Electronic General Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 14

Monday, June 20, 2022 at 9:30 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Mary Creighton, Director, Recreation Services
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Biju Karumanchery, Director, Planning ＆ Urban Design
• Graham Seaman, Director, Sustainability & Asset Management
• Alex Moore, Manager of Purchasing & Accounts Payable
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Rob Cole, Acting Chief Information Officer
• Eddy Wu, Acting Director, Environmental Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer
• Rajeeth Arulanantham, Assistant to Council/Committee
• Jennifer Evans, Legislative Coordinator

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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 current treaty holders 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.

Under the authority of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 (Bill 197) and the City of Markham's Council Procedural By-law 2017-5, this meeting was conducted in a hybrid format where members of General Committee, staff, and Members of the public participated both in-person and remotely.

General Committee convened at 9:35 AM with Regional Councillor Jack Heath presiding as Chair. 

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were none disclosed. 

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 7, 2022 AND JUNE 8, 2022 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the June 7, 2022  and June 8, 2022 General Committee Meeting be confirmed. 
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

There were deputations in relation to item 8.1.  Please refer to the item for details.

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the following communications dated 2022 from York Region be received for information purposes:
     1. 2022 Development Charges By-Law and Background Study
     2. 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan Year 3 (2021) Progress Report and 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan Development
     3. Affordable Housing  in York Region - 2021 Measuring and Monitoring
     4. Update on Sustainable Development Incentive Programs
     5. Toronto Global Membership and Foreign Direct Investment Realignment
     6. Long-Term Care Transformation Second Draft National Standard
     7. Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for York Region
     8. Regional Greening Strategy Refinement and 2021 Achievements
     9. 2022 Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update
     10. South York Greenway Cycling and Pedestrian Corridor Route Alignment and Project Advancement
     11. Draft Regional Official Plan Consultation Update and Statutory Public Meeting
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions. 

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

7.1

MINUTES OF THE MAY 9, 2022 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the May 9, 2022 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes. 
  Carried

7.2

MINUTES OF THE MAY 12, 2022 MARKHAM TRAIN STATION COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the May 12, 2022 Markham Train Station Community Centre Board meeting be received for information purposes. 
  Carried

7.3

009-T-22 YONGE & GRANDVIEW PARK - CONSTRUCTION (8.2)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “009-T-22 Yonge & Grandview Park - Construction” be received; and,
  2. That staff be authorized to award a contract to Quality Property Services, the lowest priced bidder, in the total amount of $590,483.80 inclusive of HST; and,
  3. That a contingency in the amount of $47,238.70 (8%) inclusive of HST established to cover any additional project costs be approved, and that authorization be granted to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
  4. That the Urban Design Capital Administration Fee in the amount of $57,395.03 be approved; and,
  5. That the award, contingency and capital administration amounts in the total amount of $695,117.53 ($590,483.80 + $47,238.70 + $57,395.03) be funded from capital project 21023 Yonge & Grandview Park – Construction, GL account 081-5350-21023-005, which has an available budget of $645,106.00; and,
  6. That the shortfall of $50,011.53 ($645,106.00 - $695,117.53) be funded from the City-wide Soft Development Charges in the amount of $45,010.38 (90%) and the Parks Cash-in-Lieu in the amount of $5,001.15 (10%); and further,
  7. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.4

