The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines

SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Monday, February 01, 2016

The Mayor explained to Council the format of the Special Meeting, and introduced Brian York, Manger of Economic Development, as facilitator for the evening.

Moved By:  Councillor Siscoe

Seconded By:  Council Sorrento

Whereas Council for its meeting of February 1, 2016, wishes to adopt a workshop style format to allow Council to engage in open discussion;

Therefore be it resolved that the rules for debate contained in Council’s procedural by-law be suspended.

Motion to Suspend Rules Carried

Councillors submitted the following additional items to the Infrastructure Priority List to be discussed this evening.

•         projects that reduce capital expenditures and operating costs

•         establish neighbourhood park in south St. Catharines upon school closure

•         excavation, renovation, preservation of the original Lock One in Port Dalhousie

•         infrastructure for incubator (brewery) at Dalhousie House

•         Port Dalhousie Piers rehabilitation

•         various ward infrastructure priorities

Moved By:  Councillor Stevens

Seconded By:  Councillor Siscoe

That Council adopt the agenda for the Special Meeting of February 1, 2016, as amended.

Carried as Amended

•         Councillors Williamson, Siscoe, and Mayor Sendzik declared a Conflict of Interest (Pecuniary) to any items being discussed on tonight's agenda that pertains to the Separate or Public School Boards, as it refers to their employer.

•         Councillor Kushner declared a Conflict of Interest (Pecuniary) to any items being discussed on tonight's agenda that pertains to Brock University, as it refers to his employer.

Brian York, Manager of Economic Development, City of St. Catharines addressed Council regarding Setting the Stage, Canada Infrastructure Funding Programs.  Mr. York explained the infrastructure investment plan, including the three main areas of focus, being Public Transit, Social and Green Infrastructure, as well as the definitions of Shovel Ready and Worthy. Mr. York spoke of the City's past program successes, and went over Council's infrastructure priority wish list. Mr. York availed himself to questions of Council and started the discussion to pick the City's top priorities to submit for the Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs.

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Bellows

That Council receive the presentation by Brian York, Manager of Economic Development, City of St. Catharines, regarding Setting the Stage, Canada Infrastructure Funding Programs.
                                         Carried

Council discussed the Infrastructure Priority List submissions as well as the additional items that were added to the list for consideration.

Staff answered questions from Council regarding priorities that pertain to their departments and area of expertise.

Council directed staff to include the following additional criteria for evaluating the final priorities picked for submission to the Federal Government:

1. Projects must have both short and long term employment impact to the City; and
2. Must be projects that reduce capital expenditures and operating costs.

Council agreed by consensus to remove the following items from the list as Council priorities for the purpose of Infrastructure Federal Funding due to, the projects being already underway by the City of St. Catharines, being funded by other grant programs, or not otherwise meeting the criteria:

•         remediation of ice pads at Seymour Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre

•         design and construction of West Park in line with Pearson Park

•         Civic Square (design construction)

•         funding for completion of two-way traffic conversion at Queenston Street, Niagara Street, and Church Street

•         Merritton Train Station (Niagara GO)

•         improvements to Victoria Lawn Cemetery (roadways)

•         excavation and restoration of Lock One of the second Welland Canal, Port Dalhousie

•         accessibility improvements and washrooms at Dalhousie House

•         Lake Ontario waterfront trail expansion (Niagara Region to pursue)

•         rehabilitation of Bill Burgoyne arena (compressor)

•         Dalhousie House infrastructure for incubator (brewery)

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Kushner

That Council receive the report “Future Infrastructure Funding Opportunities” from the Chief Administrative Officer; and

That staff report back to Council for consideration a complete list of infrastructure projects, including any and all items included in the City’s capital forecast, and the associated values based on the evaluation criteria contained in this report, prior to submission for any Federal or Provincial funding opportunities; and

That the final top priority items that meet the criteria as outlined by the Federal Government be as listed:

1. Funding to close the gap on infrastructure which includes: roads (new and revitalization), bridges, sewers, watermains, storm water management, and on street cycling, bike lanes, bicycle network which includes: funding for on street cycling and bike lanes, replace bridge connections following evaluation of bridges, Queenston Street revitalization as part of the Niagara Wine Route, water pollution control project funding, and improvements to local roads that have been identified.
2. Shickluna Project
3. Implementation of Recreation Master Plan which may include: upgrade and rehabilitation of outdoor aquatics to meeting accessibility standards, public health and safety standards, upgrades to greenspace and parks in Walker's Creek Park system to improve connection and accessibility, bicycle path for Twelve Mile Creek, Dick's Creek to Port Dalhousie, Merritton and Brock, Federal Lands at Glendale Avenue and Welland Canals Parkway to be donated or leased for multi-purpose centre, improvements and renovations to Community Park (including sound system, fencing, washrooms, field and bleachers), Centennial Park upgrades (including lighting, revitalization), Irrigation systems within City parks, South St. Catharines arena, establish a neighbourhood park in South St. Catharines (on school closure property).
4. Renovation of old courthouse for accessibility, safety and improved use
5. Funding for Tree Canopy Restoration
6. Port Dalhousie Piers rehabilitation (through the Lakefront Enhancement - Comprehensive Park Plan)
7. Investment in Public Transit (including inter-municipal and local transit)

Yeas: Councillors Bellows, Britton, Elliott, Kushner, Phillips, Sorrento, Stevens, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

Moved By:  Councillor Elliott

Seconded By:  Councillor Kushner

There being no further items of business, this meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Carried

Certified Correct:      Confirmed by: