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. Brown, Director
of Engineering
J. Nelson, Manager,
Development Finance
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor and
Council
J. Kee, 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
Councillor A. Chiu declared an interest with respect
to the matter related to the 1375504 Ontario Inc. credit request at 7778 Kennedy Road,
by nature of his position as Chair of the Board, and did not take part in the
consideration of, or vote on the matter.
1. THREE-HOUR
MAXIMUM PARKING REQUEST (2.17)
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That Mr. Peter MacLeod be permitted to address Members of General
Committee regarding a parking matter.
CARRIED
Mr. Peter MacLeod
was in attendance to request that the Town enact a by-law for a three-hour
maximum parking restriction on all municipal streets.
Moved by Councillor
D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That the deputation of Mr. Peter MacLeod requesting the Town to
enact a by-law for a three-hour maximum parking restriction on all municipal
streets be received and referred to staff to bring back a preliminary report at
a later date.
CARRIED
2. 1375504 ONTARIO
INC. CREDIT REQUEST
AT 7778 KENNEDY ROAD (7.11)
Letter Attachment Presentation Report
Committee had before
it the staff report, entitled “l375504 Ontario
Inc. Development Charges Credit Request at 7778 Kennedy Road”, which had been
deferred at the January 15, 2007 General Committee meeting.
Mr. Gerry Mintz,
Calearth International Development Inc., was in attendance and provided further
information in support of the request that prepaid development charges for 41
units built at 7778 Kennedy Road
be refunded.
Ms. Jennifer Nelson,
Manager, Development Finance, gave a presentation which provided information
that the request does not qualify under the Town’s current development charge
by-laws.
Members requested
staff for clarification of certain aspects of the matter, and discussed the
matter at some length.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the deputation of Mr. Gerry Mintz, Calearth International Development Inc. be
received;
And
that the presentation of the Manager, Development Finance be received;
And that the report titled “1375504 Ontario
Inc. Development Charges Credit Request at 7778 Kennedy Road” be received;
And that Council not provide a development
charge credit or exemption to 1375504 Ontario Inc;
And that Council not provide a refund to
1375504 Ontario Inc. for lot levies paid pursuant to the Site Plan Control
Agreement dated October 22, 1991 between the Town of Markham and 777333 Ontario Limited.
CARRIED
3. PURCHASE
OF SPONSORSHIP – YORK REGION
ABUSE PROGRAM 10TH ANNUAL
CHILDREN’S
CHAMPION GALA - FEBRUARY 17,
2007 (12.2.6)
Report Letter
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That Council
purchases a full page ad for $500.00 sponsoring the York Region Abuse Program’s
10th Annual Children’s Champion Gala on Saturday, February 17, 2007.
The event will be at
the Venetian Banquet & Hospitality Centre Concord. Tickets will be purchased for Councillors
wishing to attend, not to exceed support of $3000. The cost to be charged to account 8408415840.
CARRIED
4. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP –YEE HONG
DRAGON BALL FEBRUARY 17, 2007
(12.2.6)
Report Letter
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That Council
receives the invitation from Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation and purchase
tickets for Councillors wishing to attend the Yee Hong Dragon Ball at the Metro
Toronto Convention Centre on February 17, 2007.
Tickets will be purchased for Councillors wishing to attend, not to
exceed support of $3000. The cost to be
charged to account 8408415840.
CARRIED
5. INCENTIVE
PROGRAM - EXTENDED
DRIVEWAY BY-LAW (10.5)
Report Brochure
Committee
had before it a report describing the incentive program which has been established
to encourage residents to comply with the new extended driveway by-law
regulations.
A copy
of the draft brochure for residents was also presented, and following some
discussion a number of changes were suggested with respect to: consistency with
terminology, i.e. extended vs expanded; landscaping reference; clarification
regarding maximum width permitted; including a plan or diagram request; how
cars are to be parked on driveway; revising colours; adding pictures/diagrams; and
translation considerations. Staff was
requested to amend the brochure, as discussed this date, and bring it back to
Committee, along with a copy of the proposed website document, prior to placing
it on the Town’s Website.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the incentive
program outlined in the report entitled “Incentive Program – Extended Driveway
By-law” be approved;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution;
And that staff be requested to amend the brochure, as discussed this
date, and bring both the amended brochure and the draft website document back
to Committee for approval.
