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The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines

REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES

Monday, September 12, 2016

 

Present:

Mayor Walter Sendzik

Councillors Sandie Bellows, Mike Britton, Mark Elliott, N. Carlos Garcia,

Matt Harris (left at 9:12 p.m.), David A. Haywood, Joseph Kushner,

Bill Phillips, Mathew Siscoe (arrived at 6:31 p.m.), Sal Sorrento (left at

9:20 p.m.), Jennifer Stevens, 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

Dan Dillon, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services

Phil Cristi, Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Services

David Wood, Director of 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 6:28 p.m.

 

 

 

1.

Presentations

There were none this evening.

 

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 of a revision to the Recommendation in General Agenda, Item 4.4, Report from Parks, Recreation and Community Services, regarding Phase 2 Approval for Welland Canals Fallen Workers Memorial

         Council Agenda Item 9.2, Motion regarding 101 South Drive, was removed from the agenda at the request of the mover

         Council Agenda Item 9.4, Motion regarding Event of Municipal Significance - 2016 Oktoberfest, was removed from the agenda at the request of the event organizer

Moved By:  Councillor Elliott

Seconded By:  Councillor Phillips

That Council adopt the agendas for the meeting of September 12, 2016, as amended.

Carried

 

5.

Declarations of Interest

         Councillor Kushner declared a Conflict of Interest (Pecuniary) to General Committee Agenda, Item 4.10, stating he has a related business.

 

6.

Adoption of the Minutes (Council and General Committee)

 

6.1.

Regular Meeting of Council, Minutes, August 22, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Siscoe

That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular meeting of Council held on Monday, August 22, 2016.

Carried

 

6.2.

General Committee, Minutes, August 22, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Siscoe

That Council adopt the minutes of the General Committee meeting held on Monday, August 22, 2016.

Carried

 

7.

Delegations

 

7.1.

Len Bates, Chair of Port Canal Project, Dennis Dahl, President, and Dave Fowler, Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines

Re: Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines / Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee Proposal: Lock 1 of Second Welland Canal

(see General Committee Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 3.2)

Len Bates, Chair of Port Canal Project, Dennis Dahl, President, and Dave Fowler, Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines addressed Council, including a video and slide presentation, as it relates to the proposed project between the Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines and the Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee. Messrs. Bates, Dahl and Fowler were available to respond to questions from Council.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Bellows

Seconded By:  Councillor Garcia

That Council receive and refer the presentation by Len Bates, Dennis Dahl, and Dave Fowler regarding Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines / Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee Proposal: Lock 1 of Second Welland Canal for consideration later this evening (see General Committee Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 3.2).

Motion to Refer Carried

 

7.2.

Eric Jones

Re: Property Severances (see Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 9.3)

Eric Jones, addressed Council, regarding Council Agenda, Item 9.3, motion on Property Severances. Mr. Jones explained his, and local resident's concerns about the severance process, and how the Committee of Adjustment communicates information on the Notice of Meeting signs in the City, and asked Council to consider supporting the motion that will be considered this evening. Mr. Jones, answered questions from Council.

 

Moved By:  Councillor Elliott

Seconded By:  Councillor Kushner

That Council receive and refer the presentation by Eric Jones, regarding Property Severances for consideration later this evening (see Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 9.3).

Motion to Refer Carried

 

8.

Call for Notices of Motion

There were none this evening.

 

9.

Motions

 

 

9.1.

Request Niagara Region Support Tax Rebate Program for Ethno-Cultural Charitable Organizations

Councillor Britton provided notice of the following motion at the meeting of August 22, 2016

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Siscoe

Whereas several ethno-cultural groups operating in the City of St. Catharines are registered as charitable organizations and own real property for the purposes of providing meeting spaces and cultural services to the community; and

Whereas real property valuations and tax classifications can create a financial burden on ethno-cultural charitable organizations and the City has limited policy options to provide assistance; and

Whereas the City of St. Catharines tax policy guidance is set forth by Niagara Region;

Therefore, St. Catharines City Council request that Niagara Regional Council support the consideration of a tax rebate program for ethno-cultural centres registered as charitable organizations and owning real property in the City of St. Catharines in the development of the 2017 tax policy with the purpose of providing a tax rebate program for cultural groups registered as a charitable organization; and 

That a financial impact and implementation report be presented to the Regional Budget Committee for consideration in the 2017 tax policy. FORTHWITH

...

Councillor Siscoe requested a recorded vote be taken for the referral.

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

That Council refer the motion regarding the Request that the Niagara Region Support the Tax Rebate Program for Ethno-Cultural Charitable Organizations back to staff for a report, to include the cost incurred by the average tax payer for this motion to take effect, and what other community groups may be considered as part of this motion; and

 

That this report be forwarded to the Budget Standing Committee for their consideration. FORTHWITH

Yeas: Councillors Elliott, Garcia, Harris, Haywood, Kushner, Phillips, and Williamson

Nays: Councillors Bellows, Britton, Siscoe, Sorrento, Stevens, and Mayor Sendzik

Motion to Refer Carried

 

9.2.

