GENERAL COMMITTEE
2007-06-11
Meeting No.
18
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. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
B.
Cribbett, Treasurer
A.
Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services
J.
Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services
P.
Loukes, Director, Operations
K.
Newson, Manager of Purchasing
F. Wong,
Manager, Financial Planning
K.
Kitteringham, Deputy Clerk
B.
Labelle, Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. with Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair.
Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair at 9:18 a.m.
Councillor E. Shapero assumed the Chair at 12:20 a.m.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None.
1. 2006
AUDIT REVIEW BY KPMG LLP (7.0)
Mr. Kevin Travers,
KPMG LLP provided an overview of the 2006 Audit Review completed by KPMG LLP.
He presented information regarding the federal gas tax, investments in Markham
Enterprise Corporation (MEC), tangible capital assets and depreciation and
misstatements. The Committee posed questions on the availability of
PowerStream’s financials as well as how the audit relates to art and historical
assets. Staff advised that PowerStream’s financials were available upon request
and that art and historical assets were not included in the audit process but
were itemized and assessed in a list maintained annually by staff. It was also
noted that the Town was reviewing the possibility of an internal auditor
function.
Moved by Deputy
Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
That the
presentation and management letter by Mr. Kevin Travers and Ms. Kelly Taiabjee,
KPMG LLP be received.
CARRIED
2. INFORMATION
MARKHAM: TOURISM MARKHAM
FUNDING UPDATE (12.2.6, 3.17)
Mr. P. Miller, Chair, Information Markham,
and Ms. Rebecca Chu, Smart Research eMarketing were in attendance to present a
work plan relating to the concepts and identity of Tourism Markham. He
indicated that Information Markham has worked with the Markham Board of Trade,
Tourism York, Business Improvement Areas groups and Smart Research eMarketing
to develop the concept of “Experience Markham”. Ms. Chu presented screenshots
of the Tourism Markham website and Mr. Miller highlighted examples of
visitation plans that will be made available for groups planning to visit and experience
Markham.
The Committee recommended minor changes to
the visitation plans and Mr. Miller confirmed that they were working examples
would be amended before being posted to the website. Members agreed that the
work done to date was excellent and confirmed that the program should continue
to focus on promoting Markham area businesses.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the presentation by Mr. P. Miller,
Chair, Information Markham, regarding Tourism Markham be received and that the $4,750 originally budget by
the Town for the program be released to Information Markham.
CARRIED
3. DEPUTATION – YORK DURHAM REGION EA UPDATE
AND WASTE DIVERSION OPPORTUNITIES (5.7)
Mr. Ed Candolini, Communities First,
presented information regarding the proposed York/Durham incinerator as well as
statistics relating to waste diversion. He discussed the costs of the
incinerator, suggesting that Markham residents should not responsible for them.
Mr. Candolini indicated his support of staff’s recommendation and commented
that the incinerator is not needed and the Region should instead focus on
educating the public with respect to their sustainability plan.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Regional Councillor. T. Wong
That the deputation by Mr. E. Candolini,
Communities First, regarding the proposed York/Durham incinerator be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES
OF THE MAY 28, 2007 MEETING OF THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the minutes of
the May 28, 2007 meeting of the General Committee be confirmed.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES
OF THE APRIL 26, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
(16.0)
Minutes
Members recommended
that the Conservation Committee’s name change request be referred to the
Commissioner of Community and Fire Services to review along with potential
amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference and mandate and that a
comprehensive report be brought back to a forthcoming meeting of the General
Committee.
Moved by Councillor
D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
That the minutes of
the April 26, 2007 meeting of the Markham Conservation Committee be received;
And that the proposed name change of the Markham Conservation
Committee to the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee be referred to the
Commissioner of Community and Fire Services to report back at a forthcoming
meeting of the General Committee in conjunction with potential amendments to
the Committee’s mandate and Terms of Reference.
CARRIED
6. MINUTES
OF THE MAY 7, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the minutes of
the May 7, 2007 meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee be received.
CARRIED
7. MINUTES
OF THE MAY 14, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CANADA DAY COMMITTEE
(16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the minutes of
the May 14, 2007 meeting of the Markham Canada Day Committee be received.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES
OF THE APRIL 20, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM BUILDING AND PARKS
CONSTRUCTION
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the minutes of
the April 20, 2007 meeting of the Markham Building and Parks Construction
Committee be received.
