Logo

 

Minutes

General Committee

April 23, 2018

Meeting Number 7

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                  Community Services Issues

Chair:              Deputy Mayor Jack Heath                            Chair:                      Councillor Alan Ho

Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell                             Vice Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                        Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                 Chair:                     Councillor Colin Campbell

Vice Chair:      Councillor Karen Rea                                      Vice Chair:              Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

                                                                                                                       

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti(arrived at 9:21am and left at 10:45am)

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Joe Li(arrived at 10:04am) Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Alan Ho(left at 11am)

Councillor Don Hamilton(left at 9:21am and returned at 11am)

Councillor Karen Rea

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Amanda Collucci(arrived at 9:30am)

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

Regrets

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Brian Lee, Acting Commissioner of Development Services

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and

   Acting Director of Human Resources

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship

Morgan Jones, Director, Operations

Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff

Sandra Skelcher, Manager, Financial Reporting & Payroll

Kishor Soneji, Senior Accountant

Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation

Eddy Wu, Manager, Operations & Maintenance

Josh Machesney, Acting Council/Committee Coordinator

Alida Tari, Acting Manager Access & Privacy

 

 

 

The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:00 AM with Councillor Colin Campbell in the Chair.

 

General Committee recessed at 11:00 AM and reconvened at 11:13 AM.

 

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 9, 2018
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the minutes of the April 9, 2018 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

 

Carried

 

 

2.         YORK REGION COMMUNICATION (13.4)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the following communication dated April 3, 2018 from York Region be received for information purposes:

           

            a)      Bill 175, Safer Ontario Act, 2017 – Community Safety and Well-being Plans

 

            b)         Canada’s National Housing Strategy: A Place to Call Home

 

            c)         All-Way Stop Control on Regional Roads

 

d)         Update on Moving Towards Full Producer Responsibility under the Waste-Free Ontario Act

 

e)         2017 Integrated Management System Update Report for Water, Wastewater and

Waste Management

 

f)          2017 Drinking Water Systems Report

 

g)         York Region 2017 Vacant Employee Lands Inventory

 

h)         Economic Development – 2017 Year in Review

 

i)          2016 Census Results on Income, Employment, Labour Force, Housing, Education and Immigration

 

Carried

 

 

PETITIONS

 

There were no petitions.

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 27, 2018
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 27, 2018 Environmental Issues Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2018
MARKHAM SPORT HALL
OF FAME COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the minutes of the January 8, 2018 Markham Sport Hall of Fame Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 13, 2018
AND MARCH 13, 2018 SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            February     March

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the minutes of the February 13, 2018 and March 13, 2018 Seniors Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 29, 2018
VICTORIA SQUARE COMMUNITY
CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

There was discussion regarding the mould found in the ceiling and the potential of “double dipping” relative to the Socan fees.  Staff will provide a response regarding the double dipping via email to Members of Council.

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 29, 2018 Victoria Square Community Centre Board meeting be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

7.         002-S-18 FIRE PUMPER APPARATUS
PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FIVE YEARS (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled “002-S-18 Fire Pumper Apparatus Purchase Agreement for Five Years” be received; and,

 

2)         That supply of One (1) Fire Pumper Apparatus be awarded to Safetek Emergency Vehicles (“Safetek”) in the total amount of $763,722.97 CAD dollars inclusive of HST ($596,658.57 USD); and,

 

3)         That the funds for the Fire Pumper Apparatus award be provided from account 057-6150-18246-005 “Corporate Fleet Replacement-Fire” in the amount of $840,227.47 CAD dollars; and,

 

4)         That the balance remaining in the amount of $76,504.50 ($840,227.47 less $763,722.97) will be returned to original funding source; and,

 

5)         That the tendering process be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) (e) which states “where the City is acquiring specialized equipment, in which case the sources of supply may be identified based on technical specifications”; and,

 

6)         That Safetek be the preferred supplier for four (4) additional years (2019-2022) for fire pumper apparatus; and,

 

