GENERAL COMMITTEE
2007-11-26
Meeting
No. 33
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
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
P. Wealleans,
Director, Taxation
J. Lustig, Director
of Financial and Client Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
S. Andrews,
Director, Asset Management
S. Laing, Director,
Human Resources
A. Tang, Acting Manager,
Financial Planning
C. Raynor, Committee
Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed
1. CHILDREN
AND SMOKE FREE CARS (13.4)
Communication
Ms. C.
Jaynes, Director of Healthy Lifestyles, Regional Health Services, presented
background information relating to a resolution passed by York Regional Council
urging the federal government to pass legislation to ban smoking in cars with children.
Ms. Jaynes presented research on second hand smoke and its effects and the
results of public surveys on the subject.
Moved by
Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
deputation by Cathy Jaynes, Director of Healthy Lifestyles, Regional Health
Services, regarding Children and Smoke Free Cars be received;
And that the letter dated October 18, 2007 from Mr. D. Kelly,
Regional Clerk regarding a resolution passed by York Region Council urging the
federal government to pass legislation regarding children and smoke free cars,
be received;
And that
the resolution passed by York Region Council urging the federal government to
pass legislation regarding children and smoke free cars be endorsed.
CARRIED
2. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 12, 2007
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti
That the minutes of the November 12, 2007
General Committee be received.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES
OF THE AUGUST 29 AND OCTOBER 3, 2007
MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD (16.0)
August
29th October
3rd
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti
That the minutes of the August 29 and
October 3, 2007 Markham Museum Board be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES
OF THE JUNE 25 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
MARKHAM THEATRE BOARD (16.0)
June
25th September
24th
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti
That the minutes of the June 25 and
September 29, 2007 Markham Theatre Board be received.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES
OF THE NOVEMBER 14, 2007
GRANT SUBCOMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the minutes of the November 14, 2007
Grant Subcommittee be received;
And
that the request to increase the 2008 Grants Sub-Committee allocation by
$40,000 over 2007 be referred to the Budget Sub-Committee.
CARRIED
6. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
(16.24)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti
Markham Race Relations Committee
That the resignation of Mr. Jan Godschalk
from the Markham Race Relations Committee be accepted with regret;
And that the vacant position be included
with all other upcoming advisory committee vacancies in the fall of 2007;
Markham Theatre Advisory Board
And that the resignation of Mr. Bernard
Yeung from the Markham Theatre Advisory Board be received with regret;
And that the vacant position
be considered with all other upcoming advisory committee vacancies;
Victoria Square Community Centre Board
And that the following persons be appointed
to the Victoria Square Community Centre Board, for the term ending December 31,
2008:
Edith Friedel, Chairperson
Ruth Brock
Joy Mortson
Jean McCron
Don Boynton
Dan
Horchik
Councillor Appointments
And that one (1) Councillor be appointed to
the Don Watershed Regeneration Committee for the term ending June, 2009;
And that one (1) Councillor be appointed to
the Markham Race Relations Committee for the term ending November 30, 2008;
And that one (1) Councillor be
appointed to the Markham Arts Council for the term ending November
30, 2008.
CARRIED
7. STAFF
AWARDED CONTRACTS
FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2007(7.12)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That
consideration of the report titled, “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of
October, 2007” be deferred to December 3, 2007.
CARRIED
8. CROWN
OWNED PROPERTIES
PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (13.5.2)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti
That the report entitled “Crown Owned
Properties – Payments in Lieu of Taxes” be received;
And that Council support the motion by the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) requesting that the Federal
Government withdraw its appeal for properties in the City of Montreal and pay
its fair share of property taxes to the local government in communities where
it owns property;
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
9. 2008 WATER/WASTEWATER
RATE INCREASE (5.3)
Report Appendix
A B C D
There was brief
discussion of two (2) of the phasing-in options.
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the report
dated November 26, 2007 entitled “2008 Water/Wastewater rate increase” be
received;
And that the
minutes of the Public Council Meeting held November 20, 2007, regarding
water/wastewater rate increases, be received;
And that the 2008 Water/Wastewater rate increase be
equivalent to the Region of York’s (“Region”) increase of 6.35% resulting in an
increase in the Town of Markham’s (“Town”) Water/Wastewater rate of $0.1006 per
cubic metre (m3);
And that in addition to the Region’s increase, a
Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Surcharge of $0.4137/m3 will be
phased-in over 10 years effective January 1, 2008 with an increase of $0.0827/m3
(20% of total increase) in 2008 and an increase of $0.0621/m3
(15% of total increase) in 2009. The remaining 65% increase of $0.2689 will be
spread evenly over the following 8 years which is equivalent to an increase of
$0.0336/m3 per year from 2010 to 2017 inclusive. The Infrastructure Surcharge will be applied
to the Water/Wastewater rate to address the ongoing replacement and
rehabilitation requirements for Waterworks infrastructure;
And that the total 2008 Water/Wastewater rate be
increased from $1.5838/m3 to $1.7671/m3, an increase of
$0.1833/m3 or 11.6%;
And that By-Law
2002-276, the bylaw on fees and charges for services or activities provided or
performed by the Town of Markham, be amended to reflect the increase in
Water/Wastewater rate;
And that Staff report back to Council annually on the
Region’s Water/Wastewater rate increase and the status of the Water/Wastewater
Reserve Balance and any potential Infrastructure Surcharges in addition to the
total increase of $0.4137/m3;
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all
things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
See following motion to amend which was lost
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That Option 9 be approved which represents a 15%
increase in 2008 and a 15% increase in 2009, with the remaining 70% increase
being spread over eight years.
