Special General Committee Minutes

Meeting Number: 16

Monday, June 19, 2023 at 9:00 A.m. - 1:00 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 Keith Irish
• Councillor Ritch Lau
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Juanita Nathan
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Alice Lam, Acting Commissioner, Community Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
• Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor
• Mark Visser, Sr Manager Strategy Innovation ＆ Investments
• Eddy Wu, Acting Director, Environmental Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Joseph Silva, Treasurer

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

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.

The Special General Committee Meeting convened at 9:04 AM with Councillor Keith Irish presiding as Chair.  

Mayor Frank Scarpitti recognized the victims of the Manitoba bus crash and the first responders for their rescue work.  The Committee observed a moment of silence for the victims and all involved of this tragic accident.  

Trinela Cane Commissioner, Corporate Services, addressed the Committee to introduce and welcome the City's new Treasurer, Joseph Silva.   She indicated that Mark Visser who was Acting Treasurer will provide assistance to Mr. Silva as he transitions to the new role.

The Committee congratulated Mr. Silva and wished him well on this endeavour. 

Joseph Silva, Treasurer addressed the Committee and noted that he is looking forward to working with staff and contributing to the City's fiscal stewardship.   

The meeting agenda commenced after the reading of the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.  

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were none disclosed.

3.

COMMUNICATIONS - WINTER MAINTENANCE (16.0)

• Moved By Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded By Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the communications providing comments from Eraste Nkundumukiza and Dennis Fortnum be received.
  Carried

4.

PRESENTATIONS

4.1

WINTER MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP (16.0)

Alice Lam, Director, Operations, addressed the Committee to provide opening remarks and introduced Stephen Dollmaier, Sr. Manager of Roads and Fleet who today's Winter Maintenance Workshop Presentation.   

The Committee thanked staff for the presentation and heard the following deputations:

Anna Giallonardo, addressed the Committee to voice concerns over the snow removal and windrow maintenance in her area.  

Satya Arora, addressed the Committee to express concerns with City snow removal around mail boxes.  She suggested that the areas be extended to provide better snow clearing and access.

Doug Denby, addressed the Committee to express concerns with snow removal on bridges over water and acknowledged recent improvements in this regard.  He further expressed concerns with the City windrow program.

Brinda Goswami, addressed the Committee to express concerns with the City's winter maintenance service levels.  

There was discussion on the following in relation to the presentation and deputations:

• The current winter maintenance service level;
• An inquiry regarding previous survey results and if there will be another survey conducted in the future;
• That there be consideration to increase winter maintenance service;
• The service standards around the windrow maintenance program;
• The maintenance provisions for school pathways and whether the City can expand this service to these areas;
• The type and number of complaints that the City of Vaughan received in relation to their windrow program;
• That there be consideration to enhance communication to residents and provide digital and print materials;
• Whether park, shortcut and school connecting pathways are included in the service plan;
• The number of complaints received regarding winter maintenance by category;
• The costs associated with snow removal services in addition to all additional costs such as those related to hauling the snow away;
• The impact to the roads, grass and environment on salt use;
• The costs to expand the windrow program;
• A suggestion for residents that live in rear laneway areas to maintain their areas similar to those that live in areas with shared driveways;
• That there be greater communication provided in relation to the service levels and associated costs to better manage expectations;
• A suggestion that when a snowbank is greater than 7 inches, it should be cleared by the City;
• An inquiry regarding the City’s windrow program and why it only provides service for one car length;
• The service levels an accountability with contractors;
• The size of sidewalks in relation to the snow removal equipment and the damage caused to grass areas;
• The cost of an additional survey to investigate current service level satisfaction and  concerns.

Staff provided information in relation to the inquiries and noted that the potential property tax impact to accommodate for the increased costs of enhanced winter maintenance is approximately 4%. 

The Committee thanked staff for all the information provided and suggested that the next workshop be planned in 2026 to coincide with the next term of Council.   

• Moved By Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded By Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the presentation entitled “Winter Maintenance Workshop” be received; and,
  2. That the current winter maintenance service levels be maintained and Senior Windrow to be completed in four (4) hours;
  3. That the deputations from Anna Giallonardo, Satya Arora, Doug Denby and Brinda Goswami be received; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

4.2

WINTER MAINTENANCE OF REGIONAL SIDEWALKS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE (16.0)

David Plant, Senior Manager, Parks Horticulture and Forestry, addressed the Committee to present, Winter Maintenance of Regional Sidewalks and Active Transportation Infrastructure.  The presentation provided an overview of current road jurisdiction, primary and secondary sidewalk network service levels and current issues related to City maintenance of Regional Sidewalks.  Staff initiated a recommendation that York Region assume winter maintenance of sidewalks and active transportation infrastructure  Staff made a recommendation to request that the York Region 

The Committee made the following inquiries:

• That the main objective is to clear the snow on roads, walkways, etc. 
• The Region's reception to take on this responsibility and make this change;
• Where the responsibility of property and sod damage that is a result of the winter maintenance lies;
• That there be consideration to provide better coordination of plowing services and sidewalk clearing; and,
• The tax implication of the recommendation.  

The Committee consented to a friendly amendment to the recommendation to reflect that any agreement be subject to the satisfaction of the City.

• Moved By Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded By Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the report titled Winter Maintenance of Regional Sidewalks and Active Transportation Infrastructure be received; and,
  2. That if the Regional Municipality of York assumes winter maintenance of sidewalks on Regional roads; and,
  3. That in the event the Regional Municipality of York assumes winter maintenance of active transportation infrastructure including but not limited to separated cycle track or multi-use pathway on Regional roads; and,
  4. That the Regional Municipality of York prepare and outline the total cost and tax implication to the City of Markham to effect the assumption of winter maintenance of regional sidewalks and active transportation infrastructure; and,
  5. That a Maintenance Agreement between the Regional Municipality of York and the City of Markham be executed to outline the change in responsibilities subject to the satisfaction of the City of Markham; and further,
  6. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

5.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved By Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded By Councillor Juanita Nathan

  That the Special General Committee meeting adjourn at 12:45 PM.

  Carried