CARRIED
9. 2007
FIRST QUARTER INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0)
Report 1 2 3
4
5 6
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
dated May 8, 2007 entitled “2007 First Quarter Investment Performance Review” be
received.
CARRIED
10. DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES INDEXING JULY 1, 2007 (7.3)
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
titled “Development Charges Indexing July 1, 2007” be received;
And that Council
approve an increase in development charges of 2.8%, effective July 1, 2007.
CARRIED
11. DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES DECEMBER 31, 2006 RESERVE
BALANCES AND ANNUAL ACTIVITY
OF THE ACCOUNTS (7.3)
Report 1
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
titled “Development Charges December 31, 2006 Reserve Balances and Annual
Activity of the Accounts” be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
12. DEVELOPMENT
CHARGE DEFERRAL – BOX GROVE
HILL DEVELOPMENTS INC. (7.3)
Report 1
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
titled “Development Charge Deferral – Box Grove Hill Developments Inc.” be
received;
And that the Mayor
and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with Box Grove Hill
Developments Inc for the deferral of the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific
development charges on 2.884 hectares of land pending the approval of the land
severance application B16/07 on Block 185, Plan 65M-3907, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And that the
agreement provide that the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charge
be deferred pending the approval of the land severance application B16/07 to be
considered by the Committee of Adjustment on June 13, 2007;
And that the
agreement provide that in the event the land severance application is not
approved, that the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charges be
immediately payable on the 2.884 hectares;
And that the
agreement provide that in the event the land severance application is not
approved, and Box Grove Hill Developments Inc. does not provide payment, that
the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charges on the 2.884 hectares
be added to the tax roll in accordance with section 32 of the Development Charges Act, 1997;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
13. SPONSORSHIP
OF THE 2007 CANADIAN CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
IN MARKHAM (10.16, 12.2.6).
Report 1
Staff confirmed that
a direct payment would be made to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as opposed
to services donated in kind. The Committee posed questions with respect to
recognition of the Town’s sponsorship. Staff advised that a memo would be
distributed to all Members of Council providing specific details as to how the
sponsorship would be recognized.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
dated June 11, 2007 entitled “Sponsorship of the 2007 Canadian Chamber of
Commerce Annual General Meeting in Markham” be received;
And that the Town of
Markham sponsors the Canadian Chamber of Commerce event in 2007, in the amount
of $10,000;
And that the
one-time funding be provided for from the Corporate Contingency account,
840-841-7849;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
14. AWARD OF TENDER 052-T-07
CONSTRUCTION OF
VILLAGES OF FAIRTREE COMMUNITY
PARK (7.12)
Report
Staff provided clarification regarding the pre-qualification criteria
used to select the preferred applicant.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report entitled “Award of Tender 052-T-07, Construction of Villages of Fairtree Community
Park” be received;
And
that the contract for Tender 052-T-07 for the construction of Villages of Fairtree Community Park be awarded to the lowest priced qualified bidder,
Gateman-Milloy Inc. in the amount of $1,368,321.79, exclusive of GST;
And
that a contingency in the amount of $136,832.00
exclusive of GST, be established to cover any additional construction and
consultant costs and that the Director of Planning and Urban Design 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 the award be funded from Planning and Urban
Design’s Capital Budget account 81-5350-6259-005, Villages of Fairtree
Community Park in the amount of $1,445,900.00 and account 81-5350-6654-005,
Wismer Neighborhood Park 3 in the amount of $149,863;
And
that upon payment of all invoices associated with
this project, any remaining funds will be returned to the original funding sources.