002-R-22 MARKHAM VILLAGE FLOOD CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION - PHASE 1 DESIGN STORM/ SANITARY SEWERS AND CAST IRON WATERMAIN UPGRADES (5.6)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “002-R-22 Consulting Engineering Services for Markham Village Flood Control Implementation - Phase 1 Storm/ Sanitary Sewers and Cast Iron Watermain Upgrades” be received; and, 
  2. That the detailed design work under contract 002-R-22 Consulting Engineering Services for Markham Village Flood Control Implementation - Phase 1 Storm/ Sanitary Sewers and Cast Iron Watermain Upgrades (inclusive of Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C) be awarded to the highest ranked, second lowest priced Bidder, R.V. Anderson Associates Limited, in the amount of $1,204,735.62, inclusive of HST; and, 
  3. That a 20% contingency in the amount of $240,947.12, inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs and that authorization to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and, 
  4. That the Consulting Engineering Services for detailed design award in the amount of $1,445,682.75 ($1,204,735.62 + $240,947.12) be funded from the capital project 058-6150-22193-005 “Markham Village Flood Control Implementation Phase 1 - Design”; and,
  5. That the remaining budget of $569,217.25 in capital project 058-6150-22193-005 “Markham Village Flood Control Implementation Phase 1 - Design” will not be required from the Stormwater Fee Reserve; and, 
  6. That the contract administration services (inclusive of 10% contingency) be awarded to R.V. Anderson Associates Limited for:
     Phase 1A in the amount of $586,094.66 ($532,813.32 + $53,281.33),
     Phase 1B in the amount of $621,153.01 ($564,684.56+ $56,468.46), and,
     Phase 1C in the amount of $660,382.10 ($660,347.37 + $60,034.74), be requested as part of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Capital budget process, subject to Council approval; and, 
  7. That the future Purchase Order for contract administration of Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C be updated to reflect the actual construction time required based on the final design; and further, 
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.5

STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR MAY 2022 (7.12)

There were inquiries in relation to the following contracts:

• 034-R-22 Markham Innovation Exchange (MIX)- Developing Model Guidance Consultant;
• 045-R-22 Landscape Architectural Consulting Services, Rougeside Promenade Park;
• 076-T-22 New Infill Residential Service Connections at Various Locations; and,
• 078-S-22 Purchase of Multi-Function Devices and Single Purpose Printers and maintenance and Support Services (Click Charges) through the Ontario Provincial Government via OPS VOR arrangement - Workplace Print and Services.

 

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of May 2022” be received; and, 
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution
  Carried

7.6

207-T-21 FAIRTREE CRICKET PITCH LIGHTING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION (7.9)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “Tender 207-T-21 Fairtree Cricket Pitch Lighting Installation” be received; and,
  2. That the contract for Tender 207-T-21 Fairtree Cricket Pitch Lighting Installation be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Nadelec Contracting Inc. in the amount of $386,118.14, inclusive of HST; and,
  3. That a 10% contingency in the amount of $38,611.81 inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs and that authorization to approve expending of the contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
  4. That the estimated costs of $424,729.96 ($386,118.14 + $38,611.81) be funded from accounts as listed in the Financial Considerations section with budget available of $227,915.00; and,
  5. That the budget shortfall in the amount of $196,814.96 ($424,729.96 - $227,915.00) be funded from the Development Charges - City-Wide Soft Reserve in the amount of $177,133.46 (90%) and Non-DC Growth in the amount of $19,681.50 (10%); and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

8.1

IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL BRIDGE OVERPASS BANNER SIGNS IN MARKHAM (7.0)

Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services, addressed the Committee and presented the, Implementation of Digital Bridge Overpass Banner Signs in Markham, which provided an overview of the new digital board locations for commercial advertising and City messaging opportunities.   

The following deputations were heard in relation to the presentation:

Nancy Coldham, expressed opposition to the implementation of the overpass banners and noted concerns with safety guidelines and driver distraction.   

Valerie Burke, expressed opposition to the implementation of the overpass banners and cited that they are unattractive, unnecessary, and environmentally unsustainable.  

James G Lafromboise, expressed opposition to the implementation of the overpass banners citing concerns with safety, and the potential impact on the environment and wildlife. 

Evelin Ellison, expressed opposition to the implementation of the overpass banners.  

