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M I N U T E S

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

2003-06-10 - 3:00 p.m.

Canada Room

Meeting No. 12

 

Attendance

 

Mayor                          D. Cousens

Deputy Mayor              F. Scarpitti

Regional Councillors     T. Wong

Councillors                   S. Daurio

                                    E. Shapero

                                    J. Virgilio

                                    G. McKelvey

                                    J. Heath

                                    D. Horchik

                                    K. Usman

 

 

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development

   Services

S. Birrell, Town Clerk

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

C. Conrad, Town Solicitor

B. Karumanchery, Senior Project Coordinator

P. Miller, Manager, Secretariat Services

J. Sales, Commissioner of Community

   and Fire Services

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

M.F. Turner, Commissioner, Strategy,

   Innovation and Partnership

P. Wealleans, Director of Taxation

 

 

 

The Committee of the Whole meeting convened at the hour of 3:00 p.m. with Mayor D. Cousens in the Chair.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None declared.

 

 

1.         REGION OF YORK
16TH AVENUE SEWER DEWATERING ISSUE (5.5)

 

Michael Garrett, CAO, Region of York, Kees Schipper, Commissioner of Transportation and Works, Region of York, and Paul Jankowski, Director of Infrastructure, Design and Construction, were in attendance.  They presented an update and overview of actions taken to date with respect to the Phase I of the 16th Avenue sewer dewatering issue and plans for Phase 2 of the project.  Efforts have been taken to employ the best science to ensure all efforts are successful and to proactively deal with all unexpected issues.


 

Committee requested that the Cedar Grove Community Group be included in the Region’s Communication Plan.

 

Regional representatives fielded questions from members of Committee.

 

…………………….

 

Committee recessed in-camera to discuss a confidential potential litigation matter, and a personnel matter.

…………………….

 

Committee rose at 6:10 p.m. and reported on items (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5).

 

…………………….

 

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

Whereas for the 16th Avenue Phase I sewer dewatering the Region of York will have corrected by June 30, 2003 the well concerns by either re-drilling, lowering of pumps or provision of municipal water;

 

And whereas the Region will continue to monitor wells in the zone of influence and address further well interference claims in an expeditious manner;

 

And whereas Regional Council at its May 22, 2003 meeting established a Complaint Review Committee for those residents not satisfied with the Region’s response to their well issue;

 

And whereas the Region’s and Town’s Hydrogeologists have established potential zone of influence of the deep and shallow aquifers for Phase II;

 

And whereas well surveys to ascertain which wells will be impacted by Phase II dewatering are to be finalized by July 31, 2003;

 

And whereas the Region is to implement a proactive program to address impacted wells for Phase II prior to dewatering;

 

And whereas the Region is to have a monitoring and mitigation plan to address unanticipated well interference claims for Phase II;

 

And whereas the Town recognizes the project must be completed expeditiously in order to minimize the impact of dewatering;


 

And whereas the Town is concerned about dewatering and wishes to ensure the impact of the dewatering on its residents is mitigated;

 

Now therefore be it resolved that the Town of Markham agrees to the issuance of a dewatering permit for Phase II subject to the following conditions:

 

      -      That dewatering not commence until Phase II mitigation plan has been finalized, in consultation with Markham Council.

      -      That a minimum $10 million Financial Assurance Plan be approved by Regional Council to implement the mitigation program for Phase II, and that the Plan be finalized in consultation with Markham Council.

      -        That the Region implement their Pro-Active Mitigation Plan.

      -        That the final Communication Plan be implemented.

      -        That other commitments (i.e. Complaint Review Committee, Liaison Committee, etc.) as outlined in the Region’s June 10, 2003 presentation be implemented.

      -        That the Liaison Committee also include one Town of Markham Council member (Councillor Dan Horchik).

      -        That the Region update Markham Council and staff on a monthly basis on the state of dewatering and their mitigation program.

      -        That the Region of York Director of Infrastructure, Design and Construction update the Town of Markham Director of Engineering on a bi-weekly basis on the status of the project.

