GENERAL COMMITTEE
2007-06-25
Meeting No. 18
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
J.
Ryerson, Director, Varley Art Gallery
S.
Andrews, Director, Asset Management
S. Laing,
Director, Human Resources
D.
Taylor, Manager, Executive Operations
M. West,
Manager, Strategic Initiatives
B.
Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor and
Council
B.
Labelle, Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor A.
Chiu in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None.
1. REPLACEMENT STRATEGY – LOSS
OF SOCCER FIELDS
AT MARKHAM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL (6.4)
Report 1
Mr. Chris Shea, President, Markham Soccer Club, was
in attendance to request assistance in finding alternate fields for Markham
Soccer Club users as four (4) fields were lost with the closure of local high
schools. He suggested that alternate fields located in the North Eastern area
of Markham would be ideal as that is where the majority of users live. Staff
advised of several options currently under review including discussions with
the Catholic School Board regarding temporary use of their lands. The Committee
discussed the proposition of developing several sports fields on property owned
by the York Region District School Board in advance of the eventual construction
of an elementary school.
Members discussed
the staff recommendation with respect to the allocation of funds and timing
involved with the proposal to construct one sports field with artificial turf, temporary
parking and lighting. The Committee advised that a tour of other facilities as
well as innovative strategies employed by other municipalities was arranged for
the fall.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the deputation by Mr. C. Shea, President,
Markham Soccer Club be received;
And that the report titled “Replacement Strategy –
Loss of Soccer Fields at Markham District High School” be received;
That the
Unionville/Milliken Soccer Subcommittee be reconstituted and include
Councillors J. Webster, C. Moretti, Regional Councillors G. Landon, J. Heath
and Mayor F. Scarpitti who will work with Town Staff on strategies to deal with
loss of several sports fields;
And that funds be approved to an upset limit of $1.5
million dollars for the construction of one artificial turf sports field with
lights and associated temporary parking and access;
And that staff work with the Markham Soccer Club to
obtain their input on details for the construction of the sports field;
And that staff investigate options with the York
Region District School board and the York Region Catholic School Board with
respect to their lands in the East Markham Area and other areas, for future sportsfields construction;
And that the $1.5 million required for this project
be funded from the Development charges, 90% of the $1.35 million, and the
Ramp-up Reserve, 10% or $150,000;
And that staff contact the Ontario Realty
Corporation (ORC) to determine which sites may be available for temporary
usage;
And that staff be authorized and directed to do all
the things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
2. RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
AMENDMENT TO
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE REGARDING
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION (16.0)
Minutes Memo
Ms. Linda Steward, Chair, Markham Race Relations
Committee (MRRC), was in attendance to request an amendment to the MRRC Terms
of Reference regarding Committee composition. There was discussion regarding the proposed composition. Members
expressed concern regarding the request to decrease overall membership as well
as seek representatives from each Ward. It was noted that the recruitment
process may become more complex if the proposed structure were to be implemented.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional
Councillor T. Wong
That
the deputation by Ms. L. Steward, Chair, Markham Race
Relations Committee, regarding the Committee’s request for an amendment to the
Terms of Reference regarding Committee composition be received;
And that the CAO be directed to appoint one
senior staff member to serve as a resource to the Markham Race Relations
Committee;
And that one Member from the Mayor’s Youth
Task Force be appointed to the Markham Race Relations
Committee;
And that the request to amend the Terms of Reference for the Markham
Race Relations Committee be deferred to allow Council to discuss all matters
with respect to diversity and a recommended option with respect to Committee
Composition;
And that this recommended option be forwarded to the Markham Race Relations Committee
for their input prior to going to General Committee for approval.
CARRIED
3. I LOVE MARKHAM BOARDGAME
(7.6)
Mr. Bill
Hollingshead and Mr. David Black requested the Town partially sponsor a board
game called “I Love Markham” with proceeds going to the “Centre for Dreams”.
The presenters advised that the Town could purchase space on the board and that
it would serve as a tool to promote the Town’s service initiatives. The
Committee discussed the financial aspects of the sponsorship, additional support
received from other businesses and agencies and the proposed licensing and
distribution process.
Moved by Councillor
D. Horchik
Seconded by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
That the presentation by Mr. D. Black and Mr.
B. Hollingshead regarding the potential sponsorship of an “I Love Markham”
board game be received;
And that $10,000 be granted in sponsorship of an “I Love Markham” board game with proceeds
going to the charitable organization “Centre for Dreams” and that it be funded
through the 2007 Economic Development budget;
And that the developer(s) of the game liase with the Town’s
Communications and Economic Development Departments to ensure that the content
to be included in the game adheres to Markham policy regarding content and best
represents the character of Markham.