LOST
10. CANCELLATION,
REDUCTION
OR REFUND OF TAXES
UNDER SECTIONS 357 & 358 OF
THE MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001-COMMERCIAL (7.1)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the December 3,
2007 meeting of General Committee:
“That the non-residential
taxes totalling $99,740.52 be adjusted under Section 357 (in the amount of $97,846.05) and Section 358 (in the amount
of $1,894.47) of the Municipal Act,
2001 of which the Town’s portion is estimated to be $19,879.91;
And that the Treasurer be
directed to adjust the Collector’s Roll accordingly;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.”
CARRIED
11. TAX WRITE-OFFS IN
ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 354 OF THE
MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 (7.1)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the December 3,
2007 meeting of General Committee:
“That taxes totalling $245,757.85
(includes penalty and interest estimated in the amount of $24,012.69) as set
out in this report be written off pursuant to the provisions of Section 354 of
the Municipal Act, 2001, of
which the Town’s portion is $58,815.90;
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
12. STREET
LIGHT ENERGY REVIEW, EXISTING SYSTEM
AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS (10.0)
Report Attachments
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the December 3,
2007 meeting of General Committee:
“That the report dated
October 17, 2007, entitled “Streetlight Energy Review, Existing System and
Alternative Energy Efficient Products” be received;
And that the Asset
Management Department and the Markham Energy Conservation Office (MECO)
continue to investigate alternative streetlighting products on an ongoing basis
and make recommendations to the Engineering Department for revisions to the
Town’s streetlighting standards for use in new developments, when and if such
products are proven to be more energy efficient and as reliable as existing
standards and to report back to Council on an on-going basis;
And that the Asset
Management Department and MECO, be authorized to undertake a pilot project to
reduce the wattage of existing cobra head streetlight fixtures in the Allstate
Parkway industrial/commercial area (Highway 7 and Woodbine Avenue) at a cost
not to exceed $50,000 and to report back to Council in 12 months on the results
of the pilot project;
And that the Asset
Management Department, MECO and the Engineering Department be authorized to
study options to reduce energy consumption and light pollution of the existing
decorative globe fixtures on Town Centre Boulevard and to report back to
Council;
And further that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.”
CARRIED
13. MARKHAM
TAXI PRIORITY LIST (2.23)
Attachment
Mr. M. Eid
spoke on behalf of Mr. B. Dager, a Markham taxi driver requesting an appeal on
the decision to remove his name from the Taxi Priority List. Committee
expressed concern that language difficulties may inhibit effective
communication between the Town and the taxi industry. Staff agreed to consider
this matter.
Moved by
Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the
letter from Mr. B. Dager, taxi driver, requesting an appeal on the decision to
remove his name from the Taxi Priority List;
And the
deputation from Mr. M. Eid on behalf of Mr. Dager be received;
And that a
Licensing Committee hearing be convened to hear Mr. B. Dager’s appeal against
the removal of his name from the Taxi Priority List.
CARRIED
14. WINTER
MAINTENANCE REVIEW (5.0)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the December 3,
2007 meeting of General Committee:
“That the presentation from Mr. P. Ingham, General Manager, Operations,
providing a Winter Maintenance Review, be received.”
CARRIED
15. CITIZEN
SURVEY RESULTS (12.0)
Committee
was advised that a video-recording of the proposed presentation will be made
available to Councillors.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the Citizen Survey Results be deferred to a future meeting of
General Committee.
CARRIED
16. DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
BY-LAWS RENEWALS (7.11)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the staff memorandum concerning the continuance of the limited
Development Charges exemption on non-residential developments to August 31,
2009 be deferred to the December 3, 2007 meeting of General Committee.
CARRIED
17. MINUTES OF THE
BUILDING AND PARKS
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2007 (16.0)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That
consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the November 27,
2007 meeting of Council:
“That the minutes of the Building and Parks Construction Committee
meeting of November 16, 2007 be received;
And that the following recommendation from item 5(b) of the minutes be
approved:
“That the request
for the extension of Centennial Community Centre Addition and Renovation
Contract Number 055-T-05, be received;
And that Contract Number 055-T-05 between the Town of Markham and
Canning Contracting Limited for the expansion and renovation of the Centennial
Community Centre be extended from November 27, 2007 to January 31, 2008.”
CARRIED
18. NOMINATION OF OPERA YORK FOR
PREMIER’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS (13.5.12)
Letter
Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the
letter dated November 15, 2007 from the City of Vaughan regarding Vaughan’s
nomination of Opera York for the Premier’s Award of Excellence in the Arts and
requesting that the Mayor submit a letter of support for the nomination by
November 30, 2007, be received;
And that the Mayor write a letter in support of
the nomination.
CARRIED
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Moved by Mayor
Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor
A. Chiu
That the Committee
resolve in camera to discuss a confidential personnel matter (9:15)
CARRIED
Moved by Mayor
Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor
A. Chiu
That the Committee
rise (11:40)
CARRIED
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Moved by Regional
Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
That the Committee
resolve in camera to discuss a confidential legal matter (12:30)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A.
Chiu
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
That the Committee
rise (12:45)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The
General Committee adjourned at 12:45 p.m.