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                                                                                                                           M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2005-01 -24

Meeting No. 2

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                              Transportation Issues

Chair:                              Councillor S. Daurio                                            Chair:              Councillor K. Usman

Vice Chair, Budget:      Councillor D. Horchik

Vice Chair, IT:               Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

 

Attendance

 

Regional Councillor J. Heath

Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell

Councillor S. Daurio

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor G. McKelvey

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor K. Usman

Councillor A. Chiu

 

C. Conrad, Town Solicitor

J. Sales, Commissioner of Community &

            Fire Services

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

S. Birrell, Town Clerk

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

D. McClean, Fire Chief

P. Loukes, Director, Operations & Asset

            Management

S. Taylor, Director, Strategic Services

A. Pozywiak, Director, Strategic Initiatives

S. Bertoia, General Manager, Construction

            And Utilities

C. Marsales, Manager, Waste Management

M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental

            Leadership

B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor

            and Council

J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

A. Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation/

            Engineering

L. Mele, Development Engineer

C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:35 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair. 

 

 

At 10:30 a.m. Councillor S. Daurio vacated the Chair and Councillor K. Usman assumed the Chair.

 

 

 

            DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None declared.

 

 

 

1.         PURCHASE OF ONE (1) PUMPER FIRE APPARATUS (7.15)   Report

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

 

That Council authorizes the Fire Chief and the Manager of Purchasing to enter into a sales agreement with Safetek Emergency Vehicles, as the Canadian sales distributor for Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. (Inc.), Nebraska U.S.A., for the purchase of one (1) - Pumper Fire Apparatus for an amount not to exceed $600,000 inclusive of import fees;

 

And that the funding for the pumper fire apparatus purchase be up-fronted from the Life Cycle Replacement Reserve, account 86-2700-200;

 

And further that tax based funding be pre-approved and included in the 2006 capital budget to replenish the Life Cycle Replacement Reserve.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         IDLE-FREE ZONE AT CIVIC CENTRE AND FUNDING
            REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTI-IDLING CAMPAIGN (5.7)  Presentation   Report

 

Mr. Jean-Pierre Bombardier and Mr. Justin Tse, Anti-Idling Technicians, made a presentation regarding the Town of Markham’s Idle-Free Campaign 2005.

 

**Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the presentation of Mr. Jean-Pierre Bombardier and Mr. Justin Tse, Anti-Idling Technicians, regarding the Town of Markham’s Idle-Free Campaign 2005, be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Committee had before it a staff report dated January 24, 2005 entitled: “Idle Free Zone at Civic Centre and Funding Requirements for Anti-Idling Campaign.  Members suggested that staff consider including the Markham Theatre in this initiative, and also, to make enquiries regarding school board participation, possibly through the joint School Board/Police Liaison Committee.

 

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the staff report entitled “Idle-Free Zone at Civic Centre and Funding Requirements for Anti-Idling Campaign”, dated January 24, 2005, be received;

 

And that Council authorize designation of the Markham Civic Centre as an idle-free zone and that the following be undertaken, as described in this report:

  • a letter announcing the Idle-Free Zone and encouraging employees not to idle their vehicles be sent from the Mayor and Chairman of the Environmental Issues Committee;
  • five permanent metal signs be placed in front of the Civic Centre;
  • Markham Idle-Free key-tags and Idle-Free windshield decals be distributed to staff on the idle-free day; and
  • A 20 minute lunch hour presentation by Natural Resource Canada officers and experts be arranged on idle-free municipal initiatives.

 

And that Town of Markham Idle-Free brochures be printed for distribution at libraries, GO Train stations and other locations within the Town of Markham as part of the Idle-Free Campaign;

 

And that the cost of these initiatives in the amount of $2500, be funded from the reserve account 086-2700083 (Clean Air Initiatives);

 

And further that the Markham Theatre also be included in the idle-free zone.

 

CARRIED

______________________________________________________________________________

 

**        Amended by Council at its meeting held on February 8, 2005 to add the following paragraph:

 

            "And further that all Community Centres and Libraries also be included as Idle Free Zones."

