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2010/06/14COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA EIGHTH MEETING Monday, June 14, 2010 4:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the May 31, 2010 Corporate Services Minutes. 2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT: a) CD- 2010 -05 Chippawa Boat Dock Dean lorfida b) MW- 2010 -37 DWQMS Operational Plan Re- submission Geoff Holman c) TS- 2010 -32 Tourist Area Parking Demand Study Karl Dren d) TS- 2010 -31 2009 Motor Vehicle Collision Report Karl Dren e) TS- 2010 -30 Fourth Avenue Traffic Mitigation Plan for Access to Gale Centre Karl Dren f) RC- 2010 -13 Swimming Pool Fees 2010 Ken Todd g) RC- 2010 -14 Gale Centre Agreements Ken Todd h) HR- 2010 -05 Vacation Entitlement - Mayor Trent Dark 3) PRESENTATION: Employee Survey Results 4) NEW BUSINESS: 5) ADJOURNMENT: Trent Dark MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Seventh Meeting Monday, May 31, 2010, Committee Room 2, 5:00 P.M. PRESENT: Chair - Jim Diodati, Mayor Ted Salci, Councillors:, Bart Maves, Wayne Thomson, Janice Wing, Shirley Fisher and Victor Pietrangelo. STAFF: Ken Todd, Ken Beaman, Geoff Holman, Phil Ross, Bob Bolibruck, Todd Harrison, Karl Dren, Serge Felicetti, Dean lorfida, and Marianne Tikky, Steno. ABSENT: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Councillor Vince Kerrio PRESS: Becky Day, Niagara This Week MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Wing that Councillor Diodati be appointed Chair during Councillor loannoni's absence. 1) MINUTES MOVED on the motion of Mayor Salci, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo that the minutes of the April 26, 2010 meeting be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. 2) REPORTS: a) MW- 2010 -25 Update Main /Ferry Area MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Maves; 1. That this report be received for information. 2. That Committee support the proposed implementation scheme for the Capital Works Improvement Program for the Historic Drummondville CIP Area. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. b) MW- 2010 -35 Downtown Revitalization Project Update MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Mayor Salci that this report be received for the information of Council. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. c) MW- 2010 -28 Lot Grading Policy MOVED by Councilor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Fisher that this matter be deferred. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. d) PD- 2010 -42 Matters Arising from the Municipal Heritage Committee MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Wing that; 1. Spence Weaver Homestead, 6590 Dunn Street, owners Audrey & Todd Barclay for the restoration of the verandah on the north side of the two storey portion of the house. 2. James Oswald House, 2922 St. Paul Avenue, owners Steve Bailey and Dave Fotheringham for the restoration of the stone wall with iron fence on the west and south sides of the property. 3. Doran /Marshall House, 4851 River Road, owners Gary & Carolyn Burke for the repointing of the masonry on the verandah. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. e) F- 2010 -34 2010 Property Tax Rates MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo that Council approve the 2010 Property Tax Rates. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. f) F- 2010 -24 HST Report -2- MOVED by Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Thomson that the Council approve amended Schedule of Fees and Services affected by the implementation of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. g) CD- 2010 -04 Chicken, Rabbits and Bird Feeders - MOVED by Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Thomson; 1. That Council maintain the limits, regarding the number of chickens and rabbits permitted within the urban boundary, under the Animal Control By -law; and 2. That Council not direct staff to draft an Anti -Bird Feeder By -law. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. h) RC- 2010 -10 Playing Field Cancellation Policy MOVED by Councillor Fisher, seconded by Councillor Wing that Council approve the attached Playing Field Cancellation Policy, effective September 7, 2010. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. i) TS- 2010 -34 Leasing Buses to Address Summer Service MOVED by Mayor Salci, seconded by Councillor Fisher; 1. That Council approve the lease of two buses from St. Catharines Transit Commission for the months of July and August to address GO Train service requirement; 2. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreements. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. j) CAO- 2010 -05 Council Pending Item List MOVED by Councillor Fisher, seconded Councillor Mayes that the Outstanding Council Requests report will be presented on a quarterly basis to keep Council informed on ongoing matters. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. Motion: Carried -4- 3) NEW BUSINESS: 1. MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Fisher that a meeting of the Armoury Ad Hoc Committee be called. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. 2. MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Wing that Mr. Iseppon's letter be referred to the Railway Ad Hoc Committee. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. 3. MOVED by Councilor Maves, seconded by Councillor Thomson that a letter be sent to the Niagara Regional Police requesting speed enforcement of Montrose Road, north of Thorold Stone Road Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. 4. MOVED by Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Maves that subject to support from the Clifton Hill BIA, that motorcycles be allowed to park on Oneida Lane in association with the planned Motorcycle Enthusiasts week. Motion: Carried Conflict: Councillor Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council May 31, 2010. 4) ADJOURNMENT MOVED by Councillor Fisher and seconded by Councillor Maves that the Community Services Committee adjourn at 6:20 p.m. CD- 2010 -05 Niagaraaalls June 14, 2010 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Clerks Department SUBJECT: CD- 2010 -05 Chippawa Boat Dock RECOMMENDATION at in light of th \Weightman Bridge construction, the Chippawa public boat dock not be rein ?Iled for 2010; a BACKGROUND staff continue to work h the Chippawa Public Docks Committee and other stakeholders to make : •ssible public boat doc in 2011. That the Chippawa public dock be installed in the original location and that a City committee be formed to establish a long term for public docks on the Welland River. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Chippawa public boat dock (the "Dock ") was removed by the City because of liability and maintenance issues. After suggesting the Dock's decommission, staff were directed to explore other options. There is a public interest in reinstalling the Dock. A group of interested has formed and has offered to take over stewardship. The group's proposal calls for a relocation of the Dock. There may be some within Chippawa who feel if the Dock is reinstalled it should go back to its original location. The Weightman Bridge construction may preclude the reinstallation this summer for safety reasons. A relocation on the north side of the Welland River would require a number of approvals from a variety of public agencies. The Chippawa Boat Dock was a major initiative of the Chippawa B.I.A. in the late nineties and cost approximately $25,000. The B.I.A. became dormant circa 2004 and in 2008, the municipality, at the behest of last Chair, closed the B.I.A.'s bank account. The Dock largely fell to the proprietor of the Riverside Tavern to maintain over the years. Despite his best efforts, the dock was a source of loitering, subject to vandalism and resulted in a claim, still ongoing, against the City in 2009. With the B.I.A. effectively defunct, all of its assets become the possession of the municipality (s. 214(1) of the Municipal Act). Due to liability issues, the dock was removed in late 2009. Staff report PRC- 2009 -31 recommended it be decommissioned. Council asked that staff explore various options (cf. MW- 2010 -15). June 14, 2010 - 2 - CD- 2010 -05 Subsequent to the staff reports, various business people and residents of Chippawa have expressed a desire that the Dock be returned to the Welland River. A correspondence was submitted by a group of interested parties calling themselves the Chippawa Public Docks Committee, lead by Mr. Jay Mason, who is the Chair of the Chippawa Dock Owners Association. The correspondence suggests that the dock be installed on the north side of the Welland River, with half of the Dock on the Tim Horton's side of the Weightman Bridge and the other half on the Boathouse Restaurant side of the Bridge. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE The issues facing the municipality are the following: ► whether the municipality should provide the Dock for a public purpose or dispose of it. ► whether to reinstall the Dock this summer • where to install the Dock, should it be reinstalled There is a value in having public docking capability along the Welland River. Although the Dock may not have had the economic impact originally envisioned by the B.I.A. it has been utilized, especially by law enforcement and emergency services, as outlined in the various letters submitted by the Chippawa Public Docks Committee; however, there is no statutory requirement that the municipality provide such a service. With the B.I.A. dormant, the Dock became the property of the municipality. Last year it was necessary to remove the Dock because it was no longer being looked after, a legal claim had occurred and the City did not have the staff or resources to maintain it. If the Dock were to be reinstalled, the City should have reassurances that any volunteer group involved will be committed to the maintenance over a long term period. It is comforting that a group of local businesses and interested parties (Chippawa Public Docks Committee) has taken up the cause to revive the public Dock. The parties involved have credibility and experience on the Welland River. Their proposal calls for the Dock to be reinstalled on the north (Niagara Falls) side of the River, split on each side of the Weightman Bridge. Since the Committee is asking that the Dock be transferred to their stewardship, the Council may want to consider selling it to the group for a nominal fee. There may be some opposition to the Dock being installed on the north side of the River, as noted in one of the attachments. The Dock was funded by the Chippawa B.I.A. businesses south of the Weightman Bridge. Attempts, at the time, to have the businesses north of the bridge as part of the B.I.A. were unsuccessful; therefore, there is a possibility that the businesses that did not contribute to the original levy that funded the project will now benefit from the Dock. Having said that, if the project was to be revived, it would be hoped that the benefiting businesses on the north side would contribute to the maintenance of the Dock. Returning the Dock on the south (Chippawa) side would be in keeping with the original intent of the B.I.A.; however, there is no guarantee of the maintenance of the Dock in this location. As noted in the past reports, while on the south side the Dock was a loitering point and subject to vandalism. Although there are periodic discussions of the B.I.A. being revived, that process could take some time and there is no guarantee that the businesses would be any more successful now in maintaining the Dock. Also, the proposal by the Chippawa Public Docks Committee is premised on the reinstallation on the north side. June 14, 2010 - 3 - CD- 2010 -05 Any proposal for the north side would have to address any safety concerns. For example, would the presence of the Dock aid or hinder the issue of people diving off of the bridge? Would the issues of vandalism and loitering be curtailed by the relocation or would they just be moved to the other side of the River? The Chippawa Public Docks Committee believes that the Dock on the north side would be more accessible to the public due to the nature of the embankment. Two other factors for consideration in whether the Dock could be installed in 2010 are the reconstruction of the Weightman Bridge and the various approvals required. The relocation of the Dock would require approvals from a variety of authorities: the City, Ontario Power Generation, the Niagara Parks Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources (Provincial), the Department of Oceans and Fisheries (Federal) and Canadian Border Services (Federal). A standard approval the Municipality had to secure from Oceans and Fisheries for the Weightman Bridge construction took approximately three months. Of course, the support of the Municipality would be necessary in the ad hoc Committee getting approvals from the various agencies. One prohibiting factor in installing the Dock on the north west side of the Weightman Bridge (Tim Horton's side) is that this is currently the staging area for the contractor. Although arguably various approvals would not be necessary to put the Dock back in its original location on the South side, the contractor is concerned about safety. Staff has not investigated whether it would be necessary to get new approvals if the Dock was to be put in 30m further east, as suggested by the contractor. Although staff appreciates the loss that may be felt with the lack of a public dock this summer, there are a number of prohibiting factors to its reinstallation. The City lacks the resources to maintain the Dock but are comforted by a volunteer group coming forward. The group is credible and would have the wherewithal to maintain the Dock. As a result, the City should explore selling the Dock for a nominal fee. Of course, there may be some concern that the original contributing businesses would be "losing" the Dock they funded. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The Chippawa Public Dock became a risk and liability to the City forcing its removal from the Welland River. The City Tacks the resources to be the sole steward of the Dock moving forward. There is no requirement that the City have a public dock in the area, however, it has been utilized by law enforcement and emergency services. These public entities should financially contribute to the Dock, if it was to be revived. A relocation of the Dock would require a host of approvals from various public agencies. The success of any approvals would be contingent upon the City supporting any future application. