M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                Community Services Issues

Chair:              Mayor Frank Scarpitti                                                                            Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice Chair:      Councillor Carolina Moretti                                                                   Vice Chair:      Councillor Howard Shore

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                                          Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                                                                         Chair:              Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Vice Chair:      Regional Councillor Joe Li                                                                      Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell

 

                                                                                                                       

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Gord Landon Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor. Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu   Regrets Councillor Carolina Moretti

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Gary Adamkowski, Director, Asset Management Phoebe Fu, Senior Manager, Facilities Stephen Huycke, Acting Deputy Clerk Joel Lustig, Treasurer Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:04 a.m. with Councillor Logan Kanapathi in the Chair and Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items. Mayor Frank Scarpitti assumed the Chair at 11:40 a.m.

 

The General Committee recessed at 1:26 p.m. and reconvened at 2:12 p.m.

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTRE AND LIBRARY
- DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND SOUTHEAST
COMMUNITY PARK DESIGN CONSULTANT (6.6)

            Report     Attachment A- Presentation     Attachment B

 

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services provided some opening remarks relative to the Southeast Community Centre and Library (SECC&L).  She thanked the SECC&L Design Subcommittee members for all their work and input in moving this project forward.

 

Mr. Duff Balmer, OAA, Principal, Perkins +Will Canada delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Southeast Community Centre & Library.

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        Ensure the outdoor basket ball court includes lighting for night time use

·        Accessibility issues - staff advised that they are currently reviewing the comments from the accessibility committee and will report back

·        Location and size of the swimming pool and leisure pool

·        Landscaping at the northwest corner of 14th Avenue and Middlefield - consider using parks budget because it is a parkette

·        Need to finalize the ground covering in front of the loading dock area

·        Consider small sinks in bathrooms for toddlers

·        Consider including signage for "gender neutral washrooms"

·        Ensure proper integration between the park and community centre

·        Need to contemplate where we want to direct people after they drop off - ensure it is properly lined and that it is a smooth transition within the parking lot

·        Include a large screen with high-quality sound in the social gathering area without it being disruptive to the other parts of the Community Centre

 

The Committee thanked staff for all their work in accelerating this project and remaining on schedule.

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

           

1)         That the report titled “Southeast Community Centre and Library– Design Development and Southeast Community Centre Park Design Consultant” be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation by Perkins + Will, the Prime Design Consultant for the Southeast Community Centre and Library, highlighting the result of the Design Development phase of the project be received; and,

 

3)         That Council authorizes staff to proceed with the detailed design drawings, technical specifications, and the construction contract documents phase of Southeast Community Centre and Library project; and,

 

4)         That staff be directed to report back in June 2013 with an update of the Southeast Community Centre and Library cost estimate, prior to the issuance of the construction tender; and,

 

5)         That Council affirm Fleisher Ridout Partnership Inc. as the preferred consultant to provide full service landscape architectural consulting services for the Southeast Community Centre Park: design; working drawings,  tender documents; contract administration and warranty in accordance with the scope of work outlined in Attachment ‘B” to an upset limit of $218,000 inclusive of HST and capital administration fees; and;

 

6)         That the tendering process be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7.1 (h) which states;” where it is necessary or in the best interests of the City to acquire … Professional Services from a preferred supplier or from a supplier who has a proven track record with the City in terms of pricing, quality and service” and;

 

7)         That a new 2013 Urban Design capital project for the award to hire Fleisher Ridout Partnership Inc. be created to an upset limit of $218,000 inclusive of HST and capital administration fees, to be funded from Development Charges in the amount of $196,200 (90%) and the Capital Contingency Account in the amount of $21,800 (10%); and further,

 

8)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 4, 2013
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the Minutes of the February 4, 2013 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 11, 2013
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the Minutes of the February 11, 2013 Special General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 23, 2013
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTRE
AND LIBRARY SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the Minutes of the January 23, 2013 Southeast Community Centre and Library Sub-Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2013
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the Minutes of the January 8, 2013 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE
MONTH OF JANUARY 2013 (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of January 2013” be received; and,

 

2)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

7.         PROPERTY TAX INSTALMENTS
- OPTIONS (7.1)

            Report

 

The Committee discussed the four tax instalment dates for the 2013 and whether the August instalment should be moved to September. The Committee advised that the majority of calls received regarding the 4 instalment payment plan were from seniors on a fixed income.

 

There was discussion regarding the communication plan for the revised tax instalment plan.  Staff pointed out that there are signs at the City's Libraries, Community Centres and Senior Centres regarding the changes to the tax instalment payment plan. Staff advised that the comprehensive communication plan also includes presenting to the Senior Advisory Committee in March 2013 and attending some Senior Centres to briefly explain the tax payment options available. 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         THAT the report entitled “Property Tax Instalments - Options” be received for information; and,

 

2)         That Council retain the four instalment dates for 2013 and future years; and further,

 

3)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

CARRIED

 

 

8.         2013 WATER/WASTEWATER RATE INCREASE,
2013 WATERWORKS OPERATING BUDGET AND
FEEDBACK FROM PUBLIC MEETING (7.4)

            Report     Appendix 1     Appendix 2    Appendix 3

 

There was discussion regarding the waterworks reserve fund.

