GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2005-01-10
Meeting No. 1
Finance & Administrative Issues Community
Services & Environment Issues
Chair: Councillor
S. Daurio Chair:
Councillor A. Chiu
Vice Chair,
Budget: Councillor D. Horchik Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services:
Vice Chair,
IT: Regional Councillor B.
O’Donnell
Regional Councillor J. Heath
Vice
Chair, Recreation & Culture:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Character Community:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Environment Issues:
Councillor E. Shapero
Attendance
|
|
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
C. Conrad,
Town Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
P. Miller,
Acting Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
D. McClean,
Fire Chief
P. Loukes,
Director, Operations & Asset
Management
S. Taylor,
Director, Strategic Services
S. Laing,
Director of Human Resources
S. Tam,
Manager, Business Planning and
Innovation
A. Brown,
Director, Engineering
A. Pozywiak,
Director, Strategic Initiatives
J. Lustig,
Director, Financial and Client Services
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor
and Council
P. Ingham,
General Manager of Operations
S. Bertoia,
General Manager, Construction and
Utilities
B. Roth,
Director, Recreation and Culture
Services
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
B. Labelle,
Committee Clerk
|
The General Committee convened at the hour of
9:30 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
At 10:20 a.m. Councillor S. Daurio vacated
the Chair and Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair.
The General Committee recessed at the hour of
12:30 p.m. and reconvened at the hour of
1:00 p.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the
Chair.
At 1:50 p.m. Councillor A. Chiu vacated the
Chair and Councillor S. Daurio assumed the Chair.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss
a personnel matter. (2:00 p.m.)
CARRIED
Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
That the Committee rise and report. (2:20
p.m.)
CARRIED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None
declared.
1. AMENDMENT
TO PURCHASING BY-LAW 2004-341 (7.9 & 2.0)
Moved
by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled “Amendment to Purchasing By-Law 2004-341” be
received;
And that the clause which reads: “Where Consulting and Professional
Services are estimated not to exceed $25,000, the appropriate Director may
award a contract for the services upon such terms and conditions as deemed
appropriate.” Be added to PART II, Article 3 Request for Quotations (between
$5,001 to $24,999) as Item 5.
CARRIED
2. COMMISSIONER REMUNERATION (11.0)
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the current salary range for
Commissioners be amended to provide a maximum job rate of $156,500 effective
June 1, 2004;
And that the car allowance provision for
Commissioners be increased from $587 to $700 per month effective June 1, 2004.
CARRIED
3. MAIN
STREET MARKHAM – HEAVY TRUCK
RESTRICTION (5.10) Report
That the staff
report dated January 10, 2005, entitled “Main Street Markham – Heavy Truck
Restriction” be received;
And that staff
after consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Region of York
report back by March 2005 with the status of an implementation plan for the
restriction of heavy trucks on Main Street Markham and details as to the
transfer of jurisdiction for Hwy 48 (16th Avenue to Major
Mackenzie);
And that the
Terms of Reference for a Class Environmental Assessment for improvements to Hwy
48 (16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie) include the streetscape/parking
improvements for Main Street (Princess Street to 16th Avenue);
CARRIED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other matters considered by General Committee
on January 10, 2005:
4. MINUTES
– AUDIT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 6, 2004 (16.0) Minutes
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on December 6, 2004, be
received.
CARRIED
5. UPDATE
REGARDING TSUNAMI TRAGEDY
AND ECUMENICAL SERVICE
(12.2.6)
Councillor
G. McKelvey reported on the very moving ecumenical service that was held for
the victims and devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in
South-east Asia and east Africa on December 26, 2004.
Councillor
K. Usman expressed great appreciation to all staff involved in the organization
of the ecumenical service. He reported
that the Markham Tsunami Relief Committee has raised $250,000 from builders and
developers within the Town of Markham, and the goal is to raise $500,000 as
part of Markham’s community support for the disaster.
Committee
also discussed the insertion of Tsunami donation information in the next
mailing of tax bills and directed that this be done.
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
appreciation be extended to Councillor K. Usman, the Chief Administrative
Officer, the Director of Corporate Communications and all staff involved in the
organization of the Ecumenical Service held on Sunday, January 9th
at the Markham Civic Centre regarding the Tsunami Tragedy in South-east Asia
and East Africa.
CARRIED
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That notices regarding “Donation Information” for victims of the
tsunami in South-east Asia be included in the mailing with the Town of Markham
Interim Tax Bills during the week of January 17, 2005.
