FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE
2002-03-18 - Canada Room
Meeting No. 5
Attendance
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Councillor G. McKelvey
Councillor E. Shapero
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
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J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
R. Robinson,
Town Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community Services
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant
Bill Wiles,
Manager, Business Operations
J. Lustig,
Manager, Financial Planning
P.
Wealleans, Director, Taxation
T.
Houghting, Director, Financial Reporting
R.
Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning
S. Chait,
Director, Corporate Strategy & Quality Office
Brian
Varner, Manager of Real Property
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
D. Smith,
Committee Clerk
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The Finance
& Administrative Committee convened at the hour of 1:00 p.m. with
Councillor K. Usman in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST - none
declared
1. CANCELLATION,
REDUCTION OR REFUND OF
TAXES UNDER SECTIONS 442 AND 443 OF THE
MUNICIPAL ACT (7.3)
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the communication dated March 26, 2002
withdrawing appeal number 412 under Section 442 and the communication from the
Director, Taxation, be received;
And that Residential taxes in
the amount of $267,489.89 (Section 442 in the amount of $164,482.75 and Section
443 in the amount of $103,007.14) be adjusted; the Town's portion is estimated
to be $65,623.57;
And
that the Commercial/Industrial taxes in the amount of $178,195.04 (Section 442 in the amount of $174,960.13 and Section 443 in the amount
of $3,234.91) be adjusted; the Town's portion is estimated to be $19,297.03;
And
that the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments;
And
that the Treasurer be directed to adjust the Collector's Roll.
Carried as amended by Council March 26, 2002.
2. CANCELLATION,
REDUCTION OR REFUND OF
TAXES UNDER SECTION 442 OF THE
MUNICIPAL
ACT - ADDENDUM (7.3)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the Commercial taxes in the amount of $10,851.56 be adjusted under Section 442
of the Municipal Act; the Town's portion is estimated to be $1,175.22;
And
that the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments;
And
that the Treasurer be directed to adjust the Collector's Roll.
Carried.
3. TRANSFER
OF EASEMENT FOR EGRESS
TO YONGE STREET TO CATHOLIC
CEMETERIES
ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO (HOLY
CROSS
CEMETERY) (8.1)
Committee
questioned why only restricted approval is being recommended. The Manager of
Roads advised that the Cemetery Board has only requested egress since the road
is narrow.
It
was agreed that a meeting be arranged between representatives of Holy Cross
Cemetery, Manager of Roads Paul Ingham and the Town Solicitor before proceeding
with consideration to transfer of easement for egress to Yonge Street to
Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of Toronto.
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That
a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Transfer of
Easement to the Catholic Cemeteries - Archdiocese of Toronto for egress only
from the Holy Cross Cemetery over lands legally described as the one foot
reserve south end side of Church Lane, Plan 2386, designated as Part 2, on a
draft reference plan, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
Carried.
4. 2002
CONSTRUCTION OF BERCZY PARK (7.12.3 & 10.7)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That Loc-Pave
Construction Ltd. be awarded the agreed upon Phase 1 works for Berczy Commons
Park in the amount of $578,475.70 inclusive of 7% GST ($556,850.44 inclusive of
3% GST) which were part of the 2001 tender 089-T-01 and which were deferred
into the 2002 construction schedule.
Carried.
5. DEMOLITION
OF ANDREW WIDEMAN HOUSE
9462 HIGHWAY 48 - RESTITUTION
OPTIONS
BALLANTRY HOMES (10.0 &
16.11.3)
Considerable
discussion took place with respect to restitution options by Ballantry Homes
with respect to the demolition of the Andrew Wideman House at 9462 Highway
48.
- Court case pending
- Museum Board in favour of
new Reception Centre for the Museum
- Concern about overrun in
building costs
- Museum concept plan not yet
prepared
- Contractural agreement
- Ambrose House - 16th Avenue
and Highway 48 intersection - a further report is required
- Staff to advise of value of
property of former Andrew Wideman House.
Moved
by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded
by Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the staff recommendation with respect to the restitution options with respect
to demolition of the Andrew Wideman House, be amended as follows:
That
Council accept the offer by Ballantry Homes to provide services in kind in the
amount of $250,000 to build a new, purpose-built, Reception Facility at the
Markham Museum;
And that the Chief Administrative Officer and
Town Solicitor bring forward a proposed agreement as well as proposed details
of cost estimates and a methodology for measuring the cost of construction for
consideration by Council;
And
that Community Services Staff be authorized to obtain the services of a museum
architectural consultant to assist in the preparation of a functional
requirements plan and design concept for the proposed museum facility;
And
further that as a condition of the draft plan approval for the proposed
Ballantry Homes plan of subdivision, Ballantry Homes be required to install at
its cost a cairn and a 'Markham Remembered' interpretive plaque acknowledging
and interpreting the former Andrew Wideman House, the exact wording of which to be submitted to Council at its meeting of
March 26, 2002.
