M I N U T E S

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

2004-1-27

Canada Room

 

Attendance

 

Mayor                          D. Cousens Regional Councillors     F. Scarpitti                                     J. Heath (5:10 p.m.)                                     J. Jones Councillors                   S. Daurio                                     E. Shapero (5:45 p.m.)                                     J. Virgilio                                     G. McKelvey                                     J. Webster                                     D. Horchik                                     A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer S. Bertoia, General Manager, Construction &    Utilities S. Birrell, Town Clerk B. Cribbett, Treasurer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Klaus, General Manager, Waterworks P. Loukes, Director of Operations & Asset    Management P. Miller, Manager, Secretariat Services J. Sales, Commissioner of Community    and Fire Services

The Committee of the Whole meeting convened at the hour of 5:00 p.m. with Mayor D. Cousens in the Chair.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

Councillor J. Virgilio disclosed an interest with respect to Item No. 7, the proposed development by Peter Young for the southwest corner of Gable Avenue and William Berczy Boulevard, by nature of representing the owner of the lands to the south, and did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
            - JANUARY 13, 2004 (16.0)

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on January 13, 2004 be confirmed.

 

Carried

 

2.         WATERWORKS OPERATIONAL REVIEW AND
            RECOMMENDATIONS FROM DELCAN REPORT (5.4, 5.5)

 

Committee had before it a copy of the PowerPoint presentation provided by Mr. Peter Loukes, Director of Operations & Asset Management and Mr. Stan Bertoia, General Manager, Construction & Utilities, regarding the waterworks operational review and recommendations resulting from the Delcan review.

 

Discussion ensued and questions were fielded by Mr. Loukes, Mr. Bertoia and Mr. Andre Proulx, Delcan Corporation.

 

Discussion centred around:

-     cost impact of recommended changes - none in 2004 - further review in 2005/2006 when regulations are released.

-     staffing and retraining requirements.

-     the contribution of technology.

-     the need to monitor efficiencies and for continuous measurements.

-     water quality and the fact that Markham water is purchased.

-     the fact that Markham is within the top ten municipalities in Ontario with respect to water.

 

Committee requested that staff report back on the legal ramifications to Council with respect to wells.

 

Committee requested that new Councillors be provided with historical water documentation.

 

Committee requested that the report be prefaced with a commentary on the dependability of Markham's water quality.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the presentation entitled Waterworks Operational Review and Recommendations from Delcan Report to Committee of the Whole, January 27, 2004, be received;

 

And that the “Next Steps”, as follow, be approved by Council:

 

1.         Finalize Waterworks organizational structure and staffing plan in first quarter of 2004

 

2.         Finalize and implement strategy for attracting and retaining staff, including compensation, in first quarter of 2004

 

3.         Develop process and protocol to review and communicate statutory and regulatory requirements to staff and Council

 

4.         Complete service level agreements with supporting departments in first quarter of 2004

 

5.         Develop implementation plan for 2004-2006 recommendations

 

6.         Provide regular progress reports to Council on recommendations

 

7.         Report to Council quarterly on water quality compliance and annually to MOE in accordance with Regulation 170/03

 

8.         Staff to review new technologies to determine what can be applied to move waterworks back to technological leading edge and report back.

 

Carried

 

 

 

3.         ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEW (16.24)

 

Mr. Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporation Services, reviewed the advisory committee restructuring proposal.

 

Discussion took place and suggestions for changes provided.

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the presentation by the Commissioner of Corporate Services with respect to the Advisory Committee review, be received.

 

Carried

 

 

 

4.         2004 COMMITTEE/BOARD COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS (16.24)

 

Regional Councillor J. Jones requested he be included on all Development Services Subcommittees and on all their distribution lists.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio

 

That the following Council appointments to committees be made for a term to expire November 30, 2006:

 

Canada Day Committee

That the following four Members of Council be appointed to the Canada Day:

 

                        Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

                        Regional Councillor J. Heath

                        Councillor E. Shapero

                        Councillor K. Usman;

 

Communications Committee

That the following five Members of Council be appointed to the Communications Committee:

 

                        Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

                        Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell

                        Councillor A. Chiu

                        Councillor E. Shapero

                        Councillor J. Webster;

 

Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery Board

That the following two Members of Council be appointed to the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery Board:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Jones

                        Councillor E. Shapero;

 

Heritage Markham (LACAC)

That the following two Members of Council be appointed to Heritage Markham:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Jones

                        Councillor J. Webster;