CARRIED
4. OPTIONS FOR A REVISED BUILDING STRATEGY FOR THE
MUSEUM WARD BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (6.7)
Report 1
Mr. Lorne Smith,
Markham Historical Society, advised of the need for a proper storage facility
that would also allow for the display of historical artifacts. Mr. Smith
recommended the Town refurbish the Ward building but also construct a building
adjacent to it that would provide for additional storage and display space. The
Committee discussed the funding available to construct an additional building
as proposed at a recent meeting of the Building and Parks Committee. Members
noted that the funds currently allocated may not be sufficient to develop an
additional building of adequate size. There was also discussion regarding LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as well as the
potential for additional support from the Province. Staff provided information
with respect to the status of the current Federal grant application.
Moved by Councillor
C. Moretti
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That
the deputation by Mr. L. Smith, Markham Historical
Society, regarding the proposed building strategy for the Markham Ward Building
be received;
And that the report
entitled “Options for a Revised Building Strategy for the Museum Ward Building
Reconstruction Project” be received;
And that staff proceed immediately with renovations to the existing
ward building as proposed and that the $310,000 in funding be drawn from the existing
budget for the project;
And that the proposal to construct an new building adjacent to the
Ward building be referred to staff to consider options with respect to the
location and size of the building, a funding strategy, potential LEED
certification, the federal grant application and other matters on how to
proceed and report back in the fall 2007;
And that a meeting be arranged with Minister of Culture, Councillor
C. Moretti and Mayor F. Scarpitti to determine if a provincial contribution for
this project is available.
CARRIED
5. RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM – THE
OPTIONS (3.0)
Presentation
Ms. Maureen Brown, Diversity Coordinator,
presented several options with respect to monuments of Religious Symbolism
being erected on public property. The Committee posed various questions regarding
internationally recognized definitions of religious and cultural symbolism and
discussed options with respect to developing a Town policy on the matter.
Moved by the Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by the Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the presentation by Ms. M. Brown, Diversity Coordinator, regarding
options with respect to permitting religious symbolism on public property be
received.
CARRIED
6. MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY
GUIDELINES
2007 OVERCOMING BARRIERS (12.1)
Report 1 Guidelines
Ms. Pamela Cluff, SPH Planning
and Consulting, briefly highlighted the proposed Markham Accessibility
Guidelines which were created for use in the development of new public
facilities. It was noted that the Planning Department was also looking at a
policy for private development. The Committee recommended that staff review the
feasibility of moving the disabled parking spaces at the Civic Centre closer to
the entrance doors. There was discussion regarding the possibility of
canvassing for input on the guidelines from various stakeholders such as
nursing homes. It was also suggested that the facility audit checklists be
compacted to allow for easier use when staff is performing on site audits.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
titled “Update of Town of Markham Accessibility Guidelines” dated June 18, 2007
be received;
And that the Town of Markham General Committee endorse the Markham
Accessibility Guidelines in principle;
And that staff
receive feedback over the summer months and report back to General Committee in
September 2007 with the recommended guidelines;
And further that
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
7. MARKHAM FIRE 7 EMERGENCY SERVICES
2006 ANNUAL REPORT (3.0)
Annual
Report
The Committee
extended commendations for Fire and Emergency Services staff specifically
noting the work done by Fire Prevention Officers.
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the 2006 Annual
Report from the Markham Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) be received;
And that the Fire Prevention Officers for the Town of Markham be recognized for their
efforts in ensuring that smoke detectors and other fire prevention measures are
employed in homes and businesses throughout the Town of Markham.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 11,
2007 MEETING OF THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Deputy
Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the June 11, 2007 meeting of the General Committee be confirmed.
CARRIED
9. STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH
OF MAY 2007 (7.12)
Report 1
Moved by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Deputy
Mayor J. Jones
That the report
entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of May 2007” be received.
CARRIED
10. CLEGG ROAD EXTENSION AND
CEDERLAND DRIVE (5.0, 7.12)
Report 1
Moved by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Deputy
Mayor J. Jones
That the report
entitled “Clegg Road Extension and Cederland Drive” be received;
And that staff be
authorized to issue a Purchase Order to the Region of York for underground
service connections in Warden Avenue in the amount not to exceed $400,000;
And that funding in
the amount of $480,000 be provided by Markham District Energy Inc. (MDEI) for
their heating/cooling component of the project;
And that funding for
this project be revised to reflect the credit agreements with Liberty
Development (2015776 ONTARIO INC.) in the current amount of approximately
$3,634,658.10;
And that the
budgeted funding sources for the Clegg Road Extension and Courtyard Lane be
adjusted to reflect the construction award to Advice Contracting Limited
approved by Council on September 26, 2006, as detailed in Appendix A – Revised
Budget;
And that any
previously approved funding from Development Charges (DCA) and Taxes be
returned to the DCA reserve fund and the Capital Contingency project
respectively as detailed in Appendix A – Change vs. Original Budget;
And that the project
name for 083-5350-6740-005 be amended from “Clegg Extension & Cederland Dr.”
