M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                Community Services Issues

Chair:              Mayor Frank Scarpitti                                                                            Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice Chair:      Councillor Carolina Moretti                                                                   Vice Chair:      Councillor Howard Shore

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                                          Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                                                                         Chair:              Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Vice Chair:      Regional Councillor Joe Li                                                                      Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell

 

                                                                                                                       

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Gord Landon Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor. Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Carolina Moretti Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu   Regrets Councillor Colin Campbell

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Martha Pettit, Acting City Clerk Paul Ingham, Director, Operations Peter Loukes, Director, Environmental Services Joel Lustig, Treasurer Alex Moore, Manager of Purchasing Andrea Tang, Manager, Financial Planning Ronji Borooah, Town Architect Bill Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement & Licensing Graham Seaman, Senior Manager, Sustainability Office Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:08 a.m. with Mayor Frank Scarpitti in the Chair; Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items; Councillor Valerie Burke Chaired Environment and Sustainability and Councillor Logan Kanapathi Chaired Building, Parks and Construction related items; related items.

 

The General Committee meeting recessed at 11:55 a.m. and reconvened at 1:17 p.m.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

1.         SOUTHEAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
& LIBRARY PROJECT – SCHEMATIC DESIGN (3.19)

            Report     Presentation 1     Presentation 2     Presentation 3

 

Ms. Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services addressed the Committee to provide some opening remarks relative to the proposed schematic design for the Southeast Markham Community Centre & Library Project.

 

Andrew Frontini and Duff Balmer from Perkins + Will delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Southeast Community Centre & Library Project.  The presentation included: program overview, site overview, public consultation feedback, schematic design, environmental targets, project cost update, project schedule and proposed recommendations.

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        Ensure that staff and facility users are consulted during the design stage for the fitness centre

·        Incorporate an elevator close to the senior's facility

·        Explore the possibility of a community garden with the potential to incorporate it with the teaching kitchen

·        How much will the maintenance be for the outdoor furniture

·        Include car pool parking spots

·        Include an area for mothers and infants (e.g. nursing mothers)

·        Explore offering "Family Overnighter" similar to the sleep over offered at the Ontario Science Centre

·        Need to further discuss the service vehicle entrance

·        Try to preserve more green space when designing the parking lot area

·        Try to advance the design and construction of the park to coincide with the opening of the Community Centre (will another area be required for the staging during the construction of the facility?)

·        Take extra consideration on how the sound from the open space/gathering area will emanate through the other parts of the building

·        Consider retractable seating (similar to the ones used at the Cornell Community Centre)

·        Try to incorporate a multi-media venue in the gathering space (e.g. ability to video conference, show movies, etc)

·        Explore the possibility of a storefront site inside the building with York Region Police and Social Services

·        Incorporate more architectural features to break up the massing of the building

·        Proposed yellow beams - consider using some other material and colour?

·        Include signage that outlines the sustainable initiatives used in the building

·        Consider using permeable pavers in the parking lot

 

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu  

 

1)         That the report titled “Southeast Markham Community Centre & Library Project – Schematic Design” be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation by Perkins + Will, the Prime Design Consultant for the project, highlighting the building envelope, interior layout and functional programs of the facility be received; and,

 

3)         That Council approves the recommended schematic design for the building envelope, interior layout and functional programs of the facility of the building; and,

 

4)         That Council authorizes staff to proceed with the design development phase of the project; and,

 

5)         That staff be directed to evaluate and report back to Council the costs and benefits of incorporating additional energy reducing and sustainability features towards application for Green Municipal Funding; and,

 

6)         That staff be directed to conduct an additional public consultation meeting in November, 2012 to present the schematic design of the building; and,

 

7)         That staff review the process to accelerate the design and construction of the park with a vision to have the park open at the same time as the Community Centre; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

2.         ANIMAL SERVICES MODELS (2.8)

            Presentation

 

Bill Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement & Licensing addressed the Committee and provided some brief background information relative to Markham’s animal services.

 

Joe Pittari, DPRA delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining their study of animal services delivery models.

 

The Committee suggested the following:

·        Animal Services current program provides significant value for residents, but could be enhanced and improved upon

·        Importance of public education, outreach and awareness

·        Community Store Front - try to achieve soon

·        Refer the DPRA Canada Inc. report regarding Animal Services Delivery Models to the Animal Care Advisory Committee for their input

·        Staff report should also consider the City of Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan

·        Include options for wildlife in the staff report

·        Funding options - include in the 2013 Budget

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)                  That the presentation by Joe Pittari, DPRA, entitled “Study of Animal Services Delivery Model,” be received; and,

 

2)                  That the DPRA Canada Inc. report regarding Animal Services Delivery Models be received; and,

 

3)                  That the DRPA Canada Inc. report be circulated to the Animal Care Advisory Committee for their input; and,

 