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Arguably, a successful public dock could strengthen and promote economic development within the City. The Cummington Square/ Weightman Bridge has been identified as an area with potential, which may call for a long -term vision for the area. June 14, 2010 - 4 - CD- 2010 -05 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ► Request from the Chippawa Public Docks Committee ► MW- 2010 -15 • PRC- 2009 -31 ► E -mail from Rankin Construction ► E -mail from Fred Cade Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: DI Dean lorfida, Citfr Cle k Kej Todd, Chief Administrative Officer CHIPPAWA PUBLIC DOCKS COMMITTEE May 20, 2010 The City of Niagara Falls City Hall, P.O. Box 1023 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6X5 Mayor, Council and Staff; Attn: Ken Todd, CAO RE CE MAY 2 0 2010 OFFICE OF OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR Re/ Public docks ( "the Docks ") on the Welland River ( "the Creek ") and the Chippawa Public Docks Committee ( "the Committee ") 1 represent a group of Chippawa residents and businesses (Schedule A) concerned with the disposition of the Docks on the Creek at Cummington Square. It has come to our attention that the Docks were removed by a third party and subsequently ended up at the Stanley Avenue Works Yard where they were inspected on our behalf (Schedule B). It is our understanding that the Docks are the property of the City of Niagara Falls. We have formed an `ad hoc' community volunteer group, which I have been selected to Chair due to my prior experience as the founder and current Chairman of the Chippawa Dockowners Association (CDOA). During the formation of the CDOA we gained knowledge in; maintenance requirements, dock scantlings, upland and crown land agreements and risk management within the jurisdiction. The CDOA was formed as a non - profit corporation charged with providing; licencing for use, maintenance and insurance for the Ontario Power Generation lands along the Creek. We have provided these services uninterrupted, since our formation in 1992. After an affirmative vote by the Committee on the following motion, we are collectively requesting that; r the docks be transferred to our stewardship (we will form a not - for - profit corp.) r the docks be permanently moved to the east side of the Welland River and be split evenly with 70' of dock on each side of and adjacent to the Weightman Bridge ( "the Bridge ") and that the current insurance be continued In furtherance of these initiatives we seek to establish a partnership with Niagara Parks Commission, the City of Niagara Falls and Ontario Power Generation to; 1. develop a use agreement with Niagara Parks Commission for the north side of the Creek and east side of the Bridge 2. develop a use agreement with the City of Niagara Falls and OPG for the north side of the Creek and west side of the Bridge CHI P1 A ^ors. PUBLIC IC DOCK COMMITTEE The Docks have several uses, and will be sorely missed by the community members, as well as, visiting and local boaters who utilize them to access nearby businesses and to enjoy the parklands. Additionally, as you may know, the Docks represent an essential component in the commitment to safety and policing along the Creek (Schedule C). They are an important part of the strategic planning for; := St. John's Ambulance and their water safety unit Niagara Regional Police Marine Unit i Chippawa Volunteer Fire Dept. Niagara Parks Police r EMT - various As a community volunteer committee our mandate would be to; i Maintain the docks in a good, safe working order Report to partnering agencies and the City Work with regulatory agencies for enforcement of o Noise and damage control o Safety and Accessibility Our committee will hold regular meetings and will be available on an "as needed" basis to report to, and partner with, the various agencies outlined. We will concurrently fundraise to cover the costs of upkeep. Find attached petitions (Schedule D) signed by supporting residents of the area. Yours truly, -- Jay Mason, Chairman Chippawa Public Docks Committee I support the attached petition to the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks Commission re Chippawa Public Docks. LPL c/// Urs.r A lax C7q5 c-c 0 , cc, gorkkV(et:/oh, ge..A kki i j — i I-16)4 0 A, %ili f113 1 7-1,9 (L tfry,sc c`h ; ���uf G= va�tl�r Choy-fila - i_ ifraiAjo sf./t)c.1( Zd'w;ieV3 43 C?� May 5, 2010 c ro6_.s% g At34-iszo ya,5 -1V) goc cii„L411 `ti X209 1,,C) / Pe.Lr c€ 5 ccc r / 3 4 "Chippawa LCBO ThelleerStore May 18, 2010 His Worship, Mayor Ted Salci and Members of Niagara Falls City Council Dear Mayor Salci, Re: Chippawa Public Docks As residents and members of the Chippawa business community, we would like to see the Public Docks put back in the Welland River, preferably in front of Tim Hortons and The Boat House. Many safety groups use the docks when responding to emergencies on the water. In addition the docks are used by local and visiting boaters who tie up and visit businesses in the area. We would like to see the docks installed as soon as possible this year. Your truly Y Bob & Marie Middlemiss Owners 1 8251 Dock Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G1G1 Tel: (905) 295 -6133 Fax: (9051 295-3580 Memo To: Dean lorfida City of Niagara Falls From: Harry Oakes Chair Clifton Hill BIA Date: May 7, 2010 Re: Clifton Hill BIA 2010 Budget levy. Clifton Hill BIA 4960 Clifton Hill, PO Box 60 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6S8 Please accept this memo as our official budget request for the 2010 property tax Clifton Hill NIA 2010 Budget TODS Highway Signage Kiwanis Bus Bench Program Streetscape Maintenance Misc Expense Accounting (905) 356 -7521 Ext. 4271 diorfida @niagarafalls. ca (905) 357 -5911 hoakes@cliftonhill.com $10,500 $12,500 $10,000 $ 4,500 $ 2,500 2010 Tax Levy Request $40,000 cJC 's -i To Whom It May Concern: On Wednesday 05 May 2010, I inspected the docks at the City of Niagara Falls Stanley Avenue maintenance facility. I did so at the request of our group of concerned citizens who are part of an effort to "Save the docks" and have them returned to a suitable location in the Welland River at Chippawa. I have 35 years experience in carpentry and related construction skills, and have a small renovation business. I offer the following assessment acknowledging that I have no engineering or other such degree or education. This is simply the opinion of a skilled carpenter. The 11 pieces of the dock were pilled 5 high as shown in the photograph above, making it difficult to examine each component closely. Each section is 14 to 16 feet in length. The dock is made entirely of pressure treated 2 X lumber. There seemed very little weather or age related damage to the structures, but there was some obvious damage to the long sides of the various pieces, the sides exposed to boat traffic. The damage was caused when boats bumped or rubbed against the material. Further wear and tear could be slowed or stopped by attaching a buffer device such as a dock bumper along the length of the dock. The joists and other framing are in excellent condition, remaining straight and true with little evidence of twisting or cupping. The floorboards are generally in good condition, but a few should be replaced because of splintering, which would be unsafe for barefooted swimmers etc. The screws used to secure the deck boards, at least the ones I could see, are rusting and will eventually give out. This will take a few years, but eventually they need to be replaced by galvanized deck screws. SC 70LC 6 -2, The docks various pieces were constructed with galvanized lag bolts and heavy duty screws used to secure the frame or skeleton on the dock. Large plastic floats are securely attached to this frame, and allows the dock to float in the water. The floats are in excellent condition. The separate wooden sections of the dock are joined together with 3/4 each thick rods that connect to a u bolt on the opposite deck, much like the cars of a train connect. There is some rust on some of the metallic pieces, but not so much as to cause concern in its performance. Sc4 JLE= -3 One piece of the dock sustained significant damage when being transported as shown in the photo below. This picture also shows that 2x4's used as boat tie offs have come off some sections, (lowest section in this picture) leaving only the wooden spacers. While easily repairable, I note from actually using the dock for two summers, that the use of cleats or tie rings may be a more durable alternative. In summary I am of the opinion that the dock is structurally sound, and needs only to have the minor issues listed below addressed to provide many more years of service. This floating dock was VERY well constructed. Consider applying chemical treatment to increase water resistance to the wood. This deck treatment is recommended for pressure treated decks every few years. The dock is out of the water, so now would be a good time, and it may add years to the life and appearance of the dock. - replacement of splintered deck boards - replace wooden tie off system with galvanized tie off cleats or rings. - replace deck screws as appropriate. -add bumper protection along docks length. Rob Bermuhler 4092 Bridgewater St Chippawa 289- 296 -4083 May 19, 2010 Members of Council: It is our understanding that the Public Docks on the Welland River by Cummington Square will not be re- installed for the 2010 boating season and write to you today to inform you of the importance of the public docks to our St John Ambulance Water Patrol Program as we provide essential services to the swimmers and boaters that enjoy our local waterway. These Docks are an invaluable asset not only to our Water Patrol Program; they are also needed by the Niagara Falls Fire Dept., Niagara Regional Police Marine Unit, Canada Customs and Immigration as we collectively respond to the needs of the residents and visitors to our community, both on land and water. Our Water Patrol uses these docks as a place to not only monitor water traffic and swimmers, but as a visible location for the public to know where to locate us in the event they require our services. We also use the dock to tie up while responding to first aid emergencies and debark swimmers that have been assisted on the water, whether or not they require transfer to other emergency service personnel. We often meet EMS or other emergency responders at the dock for patient transfer. Boats and boaters in difficulty, unless members of the Boat Club, are also towed to this location. Whatever the final decision on the reinstallation of the docks and the location which may be conditional on construction progress, all emergency response personnel who aid swimmers and boaters on the Welland River will need to coordinate response efforts and transfer points. Confusion causes delay, and could have a negative impact on prompt response times thereby jeopardizing the health ancwell being of those who rely on our water and park lands during the summer season. It is our hope that we can collaborate together to ensure public safety and growth in the local economy. Please feel free to contact us at 905 -356 -7461. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, S cue e —1 St. John Ambulance Saint -Jean Client Services 905- 356 -7340 Tel. 905- 356 -1647 Fax Email: Niagara.Falls @on.sja.ca C,_„L3-- Kai T Bucht Branch Manager, St. John Ambulance Niagara Falls Branch cc: Water Patrol Committee Deputy Chief Ray Anderson, Station #4 Shirley Fisher Mark Newman United Way Member Agency 5734 Glenholme Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 4Y3 Branch Manager - Kai T Bucht 905- 356 -7461 Tel. 905 -356 -1647 Fax Email: stjanfbr @cogeco.net Marine Unit S C (.), ul c . Niagara Falls City Council 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6X5 Dear Members of City Council: Yours truly, Cst.Rob Rittner Niagara Parks Police, Marine Unit coordinator Niagara Parks Police Service 6075 Niagara Pwy, Box 150, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 17 May, 2010 It has come to our attention by the members of the Chippawa Public Dock Committee that the docks along the south shoreline of the Welland River in front of the Riverside Tavern, have been removed from the river and may not retum for the 2010 boating season. The members of the Niagara Parks Police Service marine unit have worked with the Niagara Regional Police marine / USR unit since 2000. During this time, the docks have been a great asset to marine patrol units in conducting enforcement duties, safety initiatives and public relations work. Members patrolling the vicinity of the upper Niagara River find the docks to be the only practical place to stop during fowl weather when not near the Miller's Creek Marina. It also allows us to enforce the speed limit in the Welland River and conduct safety equipment inspections, to stop and inform youth of dangers associated with jumping off the bridge, to permit the residence and visitors to board our boats and ask questions or to give children a tour, and to simply take a break during our twelve hour shifts. The Underwater Search and Recovery Team (Dive) of the Niagara Regional Police have use the docks several times as a convenient and safe entry location during dive calls in the area. It is a welcome stop for the St.John's Ambulance river patrol who use the docks after many trips down and up the river on a hot summer day. As with us, it gives them a place to rest and still be present and be visible to the public. The docks have become a well known location in Chippawa for all and an asset to some of the businesses nearby. The members of the marine unit and officers on the road, frequently stop and speak with individuals on the dock whether it is related to suspicious circumstances, inspecting fishing licenses, or warn people of the strong currents in the area. Leaving the docks out this year will be a hindrance to our way of doing business on the Welland River. Please consider retuming them to either the same location or possibly to the north shore as we feel this too is a viable location. The members of the Niagara Parks Police / Marine Unit are willing to assist in `looking after' the docks and report any damage, etc to the Chippawa Public Dock Committee representative(s). If you wish to discuss this further, please feel free to contact Chief Douglas Kane at 905- 356 -1338 or myself at (905)650 -7022. Thank you for your consideration. rent view Gord c e c From: Fire Chief 4 To: Phil Ross Date: Tuesday - May 18, 2010 8:00 PM Subject: City Docks From a question from Chief Smith, December 1, 2009 stating the city was selling the docks that have been moored just north of the Weightman Bridge and if the Fire Department needed any part of them for operation. My answer was not about the dock or location, but about inproving the launch area near Sodom and those docks. Recently I have been approached and asked to support the reinstatement of the docks near the bridge. Operationally for the fire services they have been used in the past as a staging area, working with the other emergency services. I understand that this information will be discuss at meetings on May 21, and perhaps at a city hall committee meeting on May 31. Any questions please contact. ( (d eket,o.e 1 1 Kil Imo- /4 ,- /u ct ) C;,1Ct /��- / �!r'� �' l G�'! C '= http:// nfcom .niagarafalls.ca/gw /webacc? User. context= hv2jr7V b3 it2kdaLub &Item.drn =12... 