 

Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility

That the following one Member of Council be appointed to the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Heath;

 

Markham District Historical Museum Board

That the following two Members of Council be appointed to the Markham District Historical Museum Board:

 

                        Councillor G. McKelvey

                        Councillor J. Webster;

 

Markham Theatre Board

That the following three Members of Council be appointed to the Markham Theatre Board:

 

                        Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

                        Regional Councillor J. Jones

                        Councillor A. Chiu;

 

Mayor's Youth Task Force

That the following one Member of Council be appointed ex-officio to the Mayor's Youth Task Force:

 

                        Councillor S. Daurio;

 

Public Library Board

That the following two Members of Council be appointed to the Public Library Board:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Heath

                        Councillor J. Webster;

 

Varley-McKay Art Foundation

And that the following two Members of Council be appointed to the Varley-McKay Art Foundation:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Jones

                        Councillor E. Shapero;

 

Licensing Committee

And that all Members of Council be appointed to the Licensing Committee, excluding the Mayor;

 

And that citizen appointments on the following maintained and statutory Committees be extended to April 30, 2004:

 

            Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery Board

            Canada Day Committee

            Committee of Adjustment

            Heritage Markham

            Markham Accessibility Committee

            Markham Cemetery Board

            Markham District Historical Museum Board

            Markham Theatre Board

            Mayor's Youth Task Force

            Poundkeeper

            Property Standards

            Race Relations Committee;

 

And that the following Members of Council be appointed to the Committee of Adjustment Interview Committee:

 

                        Regional Councillor J. Jones

                        Councillor G. McKelvey, Chair

                        Councillor A. Chiu

                        Councillor S. Daurio

                        Councillor J. Virgilio

 

Carried

 

 

____________________________________

 

Committee recessed to convene Council at the hour of 7:05 p.m. and reconvened at the hour of 7:13 p.m.

___________________________________

 

 

5.         PROCEDURAL BY-LAW NO. 2001-1
            PROPOSED AMENDMENT
            ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (16.23)  Weblink   By-law

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That By-law No. 2001-1, as amended, (the Procedural By-law) be amended to:

 

      ·       add to section 4.1 "Standing Committees" the following:

 

               "5)     Economic Development

                        Six Councillors

                        Deputy Mayor, Ex-Officio

 

      ·       add to section 4.8 "Duties of Standing Committees":

 

               "e)     Economic Development Committee shall perform all those duties listed in the Terms of Reference attached hereto as Schedule "F".

 

      ·       add Schedule "F" to By-law No. 2001-1 as attached hereto;

 

And that Schedule "F" be amended to add to line 2 of item 1. of subsection (b) "Specific Duties" the following words after the words "... and locate high-tech...":

 

            "... and other leading...".

(By-law 2004-14)

 

Carried

 

 

 

6.         NEW PLANNING REFORMS
PROPOSED GREENBELT PROTECTION ACT - BILL 27 (10.0)

 

Committee had before it two draft letters.  One to Minister Gerretsen regarding "Provincial Growth Management Initiatives: Bills 26 and 27" and one to Premier McGuinty regarding "New Era of Cooperation between the Province and Municipalities"

 

The following amendments to the letter to the Minister were requested:

 

Environment protection of Rouge Park - indicate the Alliance requested the provincial government, on several occasions, to identify or further protect under special legislation or policy.  This is and provides an opportunity - we have taken steps within the current framework to amend our Official Plan provided limited protection under that management.

 

After the words "after creation…quality of life in paragraph 1, last sentence, add "and environmental protection".

 

Attach the letter that went to John Gerretsen.

 

In the letter mention the Eastern Markham Strategic Plan Review and attach it.

 

Indicate that Markham's MPP Tony Wong is interested in meeting with the Minister.

 

Municipalities do require new tools in order to preserve and enhance the environment within their municipal boundaries beyond the 5% parkland dedication.

 

It was suggested that the letter to the Premier be deferred for consideration at the next Finance & Administrative Committee meeting.  Councillors were requested to provide their comments to John Livey in advance of the meeting.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the tabled draft letter to Minister Gerretsen regarding "Provincial Growth Management Initiatives: Bills 26 and 27" be approved as amended;

 

And that the draft tabled letter to Premier McGuinty regarding "New Era of Cooperation between the Province and Municipalities" be referred to the February 2, 2004 Finance and Administrative Committee meeting.

