FINANCE
& ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
2003-09-22 - Council
Chambers
Meeting No. 17
Attendance
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J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
C. Conrad,
Town Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
J. Allen,
Chief Information Officer
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
J. Lustig,
Director of Financial & Client Services
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
F. Wong,
Manager, Financial Planning
L. Wells,
Manager of Programs
R.
Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning
L. Manuel,
Seniors Coordinator
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor
and Council
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
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The Finance & Administrative Committee
convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with Councillor K. Usman in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Councillor J. Virgilio disclosed an interest
with respect to the matter relating to the surplus property on part of Old 16th
Avenue, east of Ninth Line, by nature of he representing the owner of one of
the adjoining properties, and did not take part in the consideration or
discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.
1. RELEASE
AND ABANDONMENT OF PERMANENT
AND TEMPORARY STORM SEWER EASEMENT
PART OF LOT 18, CONCESSION 3,
DESIGNATED
AS PARTS 15 AND 16, PLAN
65R-17583, MARKHAM (8.1) Weblink
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Release and
Abandonment of Easement for lands legally described as Part of Lot 18,
Concession 3, designated as Parts 15 and 16, Plan 65R-17583, Markham, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
2. PROVINCIAL
PERFORMANCE MEASURES - 2002 (7.0)
Weblink 1 2
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council receive the report entitled "Provincial Performance Measures -
2002", dated September 22, 2003;
And
that staff publish the mandatory Provincial Performance Measures on the Town of
Markham website.
CARRIED
3. TAX
WRITE OFFS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 354
OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT (7.3
& 7.1.13) Weblink 1 2
The
Commissioner of Corporate Services noted a correction on Page 2 of the staff
report. Corrected copies of the report
would be included in the Council Meeting agenda of September 30, 2003.
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
taxes totalling $655,830.86 (excluding penalty and interest), as set out in the
staff report dated September 22, 2003, be written off pursuant to the provisions
of Section 354 of the Municipal Act, 2001;
And
that the applicable penalty and/or interest charges be adjusted accordingly;
And
that the Treasurer be directed to remove the taxes from the Collector's Roll.
CARRIED
4. REGISTRATION
REFUND POLICY (6.4 & 2.1)
Moved by
Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the revised Recreation and Culture Registration Refund Policy be approved to
meet the increasing demand on recreation programs, day camps and swim lessons;
And
that Council approve the introduction of a $10 administration fee per program
registration cancelled less than five (5) business days prior to the start of
the first class or after the program has started;
And
that the $10.00 Administration Fee be waived if the customer accepts a credit
on their account;
And
that, if a written request to cancel is submitted up to and including the
second class/day, then the amount refunded be pro-rated based on the number of
classes held;
And
further that the new policy, attached to this report as Appendix B, be
implemented in January 2004 - Winter Session.
CARRIED
5. MARKHAM
LITTLE THEATRE (7.6 & 6.2 & 6.5)
Weblink
The
Commissioner of Corporate Services advised that consideration is being given to
MLT using the Implement Building on the Museum property, and raised the issue
of transferring the exhibits presently housed in the Implement Building to
other buildings on the Museum site. Staff
will meet with MLT regarding the costs involved in this move.
Mr. John
Storey, Chair, Markham Little Theatre (MLT) Fundraising Committee, was in
attendance and stressed the importance of a Committee decision this date.
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor J. Virgilio
That
Council approve an interest free loan to a
maximum of $200,000 to the Markham Little Theatre (MLT) for the
construction of a workshop, storage and rehearsal facility at the Markham
Museum site, conditional upon the approval of the building design, security
provisions, and the completion of a parking study;
And
that the Markham Little Theatre repay the loan with equal annual payments
beginning September 30, 2004 over the next fifteen (15) years;
And
that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a loan agreement with the
Markham Little Theatre in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
6. COMMUNITY
SPORT COUNCIL (6.10)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That
the report entitled "Community Sport Council" be received as
information;
And
that staff work with stakeholders in the development of an independent model
(See Option 1, Page 5 of staff report) for a Community Sport Council;
And
further that staff report back with an update on the development of the
Community Sport Council and related costs.