Carried.
6. BUTTONVILLE
AIRPORT COMMUNITY
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
(5.15.1)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That
the report entitled "Buttonville Airport Community Committee Terms of
Reference' be received;
And
that the Committee's Terms of Reference be formally ratified by Council;
And
that the following Town of Markham appointees to the Committee be covered under
the Town's blanket liability coverage Markham
Residents Mr. D. Myers, Mr. J. Scholz and Ms. G. Semlyen;
And
further that the request by the Committee that all properties in the area
affected by the airport have a notice put on title about the existence and
operation of the airport be received and referred to staff for a report.
Carried.
7. CANADIAN
FIRE FIGHTER REQUEST FOR
SPONSORSHIP OF THE EVEREST
EXPEDITION 2003 (12.2.6)
Moved
by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That an amount of $5,000 be approved from the
Promotions Budget for
Canadian Fire Fighter Sponsorship of the Everest Expedition 2003 "Climbing
for the Children's Wish Foundation";
And that the Markham Flag be placed at the
summit of Mount Everest;
And that the Town of Markham be given the
right to use a photograph of the Markham Flag on the summit of Mount Everest on
promotional material.
Carried.
8. 10TH
ANNIVERSARY POLICE APPRECIATION
NIGHT DINNER (12.2.6)
Moved
by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That
the Town sponsor a table for 8 at a cost of
$1,200 for the Annual York Regional Police Appreciation Night to be
held on Thursday, April 25, 2002, at LeParc, Markham.
Carried.
9. UNIONVILLE
VILLAGE FESTIVAL - REQUEST
FOR BEER GARDEN (12.2.6)
Mr.
John Cabrelli, Unionville Festival Chairman was in attendance. He advised that
the plan is to open the beer garden from noon to 6 p.m. It was agreed that
discussion take place with the BIA/Unionville Village Ratepayer Association and
other community groups.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Mayor D. Cousens
That consideration of the matter of the request
for use of the baseball field in Crosby Park on Saturday, June 1, 2002 from
noon to 6 p.m. to hold a licensed "Foods of the World Pavilion" at
the Unionville Village Festival (beer garden) be referred to the Ward Councillor for decision subject to him consulting
with community associations and subject to the size, layout of the
area adjoining the beer garden, final site, community input, itinerary, police
presence for the last few hours and all necessary approvals.
Carried as amended by Council March 26, 2002.
10. YMCA MARKHAM BUSINESS CENTRE (12.2.6)
Moved
by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
the Town sponsor a table at a cost of $150.00 for the YMCA JAZZ ON THE NOODLE event being held on May
24th, 2002 at the Rouge River Community Centre.
Carried.
…………………………………………………………………….
11. 2002
TAX POLICY UPDATE - YORK REGION (7.3)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the report entitled '2002 Tax Policy Update - York Region' be received for
information.
Carried.
12. 2002
INSURANCE RENEWAL INCREASE (4.0)
The
Manager of Financial Planning reported that the 2002 insurance renewal increase
of 33% over 2001 levels is attributed to increased claims in the public sector
as well as the effect that the events of September 11, 2001 had on the
world-wide reserves of the insurance industry.
He advised that this municipality has to share the risk.
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That
the report entitled '2002 Insurance Renewal Increase' dated March 18, 2002 be
received for information purposes.
Carried.
13. PROPOSED
STOP UP AND CLOSING, END OF
CHURCH LANE, THORNHILL -
POTENTIAL SALE
OF SURPLUS PROPERTY TO
ABUTTING OWNERS (5.17)
The
following recommendation was before Committee for consideration:
"That approval be granted to the Manager of Real Property to enter
into preliminary discussions for the sale of lands shown in the attached sketch
to the abutting owners, subject to any requirements for easements;
And that approval be granted for staff to proceed with the stopping up
and closing of that end of Church Lane for the purpose of declaring the lands
as surplus property in accordance with Town of Markham By-law 178-96."
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That approval be granted to the Manager of
Real Property to enter into preliminary discussions for the sale of lands at
the end of Church Lane to abutting owners and that a report be brought back to
Finance & Administrative Committee before proceeding further.
Carried.
14. MINUTES
OF BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS (7.4 & 7.5)
The
Minutes of the 2002 Budget Sub-committee meetings dated December 10, 2001,
January 28, 2002, February 25, 2002 and March 4, 2002 were deferred.
