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

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 Joel Lustig, Treasurer Sharon Laing, Director Human Resources Cheryl McConney-Wilson, Diversity Specialist Mark Visser, Senior Manager, Financial Strategy & Investments Alan Brown, Director of Engineering Kevin Ross, Manager Development Finance Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:08 a.m. with Councillor Carolina Moretti in the Chair. Mayor Frank Scarpitti assumed the Chair at 10:00 a.m. and Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items.

 

The General Committee meeting recessed at 11:40 a.m. and reconvened at 1:09 p.m.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2012
            GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)                  That the Minutes of the December 10, 2012 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 21, 2012
            ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the November 21, 2012 Accessibility Committee be received for information purposes; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to report back to General Committee on the following proposed recommendation:

 

            “That the Advisory Committee on Accessibility recommend that Markham’s Stationary Business Licensing By-law be amended to add a clause prohibiting businesses from refusing access to goods and services to persons with a disability with a service dog or any person accompanying them.”

CARRIED

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 13, 2012
            DEVELOPMENT CHARGES SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the December 13, 2012 Development Charges Sub-Committee be             adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

4.         MEETING NOTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 2013
            DEVELOPMENT CHARGES SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Meeting Notes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the meeting notes of the January 15, 2013 Development Charges Sub-Committee be         received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 26, 2012
            PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the November 26 2012 Public Library Board be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 9, 2012
            SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the October 9 2012 Seniors Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 3, 2012
            SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTRE
            AND LIBRARY SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the December 3, 2012 Southeast Community Centre and Library Sub-Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

8.         REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE
            - THEATRE BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes     Appendix A    Memo

 

There was brief discussion regarding the monitoring of the business results and the strategic plan.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That Council endorse the resolution made at the May 28, 2012 Markham Theatre Advisory Board meeting:

 

“That the revised Theatre Advisory Board Terms of Reference be approved as shown in Appendix “A” attached hereto.”

CARRIED

 

 

9.         013-S-13 SUPPLY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report entitled “013-S-13 2013 Supply of Fire Department Apparatus” be received; and,

 

2)         That the supply of three (3) Pumper apparatus be awarded to Safetek Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $577,652.85 each in US dollars ($567,774.99 each in CAD dollars), totaling $1,732,958.55 in US dollars ($1,703,324.96 CAD dollars) inclusive of HST; and,

 

3)         That the supply of an Aerial apparatus be awarded to Safetek Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $927,918.91 in US dollars ($912,051.50 each in CAD dollars) inclusive of HST; and,

 

4)         That authority to approve the expenditure to equip the three (3) Pumper apparatus and one (1) Aerial apparatus in the amount of $225,000.00 be provided to the Director of Operations (or his designate) or the Fire Chief (or his designate) as per the limits in accordance to the Expenditure Control Policy; and,

 

5)         That the funds for the award are provided from account 057-6150-13402-005 “Corporate Fleet Replacement-Fire” in the amount of $2,840,376.46 CAD dollars; and,

 

6)         That the remaining funds in account 057-6150-13402-005 “Corporate Fleet Replacement-Fire” in the amount of $622,823.54 in CAD dollars be returned to the original funding source; and,

 

7)         That the tender process be waived in accordance with purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 Non Competitive Procurement, item 1 (e) which states “Where the City is acquiring specialized equipment, in which case the sources of supply may be identified based on technical specifications prepared by the User Department staff, the Manager of Purchasing may negotiate purchases based on such specifications in consultation with the User Department;” and,

 

8)         That vehicles 9871 (2003 model year), 9881 (1998 model year),  9836 (2002 model year) and one of 911, 961 or 971 (2003 model year) will be disposed of in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part V, Disposal of Personal Property and the proceeds be posted to account 890-890-9305 “Proceeds of Sale-Other F/A” upon placing the new apparatus into service; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

10.       DIVERSITY ACTION PLAN - STATUS UPDATE (11.0)

            Presentation     Report

 

Sharon Laing, Director Human Resources and Cheryl McConney-Wilson, Diversity Specialist delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update relative to the Diversity Action Plan.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the proposal to develop a recreation program pricing strategy which will include subsidy component.

