley Avenue Industrial Park.
The contextual value of the house and property can be seen in its setting on the street where it is a
minor landmark. At the time the house was built it was an area that was developing as a residential
neighbourhood and the house has a style and street presence that was well known on the corner lot.
The Municipal Heritage Committee would like to recommend to Council that they issue a Notice
of Intention to Designate 6320 Pine Grove Avenue due to its Cultural Heritage Value and interest
to the City of Niagara Falls.
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Attach.
S:~IIISTORY~IN V ~Pinegove6320VNemotoClerkNov-08.wpd
"al:r.2~ ~r~C~~ '.~Q'?P,9 ~tiiONRI ~IkRillhu Nn.26„ 1
IV iagara f Region 'me Reglonal MunlGpaliry af Nlagara
2211t St. David's Road, P,O: Boz iD42
Thorold, Ontario l2V al7
Telaphone:905-984-3830
PlANNtNG AND QEYELOPMENT Pax: 905-641-5208
E-mail: plan~regionai.niagara.on.ca
Ma~Cn zs, 2ooa R E C E I~/ ~ p File: D.10.M.i 1.23
Andrew Bryce
Planner 2 MAR 2 6 2Q0$
City of Niagars~ Falls
4310 Queen St., 2"" Floar PLANNING ~ t=~% ~
Niagara Falls, ON & CIEVELOPMENT ' `~f~=,_~(.(_,,__,
L.2E 8X5 W~:~_°..~~.~-.~
Dear Mr. Bryce:
Re: Zoning By-taw Amendmsnt ApplCcatlon
2108 CaEF~aAne Crescent
Fayez Elayan snd Jingy~ Lf
AM-2008-004
Cirir of Niaaara Falls
This application proposes to rezone a portion of the rear yards fior three residential lots from
Environmental Protection Area to Residential Single Family fo permif site alterations that have been
undertaken in an effort to resolve problems with the stability of the existing siape. The foilowing
Provincial and Regional planning cromments ~re provided for your considerafion.
The site is located in the Region's Urbaa Area Boundary for Niagara Falls according to tha Regianel
Poliay Plan. The Regiods Cwe Natural Heritage Map designates the adjacent Ciky owned lands as an
Environmental Conservation Area to protect the wooded ravine. Oevelopment on the adjacenf residential
lands (within 50 metres) is not nomially permitted unless an Environmantal Impact Study (EIS} is
prepared to demonstrate that there will not be any long term impacts. In fhis instance, the rear of these
residential properties is considered ta be "hazard Iands° due to the extent af the slope and any
development or site alteration is subjecd to the Generic Regulations (Ont. Reg. 155106) af the Niagara
PEninsula Gonsecvation Aothority (NPCA). As such, Regional Planning staff will not require an EIS
pr~vided that NPCA stafl is satisfied wifh the engineering report submitted on the slope condition and
yrading plans which must also include considerafion of drainage and erosion controls to protect the
subject lands and adjacent properties, including the City's woodloE, from dam~ge and to prevent any risks
ta pubiic safety. The p~acement ot any accesspry buildings or structures should al5o remain reStricted to
preclude any future environmentel impacts. fn this regard it woutd seem appropriate to maintein the EpA
zaning but to allow satisfactory site aiterations necessary for siope stability. More defaiied comments
ftom the NPGA should be considered in this regard.
Yours truty,
~/y`Z.~...,
Peter Colosimq MCIP, RPP ~
Senior Planner
C: A. Herlovhch, C,ry of Nlagare fails
P. 6ond, NPCA '
Councilfar W. Smeaton -
M:Vv1SWORDV'CWiagare FaIfsWFZbIalCathanneCros.doc
Butlding Communiry. Building Lrves.
03/27/2008 '.PHt, 14:18 FAX ~O5 788 ].72L Nix. Cons. AuLt~. ->+y Niagar•ra Fxl.l.s - 1'LlPWlEN I~1UD1/DUI.
