M I N U T E S

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

 

Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor V. Burke Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

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 J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services P. Loukes, Director, Operations S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management F. Wong, Manager, Financial Planning B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

 

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

 

At 2:42 p.m. Councillor J. Virgilio vacated the Chair and Councillor E. Shapero assumed the Chair.

 

At 2:53 p.m. Councillor E. Shapero vacated the Chair and Councillor J. Virgilio assumed the Chair.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None.

 

 

1.         DEPUTATION – INFORMATION MARKHAM AND VOLUNTEER
CENTRE (12.2.6)

 

Mr. P. Miller, Chair, Information Markham, presented a proposal to expand and formalize the services currently being provided by Tourism Markham to the hospitality and tourism industry. Mr. Miller spoke on behalf of a request for start up funding in the amount of $4,750 which is identified in the recommendations made by the Grants Sub-Committee for the 2007 Celebrate Markham grant allocations.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by L. Kanapathi

 

That the presentation by Mr. P. Miller, Chair, Information Markham, regarding Tourism Markham be received.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 2, 2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE

            MEETING (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the minutes from the April 2, 2007 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 2007 INFORMATION                       
            TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE (16.34)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the minutes from the March 22, 2007 Information Technology Sub-Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19, 2007 COMMUNICATIONS              
            COMMITTEE MEETING (16.34)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the minutes from the March 19, 2007 Communications Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 19, 2007 BUDGET                              
            SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING (16.34)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the minutes from the February 19, 2007 Budget Sub-Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD                                  

            APPOINTMENTS (16.24)

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the following appointments to the Heintzman House Community Centre Board for a term to expire December 31, 2007, be confirmed:

Ed Hankins 
Rob Hansford
Pat Chamandy
Paul Glionna
Ken Davis

Stan Daurio
Sam Masson

Bob Wilson
Warren Carroll, Lifetime Member
Merf Goldstein, Lifetime Member

CARRIED

 

 

7.         UPDATE – UNCLAIMED REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS (7.0)                  

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report titled “Update – Unclaimed Refundable Deposits” be received;

 

And that all unclaimed security deposits placed with the Town prior to December 1, 2004 as security in respect of certain works, for which applications for refund were invited in the Toronto Star, Economist & Sun, Thornhill Liberal and the Town’s website until March 12, 2007, be transferred to the Town’s revenue as no bona fide claims were made in the notice period which exceeded 45 days;

 

And that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer unclaimed security deposits, up to the amount of $505,318 representing deposits placed prior to December 1, 2004, to the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve;

 

And that the amount of $7,371.00 (exclusive of 6% GST) incurred in placing the Public Notice be offset against the security deposits to be placed in the Town’s revenue;

 

And that the Treasurer be authorized to release any of these security deposits from the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve in the event of a future refund claim;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH OF                   
MARCH 2007 (7.0)

            Report    1

 

The Committee suggested that the installation of a subway be considered as a part of the Yonge - Steeles Corridor Study. Staff advised that although the project was not a transit planning study, the prospect of a subway was likely to be raised during over the course of the public consultation process conducted by the Region of York.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of March 2007” be received.

CARRIED

 

 

9.         AWARD OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - 115-R-06 VOICE   
MESSAGING SYSTEM (7.9)

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report entitled “Award of Request For Proposal - 115-R-06 Voice Messaging System” be received;

 

And that the contract for 115-R-06 Voice Messaging System be awarded to the highest ranked and third lowest priced bidder, Bell Canada in the base amount of $138,967.92 and with an extended two year warranty of $22,923.00 for a total award amount of $161,890.92 inclusive of PST, exclusive of GST;

 

And that the award be funded from the 2006 ITS Capital Project 049 6150 7286 005 ITS Core Projects in the amount of $200,000.00;

 

And that upon payment of all the invoices, any remaining funds will be returned to the original funding source;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

10.       AWARD OF TENDER # 023-T-07 TOWN-WIDE, PAVEMENT            
MARKINGS (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report entitled “Award Of Tender # 023-T-07 Town-Wide, Pavement Markings” be received;

 

