2009/03/09 x F°' cr €n ~ t- i&~ ~a r,_. Y' a s'" 9 ' e a'>, k` ti
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~ ~COMMUNITY SERVICE$~~COM;MITTEE AGENDA
..~.'.u h„S
THIRD MEETING
Monday, March 9, 2009
5:00 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
1) Approval of the February 23, 2009 Community Services Minutes.
2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT:
a) PD-2009-06
Land Supply and Development Phasing Assessment Alex Herlovitch
b) MW-2009-11
Fruitbelt Parkway
Road and Drainage Improvements Project Geoff Holman
c) MW-2009-10
Street Tree Planting Policy and Procedures
New Subdivision Developments Geoff Holman
d) TS-2009-15
Supply of Four City Buses
RFP#P44-2008 Karl Dren
e) R-2009-15
Outdoor Pools, Small Pools and Cost Reductions
2009 Budget Denyse Morrissey
f) TS-2009-01
Oxford Street Parking Review Karl Dren
3) NEW BUSINESS:
4) ADJOURNMENT:
~ ` c; £t'~ t~~'' ~Jk ~ ~ r~..t"~~S'~°-7' ~sA .x au . v rs~ e a,g r -z _°y. ,
~ ',~-a. % ~ ~ "3' J' " ~ ~s-``~~y ---x. ~c~, `'~',a
x ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~IN,~Cl~MER/~~SESSION ~3~
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a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting.
.
Nyagara,Falls
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Second Meeting
Monday, February 23, 2009, Committee Room 2, 5:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair; MayorTed Salci, Councillors: Jim
Diodati, Shirley Fisher, Vince Kerrio, Bart Maves, Wayne Thomson
Janice Wing and Victor Pietrangelo.
STAFF: Ed Dujlovic, Ken Burden, Geoff Holman, Dean lorfida, Ken Beaman,
Lee Smith, Denyse Morrissey, John Castrilli, Alex Herlovitch, Trent
Dark, Serge Felicetti Karl Dren, Bob Darrall and Marianne Tikky - Steno.
GUEST: John & Lorraine Rusatti - 8449 Niagara Parkway, John Eldridge - 8373
Niagara Parkway, Mr. Narweth - 8425 Niagara Parkway, Frank
Rekowski - 8833 Sodom Road, Alan Small - 7247 Green Boughs Road,
Dave Parker - 7252 Green Boughs Road, Ryan & Rada Pascoe - 7134
Mount Forest Lane, Darren Schmahl - 7124 Mount Forest Lane, Joel &
Terry Seymour - 7210 Woodgate Street
PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review
1. MINUTES
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Salci that the minutes
of the January 26, 2009 meeting be adopted as recorded.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council February 23, 2009.
2. REPORTS
a) MW-2009-03
Christmas Holidays 2008
Flooding Complaints and Staff Response
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Salci;
That staff;
1. Implement a Public Education program.
2. Add supplementary sewer cleaning in problem areas.
3. Complete SSET (TV inspections) of the problem sewer areas.
-z-
4. Implement a trial chemical treatment in the problem areas.
5. Investigate the purchase of additional flushing equipment and the use of
contractors.
That staff prepare a report to Council on;
1. A Weeping Tile Disconnection Program.
2. A comprehensive Sewer Use By-law
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council February 23, 2009.
b) TS-2009-03
Nassau Avenue
Portable Speed Hump Update
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Kerrio;
1. That permanent speed humps not be installed on Nassau Avenue;
2. That the Region of Niagara be requested to install an additional trailblazer sign
on Lyons Creek Road to the Chippawa/W illoughby Arena in advance of Nassau
Avenue;
3. That signs indicating "local traffic only' be installed on Nassau Avenue at 5odom
Road and at Lyons Creek Road;
4. That a follow-up traffic review be carried out on Nassau Avenue in the fall of
2009.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council February 23, 2009.
c) CD-2009-03
Fence By-law Variance Appeal
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo;
That the decision of the Chief Building Official, dated December 1, 2008, be upheld
as per the comprise drawing.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council February 23, 2009.
-3-
3} NEW BUSINESS:
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Mayor Salci;
That City staff along with Niagara Falls Tourism utilize the Doc's on Ice Charity
Hockey Tournament as an opportunity to showcase Niagara Falls to the over 800
physicians from across Ontario who will be attending.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council February 23, 2009.
4) ADJOURNMENT:
MOVED by Councillor Maves seconded by Councillor Diodati that the Committee
adjourn to an In-Camera session at 5:40 p.m.
Motion: Carried
March 9, 2009 PD-2009-06
Niagara~alls
l r\ N:4 DA
Councillor Carolynn loannoni
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: PD-2009-06
Land Supply and Development Phasing Assessment
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Committee recommend that Council:
1. adopt the evaluation criteria to assess new development in greenfield areas;
2. authorize staff to proceed with developing Official Plan policies; and
3. accept the information contained within this report regarding the City's short term
land supply.
Overview
This report responds to Council's question regarding the amount of short term land supply
and servicing abilities. Staff has determined the amount of land the City has available in
the short term for development, identified the opportunities and constraints on bringing raw
residential lands into the development stream.
Staff is proposing evaluation criteria that would be used when assessing new development
in greenfield areas. The criteria can be used as an interim evaluation until Official Plan
policies are prepared and adopted. Also, staff is recommending that Official Plan policies
be developed regarding front-end financing agreements and that the procedures for these
agreements be included in the new Development Charges By-law.
BACKGROUND:
1. Land Supply
The short term land supply is land that does not have any servicing constraints and
where development can take place within six months. It includes lands within
registered and draft approved plans of subdivision and condominium and also
includes the numbe"r of units that can be developed within the Built-up Area
Community Services Department
Working Together to Serve Our Community Planning & Development
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March 9, 2009 - 2- PD-2009•06
(illustrated on Greenfields Area map in the appendix). As these lands do not require
the extension of municipal services, there is no need for the expenditure of DC
funds for development to proceed.