NIAGARA PEN(NSUiA
~ CONSERVATION
xSoThOmid Rdad West,3rd F{uor lei(ryo5)~88~3~35 ~ ~ -
Wel~and.OntaAO L3C;'NZ Pe%I9o51788-san ~ ~ -
E-inail:npca@consorvaticn-nlagam.on.ca ~ ~V~4~'~L~L
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March 27, 200$ ~
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File MPR 920 `1,?'- P~TE ~~.,,~s _
tv1r. Andre~v Bryce, Planner 2
City of Niagara Falls
CityHall ~ REVE.~~~d ~~.~q.~
4370 Queen 5treet ~ ~ ~ a ~ ;
r~~agara ~aps, or~ ~zE sx~ N;fi~; 2 7 ~~ug ~ ~c,~:~ ~-~C', ~
PLANNING `
Dear Mr. Bryce: & DEV EIOPMENT I'~;`, ,-;?L>=,'; - C z~~ t
Subject: Appiication for Zoning Byiaw Amendment .
2108 Catharine Crescent
Your Fite AM-28-004
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7his application proposes to rezone a partion of the rear yards for three existing residentiaf lots from
Environmental Protection Area (EPA-552) to Single Family Residential (R1A-551). It is our understanding
that the proposed ZBA is intended to recognize grade alterations which have been undertaken by the
home owner to alleviate slope stability issues associated with the adjacent valley area. The adjacent valley
area is subject to the NPCA's O. Reg. 155/06 and implementing Land Use Planning Policy Document.
It is noted that the existing EPA zoning on tFie area adjacent the va!!ey is consistent with the NPCA s Land
Use Planning Policy. .In this respect, we would recommend that the EPA zoning remain. We would
recommend €hat the City consider a°site specific"~ modification to the existing EPA-552 zone to allow far
erosion protection anci slope stability works subject to eertain restCictions (completion of a
geotechnicaVslope stability analysis).
T~ usting this to be satisfactory, please send notice of your Councils decision in this matter.
Yours
t~
Paul Sond
C~f~
Senior Watershed Planner
Niagara Peninsula Gonservation Authority
PEB
cc Peter Coiosima, Regional Niagara Planning Dept.
File MPR 6.9.37
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Tel.: 905•356•5444
~~7~ ~~7~ 4481 Queen Street Fax: 905•356•5667
Qvv 11 VV 11 Niagarl Falls, Ontario bia@niagarafallsdowntown.com
N1~F~s L2E 2L4 www.niagarafallsdowntown.com
Board of Management
November 27, 2008
ATTENTION: Dean lorfida, City Clerk
Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. lorfida:
Through the development of the Downtown we have now been experiencing the bustle of the holiday
season. As in the past, the City of Niagara Falls has granted free parking throughout the downtown
core. At this time, the Downtown Board of Management requests free parking during the month of
December 2008.
Yours truly,
DONWTOWN BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
Ulrike Gross, Chairman
UG:je
cc: Bob Bolibruck
File
Downtown Niagara Fails: Where Friends Make the Difference
City of Niagara Falls
Transportation Services
Inter-Department Memorandum
TO: His Worship Mayor Ted Salci DATE: December 1, 2008
and Members of the Municipal Council
City of Niagara Fails, Ontario
FROM: Karl Dren
Director of Transportation Services
RE: Downtown BIA - Request for 2-hour free parking - Only at On-Street
Parking Meters end On-Street Pay and Display Machines, during Month of
December.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That two-hour free parking at on-street oarking meters and on-street pay and displav
machines, in the Downtown Core, during the month of December, be approved.
BACKGROUND:
The Downtown Board of Management has once again submitted a request to have free
parking implemented at on-street parking meters and on-street pay & display machines,
during the month of December.
During this free parking time, those patrons who overstay the 2-hour grace period, at the
on-street meters and on-street pay and display machines, will be subject to a fine.
Patrons needing to park longer than two hours may use one of the Downtown Municipal
Pay Parking Lots and pay the associated parking fees.
~
Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services
S wneeler
S:\Gere~al Atlminisirffiion1GA i.ot Reports~2008 CouncilV 2 Oec 1\Memo - Downtown BIA - Request for 2 hour free parking.wpd
Communiry Services Department
Transpodation Services
Working Togelher !o Serve Our Community
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