 

 

 

3.         FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
            REQUEST TO THE REGION OF
YORK FOR CHANGES
            TO THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BY-LAW
            DEFINITION FOR AN APARTMENT DWELLING (7.11 & 10.7)  Report

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That the staff report entitled “Financial Incentives for Affordable Housing – Request to the Region of York for Changes to the Regional Development Charges By-law Definition for an Apartment Dwelling” be received;

 

And that Council request the Region of York to introduce a development charge by-law definition for plexes and stacked and garden apartments, to charge such units at the same rate as apartment units, consistent with Markham’s definition, to demonstrate support for increasing the supply of rental and affordable housing in Markham and the Region overall;

 

 

And accordingly that Council request the Region of York to initiate changes to the Regional Development Charges By-law definition of “apartment dwellings” to include:

-         a dwelling unit in a duplex, triplex or fourplex;

-         a residential building, other than a hotel, containing more than four dwelling units

      where the residential units are connected by an interior corridor; and

-         a residential building, other than a hotel, with a minimum of sixty units per net hectare and a minimum floor space index of 0.75;

 

And further that the Clerk be requested to forward a copy of this report to the Region of York.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         REPORT ON DEVELOPING THE ANTI-IDLING BY-LAW
            WITH THE GREATER
TORONTO AREA
            CLEAN AIR PARTNERSHIP (5.7)  Report

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That the staff report entitled “Report on Developing Anti-Idling By-law Development with the Clean Air Partnership” dated January 10, 2005, be received;

 

And that the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Partnership be requested to select the Town of Markham for participation in their Idle-Free Program 2005-2006;

 

And that staff be directed to bring forward an anti-idling by-law and implementation plan to Council for adoption no later than spring 2005;

 

And that the two anti-idling technician’s positions be extended for an additional three (3) months to assist with the delivery of this program and completion of other anti-idling initiatives that are currently underway, at a cost of $8,000;

 

And that an upset limit of $2,500 be set for promotional materials;

 

And that the funding for promotion and salaries be funded from the reserve account 086-2700083 (Clean Air Initiatives).

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – YEE HONG DRAGON
            BALL –
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2005 (12.2.6)  Report

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That Council be polled and tickets be purchased for those wishing to attend the Yee Hong Dragon Ball on Saturday, February 5, 2005 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  Tickets are $400.00 each and will be purchased as required not to exceed $3000.00.   Charges to account 840 8415840.

 

A silent auction item will be provided on behalf of Council.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – WINTER FROLIC
            2005 - EVERGREEN HOSPICE GALA –
FRIDAY,
            FEBRUARY 18, 2005
(12.2.6)   Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That Council be polled and tickets to be purchased for those wishing to attend the Evergreen Hospice Gala “Winter Frolic 2005” on Friday, February 18, 2005 at Angus Glen Golf Club.  Tickets are $140.00 each and will be purchased as required not to exceed the Town’s maximum contribution.  Charges to account 840 8415840.

CARRIED

 

 


 

7.         PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS
            MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL GALA
            FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005 (12.2.6)   Report

 

Committee requested the Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Council to try to ensure that the Town of Markham is credited as an official sponsor of both the Markham Stouffville Hospital Gala on April 1st and the 8th Annual Legacy Run on April 24th.  Failing credited recognition, the matter will be re-considered at the February 14, 2005 General Committee meeting.

 

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

 

That Council purchase a Corporate Table of 10 for the Markham Stouffville Hospital Gala “Midnight at the Oasis” on Friday, April 1, 2005 at Le Parc.  Charges of $3,500 to account 840 8415840.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – 8TH ANNUAL LEGACY
            5 KM RUN OR WALK –
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2005 (12.2.6)  Report

 

Committee requested the Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Council to try to ensure that the Town of Markham is credited as an official sponsor of both the Markham Stouffville Hospital Gala on April 1st and the 8th Annual Legacy Run on April 24th.  Failing credited recognition, the matter will be re-considered at the February 14, 2005 General Committee meeting.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

 

That Council sponsor the Legacy Run in the amount of $500.  Charge $500 to account 840 8415840.