And further that staff be authorized
and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
15. AWARD OF TENDER 060-T-07
CONSTRUCTION OF
ORCHARD VIEW NEIGHBOURHOOOD
PARK (7.12)
Report
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report entitled “Award of Tender 060-T-07, Construction of
Orchard View Neighbourhood Park” be received;
And that the contract for Tender 060-T-07 for the construction of
Orchard View Neighbourhood Park be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Zuron
Construction Inc in the amount of $405,312.72 exclusive of a $40,531.00
contingency and GST;
And that a consultant and construction contingency amount of $40,531.00
exclusive of GST, be established to cover additional consultant/construction
costs and that the Director of Planning & Urban Design or designate be
authorized to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the
specified amount in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy;
And that staff be authorized to issue a PO in the amount of $28,788.76
for Madison Homes Ltd. for financing the design work of Orchard View
Neighbourhood Park;
And that staff be authorized to retain Cosburn Giberson for contract
administration services in the amount of $15,500 on a non-competitive
procurement basis pursuant to Purchasing By-law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7
(1c);
And that the above be funded from Planning and Urban Design’s Capital
Budget account
81-5350-7626-005, Greensborough N.P. Orchard View in the amount of
$494,400.00 and account 81-5350-6654-005, Wismer Neighbourhood Park 3 in the
amount of $33,172.48;
And that upon payment of all invoices associated with this project, any
remaining funds will be returned to the original funding sources;
And that further staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
16. TOWN
CONVEYANCE TO STRINGBRIDGE INVESTMENTS
LIMITED SURPLUS LANDS OUTSIDE THE ROAD
ALLOWANCE KNOWN AS CLEGG ROAD – BLOCK 13,
PLAN 65M-2668, MARKHAM (8.1)
Report 1 2
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That a By-law be enacted to stop up and close that portion of the
surplus Clegg Road turning circle legally described as Block 13, Plan 65M-2668;
And that the portion of the surplus Clegg Road turning circle being
lands legally described as Block 13, Plan 65M-2668 be declared surplus pursuant
to Town of Markham By-law 178-96 and that notice of the proposed disposition of
such lands be placed on the agenda for the Council meeting of June 12, 2007;
And that a By-law be enacted at Council on June 12, 2007, authorizing
the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Transfer of Land and other related documents
for the completion of conveyancing required, in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor;
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
17. EXTENSION OF CONTRACT
133-T-06 CCTV INSPECTION
OF SANITARY AND STORM SEWER
MAINS (5.5, 7.12)
Report
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report entitled “Extension of Contract 133-T-06 CCTV Inspection
of Sanitary and Storm Sewer Mains” be received;
And that Contract 133-T-06 for CCTV Inspection of Sanitary and Storm
Sewer Mains be extended for Two (2) years with Veolia ES Sewer Services Inc. in
the estimated annual amount of $300,000 totalling $600,000, exclusive of GST;
And that funds for this contract for the 2007 period be drawn fro the
2007 Capital and Operating Budget Accounts as listed in the financial
considerations in the amount of $300,000, exclusive of GST;
And that funds for this contract for the 2008 period, in the amount of
$300,000, exclusive of GST, be included in the 2008 budget discussion and
subject to Council approval;
And that the remaining balance be applied to other sanitary and storm
sewer main projects;
And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
18. 2007
CANADIAN OPEN TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT PLAN (5.12, 12.2.6)
Report
Members
requested clarification regarding the enforcement options available to the Town
if parking on streets adjacent to Angus Glen Golf Club became problematic.
Staff advised that The Municipal Act
reinforced by Bill 130 provided the opportunity for Council to delegate matters
of a minor nature to the appropriate staff. Staff suggested that ad hoc parking
control measures would fall under this provision. The Committee recommended
that road signage be installed well in advance of the event in order to advised
residents of parking restrictions during the Open.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That authority to
enact temporary parking restrictions and road closures, as required to address
traffic circulation for the 2007 Bell Canada Open at Angus Glen Golf Club, be delegated to the Commissioner of
Community and Fire Services or designate;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
19. ANNUAL WATER
QUALITY REPORT
JANUARY- DECEMBER, 2006 (5.3)
Report
1
The Committee requested an update on the
drinking fountains within the Town Centre that are not operational. Staff
advised that they will be addressing the matter in a Capital Improvements
report in the fall. Members requested that signage be posted on each fountain
indicating that they are not functioning.
Staff provided an update on the Ministry of
Environment’s warning regarding the possibility of lead content in drinking
water in a number of Ontario municipalities in Ontario. Staff advised that a
question and answer document concerning the issue was posted to the Town’s
website. Staff also highlighted new regulations that require child care
facilities built prior to 1989 to perform daily flushing and conduct and submit
annual water quality tests. It was noted that a full report on the matter is
forthcoming to a future General Committee meeting.
Members requested clarification on the
number and location of auto flushing stations to be installed in the Town of
Markham. Staff advised that the project was long term but advised that design
work was currently underway with respect to the installation of eighteen (18)
flushing stations. It was also noted that Staff would work with area
Councillors to commence a public information process prior to any installation.