CARRIED
7. MARKHAVEN
GALA EVENING 2003 - CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN
BANQUET HALL - NOVEMBER 6,
2003 (12.2.6 & 6.3)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
Council sponsor the Markhaven Gala Evening 2003 on November 6, 2003 at the
Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall for a gold sponsorship at $2,000.00.
CARRIED
8. YORK
CENTRAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION - CHICAGO
NIGHT, LEPARC, NOVEMBER 7, 2003
(12.2.6 & 6.3)
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor J. Heath
That Council approve a Bronze sponsorship in the amount of $3,000.00
for the York Central Hospital Foundation - Chicago Night Gala, at LeParc on
November 7, 2003;
And that up to 10 Members of Council or staff be invited to attend.
CARRIED
9. CHARLES
SAURIOL ENVIRONMENTAL LAND
TRUST DINNER, TORONTO CONGRESS
CENTRE
NOVEMBER 6, 2003 (12.2.6 &
6.3)
Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That Council approve the purchase of a table for 8 (eight) at
$1,000.00;
And that Members of Council and staff be invited to attend.
CARRIED
10. UNIONVILLE-MILLIKEN
SOCCER CLUB - REQUEST
FOR GRANT - U18 BOYS
PROVINCIAL TEAM (7.6)
Committee requested
staff to ensure that the Unionville-Milliken Soccer Club acknowledges the
support of the Town of Markham on their wearing apparel.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That the
letter dated September 16, 2003 from the President of the Unionville-Milliken
Soccer Club requesting financial assistance for their U18 Boys Provincial team
trip to the Nationals being held in Winnipeg on October 8, 2003, be received;
And
that in accordance with Town's Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines, Council
provide support to the Unionville-Milliken U18 Boys Provincial team trip to
Winnipeg in October, 2003, as follows:
"support community groups competing at a
national or international level
and the support would be 50% of the cost of the wearing apparel to a
maximum
amount of $1,000.00".
And
that this support be subject to staff ensuring that the Unionville-Milliken
Soccer Club acknowledges the support of the Town of Markham on their wearing
apparel.
CARRIED
11. PROPOSAL
FOR SPECIAL CONSTABLE REVIEW -
ESTABLISHMENT OF MARKHAM TASK
FORCE (2.0& 16.24)
Councillor Stan Daurio reported that at a
meeting of the Region of York Police Services Board, the City of Vaughan had
presented a proposal that Vaughan By-law Officers be granted special constable
status to be empowered to enforce various statutes and legislation. The Board directed that further discussion
take place between the Region of York Chief of Police, the City of Vaughan and
the Town of Markham prior to a decision.
Copies of a draft resolution, prepared by
Councillor Daurio were distributed to all Members of Committee for their
consideration.
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
Whereas it has been interpreted by the Provincial Minister of Public Safety
that the York Region Police Services Board has the authority to appoint a
Special Constable;
And whereas a Special Constable may stop and ticket a vehicle for
speeding or for a stop sign violation, or for other offences;
And whereas Markham has requested that local enforcement officials be
granted such authority;
And whereas, the Chief of Police for York Region was directed by the
Board to meet with representatives of Markham and Vaughan to discuss the
conveyance of some powers which could provide a mutual benefit;
Therefore be it resolved that the following committee of elected
officials and staff be appointed to represent Markham, to request a meeting
with the Chief at his earliest convenience, and to negotiate conditions under
which selected Markham enforcement officers can be appointed as Special
Constables:
Regional
Councillor F. Scarpitti
Councillor K.
Usman
Councillor A.