CARRIED


 

9.         FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES CONFERENCE
           
JUNE 3 – 6, 2005 – ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND (13.12.4 & 11.12)   
           

 

**Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the information regarding FCM's 68th Annual Conference and Municipal Expo, being held June 3-6, 2005 at the St. John’s Convention Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland, be received; 

 

And that Council approve the attendance of four members of Council, excluding the Mayor, at the Annual Conference and Municipal Expo of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, June 3-6, 2005, with authorized expenses to be paid in accordance with Town Policy;

 

 

And that for 2006, four Members of Council who did not previously attend an FCM Conference, in this term of Council, be permitted to do so with authorized expenses to be paid in accordance with Town Policy;

 

And that for 2006, Members of Council who previously attended an FCM Conference in this term of Council, be permitted to do so, with authorized expenses to be paid in accordance with Town Policy, provided other Members of Council do not want to attend;

 

And that despite this Policy, any Member of Council who wishes to attend the FCM Conference may do so provided that all expenses are charged to their individual budgets;

 

And also that if conferences are held where overnight travel is not required, all Members of Council would be able to attend.

CARRIED

______________________________________________________________________________

 

**        Amended by Council at its meeting held on February 8, 2005 to refer this matter back to staff.

 

 

 

10.       REGIONAL ROAD ASSUMPTION CRITERIA (5.10)   Report   

 

Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering provided an overview of the Region’s criteria for assuming jurisdiction of local roads. Staff noted that Council must approve the assumption before it can proceed. It was also noted that streetscape requirements will be agreed before the assumption takes place.

 

The Committee suggested that discussions take place with the Region as to how to improve the integration of Regional roads into the Town’s streetscapes. Staff advised that a report on the issue is being developed and that it will be beneficial to raise it following the Region’s overall streetscape study.

 

**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That the criteria for assumption of roads by the Region of York be endorsed by Council;

 

And that, in the event a road is transferred to the Region, the Region and the Town develop an agreement to establish and maintain the appropriate streetscape and urban design standards to reflect the Town’s objectives;

 

And that the transfer of any Regional roads to the local municipality will be subject to appropriate consultation with local staff and approval by local council;

 

And that Kees Schipper, Region of York Commissioner of Transportation and Works be advised accordingly

 

And that, following completion of the York Region Streetscape Study, staff schedule a workshop to address the service and community issues associated with Regional roads and their integration into the Town of Markham, such as road signage.

CARRIED

______________________________________________________________________________

**        Amended by Council at its meeting held on February 8, 2005 to withdraw this matter.

 

 

 

11.       TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION CONSOLIDATION (5.12)    Report   1    2

 

Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering, briefly summarized the proposed consolidation of the 404/7 and Markham Centre Transport Management Associations (TMA) into one body. Staff advised that Markham Centre stakeholders are in favour of the proposed consolidation.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the Markham Centre and 404/7 Transportation Management Association initiatives be consolidated as one Transportation Management Association;

 

And that a separate and stand alone Transportation Management Association be reconsidered in the future as the Markham Centre development matures;

 

And that staff report back to Committee to seek Council approval for the organizational and governance structure and business plan of the soon to be incorporated Transportation Management Association.

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       REGION OF YORK
            2005 AND 10 YEAR CAPITAL ROAD PROGRAM (5.10, 13.4.3)  Report    1

 

Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering, provided an overview of York Region’s 2005 and 10 Year Capital Road Programs, including the financial commitments. Mr. Brown noted that Markham sites have not yet been identified for some projects but that staff will work with the Region to develop an implementation plan. Staff will also discuss with the Region the merits of widening sections of 16th Avenue and Warden Avenue from four (4) to six (6) lanes.

 

There was discussion of the need to include the widening of Steeles Avenue and the three (3) interblock crossings of Highway 404 in the Region’s plans. It was agreed that further discussion of the matter may be necessary at Council on February 8, 2005 but staff will include the projects in their submission to the Region.

 

There was also discussion of the roads in proximity to the Box Grove development. Staff advised that limitations on water allocation may delay the development but that potential solutions are being considered.

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the staff report entitled “Region of York – 2005 and 10 Year Capital Road Program” dated January 24, 2005 be received;

 

And that the Region of York be requested to incorporate into their 2006 and 10 Year Capital Road Programs, Markham’s requirements as noted in Attachment “A” (attached to the original Council minutes kept on file in the Clerk’s Office);

 

And that Mr. Keith Bray, Markham Board of Trade, Ms. A. Yip, Scarborough/York Chinese Business Association, and Mr. K. Schipper, Commissioner of Works, Region of York, be advised accordingly.