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the Annual
(2006) Summary Report to Council as required by Schedule 22 of Ontario
Regulation 170/03 enclosed herein be received;
And that the Annual
(2006) Regulatory Report to Ministry of the Environment (MOE) (Attachment “A”),
comprised of Parts I, II & III – Form 2, III-Form 6 for the Ministry of the
Environment on water supply and quality as required by Section 11 of Ontario
Regulation 170/03 be received;
And that Council
directs staff to post the Annual (2006) Regulatory Report to MOE on the
Town’s website and that it be made available and provided to residents upon
request in hard copy version;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
20. PROTECTION
OF THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
THROUGH BACKFLOW PREVENTION
AND
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (5.3)
Report 1 By-law
Staff confirmed that
backflow prevention strategies were put in place as a preventative measure to
avoid water contamination. It was noted that a draft By-law would be needed and
that the public would be consulted during the process. The Committee expressed
concerns regarding enforcement of the regulations given the sheer volume of
those affected by the By-law, namely all commercial properties and all
residential properties that contain lawn sprinkler systems. Staff agreed to
review the concerns to address them when the By-law is before Council on June
26, 2007.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That Council endorse
the proposed strategy to implement a backflow prevention and cross-connection
control program for protection of the Markham drinking-water system as set out
int his report;
And that Council
enact a By-law to regulate cross-connections and backflow prevention on private
plumbing systems in a form substantially similar to Attachment “B”;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to review and bring forward for consideration
technologies that can reduce the risk and impact of contamination of the
drinking-water system due to backflows originating from those properties that
are currently exempted from the provisions of the By-law;
And further that
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to five effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
21. COMMUNITY
REUSE DONATION CENTRE
PROGRAM EXPANSION (5.2, 5.1)
Report
Staff advised that
they would meet with local Councillors to further develop a communication
program to residents. Members advised that the program was working well in
Thornhill and that the continued success of Donation Centers throughout the
Town would assist in increasing diversion rates.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor
E. Shapero
That the report
titled, “Community Reuse Donation Centre Program Expansion” be received;
And further that
staff be authorized to locate a Goodwill Community Reuse Donation Centre
trailer adjacent to the Markham Village Recycling Depot, similar to that which
is located in Thornhill.
CARRIED
22. PROPOSED
RESTRUCTURING OF RECREATION
HALL RATES (6.4)
Report 1 2 3 4
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the report
titled “Proposed Restructuring of Recreation Hall Rates” be received;
And that the
proposed Restructuring of Recreation Hall Rates be approved and implemented
September 1, 2007;
And that Council
approve and authorize the Director of Recreation Services to increase fees
annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with such
increases effective September 1 and rounded to the nearest ½ dollar (see
Appendix D);
And that By-law
2002-276, a by-law to impose fees and charges for services or activities
provided or done by the Town of Markham, be amended to reflect the new rates;
And further that
notice to the public is provided in accordance with By-law 2002-275, a by-law
to prescribe the form and manner and times for the provision of reasonable
notice;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
23. 2007-2008
ICE ALLOCATION REPORT (6.1)
Report 1 2 3 4 5
The Committee expressed concerns regarding
the potential for groups to sublet their allocated ice time. Staff advised that
they are aware of the possibility and have engaged a process to prevent the
abuse.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi
That the report entitled
“2007-2008 Ice Allocation Report” be received;
And that Council
approve the revised Ice Allocation Policy (Appendix A – note changes have been
highlighted);
And that Council
approve the Ice Allocation Schedule (Appendix B) for the 2007-2008 ice season;
And that Council
receive the Special Events List (Appendix C) for the 2007-2008 ice season;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
24. 2006
MISSION GREEN PROGRAM UPDATE AND
PROPOSED 2007 PILOT PROJECTS
(5.2)
Report
Staff demonstrated the “Litter Lid”, a
Markham concept for a blue box cover which will be distributed to roughly 3,000
as part of a pilot project to be conducted in Markham between September –
December, 2007. It was noted that the “Litter Lid” which was manufactured in
Markham and was extremely well received by participants of recent focus groups.
