GENERAL COMMITTEE
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation
Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Reg. Councillor G.
Landon
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke Environment
& Sustainability Issues
Chair:
Councillor E.
Shapero
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief
Administrative Officer
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community & Fires Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett, Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
S. Andrews,
Director, Asset Management
M. Urquhart,
Manager, Environmental Leadership
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor and Council
D. Pearce, Manager,
Real Estate
R. Hutcheson,
Manager, Heritage Planning
B. Labelle,
Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None.
1. CHARACTER COMMUNITY PROGRAM (12.0)
Presentation
Mr. R. Bullis,
Facility Coordinator, delivered a presentation on the Town of Markham’s
Character Community Program. He highlighted the origins of the program and
discussed the 2007 initiatives proposed by the Character Community Committee.
It was noted that
money received through Celebrate Markham was the primary source of funding for
the Character Community Program. The Committee discussed the proposed
allocation of program funding to the Markham Sport Council.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
presentation by Mr. R. Bullis, Facility Coordinator, regarding the Character
Community program be received;
And that the proposed $15,000 for Character Community
initiatives including promotions, guest speakers for staff and the Tony Roman
character trophies be approved;
And that the proposed $10,000 to the Markham Sport
Council be referred to the Grants Subcommittee for further review and a report
back to the next General Committee meeting.
CARRIED
2. STAFF
AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH
OF FEBRUARY 2007 (7.9)
Report
Committee
discussed the cost and effectiveness of the advertising services contracted by
the Town with the Economist and Sun. The difficulty in advertising to the Thornhill
area was also discussed, given that there is no local paper dedicated specifically
to the Thornhill area. Staff confirmed the contract awarded to the Economist
and Sun was based on a line rate only.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the report entitled “Staff Awarded
Contracts for the Month of February 2007” be received.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2007 GENERAL
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes
of the March 5, 2007 meeting of General Committee be confirmed.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES OF
THE FEBRUARY 12, FEBRUARY 26
AND MARCH 12, 2007 MEETINGS OF
THE CANADIAN SPORTS
INSTITUTE OF ONTARIO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (6.0, 10.0)
Feb.
12 Feb.
26 Mar.
12
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes of the February 12,
February 26, and March 12, 2007 meetings of the Canadian Sports Institute of
Ontario Executive Committee be received.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES OF
THE FEBRUARY 22, 2007 MEETING OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES COMMITTEE (3.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes
of the February 22, 2007 meeting of the Environmental Issues Committee be received.
CARRIED
6. MINUTES OF
THE FEBRUARY 26, 2007 MEETING OF THE
VARLEY-McKAY
ART FOUNDATION (3.0)
Minutes
Staff advised of a
recommendation by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation to hold its next meeting at
the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the minutes
of the February 26, 2007 meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation be
received;
And that the
following recommendation by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation at its February
26,2007 meeting be approved:
Whereas the Arts and
Letters Club of Toronto will be presenting an exhibition at the Varley Art
Gallery in 2008;
And, whereas Fred Varley
and all of the Group of Seven artists were Members of the Club;
That, Council be requested
to grant approval for the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board to hold
the April meeting at the Arts and Letters Club in downtown Toronto, at the
expense of Foundation Members.
CARRIED
7. LIMOUSINE
LICENSING BY-LAW (2.0)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That a public
consultation meeting be held on May 1, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. and residents and
both the limousine and taxi industries be invited to attend and provide input
into possible revisions to the current by-law to allow owners of limousines the
ability to plate limousines they do not own, and for two-way radios in the
vehicles;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
8. SUMMARY OF
2006 REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES OF
COUNCILLORS AND APPOINTEES TO
BOARDS AND OTHER
BODIES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY
1, 2006 TO DECEMBER
31, 2006 (7.0)
Report Attachment
There was a
discussion regarding the benefit packages for Regional Councillors and the
level of compensation received from the Town and the Region of York. The
Committee requested a review of the approval process with respect to
Councillors attending conferences and suggested the associated costs be deemed discretionary
expenses. The Committee also discussed the use of cell phones and whether they
should also be considered discretionary expenses.
Staff advised of a
previous presentation to the Committee in which amendments to the Councillor
remuneration policy were proposed. Staff agreed to bring forward a report to an
upcoming General Committee meeting regarding Councillor expenses, including recommendations
regarding discretionary and non-discretionary expenses.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That Council
receive for information the March 19, 2007 report entitled “Summary of 2006
Remuneration and Expenses of Councillors and Appointees to Boards and other
Bodies for the Period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006”;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
9. APPROVAL
OF REVISED BUDGET SCHEDULE (7.4)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the report
dated March 19, 2007 entitled, “Approval of Revised Budget Schedule” be
received;
And that the
revised budget schedule, as shown in Table 2 (as detailed on the original agenda available in the Clerk’s Department)
of the report, be approved;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
10. MARKHAM
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND (3.0)
Report Attachment
Mr. D. Hortin,
resident, Walden Pond II, addressed Committee regarding his group’s application
to the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF) which was denied by the
Environmental Issues Committee at its meeting on February 22, 2007 because it
did not meet MESF funding criteria.
