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M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

May 6, 2013

Meeting No. 13

 

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 Colin Campbell

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Martha Pettit, Deputy Clerk

Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation

Mark Visser, Senior Manager, Financial Strategy and Investment

David Porretta, Traffic Operations Supervisor

Katie Burns, Sustainability Coordinator

Graham Seaman, Senior Manager Sustainability Office

Stephen Huycke, Public Services & Records Coordinator

Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:06 a.m. with Councillor Alex Chiu in the Chair; Councillor Carolina Moretti Chaired Finance & Administrative related items and Councillor Valerie Burke Chaired Environment and Sustainability related items.

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Colin Campbell disclosed an interest with respect to the New Business Item, by nature of his previous employment and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matters and left the room.

 

 

1.         COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT (16.23)

            Council Code of Conduct

           

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed Committee and provided a brief update relative to the proposed Council Code of Conduct.

 

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath distributed a handout with his suggested ideas/changes.  The Committee discussed the handout.  There was considerable discussion regarding Section 10 of the proposed policy and whether it is too restrictive.  The Committee also discussed the importance of clear precise language throughout the document.

 

The following suggestions were made:

·        Include under section 12 "that donations made in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act are excluded from the application of this policy"

·        Section 10.1 (j) ensure there is a clear distinction between the City and a foundation

·        Section 10.2 include as an exemption from the reporting requirement the following "food, lodging and transportation provided by a foreign government in a foreign country for a Council authorized trade mission"

·        Reword the policy so that it clear and that it outlines what Members of Council are permitted to do

·        Section 17.2 amend to read "Members will be respectful of other Members, Staff and the Public and their views and encourage others to do the same"

 

It was suggested that staff consider the comments and suggestions from today's meeting and revise the proposed policy.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That proposed Council Code of Conduct be referred back to staff.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 22, 2013
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 22, 2013 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 16, 2013
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE (10:00 AM-1:00 PM) (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 16, 2013 Special General Committee (10:00 AM-1:00 PM) be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2013
ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 20, 2013 Accessibility Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2013
ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Councillor Valerie Burke advised that she attended the Tour of OSPCA and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and would like the minutes amended to reflect that.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 20, 2013 Animal Care Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 15, 2013
BOX GROVE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 15, 2013 Box Grove Community Centre Board be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 25, 2013
CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 25, 2013 Canada Day Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 21, 2013
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 21, 2013 Environmental Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

9.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 27, 2013
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

1)         That the Minutes of the February 27, 2013 Public Art Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

10.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 2013
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 28, 2013 Public Library Board be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

11.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 21, 2013
RBC MARKHAM MILLIKEN MILLS
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 27, 2013 RBC Markham Milliken Mills Children’s Festival Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

12.       MINUTES OF THE APRIL 8, 2013
THE FRIENDS OF THE MARKHAM
MUSEUM FOUNDATION BOARD
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 8, 2013 The Friends of the Markham Museum Foundation Board be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       MINUTES OF THE APRIL 11, 2013
UNIONVILLE STIVER MILL
PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 11, 2013 Unionville Stiver Mill Preservation Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 


 

14.       2013 FIRST QUARTER INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0)

            Report     Exhibit 1-6

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the report dated May 6, 2013 entitled “2013 First Quarter Investment Performance Review” be received.

CARRIED

 

 

15.       POWERSTREAM DEFERRED INTEREST (7.0)

            Report

 

The Committee inquired when will the deferral of $7,573,868.14 of interest owed by PowerStream be paid out.  Staff advised that it is a secure and safe investment and recommend that the City continue to defer the promissory note interest as proposed in the report.  There was discussion regarding whether this matter should be dealt be considered by Markham Enterprises Corporation prior to it coming to Markham Council.  Staff pointed out that this matter is strictly City of Markham business.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the City continue to defer $7,573,868.14 of interest owed by PowerStream to the City of Markham, at a rate of 4.03%, until October 31, 2018; and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