5/1 9/20 1 0 G - cr-Gled Niagara Falls City Council 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6X5 To Whom it May Concern: Yours truly, Sgt. Bill Wiley Niagara Regional Police Service Marine Unit / USRU Niagara Regional Police Service 68 Church St, St.Catharines, ON L2R 3C6 18 May, 2010 As members of the marine community, it is disappointing to hear that the Chippawa Public Docks in the Welland River may not be installed for this season. Officers of the marine unit patrol the upper Niagara River and Welland River on a regular basis and find the docks to be an asset during patrols. The docks give the officers a chance to stop and complete paper work or duty notes, speak with members of the public and discourage individuals from jumping off the bridge spanning the Welland River at Portage Road. It also gives the officers a platform to conduct speed enforcement in the river and conduct small vessel safety inspections. The Canadian Border Services Agency utilize the docks as a location to meet American boaters reporting into Customs in the area. Please reconsider your decision and return the docks in the Welland River. If you have any questions, you may contact me at 905 - 688 -4441 ext 5570. Name : Address Date / -7 10 FIWASI WM" C IREgd... L....." W Pergririi. en6MININ A ..1.4 _44.1§PI s.SV ,I e _ _. ' lie, ' 4.. ■ a Ille cal 71 111M . '3 /0 C 4 ,o A i. i 7 , ✓L%" 1G- - C-c ,6,04f iti. . ■ - 5GG. 4 IlitE 1 x/05, So L.�ar- Q • 6 v o S' 4 `,. - // " rl-, o, ■ 3 Bar 34L .ac ¶ - < 0 . / e(� Nf / 1 �lv4,- . VIIIMI l'h t t o Pri .70/1-1VW F ill i(F 7 ` ") /'71/ • IV 4_,,-...miel 611r- ky.' _ .. / 7L5 / .1/ 494 7" 3 7 7; C 77z p A' ii9 /v tA n. m l , — s-C.( Lt (p aD , 4( 31 P466s Litt. t Public ocks We (tlie undersigned) believe that the Public Docks on the Welland River y Cummington Square should be re- installed on the Weiland River for the 2010 boating season. These :Public Docks are used by St. John's Ambulance, Niagara Falls Fire Dept., Niagara Regional Police Marine Unit, Canada CustoXns and Immigration as a check in point AND for the boaters in the ?community. Cb'I 7'2010 10:45 9052953580 May, 21. 2010 3:13AM N, R. P. S Niagara Falls City Council 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L233 6X5 Your truly, Sgt, Rill Wiley Niagara Regional Police Service Marine Unit / U5RU tiliagara Regional Police Service 68 Choreic St, StCathariuesy ON 142lit 3C6 CHIPPAWA FOODLAND PAGE 02/03 Nu. 8343 P. 2 CLERK FA JUN fl 7 'zu1O 18 Tvlay, 2010 To Whom it May Concern: As members of the marine commur Icy, it is disappointing to hear that the Chippewa Public Docks in the Welland River may not be installed for this season. Officers of the marine unit patrol the upper Niagara River and Welland River an a regula basis and find the docks to be an asset during patrols, The docks give the officers a chaince to stop and complete paper work or duty notes, speak with members of the public and discouiage individuals from jumping off the bridge spanning the Welland River at Portage Road. It also gives ttie officers a platform to conduct speed enforcement in the river and conduct small vessel safety inspections. The Canadian Border Services Agency utilize the docks as a location to meet American boaters reporting into Custorns in the area. Please reconsider your decision anti return the docks in the Welland River. If you have any questions, you may contact me at 905- 63844 11 ext 5570, 06/07/2010 10:48 Offi 6736 Dorchester Rd. Niagara Falls, ON Canada L20 5T9 Ph: (905) 354 -1080 Fax: (905) 354 -7954 May 12, 2010 9052953580 To Whom It May Concern: Yours Truly, Tom C, Newell Owner of Newnut Foods Inc, Tl�nn iFortoos Story, 352 6948 McLeod Rd. Niagir,a 'Falls, ON Canada CHIPPAWA FOODLAND NEWNUT FOODS INC. O/A 7:4;41d44,-ilotts Tim Hortons Store 1402 8089 Portage Rd. Niagara Falls, ON Canada L20 7K3 L2G 5Z2 Ph: (905) 374 -6366 Ph: (905) 295 -6800 Fax: 005) 374 -2680 Fax: (905) 295 -690 Tim Hortons Store 3032 6380 Fallsview Blvd. Niagara Falls, ON Canada L2G 7X5 Ph: (905) 356-0236 9 Fax: (905) 356 -4321 I am the owner /operator of the Tim Hortons store in Chippawa. 1 would like to express m.y support for the installation of the docks on the north/east side of the Welland River. 1 believe the docks are a great asset to our community and add a unique quality to Chippawa. It would be unfortunate to lose them,. F'A(± U-.3/6.3 (6/4/2010) Dean Iorfida - Fwd: Chippawa docks. Page 1 From: Geoff Holman To: Dean Iorfida Date: 5/31/2010 3:52 PM Subject: Fwd: Chippawa docks. FYI »> "Fred Cade" <fred@cairncroft.com> 5/31/2010 3:12 PM »> Goeff. My name is Fred Cade and I live with my family in Chippawa at 3634 Bridgewater St., two houses up from the Riverside Hotel. I appreciate all of the positives with the public docks at Cummington Square, but as you may know there is often a noise element associated with late night partying on the docks. I understand that there has been discussions lately about temporarily relocating the docks closer to my home during the bridge reconstruction. I strongly object to any suggestion of moving the docks closer to my home. I would like to see the docks relocated to the other side off the creek , away from the residential area and closer to some of the businesses that may profit from the dock traffic. Thank you for your time and please acknowledge the receipt of this email. Fred Cade 3634 Bridgewater St. NFO L2G 6H2 905 356 1162 x 610 Niagara N REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works Department SUBJECT: MW- 2010 -15 Chippawa Boat Dock - Update Report RECOMMENDATION That the report be received for the information of Council. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MW- 2010 -15 April 12, 2010 The Chippawa Boat Dock located near the abutment of the Weightman Bridge was installed a decade ago as a business development initiative of the Chippawa BIA. The BIA has become defunct and issues concerning the ownership, maintenance and liability need to be addressed. The local business community and residents have recently shown some interest in reinstating the docks. The City will be rehabilitating the Weightman Bridge this summer which would have necessitated the removal of the docks, in any case, for this season. Staff is recommending that we use this time to determine if a formal agreement can be arranged with local interests. BACKGROUND The Chippawa Boat dock was constructed in 1999 in an effort initiated by the Chippawa Business Improvement Area (BIA) to provide access for local residents and tourists to the Welland River for recreational purposes. The BIA ceased to exist in 2004 leaving the boat dock as both an asset (financial) and a liability (risk) of City of Niagara Falls. Much of the remaining structure has been salvaged due to the goodwill efforts of the owner of the Riverside Inn (Mr. Sam Bielich). It has been made clear that Mr. Bielich no longer wishes to take on this responsibility and recently portions of the dock were dismantled and stored near the Chippawa Boat Ramp. City Council, at its meeting on November 16 2009, considered the staff recommendations outlined in report PRC- 2009 -031 and directed staff to investigate the best possible uses for the boat docks. Much of the discussion focused on three possible options; 1. Expand the existing Municipal Boat Ramp, 2. Pursue interest from the Dock Owner's Association, or, 3. Advertise the docks for public sale. Staff held a Public Meeting on February 23, 2010 at the Chippawa Lion's Club to gather public feedback (see attachment 2). The majority of the participants expressed interest in reinstating the boat dock subject to the resolution of a number of issues related to safety, April 12, 2010 ownership and maintenance. It was discussed that the formation of a citizen committee or the reformation of the Chippawa BIA could be an effective way to address the issues moving forward. ANALYSIS AND RATIONALE The Chippawa BIA has not been functioning as an active entity since 2004 and in 2008 the remaining assets were returned to the City in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act. The east side of the Welland River is owned by the Niagara Parks Commission who has had no objection to the dock location subject to verification of proper insurance and indemnity from any claims. There have been requests to relocate the dock to the west side of the Welland River which is owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Likewise, OPG is looking to the City to assume any responsibility and liability. City staff acknowledge the interest of the business community to attract residents and tourists to this area and think that the dock can help to stimulate business activity in this area. There are concerns however, that the reinstatement of the docks in this area might legitimize and attract unwanted use and illegal activity such as jumping off the Weightman Bridge, vandalism and loitering. The impending rehabilitation and partial closure of the Weightman Bridge this summer gives City staff and local interests an opportunity to address some of these issues in time for reinstatement next year. For this reason the docks have been removed and stored at the Service Centre. Staff are recommending that we continue our discussions with area residents and business owners over the course of the summer to see if the reinstatement option is indeed viable. FINANCIAL /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS COMMITMENT TO COUNCIL PRIORITIES LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Location Plan 2. Minutes of Public Meeting, February 23, 2010. -2- MW-2010-15 The issue of ownership and liability is a key consideration for the City. Municipal BIA's are covered under the City's insurance however it will be necessary to establish proper procedures for inspection and regular maintenance to mitigate the risk it will assume as an owner. Over the past two years the City has received two claims. This added responsibility may have an impact on the operating budget. For these reasons staff are recommending that the City assume a coordination role only. Implementation of these works meets the intent of Council's Strategic Priorities to establish infrastructure investment priorities and to strengthen and promote economic development within the City. April 12, 2010 -4- ATTACHMENT 1 MW- 2010 -15 Chippawa Boat Docks Chippawa goat Chippawa Doc Ima ! s ( ** ' 3•03'35p00" N -., 79'03'04.28' Q(A Niagara,F& November 16, 2009 REPORT TO: His Worship Mayor Ted Salci and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Parks, Recreation & Culture SUBJECT: PRC - 2009 -31 Chippawa Boat Dock RECOMMENDATION I • _ • • : . - • - • That staff bring back a report on best possible uses for the Chippawa Boat Dock. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PRC- 2009 -31 The Chippawa Boat Dock project was initiated by the Chippawa BIA in 1999 with the expectation that the village would profit from the added exposure from public and tourism traffic on the Welland River. During the years that followed the floating dock was subject to vandalism and loitering. Several sections of the dock were lost due to ice damage and vandalism, with 100 feet of the structure remaining. The dock has also been subject to legal claims in the past two years. The Chippawa BIA has ceased to be active in 2004 and, therefore, the floating boat dock became the property of the City with the associated maintenance and risk management costs. Currently, the boat dock is stationed at the publicly owned Chippawa Boat Ramp parking lot. Staff has been advised by Mr. Sam Bielich of the Riverside Inn, that he maintained the dock at his own expense for several years after the Chippawa BIA folded and he now has no further interest in preserving the dock ,nor an interest in the dock returning to it's location beside his property. For the above reasons Staff recommends the Chippawa Dock be decommissioned. (6/3/2010) Dean Iorfida - Fwd: Weightman Bridge - Boat Dock at S.E. Quadrant Page 1 From: Geoff Holman To: Dean Iorfida Date: 6/2/2010 10:48 PM Subject: Fwd: Weightman Bridge - Boat Dock at S.E. Quadrant Hi Dean, Please consider the comments from Rankin Construction with regard to the Boat Dock situation. Thanks for your assistance. Geoff Holman, C.E.T. Director of Municipal Works City of Niagara Falls 905 - 356 -7521 ext. 4219 915- 356 -2354 (fax) gholman @niagarafalls.ca »> Kent Schachowskoj 6/2/2010 4:26 PM »> Geoff, The following came in from Rankin Construction regarding the Boat Dock near Weightman Bridge. Let me know if this is sufficient for your purposes. Thank you Kent Schachowskoj, P. Eng. Project Manager, Municipal Works City of Niagara Falls Ph. 905 - 356 -7521 Ext. 4336 Fax 905 - 356 -2354 kschachowskoj@niagarafalls.ca »> "Bill Snow" <bsnow@rankinconstruction.ca> 6/2/2010 4:17 PM »> Kent, Further to our previous conversation we are confirming our concerns with regard to a seasonal boat dock which has been previously situated near the S.E. quadrant of the Weightman Bridge. We are concerned that if the boat dock was installed at this location there may be safety issues for boaters and / or our work force due to the closeness to our work area and construction activities. We are suggesting that an alternative location be provided (at least 30m away from our work area) for this dock to ensure safety of all those concerned. (6/3/2010) Dean lorfida - Fwd: Weightman Bridge - Boat Dock at S.E. Quadrant Page 2 We trust that this is considered acceptable, otherwise please contact me. Thanks, Bill Snow, P. Eng. Senior Vice President Rankin Construction Inc. Office: (905) 684 -1111 Fax: (905) 684 -2260 Cell: (905) 321 -1157 rr NiagaraFgglls REPORT TO: SUBMITTED BY: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, ON Municipal Works MW- 2010 -37 DWQMS Operational Plan Re- submission MW- 2010 -37 June 14, 2010 1) That City Council as Owners of the Niagara Falls Water Distribution System endorse the Drinking Water Quality Management System Operational Plan. 2) That staff be authorized to make the appropriate application to the Canadian General Standards Board prior to June 23, 2010. In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 the City of Niagara Falls is required to apply for an annual audit of the drinking water system operations, to be performed by the Canadian General Standards Board. This is to be an on -site audit performed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), followed by two years of desktop audits. At that point the audit cycle begins again with an on -site audit. On April 6, 2009, Council endorsed MW- 2009 -21 DWQMS Operational Plan. This report authorized staff to submit the newly created DWQMS Operational Plan to the appropriate governing bodies. By submitting the Operational Plan and undergoing a document audit the City of Niagara Falls received a Drinking Water Works Permit and Municipal Drinking Water Licence from the Ministry of the Environment, as well as a limited scope certificate of accreditation from the CGSB. In order to progress in the accreditation program and receive a full scope certificate of accreditation, the City must resubmit the newly revised Operational Plan to the CGSB and undergo an on -site accreditation audit. June 14, 2010 ANALYSIS Over the past year, staff has begun implementing the new practices outlined in the Operation Plan, such as Risk Assessments, Infrastructure Reviews and Drinking Water System Desktop Emergency Response and Reaction Training. While implementing these new practices staff has continued to comply with existing established practices now documented in the Operational Plan. The DWQMS requires staff to document how the Niagara Falls Drinking Water System operates, and ensures consistent operation on a daily basis. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS By not submitting the DWQMS Operational Plan the City will no longer be accredited with the CGSB and by extension will have its Drinking Water Works Permit and Municipal Drinking Water Licence revoked. Revocation of these permits and licences prohibits the City from operating its own Drinking Water System. Additionally, revocation subjects the Drinking Water System Owner, Top Management and QMS Representative to charges and fines under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. ATTACHMENTS 1. DWQMS Operational Plan Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: - MW- 2010 -37 Geoff Holman, irec Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer JS S: \REPORTS\2010 Reports \MW - 2010 -37 - DWQMS.Operational Plan Resubmission.wpd of Municipal Works .vr NiagaraFglls REPORT TO: SUBMITTED BY: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATIONS Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Transportation Services Department TS- 2010 -32 Tourist Area Parking Demand Study TS- 2010 -32 June 14, 2010 1) That the Tourist Area Parking Demand Study be received. 2) That staff proceed with the public process to amend the Zoning by -law to incorporate the new parking standards and recognize existing approvals (built and unbuilt) through site specific provisions. 3) That the Official Plan be amended to eliminate the submission of Parking Demand Studies to rationalize further reductions to parking requirements. 4) Parking Demand Studies continue to be accepted only for land uses not surveyed. 5) That Parking rates be reviewed in five years and updated as required. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Parking Demand Study authorized by Council was undertaken to assess actual parking needs in the tourist area and was commissioned in response to parking reduction requests for new applications. The primary purpose of the Parking Demand Study was to: Expedite processing time for applications when lower parking standards are requested thus providing quicker approvals • Eliminate the need for developers to hire consultants to rationalize parking needs • Develop rates based on numerous field studies for each land use, rather than single site surveys • Develop rates specific to "Made in Niagara Falls" rather than using textbook rates TSH (now AECOM) Consulting firm carried out the surveys and developed rates based on results from the technical data. Several stakeholder meetings were also held to obtain input from the public. Taking into account the information provided by the consultant and stakeholders parking rates were developed. The resulting parking standards for various land uses are shown in the Appendix to this report. June 14, 2010 -2- TS- 2010 -32 BACKGROUND The following chronicles' previous Committee reports and public meetings held on the Tourist Area Parking Demand Study: • April 20, 2009 - Community Services Report TS- 2009 -02 was presented to Committee. The Committee requested that staff host a public meeting. • June 17, 2009 - A Public meeting was held and attended by five members of the public, Planning staff, Transportation staff and Consultant representation. • January 25, 2010 - Community Services Report TS- 2010 -07 was deferred by the Committee pending further consultation with the respective BIA's. • April 7, 2010 - A meeting by invitation was held and attended by seven individuals comprising BIA representative, developers, consultant, legal representation, Planning staff and Transportation staff. Following the meeting on April 7, correspondence was received from several attendees. Comments were related to both the planning process, as well as technical issues. It is the intention of this report to address the technical issues brought forth as the planning issues may best be addressed in the next phase of this study being the Zoning Amendment process. The public and stakeholders will again have the opportunity to provide input during the Zoning Amendment process where the comments and responses will be formally documented as part of the amendment. Throughout the past year, staff have met on various occasions with stakeholders and discussed a variety of issues related to the parking standards and the impact specific to their developments. Initially, there were approximately fifteen issues that were brought forth and discussed with Planning and Transportation staff. Several issues will be resolved through the Zoning amendment process. However, most recently the focus has been to address the outstanding technical issues brought forth by the development community. Of these, staff have taken into consideration comments brought forth by stakeholders and closely re- evaluated the results with special attention to the five (5) outstanding issues. Of these three (3) of the five (5) remaining technical issues discussed at the April 7 meeting have been resolved. A consensus was reached on the following three (3) issues: 1. As requested by the stakeholders the calculation for the restaurants in hotels that exceed 300 seats will be based on the number of seats in excess of the 300 (at a rate of 1 space per 15 seats) rather than all available seating. 2. As requested by the stakeholders the calculation for the meeting rooms in hotels exceeding 1400 square metres will be based on the number of square metres above the one thousand four hundred (1400) square metres (at a rate of 1 space per 66 sq. m.) 3. As requested by the stakeholders a one (1) bus parking substitution incentive to a maximum of 1 bus will be optional for theatres. June 14, 2010 -3- TS- 2010 -32 However, Staff cannot support revisions to the two (2) remaining issues as outlined below: 1. Request that the number of bus parking spaces in lieu of passenger car spaces be based on the number of hotel rooms rather than the maximum of 2 bus spaces as proposed in the study. • The substitution of bus parking (2 bus parking spaces in lieu of 40 passenger car parking spaces) is an incentive over and above what the parking demand study suggested. The impact of further reductions to the number of passenger car parking spaces at hotels may result in parking space shortage during the summer, when the parking demand period for passenger cars peak. The majority of buses arrive during the shoulder season. Thus the two peaking patterns do not occur simultaneously. 2. Developers wish to retain the opportunity to submit Parking Demand Studies. • Staff is supportive of receiving parking demand studies for land uses not surveyed. However, the newly developed parking rates from the Parking Demand Report - as amended in the Appendix should be utilized for the surveyed land uses. Four to thirteen establishments were surveyed in each land use category during the peak hours on weekends and on weekdays throughout the tourist season. The results from all these surveys in each category were "weighted" to ensure that anomalies /fluctuations in data results due to weather, time of day, number of survey respondents etc. did not adversely skew the overall parking rate. Numerous surveys are required to be carried out in order to obtain a high level of confidence in the resulting parking rates, as a single survey which is typically carried out by developers submitting Parking Demand Studies, is not considered to be an adequate sample size. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Developments in all land uses other than hotels /motels will unquestionably benefit by the new rates. This is reasonable given that these facilities are not "destinations" in themselves. Alternately, land uses that are more of a "destination" tend to not benefit greatly, such as hotels and motels (particularly those with limited ancillary uses) as the rate for rooms has increased from 0.50 parking spaces per room to 0.80 parking spaces per room. However, the room rate is offset by the elimination of a corresponding parking ratio for each ancillary use in hotels /motels, such as retail, restaurants with 300 seats or less, breakfast areas, etc. Also, to further reduce the parking requirement at hotels /motels, a substitution of 40 passenger car parking spaces is available if two bus parking spaces are provided. Although it is recognized that the majority of patrons still travel to hotels via passenger cars during the peak season, the substitution is a method of encouraging alternate modes of transportation by incorporating a Transportation Demand Management strategy. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing Appendix - Tourist Area Parking Demand Study - Parking Rates Correspondence from Sullivan Mahoney dated April 16, 2010 June 14, 2010 Correspondence from Aird & Berlis dated April 13, 2010 Correspondence from Broderick & Partners dated April 8, 2010 Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: -4- TS- 2010 -32 Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services / LLO'Ac Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning & Development 44-4,A Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Carrick S: \General Administration \GA 1.01 Reports \2010 Community Services \06 Jun 14 \TS- 2010 -32 Tourist Area Parking Demand Study.wpd �� , TS- 2010 -32 Tourist Area Parking NiagaraFaIls Demand Study Limits of Study Area NORTH Land Use Category = Current 79 -200 By -Law Rate Proposed Parking Rate Proposed Change Restaurants 1 space per 5 seats 1 space per 10 seats 1 Retail store 1 space per 25 m 1 space per 60 m 4• Motel Hotel Motel 1 space per 1.3 rooms Hotel 1 space per 2.0 rooms 1 space per 10 seats 1 space per 5.5 m assembly 1 space per 25 m substitution currently not available Base Room Rates for Motel = T T J. 1 New 1 space per 1.25 rooms Base Room Rates for Hotel 1 space per 1.25 rooms Ancillary Restaurant < 300 seats = no additional spaces > 300 seats = 1 space per 15 seats in excess of 300 seats Ancillary Meeting /Convention Room < 1400 m = no additional spaces 1 space per 66 m for z 1400 m in excess of 1400sgm AncillaryRetail Area no additional spaces Bus Parking Space Substitution 1.0 bus parking space = 20 passenger cars parking spaces. Maximum substitution of 40 spaces. Museum 1 space per 50 m 1 space per 150 m 4, Tattoo parlor _ 1 space per 40 m 1 space per 2 seats N/A Amusement game ** establishment 1 space per 5 person lawfully occupied 1 space per 75 m N/A Theatre /cinema 1 space per 5 seats 1 space per 10 seats .1, Attractions/Theatres Bus Parking Space Substitution New 1.0 bus parking space =20 passenger cars parking spaces Maximum substitution of 20 spaces APPENDIX - Tourist Area Parking Demand Study - Established Parking Rates N/A - Comparison not available due to unit type difference * updated for June 14 report - TS- 2010 -32 April 16, 2010 SULLIVAN MAHONEYLLP ' via fax #905 -353 -0651 & Email: mcarrick(a niagarafalls.ca City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Attention: Marzenna Carrick, C.E. T. — Manager of Traffic Operations Dear Ms. Carrick: Re: TS- 2010 -07 Tourist Area Parking Demand Study Public Stakeholders Meeting — April 7, 2010 This letter is written further to our attendance at the stakeholders meeting on April 7, 2010 in respect to the Tourist Area Parking Demand Study (the "Parking Study "). We wish to reiterate that our clients are generally in support of the recommendations in the Parking Study as currently worded subject only to the following exceptions: 1. With respect to the maximum two (2) bus parking space substitution in lieu of twenty (20) parking spaces per bus, it remains our position that the maximum number of bus parking spaces allowed ought to reflect the number of rooms in a hotel. Accordingly, we support the BIA's recommendation that the number of maximum bus parking spaces increase for every one hundred (100) rooms up to a maximum of five (5) bus parking spaces for hotels with five hundred (500) or more rooms; 2. It remains our position that the parking standard of one (1) space per fifteen (15) seats for restaurants and hotels exceeding three hundred (300) seats should apply only to the number of seats over three hundred (300) with the first three hundred (300) seats requiring no parking spaces. As discussed at the meeting, it is our understanding that the vast majority of patrons in these restaurants are hotel guests who have booked hotel packages which include food vouchers for restaurants within the hotel. It remains our contention that the walk -by traffic which the Parking Study has relied upon has been overstated given current market conditions and marketing programs instituted by the hotels. Furthermore, the current recommendation in the Parking Study would result in the conclusion that all patrons in a three hundred (300 +) plus seat restaurant in a hotel are all walk -by for parking purposes. This is clearly a false conclusion. V. F. Muratori, Q.C. J. M. Gottli S J. Premi L K Parsons 40 Queen Street, P0, Box 1360, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6Z2 Telephone: 905,688.6655, Facsimile: 905.688.5814 - 4781 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6B1 Telephone: 905.357.0500, Facsimile: 905.357.0501 www sullivan- mahoney.com P. B. Bedard R B. Culliton C. D'Angelo C. J. Bittle T. A. Richardson P. M. Sheehan W. B. McKaig J. R. Bush P. A. Mahoney B. A. Macdonald R. Vacca T. Well K. A. Book J. P Maloney S. E. Wells M. D Atherton Counsel (Commercial Law): M.D. Kriluck Please Reply to Niagara Falls Office J. Dallal M. J Bonomi B. J. Troup D. A. Goslin G. W. McCann M. F. Adams RV:jb 2 3. The parking standard for conference facilities and hotels exceeding one thousand four hundred (1,400) metres, should apply only to the square metres over one thousand four hundred (1,400). It is our understanding that these larger conference rooms are occupied by hotel guests /conference attendees the vast majority of the time. The Parking Study's recommendation would result in required parking greatly exceeding actual parking needs during the vast majority of the time that these larger conference rooms are being used. Accordingly, it is our position that the parking standards ought to only apply to the number of square metres above one thousand four hundred (1,400); 4. The proposed elimination of the ability to submit parking demand studies to rationalize further reductions to parking requirements in the future is of utmost concern. Should this recommendation prevail a stakeholder who has insufficient parking shall only have the option to pay cash -in -lieu rather than the ability to commission a parking demand study to justify a further reduction in parking requirements which route has been used in the past by a number of business owners. The result would be inequitable