to “Clegg Rd Extension & Courtyard Lane Construction”;
And further that
staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
11. RESIDENT NOISE CONCERNS AT
CN BALA/YORK
RAILWAY INTERSECTION (THORNHILL AREA) (2.10)
Report
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor V. Burke
That Committee
receive the Noise and Vibration Impact Statement Summary Chart included as
Attachment B to this report and outlining residential concerns regarding
excessive noise and vibrations occurring from the CN Bala/York Railway
Intersection (Thornhill);
And that staff be
directed to initiate and coordinate the following:
- Submission of the Noise and Vibration Impact Statement results
of a consultant’s study on noise and vibration within the neighbourhood to
CN;
- Identification by the residents of representatives for a Public
Liaison Committee;
- Initiation of a Public Liaison Committee process with CN to
review the findings of consultant’s study on noise and vibration in the
area to develop recommendations on solutions or measures to address noise
and vibrations;
- Submission of report to Committee on the findings and
recommendations on possible next steps, resulting from the Public Liaison
Committee review;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
12. BOX GROVE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
(5.5)
Petition
Staff advised that
they had conducted a number of public information sessions over the past few
months in order to disseminate information and gather input with respect to
this matter. It was also noted that staff was not in support of the actions
advocated within the petition as there were other options available.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the petition
signed by residents on the East side of the 9th Line, North of 14th
Avenue with respect to a feasibility study for a sanitary sewer system in the
hamlet of Box Grove be received and
refer to staff to report back to a forthcoming meeting of General Committee.
CARRIED
13. ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS FOR
RURAL
HAMLETS (5.3)
Report
1
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That
the Analysis of Water Supply Options for Rural Hamlets be deferred in order for
Ward Councillors to meet with residents on the matter.
CARRIED
14. YORK REGION CLASS EA STUDY -
BAYVIEW AVENUE (5.7)
Communication
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the letter
dated June 8, 2007 from Mr. M. Chiu, Consultant Project Coordinator, McCormick
Rankin Corporation, to Ms. J. Kee, Committee Clerk, Town of Markham providing
notice of a Class Environmental Assessment Study notice of Public Consultation
Centre #3 to be held on June 27, 2007, be received.
CARRIED
15. CITY
OF AURORA: NOTICE OF MOTION REGARDING
GTA POOLING (13.51)
Communication
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the notice of
motion dated June 3, 2007 from Mr. B. Panizza, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, City of Aurora, to Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, regarding a
resolution passed by the Council of the City of Aurora at its May 22, 2007 meeting with respect to
GTA Pooling, be received.
CARRIED
16. FOURTH ANNUAL SUMMIT ON THE FUTURE OF CANADA’S
INFRASTRUCTURE (13.12)
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That Regional Councillor G. Landon be permitted to attend the Fourth
Annual Summit on the Future of Canada’s Infrastructure in the City of Toronto on September 25 - 26, 2007.
CARRIED
17. WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SIGNAGE
(6.0, 2.3)
Moved by Deputy Mayor
J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
That the signage to be
erected in various parks throughout the Town with respect to Wedding
Photography be received.
CARRIED
18. GRANT TO MARKHAM FAIR (7.6)
The Committee
discussed a recent decision made by the Region of York in which they will no
longer be providing subsidies with respect to the chartering YRT buses at a
discounted rate for community groups including the Markham Fair. It was noted
that the organizers of Markham Fair have expressed concern that the decision
would create a $5,000 shortfall in their 2007 operating budget. It was also
noted that the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville had granted a subsidy in the
amount of $1,000 to allow for the chartering of buses for residents of their
community.
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
That $4,000 be granted to the organizers of
Markham Fair to partially subsidize the cost of chartering transportation for
the 2007 event and that it be funded through the Town’s Contingency fund;
And further that staff enter into discussions
with the Markham Fair Board to determine future requirements.
CARRIED
-------------------------------------------
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the
Committee resolve in-camera to discuss confidential legal matters (1:05 p.m.).
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the Committee rise and report (2:10
p.m.)
CARRIED
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19. FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
STRATEGIC PLAN (12.4, 8.4)
Report
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the report
entitled “Facilities and Accommodation Strategic Plan” be received.
And that Council
endorses the concept of the Fire Department re-locating to 8100 Warden Avenue
(“8100”) in 2008.
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
The General Committee meeting adjourned at
the hour 2:20 p.m.