 

Moved by Councillor Howard Shore

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the report dated February 25, 2013 entitled “2013 Water/Wastewater Rate Increase, 2013 Waterworks Operating Budget and Feedback from Public Meeting” be received; and,

 

2)         That the minutes from public meeting held on February 12, 2013 with respect to the 2013 Water/Wastewater rate increase be received (Appendix 1); and,

 

3)         That the 2013 City of Markham’s (“City”) Water/Wastewater rate increase be equivalent to the Region of York’s (“Region”) monetary increase of $0.1637 per cubic metre (m³) based on Region’s approved increase of 10%; and,

 

4)         That in addition to the Region’s increase, the 2013 Water/Wastewater rate increase includes a surcharge of $0.0462/m³; and,

 

5)         That effective April 1, 2013, the 2013 Water/Wastewater rate will be $2.8376/m³, an increase of $0.2099/m³; and,

 

6)         That Council approve the 2013 Waterworks budget that totals $89,789,481, (excluding the 2012 surplus/deficit), the principle components of which are detailed in Appendix 2; and further,

 

7)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

CARRIED

 

 

9.         WARD BOUNDARY REVIEW 2012-2013:
FINAL REPORT & OPTIONS TO REDIVIDE
THE CITY’S WARD BOUNDARIES (9.2)

            Report   Attachment A   Attachment B-F

 

Dr. Robert J. Williams delivered a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the proposed Ward boundary options. 

 

The Committee discussed the pros and cons of the proposed ward boundary options.  Dr. Williams pointed out that the population numbers used for the ward boundary analysis are from the Regional Municipality of York's Official Plan.

 

Ms. Marion Matthias, Thornhill resident addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Ward Boundary Options and provided some comments.  She stated concern that with the proposed ward boundary change Thornhill will have the largest population.

 

Ms. Karen Rea, Markham resident addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed Ward Boundary Options and provided some comments.

 

The Committee suggested that this matter be considered at the March 19, 2013 Council meeting.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the cost to the municipality if the number of Ward Councillors were to increase.

 

The Committee discussed the proposed Option D1 and suggested that the consultant's proposed Ward numbering be amended.

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Ward Boundary Review 2012-2013: Final Report & Options to Redivide the City’s Ward Boundaries” be received; and,

 

2)         That the report of Dr. Robert J. Williams, entitled “Final Report 2012-2013 Ward Boundary Review” (Attachment “A”) be received; and,

 

3)         That Council select in accordance with Section 222 of the Municipal Act, 2001, Option D1 to redivide the City’s ward boundaries, with the amended Ward numbering as amended at the February 25, 2013 General Committee meeting; and,

 

4)         That a by-law to redivide the City’s ward boundaries be passed; and,

 

5)         That the City Clerk be directed to give public notice of the passing of the by-law in accordance with Subsection 222(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001; and,

6)         That staff be directed to undertake all steps required to implement the selected ward boundary configuration, including appearances necessary for that purpose before the Ontario Municipal Board or a court of competent jurisdiction; and,

 

7)         That staff be directed to report back on any significant population variance between each of the City’s wards following the 2018 municipal election; and,

 

8)         That this item be considered at the March 19, 2013 Council meeting; and further

 

9)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

10.       UPDATE ON SWAN LAKE WATER QUALITY (5.0)

            Report     Attachment A & B

 

Soran Sito, Manager Environmental delivered a presentation providing an update on the Swan Lake Water quality.

 

The Committee discussed the current levels of algae and phosphorus in the lake. There was brief discussion regarding whether any of the costs associated to lower the levels of algae and phosphorus can be charged back to the developers.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the report entitled “Update on Swan Lake Water Quality Monitoring” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Phoslock application to lower Phosphorus levels in Swan Lake in the amount of $150,000 be funded from surplus funds in Project #8445 ‘Pond 2D Buttonville’ and from Project #9241 ‘Storm Water Mgmt – Pond Maintenance (ID #10 Galleria); and,

 

3)         That the remaining budget of $15,931 in Projects #8445 and #9241 be returned to the original funding source; and,

 

4)         That Staff report back in summer 2014 regarding the results of the Phoslock application and the level of reduction in Phosphorus and algae bloom in the lake; and further,

 

5)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

11.       DANIELS FAIRTY HOUSE STABILIZATION AND
PRESERVATION UPDATE- 7060 MARKHAM ROAD (5.0)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

 

Staff summarized the details outlined in the report.

 

The Committee thanked staff for bringing this report forward.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the Report entitled “Daniels Fairty House Stabilization and Preservation Update – 7060 Markham Road” be received; and

 

2)         That staff proceed with Option 2 to complete the full exterior restoration and structural stabilization of the Daniels Fairty House for a total cost of $448,000, be funded from the Daniels Fairty House Stabilization and Preservation 2012 capital account 750-101-5399-12287; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

12.       NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
–REQUEST FOR NATIVE PLANT GARDENS PROJECT (6.3)

            Letter

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

1)         That the letter dated February 4, 2013 from Jim French, Founder and Honorary President, North American Native Plant Society be received and referred to staff to locate an appropriate location for a North American Native Garden.

CARRIED

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

 

13.       IN-CAMERA MATTERS (16.0, 16.0, 16.24, & 16.24)

 

General Committee consented to not resolve into an in-camera session and provided staff direction to staff for the following items:

 

1)         A matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a closed meeting under another Act. (Minutes of In-Camera January 21, 2013 & January 28, 2013 General Committee)

            [Section 239 (2) (g)]

 

2)         Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. Labour relations or employees negotiations. (Minutes of In-Camera October 9, 2012 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (d)]

 

3)         Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Board/Committee Resignation)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

4)         Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Board/Committee Appointments)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 2:43 p.m.

CARRIED