The maps attached to this report and the table below illustrate the extent of land
supply (expressed in the number of units that can be built) that exist in the three
major growth areas in the City. These areas area where the majority of short,
medium and long term growth will occur.
~ Unconstrained Development Constrained Development
Within Built- 1137 N/A N/A N/A
u Area
Greenfields Registered Draft Approved Draft Raw Lands
Plans Plans Approved
Plans
Garner
Secondary Plan 503 80 N/A 238
Area
Fernwood Area 69 230 N/A 551
Warren Woods
Secondary Plan N/A N/A 308 3053
Area
Grassybrook N/A N/A 225" N/A
Area
Thundering
waters N/A 270 N/A 3648
Secondary Plan
Area
Chippawa N/A 127 481 1376
Totals 1709 707 1014 8866
Number of units based on zoning by-law 2007-162, now before the
Ontario Municipal Board.
The absorption of the short land supplyforthe entire City is based on historical rates
of building activity, levels of intensification, projections from the Municipal
Comprehensive Review (MCR) and the current economic climate. As shown in
Appendix 2, by 2014, approximately 1,700 units are forecast to be built, leaving
approximately 1,400 units in the inventory.
The raw lands are those greenfield lands which have no development approvals and
may also be constrained by the lack of infrastructure. These lands represent the
medium to long range land supply. However, the City has to plan for the future
development of these lands, not only through the Official Plan and other land use
documents but also in respect to Development Charges.
March 9, 2009 - 3- PD-2009-06
The development of raw Residential land is where investments in servicing and
transportation infrastructure will have to be made. Currently, sanitary and water
services have been extended through parts of the Warren Woods Secondary Plan
area and south along Montrose Road to Lyon's Creek Road which will benefit the
development of raw lands in these areas. However, as shown on Map 1, there are
substantial public works that are required for the development of the raw lands in the
Warren Woods and Grassybrook areas. Likewise, the raw lands shown on Maps 2
and 3, the Thundering Waters Secondary Plan Area and Chippawa, respectively, will
also require the extension of services and the construction of transportation
infrastructure. These works will require either expenditure of DC funds or the front-
end financing by private developers.
2. Front-ending Agreements
Front-ending agreements are entered into with a private landowner or a group of
landowners who agree to pay for the construction public works that will be of benefit
to an entire area. These agreements can also be used where development is
proposed by a developer that is out of phase with the normal progression of
development. In return for this, a municipality may compensate the landowner(s)
through direct repayments or by giving DC credits. A municipality may grant a credit
for 100% of the costs, or a portion, or none at all.
Currently, the Warren Creek re-channeling that is to be constructed as part of the
development of the Warren Woods (east) plan of subdivision is to be front-ended by
the developer. However, given the level of expenditures that will be required to
construct the public works needed to bring the raw lands into the development
stream, it will be necessary for the City to enter into more front-ending agreements.
In order to provide for an open, public context for future front-ending agreements,
staff is recommending that Official Plan policies be prepared that allow for these
agreements and describe the circumstances in which the City may use them. Until
general policies are prepared, specific policies will be developed for the Warren
Woods and Thundering Waters Secondary Plans so as to provide the context for
these agreements in these secondary plan areas.
3. Evaluation Criteria for Assessing New Development in Greenfield Areas
In order for the City to effectively determine when it is appropriate to fund the
construction of public works that will bring raw lands into the development stream,
or to enter into front-ending agreements regarding public works projects, a series of
evaluation criteria need to be established so that projects can be properly assessed.
Staff are recommending the following criteria:
• conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Norseshoe and the
Provincial Policy Statement;
• the extent of the short term land supply;
• density of the proposed private development - the higher the density the
higher the DC's per unit;
March 9, 2009 - 4- PD-2009-06
• the cost to the City in terms of direct expenditures;
• accommodation of up-stream development;
• the location and extent of land to be serviced;
• the type of development being proposed by private developers;
• the willingness of a private developer to enter into a front-ending agreement;
and
• use of interim measures to temporarily resolve infrastructure issues.
The aim of these criteria is to minimize the risk to the City as public works involve a
substantial investment of funds. These criteria can be prepared as Official Plan
policies in connection with the policies on front-ending agreements as part of the
Official Plan review and also as part of the policies governing the Warren Woods and
Thundering Waters secondary plan areas.
The criteria can also be utilized to assess how and when raw lands are brought into
the development stream. The attached maps imply a phasing with the Warren
Woods Secondary Plan area proceeding ahead of the Thundering Waters area and
Chippawa. Although market conditions and demand will play a major role in the
development of raw lands, the direction of growth and the financing of infrastructure
need to be assessed against the marketing and development pressures. In this way
the criteria can be used to determine what lands are brought into the development
stream ahead of others.
Recommended by: I.~L ,Q~~ ~
Alex Herlovitch Director of Planning & Development
Approved by: ~
Ed Dujlovic,` xecutive Director of Community Services
J.Barnsley:mb
Attach.