CARRIED
6. URBAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS – LUNCHEON
CHANGE OF DATE (12.2.6)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the correspondence from the Canadian Urban Institute, dated December 20, 2004,
advising that the date of the 2005 Urban Leadership Awards Luncheon has been changed
from May 26 to May 24, 2005 be received and referred to Members of Council.
CARRIED
7. CITY OF PICKERING – RESOLUTION
REGARDING
LOWERING THE VOTING AGE FROM EIGHTEEN
TO SIXTEEN AT FEDERAL LEVEL (13.5.2 & 14.0)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the letter from the City of Pickering, dated December 9, 2004 enclosing a
resolution stating its support for Bill c-261 to lower the voting age from
eighteen to sixteen at the Federal level be received.
CARRIED
8. 2005 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
REQUEST FOR FUNDING (7.6 & 12.2.6)
Ms. Frederine
Chiu, Mr. James Wong and Mr. Raymond Yue, organizers of the 2005 Chinese New
Year celebrations, presented details of the event, which is scheduled for
Saturday, February 12, 2005 at the Markham Civic Centre, and requested a grant
from the Town of Markham in the amount of $12,500. It was noted that any profits from the event
would be donated towards the tsunami disaster in South East Asia.
Committee
requested that the organizers provide, in writing to staff, details of the
specific requirements for the event, and also include information regarding
potential revenue from trade booths.
Moved by
Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the deputation from the organizers of the 2005 Chinese New Year event be
received;
And
that the request for a grant in the amount of $12,500 be referred to staff for
a report to be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday,
January 18, 2005.
CARRIED
9. MARKHAM AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION
REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR BLACK HISTORY EVENT
AND (7.6 & 12.2.6)
Ms.
Tessa Benn-Ireland, President of the Markham African Caribbean Association, was
in attendance and advised Committee of their plans to host the 2005 Annual
Black History Celebrations in February.
Phase I is to recognize outstanding black leaders in the community on
February 15 in the Council Chambers of the Markham Civic Centre, and Phase II
is proposed as a one-day exhibition of the International African Inventors
Museum at the Milliken Mills High School on February 26. The Association was requesting funding from
the Town in the amount of $5,000 to defray the cost of both programs.
Committee
expressed concern regarding the current process regarding grants and suggested
that the Grants Sub-Committee bring forward a policy for Council review as soon
as possible.
Moved by
Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by
Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the deputation from Ms. Tessa Benn-Ireland, President of the Markham African
Caribbean Association, regarding the 2005 Annual Black History Celebrations,
proposed for February 15 and February 26, be received;
And
that the request for funding, in the amount of $5,000, be referred to staff for
a report to be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday,
January 18, 2005.
CARRIED
10. RECREATION, CULTURE & LIBRARY MASTER
PLAN (6.0, 3.19) Presentation
Mr.
S. Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, presented the Recreation, Culture and
Library Master Plan. The presentation provided an outline for upcoming
strategic priorities and recommended initiatives for Council’s consideration.
Based on the master plan process, Mr. Taylor indicated the opportunity for
future improvements of parks, trail ways, libraries, sports fields and other
Town-owned facilities such as community and recreation centres. The financial
implications and sources for financial support were assessed in addition to an
appraisal on possible funding gaps. Mr. Taylor noted that the proposal would be
circulated to Members for their review and that Strategic Services would seek
Council’s approval, ‘in principle’, for the Master Plan and recommendations
later in January, 2005.
The
Committee indicated that the presentation appropriately noted many areas that
require immediate attention such as trail ways to provide access to green
space, an increased level of cooperation with the school boards and other land
acquisition partners, and the context in which construction of a large aquatic
facility should be considered.
There
was discussion on the needs analysis process used to formulate the master plan,
specifically in relation to the proposed development of Milne Park and areas of
Cornell. Staff indicated that a first quarter report will be forthcoming to
address the possible need for a library complex in Markham Centre.
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
That
the presentation by Mr. S. Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, regarding the
Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan be received.
CARRIED
11. FIRE
DEPARTMENT FLEET STANDARDIZATION
AND TRAINING CENTRE UPDATE
(11.6)
Fleet Pres. Training Pres. Business Case
Mr.
D. McClean, Markham Fire Chief, presented a framework for the Fire Department’s
fleet standardization program. He indicated vehicles that would need to be
replaced or refurbished and provided the underlying principles and criteria
used in the determination process.
The
Committee discussed operating costs with respect to Fire Services vehicles
responding to non-fire related emergencies. Fire Chief McClean noted that
additional staffing costs would be necessary to bolster an emergency response
service (EMS) within Fire Services. Even though enhanced EMS capabilities would
be of added value, priority must to be given to fire related emergencies as per
the division’s mandate.