15. 2002
OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS (7.4 & 7.5)
The Manager of
Financial Planning gave an overview of the proposed 2002 Operating and Capital
Budgets. The figures reflect a tax rate increase of 2.3% or $19.34 per annum
for the Town of Markham's share of the tax bill on an average home valued at
$278,000. The proposed 2002 Operating
Budget will maintain existing service levels with a nominal tax rate increase
that aligns with inflation. The Capital
Budget allows for the replacement of infrastructure and facilities, and is
enhanced by an additional $3.0 million in funding from the 2001 Surplus and
Hydro Interest Income.
Considerable
discussion took place. It was agreed to
further discuss the details after the Budget Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday
morning, March 20, 2002.
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That
the verbal presentation by the Manager of Financial Planning be received.
Carried.
The
following recommendation was before Committee for consideration:
"That
the report dated March 18, 2002 from Financial Services entitled “2002
Operating, Capital, and Waterworks Budgets” be received;
And
that Council approve the 2002 Operating Budget for Town services which totals
$111,043,910, the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 1
attached hereto;
And
that gross expenditures of $111,043,910 be funded from the following sources:
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$
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Taxation
Revenues
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70,552,160
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Grant &
Subsidy Revenues
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441,677
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General
Revenues (Interest, Fines, Permits)
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19,133,500
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User Fees
& Service Charges (User Fees, Rentals, Sales)
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15,852,137
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Other
Income/Recoveries
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2,663,885
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Prior Year
Surplus Transfer to Reserve
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2,400,551
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Total
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111,043,910
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And
that Council approve the 2002 Capital Budget expenditures of $62,193,490 and
the funding sources listed in Appendix 2 attached hereto;
And
that Council approve the Water and Wastewater Budget that totals $30,762,739,
the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 3 attached
hereto;
And
further that a copy of the budgets be made available to the public through the
Clerk’s Department and each of the Markham Libraries."
Deferred.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That a 2.3% tax increase for the year 2002 be approved.
Motion lost.
Moved
by Councillor J. Heath
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That a
1.7% tax increase for the year 2002 be approved.
Deferred.
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That consideration of the 2002 Operating,
Capital and Waterworks Budgets be referred to the next Committee of the Whole
meeting for consideration.
Carried.
16. REQUEST
TO RENAME MCLAREN PARK BACK
TO SIMONSTON PARK (6.3)
Councillor
Shapero recommended that McLaren Park formerly known as Simonston Park be
formally changed back to Simonston Park, and instead, a section of the park be
dedicated to commemorate the McLaren Family.
Moved
by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded
by Mayor D. Cousens
That the request to change the name of
McLaren Park to Siminston Park be referred to the Thornhill Sub-committee for
input from residents;
And that a copy of the Guidelines for naming
parks be brought forward for information.
Carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That
the Finance & Administrative Committee receive and consents to the
disposition of Item Nos. 17 to 21 in the following manner:
17. REQUEST
FOR NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
IN THE ORDER OF ONTARIO
(12.2.6)
Received and referred to all members of
Council.
18. REQUEST
FOR NOMINATION OF ONTARIO
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT FOR
LINCOLN M. ALEXANDER AWARD
(12.2.6)
Received and referred to all members of
Council.
19. REQUEST
FOR NOMINATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER
RECOGNITION AWARDS (12.2.6)
Received and referred to all members of Council.
20. POTENTIALLY
SURPLUS PROVINCIAL PROPERTY
SOUTH WEST CORNER LANGSTAFF
ROAD AND
RUGGLES AVENUE (8.5)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the letter advising of potentially surplus Provincial vacant land, part of Lots
34, 35 & 36, RP 2386, south west corner of Langstaff Road and Ruggles
Avenue between Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street be referred to the Manager of
Real Estate to report back on uses of the subject property.
Carried.
21. MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF CANADA -
2002 SUPER CITIES WALK FOR MS
(12.2.6)
Moved
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded
by Councillor J. Heath
That
the invitation to attend York Region Corporate Breakfast on March 22,
2002 at
the York Region Administrative Centre in Newmarket to launch the 2002 Super
Cities
WALK for MS be received.
Carried.
22. CHINESE BUSINESS EXPO - APRIL 17, 18, 19,
2002 (12.2.6)
The
Mayor and Councillor Wong reminded members of Council that they still have
packages available for attendance at the Chinese Business Expo to be held at
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on April 17, 18, 19, 2002.
23. MANY FACES OF MARKHAM CONCERT (12.2.6)
Regional
Councillor Wong reminded members of Council of the Many Faces of Markham annual
concert taking place at the Markham Theatre on March 25th, 2002. Lieutenant Governor Mr. James K. Bartleman
will be in attendance. He requested
members of Council to arrive at least 15 minutes before the commencement of the
event scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
………………………………..
At
3:40 p.m. Committee recessed in-camera to discuss confidential matters and
reconvened at 4:20 p.m.
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ADJOURNMENT
The Finance
& Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 4:25 p.m.