M I N U T E S

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

2001-04-06 - Canada Room

Attendance

 

Mayor                             D. Cousens Deputy Mayor                 F. Scarpitti (12:30pm) Regional Councillors        G. Landon                                        T. Wong                                        Councillors                      S. Daurio                                        E. Shapero                                        J. Virgilio                                        G. McKelvey                                        J. Heath                                        D. Horchik                                        K. Usman (12:20pm)                                        A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer A. Wolfe, Commissioner of Community    Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Sales, Fire Chief S. Birrell, Town Clerk S. Chait, Director, Corporate Quality &          Effectiveness Office J. Baird, Director of Planning R. Dominico, Manager of Corporate Quality S. Tam, Manager of Corporate Effectiveness T. Lambe, Manager, Policy Planning J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Committee of the Whole meeting convened at the hour of 12 Noon with Mayor Don Cousens in the Chair.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None declared.

 

 

1.         STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP (12.0)

 

Mr. Stephen Chait, Director, Corporate Quality &        Effectiveness Office, was in attendance and gave a presentation on "Engage 21^st Century Markham" - A Forward-Looking Strategic Planning Process.  Members were advised that the purpose of this presentation was to engage Council in a strategic planning discussion, to suggest a process to guide its development and to solicit Council input to the design and objectives of the strategic plan.

 

Financial considerations were reviewed and a broad variety of issues were raised that should be addressed in the strategic planning process.  Mr. Chait advised that a detailed report would be presented to Council at its meeting on April 24, 2001.

 

 

The Chair commended Mr. Chait on an excellent presentation, and asked Members to express their thoughts on the proposed strategic planning process.

 

The following comments were made:

 

- involvement of local cable company would be useful

- does not have much time for it

- public participation is essential, and should include all cultural groups

- a bold initiative; a positive step

- such a process would be a great deal of work

- it is essential for Markham to have a plan; it is a great opportunity

- involvement of the public is important

- it is in the Town's interest to have a strategic plan

- it is a positive move; the time is right

- it is exciting and challenging

- it will bring closure to Vision 2000

- it will take a great deal of work

- Town should take a broad perspective; be bold; it will challenge us to be great

- it is very worthwhile and very beneficial

- Town has to have a vision to stay on course; strategy is necessary

- this will be a pro-active process

- it is critical to have acceptance from community

- concerns expressed with short time frame;

- query that funding is sufficient?

- Member advised that this is part of school curriculum in the United States

- concern expressed that this may be a guise to expand our urban boundary?

- there should be assurance that following public involvement, the results are made available

            to public

- this is pro-active, leadership-driven

- we must have an open mind

- hi-level decisions will come out of this; has to be approached with an open mind

- it will be an honest and open experience

 

A brief discussion followed with respect to the presentation of the detailed report from staff and it was agreed that the report be presented to the April 24, 2001 Council Meeting.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.