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 Colin Campbell Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Paul Ingham, Director, Operations Kimberley Kitteringham, Town Clerk Peter Loukes, Director, Environmental Services Joel Lustig, Treasurer Mary Creighton, Director Recreation Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development Andrea Tang, Manager, Financial Planning Soran Sito, Manager, Environmental Assets Bill Wiles, Manager, By-Law Enforcement & Licensing Martha Pettit, Deputy Clerk Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. with Mayor Frank Scarpitti in the Chair.  Councillor Carolina Moretti assumed the Chair at 11:08 a.m.  Mayor Frank Scarpitti assumed the Chair at 11:21 a.m.  Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items; and Councillor Logan Kanapathi Chaired Building, Parks and Construction related items.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

DEPUTATIONS

 

Mr. Jack Valianes, Jakes on Main, addressed the Committee regarding Main Street Unionville proposed parking prohibition and spoke in opposition.

 

Ms. Sharon Taylor Wood, What Girls Want, addressed the Committee with respect to the Main Street Unionville proposed parking prohibition and stated concerns.  She also read a statement on behalf of Tony Lamana who is in opposition to the proposed parking prohibition.

 

Mr. Paul Vasilousky, Unionville Arms Pub & Grill, addressed the Committee regarding the Main Street Unionville proposed parking prohibition and spoke in opposition. 

 

Ms. Alena Gotz, Thornhill resident, addressed the Committee regarding an Integrity Commissioner and spoke in support of implementing an Integrity Commissioner position.

 

Ms. Donna Bush, Markham resident, addressed the Committee with respect to an Integrity Commissioner and spoke in support of implementing an Integrity Commissioner position.

 

Ms. Joyce Ramer, Markham resident, addressed the Committee regarding an Integrity Commissioner and spoke in support of implementing an Integrity Commissioner position.

 

Ms. Karen Rea, Markham resident, addressed the Committee with respect to an Integrity Commissioner and spoke in support of implementing an Integrity Commissioner position.

 

 

 

1.         INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER PRESENTATION (9.0)           

            Presentation

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the presentation regarding an Integrity Commissioner be deferred to a Council Workshop in September 2012.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         LOBBYIST REGISTRY PRESENTATION (9.0)  

            Presentation

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the presentation regarding a Lobbyist Registry be deferred to a Council Workshop in September 2012.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         COUNCIL EXPENSES REPORTING -UPDATE (7.0)                 

            Presentation    Attachment A

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the presentation regarding Council Expenses Reporting be deferred to a Council Workshop in September 2012.

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE JUNE 18, 2012           
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)                  That the Minutes of the June 18, 2012 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         2013 BUDGET CALENDAR (7.5)  

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the report dated June 25, 2012 entitled “2013 Budget Schedule” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Budget Committee meetings scheduled for the dates and times below be approved:

 

               Meeting #1 – Friday, October 5^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Canada Room)

 

               Meeting #2 – Friday, October 12^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Canada Room)

 

               Meeting #3 – Monday, October 15^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Council Chamber)

 

               Meeting #4 – Tuesday, October 16^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Council Chamber)

 

               Meeting #5 – Friday, October 19^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Canada Room)

 

               Meeting #6 – Friday, October 26^th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Council Chamber)

 

3)         That the above Budget Committee meetings are subject to change pending approval of the General Committee and Development Services Committee meeting schedule from September to December 2012; and,

 

4)         That two public meetings will be held at the Civic Centre on Wednesday October 10^th and Thursday, October 25^th respectively to receive public feedback on the 2013 Budget; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         STATUS OF CAPITAL PROJECTS AS OF          
MARCH 31, 2012 (7.5)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B     Attachment C

 

The Committee suggested that where possible the Emerald Ash Borer program should also include treatment.

 

The Committee discussed various capital project accounts that are being transferred to other sources of funding.  It was suggested that project #10063 Unionville Main Street Parking Lot and #10048 East Markham Transit Node Study not be transferred. 

 

There was discussion regarding project #8476 Heritage commemorative Signage for the Old Village.  It was suggested that Heritage staff confirm whether this project should remain open.