S:1PDR120091PD-2009-06, Development Phasing and Short term Land Supply - REV.wpd
March 9, 2009 - 5- PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 1
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APPENDIX 2
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March 9, 2009 - 7- PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 3
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March 9, 2009 - 8- PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 4
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March 9, 2009 - 9- PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 5
FlLEREGSUBSTflRT2000
NIAGARA FALLS - VACANT LOTSlUNITS IN REGISTERED PLANS - END OF SEPTEMBER 20U8
OCTOBER 2008 PB
PLAN # SUBDIVISION NAME COMMUNITY SINGLE SEMI MULTIPLE OTAL IINITS
~15m 15-iSm ~78m
M-92 CALAGUIRO ESTATES STAMFORD - 12 12
M-129 WESTMEADOWSUBDIVISION NORTHWEST 1 1 - 32 34
M-130 FOREST GLEN EST ATES NORTHWEST - 76 78
M-145 MOUNT CARMEL NORTHWEST 2 3 - 5
M-183 MOUNT CARMEL EXT 2 NOR7HWEST - - 5 - 5
M~186 MWGLESUBDIVISION WILLOUGHB - 4 4
M-207a MARISABLOCK86COND0 NORTHWEST - 5 5
M-207 MARISASUBDIVISION NORTHWEST - 1 6 1 8
M-2b1 NEIGHBOIJRHOODSO FST.DAVI~ STAMFORD 2- 13 25 40
M-262 MOUNTCARMELNORTHPHASE NORTHWEST 1 2 - 3
M-270 GRAND~VIEW RIVER ES7ATE5 WILLOUGHB - 2 - - 2
M-272 WILLICK ESTATES SUB~NISION CHIPPAWA 2 - 2
M-297 VEGTERESTATES NORTHWEST 0 3 - - 3
M300 RECINECOUR7 WESTLANE 0 3 0 - 3
M-308 BROOKFI ELDCOURT DRUMMOND 1 4 5
M-310 CREEKSIDE COURT CHIPPAWA 1 0 1
M-314 WILLIAMS SUBDIVISION CHIPPAWA 3 25 28
RP-261 "WILLIAMS SUBDIVISION North si CHIPPAWA - '12 12
M-316 ORCHARD GROVEW EST WESTLANE 0 1 2 3
M-318 PARKWAYACRES WILLOUGHB 1 1
M324 GARNERESTATESPHASE4 WESTLANE 1 1 0 7 9
M327 COLANGELOESTATES STAMFORD 5-- 5
M335 FUTINOESTATES STAMFORD 11 11
M-338 GARNER ESTATESPHASE5 WESTLANE 16 0 2 18
M339 GOLIAESTAT ES STAMFORD 3 6 3 12
M-340 GARNERVILLAGE WESTLANE 0 4-- 43 18 65
M344 Neighbourhaods of St. Davids Black STAMFORD - 0 0
M-345 ASCOT WOODS EXT.7 NORTHWEST 0 9 0 9
M-354 DEERFIELDESTATES WESTLANE 28 93 62 183
R-13461 BLKS 2748275 DEERFIELD W ESTLANE 41 3 0 0 0 44
M-362 MILLERROADESTATES WILLOUGHBY 0 0 21 0 0 21
M-366 EDGEWOODESTATES WESTLANE 57 147 19 0 108 338
M-370 FERNWOOD PHASEI WESTLANE 14 34 27 0 0 75
TOTAL SERVICED 764 317 233 67 280 7Q42
he above chart lists fhe registered plans of subdivision in the City that have more ihan 20% of the original lots remaining.
he vacant lots that are lisfed f a si ngle defached hou sehol ds are fuhher broken down by lot frontage to show those lots tha~
re I ess t han 15 m etres wide, thoses t hat are 15 to 18 m etres w ide and fh e I ots th at hav e a f rontage gr eater ih an 1 S m etres.
March 9, 2009 - 10 - PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 6
Short Term Land Supply
1. Registered Plans
Unbuilt units within registered plans of subdivision amount to 1,042 units.
2. Draft Approved Plans Of Subdivision and Vacant Land Condominiums
The current supply of units within draft approved plans of subdivision is 1,231 units.
However, there are infrastructure issues with two of the draft approved plans. First,
Chippawa West Phase 2 has draft plan approval for 610 units. Given that only 129
units can be developed in Chippawa due to the siphon capacity in reality, 481 units
of the 610 draft approved cannot be registered. Secondly, the 308 units in Warren
Woods East is dependant on the rechannelling of part of Warren Creek. To
recalculate the suppiy of draft approved units, only 129 units are attributed to
Chippawa West, and Warren Woods East has been excluded as the Warren Creek
rechannelling has yet to be undertaken. This results in a total of 442 units.
There is also a supply of units within draft approved plans of condominium. These
amount to 388 units and are comprised of singles and multiples.
Therefore, the total for draft approved plans of subdivision and vacant land
condominiums is 803 units.
3. Intensification Units
The recent report by Dana Anderson, Growth Alternatives and Recommendations,
provided the potential number of units that can be builtwithin the Built-up Area of the
City. Within this assessment, Vacant Lands contain lands that have planning
approvals and only require site plan approval to proceed through to devefopment.
1,137 units could be developed on Vacant Lands.
4. Total Number of Units in the Short Term Land Supply = 3,009
March 9, 2009 - 11 - PD-2009-06
APPENDIX 7
Determination of Absorption
• The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) requires that the City:
"maintain at all times,.., land with servicing capacity to provide at least a 3
year supply of residential units available through lands that are suitably
zoned to facilitate residential intensification and redevelopment, and land in
draft approved and registered plans."
The current absorption of housing units is 278 units/year, based on a 10-year average. (A
total of 288 units were built in 2008.) The level of intensification achieved in 2008 was
38%, which although not meeting the proposed target for Niagara Falls of 40% that is
contained within the Region's Preferred Option (Option D), does indicate that the target of
40% is achievable. Because of this, a 40% intensification level is applied to determine
absorption within the Built-up Area throughout the 2009 to 2014 time horizon of this
forecast.
Various economic forecasts state that there is a recession in the US and Canada, which
is specifically affecting Ontario with its export driven economy. Recovery is not expected
to begin until 2010. Given the recession, we may not achieve the 10-year average
absorption of housing units. In the early 1990's, the last economic slow down, the average
annual absorption was 190 units or roughly 66% of the 10-year average. In addition,
financing for larger developments such as apartments or townhouses, may not be as
readily available through the next 12 to 18 months. This would translate into a lower rate
of intensification as most of the intensification units are multiples. Therefore the extent of
intensification is reduced to 20%.
• 2009 to 2010
- Assume annually for 2009 and 2010: 278 units x 66% = 183 units; 20%
intensification = 37 units
- At the end of 2010: 366 units built in total; 292 units absorbed from
Greenfields; 74 intensification units.
