GENERAL COMMITTEE
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Environment & Sustainability Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Councillor
E. Shapero
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief
Administrative Officer
M. VanBerkum, Assistant Town Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
J. Lustig, Director of
Financial and Client Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
S. Andrews,
Director, Asset Management
S. Laing, Director,
Human Resources
D. Taylor, Manager,
Executive Operations
M. West, Manager,
Strategic Initiatives
D. Pearce, Manager,
Real Property
R. Dominico,
Manager, Corporate Strategy & Quality
A. Tang, Acting Manager,
Financial Planning
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor and
Council
C. Raynor, Committee
Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed
1. MARKHAM
SPORTS COUNCIL (3.0)
Mr. P.
Jurbala, Chair, Markham Sports Council (MSC) presented information relating to
the background and operations of the MSC. Mr. Jurbala outlined the goals of the
MSC and some of its projects which included the Respect in Sport and Club
Development Projects and the construction of a website to direct participants
to appropriate sports organizations. Mr. Jurbala requested that Council work to
foster a closer working relationship with the MSC.
There was
brief discussion concerning a sports volunteers recognition event. Committee
noted that the Anthony Roman Memorial Hockey Tournament and the existing
Markham Volunteer Appreciation events might be suitable partners for such a
venture.
Committee also
suggested that the MSC work with the Mayor’s Youth Task Force to develop events
similar to those taking place during the Milliken Children’s Festival and that
events geared towards the Olympics and World Cup might help raise the profile
of the MSC. Committee suggested appointing celebrity athletes as honorary board
members.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Councillor C.
Moretti
That the
presentation from Mr.
P. Jurbala, Chair, Markham Sports Council (MSC) providing information relating
to the background and operations of the MSC be received;
And that the Town
Clerk be directed to bring forward a recommendation to the next General
Committee meeting that two (2) Councillors be appointed to serve on the Markham Sports Council.
CARRIED
2. CLICK WITH MARKHAM AND CITIZEN SURVEY
RESULTS (12.0)
Mr. K. Neuman,
Environics, provided a detailed analysis of the results of the Click with
Markham (CWM) and Citizen Surveys. Mr. Neumann showed comparisons of the
results from both surveys and broke down the results of CWM by Priority Area,
with analysis of the importance of each, public satisfaction with the proposed
action plan, an aggregation of comments received by respondents and overall
conclusions.
There was
considerable discussion surrounding the results, including the statistical
accuracy and the interpretation. It was noted that the results of CWM were
largely reflected in the Citizen Survey. There was brief discussion concerning
diversity and the multi-lingual nature of CWM. It was stated that steps were
taken to ensure that many languages were supported during the CWM process. It
was noted that detailed demographic data was not collected although age and
address information was collected from those respondents that wanted to remain
informed in the future.
Committee
requested that the gap analysis data be made available to Councillors to assist
them in their Working Groups. It is hoped that a final work plan can be adopted
before March Break.
Moved by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the
presentation by Mr. K. Neuman, Environics regarding the results of the Click
with Markham and Citizen Surveys be received.
CARRIED
3. SPRING AND YEAR ROUND LOAD RESTRICTIONS
(5.10)
D.
Tafesse, ext. 2475
Report Attachment
A
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Jones
Councillor C.
Moretti
That the report titled ‘Spring and Year Round Load Restrictions for
the Town of Markham’s
Road Network’ be received;
And that the gross weight of commercial vehicles be restricted to 5
tonnes per axle on all public highways under the jurisdiction of the Town of
Markham, from March 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008, according to the attached by-law
“Appendix A ”;
And that should adverse spring thaw conditions be encountered due to
a harsh winter the load restrictions be extended up to May 31, 2008 (up to four
weeks), at the discretion of the General Manager, Operations;
And that the gross vehicle weight of commercial vehicles be restricted
to 5 tonnes per axle for the hard surfaced Town roads listed in Appendix ‘B’,
from March 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009, according to the attached by-law
“Appendix B”;
And that in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act Sec. 122(4), the
restrictions would exempt vehicles operated by or on behalf of the municipality
and school buses;
And that the General Manager, Operations
be authorized to grant exemptions to the By-law to permit heavy vehicular
loads, at his discretion;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
4. MARKHAM
ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES –
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK (12.1)
E. Adams, ext. 2710
Report
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the report
titled “Markham Accessibility Guidelines - Stakeholder Feedback” dated January 22, 2008, be
received;
And that Council
thank the local stakeholders for their effort to review the guidelines and for
providing their comments;
And that Council
endorse the Markham Accessibility Guidelines for overcoming barriers within the
interior and exterior of Town owned facilities;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
5. QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM GAP ANALYSIS
AND
DELIVERY PLAN (13.12)
E.
