General Committee
March 5, 2018
Meeting
Number 4
Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues
Chair: Deputy Mayor Jack
Heath Chair: Councillor Alan Ho
Vice Chair: Councillor Colin Campbell Vice
Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Environment
& Sustainability Issues Building,
Parks, & Construction Issues
Chair: Councillor
Valerie Burke Chair: Councillor Colin
Campbell
Vice Chair: Councillor Karen Rea Vice Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
Councillor
Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Andy
Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
Development
Services
Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services
Brenda
Librecz, Commissioner of Community
& Fire Services
Catherine
Conrad, City Solicitor and
Acting Director of Human Resources
Kimberley
Kitteringham, City Clerk
Martha
Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
Joel
Lustig, Treasurer
Carlie
Turpin, Elections Manager
Bryan
Frois, Chief of Staff
Brian Lee,
Director of Engineering
Morgan
Jones, Director of Operations
David
Plant, Manager, Parks Operations
Graham
Seaman, Director of Sustainability & Asset Management
Alida
Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:00 AM with Deputy
Mayor Jack Heath and Councillor Valerie Burke Chaired Environment and
Sustainability related items.
General Committee recessed at 10:53 AM and reconvened at 11:08 AM.
General Committee recessed at 12:58 PM and reconvened at 2:05 PM.
Disclosure of
Pecuniary Interest
None disclosed.
1. MINUTES
OF THE FEBRUARY 20, 2018
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That
the minutes of the February 20, 2018 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
Carried
2. MINUTES
OF THE JANUARY 9, 2018
SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That
the minutes of the January 9, 2018 Seniors Advisory Committee meeting be
received for information purposes.
Carried
3. MINUTES
OF THE JANUARY 18, 2018
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
MARKHAM VILLAGE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That
the minutes of the January 18, 2018 Board of Management Markham Village
Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information
purposes.
Carried
4. MINUTES
OF THE DECEMBER 20, 2017
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
UNIONVILLE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That
the minutes of the December 20, 2017 Board of Management Unionville Business
Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
Carried
5. 2017
SUMMARY OF REMUNERATION
& EXPENSE FOR COUNCILLORS AND
APPOINTEES TO BOARDS (7.0)
Report Appendix
A Appendix B
The
Committee inquired why the Markham Enterprises Corporation (MEC) compensation
is not included in the summary of remuneration.
Staff pointed out that MEC is a separate entity, as a result it is not
included in the Statement of Remuneration provided by the City of Markham.
There was
discussion regarding whether sponsorships received by Members of Council should
be included in this report.
Moved by
Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report titled “2017 Summary of Remuneration &
Expenses for Councillors and Appointees to Boards” be received; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
6. REQUEST
FOR TENDER 248-T-17
SUMMER CAMP BUSSING (7.12)
Report
Moved by
Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That the report entitled “Request for Tender 248-T-17 Summer
Camp Bussing” be received; and,
2) That the contract for tender 248-T-17 Summer Camp Bussing be
awarded to the lowest priced bidder, First Student ULC in the amount of
$462,808.45 inclusive of HST for a period of two (2) years with options to
renew for three (3) additional one (1) year periods at the same itemized
pricing:
$92,561.29 -
(2018)
$92,561.29 -
(2019)
$92,561.29 -
(2020)
$92,561.29 -
(2021)
$92,561.29 -
(2022)
$462,808.45 (Total); and,
3) That the 2018 award
be funded from the various operating budget accounts for bus rental as
identified within the Financial Considerations Section; and,
4) That Staff be authorized to amend the award amounts in years
2019-2022 to reflect changes in growth, subject to Council approval, as part of
the annual budget process; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
7. 2018
ELECTION MODEL (14.0)
Presentation
Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk and Carlie
Turpin, Elections Manager delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
2018 Election Model.
The Committee discussed the following with
respect to the 2018 Election Model:
·
Consider including communication in the City’s
property tax bills
·
Why is the Civic Centre not being used as a location
for in-person Early Voting period?
·
Identification requirements
·
Rebate program – Candidate’s spreadsheet versus online
tool for the contributor
·
Consider offering specific language assistance at
certain locations
·
Consider including information identifying difference
between Regional and Ward Councillors in your communications
·
Change in verification process for online voting
·
Number of voting locations available on voting day
The Committee requested that staff provide a briefing
note to all Members of Council outlining all the legislative changes including
third party advertising rules to the Municipal
Elections Act, 1996.
Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That the presentation entitled “2018 Election Model,” by Ms.
Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk, and Ms. Carlie Turpin, Manager, Elections
be received.
Carried
8. APPOINTMENT
OF DEPUTY MAYOR (14.0)
Presentation
Carlie Turpin, Elections Manager delivered a
PowerPoint presentation regarding appointment of Deputy Mayor.
The Committee discussed the role of the Deputy
Mayor. There was discussion regarding
the additional remuneration for the role of Deputy Mayor.
Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That the presentation entitled “Appointment of Deputy Mayor,” by Ms.
Carlie Turpin, Manager, Elections be received.
Carried
9. ALTERNATE
ON REGIONAL COUNCIL (14.0)
Presentation
Carlie Turpin, Elections Manager delivered a PowerPoint presentation
regarding alternate on Regional Council.
The Committee discussed whether the City of Markham should appoint an
alternate Member to Regional Council. It
was suggested to only receive the presentation.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1)
That the presentation entitled “Alternate on Regional Council,” by Ms.