The Committee
discussed an application to the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund
(MESF) by Mr. Doug Hortin, resident, Walden Pond II, in which $10,000 was
requested to partially fund the installation of high efficiency boilers in the
Walden Pond II condominium complex. The Committee agreed on the merit of the
program indicating high efficiency boilers greatly reduced the amount of Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. Members discussed the potential to
find additional funding outside of MESF for the purposes of creating an
incentive for other condominium complexes to undertake similar initiatives.
There was
discussion as to whether the application from Walden Pond II met the criteria
set out by the MESF application process. Members suggested a mechanism on
similar projects could be built into the application process whereby boiler
retrofit programs would be limited in number each funding cycle. The Committee discussed
the merits of establishing an advisory task force that would be responsible for
reviewing applications from condominium groups and Markham businesses who
institute measures to increase their environmental sustainability.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti
That staff report titled “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund –
Spring Funding”, dated February 27, 2007 be received;
That Council approve funding for
Town-initiated and Community Projects and fund promotion as evaluated and
recommended by staff and the Environmental Issues Committee as set out in this
report, in the amount of $29,557.10 as
follows:
Town-Initiated
Projects
- Karen Boniface, Technical
Co-ordinator, Parks Department - $5,906 for Adopt-A-Park - Community
Support and Awareness Program
Community
Projects
- Pomona Mills
Conservationists Inc. - $3,601.10
for a Cleanup/Planting and Signage Program;
- Unionville Villager’s
Association - $10,000 for Aerial Pathway Signage;
- 10,000 Trees for the Rouge
Valley - $5,250 for a Wildlife
Habitat Restoration (including a 5% administration fee for TRCA);
- St. Justin Martyr Council,
Knights of Columbus - $4,800 for interpretative signage (2 signs);
to be funded
from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), Account #87 2800168;
And that North American Native Plant
Society’s request for $10,000 for a native garden, signage (2 signs) and
brochure be deferred as requested by the applicant and Staff;
And
that staff report back on the potential to create a separate program that would
consider condominium and business building retrofit applications using the
following criteria:
·
Establish a minimum level of efficiency to be achieved through the
retrofit;
·
Applicant must proved Energy Audit prepared by a qualified Heating
Ventilation and Air Conditioning professional;
·
Corporation must provide an MOU to ensure emissions credits will go
to the municipality;
·
Funding to be provided after equipment installed and operating at
the anticipated level of efficiency, as certified by the HVAC professional
·
Retrofit projects must serve a minimum number of building units
And that the application by Mr. D. Hortin
on behalf of the Walden Pond II Condominium Complex for $10,000 to partially
fund the installation of a high efficiency boiler retrofit be deferred until such
time that staff bring back this report;
And that Council approve $1,550 for the
purchase of small trees for: distribution to Markham volunteers to recognize
their efforts and encourage tree planting; and for MESF labels to promote the
fund as outlined in this report, to be funded from the Markham Environmental
Sustainability Fund (MESF), Account #87 2800168;
And that the Mayor and Clerk be
authorized to enter into a memorandum of understanding with 10,000 Trees and
TRCA for the transfer and administration
of the MESF funding on behalf of the Town, in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor;
And that Staff be authorized to do all
things necessary to give effect to the above.
CARRIED
11. ENERGY HOG
RETIREMENT PROGRAM (3.0, 5.7)
Presentation
Ms. V.
Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy Conservation Organization (MECO), presented
information on the Energy Hog Retirement Program, an initiative in which the
Town of Markham collected and disposed of inefficient appliances from
resident’s homes. Ms. Sawler indicated that the program exceeded expectations
by collecting 1,321 appliances and saving approximately 1,500,000 kWh of
electricity usage and reducing approximately 1,006 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
emissions. Ms. Sawler advised that the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was
currently working on a similar program.
Moved by
Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That the
presentation by Ms. V. Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy Conservation
Organization, regarding the “Energy Hog Retirement Program” be received;
And that staff forward the presentation to
the Ontario Power Authority to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program being
delivered at the local level.
CARRIED
12. PERMITTED
FIELD AGREEMENT (3.0, 6.4)
Report Attachment
Committee discussed the field usage application process. Staff advised the
use of fields on Secondary School property is applied for through the Town
while applications for the use of Elementary School fields are processed by the
respective school board. The Committee expressed concerns over the fact that the
Town is wholly responsible for the maintenance of Secondary School fields.
Staff advised the services provided were necessary to ensure the quality of the
fields which were regularly used by major sporting groups in Markham. There Committee
also discussed the quality of fields located on Elementary School properties.
Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the staff
report dated February 21, 2007, entitled “Permitted Fields Agreement Report” be
received;
And that the Mayor
and Clerk be authorized to execute the “Permitted Fields Agreement” between the
Town and York Region District School Board included as Attachment A, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and the Commissioner, Community & Fire
Services;
And that the Town
no longer permit and maintain York Region District School Board (Y.R.D.S.B.)
Elementary School athletic fields;
And that the
Town’s Sports Field Coordinator notify any permitted users of Y.R.D.S.B.
Elementary fields in writing that they are required to contact the York Region
District School Board to secure permits on these fields;
And that the
Director of Strategic Services be authorized to approve the list of playing
fields the Town wishes to use on an annual basis and to execute any amendments
to the Permitted Fields Agreement required to give effect thereto;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution;
And that Staff report back in 2008 with a review of
Secondary School and Elementary School field usage after the 2007 season.
CARRIED
13. YRDSB
MARKHAM CENTRE SECONDARY SCHOOL
FOR
ATHLETICS & HEALTHY LIVING – OUTDOOR
FIELDS (3.0, 6.4, 13.6)
Report Attachment
Mr. G. Babiolakis, Representative,
Unionville-Milliken Soccer Club, and Mr. R Herold, President,
Unionville-Milliken Soccer Club, addressed Committee and thanked Council for their support. The Mayor congratulated
Markham staff for their efforts and also thanked the Unionville-Milliken Soccer
Club, Mr. B. Hogarth, Director of Education, York Region District School Board
(YRDSB) and Mr. B. Crothers, YRDSB Trustee for their work on the initiative to
partner with the YRDSB to upgrade the outdoor sports fields at the School for
Athletics & Healthy Active Living.
The Committee expressed
concern with the level of involvement from the City of Toronto with respect to
the proposed improvements. J. Sales, Commissioner, Community and Fire Services,
agreed to bring forward a report in April 2007 updating the Committee on the
situation and as well as the status of negotiations with Toronto. Staff
indicated a more detailed feasibility study providing technical recommendations
would be forthcoming in 2007.
The Committee
expressed concern with the maintenance portion of the partnership and with access
to onsite amenities during weekends. Staff confirmed that access to washrooms and
onsite maintenance would be available seven days a week and noted they had a
commitment from the YRDSB to enter into a joint use and maintenance agreement.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report
titled York Region District School Board (YRDSB) – Markham Centre Secondary
School for Athletics & Healthy Active Living – Outdoor Sports Fields be
received;
And that funds be
approved to an upset limit of $2million to upgrade two planned natural turf
sports fields to artificial turf, to provide lights for all three fields,
increases in size of the maintenance and washroom building and equipment, in
partnership with YRDSB at the School for Athletics & Healthy Active Living.
And that the $2
million required for this project be funded from Development Charges, 90% of
$1.8 million, and the Ramp-Up Reserve, 10% or $0.2 million.
And that the
Director, Strategic Services be authorized to negotiate a Joint Use &
Maintenance Agreement for the sports fields with YRDSB;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
14. APPOINTMENT TO THE MARKHAM THEATRE
ADVISORY
BOARD (13.6)
Communication
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That a letter
dated March 1, 2007 from Ms. L. Barnes, Manager, Trustee Services, to Ms. S.
Birrell, Town Clerk, regarding the appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Richardson,
York Regional District School Board Trustee – Area Two, to the Markham Theatre
Advisory Board be received.
CARRIED
15. REQUEST REGION OF YORK TO INTRODUCE PROPERTY TAX
GRANT PROGRAM FOR QUALIFYING
SENIORS (13.5.12)
Communication
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That an extract
from the Council of the City of Vaughan to Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, advising
of a resolution in which a request was made to the Region of York to introduce
a property tax grant program for qualifying seniors be received;
And that this matter be referred to the Treasurer to
review options that may be perused locally and/or to provide recommendations as
to how the Town of Markham can act as an advocate at the Provincial level.
CARRIED
16. FEDERATION
OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES
ANNUAL
CONFERENCE AND MUNICIPAL EXPO (13.5.12)
Mayor F. Scarpitti urged Councillors to
attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference as
well as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference
and that interested Councillors should contact Ms. B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Council.
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the information
regarding the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference and
Municipal Expo being held June 1-4, 2007 at the Calgary TELUS Convention
Centre, Calgary Alberta be received as information.
CARRIED
17. CITY OF
TORONTO EXPANSION OF
ORGANIC PROCESSING FACILITIES
(3.0, 5.7)
Notice
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
information sheet regarding the City of Toronto’s proposal to expand the number
of organic processing facilities be received as information.
CARRIED
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Moved by Councillor A.
Chiu
Seconded by Councillor
J. Virgilio
That the Committee
resolve in camera to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition of land for Town
purposes. (11:25)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A.
Chiu
Seconded by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
That the Committee
rise. (11:40)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee
adjourned at 11:40 a.m.