4)                  That the DPRA Canada Inc. report be referred to staff for a recommendation report; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)                  That the Minutes of the September 10, 2012 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 2012
            SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the May 8, 2012 Seniors Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE JULY 26 & SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTRE & LIBRARY
DESIGN SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            July     September

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the July 26 & September 12, 2012 Southeast Community Centre & Library Design Sub-Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

6.         STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR JUNE,
JULY, AUGUST, 2012 (7.0)

            Report

 

The Committee pulled the following staff award reports to request further information from staff:

·        164-T-12 Town Owned Fence Replacement

·        109-T-12 Supply and delivery of fleet Vehicles

·        206-T-12 Pan Am Site Servicing

·        181-T-12 Accessible Pedestrian Signal Installation and Associated Civil Works

·        163-T-12 Supply & Delivery of Bulk Sodium Chloride (Highway Course Rock Salt) and Thawrox

·        116-R-12 Consulting Services for the Evaluation of Two AMR-AMI Pilot Projects and AMR/AMI Implementation Feasibility Study

·        024-R-12 Consulting Services for the condition assessment of cast iron watermains

·        243-R-11 Supply and Delivery of Branded Corporate Apparel and Promotional Merchandise

·        152-R-12 Supply and Deliver Recycle Stations

·        110-T-12 Construction of a Berm and Storm Sewer - Austin Pond

·        061-R-12 the Design & Construction Administration Services - Helen Avenue Reconstruction, East of Kennedy road to Greenberg Gate

·        214-S-12 Smart Commute 404-7 Program - 2012 Contract Extension

·        189-T-12 Hydrant Replacement at Various Locations

·        158-T-12 Leitchcroft (Times Galleria) Community Park Construction

 

It was noted that staff award report 140-T-12 Energy Metering and Monitoring was duplicated in the staff report.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Period June to August 2012” be received; and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

7.         DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DURING THE
ANNUAL SUMMER RECESS AS PER BY-LAW 4-2000 (7.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the report entitled “Delegation to Chief Administrative Officer during the annual summer recess as per By-law 4 – 2000” be received; and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

8.         REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 035-Q-12 PUBLIC SPACE
WASTE RECYCLING RECEPTACLES SYSTEM AND
ADVERTISING PROGRAM (5.2)

            Report     Attachment

 

 

Staff advised the Committee that they received some new information this morning relative to the "Request for Proposal 035-Q-12 Public Space Waste Recycling Receptacles System and Advertising" that both purchasing and legal would like to have an opportunity to review and report back to Committee.  Staff are requesting that this item be deferred.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the Report entitled ‘Request for Proposal 035-Q-12 Public Space Waste Recycling Receptacles System and Advertising’ be deferred.

CARRIED

 

9.         JUNE 2012 YEAR-TO-DATE REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (7.2)

Presentation     Report     Appendix 1     Appendix 2     Appendix 3     Appendix 4     Appendix 5     Appendix 6      Appendix 7     Appendix 8     Appendix 9     Appendix 10     Appendix 11     Appendix 12

 

Andrea Tang, Manager, Financial Planning delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the June 2012 Year to Date Review of Operations and Year End Projection.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the waterworks reserve balance.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

           

1)         That the presentation by Ms. Andrea Tang, Manager, Financial Planning, entitled “June 2012 YTD Review of Operations and Year End Projection” be received; and,

 

2)         That the report dated September 24, 2012 entitled “June 2012 year-to-date review of operations” be received.

CARRIED

 

10.       UNAUTHORIZED USE OF FIRE HYDRANTS
-BULK WATER TRUCKS (5.0)

            Report

 

Staff summarized the details outlined in the report.

 

There was brief discussion regarding ways to reduce or eliminate the illegal use of hydrants.

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the report titled “Unauthorized Use of Fire Hydrants-Bulk Water Trucks” be received; and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

11.       WATERWORKS SERVICE FEE EXEMPTION (5.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the report “Waterworks Service Fee Exemption” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Waterworks service fee to turn water off at the curb remain as is and no exemptions be provided; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS –
PROPOSED BY-LAW AMENDMENTS (5.12)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report entitled “Traffic Control Signals – Proposed By-Law Amendments”, 

            be received; and,

 

2)         That Schedule 19 of Traffic By-law 106-71, pertaining to “Traffic Control

Signals”, be amended by including the following intersections; and,

 

·                     South Unionville Avenue at 355 South Unionville Avenue

·                     Enterprise Boulevard and Birchmount Road

·                     Enterprise Boulevard and Rouge Valley Drive

·                     Town Centre Boulevard and Wallis Way

·                     Rodick Road and Yorktech Drive

·                     Middlefield Road and Golden Avenue

·                     Bullock Drive and Laidlaw Boulevard

·                     Bur Oak Avenue at 3201 Bur Oak Avenue

·                     Rodick Road and Riviera Drive

·                     Rodick Road and 14th Avenue

 