 

The Committee discussed the importance of engaging elementary age children, immigrants and the gay community.  It was suggested that staff consider organizing an event with the gay community during the Rainbow Flag raising.  

 

Moved by Councillor Howard Shore

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

1)         That the report entitled “Diversity Action Plan- Status Update” be received as information; and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

11.       DEVELOPMENT CHARGE BY-LAW UPDATE (7.11)

Presentation

 

Mark Visser, Senior Manager, Financial Strategy & Investments, Alan Brown, Director of Engineering and Craig Binning, Partner, Hemson Consulting delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update regarding Development Charges.

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        The proposed increase in Development Charges (DC) for small apartment units

·        Provide the Regional portion of DC's for residential units

·        Provide a comparison of Markham's DC versus City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond Hill and City of Toronto

·        Can DCs be used to fund transit

·        Can DCs be used for displacement of wildlife

·        Can DCs be used to fund undergrounding of the hydro lines

·        Convene a meeting with representatives of Langstaff and Markham Centre to further discuss the potential of using DCs for undergrounding hydro lines

·        Ensure discussions take place with the development community relative to the recommendation regarding preliminary Area Specific Development Charges (ASDCs)

·        That the gross versus net alternate methodology recommendation be deferred to the January 28, 2013 General Committee meeting

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

That Council endorse the following policies as a basis in the preparation of the Development Charges Background Study:

 

1)         That the cost of oversizing sanitary sewers be funded 100% from development charges; and,

2)         That the by-laws be amended to allow for rate increases only; and,

3)         That development charges be calculated using the rates in effect at building permit issuance; and,

4)         That staff include other service levels in development charge recoveries, including but not limited to, Parking services; and,

5)         That 12 month deferrals be made available to high-rise and mixed use developments in the ratio 30%/35%/35% ; and,

 

6)         That the policy of applying a differentiated rate for the non-residential portion of mixed-use developments be continued; and,

 

7)         That a policy be adopted to defer development charges for facilities owned and operated by a non-profit organization that meet City specifications; and,

 

8)         That the industrial exemption for the expansion of up to 50% of a structure be broadened to include office buildings; and,

 

9)         That the City institute one apartment rate for large and small apartments to incent the construction of larger units; and,

 

10)       That a policy be adopted to apply the average non-residential rates (Retail : Industrial/Office) to non-residential structures where no information on tenancy is available; and,

 

11)       That a policy be adopted to close the reserve accounts of inactive Area Specific by-laws and transfer the net balance to the City Wide hard reserve at every by-law review; and,

 

12)       That the current policy of funding a maximum of 25% of the cost of local bridges that have a city wide benefit from the City Wide Hard reserves be continued; and,

 

13)       That all Public works capital infrastructure, for soft services be funded 100% from Development Charges; and,

 

14)       That enhanced streetscaping on internal roads within a plan of subdivision or abutting site plan be treated as 100% local cost; and further,

 

15)       That the 4^th lane of a road in a residential subdivision be funded 100% from the City Wide Hard reserves and 3 lanes or less in a residential subdivision be funded 100% by the local developer.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

That the (Area Specific Development Charges) ASDC By-laws are not consolidated and that the City continue with the current ASDC methodology for the 2013 update of the by-laws:

·        Consolidate ASDCs where possible

·        Transfer the responsibility for the construction of some ASDC infrastructure to the developers group where possible.

CARRIED

 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the following recommendation be deferred to the January 28, 2013 General Committee meeting:

 

That the City adopt the Alternate Methodology for calculating the Soft Services Charge as follows:

·        Library Services and Indoor Recreation - Population and Households

·        Park Development - Population and Households

·        Fire Service and Public Works - Household and Employment

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       LANDSLIDE PROJECT AT
            MARKHAM MUSEUM 2013 (6.5)

            Presentation A     Presentation B

 

Cathy Molloy, Manager Museum addressed the Committee and provided some opening comments relative to the Landslide Project at Markham Museum.