And that the contract for Townwide, Pavement Markings be awarded to the lowest bidder, Almon Equipment Ltd. For an estimated annual amount of $227644.00 exclusive of GST, totaling $682,932.00 exclusive of GST for a period of three (3) years;

And that funds for this contract for the 2007 season be drawn from the 2007 Operating Budget Account 700 505 5307 pavement markings in the amount of $227,644.00 exclusive of GST;

 

And that funds for this contract for the 2008 and 2009 period, in the amount of $455,288.00, exclusive of GST, be included in the 2008 and 2009 budget discussions;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

11.       AWARD OF TENDER # 024-T-07 ROAD REHABILITATION
PROGRAM (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the report entitled “Award of Tender # 024-T-07 Road Rehabilitation Program” be received;

 

And that the contract for Tender # 024-T-07 Road Rehabilitation Program be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Brennan Paving & Construction in the total amount of $5,087,504.00 exclusive of GST;

 

And that the proposed Recreation & Culture 2007 Capital Project # 7537, Parking Lot Repairs (Thornhill CC) budget of $250,000 and Asset Management Capital Project #7799 Parking Lot Repairs (Civic Centre) budget of $100,000, be pre-approved;

 

And that the additional funding of $300,000, for the two (2) roadways (Kirkham Drive, Hwy. No. 48 to 250m East and Cedarland Drive, Warden Avenue to Town Centre Boulevard South, be added to the 2007 Capital Project Secondary Road Works (50 6150 7473 005) and provided from the Secondary Road Resurfacing Reserve #87 2800 132;

 

And that the award be funded from the 2007 Capital budget accounts as follows:

Pre- Approved Projects	Funding
Operations - Asphalt Resurfacing   50 6150 7455 005	4,080,817.00
Operations - Secondary Road Works 50 6150 7473 005	336,687.00
Operations - Parking Lot Repairs  50 6150 7518 005	90,000.00
Total Pre-Approved Projects	4,507,504.00
Projects Requiring Pre-Approval
Recreation & Culture - Parking Lot Repairs (Thornhill CC) 70 6150 7537 005	200,000.00
Asset Management - Parking Lot Repairs (Civic Centre) 56 6150 7799 005	80,000.00
Total Project Requiring Pre-Approval	280,000.00
Additional Funding (Kirkham Dr and Cedarland Dr)
Operations - Secondary Road Works 50 6150 7473 005	300,000.00
Total Additional Funding	300,000.00
Total 2007 Capital	$5,087,504.00

 

And that any remaining funds will be used for other expenditures within the Operations Asphalt Resurfacing program;

 

And that the Director of Operations and Director of Financial & Client Services be authorized to exercise the option to renew the contract for an additional 2 years (2008-2009) at the 2007 itemized prices subject to performance and budget approval;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

12.       AWARD OF TENDER 230-T-06 STEELES AVENUE                 
            WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT (PHASE 1) FROM

            YONGE STREET TO HENDERSON AVENUE (7.12.2)

            Report

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report entitled “Award of Tender 230-T-06 Steeles Avenue Watermain Replacement (Phase 1), from Yonge Street to Henderson Avenue” be received;

 

And that the contract tender 230-T-06 for the construction of the Steeles Avenue Watermain Replacement (Phase 1) be awarded to the lowest price qualified bidder, Sam Rabito Construction Ltd. In the amount of $1,279,809.54 exclusive of GST;

 

And that a contingency in the amount of $127,980.00 exclusive of GST be established to cover any additional construction costs and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit and to provide a monthly statement of these expenditures to the Town Treasurer;

 

And that fees for the construction inspection and contract administration, to an upset limit of $94,600.00 exclusive of GST, be added to the existing Cole Engineering Group Ltd. Purchase order D7 00045;

 

And that a contingency amount of $9,460.00 exclusive of GST be established to cover any additional construction inspection and contract administration fees and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit;

 

And that the award be funded from the 2007 pre-approved Waterworks Department Capital Project 053-6150-7511-005 Watermain Construction/Replacement in the amount of $1,790,000.00;

 