CARRIED

 

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________

 

Other matters considered by General Committee on January 24, 2005:


 

13.       THREE-STREAM COLLECTION – PHASE II (5.1)  Presentation

 

Mr. Peter Loukes, Director, Operations and Asset Management, gave a presentation, entitled: “Three-Stream Collection, Phase 2”, which gave details of the success of Phase 1 and the new green bin system, York Region municipalities launch schedule; and the requirements for Phase 2 implementation. 

 

Appreciation was expressed to the Members of the Three-Stream Project Team regarding

Phase 1, and it was suggested that staff consider the continuation of a slightly expanded Committee which would guide the launch of Phase 2.  Some concern was expressed regarding the current and proposed annual tonnage statistics presented this date, and staff was requested to confirm these figures in the next report to Committee.

 

Staff advised that discussions will continue with the Region of York, and a detailed report will be presented to the February 14 meeting of General Committee.

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the presentation of the Director, Operations and Asset Management, regarding Phase 2 of the Three-Stream Collection, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

14.       STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE PERIOD
            FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO
DECEMBER 31, 2004 (7.12)   Report   

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor K. Usman

 

That the report dated January 24, 2005, entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Period from November 1 to December 31, 2004”, be received.

 

CARRIED


 

15.       PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – CANADIAN
            FEDERATION OF INTERCULTURAL FRIENDSHIP
            FUNDRAISING DINNER – FEBRUARY 11, 2005
            CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN BANQUET HALL (12.2.6)   Report

 

Committee was advised that this event has been cancelled.

 

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the request from Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship for participation in their Fundraising Dinner on February 11, 2005 at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall be received as information, as the event has now been cancelled.

CARRIED

 

 

 

16.       TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
            GREATER TORONTO TRANSIT AUTHORITY -
            SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW PROVINCIAL AUTHORITY
            AND MANDATE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PREMIER AND
            MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION (13.4.2, 5.14)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated November 25, 2004 from Mr. R. Prowse, Town Clerk, Town of Richmond Hill, containing a resolution encouraging the Province of Ontario to establish a Greater Toronto Transit Authority be received;

 

And that staff prepare a report on the matter incorporating comments from York Region staff and addressing the possibility of utilizing alternative fare programs, for example “fare by distance”.

RECEIVE

 

 

 

17.       YORK REGION
ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM STATUS REPORT (13.4.2, 5.10)

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the letter dated November 19, 2004 from Mr. D. Kelly, Regional Clerk, York Region, containing a status report on the Region’s Road Safety Program be received.

CARRIED

 

18.       YORK REGION
            OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS – GO RAIL STATIONS (13.4.2, 5.14.2)

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated November 23, 2004 from Mr. D. Kelly, Regional Clerk, Region of York, containing a report considering means of improving commuter connection to GO stations be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

19.       YORK REGION
            TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE OF 16TH AVENUE
            BETWEEN NINTH LINE AND MARKHAM BY-PASS
            TOWN OF MARKHAM (13.4.2, 5.10)

 

That the letter dated December 17, 2004 from Mr. D. Kelly, Regional Clerk, York Region, regarding a temporary closure of 16th Avenue between Ninth Line and Markham By-Pass for either one week with normal hours of work, or an extended weekend with work around the clock be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

20.       ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION
            REPORT OF THE 2005-2006 NOMINATING COMMITTEE (13.12.3)

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the letter dated December 24, 2004 from Ms. S. Richardson, Executive Director, Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), listing nominees for the OGRA Board of Directors in 2005-2006 be received.

CARRIED


 

21.       TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
RESPONSE TO YORK REGION’S
DRAFT 2005 CAPITAL PROGRAM (ROADS) AND REGIONAL ROAD PRIORITIES IN RICHMOND HILL (13.4.2, 5.10)

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the letter dated January 11, 2005 from Mr. R. Prowse, Town Clerk, Town of Richmond Hill, containing a response to York Region’s Draft 2005 Capital Program (Roads) and Regional Road priorities in Richmond Hill be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The General Committee adjourned at the hour of 11:15 a.m.

 

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