 

Ms. Janine Marchessault, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Art, Digital Media and Globalization, Faculty of Fine Arts York University delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Landslide Project at the Markham Museum.

 

Jenny Foster, Associate Professor, York University addressed the Committee and delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing information regarding York's long-standing commitment to sustainability.  The presentation also included the synergy between York and Markham's interpretation of sustainability.

 

It was suggested that the proposed Landslide Project be referred to the City of Markham senior staff to ensure that the Markham is appropriately engaged and that the necessary resources are available.

 

The Committee suggested that staff consider charging a minimal entry fee or voluntary contributions for Landslide that will take place at the Markham Museum from September 21 to October 31, 2013.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the presentation by Ms. Janine Marchessault, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Art, Digital Media and Globalization, Faculty of Fine Arts York University entitled “Landslide Project at Markham Museum 2013” be received; and,

 

2)         That the "Landslide Project at Markham Museum 2013" proposal be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioners to ensure that the City of Markham is appropriately engaged and that the necessary resources are available.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       POMONA VALLEY TENNIS CLUB PROPOSAL (12.2.6)

            Correspondence

 

Hadi Gharai, Pomona Valley Tennis Club addressed the Committee to provide details relative to the proposal from the Pomona Valley Tennis Club regarding Section 37 funds from the World on Yonge Project in Thornhill.

 

The Committee inquired whether all the tennis clubs within Markham fall under the same policy.  Staff advised that there is one policy and that policy is currently under review.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the water storage tanks located beneath the tennis courts.  It was suggested that staff report back on whether those tanks are filled in. The Committee also suggested that staff investigate whether the location of the tennis courts need to be relocated.   

 

Hadi Gharai thanked Councillor Valerie Burke for all her support during this process.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the correspondence from the Pomona Valley Tennis Club be received; and,

 

2)         That the proposal from the Pomona Valley Tennis Club be referred to the Thornhill       Subcommittee.

CARRIED

 

14.       GRANDVIEW AREA AND WARD ONE SOUTH RESIDENTS (12.2.6)

            Letter

 

Ricardo Mashregi, on behalf of the Grandview Area and Ward One South residents addressed the Committee to provide details on proposals obtained by Grandview Area and Ward One Section 37 Committee lead by Councillor Valerie Burke on options how to use the Section 37 funds out of the World on Yonge Project in Thornhill.  Mr. Mashregi believes that the entire Thornhill Community will benefit from these proposals.

There was brief discussion regarding the proposed outdoor ice rink.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the letter from Grandview Area and Ward One South Section 37 Committee

be received; and,

 

2)         That the proposal from the Grandview Area and Ward One Section 37 Committee         be referred to the Thornhill Subcommittee.

CARRIED

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

15.       HOME DIALYSIS POSSIBLE GRANT PROGRAM (7.0)

 

Councillor Colin Campbell advised the Committee that some patients who require dialysis as part of their treatment        are set up with a Home Hemodialysis Program which uses water and electricity while operating.  These water and hydro costs can be expensive.  It was suggested that staff undertake the following:

·        Explore what other municipalities across the Province are doing about this

·        Access financial implications

·        Investigate the program developed in the City of Ottawa

·        Do outreach to York Region and PowerStream to seek their input to potential participation in a program that would reduce billing revenue

·        Identify the number of patients in Markham who are currently on Home Hemodialysis Program

·        Identify other potential 'at home' services that will have impacts on utility usage and related financial and social implications

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

That staff investigate the whether there is financial assistance available to off-set the cost for patients that have at home treatment such as the Home Hemodialysis Program and report back to General Committee prior to June 2013.

CARRIED

 

The Committee briefly discussed whether this is an issue that York Region should be considering.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That staff prepare a resolution requesting that York Region review home dialysis programs.

CARRIED

 

 

 

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

 

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 December 10, 2012 General Committee)

            [Section 239 (2) (g)]

 

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

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

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

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

4)         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 December 13, 2012 Development Charges Sub-Committee)

            [Section 239 (2) (g)]

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 3:04 p.m.

CARRIED