to all parties. We are requesting that any owner continue to have the opportunity to justify further reductions should they wish to incur the cost to do so in the same manner in which any owner has the right to bring a minor variance application or zoning by -law amendment application in respect of any other zoning provision or zoning requirement; and 5. As discussed at the meeting, it would be beneficial if the Planning Department could provide confirmation as to the application of the new parking rates, if approved, on existing built developments and on approved but unbuilt developments and the distinction between, developments which are subject to by -laws which pre -date 79 -200 and developments which have site specific zoning approval that make no reference to the 79 -200 rates. Thank you once again for the opportunity to comment upon the Parking Study. Should you have any questions or require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact this writer. Yours very truly, SULLIV4tN MAHONEY LLP Per / Rocco Vacca c.c. Karl Dren Alex Herlovitch Andrew Bryce Niagara 21 Group Inc. HOCO Limited Niagara Clifton Motor Unlimited Via Electronic Mail: aherlovitch ©niagarafalls.ca Mr. Alex Herlovitch, Director, Planning & Development City of Niagara Falls Box 1023 — 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. Herlovitch: AIRD & BERLIS LLP Barristers and Solicitors N. Jane Pepino, C.M., Q.C., LL.D. Direct: 416.865.7727 E -mail: jpepino @airdberlis.com Tourist Area Parking Demand Study Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Box 754 • Toronto, ON • M51 2T9 • Canada T 416.863.1500 F 416.863.1515 www.airdberlis.com File: 86716 April 13, 2010 As you are aware, we act on behalf of Canadian Niagara Hotels, whose lands appear to have been included within the study area regarding Tourist Area Parking Demand. On April 7, my Associate Jody Johnson, along with a representative of our client, attended an information meeting at City Hall in relation to the Study and its implementation. We thank you and your staff for organizing the meeting and for providing an overview of the study to date, its methodology and next steps. As this report is dealt with and staff proceeds with the public process to implement its recommendations, we would remind you that certain sites, including our client's, are subject to pre- existing site specific standards. In particular, a portion of our client's land is subject to By -law 5335, which sets out a site specific parking standard. Therefore, we would ask that any amendments to the zoning by -law specifically exempt the lands subject to By -law 5335 from its ambit, or stipulate that By -law 5335 is not amended by any new by -law. Kindly confirm that this will be done and that our client will not be subject to standards that a new by -law may prescribe which may be more onerous than those contained in By -law 5335. On April 24, 2009, I wrote to Councillor Carolyn loannoni and members of the Community Services Committee seeking such confirmation but have not yet received a response. I enclose herewith a copy of that letter for your reference. April 13, 2010 Page 2 Should you or members of your staff have any questions with respect to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to reviewing the draft staff report that will presented at an upcoming Community Services Committee meeting. Yours very truly, AIRD & BERLI • Jane Pepino, C. ., Q.C., LL.D. NJP /JEJ Encl. cc. Michael DiCienzo, Canadian Niagara Hotels Karl Dren, Director, Transportation Services 6605970.1 AIRD & BERLIS UP Barristers and Solicitors VIA EMAIL: ioananoni @niagarafalls.ca Dear Councillor loannoni and Members: AIRD & BERLIS LLP Barristers and Solicitors N. Jane Pepino, C.M., Q.C., LL.D. Direct: 416.865.7727 E -mail: jpepino @airdberlis.com Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls Box 1023 — 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 TS- 2009 -02 Tourist Area Parking Demand Study File: 86716 April 24, 2009 We act on behalf of Canadian Niagara Hotels, whose lands appear to have been included within the study area regarding Tourist Area Parking Demand. As this report is dealt with and staff proceeds with the public process to implement its recommendations, we would remind Council that certain sites, including our client's, are subject to pre- existing site specific standards. In particular, a portion of our client's land is subject to By -law 5335, which sets out a site specific parking standard. Therefore, we would ask that any amendments to the zoning by -law specifically exempt the lands subject to By -law 5335 from its ambit, or stipulate that By -law 5335 is not amended by any new by -law. Should you or members of your staff have any questions with respect to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours very truly, D & BERQS &. N. Jane C.M., Q.C., LL.D. NJP /sh c.c. Michael DiCenzio, Canadian Niagara Hotels Alex Herlovitch, Director, Planning & Development Karl Dren, Director, Transportation Services Ed Dujlovic, Executive Director, Community Services 5180273.1 Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Box 754 • Toronto, ON • M51 2T9 • Canada T 416.863.1500 F 416.863.1515 www.airdberlis.com »> "Italia Gilberti" < Gilberti(abroderickpartners.com> 4/8/2010 2:03 PM »> Marzenna & Andrew: As discussed at yesterday's Stakeholder meeting, one of the Fallsview BIA members had further questions with respect to the proposed new standards and other questions with respect to existing parking exemptions. 1) Can the proposed standards for packing reductions pertaining to restaurants be utilized if the restaurant is located across the street from the same owner's hotel? Would the answer be different if the restaurant was adjacent to the hotel (not contained within the hotel)? 2) Under what category would a "freefall" (eg indoor skydiving) attraction fall under? Would it be considered as an amusement game establishment? Which new proposed standards would apply? 3) Does By -law 81 -199 presently exempt attractions and theatres from parking requirements? (I do not think so). Please advise. Also, please provide more concise clarification with respect to Staffs interpretation of the "lesser of the two evils" and how it applies to preexisting buildings; preexisting approvals not built; is there specific wording required in the existing by -law. I am referring to the comments raised by Rocky Vacca yesterday; in particular with respect to the need of specific reference to 79 -200 in the site specific bylaws. Thanks, Italia Italia M. Gilberti BRODERICK & PARTNERS LLP Barristers & Solicitors 4625 Ontario Avenue P.O. Box 897 NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario L2E 6V6 905 - 356 -2621 905 - 356 -6904 (Fax) REPORT TO: rr NiagaraaalIs SUBMITTED BY: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION For the information of the Committee. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report is a summary of reportable motor vehicle collisions that occurred in 2009 on roadways under the jurisdiction of the City of Niagara Falls. Traffic collisions that occurred on Regional roads (such as Lundy's Lane, Montrose Road, etc.), Provincial roads (Highway 420, Queen Elizabeth Way, etc.), Federal roads (Rainbow Bridge, etc.), Niagara Parks Commission roads (Niagara Parkway, etc.) and on private property are not included in the analysis. This report also provides an analysis and recommended corrective measures for five intersections and mid -block locations that experienced the highest collision rates where at least three motor vehicle collisions had occurred. BACKGROUND ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Transportation Services Department TS- 2010 -31 2009 Motor Vehicle Collision Report TS- 2010 -31 June 14, 2010 The 2009 Motor Vehicle Collision Report is the second annual report to be prepared by the Transportation Services Division. Information for this report is derived from Provincial Traffic Accident Reports, which are investigated by, or reported to the Niagara Regional Police Service. Since 2005, the City of Niagara Falls has had a 31.8% decrease in the amount of motor vehicle collisions that have been reported on the roads and intersections which the City owns and maintains. The calculation of collision rates is a quantitative measure that takes into consideration the number of collisions occurring at an intersection or road section relative to the traffic volume. Although this is an acceptable method of calculation, high collision rates are obtained on low volume roads where even only one collision has occurred. Therefore, data may suggest that mitigating measures are required on this type of road, where a collision pattern is not evident due to a singular event, as opposed to a high volume road with multiple collisions whereby a pattern of collisions can develop. Therefore, as per practice, locations that have experienced at least three motor vehicle collisions were rated, ranked and analysed to acquire the top five intersections and road segments which were analysed June 14, 2010 -2- TS- 2010 -31 in depth for remedial measures to reduce the future collision occurrence. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The cost for the recommended improvements for each of the top five intersections and mid - blocks is summarized below: Intersections: Morrison Street at Victoria Avenue - The cost to install programmable signal heads for the south and eastbound directions is estimated at $18,000. Funds have been allocated in the 2010 Operating Budget. Dorchester Road at Morrison Street - No mitigating measures at this time as the majority of collisions occurred before and during the construction of the intersection. Portage Road at O'Neil Street/St. Paul Avenue - The cost of tree trimming is accounted for in the Approved 2010 General Purposes Budget. Bender Street at Ontario Avenue - The cost to paint the guide lines to separate the dual eastbound turn right from Bender Street into the casino lot has been included in the 2010 Pavement Marking Program. Frederica Street at Drummond Road - The cost of the tree trimming is accounted for in the Approved 2010 General Purposes Budget. There is minimal charges associated with the signal timing changes carried out by the Region. Mid Blocks: Cropp Street between Dorchester Road and University Avenue - The cost of tree trimming and sign maintenance is accounted for in the Approved 2010 General Purposes Budget. Dorchester Road between Lundy's Lane and Spence Street -The proposed median is part of the planned reconstruction of the intersection of Dorchester Road and Lundy's Lane, per the Dorchester Road Environmental Assessment study. O'Neil Street between Dorchester Road and Marion Avenue - The cost of the tree trimming is accounted for in the Approved 2010 General Purposes Budget. Kitchener Street between Portage Road and Stanley Avenue - The cost of installing missing signs is accounted for in the Approved 2010 General Purposes Budget. Fallsview Boulevard between Robinson Street and Murray Street - No mitigating measures to be taken at this time as there is no evidence of a predominant collision pattern. June 14, 2010 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 2009 Motor Vehicle Collision Report - Available on request. Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: -3- TS- 2010 -31 Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services i Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer T.Burshtein S: \General Administration \GA 1.01 Reports\2010 Community Services \06 Jun 14 \TS- 2010 -31 2009 Collision Report.wpd Niagara IN REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2010 -30 Fourth Avenue Traffic Mitigation Plan for Access to the Gale Centre RECOMMENDATION Six That r speed humps be installed on Fourth Avenue and Hamilton Street. err EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An Open House was held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 to provide area residents an opportunity to comment on a mitigation plan to lessen the impact of increased traffic using Fourth Avenue to and from the Gale Centre. BACKGROUND TS- 2010 -30 June 14, 2010 An Open House was held on September 9, 2009 inviting the public to provide input regarding the temporary use of Fourth Avenue for the Gale Centre. Residents expressed various concerns related to existing and potential traffic issues that may arise as a result of the increase in traffic to /from the Gale Centre. Many of the comments were related traffic and parking issues resulting from the outdoor ball hockey area. A follow -up report was prepared for September 28, 2009 council meeting. Numerous technical field studies were carried in early 2010 to capture traffic and parking conditions while ball hockey was occurring. Studies consisted of: • stop sign compliance study • traffic volume counts • speed studies • parking review • parking turnover study In addition questionnaires were delivered to all properties on Fourth Avenue requesting their input on on- street parking preference. A follow up open house was held on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Mayor Ted Salci and Councillor Pietrangelo along with ten (10) members of the public attended. A brief presentation was carried out and the following technical results were shared with the attendees: June 14, 2010 2 TS- 2010 -30 1. Thorold Stone Road Extension The Niagara Region has identified that Cytec is still completing the Risk Assessment on their property and they have received permission from Hydro One to undertake a Risk Assessment on their property as well. Their consultant is proceeding with the detailed design of the road. Provided that they are able to finalize the property acquisition later this year, they would be in position to tender the project later in 2010 or early in 2011. Financing is in place for this project. Mayor Ted Salci elaborated and explained that the first phase of the Thorold Stone Road extension will terminate just beyond the arena site. The second phase, which is to further extend the road to connect with the Victoria Avenue and Bridge Street area, may be considered within the next five years by the Region. 2. On- Street Parking Activity A parking review revealed that parking activity occurs predominantly north of Hamilton Street and is a result of overflow parking from the ball hockey league. Despite parked vehicles occupying both sides of Fourth Avenue, the width of the road allows simultaneous two -way traffic. In the winter when snow banks occupy the road edges, the road can be narrowed. A consensus nor a pattern amongst the residents was not reached regarding a change to the parking control, either as a whole or as a block -by -block basis. Less than 25% of property owners which were petitioned responded. However, should parking patterns change, a review of the parking situation can once again be carried out. 3. Speeding Speed studies identify that a speeding problem does not exist on Fourth Avenue, as the 85 percentile speed, the speed which the majority of motorists travel at or below, is 47 km /h. Radar studies carried out on the other neighbourhood streets identify speeds within a 40 - 45 km /h range. The legal speed limit is 50 km /h for each road. Should a speeding problem be observed outside the realm of the suggested speed hump locations, additional devices may be recommended to curtail vehicle speeds. 