CARRIED
6. PARKING AT
MARKHAM VILLAGE
GO STATION (2.17)
Committee was
advised that email correspondence had recently been received from a resident
expressing great concern over the lack of parking spots at the Markham Village GO
station, and requesting that the Town take action to remedy the situation.
Members discussed
the issues relating to this matter, including: on-going lobbying with GO
Transit; future proposals for multi-level parking structures; and general
transportation and grid-lock problems in Markham.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
That the matter
relating to parking concerns at GO Transit stations be received.
CARRIED
7. GENERAL
COMMITTEE – NEW AGENDA SECTION
“STATUS OF UPCOMING ITEMS”
(16.0)
Committee was
advised that, in future, there will be an additional section placed on the
General Committee agenda entitled: “Status of Upcoming Items”.
This portion of the
Agenda will provide Members with a list of items being prepared by staff for
discussion at future meetings.
It was noted this
date that staff will be bringing forward to the February 19 General Committee
meeting, the following item: Affordable Housing Workplan.
8. ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT CAPITAL UPDATES (5.0 & 7.5)
Presentation
Mr. Alan Brown,
Director of Engineering provided Members with a detailed update on the major
capital projects being carried out by the Engineering Department, including:
road and structure projects; major servicing projects, transportation projects;
and environmental projects.
Committee requested
staff, in future, to identify items within the individual projects that still
require approval.
In addition, it was
noted that the bicycle path lane markings on Bullock Drive have worn off and staff was
requested to follow up.
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the
presentation by the Director of Engineering providing an update on the
Engineering Department’s major capital projects, be received.
CARRIED
9. EAST
VALHALLA DRIVE – PROPOSED
STOPPING PROHIBITION (5.12)
Report Attachment
A B By-law
Moved
by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That the report
entitled “East Valhalla Drive
– Proposed Stopping Prohibition” be received;
And that parking
by-law 2005-188, Schedule “E”, entitled “No Stopping Zones” be amended by
adding the west side of East Valhalla Drive, in its entirety;
And that the Parking
Control Department be directed to enforce the parking restrictions upon
installation of the signs.
CARRIED
10. REGION OF
YORK TRANSPORTATION
MASTER PLAN UPDATE (5.10 &
13.4)
Members
had before them a draft resolution with respect to the Region of York’s Class
Environmental Assessment Studies to widen Bayview Avenue, 16th Avenue, Kennedy Road, and McCowan Road from
four to six lanes.
Mr.
Mark Williams, Director – Kindale
Way/Dunkeld Way, was in attendance and spoke in
objection to the widening of Bayview
Avenue, due to traffic and safety concerns.
Ms.
Corinne Hamilton, resident and Director of the Thornhill Soccer Club, was in
attendance and presented a letter dated January 20, 2007, and spoke in
objection to the widening of Bayview Avenue, due to noise, pollution, access,
and environmental concerns.
Moved
by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded
by Councillor V. Burke
That the deputation of Mr. Mark Williams, and the
letter and deputation of Ms. Corinne Hamilton, in objection to the widening of Bayview Avenue be
received.
CARRIED
Ms.
Marion Matthias, resident, was in attendance and spoke in objection to the
widening of Bayview Avenue
from Highway 407 to John Street
due to concerns that it would 90% destroy the community.
Committee
expressed some concerns regarding the Region’s proposed widenings, and
discussed options, including the use of HOV lanes and transit lanes. The importance of preserving the community
was stressed, and it was agreed that the Region should consider all options
during the environmental assessment process.
It was suggested that the matter be referred to staff for a report to
include a detailed analysis and further information.
Moved
by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded
by Councillor C. Moretti
That the deputation of Ms. Marion Matthias, in
objection to the widening of Bayview
Avenue be received;
And that the matter of the Region’s proposed widenings
of Bayview Avenue, 16th Avenue, Kennedy Road, and McCowan Road from
four to six lanes be referred to staff for a preliminary analysis and report,
including the use of HOV lanes and transit lanes and a “do-nothing” option.