Wu, ext 2737, R. Flindall, ext. 2445
Report Presentation Attachment
B
There was
brief discussion concerning the role of Council in the Markham Drinking Water
System. It was noted that a resolution of General Committee passed on February 4, 2008 that also
contained wording relating to the role of Council. Staff advised that Council’s
role should be explicitly stated and that this will be dealt with at Council on
February 12, 2008.
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by
Councillor V. Burke
That the
report entitled “Quality Management System Gap Analysis and Delivery Plan” be
received;
And that
Council designate the Corporate Top Management of the Operating Authority for
the purposes of the drinking water Quality Management System, as being
comprised of the following staff positions: Chief Administrative Office (CAO),
Commissioner of Community & Fire Services; Director of Operations, and the
General Manager of Waterworks, and assigns the roles, responsibilities and
authorities required by the Drinking
Water Quality Management Standard;
And that
Council designate the Corporate Operational Top Management of the Operating
Authority for the purposes of the drinking water Quality Management System, as
being comprised of the following staff positions: General Manager of
Waterworks, Waterworks Management Staff and the Waterworks Quality Management
System Controller with the roles, responsibilities and authorities required by
the Drinking Water Quality Management
Standard;
And that
Council designate the Waterworks Quality Management System Controller as the
Quality Management System Representative required by the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard;
And that
whereas services from various departments within the Corporation are required
to fulfill the duties of the Operating Authority, the provision of these
services will be documented in the Operational Plan for the Drinking Water
Quality Management;
And that
staff be directed to proceed with the delivery plan for the implementation of
the Quality Management System as outlined in this report;
And further
that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect
to this resolution.
CARRIED
6. QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTROL
POLICY (13.12)
E.
Wu, ext. 2737
Report
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the
report entitled “Quality Management System Control Policy for the Town of Markham” be received;
And that
Council approves the proposed Quality Management System policy as the Quality
Management System Policy for the Town of Markham
in order to comply with element #2 of the Drinking Water Quality Management
Standard;
And that
staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
7. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 17, 2008 CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy
Mayor J. Heath
That the minutes
of the January 17, 2008 Conservation Committee be received.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES OF
THE NOVEMBER 26, 2007
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF
MARKHAM (6.12)
Minutes
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the
minutes of the November 26, 2007 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham be received.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2008 BUILDING AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the
minutes of the January 18,
2008 Building and Parks Construction Committee be received.
CARRIED
10. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 7, 2008 RACE
RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the
minutes of the January 7, 2008 Race Relations
Committee be received.
CARRIED
11. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 19, 2007 PARKING
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the
minutes of the November 19, 2007 Parking Advisory Committee be received.
CARRIED
12. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS TO
ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.24)
**Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the following appointments to the Cedar Grove Community Centre
Board be confirmed for the term ending December 31, 2008:
Graeme Weston, Chair
Paul Reesor, Secretary-Treasurer
Frank Whittamore
Debbie Lapp
Robert Lapp
Murray Reesor;
Note: The current composition of the Cedar
Grove Community Centre Board is two (2) Councillors and six (6)
residents. Regional Councillor Gordon Landon and Councillor Logan Kanapathi
were previously appointed to the Cedar Grove Community Centre Board for the
term ending November 30,
2008.
And that the following appointments to the German Mills Community
Centre Board be confirmed for the term ending December 31, 2008:
Kathy Branny, Co-Chairperson
Erin Cattral, Co-Chairperson
Eileen Carter, Secretary
Myra Bechtel
Helen Duffy
Athena Hui
Sharon Raibmon
Note: The current composition of the German Mills
Community Centre Board is one (1) Councillor and seven (7) residents.
Councillor Erin Shapero was previously appointed to the German Mills Community
Centre Board for the term ending November 30, 2008.
And that the resignation of Mr. Azar Khan from the Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee be accepted with regret and a letter of appreciation be
forwarded.
Note: The current composition of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
is a citizen representative from each Ward, and four Members of Council.
Regional Councillor Gordon Landon, Councillor A. Chiu, Councillor V. Burke and
Councillor L. Kanapathi were previously appointed to the Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee for the term ending November 30, 2008."
**Amended by Council at its meeting on March 4, 2008 as follows:
That Debbie Lapp be removed from the appointments to the Cedar Grove
Community Centre Board; and,
That the following clause be added:
“That staff report back on the
issue of liability insurance for members of the Cedar Grove Community Centre
Board.”
13. CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR STREETLIGHT
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR,
AND RE-LAMPING PROGRAM (5.19)
A.
Laver, ext. 3400
Report Attachment
A Attachment
B
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the report
entitled “Contract Extension for Streetlight Maintenance, Repair and Re-lamping
Program “ be received;
And that the Contract
Extension for 2008 Streetlight Maintenance and Repair be awarded to PowerStream
in the estimated amount of $ 591,430 exclusive of GST;
And that the 2008
Streetlight Re-lamping Program contract be awarded to PowerStream in the estimated
amount of $ 143,983 exclusive of GST;
And that the tendering process be waived in accordance
with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) C which states “ when
the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective or
beneficial”;
And that funds be
provided from account # 720 720 5497 Streetlight Maintenance and Repair in the
total amount of $ 735,413 subject to council approval of the Town’s 2008
Operating Budget;
And that the Town
and PowerStream continue to work together on an ongoing basis to review options
to enhance service delivery and cost efficiencies, share information, and
exchange inventory data;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
14. LICENSING HEARING COMMITTEE (16.42)
S. Birrell, ext. 4729
Report
There was brief discussion concerning the
proposal to comprise the Licensing Committee of residents rather than
Councillors. Staff
noted that use of a Licensing Committee comprised of residents will avoid
placing Councillors in a position where their role as local elected
representatives may conflict with that of an individual hearing officer
It was suggested that the number of appeals
may increase as a result. Staff noted that the appeal process would only
consider whether the hearing was properly held and would constitute a second
hearing of the evidence presented.
It was noted that there is sometimes
difficulty in convening timely hearings due to the busy schedules of
Councillors. Committee suggested that having two alternates for scheduled dates
may mitigate the problem.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the composition of the Licensing Committee be referred back to staff for a
report on the compositions of Licensing Committees in other municipalities.
CARRIED
15. CN RAILWAY
COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCESS (5.13)
S. Birrell, ext. 4729
Report
There was brief discussion concerning the
budgetary impacts and scope of the proposed noise studies. Staff advised that
the process with CN is time-consuming and that there will be no additional
studies in 2008 beyond those outlined in the report.
Staff were thanked for their work on this
matter.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
Whereas the Town of Markham has received
complaints regarding excessive noise and vibrations from residents living in
the vicinity of the CN Bala York railway subdivision in Thornhill;
And whereas in 2006 the Town of Markham
retained independent noise consultants to study noise and vibration from
railway operations in that location, and the study report confirmed that there
were grounds for the resident complaints;
And whereas the results of the independent
noise consultant testing concluded the noise generated at the CN Bala York
railway subdivision exceeds the noise levels permitted in the Town’s Noise
By-law;
And whereas at its June 26 2007 meeting
Council approved a resolution directing staff to initiate a Public Liaison
Committee process with CN to review the findings of the consultant’s study to
develop recommendations on solutions or measures to address noise vibrations;
And whereas staff have facilitated meetings
on October 22 2007 and November 19 2007 between resident representatives, CN
representatives and Council members pursuant to the Voluntary Dispute
Resolution Process of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) and the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM);
And whereas the meeting held November 19 2007
representatives confirmed that continuously welded rail, which reduces noise
impacts of train passage, has been installed on most of the east west line, but
that jointed rail still exists on the north-south line. CN representatives confirmed that continuously
welded rail is to be installed on the north-south line at a future date and
undertook to report back on the time frame for this installation;
And whereas CN representatives confirmed
that maintenance and upgrading of the rail diamond, involving replacement of
ties, reballasting to improve ground stability, use of heavier metal plates,
and thicker rubber pads, will also be implemented, and that an experimental
process called “mounding” which involves over-raising the diamond is being
considered here;
And whereas it was the opinion of residents
and Council representatives that procedures should be put in place to monitor
CN measures to reduce noise emissions at the diamond, and other locations as
required, including measurement of sound levels before and after the upgrades
implemented by CN, to determine whether these upgrades have reduced noise
emissions;
Therefore be it resolved that CN be
requested to proceed with the installation of continuously welded rail on the
north-south line of the CN Bala intersection and the proposed state of the art
improvements to the diamond as expeditiously as possible;
And that CN be requested to partner with
the Town to facilitate independent
noise testing to determine the effectiveness of work being undertaken by CN at
this time to reduce noise impacts being experienced by residents in the
vicinity of the CN Bala intersection and other locations as required;
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
16. OTTAWA CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION REGARDING HOTEL ROOM
TAX (13.5.2)
Letter
There was
brief discussion concerning the City of Toronto’s
ability to collect hotel taxes. Staff advised that such a tax is in place but
is only voluntary.