101 South Drive - Feasibility to Purchase

This motion was removed from the agenda during Adoption of the Agendas, Item 4, at the request of the mover.

 

 

9.3.

Property Severances

Councillor Kushner provided notice of the following motion at the meeting of August 22, 2016

 

 

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Harris

Whereas intensification is a desirable principle which reduces urban sprawl and more efficient use of infrastructure; and

Whereas intensification should not be used by developers as the sole rationale for every development proposal, but instead be used only if the development is compatible with the neighbourhood; and

Whereas some proposed severances may result in incompatible development within neighbourhoods; and

Whereas some neighbourhoods are being targeted for severances that are not compatible with their neighbourhoods, and

Whereas we have examples of severances whereby housing is being constructed to the detriment of neighbourhoods;

Therefore Be It Resolved that the City’s Official Plan policy and Zoning by-law standards for infill development within neighbourhoods be reviewed and that staff consider criteria to evaluate severance applications including, but not limited to, the following:

         site layout including building footprint, parking area location, landscaped areas

         architectural elevations

         proposed building material

         similar design criteria which contribute to infill development that is sensitive to the established neighbourhood; and

         compatibility with neighbouring properties

Be It Further Resolved that staff examine the merits of establishing a design review committee consisting of staff and knowledgeable volunteers to provide input into the review of development applications using Council approved planning policy and design guidelines as the basis for review, and

Be It Further Resolved that the review of the severance procedures be such that there will be an opportunity for citizens to give their input into the process; and

Be It Further Resolved that staff be directed to report back to Council regarding the items in this motion, and the possibility of immediately applying the urban design policies that are already in place for developments of over four (4) units to properties less than four (4) units including single lot severances to ensure compatibility with the neighbourhood. FORTHWITH

...

Moved By:  Councillor Siscoe

That Council refer the motion regarding Property Severances to Planning and Building Services, and Legal Services, regarding possible Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) litigation, and how this fits within the Provinces policy, Places to Grow. FORTHWITH

Yeas: Councillors Siscoe, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays: Councillors Bellows, Britton, Elliott, Garcia, Harris, Haywood, Kushner, Phillips, Sorrento, Stevens, and Williamson

Motion to Refer Lost

Council now voted on the original motion.

Whereas intensification is a desirable principle which reduces urban sprawl and more efficient use of infrastructure; and

Whereas intensification should not be used by developers as the sole rationale for every development proposal, but instead be used only if the development is compatible with the neighbourhood; and

Whereas some proposed severances may result in incompatible development within neighbourhoods; and

Whereas some neighbourhoods are being targeted for severances that are not compatible with their neighbourhoods, and

Whereas we have examples of severances whereby housing is being constructed to the detriment of neighbourhoods;

Therefore Be It Resolved that the City’s Official Plan policy and Zoning by-law standards for infill development within neighbourhoods be reviewed and that staff consider criteria to evaluate severance applications including, but not limited to, the following:

         site layout including building footprint, parking area location, landscaped areas

         architectural elevations

         proposed building material

         similar design criteria which contribute to infill development that is sensitive to the established neighbourhood; and

         compatibility with neighbouring properties

Be It Further Resolved that staff examine the merits of establishing a design review committee consisting of staff and knowledgeable volunteers to provide input into the review of development applications using Council approved planning policy and design guidelines as the basis for review, and

Be It Further Resolved that the review of the severance procedures be such that there will be an opportunity for citizens to give their input into the process; and

Be It Further Resolved that staff be directed to report back to Council regarding the items in this motion, and the possibility of immediately applying the urban design policies that are already in place for developments of over four (4) units to properties less than four (4) units including single lot severances to ensure compatibility with the neighbourhood. FORTHWITH

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

Nays: Councillor Siscoe    

Carried

 

9.4.

Event of Municipal Significance - 2016 Oktoberfest

This motion was removed from the agenda during Adoption of the Agendas, Item 4, at the request of the event organizer.

 

 

9.5.

“By the Glass” Liquor Sales Licence – Lock Street Brewing Corporation

Councillor Garcia presented the following motion

 

Councillors Haywood, and Kushner left Council Chambers and were not present for this vote

Moved By:  Councillor Garcia

Seconded By:  Councillor Harris

Whereas the AGCO requires written notice from the Council of the municipality within which an applicant’s manufacturing site is located, confirming that it has passed a resolution in support of the issuance of such a licence;

Whereas this licence would be to allow for a Manufacturer’s Limited Liquor Sales Licence “By the Glass” establishment, which allows for 12oz. serving sizes of the manufactured product; and

Therefore be it resolved that the City of St.Catharines supports the application of Lock Street Brewing Corporation, located at 15 Lock Street, Suite 104, St. Catharines to sell and serve beer for consumption at its manufacturing site. FORTHWITH

Yeas: Councillors Bellows, Britton, Elliott, Garcia, Harris, Phillips, Siscoe, Sorrento, Stevens, Williamson, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

 

9.6.