      -        That the option of providing municipal water to the Cachet/Jennings Gate/Victoria Square areas be resolved prior to commencement of dewatering.

      -        That the above plans and Regional commitments be completed in consultation with Markham Council and to the satisfaction of Markham staff and its hydrogeologist.

 

Carried

 

 

 

2          REGION OF YORK
16TH AVENUE SEWER PHASE II
CACHET SERVICING - MUNICIPAL WATER (5.5)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That Engineering staff be authorized to retain a consultant engineer to undertake a preliminary design of a watermain system for the Cachet areas at an upset limit of $60,000 plus GST;

 

And that staff be authorized to submit a questionnaire to the Cachet area property owners to determine their interest in paying for a municipal watermain system with a subsidy from the Region of York;


 

And that, subject to sufficient support from the property owners (67%) the Engineering Department be authorized to retain a consultant engineer an upset limit of $100,000 plus GST to undertake the detailed design of the watermain system, tender such works and resubmit a questionnaire under the Local Improvement Regulations (Municipal Act) to the Cachet property owners;

 

And that the cost for the design and tender of the watermain system (+160,000 plus GST) be funded by capital reserves;

 

And that staff report back to Council as to the option of providing municipal water to Victoria Square Community.

 

Carried

 

 

 

3.         REGION OF YORK
            9TH LINE SEWER
            EXTENSION TO STOUFFVILLE (5.5)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

Whereas the Region of York is proposing to commence construction of a sanitary sewer on 9th Line from approximately the Little Rouge River to Stouffville;

 

And whereas localized dewatering to facilitate construction is anticipated;

 

And whereas abutting residents with shallow wells have expressed concern on the impact on these wells;

 

Now therefore be it resolved that the Region of York be requested not to commence any dewatering for their 9th Line sewer until the following issues have been addressed in consultation with the Town of Markham staff and its hydrogeologist:

 

         -     submission of dewatering plan

         -     completion of well survey in the zone of influence

         -     completion of a well impact assessment

         -     implementation of a proactive mitigation plan

         -     submission of a well monitoring program

         -     submission of a communication plan

         -     public meeting(s) with residents in the zone of influence


 

And that the Region be requested to allocate the appropriate funds for the mitigation plan;

 

And that the Engineering Department 2003 Capital Budget be modified to include a $10,000 allowance for hydrogeologist consulting services and that the Region be requested to reimburse Markham such costs.

 

Carried

 

 

 

4.         R’2000 MARKHAM RESOURCE CONFERENCE GROUP
- STATUS UPDATE (16.37)

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report entitled ‘R'2000 – Markham Resource Conference Group – Status Update’ be received.

 

Carried

 

 

 

5.         FIRE NEGOTIATIONS
            UPDATE (11.6)

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report from the Acting Director, Human Resource, with respect to union negotiations with the Fire Department, be received.

 

Carried

 

 


 

6.         MUNICIPAL REFERENDUM REQUIREMENT
            FOR PROPERTY TAX INCREASES (7.3)

 

A suggested draft recommendation regarding the Municipal Referendum requirement for property tax increases was tabled and discussed.  It was generally agreed that the staff report be received.

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the staff report from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Treasurer, dated June 10, 2003, entitled “Municipal Referendum Requirement for Property Tax Increases”, be received.

 

Carried

 

 

 

7.         MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
            - MAY 27, 2003 (16.0)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on May 27, 2003 be confirmed.

 

Carried

 

…………………………………………..

 

Committee resolved in-camera at 6:12 p.m. to consider a confidential personnel matter.

 

…………………………………………..

 

…………………………………………..

 

Committee rose at 6:17 p.m. and reported on item (8)

 

…………………………………………..


 

8.         ABSENCE FROM MEETINGS - REQUIREMENT
            UNDER MUNICIPAL ACT (16.23)

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That, pursuant to Section 259(1)(c) of The Municipal Act, 2001, Regional Councillor Gordon Landon's seat not be declared vacant during the period June 10, 2003 to September 10, 2003.

