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The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines

REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES

Monday, June 27, 2016

 

Present:

 

 

 

 

Absent:

Mayor Walter Sendzik

Councillors Sandie Bellows, Mike Britton (arrived at 7:00 p.m.), Mark Elliott,

N. Carlos Garcia, David A. Haywood, Joseph Kushner, Bill Phillips, Mathew Siscoe (arrived at 8:50 p.m.), Sal Sorrento, and Jennifer Stevens

 

Councillors Matt Harris, and Bruce Williamson

 

Officials

Present:

Dan Carnegie, Chief Administrative Officer

Shelley Chemnitz, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Bryan Shynal, Commissioner of Operations

Nicole Auty, Director of Legal and Clerks Services/City Solicitor

Jim Riddell, Director of Planning and Building Services

Kristine Douglas, Director of Financial Management Services

Jeanette Pillitteri, Director of Corporate Support Services

Dan Dillon, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services

Monique Belair, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Management Services

Bonnie Nistico-Dunk, City Clerk

Rebecca Alfieri, Council and Committee Coordinator

 

Mayor Sendzik took the chair and called the meeting to order in Council Chambers at 6:33 p.m.

 

1.

Presentations

 

1.1.

Presentation by Mayor Sendzik to Yoon Shin, Project Lead Engineer for Team Noodles

Re: Gold Medal Winners at 2016 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Summit, Aerospace and Aviation Category, Pete Conrad Scholars Award for "Project Sixth Sense Helmet", hosted at Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex, Cape Canaveral FL, April 20-24, 2016

Mayor Sendzik, on behalf of the Members of Council, offered congratulations to Yoon Shin on his, and his team's accomplishment of being awarded the Gold Medal at the 2016 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Summit, Aerospace and Aviation Category, Pete Conrad Scholars Award for "Project Sixth Sense Helmet", and welcomed Yoon to come back to St. Catharines to pursue his career once he has completed University.

 

 

 

 

1.2.

Presentation by Mayor Sendzik, along with Shayne Mintz, Director of Fire Marshal's Fire Safety Council, and Monique Belair, Deputy Fire Chief, to St. Catharines Transit Commission (accepting the award on behalf of the Commission, Dave Sherlock, General Manager)

Re: Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council Safety Award

Mayor Sendzik, along with Shayne Mintz, Director of Fire Marshal's Fire Safety Council, presented Dave Sherlock, General Manager of the St. Catharines Transit Commission, who accepted on behalf of the St. Catharines Transit Commission, the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council Safety Award. Mr. Mintz thanked the City of St. Catharines and the Transit Commission for their dedication to spreading the importance of Fire Safety.

 

 

1.3.

Staff Presentation

Jeanette Pillitteri, Director, Corporate Support Services, and Trish Cardwell, Manager Customer Service, Corporate Support Services

Re: CitizensFirst Overview

Jeanette Pillitteri, Director of Corporate Support Services, and Trish Cardwell, Manager of Customer Service, provided Council with an overview, including a slide presentation, regarding CitizensFirst. Ms. Cardwell gave an overview of CitizensFirst multi-function scope of work, the model's benefits, how staff capture their metrics, service levels, and future improvements.
Ms. Pillitteri, and Ms. Cardwell answered questions from Council.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Elliott

Seconded By:  Councillor Phillips

That Council receive the presentation by Jeanette Pillitteri, Director, and Trish Cardwell, Manager of Customer Service, Corporate Support Services regarding CitizensFirst Overview.

Carried

2.

Public Meetings Pursuant to Planning Act

There were none this evening.

 

3.

Mayor's Report

The Mayor presented a verbal report on matters of community interest.

 

4.

Adoption of the Agendas

         The City Clerk advised Council that Councillor Harris had requested General Committee Agenda Items 5.1 and 5.2 be deferred to the July 11, 2016 for when he is present at the meeting.

         Councillor Sorrento requested the addition of a delegation, Roberto Vergalito, Chair of Facer Residents and Merchants Association regarding the Facer European Festival 2016.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Sorrento

Seconded By:  Councillor Kushner

That Council adopt the agendas for the meeting of June 27, 2016, as amended.

Carried

 

5.

Declarations of Interest

There were none this evening.

 

6.

Adoption of the Minutes (Council, General Committee and Standing Budget Committee)

 

6.1.

Regular Meeting of Council, June 13, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held on Monday, June 13, 2016.
           Carried

 

6.2.

General Committee Minutes, June 13, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council adopt the minutes of the General Committee meeting held on Monday, June 13, 2016.
              Carried

 

6.3.

Budget Standing Committee Minutes, May 9, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council adopt the minutes of the Budget Standing Committee meeting held on Monday, May 9, 2016.
           Carried

 

7.

Delegations

 

7.1.