There was discussion on the following:  

• Safety specifications of the banners in relation to light pollution and structure;
• The anticipated revenue that will be generated with the implementation of the banners;  
• That there be consideration to reduce the number of lumens on the boards to reduce the amount of light generated;
• The amount of hydro consumption and who is responsible for energy usage;  
• The ability to provide emergency communication on the signs;   
• Concerns with the overpass banner location on Bayview Avenue and a suggestion to identify alternate locations;  
• A suggestion to lower or turn off lights at night when there is less traffic volume;  
• That there be consideration to provide more stationary messaging and that the timing of when messages change;

The Committee requested that staff provide information in relation to illumination standards, safety statistics around overpass banners, and potential alternate locations.  

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  That item 8.1 be moved forward on the agenda.

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the Report entitled “Implementation of Digital Bridge Overpass Banner Signs in Markham” be received; and,
  2. That the recommendation be approved in principle and that staff return to a Committee meeting /Council meeting on July 14 with responses to the inquiries made;
  3. That Staff be authorized to complete negotiations and finalize a Digital Sign Agreement with RCC Media Inc. for the installation and maintenance of Digital Overpass Banner Signs on CN railway bridges in Markham, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the City Solicitor; and,
  4. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement with RCC Media Inc., and any amendment thereto approved by the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the City Solicitor; and,
  5. That Staff report back within 2 years of the signing of the agreement with RCC Media Inc. with a status report; and, 
  6. That the deputations from Nancy Coldham, Valerie Burke, James Deframboise and Evelin Ellison be received; and further,  
  7. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

      

  Carried

9.

PRESENTATIONS - COMMUNITY ISSUES

9.1

LIFESAVING SOCIETY COMMENDATION NOMINIATIONS  (12.2.6)

Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation, addressed the Committee and introduced the Lifesaving Society Commendation Nominations and acknowledged the following staff members for their quick action and judgement in having performed a successful rescue in an aquatic or non-aquatic emergency:

• Clare Meadway, Community Program Supervisor (Aquatics);
• Victor So, Lifeguard;
• Thineash John, Lifeguard;
• James Bird, Lifeguard;
• Carmen Wong, Leadership Conductor;
• May Tam, Leadership Conductor;
• Jennifer Thompson, Shift Supervisor.

The Committee thanked these staff members for their courage and congratulated them on their nominations.   

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the following award recipients be acknowledged for their contributions to this achievement:

  • • Clare Meadway, Community Program Supervisor (Aquatics)
    • Victor So, Lifeguard
    • Thineash John, Lifeguard
    • James Bird, Lifeguard
    • Carmen Wong, Leadership Conductor
    • May Tam, Leadership Conductor
    • Jennifer Thompson, Shift Supervisor
  Carried

10.

MOTIONS

There were none.

11.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were none. 

12.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new or other business.

13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

14.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman

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

  Carried

14.1

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

14.1.1

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES - JUNE 7, 2022 & JUNE 8, 2022 (16.0) [Section 239 (2)(a)(b)(c)(e)]

 The General Committee confidential minutes dated June 7, 2022 and June 8, 2022 were confirmed.

14.1.2

APPROVAL OF RESTRICTED AND CONFIDENTIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - APRIL 26, 2021 (16.0) [Section 239 (2)(b)(d)]

The General Committee restricted and confidential minutes dated April 26, 2021 were confirmed.

14.1.3

SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (UPDATE ON SECURITY ACTIVITY OF CITY ASSET); (12.0) [Section 239 (2)(a)]

The Committee consented to receive the information provided. 

14.2

LAND, BUILDING & PARKS CONSTRUCTION ISSUES

14.2.1

PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OF LAND BY CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (WARD 8); (8.6) [Section 239 (2)(c)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the June 28, 2022 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

14.2.2

PROPOSED DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 1); (8.1) [Section 239 (2)(a)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the June 28, 2022 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

14.2.3

PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OF LAND BY CITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 8); (8.6)[Section 239 (2)(c)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the June 28, 2022 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

14.2.4

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OF DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD - RELOCATION OF KOCH-WIDEMAN HOUSE OT MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES (WARD 6); (8.6)[Section 239 (2)(c)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the June 28, 2022 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

15.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee

  That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 2:13 PM.

  Carried