3)         That Schedule 12 of Traffic By-law 106-71, pertaining to “Compulsory

            Stops”, be amended by rescinding the stop controls at the following intersections; and,

 

·                     Rodick Road and Fourteenth Avenue

·                     Bullock Drive and Laidlaw Boulevard

·                     Rodick Road and Riviera Drive

·                     Middlefield Road and Golden Avenue

·                     Rodick Road and Yorktech Drive

 

4)         That the amended by-laws shall come into force and effect when the authorized

            traffic control signals have been energized; and further,

 

5)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to

            this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

13.       MUNICIPAL SUPPORT FOR FEED-IN-TARIFF           
PROJECTS IN MARKHAM (5.7)

            Report     Appendix 1      Appendix 2     Appendix 3

 

Graham Seaman, Senior Manager, Sustainability Office summarized the details outlined in the report.

 

The Committee requested that staff provide a list of all current solar roof tops, and future ones being considered.  The Committee also requested that staff provide a memo with respect to solar ground mounted systems.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

1)    That the report entitled “Municipal Support for Feed-In-Tariff Projects in Markham” be received; and,

 

2)    That Markham Council, exclusively in respect to the Ontario Power Authority Feed-In-Tariff 2.0 program, supports the development of renewable energy projects within the City of Markham, provided that they meet the criteria of being solar photo voltaic roof top projects less than or equal to 500kW, have non-reflective coated panels, are not constructed on properties on the Markham Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (unless prior support has been obtained from Heritage staff and the Heritage Markham Committee), have been reviewed by City staff for good aesthetic design and do not require a tree removal permit to prevent shading; and,

 

3)    That renewable energy project proponents requesting municipal support in respect to the Ontario Power Authority Feed-In-Tariff program, be required to submit such information as may required by City staff to evaluate the project for compliance with the approved criteria; and,

 

4)    That renewable energy project proponents requesting municipal support in respect to Ontario Power Authority Feed-In-Tariff program  be required to pay a fee of $2070 when submitting requests for municipal support; and,

 

5)    That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Markham, the Ontario Power Authority’s “Prescribed Form/Template: Municipal Council Resolution” for any renewable energy project that meets the approved criteria as determined by City staff, and any other documentation to meet the Ontario Power Authority’s requirements; and,

 

6)    That all renewable energy projects that, in the opinion of City staff, do not meet the approved criteria be referred to Council for further consideration; and,

 

7)    That this resolution’s sole purpose is to enable the participants in the Ontario Power Authority’s FIT Program to receive priority application processing points under the FIT Program and may not be used for the purpose of any other form of municipal approval and will expire in one year’s time from date of submission to Markham; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

Note: the above recommendation was amended by Council at its October 3, 2012 meeting.  Please see Council meeting minutes for the changed.

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

14. STIVER MILL PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.24)

 

Councillor Don Hamilton and Councillor Carolina Moretti suggested that the current Stiver Mill Preservation Committee amend the name to "Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation Advisory Committee".  It was also suggested that the current committee composition and mandate be amended.

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Stiver Mill Preservation Committee be renamed to "Unionville Stiver Mill          Preservation Advisory Committee"; and,

 

2)         That the Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation Advisory Committee be comprised of the     following:

·        Councillor Don Hamilton (co-chair)

·        Councillor Carolina Moretti (co-chair)

·        Councillor Logan Kanapathi

·        Unionville Village Association (president or alternate)

·        Unionville Village Conservancy (president or alternate)

·        Unionville Ratepayers Association (president or alternate)

·        Unionville Business Improvement Area - UBIA (president or alternate)

·        Unionville Historical Society (president or alternate); and,

 

3)         That the following staff resources be provided: one (1) representative from Asset           Management to act as the staff liaison, and one (1) representative from the Clerk's             Department to provide secretariat support; and,

 

4)         That the Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation Advisory Committee will be responsible to   review and provide advice on the restoration, funding resources and the future use(s) of      the Stiver Mill (9 Station Lane); and,

 

5)         That the minutes and recommendations from the Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation        Advisory Committee be received by General Committee; and further,

 

6)         That the Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation Advisory Committee be terminated once the            Stiver Mill use(s) have been finalized and approved by Council.

CARRIED

 

 

15. SWAN LAKE (5.0)

 

Regional Councillor Gord Landon stated concerns with the water condition at Swan Lake.  He requested that staff report back with a confidential report.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That staff be directed to report back with a confidential report outlining the steps taken by staff to address the water quality at Swan Lake.

CARRIED

 

16.       IN-CAMERA MATTERS

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

That a new item regarding a proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality or local board be added to the September 24, 2012 General Committee In-Camera agenda.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

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

 

1)         A proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality or local board.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That the General Committee rise from an in-camera session (4:19 p.m.)

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The General Committee meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.