2001/10/291)
MEETING
Monday, October 29, 2001
From 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
Approval of the 2001 10 15 Community Services Committee Minutes
Approval of the 2001 10 22 Special Community Services Committee Minutes
2)
a)
c)
REPOR TS:
R-2001-46 Activity Subsidy Fund for Physically, Mentally
and Socially Disadvantaged Individuals
R-2001-47 Community Centre Conceptual Building Planl
Ad Hoc Minor Hockey Committee Final Report
Staff Contact:
Adele Kon
Adele Kon
Alderman Federow
3) ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, October 15, 2001, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 4:15 P.M.
PRE/ENT:
Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson,
Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman
Ken Feren, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Selina Volpatti,
Alderman Art Federow I
~B~ENT:
$1',~FF:
PRE/S:
Alderman Gary Hendershot, Alderman Janice x, qing, Alderman
Kim Craitor, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Judy Orr,
Tony Ravenda,
Ed Lustig, John MacDonald, Ed Dujlovic, Adele Kon, Ken Burden,
Barney Ruddell, Ray Kallio, Mel Brown, Marianne Tikky (Steno)
Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review, Bob McGregor (CHRE)
1) MINUTEf
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by AldermaniVolpatti, that the
minutes of the October 1, 2001 Community Services Committee Meeting be approved.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
2) REPORTS
a) MW-2001-143 - Union Marsh Municipal Drain - Boyd Drain Status Report
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Aldermar~ Volpatti that this
report be received for information.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
b) R-2001-42 - Advance Payment for Ice Rental
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that staff
continues to follow established invoicing procedures for all ice users.
Community Services CommiRee 2 2001 10 15
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
c) BBS-2001-28 - 5685 Falls Avenue Variance to Sign By-law No. 6661
Emilio Raimondo addressed Council giving a brief synopsis of the proposed sign
the applicant has submitted.
Alderman Campbell questioned staff if any other signs in the area are relatively
the same size as the proposed sign and further, could staff concerns be satisfied
with an encroachment agreement and liability insurance.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council that the proposed sign was more of an
encroachment issue than a size issue. The sign projects over the roadway, where
Municipal Works would like to place a pedestrian walkway and feel due to the
size and location of the sign it would be a distraction.
Alderman Puttick advised Council that he would like to see the sign approved
and the applicant is here tonight for a decision from Council. Alderman Puttick
advised Council that at the proposed height the sign would not interfere with
vehicular traffic and feels the present by-law is out of date.
John MacDonald advised Council that staff is concerned with the sign being a
potential distraction by extending fully over the driving lane. Typically signs
over the street are directional signs for travelers, not normally a sign advertising
a commercial enterprise. Staff has pointed out that there are some concerns with
this sign as it is unique in terms of the way it extends over the street and certain
steps should be taken to protect the City in terms of liability. Based on the
information we have, staff has not had time to look over the application in great
detail as the sign was not fil~llzed until late on Friday, October 12, 2001. The
request to have this report as a handout tonight was made by the proponent.
Staff did explain to the proponent that if the application was brought to Council
today staff would have to recommend against it, and it was felt by the proponent
that they would rather come forward and discuss it in open Council. The
application was brought in three weeks ago and changes were not finalized until
Friday, October 12, 2001.
The Applicant advised Council that the sign is a Corporate issued sign and
cannot be adjusted, the sound box of the sign is actually abutting the building on
one side and extends over the roadway due to the narrow road allowance.
· Alderman Campbell advised Council that it would be wise to defer the report
Community Services Commit~¢
3 i 2001 10 15
until staff has had sufficient time to study all the aspects. Alderman Campbell
moved that the report be referred to staff and brought back tg Council in one
week
The Applicant advised Council that he would like to see the ~pplication
approved and not waste staff and Council's time in coming b~ck. The owners of
the Hard Rock Caf~ have spent millions of dollars on Falls AVenue and are
happy to comply with City staff. I
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN CAMPBELL, seconded by Alderp~an Volpatti that
the sign variance for 5685 Falls Avenue be referred to staff and repo~ back to Council in
one week.