Post 2010, it is reasonable to assume, based on the projections from the Municipal
Comprehensive Review, that population and housing growth will proceed at a faster rate
than historical levels. The MCR projected an absorption rate of 500 to 600 units per year,
but was not clear as to the time frame for this rate of growth. As recovery is likely to be
slow, it is anticipated that 2011 and 2012 will have absorption rates similar to our current
10-year average of 302 units. In 2013 and beyond, the absorption rate should start to
increase above the 10-year average as Greenfield areas in the Greenbelt affected
municipalities become exhausted and growth begins to proceed south more assertively.
• 2011 to 2012
- Assume: 278 units; 40% intensification
March 9, 2009 - 12 - PD-2009-06
- At the end of 2012: 556 units built; 334 units absorbed from Greenfields;
222 intensification units.
• 2013 to 2014
- Assume: 10-year average increase to 325 units; 40% intensification
- At the end of 2014: 650 units built; 390 absorbed from Greenfields; 260
intensification.
• Total units absorbed at the end of 2014:
- Greenfield: 1,016
- Intensification:556
- Units remaining from the 2008 inventory: 1,437
March 9, 2009 MW-2009-11
Niagara~alls
c~uni~,~
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2009-11
Fruitbelt Parkway
Road and Drainage Improvements Project
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be authorized to commence the Engineering Design Phase of this project and
commence cost-sharing negotiations with the benefitting land owners.
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Works staff has been working on major roadway repairs on Fruitbelt Parkway
opposite the lands accessed by Cotton Inc. and Modern Corporation and has spent in
excess of $28,000 over the past four months to keep this roadway passable for the
employees of these two properties. While these costs have been accommodated within
the Operating Budget, the commitment to resolving this problem is only temporary.
Our investigations have raised a number of other issues which complicate the matter
including;
• site plan compliance issues,
• private sanitary sewage systems,
• major drainage problems,
• surplus property issues,
• safety and sight line problems,
• street lighting concerns.
Staff has discussed the problems and potential solutions with the affected property owners
and scoped out the preferred alternative conceptually. (see attached plan). Further
engineering resources are needed to complete the design and to determine an accurate
cost estimate.
Staff is also seeking authorization to pursue cost-sharing alternatives or other funding
solutions with the adjacent property owners which will allow us to address the outstanding
property issues and help offset the extra costs associated with having to construct a-road
Working Together to Serve Our Community Community Services Department
. Municipal Works
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March 9, 2009 - 2- MW-2009-11
that can withstand the volume and weight of the heavy vehicles accessing these
properties.
These engineering costs are not expected to exceed $80,000. Since this is a new project
the funding for this phase of the project should be included in the 2009 Capital Budget.
The actual reconstruction of the roadway is not expected until 2010.
Due to the urgent nature of this problem, staff is asking for Council's consideration in
advance of the approval of the Capital Budget so that we can immediately commence the
engineering phase.
Attached for your review are letters from Cotton Inc. and Modern Corporation in support
of this initiative.
Recommended b : ~
Y
Geoff Hol an, Director of Municipal Works
~ `
RespectFully submitted: -
Ed Dujlovic, Executive Director of Cammunity Services
S:\REPORTS12009\MW-20D9-11 - Fruitbelt Pkwy Road and Drainage Improvements.wpd
March 9, 2009 - 3- MW-2009-11
~ ~27'S
w~~d~,,.
To; Geoff Holman, C.E.T.
Director of Municipal Works
City of Niagara Falls
905-356-7521 ext. 4219
915356-2354 (fax)
qh olmanCc2niaqa rafa Ils. ca
Mr. Holman,
In principle we have no issues with the design you have sent us however, we are in '
communication with our solicitor on ihe long term affect and the legalities involved with the cul-
de-sac and the present city owned land within our compound. We will do everything possible to
make this go as quickly and smoothly as possible so we can achieve the completion of the road
on or before fall 2009. ~ ~
Sincerely
Mike Colaneri ~
i
March 9, 2009 - 4- MW-2009-11
To; Geoff Holman, C.E.T.
Director of Municipal Works
City of Niagara Fails
905-356-7521 ext. 4219
915-356-2354 (fax)
gholma n@ niaqarafalls.ca
Mr. Holman, ~
As per an e-mai] dated February 10'h 2009, direc[ed to Dawn Naylor and copied to John
Morocco, you asked for Modem Landfills approval to use some portion of our land along the
Fruit6elt Pazkway as fuNce road canstruction areas. In principle, we are fine with the plan as ,
presented out(ining your needs. Minor adjusUnents may be required along the way, a~d Pm sure ~
Modem would be accommodating as it would benefit over 500 employees who work on this ~
short stretch of road i
The roadway is in need of serious long term repair. Paving, Sanitary and Storm seweis
would be our obvious desire prior ro the fal] season and [he retum of wet weather. The spring fix
that is ongoing now, is looked at as a temporary solution by everyone involved. Negotiations for
any assistance we may provide would be welcomed. ~
Regards
Craig Warden
General Manager
Modem Corporafion, Canada
Office - 9p5-262-4500 Ext 222
Cell - 289-6684249
Fax-905-262-6020
Modem Corporation
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March 9, 2009 MW-2009-10
liTia~ara~alIs
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Councillor Caryolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2009-10
Street Tree Planting Policy and Procedures
New Subdivision Developments
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council adopt the new policy and procedures for the planting
of street trees in new subdivisions as set out in this report.
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting on September 22, 2008, City Council discussed concerns raised by some
residents living in the Garner Estates Subdivision (multiple phases) regarding the timely
planting and replacement of damaged street trees on the boulevard in front of their new
homes. Council directed staff to review the current policy and procedures to see if there
were opportunities to improve this practice.
The current practice is articulated in the standard Subdivision Agreementwhich requires the
Developer to "supply and plant, at its sole cost and expense and within the time limits
established by this Agreement, a shade tree of a type acceptable to the Director of Parks,
Recreation and Culture along both sides of the street in front of each lot in the plan of
subdivision and two trees along the flankage of each corner lot
In addition the Developer is responsible for notifying the City of the tree planting schedule
so that the plantings can be inspected by City forces. Once the tree plantings are
completed to the staff's satisfaction, the two-year maintenance period is to begin. The
agreement stipulates that trees are to be planted at the time of the placement of the final
layer of asphalt on the roadways within the subdivision.
