General Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 8

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 1:30 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Ritch Lau
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Juanita Nathan
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Catherine Biss, Chief Executive Officer
• Adam Grant, Fire Chief
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Graham Seaman, Director, Sustainability & Asset Management
• Mark Visser, Sr Manager Strategy Innovation ＆ Investments
• Eddy Wu, Acting Director, Environmental Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Darryl Lyons, Acting Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Giulio Cescato, Director of Panning & Urban Design

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron- Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

General Committee convened at 9:34 AM with Councillor Keith Irish presiding as Chair.

The Committee recessed at 11:04 AM and reconvened at 11:15 AM.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were none disclosed.  

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

There were no minutes placed on this agenda.  The previous minutes will be included on the March 7, 2023 General Committee Agenda.

4.

DEPUTATIONS

Doug Denby addressed the Committee to provide remarks in recognition of the late Hazel McCallion and the preservation of heritage sites in the City of Markham 

Mayor Scarpitti provided a brief overview of the City's award winning heritage districts and noted that information regarding additional preservation initiatives will be will reported to the community soon.   

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That General Committee waive the rules of the procedural by-law and permit a deputation request from Doug Denby regarding an topic that was not on the agenda.  

  Carried by a Two Thirds Vote
• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That the deputation from Doug Denby be received. 

  Carried

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS

Jennifer Strong, Manger, Integrated Service, York Region, and Melissa McEnroe, Manager, Affordable Housing Development, York Region, were present at the meeting to respond to questions from the Committee in relation to the communication.   

The Committee made the following inquiries:

• The number of total units in the hub;
• The number of eligible residents in relation to the actual number of residents who committed to relocate;
• The impact of this project to Unionville Home Society residents and if there is a separate waitlist for these residents;
• Whether there are other similar projects in the City or York Region;
• That there be consideration to apply additional resources for these initiatives to accommodate for the demand for these types of units; and,
• The method in which applicants are located.

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the communication, "Unionville Commons and Unionville Seniors Hub and Community Centre" dated December 1, 2022 from York Region be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

7.1

299-T-22 WEST THORNHILL PHASE 4B - STORM SEWERS REPLACEMENT

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “299-T-22 West Thornhill – Phase 4B Storm Sewer Upgrades” be received; and,
  2. That the contract for West Thornhill – Phase 4B Storm Sewer Upgrades be awarded to the lowest priced Bidder, GFL Infrastructure Group in the amount of $8,503,297.26, inclusive of HST; and,
  3. That a 10% contingency in the amount of $850,329.73. inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs and that authorization to approve expenditures of the contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
  4. That the construction award in the amount of $9,353,626.98 ($8,503,297.26 + $850,329.73) be funded from the account 058-6150-23029-005 “West Thornhill Flood Control Implementation - Phase 4B Construction”; as outlined under the financial considerations section in this report; and,
  5. That the remaining funds from this tender relating to project #23029 “West Thornhill Flood Control Implementation - Phase 4B Construction” in the amount $4,077,728.02 be returned to the Stormwater Fee Reserve; and,
  6. That a 5-year moratorium be placed on any major servicing and utility installation along restored areas of the following streets:
     1. Romfield Circuit (from Stornoway Cres to Kindale Way);
     2. Stornoway Crescent (from Romfield Circuit to House # 30 Stornoway Crescent);
     3. Baymark Road (from Romfield Circuit to Hester Court);
     4. Fleance Drive (from Baymark Road to 160m east);
     5. Dunsinane Drive (from Baymark Road to 42m east);
     6. Rothsay Road (from Baymark Road to 20m east); and further,
  7. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

8.1

WORLD COUNCIL ON CITY DATA ISO 37120 CERTIFICATION (12.2.6)

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer provided opening remarks and expressed that the information collected is used to improve the quality of life and services provided to the residents of Markham.  

Mayor Scarpitti indicated that this is the fourth time that the City has received the platinum designation and thanked staff, as well as Raj Raman, Senior Manager, Projects, for their contributions.  Mr. Scarpitti noted that this information allows the City to benchmark against other cities worldwide.