4. Traffic Volumes and Congestion Volume and speed data was also collected on Fourth Avenue using automated traffic recorders. Fourth Avenue carries approximately 500 vehicles on an average weekday, but the volume increases to 1,000 vehicles on weekends. Traffic data was collected when the ball hockey league was in session, and this establishment generates a significant amount of traffic when events are held. The side streets generally carry less than 300 vehicles daily, with no fluctuations in the traffic from weekdays to weekends. In order to address the increased traffic and potential queuing at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Bridge Street, an eastbound advance phase has been installed as part of the traffic signal configuration. This will alleviate left turn queues on Bridge Street that may impede the through traffic. In addition, the traffic signal timings will be optimized to better allocate the right -of way through the intersection based on time of day traffic patterns. June 14, 2010 3 TS- 2010 -30 Staff will arrange to have Niagara Regional Police perform traffic control duties during the grand opening of the Gale Centre on Sunday, June 27 to expedite heavy traffic movements through the area. 5. Stop Sign Violations A stop sign compliance study carried out for the intersection of Fourth Avenue at Hamilton Street to address the neighbourhood's concern with ball hockey participants not adhering to the posted stop controls. The study reveals that the majority of motorists do not perform a full legal stop. Almost three - quarters performed a rolling stop. Less than 15% of drivers were observed to complete a stop. The study results warrant police monitoring and enforcement. The crosswalks, stop bars and centre lines have recently been repainted. Some signs at the intersection warranted replacement. Public comments received during and following the meeting: • need to reassess parking situation on Fourth Avenue north of Hamilton Street • the 2 phase of the Thorold Stone Road extension needs to occur now • additional traffic on Bridge Street has not been taken into account, there are already concerns of speeding and additional traffic resulting from GO • would it be of benefit to activate the eastbound advance green at Bridge Street and Fourth Avenue now • with the presence of parking and the additional traffic on Fourth Avenue pedestrians and cyclists are at risk • speed studies should be carried out on Fourth Avenue north of the former railway corridor • Fourth Avenue is already gridlock on Saturdays due to ball hockey • How long will construction take to extend Thorold Stone Road once it commences. In particular for how long and how will businesses be affected during the construction of the Stanley Avenue @ Thorold Stone Road intersection. • if there is 90% violation of the all -way stop currently, there will be more vehicles violating the stop signs with additional traffic • Police enforcement at intersections to assist with traffic flow may be required on occasion during the larger events • police presence and monitoring should occur during the grand opening in late June Staff has prepared correspondence to the Regional Police requesting stop sign compliance enforcement as well as their presence during the Gale Centre Grand Opening. Also, staff have requested a response from the Region regarding the construction timing and anticipated impacts to businesses. Additional follow up studies, incorporating the above comments will also be carried out commencing in the near future. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Although a speeding problem has not been identified, speed humps are recommended on Fourth Avenue, north and south of Hamilton Street and on Hamilton Street, east and west of Fourth Avenue to curtail the stop sign observance problem and discourage traffic infiltration onto the neighbouring residential streets. Regardless of what route drivers take, they will always have to pass over two humps and proceed through the all -way stop June 14, 2010 control. These devices will assist in controlling intersection approach speeds. Once all mitigating measure have been implemented, Staff will carry out further traffic studies and obtain input from the residents by way of questionnaires. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Each speed hump is estimated to cost approximately $3,000, for a total cost of $12,000. The speed humps will be constructed in conjunction with the resurfacing of the road scheduled for early July. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Mitigation Plan drawing. Correspondence to Niagara Regional Police Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: - 4 - TS- 2010 -30 Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Grubich S: \General Administration \GA 1.01 Reports\2010 Community Services \06 Jun 14 \TS- 2010 -30 Fourth Avenue - Traffic Mitigation Plan.wpd Gate Centre AVOID USE OF ENGINE BRAKES AVOID USE OF ENGINE BRAKES Gale Centre AVOID USE OF ENGINE BRAKES Suggested speed hump locations Suggested speed hump locations Eastbound advance & Signal timing optimized \ iag sraj„ Its Mitigation Plan Superintendant Scott Kenney Niagara Regional Police Service 22 Division 4343 Morrison Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z9 Re: Gale Centre Grand Opening Event & Fourth Avenue Traffic Operations Dear Superintendant Kenney: June 4, 2010 Niagara Falls will be celebrating the opening of the new Gale Centre this month. Ultimately, Thorold Stone Road will be extended easterly from Stanley Avenue and will provide the primary access to the arena. 1- Iowever, until the new road is constructed, Fourth Avenue will be the only access to and from the Gale Centre. City Staff held two public open houses with residents concerned with the increase in traffic that is expected once the arena opens. Many residents identified that there is very poor stop sign compliance at this time at the Fourth Avenue and Hamilton Street all -way stop due to patrons of the Niagara Regional Street Hockey Centre located at 4300 Fourth Avenue. The residents expressed concerns that with the additional traffic the Gale Centre will generate will result in more drivers disobeying the posted stop controls as well as potentially exceed the speed limit throughout the neighbourhood. A stop compliance study was carried out by Staff on April 20, 2010 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. identified that almost 90% of drivers did not complete a full legal stop at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Hamilton Street. The summary data is attached for your information. The results warrant enforcement of the stop signs to curtail the number of violations observed. The official grand opening of the Gale Centre is scheduled for Sunday, June 27, 2010 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The event will feature free skating, tours of the facility, music, entertainment among other activities. To expedite the heavy traffic movements through the area during the grand opening, the City is respectively requesting that Niagara Regional Police monitor traffic operations in the area and provide assistance where necessary. We anticipate the critical intersections to be Bridge Street at Fourth Avenue and Hamilton Street at Fourth Avenue. Transportation Services Ext 5204 Fax 905 - 353 -0651 mcarrick @niagarafalls. ca N, Canada L2E 6X5 905 - 356 -7521 www.niagarafalls.ca fVorking Together to Serve Our Community -7- Thank you in advance for your assistance in arranging periodic enforcement to mitigate stop sign violations on Fourth Avenue at Hamilton Street and further making the first Gale Centre experience a pleasant one for Niagara Falls residents. Yours truly, cc. Mayor Ted Salci & Niagara Falls City Council Joe Cousins, Director Transportation Services, Niagara Region Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Steve Hamilton, Manager of Recreation Services attach/ April 20, 2010 Stop Sign Compliance Study Results Gale Centre Grand Opening Flyer Marzenna Carrick, C.E.T. Manager of Transportation Engineering S \TPS \TPS 6 00 Transportation Planning \TPS 6 10 Traffic Impact Studies '\Fourth Ave 4001 (Arena Sae Selection Study)\Public Meeungs\Fourth Avenue Enforcement wpd STOP SIGN COMPLIANCE STUDY Intersection: Fourth Avenue at Hamilton Street Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 Time: 17:00 - 20:00 Non - Stopping Practically Stopped Stopped by Traffic Voluntary Full Stop Total NB SB EB WB Total Percent 26 13 3 3 45 13.0% 144 97 5 7 253 73.1% 6 2 1 2 11 3.2% 15 18 2 2 37 10.7% 346 100.0% Fourth Avenue at Hamilton Street Stop Compliance Study Results 73.1% • Non - Stopping 0 Practically Stopped • Stopped by Traffic • Voluntary Full Stop Gale Centre Sunday, June 27th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Parking lot party featuring: Renegade & The Maddhatters- - be the quickest to shoot out the lights . Free Public Skating Food & Drinks available Music & Entertainment Event Keepsake Activities & Demonstrations Facility Tours from the User Groups *Free cake Slea Shot Radar Gip - do you have the fastest shot? Www.niagarafalls.ca /galecentre angthatif - try to stop the sponge pucks! X ema l-ilic?; ‘ N /PN1P Niagaraaalls C,�A U.\ REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Recreation & Culture SUBJECT: R &C- 2010 -13 Swimming Pool Fees 2010 RECOMMENDATION R &C- 2010 -13 June 14, 2010 Council approve the waiving of public swimming admission fees at the five outdoor pools in Niagara Falls for the Summer of 2010. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Niagara Falls operates five (5) outdoor swimming pools during the months of July and August for the purpose of providing the community with access to affordable recreational swimming. The operation of City swimming pools is expensive with the required maintenance and staffing to provide a safe recreational experience. In Niagara Falls, as in most municipalities, the operation of pools is a highly subsidized activity. Part of the rationale for charging an entrance fee to a swimming facility is to provide a revenue stream that offsets some of the operational costs of providing this recreational service. For numerous years, outdoor swimming pools in Niagara Falls have not generated the revenue necessary to achieve the objective of offsetting any operational costs. The entrance fees collected do not even offset the cost of collecting the fees. In order to keep the 2010 labour expenses at the pools the same as the 2009 budgeted amount while operating 5 outdoor pools in 2010 instead of 4, staff reviewed pool operations for efficiencies and is recommending changes to the outdoor pool staffing model. By eliminating the pool attendant positions, pool operations can be undertaken at the 2009 budgeted amounts and the City will be able to offer free swimming to the public for the 2010 season. BACKGROUND The City operates five (5) outdoor swimming pools. The pools are as follows: FH Leslie Pool SCVFA Swimming Pool at EE Mitchelson Park Prince Charles Pool Year Revenue Staff Expense to Collect Fees 2007 $28,494.04 $43,311.16 2008 $26,400.83 $48,175.75 2009 * $23,751.79 $39,125.94 2010 (Estimated) $29,124.00 $43,293.00 June 14, 2010 - 2 - R &C- 2010 -13 Niagara Falls Lions Pool Buck Hinsperger Pool at Chippawa Lions Park The City's outdoor pools operate for approximately 10 - 11 weeks during the months of July and August each year. The actual length of the operational season is dictated by the conclusion of one school year and the commencement of the next. The City has traditionally charged a user fee for the use of the pools. This fee is charged, in part, to off set the operational costs of the pool. Access to the pools can be achieved by paying an admission fee for the single access of a pool on any given day in the summer months or by purchasing a pass for the summer season. Both the individual fee and the access pass are very affordable. A review of the fee structure for other municipalities in the area indicates that the fees charged in Niagara Falls are comparable to those charged in neighbouring municipalities for similar service as listed in Attachment #1- Survey of Pool Fees. A review of statistics from the past several years in Niagara Falls indicates that the staff costs involved in collecting admission fees for the pools has consistently eclipsed the actual revenues from admission fees. * Summer aquatics operations in 2009 included only four (4) pools as Niagara Falls Lions Pool was closed. Last summer, the Niagara Falls Lions Pool was closed to in order to complete the Niagara Falls Lions Park re- development project, and the 2009 budget for pool operations was correspondingly reduced. In order to keep the 2010 labour expenses the same as the 2009 budgeted amount while operating 5 outdoor pools instead of 4, staff reviewed pool operations and are recommending changes to the outdoor pool staffing model. The current outdoor pool staffing model consists of head lifeguard, lifeguards and seasonal pool attendants. The head lifeguard is fully responsible for the aquatic facility, programs and staff. The City staffs the pools with qualified lifeguards with the appropriate certification to provide a safe recreational swimming program. The principle job function of the pool attendant is to collect the admission fees for the swimming pools. As previously noted, it costs more to pay the attendants to collect the fees than the revenue generated by admission fees. Therefore in order to reduce operating costs to 2009 levels, it is recommended that the pool attendant positions be eliminated, and that free swimming be offered to the public for the 2010 season. June 14, 2010 ANALYSIS /RATIONALE In order to close the gap between revenues and the cost of collecting revenues, the City would be required to increase revenues and /or reduce expenses. Revenues would have to be significantly increased to meet or exceed the cost of collecting these revenues. As the current fee structure is consistent with what other municipalities are charging for the service, it can be concluded that the fee structure is appropriate for the service provided. The only logical conclusion to address the problem is to reduce the expense of collecting admission fees. As the admission fee is not central to the provision of the service, it is recommended that the fees for passes and individual admission fees not be collected this year and that the staff employed to collect these fees not be recalled for seasonal work this summer. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The 2009 aquatic staffing model consisted of five pool attendants, one assigned to each pool and a spare. The pool attendants were scheduled to work approximately 24 - 35 hours depending upon which outdoor pool they were assigned. The pool attendant's primary job responsibility is to collect, record and balance the daily pool revenue. By eliminating the collection of pool revenue, the pool attendant positions will not be required. Therefore, it is recommended that admission fees not be collected as they currently do not contribute to reducing operational costs or enhancing service to the community, and that public swimming for the 2010 season be offered free to the public. Waiving the fees and the elimination of the pool attendant positions to collect these fees should result in a net savings of an estimated $14,169.00 in 2010, with the added benefit of free public access to City outdoor pools. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT - 3 - R&C- 2010 -13 Council's Strategic Priorities state "Implement recommendations in support of the Parks, Recreation, Arts & Culture Master Plan. The Strategic Plan, Action Plan # 1: Augment the Current Focus on Organized Sports and Recreation by Expanding Programming in three Key Areas: Arts and Culture, Active Living and Community - building Special Events. Active Living programming speaks to the City providing opportunities for unscheduled recreation for all ages. Providing free public swimming removes a financial barrier encouraging all residents to participate. Increasing youth participation levels is a priority in order to tackle childhood obesity and the high level of youth inactivity. Council's Strategic Priorities state "Continue to monitor and improve the efficiency of the organization ". As stated above, to improve the efficiency of the outdoor summer pool operations the logical solution is to reduce the expense of collecting fees rather than increasing the current public swimming fee. June 14, 2010 - 4 - R&C- 2010 -13 Prepared by: Stephen Hamilton, Manager of Recreations Services Respectfully submitted: 1 ")) 4 41 Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer c u u u C C a C e e e 2 v u 0 c jc Niagaraaalls C r, DA REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Recreation & Culture SUBJECT: R &C- 2010 -14 Gale Centre Agreements RECOMMENDATION R &C- 2010 -14 June 14, 2010 1. That Council approve the lease agreements with 2212396 Ontario Inc., operating as Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara and Front Row Sports Ltd., operating as Front Row Sports Excellence. 2. That Council approve the licence agreements with Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association, Niagara Falls Girls Hockey Association, Niagara Falls Skating Academy, Niagara Falls Ringette and the Recreational Minor Hockey Association for their respective use of the Gale Centre facilities and amenities. 3. That Council approve the Rules and Regulations and the Operating Policy for the Gale Centre agreements. 4. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the licence agreements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are a number of groups and organizations with which the City must enter into agreements in order to recognize their dedicated use of spaces or exclusive use of services within the new Gale Centre. Staff has engaged in a number of processes to develop these agreements with each of these groups. There are essentially three (3) types of agreements that have been developed for the Gale Centre, as follows: The first grouping of agreements is new licence agreements for each of the five (5) youth organizations that utilize the arenas and have office and storage space allotted to them within the facilities. Although there have not been agreements in the past, they are deemed necessary to ensure a clear understanding of each organization's obligations within City facilities and to ensure that each has appropriate insurance coverage for operating from dedicated space within a City facility. Secondly, there are three (3) new lease agreements with private, business organizations that outline the obligations of the City and each of these organizations. Each of these agreements was developed from an RFP process whereby the City sought third parties to provide Food & Beverage, Pro Shop, and Advertising Service within the Gale Centre. Agreements with 2212396 Ontario Inc., operating as Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara and Front Row Sports Ltd., operating as Front Row Sports Excellence are the subject of this report while the agreement for advertising will be the focus of a future Council report. June 14, 2010 Finally the Russell Masterson Athletic Association (Niagara Falls Canucks) and the Chippawa Riverhawks are the two Junior Hockey Clubs operating in Niagara Falls who have always had a licensing agreement that outlined their access to services and amenities within the Niagara Falls arenas and their obligations and responsibilities with regards to the same. These previous licensing agreements must be renewed and will be the subject of a separate report at the next Council meeting. Part of the discussion and agreement with the various users and tenants of the Gale Centre has involved discussions and agreements on a number of basic elements and understandings of operations in the new Gale Centre. Schedule "C" the Rules and Regulations and the Gale Centre Operating Policy, attached to each agreement identifies some of these basic facility understandings is a necessary tool to develop for the operations of the Gale Centre. BACKGROUND Licence Agreements with Youth Organizations Each of the five(5) youth user groups will have a licence agreement with the City. The licences will outline the office and storage space for which the City grants access to each of the respective organizations. The agreements also outline the obligations of each of the organizations with respect to maintaining and operating their business within the spaces allotted, the insurance they must carry, etc. The licence agreements will be for the period of ten years, commencing June 1, 2010 and expiring May 31, 2020. Staff has met individually with representatives of each of the organizations and most recently with all of the organizations as a group to outline and negotiate particulars of the agreements. It is noted that a licence agreement with each organization was the preferred option to ensure that no parties would be obligated to pay realty taxes in the future. Lease Agreements with Private Businesses Front Row Sports Excellence The tenant, Front Row Sports Ltd., operating as Front Row Sports Excellence, was selected through a process initiated in February 2009, with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) by the City for a retail pro shop in the Gale Centre. Council approved the preferred proponent on April 6, 2009 (R- 2009 -20 Award of Retail Pro Shop at the Gale Centre). The lease agreement is a standard five -year lease agreement that outlines the commitments and obligations of the proponent as submitted in their RFP. The agreement obligates the proponent to pay percentages of gross sales on an annual basis to the City. Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara - 2 - R &C- 2010 -14 The proponent, 2212396 Ontario Inc., operating as Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara , was selected to provide exclusive food and beverage services in the Gale Centre as a result of a process that commenced with the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) June 14, 2010 in 2008. The RFP closed on November 22, 2008. A report (R- 2009 -11) was brought to Council on March 9, 2009. The proposal from Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara required the exclusive rights for the sale of all food and beverage, including liquor and catering sales in the Gale Centre. In exchange, Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara would pay the City rent of $42,756 per year over a three -year term with an option to renew for a further two (2) years. In addition, Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara would pay a further 3% to the City on all net sales over $400,000.00. They would also be responsible for all realty taxes. With respect to the exclusivity of sales, this is seen as necessary to guarantee the long term viability of the service. Break -A -Way Concessions Niagara has indicated a willingness to assist user groups with arrangements and innovative products to allow them to share in the success of the food and beverage services. The final agreement is reflective of the proposal approved by Council save for one clause. The proponent has requested a 5 -year term with an option to renew for a further five (5) years. As this is seen to provide the service with more stability in the Gale Centre, it has been included in the final lease agreement. Rules and Regulations and Operating Policy The Rules and Regulations and Operating Policy attached to each agreement is a brief policy statement with regard to a number of operational issues for which it is deemed necessary that the City has an agreement from the various commercial and nonprofit organizations within the Gale Centre. These policies govern and provide guidance for such things as overall building appearance, displays, signage, banners, trophy cases, pictures and memorials, donor recognition, advertising, public art, vandalism, and branding. In all of these items, the City will have complete control in deciding how the facility will be operated. Users responsibilities, limitations and obligations will be defined by their agreements with the City. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE - 3 - R &C- 2010 -14 In order to recognize the relationship between the Gale Centre tenants' and the City of Niagara Falls, agreements have been developed to clarify the obligations of both parties. The agreements ranging from five years for the private businesses to ten years for youth organizations will provide clarification for day to day operations. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The private business agreements will provide annual revenue to the Gale Centre operations budget. The third party agreements will provide efficient business operations at no cost to the City. As directed by Council the agreements have been prepared to outlining the standard agreement features such as term, fee, insurance requirements and conditions of use. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Council's Strategic Priorities state "move forward with the Arena complex development project ". By approving the Gale Centre agreements with FRT Hospitality, the Niagara Falls Review, Front Row Sports and arena youth groups, the agreements define a number June 14, 2010 - 4 - R &C- 2010 -14 of basic elements and understandings of operations in the new Gale Centre. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Schedule "C" Rules and Regulations and the Gale Centre Operating Policy )) ,, Prepared by: t ) / Stephen Hamilton, Manager of Recreation Services Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer V:\2010 COUNCIL\2010 06 14 \R &C- 2010 -14 -Gale Centre Agreements.wpd Respectfully submitted: SCHEDULE "C" RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. The sidewalks, entries, passages and staircases shall not be obstructed or used by the Tenant, its agents, servants, contractors, invitees or employees for any purpose other than ingress to and egress from the Premises. The Landlord reserves entire control of all parts of the Property employed for the common benefit of the tenants and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, the Landlord reserves entire control of the sidewalks, entries, corridors and passages not within the Premises, washrooms, air - conditioning closets, fan rooms, janitor's closets, electrical closets and other closets, stairs, flues, stacks, pipe shafts and ducts, and shall have the right to place such signs and appliances therein as it may deem advisable, provided that ingress to and egress from the Premises is not unduly impaired thereby. 2. The Tenant, its agents, servants, contractors, invitees, employees or others for whom the Tenant is in law responsible, shall not bring in or take out, position, construct, install or move any safe, machine or other heavy equipment without first obtaining the consent in writing of the Landlord. 3. The Tenant shall not place or cause to be placed any additional locks on any doors of the Premises without the approval of the Landlord. In addition, the placing of any additional locks on any doors of the Premises shall be subject to any conditions imposed by the Landlord. 4. The washroom facilities shall not be used for any purpose other than those for which they were constructed, and no sweeping, rubbish, rags, ashes or other substances shall be thrown therein. 5. No one shall use the Premises for sleeping apartments or residential purposes, or for the storage of personal effects or articles other than those required for business purposes. 6. Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in the Property are prohibited. 7. Any hand trucks, carryalls, or similar appliances used in the Property shall be equipped with rubber tires, side guards and such other safeguards as the Landlord shall require. 8. No animals or birds shall be brought into the Property. 9. The Tenant shall, at its expense and at such reasonable intervals as the Landlord requires, exercise such pest control measures as directed by the Landlord using contractors designated by the Landlord, failing which the Landlord shall have the right, at its option, to exercise such pest control measures for the Premises, at the expense of the Tenant. 10. The Tenant shall not misuse or damage the Premises or any of the improvements or facilities therein, or unreasonably deface or mark any walls or other parts of the Premises. 11. The Tenant shall not: (a) install or use any radio, television or other similar device in the Premises which may in any manner constitute a disturbance or an annoyance to any other tenant in the Property; (b) install in the Premises or elsewhere in the Property any transmitting radio communications equipment without the Landlord's prior written consent; or (c) operate an electrical device from which may emanate electrical waves that may interfere with or impair radio or television broadcasting or reception from or in the Property. The Tenant shall not in any case erect or cause to be erected any aerial anywhere in the Property. 12. The Tenant shall not use or permit use of the Premises in such manner as to create any noises or odours objectionable or offensive to the Landlord or any other tenant of the Property or other nuisance or hazard or to breach the provisions of applicable laws or any requirement of the insurers of the Property. 