 

Carried

 

…………………………………………..

 

Mayor D. Cousens vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti assumed the Chair.

 

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9.         AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT CHARGE BY-LAW 148-1999
- ELIMINATION OF SERVICE CATEGORY &
DEVELOPMENT CHARGE RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSIT (7.11)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio

 

That Council approve the enactment of a by-law amending Development Charge By-law 148-1999 to eliminate the service category and development charge relating to public transit, with an effective date of June 23, 2003.

(By-law 2003-181)

 

Carried


 

10.       DEVELOPMENT CHARGE AREA SPECIFIC BY-LAW
            FOR AREA 42A-1 – SOUTH UNIONVILLE – HELEN AVENUE (7.11)

 

Glenn Baron was in attendance in objection to a new additional Development Charge Area Specific By-law being considered for the Helen Avenue area.  He provided cost comparisons and stressed the importance of Town-wide equity for all residents.

 

The Director of Engineering explained that a new by-law is required for the Helen Avenue area to provide for the reconstruction of the road and full urban services.  Cost comparisons with new development have been conducted and are comparable based on land values.  The proposed new by-law will benefit Mr. Baron by providing storm and sanitary connections in addition to a new road.

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

That Development Charge Area Specific By-law for Area 42A-1 - South Unionville - Helen Avenue be enacted;

 

And that the delegation of Mr. Glenn Baron in objection to the proposed amendment to Development Charge Area Specific By-law for Area 42A-1 - South Unionville - Helen Avenue , be received;

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute Credit Agreements with Abidien Inc. and other Helen Avenue Developers for the front ending of Helen Avenue reconstruction to the satisfaction of the CAO and Town Solicitor;

 

And that the letter of objection from Mr. Glenn Baron regarding the proposed amendment to the Development Charge Area Specific By-law for Area 42A-1 - South Unionville - Helen Avenue, be received.

(By-law 2003-182)

 

Carried


 

11.       LICENSING HEARING
“CHARMING HEALTH SPA”
220 ROYAL CREST COURT, UNIT 23 (2.0)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the following recommendation of the Markham Licensing Committee be adopted and confirmed:

 

            (1)     That the application for Complementary Healthcare Establishment, submitted by the Owner for "Charming Health Spa" at 220 Royal Crest Court, Unit # 23, Markham Ontario, be denied, and

 

            (2)     That, pursuant to section 25(1) of The Statutory Powers Procedures Act, this decision not be stayed by any appeal of this decision that may be instituted in the courts.

 

Carried

 

 

 

12.       LICENSING HEARING
"HOLISTIC THERAPY"
2750 14TH AVENUE, UNIT 4 (2.0)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the following recommendation of the Markham Licensing Committee be adopted and confirmed:

 

(1)  That the application for Complementary Healthcare Establishment, submitted by the Owner (1547696 Ontario Limited) for "Holistic Therapy" at 2750 14th Avenue, Unit # 4, Markham Ontario, be denied, and

 

(2)  That, pursuant to section 25(1) of The Statutory Powers Procedures Act, this decision not be stayed by any appeal of this decision that may be instituted in the courts.

 

Carried


 

13.       LICENSING HEARING
            “CENTRE STUDIO”
            5460 HIGHWAY 7, UNIT 3 (2.0)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the following recommendation of the Markham Licensing Committee be adopted and confirmed:

 

(1)  That the application for Complementary Healthcare Establishment, submitted by the Owner for "Centre Studio" at 5460 Highway # 7,

      Unit # 3, Markham Ontario, be denied, and

 

(2)  That, pursuant to section 25(1) of The Statutory Powers Procedures Act, this decision not be stayed by any appeal of this decision that may be instituted in the courts.

 

Carried

 

 

 

14.       LICENSING HEARING
            “KOLOBOK HEALTH SPA”
            5970 16TH AVENUE (2.0)

 

Moved by Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the following recommendation of the Markham Licensing Committee be adopted and confirmed:

 

1)      That the application for a Complementary Healthcare establishment, submitted by

         the Owner for 5970 16th Avenue, Markham, Ontario, named “Kolobok

         Health Spa,” be approved, to expire on December 31, 2003; and

 

(2)     That Council review Section 7 of By-law 2002-292 with respect to existing businesses.