Motion:
Opposed:
Conflict:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Puttick
Alderman Feren
Aldem-tan Pietrangelo
Mayor Thomson
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
3) DEPUTATION:
a)
Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association (NFMI-IA)
Speaker - John Corfield
Mr. John Corfield, accountant for NFMHA presented Counc: with a report
detailing income for the concession stand for the past ten yefirs. The report show
a substantial drop in income from 1992 to 2001. Mr. Corfielc~ stated, "even with
the decline in income the NFMHA still requires these funds to offset their
registration fees." ,
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATI*I, seconded by Alderman Feren that the
Ad Hoc Minor Hockey Committee bring forward their final report On Niagara Falls
Minor Hockey for the October 29, 2001 Committee Meeting.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
b) R-2001-43 - Lundy' s Lane Battlefield Landscape Plan
Speaker: Mr. Carl Bray
Community Services Committee 4 2001 10 15
· Mr. Carl Bray addressed Council with his vision of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield
Master Plan using computerized layouts and a display panel to view the full area
to be revised.
Alderman Volpatti addressed staff with concerns over bus/car parking. The
historical area does not at the present time provide adequate parking.
Mr. Carl Bray informed Council that the details are being worked on to address
traffic concerns. The Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church has expressed
interest in becoming a potential partner, which would allow buses/cars to use
the church parking area.
Alderman Volpatti advised Council that LACAC did not approve the previous
Lundy's Lane Battlefield Master Plans and questioned Mr. Bray as to their
reaction to the plans shown tonight.
Mr. Bray advised Council that the plans shown tonight were altered to concede
to LACAC's specifications. Adele Ken advised Council that LACAC has not
seen the revised layouts.
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Feren that the
landscape plan be approved and that the developments be referred to the budget
process.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
c)
Niagara Falls Public Library - Presentation for Ontario Public Library Week
Speaker: Joe Longo
Mr. Joe Longo addressed Council with a brief synopsis of the Niagara Falls
Public Library's B/ob Site.and requested.that. Council declare the week of
October 15, 2001 through October 21, 2001 as Ontario Public Library Week in
Niagara Falls.
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PUTIICK, seconded by Alderman Campbell that
City Council proclaim this week as Ontario Public Library Week in Niagara Falls.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
Community Services Committee 5 2001 10 15
COMMUNICATION:
a)
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Alderman Feren that
the Oh! Canada Eh!? Dinner Theatre's request for a donationlbe received and
filed.
Motion:
Action:
Caxried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 15
5) AD~IOEIRNMENT:
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED, MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by
Alderraan Campbell at 5:48 p.m.
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
MEETING, MONDAY, October 22, 2001, CITY HA~L, ROOM 2
AT 4:00 P.M.
PREfENT:
Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Alderman Wayne Campbell,
Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Ken Feren, Alderman Norm
Puttick, Alderman Selina Volpatti, Alderman Janice Wing,
Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman
Judy Orr
ABJ'ENT.'
.JT,~FF:
Mayor Wayne Thomson, Alderman Gary Hendershot, Alderman
Art Federow, Tony Ravenda, Adele Kon, Barney RuddeR, Ray
Kailio
Ed Lustig, John MacDonald, Ed Dujlovic, Ken Burden, Marianne
Tikky (Steno) i
PREf$:
Mr. Corey I arocque - Niagara Falls Review, Bo~ McGregor (CHRE)
REPORT. J'
a)
MW-2001-145 - Proposed Hard Rock Cafi- Projecting Sign 5685 ~:alls Avenue,
Niagara Falls ,
- and attached - ~
BBS-2001-28 - Variance to Sign By-law No. 6661, 5685 Falls Avenue
(deferred from CSC 10/15/01)
Alderman Puttick advised Council th, at he was in favour of the variance to the
out dated sign by-law. Alderman Puttick further advised C~uncil that
vehicular/pedestrian traffic should not be a consideration in!approving the sign
as vehicular traffic should be watching the road.
Emilio Raimondo representing Canadian Niagara Hotels ad¥ised Council that
the applicant has taken the deferral seriously and has gone above and beyond to
comply with City staff's wishes. Canadian Niagara Hotels has met with Ministry
of Transportation, Niagara Parks Commission who have no comments or
concerns with respect to the sign.