Staff confirmed that the device would not impact the collection process. Staff
also advised of a second pilot project in which transparent garbage bags would
be distributed and temporarily used by residents of a condominium complex and a
gated community within the Town. Staff advised that the transparent bag would
allow for easier identification of those individuals who do not properly
separate their garbage.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding
the volume of recycling materials coming from homes throughout Markham versus
the size of the current blue boxes. The Committee suggested Staff review
possible measures to address this high volume such as a “blue label” that can
be affixed to large containers to convert them into recycling bins and/or a
larger blue box on wheels. Members recommended that the pilot project area for
transparent bags also include a non condominium housing subdivision. There was
also discussion on the use of blue bags which will be used for overflow
recycling. Staff advised of a report that would be forthcoming to a fall
meeting of the General Committee highlighting a number of options relating to
recycling.
The Committee also expressed concerns
regarding new immigrants to Markham and their comprehension of the Town’s
Mission Green initiatives. It was noted that a review of the Town’s current
policies related to Multiculturalism and Town services is being conducted by
the Communications Committee.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Whereas the Town of Markham has a goal to divert 70% of its residential
waste from landfill;
And Whereas staff has applied for project funding from the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Enabling Fund and Stewardship Ontario’s
Effectiveness & Efficiency Fund;
Be It Now Resolved That the report titled, “2006 Mission Green Program
Update and Proposed 2007 Pilot Projects” be received;
And that Markham’s diversion target be increased from 70% to 75% in 2009;
And that staff be authorized to proceed with developing a pilot project
to test the acceptance, compliance and potential diversion impact of residents
using transparent bags for curbside residue and blue bags for overflow
recycling;
And that the Region of York be requested to support Markham’s transparent
bag pilot by accepting for recycling, the overflow blue bags from the pilot
area, at the Region’s recycling facility;
And that staff be authorized to proceed with developing a “Litter Lid”
pilot project to test a new style of blue box cover as a potential method for
decreasing blue box litter and increasing blue box recycling capacity;
And that staff
report back on the addition of a third area for the pilot in which transparent
bags are used for curbside residue;
And that staff
bring back information on alternatives for recycling bins and that they include
the possibility of using a larger blue bin with wheels as well as a “blue
sticker” that could be affixed to household bins;
And that the costs to conduct the proposed pilot projects not funded from
the Green Municipal Enabling Fund or the Stewardship Ontario Effectiveness
& Efficiency Fund, to the upset limit of $49,000, be offset by favourable
2007 Waste Diversion Ontario Blue Box funding;
And further that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
25. TURF
MAINTENANCE REPORT (5.7, 6.3)
Report 1 2 3
Staff was in attendance to present
background information and recommend a five year implementation strategy with
respect to turf maintenance practices of sports fields in Markham. The
Committee expressed concerns and posed various questions regarding the
suggested use of pesticides on fields containing weed cover of fifty per cent
(50%) or more. Staff advised that irrigation systems would be installed in
several sports fields to assist with organic cultural maintenance practices,
but recommended the use of pesticides in the interim for those fields that were
deemed unsafe due to the current weed cover. There was considerable discussion
regarding how long organic cultural practices would take to rehabilitate
fields. Staff noted that in order to re-sod or re-seed a field, it would
require at least one season of inactivity. The Committee expressed concerns
over the loss of any sports fields in Markham due to the overwhelming demand
from users. Members discussed the options put forward by staff including
implementations strategies and timelines as well as the costs and potential
impacts attributed to each.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the staff report entitled “Turf
Maintenance Report” be received;
And that the implementation of cultural
practices on Town properties as part of the Operations Department’s turf
maintenance program be approved in principle;
And that Council approve implementation of
Year One of the proposed Five Year Turf Standards Implementation Plan attached
as Appendix “A”, at a cost of $88,423.00 in the 2007 Parks/Operations Operating
Budget (Account #730-732-5415), and $200,000.00 in the 2007 Parks/Operations
Capital Budget (Enhanced Cultural Practices – Account #059-5350-7503-005);
And that years two to five of the Five Year
Turf Standards Implementation Plan (Appendix “A”) be included annually in the
Parks/Operations Operating and Capital Budget submissions from 2008 to 2011 for
Council’s consideration;
*And
that staff be authorized to engage an organic turf management company to
address the issue of weeds;
*And
that staff be authorized to implement Sports field Rehabilitation Strategy
2 for up to ten (10) “B” level sports fields with
greater than 50% weed populations, as outlined in the
"Turf Maintenance Report";
And that Development Services incorporate
recommendations from the Operations Department to improve both the design and
construction practices for new sports field construction in all new park
construction projects;
And that the Director of Strategic Services
work with the Development Services Commission to identify opportunities to
accelerate construction of new sports fields in new subdivisions;
And that the Director of Strategic Services
work with the Operations Department the Markham Sports Council, and Sport Field user groups to develop new
policies on use of sports fields and report back to Committee and Council in
the fall of 2007 with recommendations for implementation in 2008;
And that Staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
*As
amended by Council on June 26, 2007
26. TOWN CONVEYANCE OF A PORTION OF NEW DELHI
DRIVE TO THE REGION OF YORK (13.4)
Report 1 By-law
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti.