Patricia McCarney, President and CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD), addressed the Committee to thank Andy Taylor, the Mayor, and Councillor Irish and offered congratulations to the City of Markham on receiving the WCCD Council on City Data ISO 37120 Platinum Certification. She discussed the importance of data and how it is used for continuity, goal planning, and management.  James Patava, Vice President, WCCD, and Justine Hamilton-Arvisais, Manager, City Relations, WCCD, were in attendance and presented highlights of the results. 

The Committee thanked the presenters and made the following inquiries:

• The communication method for the results and how are they used;
• Whether there is an area in which the City stands out; and
• The number of certification levels.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  1. That the report dated February 21, 2023 titled “World Council on City Data, ISO 37120 Certification” be received, and,
  2. That the formal virtual presentation of the World Council on City Data (WCCD), ISO 37120 Platinum Certification to the City of Markham be received.
  Carried

8.2

RESULTS OF 2022 MARKHAM CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, addressed the Committee to introduce the item and provided a brief overview of the survey and positive results.    

Bryan Frois, Senior Manager Strategic Initiatives, Executive Operations and Communications, addressed the Committee and welcomed Jane Armstrong, Armstrong Consulting, who reviewed the  methodology used to conduct the survey and presented the results.  She noted that the survey was conducted from November 8 until December 1, 2022 and illustrated overall satisfaction with life in the City of Markham.

The Committee thanked Bryan Frois and Jane Armstrong for the presentation and highlighted that Markham is a great place to work and do business.         

The Committee discussed the results, the availability of the survey in languages other than English, and the sample representation. The Committee suggested that there be future consideration to include questions related to filing complaints: the frequency,  the level of satisfaction with the outcome and previous survey participation. 

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  1. That the presentation entitled “Results of 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey” be received. 
  Carried

9.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

10.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

11.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new or other business. 

12.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

13.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

The Committee consented to address item 13.1.3 in Open Session.  

General Committee resolved into confidential session at 12:41 PM.

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

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

  Carried

13.1

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

13.1.1

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION ORDISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITYOR LOCAL BOARD; (8.6) [SECTION 239 (2) (c)]

13.1.2

ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENTPRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE; [SECTION 239(2) (f)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the  February 22, 2023 Confidential Council Meeting agenda for consideration. 

13.1.3

A POSITION, PLAN, PROCEDURE, CRITERIA OR INSTRUCTION TO BE APPLIEDTO ANY NEGOTIATIONS CARRIED ON OR TO BE CARRIED ON BY OR ON BEHALF OF THEMUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD; [SECTION 239 (2) (k)]

The Committee consented to consider this item in Open Session.

Claudia Storto, City Solicitor, addressed the Committee to advise that this item was added late Friday in response to information provided by the Province in relation to amendments to a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO).    

Giulio Cescato, Director of Panning & Urban Design, addressed the Committee to provide a brief outline of the MZO amendments and a timeline in relation to the application at 36 Apple Creek Boulevard.  Mr. Cescato advised that the building use has changed from long term care to a seniors residence and that the gross area and height have increased.  He noted that the City doesn't object to seniors housing and wanted to communicate the substantial changes made since this project was endorsed by Markham City Council in March 2022. Staff have not seen the proposal or drawings and will request their review. Ms. Storto noted that there is no legal obligation by the Province to obtain Markham City Council approval on this matter.    

The Committee made inquiries in relation to the proposed amendments.  

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the update on the status of the MZO and proposed amendment for the property known municipally as 36 Apple Creek Boulevard and 8885 Woodbine Avenue be received; and,
  2. That the Director of Planning and Urban Design be directed to write to the Province to seek clarity on the designs being proposed as part of the amendment to the MZO for the property known municipally as 36 Apple Creek Boulevard and 8885 Woodbine Avenue; and,
  3. That the Director of Planning and Urban Design engage with the Province on a protocol for informing senior staff and Council of proposed amendments to an MZO and report back to Council on those discussions; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

   

   

  Carried

14.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan

  That General Committee adjourn at 1:31 PM from Confidential session and not report out on any matter.

  Carried