7)         That the Fire Chief and the Senior Manager of Purchasing & Accounts Payable be authorized to approve annual purchases of new fire pumper apparatus in years 2019-2022 subject to a maximum annual price adjustment that is to be capped based on the percentage change in the posted All-items CPI (Consumer Price Index) for Canada; and further,

 

8)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

Carried

 

8.         THORNHILL VILLAGE LIBRARY
PARKING LOT RESTORATION
- 10 COLBORNE STREET, THORNHILL (3.19)

            Report     Attachment

 

Councillor Valerie Burke thanked Graham Seaman, Director of Sustainability & Asset Management and Michael Ryan, Facility Engineer for their great analysis regarding the Thornhill Village Library parking lot restoration.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

1)      That the staff report entitled, Thornhill Village Library Parking Lot Restoration – 10 Colborne Street, Thornhill be received; and,

 

2)      That Council approve the staff recommended option to replace the parking lot surfacing with plain concrete and a drainage system of weeping tiles tied into the storm water system; and,

 

3)      That Council approve the potential shortfall to a maximum amount of $30,000 to be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund; and further,

 

4)      That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

Carried

 

9.         DEVELOPMENT CHARGE
REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION
-WISMER COMMONS DEVELOPERS GROUP INC. (7.11)

            K. Ross, ext. 2126 and A. Cachola, ext. 2711

            Report     Appendix A

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

1)      That the report entitled “Development Charge Reimbursement Application – Wismer Commons Developers Group Inc.” be received; and,

 

2)      That Council authorize a City Wide Hard Development Charge reimbursement of $2,063,899 to the Wismer Commons Developers Group Inc. for the construction of intersections, the Roy Rainey Bridge and storm sewers on lands located within the Wismer community, as set out in this report; and,

 

3)      That Council authorize Area Specific Development Charge reimbursements of $1,901,687 from the Wismer and Mount Joy reserves, to the Wismer Commons Developers Group Inc. for the construction of storm and sanitary sewers on lands located within the Wismer community, as set out in this report; and,

 

4)      That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Development Charge Reimbursement Agreement for an immediate reimbursement totalling $3,149,232 to the Wismer Commons Developers Group Inc. comprised of $2,063,899 for City Wide Hard and $1,085,333 for Area Specific Development Charges; and further,

 

5)      That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Area Specific Development Charge Reimbursement Agreement relating to the Mount Joy area for $816,354 ($1,901,687 - $1,085,333), in accordance with the City’s Development Charge Credit and Reimbursement Policy, with the Wismer Commons Developers Group Inc., or their successors in title, to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and City Solicitor;   

Carried

 

 

10.       STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS
FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2018 (7.12)

            Report

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        056-Q-18 Graffiti Removal

·        275-Q-17 Consulting Services for the Development and Implementation of Pavement and Signage Guidelines

·        114-S-17 Contract Extension, Project Manager/Urban Planner for the Langstaff Gateway Planning District (the Langstaff Area)

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

 

1)      That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of March 2018” be received; and,

 

2)      That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

Carried

 

11.       THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
AND CLIMATE CHANGE
– MARKHAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
– DRINKING WATER SYSTEM INSPECTION REPORT,
DECEMBER 14, 2017 (5.3)

            Report     Attachment A

 

There was discussion regarding the incident and actions to prevent non-compliance from reoccurring in the future.

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled “The Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change  – Markham Distribution System – Drinking Water System Inspection Report, December 14, 2017” be received; and,

 

2)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

Carried

 

 

12.       2017 DRAFT CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7.0)

            Presentation    Report     Appendix A     Appendix B

 

Joel Lustig, Treasurer addressed the Committee and provided some brief opening remarks relative to the 2017 Draft Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Sandra Skelcher, Manager Financial Reporting & Payroll delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Kevin Travers, Partner, KPMG LLP delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Audit Findings report.