And that upon payment of all the invoices, any remaining funds will be returned to the original funding source;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       CONTRACT AWARD FOR STREET LIGHTING, MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR 2007 POWERSTREAM (7.12)

            Report     1

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That PowerStream be authorized to continue providing streetlight maintenance services for the Town;

 

And that the tendering process be waived 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 2007 Streetlight Maintenance and Repair contract be awarded be awarded to the preferred vendor PowerStream in the Amount of $637,763 (based on PowerStream’s estimate) exclusive of GST to expire December 31, 2007;

 

And that the 2007 Streetlight Re-lamping program contract be awarded to the preferred vendor PowerStream in the Amount of $105,283 (based on PowerStream’s estimate) exclusive of GST to expire December 31, 2007;

 

And that funds be provided from account # 720 720 4597 Streetlight Maintenance and Repair in the total amount of $743,047 once funding is approved in the Town’s 2007 Operating Budget;

 

And that the Town and PowerStream continue to work together on an ongoing basis to review options to enhance service delivery and cost efficiencies, share information, and exchange inventory data;

 

And further that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

14.       SATELLITE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARDS AND                          
INFORMATION MARKHAM - FINANCIAL RESULTS 2006 (7.0)

            Report    1    2

 

The Committee discussed the proposal to increase grant amounts for several Satellite Community Centre Boards.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the report entitled “Satellite Community Centre Boards and Information Markham Financial Results 2006” be received for information;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution;

 

And that this matter be referred to the Budget Sub-Committee in order to review the potential to increase the annual grant from $3,000 to $5,000 to those Satellite Community Centre Boards that demonstrated a need for additional funding.

CARRIED

 

 

15.       2006 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (7.4)

            Report     1

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That the report dated March 26, 2007 entitled “2006 Review of Operations” be received;

 

And that the final 2006 Operating Surplus for the Town of Markham (“Town”) and the Waterworks Department be transferred in 2007 to the Town’s respective reserves in accordance with the Town’s reserve policy. 

CARRIED

 

 

16.       PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP – LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
2007 TRIBUTE DINNER, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2007 (7.9)

            Report     1

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

 

That Council purchase 6 tickets for the Learning Partnership 2007 Tribute Dinner – Thursday, May 3 charged to account 840  8415840. Dinner to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Thursday, May 3, 2007.

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

17.       MILMAR COURT SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM - FEES BY-LAW (7.0) 
            Report

 

The Committee commented on the success of the project.  Members posed questions relating to the repayment schedule set out by the Fees By-Law.

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

That the report entitled “Milmar Court Sanitary Sewer System – Fees By-law” be received;

 

And that Council enact a Fees By-law pursuant to Section 391 of the Municipal Act 2001;

And that the Finance Department be authorized to collect the total project costs for the Milmar Court Sanitary Sewer System from the six property owners of Milmar Court (as set out in the Fees By-law) in the amount of $27,969.53 per lot;

 

And that the costs per lot be paid as either an interest free lump sum payment or annually up to a maximum of fifteen (15) years accruing interest at the same rate as the current Region of York 15 Year Debenture Rate, 4.6% calculated annually in advance;

 

And that any unpaid amounts be added to the tax account of each property owner;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

18.       CACHET ESTATES/GLENBOURNE PARK DRIVE WATER  
            DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM – FEE BY-LAW (7.6)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the report entitled “Cachet Estates/Glenbourne Park Drive Water Distribution System – Fee By-Law” be received;

 

And that Council enact a fee (attached) By-law pursuant to Section 391 of the Municipal Act 2001 for costs associated with the water distribution system;

 

And that the Finance Department be authorized to collect the total project costs for the Cachet Estates/Glenbourne Park Drive water distribution system from the area property owners(as set out in the fee By-law) in the amount of $22,000 per lot;

 

And that the costs per lot be paid as either an interest free lump sum payment or annually up to a maximum of ten (10) years accruing interest at the same rate as the current Region of York debenture rate (4.4%), calculated annually in advance;

 

And that any unpaid amounts be added to the tax account of each property owner;

 

And that remaining funds $392,968.82 be transferred to the Operations Department for the paving restoration work within this area;