CARRIED
11. BIRCHMOUNT
ROAD EXTENSION – 14TH AVENUE
TO ENTERPRISE DRIVE – PROJECT
UPDATE (5.10)
Report Attachment
A B
Mr.
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, updated Members on the current status of
the Birchmount Road
extension project. Members were advised
that staff are continuing discussions with CN to resolve a number of issues,
however, it may be necessary to apply to the Canadian Transportation Authority
if an agreement cannot be reached.
Committee
expressed concern with the target date for an agreement with CN, and directed
that it be brought forward to February 28, 2007.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the report dated January 22, 2007, entitled “Birchmount Road Extension 14th
Avenue to Enterprise Drive – Project Update” be received;
And that staff be authorized to proceed with the tendering of the first
phase of the Birchmount Road
extension from Enterprise Drive
south to the CN rail line,
And that staff be authorized to continue
negotiations with CN Rail to reach an Agreement regarding the Town constructing the railway
grade separation and related works.
And that in the event that staff are unable
to reach an agreement with CN Rail by February
28, 2007 regarding the Town
constructing the railway grade separation, staff be authorized to apply to the
Canadian Transportation Agency for approval for the Town to proceed with the
tendering and construction of the railway grade separation
And that staff be authorized to retain
outside legal counsel if required to assist in the application to the Canadian
Transportation Agency in an amount not to exceed $50,000 exclusive of GST
($53,500 inclusive of GST);
And that staff be authorized to extend the
contract with Totten Sims Hubicki to revise the design drawings and tender
specifications to accommodate the phased construction of the Birchmount Road
extension in an amount not to exceed $60,000 exclusive of GST ($64,200
inclusive of GST) in accordance with
Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) (c) which states “when the
extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective or
beneficial”;
And that the legal and additional
consulting costs be financed from the Engineering
Department Capital Budget (Account #83-5399-3748-005).
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary, including the execution of documents, to give effect
to the above.
CARRIED
12. 5TH ANNUAL
GTA TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
“REAL SOLUTIONS FOR RELIEVING
CONGESTION”
MARCH 7-8, 2007 (11.12)
Attachment
Moved by
Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That Council approve the attendance of three
Members of Council, (names to be determined), at the 5th Annual GTA
Transportation Summit on March 7-8, 2007 in Toronto;
And that such Members not include those
attending on behalf of the Region of York;
And that expenses not be charged to
their individual budgets.
CARRIED
13. 2007
TRANS-INDIAN OCEAN ROW – IN SUPPORT OF THE
CHILDREN’S WISH FOUNDATION OF
CANADA
REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP OF
EXPEDITION (12.2.6)
Attachment
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That
the letter dated January 2, 2007 and material from Glenn Edwards requesting the
Town to become a sponsor of the 2007 Trans-Indian Ocean Row in support of the
Children’s Wish Foundation; be received;
And
that Mr. Edward’s expedition be supported in the amount of $4,000, such funds
to come out of the Promotions Budget.
RECEIVE
14. SNC-LAVALIN
– HIGHWAY 407 CENTRAL SECTION WIDENING
FROM LESLIE STREET TO MCCOWAN
ROAD – NOTICE OF
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
(5.10 & 12.2.6)
Attachment
Committee
had before it a letter dated January 12, 2007 from SNC-Lavalin Engineers &
Consultants advising of a Public Information Centre being held on January 25,
2007 at Centennial Community Centre to receive comments on the proposed
widening of Highway 407 from Leslie
Street to McCowan Road.
Mr. Alan
Brown, Director of Engineering, advised that an additional letter had just been
received by staff extending the area from McCowan Road to Brock Road. This letter will be placed on the next
General Committee agenda for information.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the letter dated January 12, 2007 from
SNC-Lavalin Engineers & Consultants advising of a Public Information Centre
being held on January 25, 2007 at Centennial Community Centre to receive
comments on the proposed widening of Highway 407 from Leslie Street to McCowan
Road be received.
CARRIED
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Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss a
personnel matter. (12:00 Noon)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor J.
Webster
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
That the Committee rise. (12:03 p.m.)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.