· Mr. Charlie Burland addressed Council to pose two questions;
Special Community Services Committee
2 2001 10 22
1) If his company chooses to erect a sign that does not comply with the sign by-
law, will he be treated as fairly as the Canadian Niagara Hotels
2) The businesses located on Clifton Hill would ask out of common courtesy to
be notified of any major changes in the area and be given a chance to voice their
opinion. Mr. Burland would also like to access this information off the City of
Niagara Falls Official Website.
Ed Dujlovic advised Mr. Burland and Council that City staff does not normally
advise neighbouring properties unless it is a planning matter. John MacDonald
advised Mr. Burland that staff will look into posting the Community Services
Agenda on the City's Website.
Alderman Volpatti advised Council that report MW-2001-145 recommendation is
for the consideration of Council, staff has not recommended the variance and
further noted she had concerns with safety, referring to Karl Dren's report listing
forty-three (43) collisions in the last three and half years (31/2). Karl Dren advised
Council that he is not saying this number of incidents is high and would have to
do a traffic analysis to determine the number of vehicles per hour. Alderman
Volpatti also stated she did not want to set a precedence and feels other
companies would want to bring forth sign applications that project over the
roadway.
John MacDonald informed Council if, Council chooses to approve the variance
tonight all applications would be dealt with by staff on an individual basis,
noting any concerns they may have, as staff has done tonight.
Alderman Volpatti questioned the applicant, if the sign could be relocated as too
not project over the roadway.
Emilio Raimondo advised Council that his client is not willing to compromise on
the location of the sign. Emilio further noted that, this area of Falls Avenue is
primarily owned by Canadian Niagara Hotels and would not interfere with any
other business.
Alderman Orr advised Council that the "Blondin' attraction was extended over
Clifton Hill for many years. Alderman Orr further noted that during the peak
tourist season traffic moves at very slow speed down Clifton Hill to Falls Avenue
and is in favour of the variance.
Special Community Services Committee 3 2001 10 22
Alderman Wing advised Council that she does not want to set a precedence and
cannot support the variance based on the fact that staff has n6t made the
recommendation and still has some concerns that need to be Addressed.
IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PuTrICK, seconded by Alderman Feren that a
variance to the sign by-law No. 6661, as amended, for 5685 Falls Avenue be approved.
Motion:
Opposed:
Action:
Carried
Alderman Wing
Variance approved at October 22, 2001, Special CommUnity Services
Committee
2) ADJOIJRNMENT:
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED, MOVED BY Alderman Fisher, seconded by
Alderman Craltor at 4:29 p.m.
Community Services Department
Parks, Recreation & Culture
]'he City of J~'~l~. 7565 Lundy's Lane
WI~I~,~ Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9
Niagara
Falls
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
~~l~ Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: ' (905) 356-7404
E-mail: akon~city.niagarafalls,on.ca
Adsle Kon
Director
R-200t-46
October 29, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2001-46 - Activity Subsidy Fund for PhysiCally,
Mentally and Socially Disadvantaged Individhals
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Community Services Committee and Council endorse the changes to the
Activity Subsidy Fund as approved by the City's Recreation Commission at their meeting of October
9, 2001.
BACKGROUND:
At the October 9, 2001 meeting of the Recreation Commission, a review Iwas carried out of the
Activity Subsidy Fund which was set up about eight years ago to provide financial assistance for
physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged individuals. This fund has b~en inactive for the past
couple of years because all the funds were utilized and not replenished. The Recreation Commission
has recently recognized the value of this fund and carried out a fundraiser asipart of City of Niagara
Falls Day at the Skydome this past summer. The fund currently stands at oYer $4,000.00.
In review of the application and policy for this fund, the Recreation Coma
opportunity to recommend some changes that would increase the oppormnit
need to utilize the fund. The proposed changes to the policy which is atta
provide subsidy for equipment as well as registration. A second change is to
subsidy for registration and equipment costs of up to 100%. It is hoped ~
Council will support the proposed changes to the policy. The Activity Fm
the next issue of the City's Leisure Guide and the Recreation Commi~
applications received for financial assistance.
