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2001/04/30THIRTEENTH MEETING REGULAR COUNCIL Council met on Monday, April 30, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering Regular Business matters. All members of Council, were present. Alderman Gary Hendershot offered the Opening Prayer. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Alderman Hendershot requested that the Minutes of April 23, 2001 be amended to reflect his voting contrary to the amended motion dealing with the Niagara Falls Life Centre. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Feren, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo, that the Minutes of April 23, 2001 be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Council Chambers April 30, 2001 Alderman Kim Craitor indicated a pecuniary interest on Report F- 2001 -35, Cheque Nos. 259441; 259403 and 259370 because a family member is employed by the Region. Alderman Janice Wing indicated a pecuniary interest on Report F- 2001 -35, Cheque Nos. 259356, because she is an officer of the organization. Design of Maple Street Park MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS. REMARKS His Worship Mayor Thomson advised that a meeting to discuss the planning design and the type of playground equipment for Maple Street Park will be held on May 2 2001 at the Library, LaMarsh Room at 7:00 p.m. Ontario Jr. C. Championships PRESENTATIONS His Worship Mayor Thomson congratulated and presented tokens of appreciation to the Chippawa Jr. C. River Hawks team, winners of the Clarence Schmalz Cup, Ontario Jr. C's Championships. 2 DEPUTATIONS Mr. Larry Tokarchuk, CEO, Greater Niagara General Hospital, provided an overview of the process of implementing specific directives of the Health Services Restructuring Commission, including the consolidation and enhancement of services across the Niagara Health System as a whole, while cutting costs; he stated that the first initiative was to deal with the accumulated $12.6 million debt and ongoing operating deficit and the second initiative was to implement the recommendations of an operational review of the Greater Niagara General Hospital, to reduce the number of beds and staff positions in the Surgical and Intensive Care Units, which have resulted in notices being sent out to 7 full -time staff and 13 part-time staff; discussed the utilization of 25 flex beds; the provision of a Ministry of Health grant in the amount of $500,000 to increase staffing in the G.N.G.H. Emergency Department; provided information on the various programs being looked into, including a nurse practioner role in the Emergency Department; advised that the Niagara Health System was being monitored to ensure that appropriate and quality care was being provided along with cost effectiveness being implemented and communication strategies being improved. Ms. Mary Parker, provided clarification on concerns expressed regarding the monitoring of the health system. Ms. Joanna Shannon, representative of the Ontario Nurses Association, provided comments and expressed concerns with regard to the methodologies used and of the validity and accuracy of the data used to formulate the recommendations in the report; expressed concerns with respect to the resource intensity weights data; overtime and cuts in staffing levels and suggested that audits be done prior to the report being implemented. Alderman loannoni vacated Council Chambers. Ms. Tina lanello, Emergency Room Nurse, referred to changes to the regulations of ambulance redirection and questioned what plan of action was being put in place regarding critical care by -pass as of June 1, 2001; she was advised that a system has been put in place with regard to critical care by -pass. Ms. Elizabeth Teunis, Past Board Chair, commented on the operational review report and stated that she was of the opinion that G.N.G.H. was being unfairly targetted for cuts; requested clarification on whether G.N.G.H. was the only site that had nursing cuts; and whether G.N.G.H. was the only site that has undergone a second operational review; and whether G.N.G.H. was the only hospital that had a deficit. She advised that changes were necessary, and stated that she wished to be assured that the present changes were in the best interests of the hospital system and the residents of Niagara Falls. Following the discussion, it was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Craitor, seconded by Alderman Feren, that a liaison meeting be set up between Council, Mr. Tokarchuk and the Niagara Health Board in order to have an opportunity to discuss the statistics of the operational review report and of the concerns and questions raised at the meeting held earlier in the day be addressed. Carried Unanimously. It was suggested that consideration be given that no further action be taken with regard to the hospital, to reconvene the Board and that the two board members that had resigned from the Board be reinstated. Manor's Student Youth Advisory Council 3 Mr. Brian Cheney, Chair of the Mayor's Student Youth Advisory Council, provided information on the Youth Forum on Recreation which had been held on March 29, 2001 at the Optimist Club in Niagara Falls; he advised that the purpose of the forum was to gain an increased understanding of the recreation and leisure needs of youth, ages 14 to 20 and to improve service to the youth in Niagara Falls and reviewed the following recommendations: 1) to have a combined Indoor Sports Facility with the Boys Girls Club of Niagara and the YMCA, he advised that currently, the City was working in partnership with the Boys Girls Club of Niagara and the Family YMCA of Niagara to plan and implement a Community Centre; 2) to have a "Friends" style coffee lounge /cafe where youths could meet and speak out and could feature poets, musicians, karoake; 3) to