Chiu
Councillor Stan
Daurio
Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Town Solicitor
Town Clerk
CARRIED
12. SITE RESERVED FOR PLACE OF WORSHIP
FOREST BAY HOMES LIMITED PART OF BLOCK 43,
PLAN 65M-3425, DESIGNATED AS PARTS 3, 4 & 5,
PLAN 65R-26144 (HIGHGLEN AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 48) (8.5 & 10.8)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That a by-law
be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the necessary conveyance
to Forest Bay Homes Limited, or as they may direct, for lands legally described
as Part of Block 43, Plan 65M-3425, designated as Part 6, Plan 65R-26144, in a
form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor, upon a conveyance of Parts 3, 4 and 5,
Plan 65R-26144 for a Place of Worship.
CARRIED
13. POTENTIAL SURPLUS PROPERTY AND DISPOSAL
PART OF OLD 16TH AVENUE, EAST OF NINTH LINE,
MARKHAM (8.5)
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
part of Old 16th Avenue, situated to the east of Ninth Line, shown in Appendix
2 as Parts 5, 6, 8 and 20 on Plan 65R-14883, containing a total of 4.0+- acres,
be declared surplus pursuant to Town of Markham By-law 178-96;
And
that notice of the proposed disposition of part of Old 16th Avenue, shown in
Appendix 2 as Parts, 5, 6, 8 and 20 on Plan 65R-14883, containing a total of
4.0+- acres be placed on the Agenda for the Council Meeting on September 30,
2003, as required by Town of Markham By-law 178-96;
And
further that the Manager of Real Property be authorized to enter into
negotiations for the sale of the property to abutting landowners and be
required to report back to Council on this matter.
CARRIED
14. REVISIONS TO STANDARD AGREEMENT OF
PURCHASE AND SALE LOTS IN THE HERITAGE
SUBDIVISION, MARKHAM (8.2 &16.11)
Moved by
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That Clause
4(a) of the standard Agreement of Purchase and Sale for a vacant lot within
Heritage Estates Subdivision between the Town and an approved purchaser be
revised to permit a first building mortgage in a principal amount not to exceed
$350,000;
And that when
requests are received in writing by property owners of lots within Heritage
Estates Subdivision where the second mortgage has not been discharged, the
Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute postponement of the Town's second
mortgage to permit registration of a new first mortgage not to exceed a
principal amount of $350,000.
CARRIED
15. HERITAGE
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION PROGRAM
ONTARIO HERITAGE FOUNDATION -
NOMINATION
SUGGESTIONS FOR COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION (16.11 & 12.2.6)
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council provide direction as to the recommendation of Heritage Markham, that
Susan Casella be nominated for the Ontario Heritage Foundation Heritage
Community Recognition Award in the Built Heritage category and that George
Duncan be nominated in the Cultural Heritage category.
CARRIED
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Other matters
considered by Finance & Administrative Committee on September 22, 2003:
16. PROPERTY
TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM
FOR HERITAGE PROPERTIES -
FINAL (7.3 & 16.11) Weblink
The Director of Taxation advised that the
report dated September 22, 2003, entitled "Property Tax Reduction Program
For Heritage Properties", prepared jointly by the Finance Department and
Heritage Planning, primarily incorporates feedback obtained from a Public
Information Meeting held on July 10, 2003, from residents relating to the
proposed heritage tax relief program.
Committee members raised various issues,
including: the amount of the heritage tax rebate being proposed; a suggestion
that staff make a formal presentation regarding this program to the Region of
York if approved by Council; and prior to approval, circulation of the
recommendations and the report to those residents who attended the Public
Information Meeting for further input; removal of the easement agreement should
the program be eliminated in the future; and administration costs of the
program.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled
"Property Tax Reduction Program for Heritage Properties" be referred
back to staff to be circulated as soon as possible to those residents who where
in attendance at the Public Information Meeting on July 10, 2003 to obtain
further input;
And that staff review the
responses received and incorporate the information into a further staff report
to be considered, if possible, at the October 20, 2003 Finance &
Administrative Committee meeting;
And further that staff
include in such report options available, particularly regarding easement
agreements if owners of heritage properties wish to opt out of the heritage tax
rebate program in the future.