That the report entitled “Town Conveyance
of a portion of New Delhi Drive to the Region of York” be received;
That Part of Lot 3, Concession 8,
designated as Parts 1 and 4, Plan 65R-29254 be declared surplus pursuant to
Town of Markham By-law 178-96 and that notice of the proposed disposition of
such lands be placed on the agenda for the Council meeting of June 12, 2007;
And that a by-law be enacted at council on
June 12, 2007, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Transfer of Land in
favour of the Region of York for nominal consideration and other related
documents for the completion of this transaction, all in a form satisfactory to
the Town Solicitor;
And that Staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary including execution of documents to give effect to
this report.
CARRIED
27. YORK DURHAM EA UPDATE AND
WASTE DIVERSION
OPPORTUNITIES (5.7)
Report
Staff was in attendance to present
information on the proposed York/Durham incinerator and to provide information
on potential alternative strategies to increase waste diversion. The use of
transparent bags for residue, the use of plastic bags for overflow recyclables,
mandatory BIA recycling, the communication of reuse models and a “Zero Waste”
philosophy were some of the opportunities discussed. The Committee expressed
concerns over the proposed York/Durham incinerator as details relating to the
cost and operation of the facility had not yet been fully presented to Regional
Council.
The Committee discussed the current state
of the Three Stream "Green Bin" residential organics collection
program. Members recommended that residents are reminded that plastic bags are
not to be used for organic residue.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the report
titled, “Waste Diversion Opportunities and York Durham EA Information” be
received,
And that staff be
directed to investigate and report back on the diversion initiatives outlined
in this report,
And that the
Markham’s Waste Management staff work with the Purchasing and Asset Management
Departments to investigate and report back on a Zero Waste procurement policy
for all purchasing activities within the Town, including financial
implications,
And that a copy of this Report be forwarded to York Region, Durham
Region, and each of the Area Municipalities in the Regions of York and Durham;
And that staff bring
forward a report to provide comprehensive details on the implementation and
communication of a Zero Waste philosophy as well as additional waste diversion
opportunities to a fall meeting of the General Committee;
And further that this
report include a recommendation suggesting that the Region of York reconsider
accepting blue bags for overflow recycling waste.
CARRIED
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General Committee recessed at 1:15 p.m. and re-convened at 1:30 p.m.
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Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the
Committee resolve In Camera to discuss confidential property matters (1:34
p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the
Committee rise. (1:52 p.m.)
CARRIED
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28. CANADIAN SPORTS INSTITUTE
(3.0)
Town Staff was in
attendance to present information relating to the Canadian Sports Institute of
Ontario (CSIO). The presentation highlighted background information,
partnership arrangements, capital contributions to the project, proposed usage
and operating agreements, as well as details relating to the site and site
servicing, the use of development charges, and business risks and mitigation.
The Committee posed various questions regarding the partnership arrangement and
discussed liability with respect to potential cost overruns and operating
deficiencies. Members also discussed proposed transit amenities and a parking
structure needed to properly service the facility. There was considerable
discussion regarding the proposed composition of amenities included in the
design of the CSIO facility as well as the shared use agreement with the CSIO.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by Deputy
Mayor J. Jones
That the staff
presentation regarding the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO) facility
be received and that a further report including the CSIO Steering Committee
recommendations come forward to the June 18, 2007 General Committee meeting.
CARRIED
29. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD
APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
Moved by Councillor
J. Webster
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That Mr. William Pialagitis,
Chair, Markham Village BIA, be appointed to the Markham Main Street Committee
effective immediately.
CARRIED
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Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the
Committee resolve In Camera to discuss a confidential personnel matter (3:05
p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by
Regional Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by
Councillor V. Burke
That the
Committee rise. (3:15 p.m.)
CARRIED
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General Committee recessed at 3:15 p.m. and re-convened at 3:45 p.m.
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General Committee
meeting adjourned at the hour of 3:45 p.m.