The current practice clearly makes the developer responsible for the costs of the planting
however staff has found that the current approach gives the developer too much leeway
overtiming of the planting and response to complaints. The new approach aims to address
this issue specifically.
Working Together to Serve Our Community Community Services Department
r~><.~': Municipal Works
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March 9, 2009 - 2 MW-2009-10
Proposed Practice
Staff recognizes the need and desire of new homeowners to know when the developer's
obligations to plant the street tree will be met. Despite the fact that the Developer is
required to submit a letter of credit guaranteeing the planting of trees, City staff has to
spend a great deal of effort coordinating public complaints and Developer response times.
It is clear that staff needs to have direct control of the timing of the planting schedule by
contracting the work directly and/or using our own Forestry staff resources.
Staff is recommending that the proposed practice requires the Developer to make a cash
payment for each street tree at the time of registration of the Subdivision Agreement. By
opting for a cash process in street tree plantings additional benefits beyond administration
will be achieved. These benefits include; enhanced quality control of nurserytree stock and
installation work by direct City oversight and opportunities to maximize street tree planting
within subdivisions will be explored. This will result in a more cohesive, healthy and
aesthetically pleasing streetscape for residents of Niagara Falls.
To assist in implementing the cash payment process, technical guidelines forthe planting
of street trees will be proposed by City staff in the near future. The technical guidelines can
be an instrument to enhance the current Niagara Falls tree canopy area.
The draft procedure is attached.
Recommended by: ~ ~
Geoff Holm n, Dire of Municipal Works
Recommended by: ~
Denyse Morrissey, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Approved by: ~ ~
Ed Dujlovic, Executi e Direct of Community Services
Attach:
March 9, 2009 - 3 MW-2009-10
COMMUNITY SERVICES DATE EFFECTED PROCEDURE
March 9, 2009 Street Trees
MUNICIPAL WORKS New Subdivisions
DATE OF REVISION
Report MW-2009-10
Roadways Section 315.36
1. The Developer is required to prepare a Street Tree Planting Plan showing the
location, spacing, species and planting specifications acceptable to the Director of
Parks, Recreation and Culture or approved designate.
2. The Developer is required to make a cash paymentto the City forthe full value of the
approved works which is to be deposited into a Special Purpose Reserve for Street
Tree Planting.
3. Municipal Work staff (Forestry Section) will coordinate the timely planting of street
trees in accordance with the approved Street Tree Planting Plan.
4. The City will assume responsibility for the warranty and maintenance of the newly
planted street trees.
March 9, 2009 TS-2009-15
Niagara~alls
c,~v,~~n
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: TS-2009-15 - Supply of Four City Buses - RFP #P44-2008
RECOMMENDATION:
That RFP #P44-2008, for the Supply of four City Buses be awarded to NOVABUS at an
upset limit of $1,874,988.
BACKGROUND_
Report TS-2008-67 was presented to Council on December 15, 2008. At this meeting the
decision to purchase four city buses was deferred pending additional funding information.
Outlined below are the funding sources and the specific manner in which they may be
employed:
Of the two proponents submitting pricing to the Proposal, NovaBus provided the lowest
cost at $468,747 per bus, which totaled $1,874,988 for four forty-foot accessible buses.
Three of the four will be replacing buses which will have met their useful life span, while
the fourth is an enhancement to the fleet to service emerging subdivisions and assist with
our inter-municipal services to the post secondary institutions, as well as our service to the
Town of Fort Erie.
The three replacement bus costs are completely covered by provincial subsidies. The
Provincial Gas Tax rebate received by the municipality is Public Transit specific, as well as
any gas tax subsidy held in a reserve account from the previous year. The Ministry has
forwarded this subsidy to the municipality to enhance Transit services, while not
supplanting any current operating budget commitments. If a municipality was to utilize
these funds to offset operating costs, the Ministry would reduce the following year's Gas
Tax subsidy by a corresponding amount. Therefore, the Provincial Gas Tax funding is best
used for renewing capital infrastructure for which staff has identified replacement buses.
In addition to the Provincial Gas Tax subsidy, the three replacement buses qualify, under
the Ontario Bus Replacement Program, for one third the cost of vehicles being purchased
to replace those being retired. The fourth bus, identified as a growth bus, will be fully
subsidized by DevelopmenYCharges which have been accruing within a Transit reserve
account to address new sewice delivery.
~ Community Services Department
I TranspoRation Services
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March 9, 2009 - 2- TS-2009-75
Growth:
Transit Staff continually seeks new ways of expanding transit services by utilizing existing
rolling stock, through a full "cost plus" recovery method. Examples of these services are
the new Fort Erie service, which is fully paid for by the Town of Erie with support from
Niagara College and Brock University Student Union. As well, the additional routes
servicing the Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland Campuses of Niagara College, again fully
paid for. In addition, Transit staff is currently in discussions with the Tourist Sectorwho are
looking to the City to expand the Fort Erie Service to accommodate employment needs,
again at no cost to the taxpayer.
Although transit staff welcome growth opportunities, we are at the point where we may no
longer be able to do so without replacing the current aging fleet and purchasing additional
buses. Currently, Niagara College seroice (Sept - April) requires an e~ra bus due to
overloads. Presently, there are days where we cannot supply an extra bus due to a
shortage of buses or the fact that the older buses are out of service due to repairs,
resulting in lost revenue.
The Brock University route (Brock Rapid) has recently reported standing loads and it is
anticipated an extra bus will be required in the near future. Niagara Transit may not be in
a position to supply the requested extra service. Staff are in negotiations to renew the
contract which expires April 2009 and Brock has shown interest in expanding service.
Service expansion and resulting revenue increases will depend on availability of reliable
equipment.