Hugo Chesshire, Policy and Government Relations Manager, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Re: Expansion of Customs Pre-Clearance Locations in Canada (see Council Agenda, June 27, 2016, Item 9.1)

Hugo Chesshire, Policy and Government Relations Manager, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce addressed Council regarding the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce's support for the Expansion of Customs Pre-Clearance Locations in Canada. Mr. Chesshire gave an overview of the importance of a bi-national pre-clearance initiative. There were no questions from Council.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Sorrento

That Council receive and refer the presentation by Hugo Chesshire regarding Expansion of Customs Pre-Clearance Locations in Canada to Council for consideration later this evening (see Council Agenda, June 27, 2016, Item 9.1); and

That Council receive General Committee Agenda Item 4.8, Sub item 9, from the meeting of May 30, 2016.
    Carried

 

7.2.

Roberto Vergalito, Chair of Facer Residents and Merchants Association

Re: Facer European Festival - 2016 (see General Committee Agenda, June 27, 2016, Item 4.5)

Roberto Vergalito, Chair of Facer Residents and Merchants Association addressed Council regarding the Facer European Festival - 2016. Mr. Vergalito explained the activities planned for the Festival taking place August 1, 2016, as well as the goal of the Festival being, to bring awareness back to that area of the City. Mr. Vergalito answered questions from Council.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Sorrento

That Council receive and refer the presentation by Roberto Vergalito, regarding the Facer European Festival - 2016 for consideration later this evening (see General Committee Agenda, June 27, 2016, Item 4.5).
            Carried

 

8.

Call for Notices of Motion

 

8.1.

St. Catharines General Hospital Site

At the meeting of June 27, 2016, Councillor Stevens provided notice that she would put the following motion on the floor for discussion at the meeting of July 11, 2016.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Stevens

Whereas the St. Catharines General Hospital on Queenston Street ceased operations on March 24, 2013; and

Whereas since March 24, 2013 the building and premises formerly known as the St. Catharines General Hospital has remained empty; and

Whereas the grounds surrounding the site has become a weed infested, rodent infested, neglected, and derelict eyesore on a major route into the city; and

Whereas planning staff have worked diligently with the developer in an attempt to expedite the process of redevelopment with resulting promises of future action which have not occurred; and

Whereas area businesses have become frustrated and upset over the lack of action pertaining to this site; and

Whereas the Queenston Street Neighbourhood Association has repeatedly requested some visible sign of progress; and

Whereas the surrounding area of the former hospital site has deteriorated steadily since the departure of the hospital; and

Therefore be it Resolved that an on site meeting be requested as early as possible in September of 2016, with the owners of the former St. Catharines General Hospital site with the objective of determining a definite date for both the beginning and the end of the redevelopment of this site; and

Be it Further Resolved that the on-site meeting consist of the developer, St. Catharines planning staff, both Ward Councillors, any other available City Councillor, the C.A.O., and any other applicable city staff.

 

9.

Motions

 

9.1.

Support for Expansion of Customs Pre-Clearance Locations in Canada

(At the meeting of June 13, 2016, Councillor Britton provided notice that he would bring forward a motion)

(Note: See deferred items from General Committee Agenda, May 30, 2016, Council Correspondence Report, Item 4.8, Sub-item 5 - Niagara Region, and Sub-item 9 - Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce)

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That the City of St. Catharines endorse the Region of Niagara’s motion as presented in the Council Correspondence Report of May 30th; and

That staff be directed to send a letter to the Region to include St. Catharines’ support in their letter to the Federal Government regarding the Expansion of Customs Pre-Clearance Locations and their consideration to make the Peace Bridge their premier location. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:

Carried

9.2.

Request to Declare Event One of Municipal Significance - Facer European Festival

 

Moved By:  Councillor Sorrento

Seconded By:  Councillor Britton

Whereas Facer Street is hosting its first ever Facer European Festival; and

Whereas this is the inaugural event and the organizers hope to make this an annual event;

Therefore be it resolved that the Legends Bakery Patio be designated municipally significant for August 1, 2016, to enable the owners of St. Joseph’s Bakery to sell alcohol within a licensed patio and to participate in the Facer European Festival event. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:
            Carried

 

10.

Resolve into General Committee

Council recessed at 7:43 p.m. and General Committee convened. General Committee adjourned at 9:33 p.m. and City Council reconvened.

 

11.

Motion Arising from In-Camera Session

 

11.1.

In-Camera Item 2.1

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter - Lease, Realty File No. 11-28

 

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council does now reconvene from the In-Camera session; and

That Council authorize a Lease Agreement with The Regional Municipality of Niagara with respect to access to the property known as 110 James Street.; and

That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary documents and by-law. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:

Carried

 

 

11.2.

In-Camera Item 2.2

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter - Conveyance, Realty File No.16-12

 

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council authorize the conveyance of certain lands to 1788727 Ontario Ltd. with respect to lands adjacent 283 St. Paul Street; and

That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary documents and by-law. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:
           Carried

 

12.

