Electronic Special Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 19

Monday, September 30, 2024 at 12:30 P.m. - 3:30 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Ritch Lau
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Juanita Nathan
• Councillor Isa Lee

Regrets

• Councillor Keith Irish

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of People Services
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Bryan Frois, Manager, Executive Operations & Strategic Initiatives
• Joseph Silva, Treasurer
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Giulio Cescato, Director of Planning & Urban Design
• Mark Visser, Senior Manager Financial Strategy & Investments
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Rajeeth Arulanantham, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• Lee Boudakian, Director, Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The special meeting of Council convened at 12:45 PM on September 30, 2024. Mayor Frank Scarpitti presided.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

Mayor Scarpitti, on behalf of Council, acknowledged that today was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and highlighted the Every Child Matters Flag Raising Ceremony and Panel Discussion on Reconciliation with Indigenous Leaders that took place earlier today at the Markham Civic Centre. Mayor Scarpitti and Members of Council observed a moment of silence in recognition of the day.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest. 

3.

DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

4.

COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

5.

REPORT NO. 35 SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE (SEPTEMBER 26, 2024)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  That the report of the Special Development Services Committee be received & adopted. (Item 1):

  Carried

5.1

COMMUNICATION RE: PROPOSED CITY-WIDE COMMUNITY SPORTS PARK, ATTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND A NEW SCHOOL SITE TO BE LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 19TH AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 48 (10982, 11120 AND 11274 HIGHWAY 48) (10.5)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the September 25, 2024, memorandum titled “City Support for revised Municipal Zoning Order 10982, 11120 and 11274 Highway 48 (Proposed Treasure Hill and EL-EN Realty Limited Development)” be received; and,
  2. That, the City of Markham strongly endorses the improved revised plan and the revisions to the MZO subject to the following:
     1. That the MZO not be issued until the City and Treasure Hill (and any additional business partners as needed, which may include but not be limited to EL-EN Realty Limited Development) enter into certain commercial and real estate agreements for the updated development proposal for the lands located at 10982, 11120 and 11274 Highway 48; and,
  3. That, Staff be authorized to revise the previous draft MZO supported by City Council on July 16, 2024, to reflect the revised development scheme for submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

6.

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A CONVENTION CENTRE IN THE CITY OF MARKHAM (10.5)

There were some questions from Members of Council seeking clarification on the objective and parameters of the feasibility study.

Lee Boudakian, Director, Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship, responded to inquiries from Members of Council and advised that staff will report back to Development Services Committee with the results of the feasibility study.

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled "Feasibility Study of a Convention Centre in the City of Markham” be received; and,
  2. That staff be authorized to award a contract for the feasibility study for a convention centre to HVS Global Hospitality Services in the amount of $60,343.68 (inclusive of HST impact); and,
  3. That the tendering process be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2017-08, Part II, Section 7 Non-Competitive Procurement, item 1 (g) which states “where it is in the City’s best interest not to solicit a competitive Bid”; and, item 1 (h) which states “where it is necessary or in the best interests of the City to Consulting and Professional Services from a supplier who has a proven track record in terms of pricing, quality and service”; and, 
  4. That a new capital project entitled “Feasibility Study for a Convention Centre” be opened in the amount of $60,343.68 (including HST impact) and be funded from the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax which is included in the Life Cycle Replacement Reserve (GL #087-02800200); and,
  5. That Staff report back with the results of the feasibility study in the first quarter of 2025; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.

CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW - THREE READINGS

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Ritch Lau

  That By-law 2024-184 be given three readings and enacted.

  Three Readings

  BY-LAW 2024-184 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024.
  
  

  Carried

8.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  That the Special Council meeting of September 30, 2024 be adjourned at 1:06 PM.

  Carried