The residential areas of the City which are growing (i.e., Garner Estates, Lundy's Lane &
Garner, Chippawa South, etc.) will require an additional bus to service, as well as the
markets noted above.
Finally, Niagara Transit is forced to turn down charter requests to transport passengers
from Hotels to the Falls or other businesses due to the lack of equipment.
Condition of Rolling Stock and Infrastructure:
We currently have three buses that are more than 25 years old and have more than 1.2
million kilometres on each. In addition, there are three buses that historically more than 20
years old and one bus more than 19 year's old. The Ministry of Transportation accepted
a useful life of 18 years and the current trend is toward reducing that to 12 years.
At least four of the above buses will require refurbishment, if they are to be kept beyond
2009, at a cost of between $70,000 to $90,000 each. However, none of the above buses
would be candidates for refurbishment as they do not meet AODA accessibility
requirements. They also emit large amounts of pollutants due to the age of the engines
and lack of pollution controls.
In 2008, two of the 25-year old used buses were purchased from St. Catharines Transit
retired stock, as a short term solution to handle the extra work due to the Brock/Niagara
College and Town of Fort Erie routes. These buses were to be in place for a maximum of
two years and continuation of this service is dependant upon the replacement of these
March 9, 2009 - 3- TS-2009-15
buses.
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As well, three buses slated for replacement pending arrival of our 2008 bus order had to
be retired prematurely due to rust and corrosion, which were beyond repair.
In addition to rolling stock, our bus fareboxes are over
20 years old and are consistently breaking down,
costing a great deal of staff time and money to repair. '
Staff is continually scambling to buy old fareboxes
from other transit agencies just to keep these
fareboxes operational at some point this option will
end. The farebox design life is 15 years and parts are
getting very expensive and hard to obtain because Bd~s,
they have been out of production for a number of `~o~NSI 'N,:
years. The magnetic card processing hardware on aN°r
the fareboxes is completely worn out and parts are no
longer available to repair these units. We are in
process of eliminating the magnetic cards and going
back to paper passes as a short term solution until
new fareboxes can be obtained. ~"l-"
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March 9, 2009 - 4- TS-2009-15
Financial Facts:
Provincial Gas Tax funding
"On March 23rd, provision was made in the 2006 Ontario Budget that
municipalities wili be able to use the gas tax funding for transit operations as well as
for capital."
This new policy will mean that:
• Municipalities may use gas tax funding for all transit operating costs, not just
those that result in ridership growth
• The requirement in Section 4 of the 2005/06 guideline that:
"Gas tax revenues support increased municipal public transportation
expenditures and not to reduce or replace current levels of municipal public
transportation funding" is still in place."
Starting in 2007, dedicated gas tax funds are required to be spent on:
- Public transportation capital expenditures that promote increased transit
ridership, and are above the municipality's baseline spending.
- Public transportation operating expenditures that are above a municipality's
baseline spending.
- Capital expenditures that provide improvements to transit security and
passenger safety and are above a municipality's baseline spending.
- Major bus refurbishment on any fully accessible, or to be made fully
accessible, public transportation vehicle.
Currently, the City receives a total of $1,141,019 (in quarterly installments) from the
Province. This formula is calculated based on 70% transit ridership and 30% municipal
population and is spread amongst 108 municipalities.
In both 2007 and 2008, $532,000 of the gas tax money, was allocated to the City's general
purposes budget leaving only $509,019 for bus purchases. The 2009 general purposes
budget reduces the gas tax allocation funding to $292,392, which is $239,608 less than
previous years. This revised amount represents only funding necessary to cover long term
debt (principal and interest) costs associated with debentures for past bus purchases.
Council could choose to re-instate the original amount or more, leaving less for future bus
replacement purchases, which, as outlined below, are extensive.
MTO explanation of Gas Tax Funding Use:
The gas tax funding can be used for capital expenditures that promote ridership growth
(above a municipality's baseline spending), operating expenditures (above a municipality's
baseline spending), capital improvements to transit security (above a municipality's
baseline spending) and for municipalities that only provide a specialized service, transit
strategies that provide increased accessibility can be considered if approved in writing by
the Ministry prior to implementation.
March 9, 2009 - 5- TS-2009-15
The provincial gas tax is not meant to be used to replace municipal contributions to public
transit, hence the references above to baseline spending. For operating expenditures
specifically, gas tax can be used for increased operating expenditures that support
ridership growth and can be used to offset incremental increases to your day to day
operational expenditures such as wages, insurance and fuel.
Should a municipality decide to utilize gas tax funding to offset these incremental operating
expenditures, in essence to stave off or reduce a fare increase or increase in municipal
contribution, a precedent will have been established. This precedent makes it difficult in
subsequent years to not use gas tax to continue this practice which in future years will
include both annualized costs and new increases. Once a municipality starts down this
path, and does not increase fares/municipal subsidy, the risk will be that their gas tax
allocation will be increasingly consumed by the operating costs and not available to be
used for expansion and ridership growth, the original intent of the funding.
The gas tax program has evolved to its current state, providing greater flexibility for
municipalities and in some cases creating internal challenges to prioritize the use of
provincial gas tax revenues. The additional flexibility of allowing the gas tax funding to be
held in reserve for future expansion, such as a new transit garage or terminal, has been
a benefit to a number of Ontario municipalities.
Ontario Bus Replacement Program
On a yearly basis, municipalities can apply to receive funding for the replacement of transit
vehicles, currently based on 33 1/3% of the cost of the vehicle. This funding is not
unlimited, as there are funding limits for each municipality as well, the program is annouce
yearly, therefore, the Province can stop this program at anytime. This year, the City's limit
is approximately $500,000. In addition, the funding is not transferred in advance, the
amount is based on the number of vehicles purchased and is only transferred to the
municipality once an order has been placed with the bus manufacturer. Therefore, if our
funding allotment is not used in any given year, it is lost.
Developmenf Charges
The 2004 Development Charge Background Study provided for funding of Transit buses
related to growth. Approximately $495,000 has accumulated in reserves for this purpose.