16.       2013 TAX RATES AND LEVY BY-LAW (7.3)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That a by-law to provide for the levy and collection of property taxes totalling $559,314,452 required by the City of Markham, Regional Municipality of York, Boards of Education and Business Improvement Areas in a form substantially similar to Appendix A (attached) and satisfactory to the City Solicitor and to provide for the mailing of notices requesting payment of taxes for the year 2013, as set out as follows, be approved;

 

City of Markham:

$121,302,388

Region of York:

$240,150,641

School Boards:

$197,440,114

Old Markham BIA:

$215,327  

Unionville BIA:

$205,982

Total

$559,314,452; and,

 

2)         That staff be authorized to levy against Markham Stouffville Hospital and Seneca College the annual levy pursuant to Section 323 of the Municipal Act as outlined in Section 9 of the attached bylaw once the required information is received from the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

17.       CONTRACT EXTENSION (045-T-09)
FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION OF
IRON WATERMAINS (7.12)

            Report     Attachment

 

There was brief discussion regarding the cathodic protection program.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the report “Contract Extension (045-T-09) for Cathodic Protection of Iron Watermains” be received; and,

 

2)         That contract 045-T-09 for Cathodic Protection of Iron Watermains be extended for a further one-year term from May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014 to C.P. Systems (same itemized pricing as 2009) for an estimated annual amount of $420,909 inclusive of HST; and,

 

3)         That a contingency amount of $42,090 inclusive of HST be established and that Director of Environment Services be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,

 

4)         That in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1)(c), Non-Competitive Procurement, whereby “When the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective and beneficial”, the tendering process be waived; and,

 

5)         That this project be funded from the Waterworks Department’s Capital Account 053 6150 13705 005 (2013) Cathodic Protection of Iron Watermains, as shown in the financial consideration section; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

18.       APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE
SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW UNIQUE
CATERER’S MENU (16.23 & 7.12)

 

The Committee suggested that the Sub-Committee to review Unique Caterer's Menu include at least three Members of Council, two or three representatives of staff and if achievable two or three students from Unionville High School.  It was suggested that the Members of Council be appointed at this time and that the other members be appointed at a later date by the Sub-Committee members.

 

Moved by Councillor Howard Shore

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

That the following Members of Council be appointed to the Sub-Committee to Review Unique Caterer's Menu:

·        Regional Councillor Jim Jones

·        Councillor Valerie Burke

·        Councillor Carolina Moretti

·        Councillor Alex Chiu

CARRIED

 

 

19.       BADMINTON IN MARKHAM
BUILDING THE PAN AM LEGACY (6.0)

            Presentation

 

Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation provided some brief opening remarks.

 

Mr. Philip Chow, President of Markham Badminton Federation delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding Badminton In Markham Building the Pan Am Legacy.

 

The Committee thanked Mr. Chow for his presentation and all his great work.

 

There was brief discussion regarding reaching out to various cultural groups.

 

Councillor Don Hamilton and Councillor Colin Campbell volunteered to be the Council liaison representatives for the T02015 Pan Am Ops. Committee.

 

Moved by Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Philip Chow, President of Markham Badminton Federation entitled “Badminton In Markham Building the Pan Am Legacy,” be received; and,

 

2)         That Councillor Don Hamilton and Councillor Colin Campbell be appointed as the Council liaison representatives for the T02015 Pan Am Ops. Committee.

CARRIED

 

 

20.       STATUS UPDATE ON CAPITAL AND SUSTAINABLE
NEIGHBOURHOOD RETROFIT ACTION PLAN (SNAP)
PROJECTS IN THE DON RIVER WATERSHED (10.0)

            Report      Attachment A     Attachment B     Attachment C
            Letter from Bayview Glen Residents Association     Memo

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Status Update on Capital and Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) projects in the Don River Watershed” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Memorandum dated May 3, 2013 from Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services be received; and,

 

3)         That Council approve elimination of Item # 7 from the May 11, 2010 Council resolution and direct staff to continue working with the TRCA and other relevant stakeholders to meet the overall objectives of the Don River Watershed Implementation Guide; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

21.       LAZENBY COURT & RODICK ROAD
PROPOSED PARKING PROHIBITION (2.17 & 5.12)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

 

There was brief discussion regarding potential options to accommodate the patrons of the nearby church so that they do not have to park on Lazenby Court.

