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Minutes

General Committee

April 18, 2016

Meeting Number 6

 

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

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Karen Rea

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Amanda Collucci

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

 

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Peter Loukes, Director of Environmental Services

Sandra Skelcher, Manager, Financial Reporting & Payroll

Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation Services

Jason Tsien, Community Manager, Recreation

Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waster & Environmental

Management

Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:03 AM with Deputy Mayor Jack Heath in the Chair and Councillor Alan Ho Chaired Community Services related items.

 

Disclosure of Interest

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

1.         2015 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7.12)

            Presentation     Report     Appendix A     Appendix B

           

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed the Committee and provided brief opening remarks relative to the 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Sandra Skelcher, Manager, Financial Reporting & Payroll delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Kevin M. Travers, Partner, KPMG delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Audit Findings Report.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the accumulated surplus for community Boards and BIA’s. 

 

The Committee inquired whether the City had any contaminated sites, and it was noted that there are no associated liabilities to report.

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Amanda Collucci

 

1)         That the presentation by Ms. Sandra Skelcher, Manager, Financial Reporting & Payroll entitled “2015 Consolidated Financial Statements”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the report titled “2015 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), 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, 2015; and,

 

4)         That Council authorize Staff to issue the final audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 upon receiving the Independent Auditors’ Report; and,

 

5)         That the KPMG LLP Audit Finding Report for the year ended December 31, 2015 be received; and,

 

6)         That this matter be forwarded to Council for adoption on April 19, 2016; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 4, 2016
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the April 4, 2016 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

Carried

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 3, 2016
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
UNIONVILLE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 3, 2016 Board of Management Unionville Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2016
CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 7, 2016 Canada Day Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 22, 2016
MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the February 22, 2016 Markham Public Library Board meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

6.         TAX WRITE-OFFS IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 354 OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 (7.1)

            Report

           

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That taxes totalling $5,051 as set out in this report, of which the City’s portion is $1,281, be written off pursuant to the provisions of Section 354 of the Municipal Act, 2001; and,

 

2)         That the Treasurer be directed to remove the taxes from the Collector’s Roll; and,

 

3)         That the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments; and,

 

4)         That the Treasurer be directed to authorize the write-off of the municipal tax portion from account 820-820-7040; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

7.         CANCELLATION, REDUCTION OR REFUND
OF TAXES UNDER SECTION 357 & 358
OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 (7.1)

            Report

           

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the Report for the Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001 be received; and,

 

2)         That taxes totalling approximately $192,044.27 be adjusted under Section 357 of the Municipal Act, 2001 of which the City’s portion is estimated to be $43,792.12; and,

 

3)         That the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments; and,

 

4)         That the Treasurer be directed to adjust the Collector’s Roll accordingly; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

8.         CITY OF MARKHAM
OLDER ADULT STRATEGY UPDATE (6.0)

            Presentation

 

Jason Tsien, Community Manager, Recreation delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City of Markham Older Adult Strategy.

 

Peter Thoma, Project Lead Consultant, urbanMetrics inc. delivered a high level overview presentation regarding the City of Markham Older Adult Strategy.

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed community consultations relative to the Older Adult Strategy. The Committee suggested that the City of Markham Accessibility Committee be included as part of their consultation process. There was discussion regarding the eight (8) consultation sessions, and whether there could be one in each Ward.

 

The Committee discussed the importance of the City of Markham working with York Region to ensure that issues such as affordable housing and transportation issues are identified and studied . It was suggested that York Region come to a future meeting with a presentation on their progress relative to the Regional Older Adult Strategy.

 

There was discussion regarding how the consultant will outreach to all the various senior groups, and the importance of enhancing communication.

 

The Committee suggested including what other municipalities are doing regarding their Older Adult Strategy in a future presentation.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li

Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Jason Tsien, Community Manager, Recreation and Mr. Peter Thoma, Project Lead Consultant, urbanMetrics inc. entitled “City of Markham Older Adult Strategy Update,” be received, and endorsed in principle.

Carried

 

 

9.         TEXTILE RECYCLING SMART BIN PROGRAM (5.2)

            Presentation     Report

 

Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waster & Environmental Management delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding textile recycling.

 

The Committee discussed having a full launch of the textile recycling program in the Fall 2016, and noted that the May 4, 2016 Textile Recycling symposium is only an unveiling of the Smart Bins.

 

There was discussion regarding the locations of the Salvation Army Smart Bins and ensuring that there is the correct branding on the bins. The Committee discussed the importance of placing the Salvation Army Smart Bins at locations that are convenient for residents.  There was discussion regarding placing the Smart Bins at City Community Centres as well as at the Fire Stations.  It was also suggested that staff investigate partnering with some major shopping malls such as Markville Shopping Centre and consider placing Salvation Army Smart Bins there. The Committee suggested that the locations for the Salvation Army Smart Bins be considered at the Environmental Issues Committee and report back to General Committee.

 

The Committee suggested that the Markham Public Realm Advisory Committee be advised of this initiative.