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)                  That the presentation entitled “Consolidated Financial Statements,” be received; and,

 

2)         That the report titled “2017 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and

 

3)         That Council approve the draft Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the City of Markham (the City) which includes the City of Markham Public Library (the Library), Community Boards, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) , and Investment in Markham Enterprises Corporation (MEC), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and,

 

4)         That Council authorize Staff to publish the final audited Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 upon receiving the Independent Auditors’ Report; and,

 

5)         That the KPMG LLP Audit Findings Report for the year ended December 31, 2017 be received; and,

 

6)         That this matter be forwarded to Council for adoption on April 24, 2018; and further,

 

7)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

Carried

 

13.       MUNICIPAL ACCOMMODATION TAX (MAT)
CONSULTATION (7.0)

            Presentation     Report

 

Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Stakeholder Consultation feedback.

 

The Committee thanked staff for taking the time to consult with hoteliers regarding the potential Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).

 

There was discussion regarding aligning the implementation of the MAT with neighboring municipalities and if having this tax might impede Markham’s competitiveness in attracting tourism. Staff advised that Toronto plans to implement the tax by April 2018.  It was noted that proposed implementation date of January 1, 2019 aligns with the Town of Richmond Hill and City of Vaughan’s anticipated implementation date. Staff further advised that there was overall consensus among the stakeholders in support of the four percent (4%) MAT in the City of Markham.

 

The Committee discussed how the MAT revenue will be directed towards the City of Markham Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserves, and towards the new Markham Destination Marketing Organization. 

 

The Committee briefly discussed the composition of the Board.

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

 

1)      That the presentation by Mr. Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation and Mr. Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship entitled “Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Stakeholder Consultation Feedback,” be received; and,

 

2)      That the report entitled Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Consultation be received; and,

 

3)      That Council receive the information and feedback obtained during the consultation process undertaken with stakeholders and the hotel industry regarding the four percent (4%) Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in the City of Markham; and,

 

4)      That Council approve a four percent (4%) Municipal Accommodation Tax on all Markham hotels with a target implementation date of January 1st, 2019; and,

 

5)      That Council approve a four percent (4%)  Municipal Accommodation Tax on all Short-term rental providers, subject to Council’s future direction on short-term rental licensing requirements; and;

 

6)      That staff report back with the business case for the purpose of creating a Municipal Services Corporation (MSC), which will operate as the City of Markham’s New Destination Marketing Organization and report back to Council in September 2018; and further,

 

7)      That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to these resolutions.

Carried

 

 

MOTIONS

 

There were no motions.

 

NOTICES OF MOTIONS

 

There were no notices of motions.

 

 

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

14.       NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
SIGNS (2.16)

 

Councillor Karen Rea addressed the Committee advising that on March 26, 2018 General Committee meeting she inquired if residents could be allowed to pick up illegal bag signs that are being placed on our boulevards and drop them off at our recycling depots, and would like a yes or no response.  Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor advised that from a legal perspective the response is no.

 

 

15.       NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
CONSULTANTS (11.0)

 

Councillor Karen Rea addressed the Committee requesting that staff provide a summary on the amount spent on hiring consultants.  She inquired if it would be more cost efficient to hire full time staff rather than consultants.  It was noted that consultants are hired with specific skill sets and expertise, and would be difficult to find one staff with the various skill sets.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

There were no announcements.

 

 

16.       CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS (7.0, 16.0, 8.6 & 8.6)

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters (9:38 AM):

 

(1)        2017 DRAFT CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (a) (b)]

 

General Committee received a verbal update from the Auditor.

Carried

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

That General Committee rise from confidential session at 9:53 AM.      

 

Carried

 

General Committee consented to not resolve into a confidential session for the following items:

 

(2)        GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
-APRIL 9, 2018 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (a) (b) (c) (e) (f)]

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the April 9, 2018 General Committee confidential minutes be confirmed.

Carried

 

(3)        A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.6)

            [Section 239 (2) (c)]

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

That this matter be postponed to the April 24, 2018 Council meeting.

Carried

 

(4)        A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.6)

            [Section 239 (2) (c)]

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

That this matter be postponed to the April 24, 2018 Council meeting.

Carried

 

 

Adjournment

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 11:36 AM.

 

Carried

No Item Selected