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the report entitled “Status of Capital Projects as of May 31, 2012” be received; and,

 

2)         That the net amount of $9.458M from the closure of capital projects be transferred to the sources of funding as listed on Exhibit A which includes the top up for the capital contingency in the amount of $152,700, top up of the Design development charge contingency in the amount of $55,425 and transfer of funds to the Sanitary Sewer System Upgrade/Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $439,371; and,

 

3)         That the net amount of $109,818 from the closure of tree replacement/planting capital projects be transferred to the Life Cycle Replacement & Capital reserve fund for the purpose of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program (include management and treatment where possible); and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         CONSOLIDATED STATIONARY BUSINESS BYLAW (2.0)     

            Report    Bylaw

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)                  That the report entitled “Consolidated Stationary Business Licensing By-law” be received; and,

 

2)                  That Appendix ‘A’ – the Consolidated Stationary Business Licensing By-law be enacted to provide for the licensing and regulation of stationary businesses; and,

 

3)                  That the 27 separate By-laws currently governing stationary businesses in Markham (see table below), be repealed and replaced as schedules in the proposed Consolidated Stationary Business Licensing By-law; and,

 

4)                  That By-laws 2007-146, 2008-17 and 2008-18 related to the application of pesticides be repealed; and,

 

5)                  That the Holistic Practitioners Registry, By-law 2004-309 be repealed; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         MARKHAM SPORTS PARK (3.0)

            Presentation

 

Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development and Mary Creighton, Director Recreation delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the Markham Sports Park.

 

The Committee discussed whether the pond should remain as an integrated feature of the Sports part or not.  The Committee also discussed the location of the heritage homes on the site.

 

It was suggested that the Open House be held in September 2012 rather than August 2012.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the presentation by Ms. Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development , entitled “Markham Sports Park” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Stakeholder Group Open House be held in September 2012.

CARRIED

 

 

 

9.         MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE PROPOSED       
PARKING PROHIBITION (2.17)

            Report     Bylaw

 

Paul Ingham, Director, Operations presented the Committee with pictures of Main Street, Unionville depicting the current parking restrictions.  It was noted that there have been six reported vehicular accidents in the last three years on Main Street, Unionville.

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        Whether the Town's parking lot can be expanded

·        Review the conditions relative to the property owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

·        Importance for the local Councillor  and Town staff to work with the store owners and BIA representatives

·        The need for more handicap parking spots

·        Ensure the Town's accessibility coordinator is on the subcommittee

·        Improve visibility when coming out of a driveway along the Main Street

·        Have a modified parking restriction rather than a full prohibition

·        Monitor and report back to General Committee by January 2013

·        Strategically place the flower barrels that will not permit cars parking on boulevard in certain areas

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Main Street Unionville Proposed Parking Prohibition”, be received; and,

 

2)         That Operation and By-law Enforcement staff be authorized to implement additional parking restrictions at driveway access points along the west side of Main Street, Unionville (from Carlton Road to Station Lane); and,

 

3)         That Operation staff investigate opportunities to increase the number and locations of accessible parking spaces on Town owned property in close proximity to Main Street, Unionville (Business Improvement Area district); and,

 

4)         That Operations and By-law monitor the effectiveness of the modified parking restrictions and report back to General Committee in January 2013; and

 

5)         That the Operations Department be directed to install the appropriate signs at the subject locations, funded through the Operations Department account # 083-5399-8402-005; and,

 

6)         That the Operations Department be directed to maintain the signs at the subject locations;

 

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

 

8)         That staff work with Councillor Don Hamilton and Regional Councillor Jim Jones and parking lot owners on improving parking in the east and west rear private lots to increase integrated parking opportunities; and,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       SWEDEN’S SMART COMMUNITIES TOUR    
SEPTEMBER 8-15, 2012 IN STOCKHOLM SWEDEN (3.0)

            Report

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed number staff that are attending the tour.  The Committee inquired whether a representative of Markham District Energy Inc. (MDEI) should attend.  It was noted that MDEI should discuss the potential of a representative attending the tour at their next Board meeting.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That authorization be granted for two staff (one from Environmental Services Department of Community and Fire Services Commission and one staff from Development Services Commission) to attend the Smart Energy Communities Tour in Stockholm, Sweden in September 2012; and,

 

2)         That expenses be paid in accordance to Town’s Policy from the 2012 Operating Budget; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

11.       FITNESS CENTRE UPDATE (3.0)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B     Attachment C

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following item be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

1)         That the report entitled “Fitness Centre Update” be received; and

 

2)         That Staff continue to monitor and implement strategies to increase awareness and promotion of Fitness Centre as outlined in this report; and,

 

3)         That Staff report back in Fall 2012 on the various initiatives outlined in this report; and,

 