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Lazenby Court & Rodick Road Proposed Parking Prohibition”, be received; and,

 

2)         That Schedule “C” of Parking By-law 2005-188, be amended by prohibiting parking on the east side of Lazenby Court, from 8am - 2pm, Sundays only, between the north property line of #3 Lazenby Court and the property line between #18 and #19 Lazenby Court; and,

 

3)         That Schedule “C” of Parking By-law 2005-188, be amended by prohibiting parking at any time, on the east side of Rodick Road, between 16th Avenue to the north property line of #2141 Rodick Road; and,

 

4)         That Schedule “C” of Parking By-law 2005-188, be amended by deleting Rodick Road, between the south property line of #2133 Rodick Road and the north property line of #2137 Rodick Road; and,

 

5)         That the Operations Department be directed to install and maintain the appropriate regulatory signs at the subject locations; and,

 

6)         That the cost of materials and installation for the traffic signs and pavement markings be funded from capital project # 11305 (Traffic Operational Improvements) in the amount of $1,000; and,

 

7)         That the Parking Control Department be directed to enforce the parking prohibition upon approval of the By-law amendment and installation of the regulatory signs; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

22.       COMMUNITY AND ALLOTMENT
GARDEN PILOT PROJECTS (5.7)

            Presentation     Report     Correspondence

 

Katie Burns, Sustainability Coordinator delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Community and Allotment Garden Pilot Project.

 

The Committee suggested that staff attempt to fast track the tendering process if possible.  It was noted that if this pilot project occurs this year that staff will provide a briefing note on the results.

 

There was brief discussion regarding having schools getting involved with this initiative.

 

The Committee discussed the importance of ensuring it is well monitored for safety reasons and potential liability issues that may arise.  It was suggested that proper signage be installed.

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That the correspondence from Rebecca Ratcliffe-Pound, Brisette and Celeste Gagnon Smale be received.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the presentation by Katie Burns, Sustainability Coordinator entitled “Community and Allotment Garden Pilot Projects,” be received; and,

 

2)         That the report titled Community and Allotment Garden Pilot Projects and dated April 9, 2013 be received; and,

 

3)         That the Community and Allotment Garden Guiding Principles and draft Community and Allotment Garden Manual be endorsed to pilot in 2013; and,

 

4)         That staff in the Sustainability Office be authorized to pilot the draft Community and Allotment Garden Manual with the residents of the Fairtree and Cornell communities; and,

 

5)         That staff in the Sustainability Office be authorized to seek partners and sponsors for the Community and Allotment Garden pilot projects; and,

 

6)         That $25,000 will be funded from Project #9345 Greenprint Community Sustainability Plan (account#230-101-5399-9345) to support the development and implementation of new community and allotment gardens subject to the approvals outlined in the draft Community and Allotment Garden Manual; and,

 

7)         That $250,000 will be funded from Project#9350 Kirkham Drive Park – Two Soccer Fields (account#81-5350-9350-005) for the first phase basic community garden including walkways, parking and water and servicing subject to the approvals outlined in the draft Community and Allotment Garden Manual; and,

 

8)         That staff in the Sustainability Office report back at the end of 2013 with a finalized Community and Allotment Garden Manual and a strategy for city-wide implementation; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 


 

23.       NEW BUSINESS (11.0)

 

Committee obtained majority consensus to add a restricted item (Labour relations or employees negotiations) to the May 6, 2013 General Committee agenda.

 

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (2:27 p.m.):

 

1)         Labour relations or employees negotiations

            [Section 239 (2) (d)]

                                    CARRIED

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

That the General Committee rise from the restricted session (3:11p.m.)

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 3:12 p.m.

CARRIED

 

 

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