Staff
noted that a report will be forthcoming to the Committee to demonstrate the
nature of calls to which Fire Services typically responds.
There
was discussion relating to the justification for replacing certain vehicles. Fire
Chief McClean noted that functionality is often assessed over age when
considering whether to replace or refurbish a vehicle. He indicated that every
vehicle is assessed using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
on a ten (10) year cycle in which a determination would then be made as to
whether to overhaul or exchange the truck. Fire Chief McClean also noted that
recent technological advancements used to manufacture the vehicles have
increased response time and safety while decreasing the possibility of injury
to Fire Services staff.
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That
the presentation by Mr. D. McClean, Markham Fire Chief, providing an update on
Fire Department fleet standardization be received as requested previously by
the Committee;
CARRIED
Fire
Chief McClean presented a summary and update on the Fire Department training
centre as well as a proposal for a shared use agreement with Richmond Hill. He
noted that it would be advantageous to ensure that the centre compliment
existing Regional facilities rather than duplicate them. It was indicated that
Fire Services would continue to use a Toronto training centre as well as the
John St. location in the interim.
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That
the presentation by Mr. D. McClean, Markham Fire Chief, providing an update on
the training centre be received;
And that a
formal request be sent to Richmond Hill
indicating an interest in developing a cooperative training centre program and
facility.
CARRIED
12. BUSINESS
UNIT PROFILE PRESENTATION (3.0) Presentation
A business
unit profile presentation developed by Ms. S. Tam, Manager, Business Planning
and Innovation, was made to the Committee by Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation
and Culture Services, Ms. C. Biss, Director, Markham Libraries, Mr. D. McClean,
Markham Fire Chief, Mr. P. Loukes, Director, Operations and Asset Management
and S. Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, highlighting the business unit
profiles for the Community and Fire Services Commission.
The Committee
posed questions relating to the aerobic landfill in Settler’s Park and whether
the area could be developed for future use. Staff informed Members that they
are currently employing a methane emissions reduction program to facilitate the
prospect for future development potential.
There was
discussion on the Museum collection software program in which staff noted that
the initiative was a 2005 joint venture between the Community and Fire Services
Commission and IT department and would most likely by purchased in early 2006.
It was also recommended that further communication is necessary to inform the
public that digital access is now available for the Economist and Sun.
The Committee
conversed on details regarding the street sign replacement program for
Thornhill, as it was noted that signage for many streets and intersections are
currently missing. Members also posed questions with respect to contractors not
cleaning up boulevards to adequate standards as well as the costs and
practicalities associated with the relocation of heritage homes.
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by
Councillor Khalid Usman
That the
presentation developed by Ms. S. Tam, Manager, Business Planning and
Innovation, that was delivered by Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture
Services, Ms. C. Biss, Director, Markham Libraries, Mr. D. McClean, Markham
Fire Chief, Mr. P. Loukes, Director, Operations and Asset Management and S.
Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, highlighting the business unit profiles
for the Community and Fire Services Commission be received.
CARRIED
13. MINUTES – ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ACCESSIBILITY
NOVEMBER 17, 2004 (16.9) Minutes
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by
Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting
held on November 17, 2004 be received.
CARRIED
14. PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT UPDATE
FOR 2004 (5.10) Report
Moved
by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded
by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the report dated December 13, 2004
titled “Pavement Management Update” be received.
CARRIED
15. WASTE
PROCESSING AND TRANSFER
FACILITY (5.1)
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That
the letter from Mr. D. Kelly, Clerk, York Region, dated December 17, 2004,
regarding a resolution passed by the Region of York adopting recommendations
made by the Regional Solid Waste Management Committee be received.
CARRIED
16. THREE-STREAM
IMPLEMENTATION – NINE
MUNICIPAL RESPONSES (5.7)
Mr. S.
Bertoia, General Manager, Construction and Utilities, indicated that a Three
Stream implementation presentation will be made to the General Committee on
January 24, 2005. He also reviewed a letter received from York Region in
relation to commingled recyclable material management.
Moved by
Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
CARRIED
17. MARKHAM FENCE REPLACEMENT
PROGRAM (5.0)
The Committee discussed details pertaining to the possibility of a
phase two (2) for the fence replacement program.
That
a staff report on phase two (2) of the fence replacement program be forthcoming
to General Committee to specify details as to when and how it will be engaged.
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned at the hour
of 2:30 p.m.