 

And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

19.       2007 CELEBRATE MARKHAM GRANTS ALLOCATION BY            
THE GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE (7.6)

            Report       1     2

 

Members noted that the $5,000 allocated to the Tony Roman Hockey Tournament under the 2007 Proposed Budget was also granted in 2006 but not as a Celebrate Markham grant. This should appear as an item under the 2006 Actuals/Accruals column. The Committee also discussed the Grants Sub-Committee’s proposal to increase funding for six festivals held in Markham by $1,000 as well as to allocate $4,750 start-up funding to Tourism Markham for the purpose of delivering services to the hospitality and tourism industry. There was discussion regarding the process and criteria used by the Grants Sub-Committee when determining grant allocations. Members questioned whether written requests for additional funding were submitted by each festival group.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the proposal to increase the grant amount by $1,000 for the six festivals, Unionville Festival, Markham Festival, Thornhill Festival, Doors Open Markham, Taste of Asia Festival and the Markham Jazz Festival, be referred back to the Grants Sub-Committee for further review of their financial statements;

 

And that the allocation of $4,750 to Tourism Markham recommended by the Grants Sub-Committee be approved and that Tourism Markham report back to General Committee before the money is spent;

 

And that all other Celebrate Markham Grants recommended by the Grants Sub-Committee’s 2007 Allocation be approved;

 

And that the Grants Sub-Committee’s recommended increase for 2007 Celebrate Markham Grants budget, in the amount of $7,450, be included in the proposed 2007 Operating Budget;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

20.       PRESENTATION AND REPORT ON JOINT PORTAL                        
BUSINESS CASE REPORT (12.0)

            Report      1

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

That the report dated April 2, 2007, entitled “Joint Portal Business Plan” be received;

 

And that Staff proceed with the issuance of an RFP for the procurement of a joint portal solution for the York Region and Town of Markham

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

21.       SUZIE GARDEN AWARD PROGRAM UPDATE (3.0)                          

            Report

 

The Committee posed questions regarding the new format for the Susie Garden Awards. Staff confirmed that recognition will still be extended to those residents who are nominated for having exceptional gardens. Staff also noted that the 2007 program would focus on educating residents in new areas on environmentally friendly garden maintenance practices.  

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That improvements to the Susie Garden Award Program as recommended by the Susie Garden Award Program Committee be approved;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

22.       FRIENDS OF THE MARKHAM MUSEUM – MEMORANDUM OF

            UNDERSTANDING AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION (6.7)

            Report     1     2     3    4    5

 

Ms. B. Roth, Director of Recreation and Culture Services, presented the proposal to develop a foundation called “Friends of the Markham Museum” which will be comprised of Members on the current advisory board. She discussed the benefits of implementing a foundation noting that it would allow the group to undertake fundraising programs while maintaining their advisory role. Ms. Roth also reviewed the process by which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Articles of Incorporation were created and noted their similarity to those in place for the Varley Art Gallery.

 

The Committee discussed a clause within the report which suggested that nine (9) members of the foundation will be appointed based on recommendations from the Executive Committee. Staff noted that Council would not be bound by the recommendations but agreed to remove the language in question and review the remainder of the MOU document to ensure there were no other inconsistencies.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

 

That the report titled “Friends of the Markham Museum – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Articles of Incorporation” be received;

 

And that the Memorandum of Understanding approved subject to the removal of the words “and shall be considered based on recommendations from the Executive Committee” from clause 4(c) and any other similar language found in the document;

 

And that the Business Case Study be adopted;

 

And that the draft Objects, draft Statement of Activities and draft By-law No. 1 for the Friends of the Markham Museum be approved subject to any minor amendments required in consultation with Canada Revenue Agency, the Public Guardian and Trustee or any other Provincial Government Agencies;

 

And that Staff be authorized to make an application for incorporation for the creation of the Friends of the Markham Museum as an Ontario non-share capital, charitable corporation in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services;

 

And that the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Community & Fire Services and the Town Solicitor be authorized to act as the Applicants and First Directors of the Friends of the Markham Museum corporation; 