Niagara Tourism Information Centre

Councillor Bellows presented the following motion

 

Moved By:  Councillor Bellows

Seconded By:  Councillor Williamson

Whereas Niagara Region Policy Plan, Chapter 2, Growing the Economy states the Region has a role in Tourism;

Whereas Section 2.a Tourism of the Niagara Region Policy Plan supports the Wine Route, Twenty Valley and the Great Niagara Circle Route, the Great Lakes Water Front Trail, the Trans Canada Trail; and

Whereas the Niagara Region Council passed the following motion:

That staff be authorized to terminate lease arrangements with Timwen Partnership at the Grimsby Gateway Centre to close at the end of the third quarter, subject to a staff report to Council outlining a review; and

That the review consider feedback from the Tourism Summit; and

That the Report outline a new operation plan seeking financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Partnership of Niagara; and

That a new Lease Agreement be negotiated with the landlord; and

That staff be directed to develop a new operation plan for the Grimsby Gateway Centre.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of St. Catharines;

  1. Supports in principle the concept of a Niagara Tourism Information Centre at the existing Casablanca/QEW interchange.
  2. Supports in principle, that Niagara Region develop a new operation plan and a new lease agreement to support a Niagara Tourism information kiosk at the Grimsby Gateway Centre.
  3. Supports the direction that Niagara Region develop a Regional Tourism Strategy with area stakeholders.
  4. Supports staff participation in a Regional Tourism Summit.
  5. Supports further investigation by staff ensuring alignment with the City's Strategic Plan, and related municipal development strategies and the local, regional and provincial tourism priorities. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:

Carried

 

9.7.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Cenotaph Relocation

Councillor Siscoe presented the following motion

 

Moved By:  Councillor Siscoe

Seconded By:  Councillor Phillips

Whereas the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 has recently moved to a new location from 111 Church Street;

Whereas the former Legion property at 111 Church Street has been purchased and is planned for redevelopment;

Whereas the cenotaph located in front of 111 Church Street was dedicated to the sacrifice of the Adie family of St. Catharines who lost three brothers fighting for Canada in the First World War, and is an important symbol of our community’s sacrifice for our country;

Therefore Be it Resolved that City Council direct staff to work with the property owners of 111 Church Street, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 to relocate the cenotaph to City Hall in time for Remembrance Day services, 2016. FORTHWITH

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

Nays:

Carried

 

10.

Resolve into General Committee

Council recessed at 8:10 p.m. and General Committee convened. General Committee adjourned at 10:01 p.m. and City Council reconvened. Council passed a motion during the In-Camera session to extend the curfew.

 

11.

Motion Arising from In-Camera Session

Councillor Siscoe left the meeting during the In-Camera Session.

 

11.1.

In-Camera Agenda Item 2.1

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter – Lease, Realty File No. 86-49

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

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

That Council authorize an extension of Lease with Peter Sutherland Sharpe and Erin Kathleen Sharpe, with respect to vacant land abutting 24 Colton Avenue; 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, Stevens, Williamson, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

 

11.2.

In-Camera Agenda Item 2.2

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter – Lease, Realty File No. 11-53

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That Council authorize a Lease Amending Agreement with Brian Jack Troup, with respect to lands forming part of McKay Street ancillary to 95 Hillview Road; 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, Stevens, Williamson, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

 

11.3.

In-Camera Agenda Item 2.3

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter – Disposal, Realty File No. 16-13

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That Council authorize a conveyance of certain lands to The Regional Municipality of Niagara, with respect to 149 Martindale Road; 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, Stevens, Williamson, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

 

11.4.

In-Camera Agenda Item 2.4

Financial Management Services, Property Management

Property Matter – Lease, Realty File No. 86-128

 

Moved By:  Councillor Britton

Seconded By:  Councillor Stevens

That Council authorize a Lease Amending Agreement with 1837228 Ontario Limited, with respect to lands abutting 370 Ontario Street; and

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

Yeas: Councillor Bellows, Britton, Elliott, Garcia, Haywood, Kushner, Phillips, Stevens, Williamson, and Mayor Sendzik

Nays:

Carried

 

12.

Motion to Ratify Forthwith Recommendations

Moved By:  Councillor Phillips

Seconded By:  Councillor Siscoe

That Council adopt those items approved FORTHWITH by the General Committee on Monday, September 12, 2016.

Carried

 

13.

By-laws

 

13.1.