 

There was discussion regarding carpet and whether it can be recycled. Staff noted that currently they are unable to find a carpet recycler.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the presentation by Ms. Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waster & Environmental Management entitled “Textile Recycling Report”; and,

 

2)         That the report entitled “Textile Recycling Smart Bin Program” be received; and,

 

3)         That Council endorse the Textile Recycling Smart Bin initiatives as outlined in this Report; and,

 

4)         That staff investigate placing additional Textile Recycling Smart Bins at Community Centres and that City staff be directed to seek partnerships with two or three major shopping centres to permit the placement of Textile Recycling Smart Bins; and,

 

5)         That a copy of this Report be forwarded to York Region and the Local Municipalities, and Markham Public Realm Advisory Committee for their information; and,

 

6)         That upon completion of the project, remaining funds will be returned to the original funding sources; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

10.       REPEAL BY-LAW 30-1999 (7.15)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

           

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report dated March 29, 2016 and titled "Repeal By-law 30-1999" be received; and,

 

2)         That By-law 30-1999, a by-law with respect to the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, be repealed; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

11.       CITYWIDE MULTI-PHASE SANITARY SYSTEM
DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION PROGRAM
- ANNUAL PROGRESS UPDATE AND PHASE 4 DETAILS (5.3)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Citywide Multi-phase Sanitary System Downspout Disconnection Program – Annual Progress Update and Phase 4 Details” be received; and

 

2)         That Council approve the Phase 4 program area covering 2,305 properties as follows:

i.    Area bounded by Highglen Avenue to the north, Fonda Road & Mindy Crescent to the east, Denison Street to the south, and Middlefield Road to the west;

ii.   Area bounded by Fairtree Pond to the north, Morningside Creek to the east, Steeles Avenue to the south, and Markham Road to the west;

iii)  Area bounded by Armstrong Park & Senator Reesor’s Dr to the north, Ninth Line to the east, Highway 407 to the south, and Rouge River to the west;

iv)  Area bounded by Oak Lea Circle to the north, Ninth Line to the east, Highway 7 to the south, and Rose Way & Reginald Crescent to the west; and,

 

3)         That the project be funded in the amount of $300,000 from the 2016 capital project #16238 Sanitary System Downspout Disconnection Program – Phase 4 of 5; and,

 

4)         That the amount of $533,084 from the 2014 Capital Project #14313 Sanitary System Downspout Disconnection Program – Phase 2 of 5 and $197,778 from the 2015 Capital Project #15294 Sanitary System Downspout Disconnection Program – Phase 3 of 5 be returned to original funding source; and,

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

 

12.       REGIONAL LANDSCAPING ON SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF TOWN CENTRE BLVD. AND HIGHWAY 7 (5.10)

 

Councillor Alex Chiu presented the Committee with pictures of a landscaping wall on the southeast corner of Town Centre Blvd and Highway 7, and inquired about the consultation process with neighbouring landowners.  It was suggested that Regional Councillor will look into this.

 

 

13.       BAN ON DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES ACTIVITIES (13.4)

 

Councillor Colin Campbell advised the Committee with respect to door-to-door scams related to furnaces, water heaters, and other home energy products. He is suggested that the City pass a motion requesting the Provincial Government to ban all door-to-door sales in the home service sector. 

 

Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

That the following motion be deferred to the May 2, 2016 General Committee meeting:

 

Whereas the Provincial Government implemented the Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act in April 2015 to address, among other things, aggressive and misleading door-to-door sales tactics;

 

Whereas Ontarians over the last twelve months continue to experience unsolicited, aggressive and misleading sales tactics at their door from companies seeking to sell home energy products, despite this provincial legislation;

 

Whereas the door to door agents acting on behalf of these companies misrepresent their purpose and/or identity, often posing as utility inspectors and government agents needing to gain access to the homes of Ontarians;

 

Whereas people across Ontario, and in particular Markham residents, have been targeted by these door to door misrepresentations and misleading sales tactics;

 

Whereas one such company has been recently charged with 142 breaches of the Consumer Protection Act due to this fraudulent and misleading sales conduct, previous attempts by the Province to protect Ontarians have failed;

 

Whereas the province has implemented a ban on door-to-door sales for electricity and natural gas contracts by passing the Strengthening Consumer Protection and Electricity System Oversight Act, 2015;

 

This Council moves to:

 

1.      Urge the Provincial Government to ban all door-to-door sales in the home services sector (more specifically the sale or lease of HVAC equipment, water heaters, water filtration systems and other related home energy products and services by door-to-door sales agents) as soon as possible, and before the spring session of the Ontario legislature concludes;

 

2.      Issue an Alert via News Release and other forms of communication to Markham residents to warn them about ongoing door-to-door sales activities, and encourage Markham residents to sign the online petition at Change.org;

 

3.      Encourage other GTA municipalities to join with Markham in calling on the province to act;

 

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

Carried

 

 

14.       GERMAN MILLS MEADOW (5.7)

 

Councillor Valerie Burke advised that the German Mills Meadow and Natural Habitat Community Liaison Committee had put together a report regarding some additional maintenance work at the German Mills Meadow and Natural Habitat.  She would like staff the report referred to staff.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

That the report by the German Mills Meadow and Natural Habitat Community Liaison Committee be referred to staff.

Carried

 

15.       REDUCE SPEED LIMIT (5.12)

 

Councillor Karen Rea advised that she has received a petition to reduce the speed limit by Bur Oak Secondary School.  It was suggested that this petition be referred to staff.

 

 

Adjournment

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 12:35 PM.

 

Carried

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