13. If required by the Landlord, bicycles or other vehicles shall not be brought or left in or on any part of the Property except in such area or areas as are designated by the Landlord from time to time. OPERATING POLICY The public areas of the new Gale Centre are designed to be welcoming, open and able to accommodate users carrying bags, sticks and skates. This approach is consistent with the earliest direction of Council which requested that the new arena complex be designed to accommodate community needs. In the spirit of community the public areas will not be used to display banners, trophy cases, memorabilia and personal memorials that now occupy public spaces in the three arenas that will be replaced. The City will provide user groups /organizations with private spaces that can be used to display, within their dedicated spaces, individual and team accomplishments. Overall Building Appearance Inside and outside of the Gale Centre will include new furniture and equipment. The appearance of the building will be clean and uncluttered. It is a City building developed for community purposes and no public area or space will be dedicated for single purpose or an organization's use without an agreement between the City and the user. Arena Messaging The Gale Centre will include a pylon sign (at the Thorold Stone Road entrance) with digital messaging capabilities, two display monitors that will provide dressing room assignments and during events a "standard type" electronic message board to alert participants on events and last minute changes. User groups and ongoing organizations can book message displays through the City. Arena Concessions Arena concessions will be operated by a third party group under the name "Breakaways ". The third party has exclusive rights to operate the concessions, provide catering and sell alcoholic beverages within the Gale Centre. The operator has indicated a willingness to work with all the user groups and intends to offer each group swipe cards for distribution to individual participants. The concessionaire will provide a year -end rebate to each group /organization based on a percentage of sales. Pro Shop Front Row Sports has been contracted to operate the pro shop. The owners have considerable experience in sports retail and in an arena setting. Front Row will provide skate sharpening and a limited scope of sports equipment. Front Row has indicated a willingness to work closely with user groups to accommodate their equipment and related needs. Internal and External Signage Building signage was designed to ensure a consistent look throughout the building. Signage that is not produced by the City will not be permitted anywhere within the Gale Centre public spaces. User Group Spaces User groups will be provided with a private office and storage space. It is the responsibility of the groups to furnish and maintain their interior spaces. Any proposed changes to interior spaces must be approved by the City, must not negatively impact the operations of the building, and must meet the Ontario Building Code. No external signage or displays will be permitted outside the designated spaces. A bulletin board will be provided by the City on the exterior wall of the office space of each user group. Team Banners Any banners currently hanging in the arenas will be taken down by the City and will not be displayed in the Gale Centre. An exception will be made for any existing banners awarded for a provincial or national championship which can be displayed in the new arena. In the future, only banners of a consistent/standard look that represent a team championship of provincial or national significance will be allowed at the Gale Centre and must be installed by the City. Specific areas will be dedicated to the user groups in each of the arenas to hang banners that represent significant achievements. The attached drawing indicates the proposed areas designated for user groups to display championship banners. Junior Teams The Jr. B's and Jr. C's will be provided space within the E.S. Fox Rink to hang banners representing major club championships. These banners will be installed by the City. Banners representing individual recognition, retirement of sweaters and numbers or personal memorials will not be permitted in public areas of the Gale Centre. Sports Wall of Fame (SWOF) The SWOF recognizes significant contributions of Niagara Falls athletes and teams. The entire SWOF collection (240 plaques) will be transferred to the Gale Centre and will be prominently displayed in the main concourse and in an adjoining conference room. Two interactive display monitors are part of the exhibit and provide easy access reference to all inductees. The SWOF is intended to be the forum for personal and team athletic recognition in the Gale Centre. Trophy Cases Trophy cases will not be allowed in the public spaces but restricted to the private spaces that will be provided to arena user groups. A public trophy case will be available on a limited time (i.e. up to one year) and rotating basis to display trophies and medals representing major achievements. Only the City will have access to the public display case and will approve all displays. Pictures and Team Memorabilia All team memorabilia and pictures will be returned to the organizations for their use and may be displayed in their private offices. Some City owned pictures will be retained and either relocated to the City museum or displayed on a rotating basis in the Memorial Room, although wall space is limited. Donor Wall Near the front entrance of the Gale Centre a donor wall will be established. The intent is to recognize all donors representing all levels of contribution. The proposed design is to size the donor name to reflect the size of the donation. Major donors will also be recognized using signage at the entrances of the area or space that was sponsored. Dedication Plaques These are dedication plaques in the existing arenas which identify the date the facility opened and the Council of the day. These will be relocated to the City museum. Ice Logos All ice painting, including organization logos and ice advertising, will be controlled by the City. The attached drawing of the four rinks illustrates the proposed location of user group ice logos. Arena Advertising All board, ice and poster advertising, is the sole responsibility of the City and will be managed through a third party (the Niagara Falls Review). No other advertising within any public space within the Gale Centre by any group will be permitted. Personal Memorials There are two personal memorials located in the Stamford Arena and a third at the Chippawa Arena. The parents have requested that the memorials be displayed together in the Gale Centre. These three personal memorials will be located in the Memorial Room. No other personal memorials will be permitted in the Gale Centre. Public Art From time to time public art will be displayed in specific areas of the Memorial Room. The decision on what will be displayed will be guided by City Policy and the recommendations of the Arts and Culture Committee. Mark Marino (Automation Devices Canada) is donating an arena sculpture that will be displayed outside the arena. The sculpture is made of stainless steel and depicts a hockey player. It is approximately 20 feet high and weighs over 1,000 pounds. It is expected that the sculpture will be located at the Gale Centre in July. Damage and Vandalism Groups, organizations and teams are responsible for the full cost to repair and replace damage or vandalism that occurs in areas of the arena that are used. If the City is not reimbursed for the cost of damage or vandalism, then the team, participant and organization will lose their arena privileges. The City intends to strictly enforce this policy. HR -2010 -05 Niagaraj7alls June 14, 2010 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources Department SUBJECT: HR- 2010 -05 Mayor's Vacation Entitlement RECOMMENDATION 1) For the information of Council, and 2) That staff report back in September with a report regarding the overall remuneration and benefits as requested by Council. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the Council meeting of April 26, 2010, staff was directed to prepare a report on the Mayor's vacation time payment. As this report establishes, there has been a corporate administrative practice to treat the office of the Mayor similar to full -time non -union staff for the purposes of remuneration, health care benefits and the accrual of vacation time. While not legally defined as an "employee ", this practice is a greater benefit than the regulations contained within Employment Standards legislation whereby holders of political office are exempt from the minimum standards and working conditions outlined in the Act. A full report and review on the Mayor /Council remuneration and benefits will be prepared by staff for September 2010. BACKGROUND Beginning in the vacation year of 2004, there has been an administrative practice to require the Mayor's office to enter time sheets on a daily /weekly basis in order to track each working day, including sick and vacation days. This requirement coincided with the implementation of a new corporate payroll and financial system (i.e., Vadim) that required the completion of new time sheets and resulted in more thorough records of vacation taken, if any. In cases where the Mayor did not take his vacation time entitlement, the practice in place since the 2004 -05 vacation year has been to pay the balance of his annual vacation time, less the regular deductions and vacation carryover limits. This practice has also occurred in three other vacation years. The amounts have varied and ranged from $3,200 to $4,500 less regular deductions. Prior to this payroll system being implemented in 2004, the system did not require the daily entry of employee time records, nor did it require the Mayor to provide any time sheets to Payroll. As a result, there were no vacation payouts prior to the 2004 -2005 vacation year. June 14, 2010 - 2 - HR-2010-05 Like all union and non -union staff with vacation time entitlements, small vacation pay adjustments are paid to the Mayor which represents the difference between the amount paid at the appropriate vacation percentage of annual gross earnings (i.e., 4 %, 6 %, etc.) less the amount paid while on vacation. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Although not legally considered an "employee ", the Mayor's position is assumed to be working in a full time capacity. Therefore, the practice of submitting daily /weekly time sheets for the Mayor and tracking the Mayor's time for the purposes of vacation, sick leave, etc. may not be necessary. Should Council consider the continuation of this practice of vacation time payments and /or payouts, it may be part of the overall remuneration review that is scheduled to be prepared for Council in September 2010. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The vacation payout is variable and dependent upon various circumstances. In the vacation year's when the payout has been administered, however, the amount has averaged approximately $3,500 less deductions. Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: `„Trend Dark, Director of Human Resources Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer �lr Niagaraaalls Why did the City of Niagara Falls Conduct an Employee Engagement Survey? To improve employee feedback and engagement, and to facilitate a better workplace environment, the City of Niagara Falls conducted an employee survey in the fall of 2009. To assist in becoming a "Top Employer ", Senior Staff believe the employee survey process will help to enhance organizational communication and effectiveness, and initiate key strategic actions in response to the survey results. Who administered the survey? The Employee Survey and its results was administered by "Metrics @Work ", an independent third party organization, affiliated with Brock University. Metrics@Work, works with over twenty other Ontario municipalities in conducting similar surveys, and has an extensive database which enables the City of Niagara Falls to benchmark or compare itself with other Ontario municipalities. The City of Niagara Falls received a tremendous response to the 2009 survey. Approximately 500 staff, or 80% I of employees responded to this survey !! 80— 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 AREAS OF STRENGTH Job Satofaclon Co-worker Cooperation ❑ Naga raFels 0 Data base Avrg Work Organizational Envionment Satisfaction City of Niagara Falls Employee Engagement Survey 1 great place to Lire, Work Play \lessage from the ('A.O. Thank you to all employees who took time to participate in the Employee Engagement Survey. Your input is greatly appreciated. The Senior Management Team and I look forward to using the feedback obtained from the survey to make the City of Niagara Falls a more enjoyable place to work!! Ken Todd What Did We Learn From the Survey? Compared to other municipalities, the City scored the highest results in the following four areas: 1. Job Satisfaction 2. Co-worker Cooperation 3. Work Environment 4. Organizational Satisfaction What Does this Mean? Overall, employees are generally satisfied with their jobs and the organization. In fact, job satisfaction was higher on average than any other Ontario municipality in the "Metrics @Work" data base. Although the comparisons are difficult to the 2005 employee survey, which was conducted by a different company, it appears employee satisfaction overall has slightly improved by about 3 -5 %. Niagaraaalls Employee engagement is the level of satisfaction and commitment that employees feel for their job and the organization. Overall, the results indicate that employee engagement is high. Employees like their jobs and gain satisfaction from their work. While employees are generally satisfied with their co- workers, their workload and compensation, the survey also indicated there were areas that the Corporation must improve upon. These results were relatively lower in comparison to the other benchmarked municipalities and include the following areas: 1. Team Recognition and Rewards 2. Employee Involvement 3. Lndiy idual Recognition and Rewards 4. Organizational Communication What will the Corporation do with the results of the survey? In the next few weeks, Senior Staff will be reviewing their respective divisional results. Departmental and team debriefings, including action planning, will begin by April 2010 and will be on- going. You will have a chance to comment on the Corporate and divisional results and offer suggestions /solutions to make the City of Niagara Falls a better workplace in the future. The key focus and organizational priority in 2010 will be on celebrating and communicating our success and taking action on the survey results. It is anticipated that the survey follow up and implementation of action planning will facilitate an engaged workforce, and result in improvements in the City's performance, both as an employer of choice and provider of excellent customer service. Questions on the survey or on next steps? Questions regarding the survey can be directed to Trent Dark, Director of Human Resources, ext. #4237 or by email at tdark LP nia_aratalls.ca A full report on the corporate survey results will be made available on the City's bulletin board or by contacting the following link: www.nfsurrey.ca City of Niagara Falls Employee Engagement Survey .1 great place to Live, Work Play AREAS TO IMPROVE Team Embyee Ind vil al Ogat�iai Reocgrition h okene l Reoagnton Comnbicalbn ❑ Nag= Falb ❑ Latabase aig