Reading of the By-laws

 

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

That the following 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. 2016-223 A By-law to amend By-law No. 2014-253 entitled “A By-law to appoint Deputy Clerks for the purpose of the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act and to repeal By-law No. 2014-53.” (One reading – with respect to change in personnel. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 10.2.10

By-law No. 2016-224 A By-law to remove certain lands from part lot control. (One reading – with respect to 27, 29, 31 and 33 Francesco Crescent. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 60.48.321

By-law No. 2016-225 A By-law to authorize the acceptance of a conveyance of certain lands from The Regional Municipality of Niagara. (One reading – with respect to lands abutting Morningstar Mill property at 2704 Decew Road. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 68.31.181

By-law No. 2016-226 A By-law to authorize an Authorized Requester Agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Transportation. (One reading - with respect to accessing the MTO’s computer databases pertaining to driver, vehicle and commercial motor vehicle records. Delegation By-law No. 2004-277, as amended.) File: 68.41.99

By-law No. 2016-227 A By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-277 entitled “A By-law to authorize delegation of certain matters to staff.” (One reading – with respect to Waterfront Investment Program. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.2.) File: 35.23.8

By-law No. 2016-228 A By-law to authorize a Contract for engineering consulting services with Hatch Ltd. (One reading – with respect to Pollution Prevention and Control Plan Update Study No. ST015-018. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.6.) File: 68.81.99

By-law No. 2016-229 A By-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000 entitled "A By-law regulating traffic and parking on City Roads". (One reading – with respect to parking prohibitions on Linfield Drive. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.7.) File: 77.34.99

By-law No. 2016-230 A By-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000 entitled "A By-law regulating traffic and parking on City Roads". (One reading – with respect to parking prohibitions on Lockview Crescent. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.5.) File: 77.34.99

By-law No. 2016-231 A By-law to close temporarily part of James Street. (One reading – with respect to Gord’s Place Inc. three-day community event on September 22 - September 25, 2016. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.10.) File: 77.44.99

By-law No. 2016-232 A By-law to authorize a Special Events Licence Agreement with Gord’s Place Inc. (One reading – with respect to a three-day community event on September 22 - September 25, 2016. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.10.) File: 56.14.2

By-law No. 2016-233  A By-law to authorize a contract for consulting engineering services with Upper Canada Planning & Engineering Ltd. (One reading – with respect to Project No. P16-103 - Glendale Avenue. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.8.) File: 18.45.254

By-law No. 2016-234 A By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-277 entitled “A By-law to authorize delegation of certain matters to staff.”(One reading – with respect to Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial and Park. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.4.) File: 35.65.92

By-law No. 2016-235 A By-law to authorize an agreement with Dereck Revington Studio Inc. (One reading – with respect to Phase 2 of the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial and Park. General Committee, September 12, 2016, Item 4.4.) File: 35.65.92

By-law No. 2016-236 A By-law to confirm the proceedings of council at its meeting held on the 12th day of September, 2016. (One reading – with respect to confirming the proceedings of the meeting held on September 12, 2016.)

File:10.12.1

Carried

 

13.2.

Reading of Additional By-laws

 

Moved By:  Councillor Kushner

Seconded By:  Councillor Elliott

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. 2016-237 A By-law to authorize an extension of Lease with Peter Sutherland Sharpe and Erin Kathleen Sharpe. (One reading - with respect to vacant land abutting 24 Colton Avenue. Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 11.1.) File: 16.19.99

By-law No. 2016-238 A By-law to authorize a Lease Amending Agreement with 1837228 Ontario Limited. (One reading – with respect to lands abutting 370 Ontario Street. Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 11.4.) File: 16.19.99

By-law No. 2016-239 A By-law to authorize a Lease Amending Agreement with Brian Jack Troup. (One reading - with respect to lands forming part of McKay Street ancillary to 95 Hillview Road. Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 11.2.) File: 16.19.99

By-law No. 2016-240 A By-law to authorize a conveyance of certain lands to The Regional Municipality of Niagara. (One reading – with respect to 149 Martindale Road. Council Agenda, September 12, 2016, Item 11.3.) File: 16.7.99

Carried

 

14.

Agencies, Boards, Committee Reports

 

14.1.

Minutes to Receive:

         Clean City Advisory Committee, April 19, 2016, and May 17, 2016

         Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee, June 14, 2016

         Heritage Advisory Committee, August 11, 2016

         Master Fire Planning Committee, August 18, 2016

         Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Task Force, August 25, 2016 (draft)

         Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, August 2, 2016

 

 

Moved By:  Councillor Bellows

Seconded By:  Councillor Williamson

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

Carried

 

15.

Adjournment

Moved By:  Councillor Haywood

Seconded By:  Councillor Phillips

There being no further items of business, this meeting be adjourned at 10:06 p.m.

Carried

 

 

Certified Correct:       Confirmed by:

City Clerk

Mayor