CARRIED
17. REQUEST
FOR GRANT - ALL ABOUT KIDS FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 5-8, 2004, MARKVILLE
MALL (7.6 & 16.21)
Ms.
Patty Loveland and Ms. Mary Pan were in attendance and addressed Committee
regarding the "All About Kids Festival", the first regional indoor
children's festival scheduled for February 5 to February 8, 2004 at Markville
Shopping Centre.
They
advised that the Festival will celebrate children and youth, provide a great
variety of information on services available in the Town of Markham and Region
of York, celebrate cultural diversity in the community, and create a fun-filled
family event. Committee was being
requested to consider a grant in the amount of $5,000, comprised of $2,500 from
the Town of Markham and $2,500 from the Mayor's Youth Task Force, which would
assist to offset costs relating to tables, table covers, easels, t-shirts,
balloons and stage AV equipment.
Moved by
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That
the presentation of Ms. Patty Loveland and Ms. Mary Pan regarding the "All
About Kids Festival", the first regional indoor children's festival
scheduled for February 5 to February 8, 2004 at Markville Shopping Centre, be
received;
CARRIED
Committee
also had before them, as Item #8 of the Finance & Administrative Agenda, a
staff report dated September 22, 2003 entitled "Grant Request - All About
Kids Festival". Members queried
various matters including: status of organization - i.e. not-for-profit; the
role of the Mayor's Youth Task Force; services in kind; Region of York
participation; alternate Town sources of financial assistance, such as the
Markham Race Relations Committee;
Moved
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That the request for financial assistance regarding the "All About
Kids Festival" be referred back to staff for a report, following
discussions with the organizers.
CARRIED
18. REQUEST
FOR GRANT - UNIONVILLE HOME SOCIETY
UNIONVILLE LONG TERM CARE
FACILITY (7.6 & 8.5)
Mr.
Graham Constantine, CEO, Unionville Home Society, addressed Committee regarding
a request for financial assistance with respect to the new Union Villa
long-term care facility. Committee was
requested to consider a grant for $26,717.50, a deferral of the sewer
contributions, and alternate security for the landscaping costs.
Following
some discussion, Committee queried various issues, including: the status of the
Highway #7 sewer connection; the viability of the Eureka Street house as
collateral; possible assistance
from the new Ontario Affordable Housing Program; and the feasibility of
developing a Town policy on such applications for assistance.
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That
the deputation of Mr. Graham Constantine, CEO, Unionville Home Society
regarding a request for financial assistance with respect to the new Union
Villa long-term care facility, be received;
And that the matter be referred to staff to report back as soon as
possible, either to Finance and Administrative Committee or Committee of the
Whole.
CARRIED
19. 2003
YEAR END PROJECTION (7.0)
Mr.
Fuwing Wong, Manager, Financial Planning, made a brief presentation.
Moved by
Councillor D Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor J. Heath
That
the presentation of the Manager, Financial Planning with respect to the 2003
Year-End Projection, be received.
CARRIED
20. MINUTES
- COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
JULY
8 AND AUGUST
26, 2003 (16.23 & 12.2)
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the minutes of the Communications Committee meetings held on July 8 and August
26, 2003, be received.
CARRIED
21. STAFF
AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE PERIOD
FROM AUGUST 9 TO SEPTEMBER 5,
2003 (7.12) Weblink
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the report entitled "Staff Awarded Contracts for the period from August 9
to September 5, 2003" dated September 22, 2003 be received for information
only.
CARRIED
22. THORNHILL SENIORS CLUB
SHORT-TERM LIABILITY COVERAGE (12.2.6 & 4.0)
Councillor
Daurio reported that the Executive of the new Thornhill Seniors Club requires
short-term liability coverage. Staff
will investigate securing liability insurance in the interim until the new Club
receives official status.
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Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss
property and personnel matters. (3:40 p.m.)
CARRIED
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the Committee rise and report. (3:50
p.m.)
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Finance & Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the
hour of 3:50 p.m.