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Friends of the Markham Museum in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services;

 

And that once the Friends of the Markham Museum has been incorporated that By-law No. 4-77 be repealed, the Museum Advisory Board be disbanded, and the Terms of Reference for the Museum Advisory Board be rescinded;

 

And that the Endowment Fund for the museum be transferred to the Foundation ($51,171.79 as of March 31, 2007);

 

And that the Town will provide the Friends of the Markham Museum with routine secretarial, financial and legal assistance;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

23.       STATUS REPORT ON THE ONTARIO POWER AUTHORITY’S        

            INTEGRATED POWER SYSTEM PLAN (IPSP) (5.7)

            Report    1    2

 

Ms. V. Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy Conservation Office, briefly highlighted her status report and summarized the Ontario Power Authority’s proposed Integrated Power System Plan. The Committee briefly discussed one of the OPA’s discussion papers in which a high voltage transmission line from Buttonville to Gormley was noted as an alternative solution if a successful procurement contract for local generation could not be concluded.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

That the Report titled, “Status Report on the Ontario Power Authority’s Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP)” be received and forwarded to the Honourable M. Chan, M.P.P., Markham, the Honourable M. Racco, M.P.P., Vaughan-Thornhill, the Honourable D. Duncan, Provincial Minister of Energy, and to all Members of the Aura-Markham Hydro One Task Force;

 

That Council supports the position that efforts on Conservation Demand Management (CDM) should be given priority and emphasized within the Province’s IPSP;

 

That Council supports the position that a greater system planning emphasis and dependence on distributed generation and district energy technologies in communities be included within the Province’s IPSP;

 

That Council supports an “integrated solution” for supply to Northern York Region comprised of:  Demand Reduction; New Transformer Station capacity; and Local Generation as adopted by Council on September 27, 2005;

 

That The Town of Markham is strongly opposed to a transmission contingency solution for Northern York Region and requests the OPA to expedite supply options to Northern York Region that do not include transmission solutions;  

 

That Council supports submission of this Report to the Ontario Power Authority, the Ontario Energy Board, Hydro One, PowerStream, Region of York, and the Ministry of Energy;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

24.       YORK DOWNS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (5.7)

            Letter

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the letter dated April 3, 2007 from Mr. L. De La Fuente, General Manger, York Downs Golf & Country Club, advising of his concerns regarding the proposal to draft a By-law that would restrict the non-essential use of pesticides in Markham be received and referred to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services.

CARRIED

 

 

25.    RECREATION DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL

          REVIEW (6.0)                                                                         

Report    Presentation     1    2

         

Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services and Ms. Ainsley Wood, Sloan Wood Inc., presented a supplementary review of the Recreation Department Organizational Review.

The presenters highlighted the structure of the reorganization, the potential benefits it would have on customers, a modified implementation schedule which was extended to five (5) years, proposed activities within the policy and planning area, and the creation of a separate Cultural Services Department.

 

It was noted that existing Community Services staff would be used to fill four new Community Centre Manager positions. Staff suggested these new roles, along with the proposed Policy and Planning component of the plan, would enhance Community Centres programming as it would be more responsive to the needs of the adjacent community. The Committee discussed the proposed cost recovery, outlined the report and posed several questions to staff in that regard. Staff confirmed that it was not their intention to propose an increase in user fees to stabilize the existing cost recovery ratio.

 

Staff presented three (3) options with respect to the development of a Cultural Services Department to be directly responsible for the Varley Art Gallery, Markham Museum and Markham Theatre. Staff recommended option three (3) in which the proposed director of Cultural Services would report directly to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services. The Committee posed various questions relating to the job description and selection of a candidate for Director of Cultural Services.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the report titled Recreation Department Organizational Review be received;

 

And that $224,276 be included in the 2007 budget for the Organizational Model for Recreation Services subject to a report forthcoming from staff to General Committee and Council with respect to the implementation process and final approval of the model;

 

And that John Ryerson be appointed as Acting Director of the Culture portfolio;

 

And that the Culture portfolio report directly to the Commissioner of Community & Fire Services.

CARRIED