 

Carried

 

 

 

7.         PETER YOUNG (BERCZY VILLAGE), SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF GABLE AVENUE AND WILLIAM BERCZY BOULEVARD
APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT AND PLAN
OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL TO PERMIT 42 TOWNHOUSE UNITS
BERCZY VILLAGE COMMUNITY (SU.02-113256, ZA.02-113250)
(10.5, 10.7)  Weblink  

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That consideration of the Peter Young property at the southwest corner of Gable Avenue and William Berczy Boulevard to permit 42 townhouse units be referred to the Council meeting this date.

(By-laws 2004-15 and 2004-16)

 

Carried

(Councillor J. Virgilio abstained)

 

 

 

8.         BOX GROVE HILL DEVELOPMENTS INC.
& BOX GROVE NORTH,
BALGREEN HOLDINGS INC. & WINTER GARDEN ESTATES INC.,
AND ANIMATE CONSTRUCTION LTD.,  BOX GROVE COMMUNITY
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT AND SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS
TO PERMIT THREE DRAFT PLANS OF SUBDIVISION  (SU.03-115555
& ZA.03-115538, SU. 03-116579 & ZA.03-116573, SU.03-116324 & ZA. 03-116450)
(10.5)      Weblink

 

Mr. Tom Farrar, Chair, Box Grove Community Association, was in attendance and submitted information with respect to these applications.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That the memorandum providing an update on tree preservation issues with respect to Box Grove Hill Developments Inc., Box Grove Nor, Balgreen Holdings Inc. and Winter Garden Estates Inc., be received;

 

And that the tabled letter from the Box Grove Community Association addressing the tree preservation concerns raised by Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge, be received;

 

And that the tabled email response from the Development Services Commission to Jim Robb addressing the tree preservation concerns raised in his January 19, 2004 email be received;

 

And that the tabled memorandum from the Commissioner of Development Services providing an update on tree cutting activity on the subject site, be received;

 

And that a Public Meeting be held, after the Community Design Plan for the Box Grove Planning District has been approved by the Commissioner of Development Services, to consider subdivision and zoning amendment applications submitted by:

 

·        Box Grove Hill Developments & Box Grove North (SU.03-115555 & ZA.03-115538)

·        Balgreen Holdings Inc. & Winter Garden Estates Inc. (SU.03-116579 & ZA.03-116573)

·        Animate Construction Ltd. (SU.03-116324 & ZA.03-116450)

 

to permit three proposed plans of subdivision within the Box Grove Planning District.

 

Carried

 

 

 

9.         RULAND PROPERTIES INC. (THE REMINGTON GROUP)
PUBLIC AMENITY FEATURE FOR DOWNTOWN MARKHAM
(10.5)     Weblink

 

Committee was advised that the Markham Centre Steering Committee met prior to the meeting this date regarding the application by Ruland Properties Inc. (The Remington Group) and the public amenity feature for downtown Markham Centre.

 

The Remington Group has decided not to pursue a lake feature and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority concurs.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

That the report dated January 20, 2004, entitled “Ruland Properties Inc. (The Remington Group)

Public Amenity Feature for Downtown Markham”, be received;

 

And that staff report back with a Terms of Reference for a process to create an open space amenity feature within Block OS4 of the approved draft plan, including a design charrette to obtain public input;

 

And that staff report back with the draft terms of  a Memorandum of Understanding with the applicant, to address the process and financial matters as outlined in this report;

 

And that staff also report on any revisions to the draft approved plan and conditions of Draft Plan Approval resulting from the introduction of a new open space amenity feature.

 

Carried

(See following motion to amend which was lost)

 

            Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

            Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

            That Committee of the Whole, Item No. 9 be amended to include the following paragraph:

 

            "That the design process investigate water features/elements as a component of the open space feature along with the relationships to the adjacent Rouge Valley minor tributary and storm water management facilities."

Lost

 

 

 

10.       FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES
            REQUEST FOR SPEAKER - BEIRUT, LEBANON
            E-MUNICIPALITIES/E-GOVERNANCE (11.12)

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That the tabled request from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Middle East, for a Canadian speaker to address a conference organized by the Municipal Development Association with the collaboration of the Ministry of State for Administrative Reforms on February 28, 2004 in Beirut, Lebanon, on e-Municipalities and e-Governance, be received;

 

And that Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services, be authorized to attend on behalf of the Town of Markham with the Municipal Development Association absorbing all expenses for airfare, transfers, 3 nights accommodation including breakfast and lunches.

 

Carried

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.