Respe~mitte[t:
Paul Campigotto, Chair
Recreation Commissign
V:~001COUNCILk2001 10 29~-2001-46,wpd
Municipal Works
Working Together to Serve Our Community
fittee felt there was an
r for the people in most
:bed is 2.d) which will
Le) which will provide
~at the Committee and
d will be advertised in
sion will monitor the
Fire Services
Parks, Recreation & Culture
Business Development
DEPARTMENT:
PARKS, RECREATION &
CULTURE
DATE EFFECTED:
June 27, 1994
DATE REVISED:
May 26, 1997
October 2001
POLICY:
Activity Subsidy Fund for
Physically, Mentally, or Socially
Challenged Individuals
Report: R-94-47
Report R-97-21
SECTION: 1000.31
Page 1 of 1
The Recreation and Arts and Culture Commission's allocate limited subsidies to physically,
mentally, or socially challenged individuals requiring financial assistance to participate in
community culture and recreation activities.
Financial assistance may be provided if an application meets the following conditions:
a) A prescribed activity subsidy application form is completed, and submitted prior to the
program activity taking place.
b) To be eligible for funding, this application must also include a letter of support from a
social service agency (i.e. FACS, Community Living, etc.) or official (i.e. Doctor,
Minister, Social Worker, etc.) stating that the applicant is "deserving and in need of the
subsidy".
c) Applicants must be residents of Niagara Falls.
d) Subsidies are available to assist with the registration ~ costs of culture and
recreation activities ~.
e) Activity subsidies for registration ~ costs of up to ~ are available.
f) Subsidies for culture and recreation activities in the non-profit or the private sector are
eligible.
g) Applications will be reviewed (in confidence) by both the Recreation Commission and the
Arts and Culture Commission, or their designates.
h) Please note that upon approval of subsidy, the actual cheque will be made payable, and
forwarded directly, to the organization offering the culture or recreation activity.
i) In the event that the individual does not attend, the funding will be returned to the City,
minus any required administration fee by the host of the activity.
Approval of request may be subject to any further conditions that the Recreation or Arts and
Culture Commission may see fit to establish.
Subsidies will be limited to a maximum of $200.00 per year per applicant.
A maximum of 50% of the funds within the Activity Subsidy Fund will be utilized in one year.
Date Revised: October 2001
Community Services Department
Parks, Recreation & Culture
of ~J~k~. 7565 Lundy's Lane
The
City
Falls.=~..~ Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9
Niagara
C
Tel: (905) 356-7521
~ I -- Fax: (905)356-7404
E-maih akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Adele Ken
Director
R-2001-47
October 29, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2001-47 - Community Centre
Conceptual Building Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council endorse the Conceptual Building Program and reaffirm its commitment to the
capital program.
BACKGROUND:
The Steering Committee for the Niagara Falls Community Centre project has developed a
Conceptual Building Program that outlines the Conceptual Building Plan, the !Capital Co st estimates,
the Capital Program, and current Considerations/Issues. The Steering Committee is requesting that
Council support the conceptual building program and rea_ff'uxa its commitmef~t to the capital program
as outlined below.
In anticipation of the retention of an Axchitectural Team in November 2001, the Steering Committee
has been very involved in developing and preparing the necessary program/service and financial
information to take this project from conceptual plan to a more specific funct!onal building program.
This work requires the support of the partners to move forward as new and updated information
develops and plans are prepared.
The conceptual building program proposes a 100,000 to 120,000 square foot facility that will have
such major features as a lobby, aquatic centre, multi-purpose gymnasiuml multi-purpose rooms,
YMCA adult fitness centre, Parks, Recreation & Culture offices, and a library. The plan also
outlines the capital cost estimates and the capital program. The capital program details the assumed
contribution of each of the partners, including the City's contribution as follows:
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works Fire Sen, ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development
-2-
· $15 million
· 1.3 million being the appraised value of the City owned site;
· up to $750,000 for planning costs.
The development of this Conceptual Building Plan, and the fmanciai commitments that the plan
outlines, is the first step in developing a Functional Building Program with which the Architectural
team can work.
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
John MacDonald
Executive Director of Community Services
AK/das
Edward P. Lustig ,~
Chief Adminislxative Offi~ce~r/
S:\Council\Counci1200BR-2001-47.wpd