Carlie Turpin, Manager, Elections be received.
Carried
10. 2017
YEAR-END RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (7.0)
Presentation Report Appendices
1-14
Andrea Tang, Senior Manager, Financial Planning
delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2017 Year-End Review of
Operations.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the presentation by Ms. Andrea Tang,
Senior Manager, Financial Planning entitled “2017 Year-End Review of Operations,” be
received; and,
2) That the report entitled “2017 Year-End
Review of Operations” be received; and,
3) That the City’s 2017 net favourable variance of $5.60M be
transferred as follows, as per the approved Financial Planning and Budgeting
Policy :
a. $0.95M to the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve to achieve a
balance equal to 15% of the local tax levy as per City policy;
b) $4.65M to the Life-Cycle Capital Repair and Replacement Reserve;
and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary
to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
11. GRASS
CUTTING MAINTENANCE
SERVICE LEVEL OPTIONS (5.0)
Presentation
David
Plant, Manager, Parks Operations delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding
grass cutting maintenance service level options.
The
Committee discussed whether the grass cutting service should be increased to a
weekly maintenance to all parks with a cost impact of $112,048.00 yearly versus
maintaining the current level of service with no changes and no cost
impact. Staff pointed out that grass
cutting is not based on height of the grass, but on a service cycle (eg
weekly). It was suggested that the grass
cutting maintenance service level options be referred to the 2019 Budget
Committee.
There was
discussion regarding the importance of analysing the larger percentage of
complaints such as Forestry and Parks maintenance.
Moved by Mayor
Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That
the presentation by Mr. David Plant, Managers, Park Operations entitled “Grass
Cutting Maintenance Service Level Options,” be received; and,
2) That the Grass Cutting
Maintenance Service Level Options be referred to the 2019 Budget Committee.
Carried
12. CITY
OF MARKHAM’S MUNICIPAL ENERGY PLAN
– INTRODUCTION (5.7)
Presentation
Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate
Services addressed the Committee and provided some opening remarks relative to
the City of Markham’s Municipal Energy Plan.
Graham Seaman, Director of Sustainability and
Asset Management delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an introduction
to the City of Markham’s Municipal Energy Plan.
The Committee discussed the importance of
educating and engaging residents with respect to achieving the Municipal Energy
Plan.
The Committee suggested that when staff
report back with the full Municipal Energy Plan that should include how the
City of Markham compares to other communities relative to emissions per person
for residential uses.
Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That
the presentation by Mr. Graham Seaman, Director, Sustainability & Asset
Management entitled “City of Markham’s Municipal Energy Plan – Introduction,”
be received.
Carried
13. YORK REGION
COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)
There was discussion
regarding the Draft 2018 Development Charges Background Study and Proposed
Draft By-law Amendment. It was suggested
that a breakdown of all Regional Services, and that a copy of the PowerPoint on
the final York Region budget be provided to the Ward Councillors.
Moved by Councillor
Karen Rea
Seconded by Regional
Councillor Joe Li
1) That
the following communications dated February 16, 2018 from York Region be
received for information purposes.
a. Draft
2018 Development Charge Background Study and Proposed Draft Bylaw Amendment
b. Housing
Initiatives and Incentives Update
c. York
Region 2017 Employment and Industry Report
d. Comments
of Proposed Provincial Food and Organic Waste Framework
Carried
PETITIONS
There were
no petitions.
MOTIONS
There were
no motions.
NOTICES
OF MOTIONS
There were
no notices of motions.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
14. NEW BUSINESS
- DEVELOPMENT CHARGES (7.11)
Councillor
Karen Rea inquired about the possibility of the City receiving at no charge
affordable units from developers. Staff
advised that the Development charges Act prohibits voluntary
contributions. There was discussion
regarding the establishment of a Reserve to fund the Development Charge
component and staff suggested that this be considered during the 2019 Budget
Committee discussions.
Staff
advised that the City has applied for a Provincial grant from the Development
Charge Rebate Program to fund Markham’s share for future rental units.
15. DEVELOPERS ROUND TABLE (10.0)
Councillor
Karen Rea inquired if during Developers Round Table discussions, the City could
initiate discussions about how to contribute to solving the affordable housing
issue in Markham. Staff pointed out that
staff are not permitted to ask developers for voluntary contributions. It was noted that the City has the ability to
use Section 37 funds. Councillor Karen
Rea requested that staff report back on ideas and options to increase the
affordable housing units.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
16. MARKHAM HOMETOWN HOCKEY
(12.2.6)
Mayor Frank
Scarpitti and Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong thanked all Members of
Council and staff for their support on the great opportunity to showcase
Markham as a proud hockey town, and assisting on putting together a very
successful event.
17. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS (16.0,
8.0 & 8.0)
Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a
confidential session to discuss the following matters (9:19 AM):
(1) GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
-FEBRUARY 20, 2018 (16.0)
[Section
239 (2) (b) (c)]
General Committee confirmed the February 20, 2018 General Committee
confidential meeting minutes.
(2) A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY
THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 5) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (c)]
General
Committee received a verbal update.
(3) A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY
THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 8) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (c)]
General Committee consented to have this item placed on the March 5,
2018 Special Council meeting for consideration.
Carried
Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke
That the General Committee rise from the confidential session 10:53
PM.
Carried
Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 5:20 PM.
Carried