 

Carried


 

15.       LICENSING HEARING
            “JOY SPA”
            400 ESNA PARK DRIVE, UNIT 21 (2.0)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor J. Heath

 

That the following recommendation of the Markham Licensing Committee be adopted and confirmed:

 

(1)  That the application for Complementary Healthcare Establishment, submitted by the Owner for "Joy Spa" at 400 Esna Park Drive, Unit # 21, Markham Ontario, be denied, and

 

(2)  That, pursuant to section 25(1) of The Statutory Powers Procedures Act, this decision not be stayed by any appeal of this decision that may be instituted in the courts.

 

Carried

 

 

 

16.       TOWN OF MARKHAM 2003 CLEAN
            AIR INITIATIVES (5.7)

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

That the staff report entitled “New 2003 Clean Air Initiatives”, dated June 10, 2003, be received;

 

And that the 2003 Clean Air Initiatives recommended by the Clean Air Working Group, as outlined in the report, be endorsed as the Town of Markham’s commitments for 2003 in the Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air.

 

 

Carried


 

17.       DESTRUCTION OF TREES
            VERCLAIRE GATE AND HIGHWAY 7 (10.0)

 

Committee was advised that approximately 130 trees (3 - 5 metres in diameter) were destroyed by a developer on the lot at the northeast corner of Verclaire Gate and Highway 7.  The developer has expressed his willingness to retain a Landscape Architect to catalogue the trees by species and caliper.  The development application will not proceed at this time.

 

Committee was also advised that a number of trees have recently been destroyed on Denison Street.

 

Committee requested that staff report back on the process to be followed by the public and the Town’s By-law Enforcement staff in the event of future occurrences.

 

Councillor J. Virgilio agreed to prepare a motion for the consideration of Council at the public session this date.

 

 

 

18.       SAM’S GARAGE
            29 LAIDLAW BOULEVARD
            REZONING APPLICATION (10.5)

 

Councillor J. Heath disclosed an interest with respect to the Committee of the Whole Motion dated June 10, 2003, the rezoning application submitted by Sam's Garage for 29 Laidlaw Boulevard, by nature of owning property close by, at 166 Bullock Drive, and did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That staff be authorized to hold a public meeting for Sam’s Garage at 29 Laidlaw Boulevard to address their application to be able to have a new car dealership on the premises.

 

Carried


 

…………………………………………..

 

Committee recessed at 7:05 p.m. to convene Council.

 

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Committee reconvened at 9:10 p.m. and resolved in-camera to receive a legal opinion.

 

…………………………………………..

 

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Committee rose at 9:25 p.m. and reported on item (19)

 

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19.       55 ALBERT STREET, MARKHAM
            (MARKHAM UNION TEMPLE CORPORATION)
            ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - APPEAL
            COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FILE NO. A/185/02 (10.12)

 

Moved by Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the Town Solicitor and a Development Services Commission staff member be instructed to appear before the Ontario Municipal Board on July 7-8 and 10-11, 2003 on a hearing of an appeal from the Committee of Adjustment’s decision with respect to 55 Albert Street.

 

Carried as Amended

(See following motion to amend)

(See following recorded vote) (6:3)

 

Moved by Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That Item 14 of the June 10, 2003 Committee of the Whole be amended to direct that the Town Solicitor and a Development Services Commission staff member attend the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.


 

 

YEAS:             Regional Councillor T. Wong, Councillor E. Shapero, Councillor J. Virgilio, Councillor G. McKelvey, Councillor J. Heath, Councillor D. Horchik, (6)

 

NAYS:             Mayor D. Cousens, Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti, Councillor S. Daurio. (3)

 

ABSENT:        Regional Councillor G. Landon, Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell, Councillor K. Usman, Councillor A. Chiu. (4)

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

 

 

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