These funds can only be used for the purchase of buses related to growth and no other
purpose.
FUNDING:
Replacement Buses Growth Bus
Purchase Price $1,406,241 $468,747
Funding Sources
Provincial Gas Tax funding (2009 confirmed) $848,627
Provincial Gas Tax Reserves (From 2oos) $ 88,867
Ontario Bus Replacement Program (33 ~I3°io) $468,747
Development Charges $468,747
March 9, 2009 - 6- TS-2009-15
Finally, as a minimum, Transit will need to replace nine (3 each year) conventional buses,
two Chair-a-Van buses and the fare boxes over the next three years, at an estimated cost
of more than $4,900,000. Staff is anticipating the utilization of gas tax funding for the
purchase of this equipment. Due to the condition of equipment, delaying it further may
start to impact service levels. Case in point; transiYs base line for conventional transit
vehicles is 27 buses, we are now minus one (26) as one of our vehicles slated for
retirement at the end of the year had to be removed from service prematurely because it
was no longer road worthy or safe.
Therefore, supported by the Provincial Gas Tax subsidy program, the Bus Replacement
subsidy program and Development Charges, staff recommends NOVABUS be awarded
the contract to supply four forty-foot low-floor accessible buses.
Recommended by. u,~
Karl Dren, Direc of Transportation Services
Approved by: ~
Ed Dujlovic, E cutive Director of Community Services
K. .Dren/D. Stuart
SiGenerel Adminis121ion1GA t.01 Repotls~2009 Communily Senices103 Mar 91TS-2009-15 Supply of Four Cily Buses.wpd
March 9, 2009 R-2009-15
Niagara~alls
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2009-15
Outdoor Pools, Small Pools and Cost Reductions - 2009 Budget
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That due to the park redevelopment and site construction schedule, the outdoor
pool at Niagara Falls Lions Park be closed for the 2009 season.
2. That the small pool located at Mitchelson Park be closed for the 2009 season.
BACKGROUND:
The review to address the fiscal challenges being addressed in the 2009 operating budget
included the potential to eliminate approximately $160,000 in operating costs with the
closure of one outdoor pool and one small wading pool for the 2009 season.
Staffwas asked to provide additional information to Council and recommend which outdoor
pool and small wading pool could be closed to achieve these savings. The recommended
closure of one outdoor pool, and one small wading pool would achieve the estimated
reduction of about $160,000.
The costs to operate and provide lifeguarding staff to the existing five (5) outdoor and four
(4) small pools (this does not include new splash pad at the MacBain Commmunity Centre)
is approximately $749,000 for approximately a two-month season or generally late June
to the end of August annually. $33,500 is shown as the 2009 outdoor pool revenues.
Niagara Falls Lions Park - Redevelopment and Construction Schedule
With the park redevelopment and construction scheduled for the Niagara Falls Lion Park,
a number of concerns were identified by staff specific to the impact to the pool given the
dust,noise,potentialdebristhatarecommonduringconstruction. Significantmodifications
to the pool operations were expected to be implemented for summer 2009 with the
construction project taking place at the park.
Working Together to Serve Our Comn:unity ~ Community Services Departn
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March 9, 2009 - 2- R-2009-15
The construction schedule is attached with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2009, and
completion date of August 21, 2009. The closure of the pool at this location would better
ensure that the entire park is deemed to be a construction zone and access prohibited.
Staff metwith the Niagara Falls Lions Club on February 13, 2009. The Lions supported the
pool closure for the 2009 season to allow the park development project to proceed in full
with an anticipated completion date of August 2009. The former small pool at Niagara
Falls Lion Park is being replaced with a highly interactive and fully accessible splash pad
as part of the park redevelopment. It is expected the new fully handicap accessible splash
pad would be open late August and weather permitting remain open in September.
The Niagara Falls Summer Swim Lessons Committee (NFSSLC) runs swimming lessons
at the outdoor pools annually. Staff also met with representatives of the NFSSLC on
February 25, 2009 to generally review the scheduling of summer swim lessons given the
recommended closure of the outdoor pool at Lions Park. NFSSLC has generally
confirmed theywould revise theirswim lesson location schedules given the recommended
closure of Lions Pool.
Small Pools
Small pools are currently located atfour (4) parks: F.H. Leslie, Mitchelson Park, Chippawa
Lions Park, and Prince Charles. There are also outdoor pools located at each of these
parks.
The cost to operate small pools (or wading pools) in contrast to splash pads is much
greater as 'wading pools' require that a life guard(s) must be on duty at all times. Wading
pools were formally re-designated in recent years as 'small pools' with the new
requirement (and costs) of having lifeguards on duty.
Small pools also require filling with water each morning, and the water be drained when
they are closed each day. For example and in the event of a`fouling' at a small pool the
same procedures apply as regular outdoor pools. This requires closure of the small pool,
draining, and cleaning etc. This contributes to increased operational costs of small pools
in contrast to splash pads. In a splash pad, unlike a small pool, there is no standing water
at any time and no requirement for lifeguards.
New Splash Pads in the Community
A new splash pad opened in August 2008 at The Park at the MacBain Community Centre.
The new splash pad is highly interactive and fully accessible, and has been exceptionally
well used and is a gathering place for families. As already stated in this report the new
splash pad Niagara Falls Lion Park which is highly interactive and fully accessible is
expected to be open mid to late August 2009.
The strategic plan had generally recommended the conversion where needed orwarranted
of small pools to splash pads. This is the approach many municipalities are taking and
converting or closing small pools. Staff recommends thatthe small pool at Mitchelson Park
be closed for the 2009 season to achieve operational savings target.
March 9, 2009 - 3- R-2009-15
However, staff would also recommend that this small pool location be accessed as the site
for a future splash pad. This would be included in the 2010 or future capital budget for
the consideration of Council. Such a project would include identifying any potential
funding such as grants, other potential financial partners, and community fundraising that
could offset capital costs for a new splash pad (as is the case with a$75,000 Trillium
Foundation grant at Niagara Falls Lions Park) at the park.