4)         That Staff engage a pricing consultant to undertake pricing elasticity testing to determine optimal pricing, utilizing funds within existing operating budget to engage a consultant; and,

 

5)         That Fitness Centre Memberships be excluded from the annual Consumer Price Index Fee increases scheduled for September, 2012; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

 

12.       CONTRACT EXTENSIONS FOR HIRED GRADERS   
AND LOADERS FOR WINTER MAINTENANCE (5.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following item be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

1)         That the staff report entitled ‘Contract Extensions for Hired Graders and Loaders for Winter Maintenance’ be received; and,

 

2)         That the Director of Operations and Manager of Purchasing be authorized to enter into formal negotiations with existing contractors to secure contract extensions for both hired loaders and graders for local road winter maintenance; and,

 

3)         That the tender process be waived in accordance with Purchasing Bylaw 2004-341, Part 11, Section 7(1) c which states “when the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective or beneficial; and,

 

4)         That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to award contract extensions for tenders  012-T-03 and 128-T-03 for three (3) winter seasons (2012-2015) with an option for the Town to renew on a year by year basis for two (2) additional winter seasons (2015-2017); and,

 

5)         That the budget impacts resulting from the award of these contract extensions be dealt with through the 2013 Operating Budget process; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

 

13.       MASTER FIRE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (7.15)       

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following item be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

1)         That this report titled “Master Fire Plan - Implementation Plan (MFPIP)” be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve the Master Fire Plan including (Appendix ‘A’) subject to annual business planning, operating and capital budget processes; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

 

14.       YORK DOWNS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB       
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
AGREEMENT RENEWAL (5.3)

Report     Attachment A     Attachment B     Attachment C     Attachment D     Attachment E

 

There was discussion regarding the limited capacity of water that the Storm Water Management Pond can provide for irrigation purposes.

 

The Committee suggested that staff investigate whether York Downs Golf & Country Club can contribute back to the community.

 

The Committee suggested that the payment schedule be back-dated to July 2010 and have the agreement valid for seven years.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

1)         That the staff report entitled “York Downs Golf & Country Club Auxiliary Water Supply           System Agreement Renewal” be received; and,

2)         That the renewal of the existing agreement between the Town of Markham and the York           Downs Golf & Country Club for the supply of water from the York Downs Stormwater            Management Pond ‘H’ for irrigation purposes be authorized for an additional seven (7)        year term; and,

3)         That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the renewal agreement in a form      satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and the Director of Asset Management; and,

4)         That the Commissioner of Community & Fire Services be authorized and delegated the authority to approve and execute any future agreement renewals, if required by the York Downs Golf & Country Club, and subject to such terms and conditions deemed        appropriate by the Commissioner, Community & Fire Services, the Commissioner,        Corporate Services and the Town Solicitor; and further,

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

15.       STIMULUS & RINC INFRASTRUCTURE          
PROJECTS: PROJECT COMPLETION AND
OPERATIONAL RESULTS (5.0)

            Report   Attachment

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following item be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

1)         That the report entitled “Stimulus & RInC Infrastructure Projects: Project Completion and Operational Results” be approved; and,

 

2)         That Markham’s portion of the surplus funds in the amount of approximately $533,139 be allocated as follows:

a.       $80,000 for the Thornhill Community Centre & Library Project to address minor deficiencies

b.      $150,000 for the solar panels at 8100 Warden

c.       $303,139 for Civic Centre ice rink site improvements

 

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

CARRIED

 

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

 

16.       ANNUAL FIELD AGREEMENT – YORK REGION      
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (5.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         Annual report titled Annual Field Agreement – York Region District School Board be received; and,

 

2)         That the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services be authorized to executed the Annual Field Agreement – York Region district Board of Education; and further,

 

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

 

 

 

17.       IN-CAMERA MATTERS

 

**Note:  General Committee did not resolve into an in-camera session**

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following item be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

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

 

1)      A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local       board. (Ward # 3 & Ward # 7)

 

2)      A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local       board. (Ward #3)

 

3)      Labour Relations or Employee Negotiations. (Restricted Agenda)

CARRIED

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

 

18.       NEW BUSINESS (5.0 and 12.0)

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the item of New Business by Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting; and,

 

That the item of New Business by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath be referred to the June 26, 2012 General Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Development Services Committee meeting or June 26, 2012 Council meeting:

 

CARRIED

Note:   Please see June 26, 2012 General Committee minutes for this item

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The General Committee meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.