Motion to Ratify Forthwith Recommendations

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That Council adopt those items approved FORTHWITH by the General Committee on Monday, June 27, 2016.
           Carried

 

13.

By-laws

 

13.1.

Reading of By-laws

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That the following by-law be read a first time, considered and passed; and

That they be signed and executed by the Mayor and the City Clerk.

By-law No. 2016-159 A By-law to authorize a contract with Nexterra Substructures Incorporated. (One reading - with respect to Clarendon/Ferndale/Lonsdale/Thornton, under Project No. P15-002. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 18.45.253

By-law No. 2016-160 A By-law to authorize a contract with Nexterra Substructures Incorporated. (One reading - with respect to Geneva Street, under Project No. P15-102. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 18.45.253

By-law No. 2016-161 A By-law to Authorize Special Charges Being Imposed on Lots Abutting on the Local Improvement Work Completed under By-laws 2010-172, 2010-173, 2010- 174 and 2010-175 on Fourth Avenue between Third Street Louth and Vansickle Road. (One reading - with respect to Fourth Avenue Local Improvements. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 18.29.235

By-law No. 2016-162 A By-law to authorize a Servicing Agreement with Phelps Homes Limited. (One reading - with respect to development at 26 Oakdale Avenue. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 60.46.400

By-law No. 2016-163 A By-law to authorize a Release of Agreement over certain lands municipally known as 179 Lakeshore Road. (One reading - with respect to release of Servicing Agreement. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 68.81.5

By-law No. 2016-164 A By-law to close temporarily part of Facer Street. (One reading - with respect to a one-day community event “Facer European Festival (2016)” to be held on August 1, 2016. General Committee, June 27, 2016, Item 3.3.) File: 77.44.99

By-law No. 2016-165 A By-law to authorize a Licence Agreement with Facer District Merchants and Residents Association. (One reading - with respect to a one-day community event “Facer European Festival (2016)” to be held on August 1, 2016. General Committee, June 27, 2016, Item 3.3.) File: 56.14.2

By-law No. 2016-166 A By-law to authorize an Encroachment Agreement with 2410753 Ontario Limited. (One reading - with respect to encroachment of façade improvements, awnings and goose neck lighting to existing structures at 233-239 St. Paul Street.  General Committee, June 27, 2016, Item 4.7.) File: 16.7.2

By-law No. 2016-167 A By-law to amend By-law No. 2016-118 entitled “A By-law to authorize a contract with Schilthuis Construction Inc.” (One reading - with respect to Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre - Ice Pad Replacement and Associated Mechanical Modifications - Phase 1, under Project No. P16-164 - Additional Replacement of Ice Pad 1. General Committee, June 27, 2016, Item 3.1.) File: 18.20.203

By-law No. 2016-168 A By-law to authorize a Grant Application with the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. (One reading - with respect to purchasing specialized sound, lighting and staging equipment for the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. General Committee, June 27, 2016, Item 3.5.) File: 68.32.152

By-law No. 2016-169 A By-law to confirm the proceedings of council at its meeting held on the 27th day of June, 2016. (One reading - with respect to confirming the proceedings of the meeting held on June 27, 2016.) File: 10.12.1

Carried

13.2.

Additional By-laws

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That the following additional by-laws be read a first time, considered and passed; and

That they be signed and executed by the Mayor and the City Clerk.

By-law No. 2016-170 A By-law to authorize a Subdivision Agreement with Phelps Homes Ltd. (One reading - with respect to subdivision at 26 Oakdale Avenue. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 60.46.400

By-law No. 2016-171 A By-law to authorize Agreements with ERP Connex Inc. and UNIT4 Business Software Corporation. (One reading - with respect to software for a Payroll and Human Resources Information System (HRIS). General Committee, June 13, 2016, Item No. 3.2.) File: 10.10.99

By-law No. 2016-172 A By-law to authorize a Lease Agreement with The Regional Municipality of Niagara. (One reading - with respect to access to the property known as 110 James Street. Council, June 27, 2016, Item 11.1.) File: 16.19.99

By-law No. 2016-173 A By-law to authorize the conveyance of certain lands to 1788727 Ontario Ltd. (One reading - with respect to lands adjacent 283 St. Paul Street. Council, June 27, 2016, Item 11.2.) File: 16.7.99
           Carried

 

14.

Agencies, Boards, Committee Reports

Minutes to receive:

         Green Advisory Committee, May 11, 2016

         Museum Advisory Committee, April 26, 2016

         Public Art Advisory Committee, May 20, 2016

         Master Fire Planning Committee, June 16, 2016

         Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Task Force, March 29, 2016 and June 7, 2016 (draft)

Moved By:  Councillor Haywood

Seconded By:  Councillor Bellows

That Council receive and file the minutes of the Advisory Committees of Council, as presented.

 

Carried

 

15.

Adjournment

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Haywood

There being no further items of business, this meeting be adjourned at 9:38 p.m.

Carried

 

 

Certified Correct:Confirmed by:

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

City ClerkMayor