Recommended by: ~ l~c '°~t~1~
Denjrse or~-issey, rector o a ks, Recreation & Culture
Approved by: ~ t
Ed Dujlovic, cutive Director of Community Services
Attachment
S:1Council\Council 2009\R-2009-15 - Outdoor Pools, Small Pools and Cost Reductions - 2009 Budget.wpd
-Attachment- R-2009-15
City of Niagara Falls Feb. 25, 2009
Parks, Reareation & Culture
Landscape Design & Development
Niagara Falls Lions Park Development
P~-oposed Construction Schedule - 2009
ITEM PROJECT TASK TENTATIVE TIMELINE
FOR COMPLETION
ANTICIPATED START APRIL 1
1 NEW SPLASH PAD INSTALLATION APRIL 1-30
- would not be operational until total park
development is completed in August
2. NEW WATERLINE INSTALLATION (CITI~ APRIL 1-30
3. BUILDING RENOVATIONS WORK APRIL-MAY 29
- subject to funding and budget
4. PARK DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT MAY - NLY 31
- general landscape contract development
5. PLAY SPAC~ CONSTRUCTION AND JULY - AUGUST 14
PROTECTIV~ SURFACE INSTALLATIONS
6. FINAL SITE CLEANUP AND SIGNAGE AUGUST
ANTICIPATED FINAL COMPLETION DATE AUGUST 21 ST
* above dates are subject to budget, approvals, and weather conditio~as during constructian
March 9, 2009 TS-2009-07
Niagara~alls
c.,,v~,on
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: TS-2009-01
Oxford Street Parking Review
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That a"No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding
Holidays" zone be implemented on the north side of Oxford Street between
Dorchester Road and Varsity Avenue; and,
2. That a"No Stopping" zone be implemented on the south side of Oxford Street
between Dorchester Road and a point 22 metres west of Dorchester Road.
BACKGROUND:
In response to a concern from an area resident, staff has carried out a parking review on
Oxford Street between Dorchester Road and Varsity Avenue. The concern at this location
stem from parents and guardians parking their vehicles on both sides of the street close to
Dorchester Road as they wait for their children to be dismissed from the nearby elementary
school.
Oxford Street is S metres in width, and consists of a sidewalk on the south side only. The
study area is approximately 200 metres in length and contains 16 residences. On-street
parking is currently permitted in the study area. The study area is predominantly residential
with Orchard Park School located nearby on Dorchester Road. Oxford Street is a transit
route with a transit stop located on the south side near Oorchester Road. School bus
drivers also utilize Oxford Street.
Area residents were provided with a questionnaire which gave them the opportunity to
comment on a parking control that would most benefit their needs. The following
information was obtained from the questionnaires:
/
Community Services Department
Working Together to Serve Dur Community I Trensportation Services
~:~;,~5~~= ~ ~
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March 9, 2009 _ 2_ TS-2009-01
Number of Residences on Oxford Street: 16
Number of Homeowners that Responded: 9 56%
Preferto Maintain Permitted Parking 1 11%
Prefer to Implement Permit Parking 1 11%
Prefer to Restrict Parking on the North Side 3 33%
Prefer to Restrict Parking 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,
Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays 4 44%
The questionnaire yielded a 56% response rate. Of the responses received, the majority
of respondents (89%) prefer for some type of a parking restriction to be implemented.
Transit Staff prefers to have a parking prohibition on one side to ensure that transit drivers
have unimpeded mobility. A response was not received from the school board.
Observations in the study area reveal that during the school pickup time, motorists park
vehicles on both sides of Oxford Street near porchester Road. The observations were
carried out in the winter, when snow banks further reduce the pavement width. On several
occasions, motorists and in particular, school bus drivers had difficulty negotiating between
the parked vehicles.
Based on the technical assessment and responses to the questionnaire, it is recommended
that a"no stopping" zone be implemented on the north side of Oxford Street between
Dorchester Road and Varsity Avenue during school hours. A corner "no stopping"
restriction is recommended on the south side of Oxford Street to ensure unimpeded transit
service and maintain safe intersection operations. Area residents would be able to park
their vehicles on the south side of Oxford Street, and on the north side of Oxford Street on
weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays. Maintaining parking on the south side is
preferred as it contains a sidewalk and it also allows children to walk from the school to their
parenYs vehicle without having to cross a roadway. Transit Department indicated that the
existing transit stop on Oxford Street is no longer necessary, since another transit stop for
the same route is located a short distance away on Dorchester Road south of Oxford Street.
The City is processing a site plan application from the District school board for a new
gymnasium for Orchard Park School. The school parking lot is being expanded to allow
school buses to stand next to the school instead of its current location on the west side of
Dorchester Road. An expanded Kiss and Ride lane will also be provided next to the bus
lane. A total of 56 parking spaces will be provided (37 spaces are currently on-site). A
landscaping strip will separate the parking area from the street boulevard to enhance the
streetscape and prevent motorists from having direct access from a parking stall onto the
roadway. Two defined driveways will allow for ingress and egress. The additional parking
lot capacity may curtail overflow parking onto the adjacent residential streets. This
expansion is expected to be completed for the 2009/2010 school year.
Recommended by: /~+~c~
Karl Dren, Dire or of Transportation Services
>
Approved by:
Ed Dujlovic, Executive Director of Community Services
Tim Burshtein
S:SGeneral AdministrationSGA 1.01 Reports~2009 Communify Services103 Mar 9\TS-2009-01 Oxford Street - Parking Review.wpd
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The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
l~esoflution
No.
Moved by
Seconded by
WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and
WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subj ect
matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on Mu~ch 9, 2009 Niagara Falls Council will go into
a closed meeting to consider a matter that falls under the subject maCCer of 239(2)(b) of the
MufaicipaZAct. 2001, persona] matters about an identifiable individual aiid 239(2)(d) labourrelations
or employee negotiations.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
DEAN IORFIDA R. T. (TED) SALCI
CITY CLERK MAYOR