have a Skateboard Park in Niagara Falls. He also referred to upcoming discussions regarding having a sponsored youth radio program and thanked members for the opportunity to address Council. Following the presentation, it was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Feren, that Council supports the recommendations of the Student Youth Advisory Council and that the Recommendations be directed to the Parks Recreation Department. Carried Unanimously. His Worship Mayor Thomson congratulated the Student Youth Advisory Council on their initiatives and wished them success in their endeavours. Early Childhood Development and Parenting Centre Ms. Dianne Coppola, Project Consultant and Ms. Lori Walker, Project Coordinator, Early Years Action Group provided a copy of the study, "The Early Years" to members of Council and advised that the Niagara Region and Mary Ward School had been chosen to be involved in the "Early Childhood Development Program" and "Parenting Centre Concept" in order to achieve a continuum of early childhood development and parenting services for all families and their children in Niagara. A video presentation was provided on the topic. His Worship Mayor Thomson thanked the speakers for their presentation and wished them continued success. Proposal to Reimplement the Previously Cut Weekend Bus Service Ms. Monica Chambers, Niagara Transit, provided information on the problems and concerns expressed by the bus passengers in Niagara Falls; she reviewed the present bus service schedule and who required improved weekend bus service; referred to letters of support from various community organizations and businesses for the proposed extended weekend service. 4 She presented the proposal to Council which was to re- implement Saturday service to a weekday schedule and make Sunday service the same as the present Saturday service; reviewed the issue of funding; indicated that with the current growth of the tourist industry and the development of many new subdivisions, the time has come for increased transit service. His Worship Mayor Thomson thanked the speaker for the presentation. Following the discussion, it was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that the matter be referred to staff and to Niagara Transit for a report. Carried Unanimously. Brock Bus and the Niagara Transit Service Mr. David Corfield, student, provided information through the use of slides and expressed concerns with respect to the Niagara Transit System and the Brock bus service; discussed the importance of maintaining an efficient public transit system. Following the presentation, it was ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Feren, that the matter be referred to the Niagara Transit for a report. Carried Unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS Communication No. 101 Mr. Luigi De Lisio, Solicitor Re: Marijana Kovinic Notice Under Subsection 35(b) By -law 99 -164 as amended. The communication advises that the landlord is prepared to extend the term of the leases to May 31, 2001, after which time the property was being purchased by the tenant and that the severance of the property was to be completed soon to be followed by the purchase. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Feren, that the matter be referred to the Committee of Council dealing with matters involving applications for body -rub parlour licences. See By -law No. 2001 -91 Communication No. 102 Victorian Order of Nurses Re: Proclamation. The communication requests that Council proclaim the Week of May 20 to May 26 2001 as "National VON week. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Feren, that the request be supported. Carried Unanimously. REPORTS RATIFICATION OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE ACTIONS ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Campbell, seconded by Alderman Craitor, that the actions taken in Corporate Services Committee, earlier this evening be approved: 1. Presentation: Notebook Computers for Council Members that staff proceed with the Electronic Council Agenda program for the optional use of City Council; and that paper copies be provided to City Council Members that elect not to use the program; 6. In- Camera Session: 5 2. Adoption of the April 23 2001 Corporate Services Committee Minutes; 3. F- 2001 -35 Municipal Accounts that the Municipal Accounts totalling $11,670,490.88 for the period ending April 30 2001 be adopted; 4. PD- 2001 -11 Site Plan Approval Process that the Site Plan Approval Process detailed in Report PD- 2001 -11, be adopted; 5. Communication Bulgarian World Folk Festival request for grant for arena rental fees be approved that a grant for Arena Rental Fees be approved for the World Bulgarian Folk Festival to be held May 13 2001 at the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena; That the proposal submitted by IMS for the closure of the Mountain Road Landfill Site be accepted in the amount of $1,310,171.00. The motion Carried with Aldermen Craitor and Wing abstaining from the vote on Report F- 2001-35, on conflicts of interest previously noted and with all others voting in favour. See By -law No. 2001 -89 BBS- 2001 -13 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Variance to Sign By -Law; 6740 Oakes Drive, Marriott Hotel. The report recommends that Council approve the variance for a one hundred and eleven (111') foot long roof sign with a height of forty (40') feet above the roof line and an area of one thousand, one hundred and three square feet. (1,103). ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that the report be received and adopted. The motion Carried with Aldermen Feren and Volpatti abstaining from the vote on conflicts of interest and with all others voting in favour. See By -law No. 2001 -90 BBS- 2001 -14 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Variance to Sign By -Law; Mount Carmel Plaza, Phase IV. The report recommends that Council approve the variance for a forty (40') foot high ground sign at 3770 Montrose Road for Mount Carmel Centre Plaza, Phase IV as shown on the attached schedule "A ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Campbell, seconded by Alderman Craitor, that the report be received and adopted. The motion Carried with Alderman Feren abstaining from the vote on a conflict of interest and with all others voting in favour. PD -2001 -40 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Application for Site Plan Approval; SPC- 37/2000; 7979 Dorchester Road; Proposed Mini storage Facility. The report recommends that Council approve the site plan for a proposed mini storage facility at 7979 Dorchester Road. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Feren, seconded by Alderman Campbell, that the report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously. PD -2001 -41 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Application for Site Plan Approval; SPC -02/2001, 6039 Fallsview Boulevard; Proposed 15- storey hotel. The report recommends that Council approve the site plan for a proposed 15- storey hotel at 6039 Fallsview Boulevard. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Craitor, that the report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously. 6 PD -2001 -42 Chief Administrative Officer Re: Requests for Extension to Draft Plan Approval; Williams Subdivision, 26T -93011 (Revised); Williams Subdivision Plan 2, 26T- 94001; Owner: River Realty Development (1976) Inc. The report recommends that Council support a one -year extension to draft plan approval for the Williams Subdivision and Williams Subdivision Plan 2, conditional on the applicant maintaining the appropriate subdivision signs on the properties for public information purposes. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Craitor, that the report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously. PD -2001 -43 Chief Administrative Officer Request for Removal of Part Lot Control; 6510 6520 Barker Street; Lots 112, 113 and 114, Registered Plan 64. The report recommends the following: 1. That Council approve the request and pass the appropriate by -law to designate Lots 112, 113 and 114, Registered Plan 64, as exempt from Part Lot Control; 2. That the applicant be required to notify the City when the separate deeds, as described in this report, have been registered in order for the by -law to be repealed. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo, that the report be received and adopted. Carried Unanimously. See By -law No. 2001 -87 BY -LAWS ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that leave be granted to introduce the following by -laws, and the by -laws be read a first time: 200147 A by -law to designate Lots 112, 113 and 114 on registered Plan No. 64 not to be subject to part lot control. (Re: PD- 2001 -43) 200148 A by -law to amend By -law 79 -200, as amended. (Re: AM-40 /2000, Colangelo Estates) 2001 -89 A by -law to authorize monies for General Purposes. (April 30, 2001) 2001 -90 A by -law to amend By -law No. 79 -200, as amended. (Re: AM- 03/2001, Oakes Drive Motel Limited) 2001 -91 A by -law to refer to the Committee of Council certain matters involving applications for body -rub parlour licences (Re: Request by Marijana Kovinic) The motion Carried with Aldermen Craitor and Wing abstaining from the vote on By -law No. 2001 -89 on conflicts of interest previously noted and with all others voting in favour. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Pietrangelo, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that the by -law be now read a second and third time: 2001 -87 A by -law to designate Lots 112, 113 and 114 on registered Plan No. 64 not to be subject to part lot control. (Re: PD- 2001 -43) 200148 A by -law to amend By -law 79 -200, as amended. (Re: AM- 40/2000, Colangelo Estates) 2001 -89 A by -law to authorize monies for General Purposes. (April 30, 2001) 2001 -90 A by -law to amend By -law No. 79 -200, as amended. (Re: AM- 03/2001, Oakes Drive Motel Limited) 2001 -91 A by -law to refer to the Committee of Council certain matters involving applications for body -rub parlour licences (Re: Request by Marijana Kovinic) The motion Carried with Aldermen Craitor and Wing abstaining from the vote on By -law No. 2001 -89 on conflicts of interest previously noted and with all others voting in favour. Concessions at Arenas Street Sweepers Lighthouse READ AND ADOPTED, 7 NEW BUSINESS ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Puttick, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that staff bring back regarding revenue from concessions at City -owned arenas. Carried Unanimously. Alderman Janice Wing requested information on what the time frame was for the City street sweepers and she was advised by the Director of Municipal Works that there was 2 -2 -1/2 weeks left and that the delay had been due to having a lot of leaves this year and that a lot of sand had been used during the winter months; he also commented that Stanley Avenue was a Regional Road matter. Alderman Wayne Campbell advised that the "Lighthouse" has moved from the downtown area to the Briskall Glass building at Victoria Avenue and that residents have expressed concerns that this is attracting high risk individuals to the area. He requested that the matter be looked into. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Campbell, seconded by Alderman Orr, that the matter be referred to staff to deal with the Police Department and the Lighthouse organization. Carried Unanimously. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Pietrangelo, that the meeting be adjourned. Carried Unanimously. E. C. WAGG, CI g J RK WAYNE THOMSON, MAYOR