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the letter from the City of Ottawa dated
January 24, 2008 containing a resolution to petition the provincial government
for the implementation of a hotel room tax be received and referred to staff
for a report on the matter, including what the additional revenues might be
used for, following dialogue with the tourism industry, York Region and
surrounding municipalities.
CARRIED
17. MARKHAM
TREES FOR TOMORROW (5.7)
B.
Nicholson, ext. 4893, P. Loukes, ext. 4894
Moved by
Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the
presentation entitled “Markham Trees for Tomorrow Workshop” by Mr. B. Nicholson,
Manager of Business and Technical Services and Mr. P. Loukes, Acting
Commissioner, Community and Fire Services be deferred to the February 25, 2008 meeting of General Committee.
CARRIED
18. 2008 PROPOSED
OPERATING
AND CAPITAL BUDGETS (7.0)
J.
Lustig. ext. 4715
Mr. J.
Lustig, Director, Financial and Client Services, presented a proposal to reduce
the tax impact of the 2008 Budget to 3.73%. Committee received clarification on
the Facility Ramp-Up Reserve which is designed to produce a reserve for
covering the increased costs associated with opening new facilities. Staff
advised that the payments into the Reserve can be deferred for one year with no
impact on future tax rates or future facilities.
Moved by
Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That the
presentation from Mr. J. Lustig, Director, Financial and Client Services,
regarding the 2008 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets be received;
And that it
be recommended to Council on February
12, 2008 that there be a 3.73% tax increase comprised of:
- Proposed 2008 Operating
Budget of $158.1M;
- Proposed 2008 Capital Budget
of $131.0M
- Proposed 2008 Waterworks
Budget of $59.2M
- Proposed 2008 Building
Services Budget of $7.0M
CARRIED
19. MUNICIPAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT INITIATIVE (7.6)
B. Cribbett, ext. 4735
Ms. B. Cribbett,
Treasurer, provided information on the proposed application for a Municipal
Infrastructure Investment Initiative Grant for the Markham Cycling and Pathway
System 2008. There was general agreement
that the project was the most suitable for the grant and Committee made a
number of suggestions on ways to improve the probability of success. It was
noted that the project spans several Wards and ridings and provides
connectivity with the Rouge
Park, Oak Ridges moraine
and surrounding Greenbelt.
There was considerable
discussion surrounding any apportioning criteria that the Province may employ.
It was noted that no such criteria have been revealed by the Province. There
was some concern that the Town’s application may be turned down if it is deemed
too high.
There was also
discussion surrounding the design of cycle paths. Committee suggested that
cycle paths should be segregated from other traffic. It was stated that York
Region be requested to consider such pathways on Regional roads.
Committee requested
the details be forwarded to the Markham and York Region Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committees.
Moved by Councillor D.
Horchik
Seconded by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
That the report titled
“Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative – Town of Markham Grant Application” be received;
And that Council
approve the Town’s participation in the Province of Ontario’s Municipal
Infrastructure Investment Initiative by approving a grant request in the amount
of $4,500,000 for the “Markham Cycling
and Pathway System 2008 (Aligned with Active 2010 Initiative)” project;
And that the Grant application reflect
suggestions made at the February 11, 2008 General Committee meeting which
included references to the scalability of the project, as well as other selling
points such as its Town-wide implications, its connectivity to the Rouge Park,
Oak Ridges moraine and the Greenbelt, and reference to how it aligns with the
Town’s Transportation Demand Management strategy;
And that the By-law to
“Authorize the Submission of an Application to the Ontario Infrastructure
Projects Corporation (“OIPC”) For Funding From the Municipal Infrastructure
Investment Initiative for a New Eligible Capital Project of the Corporation of
the Town of Markham (The “Municipality”) and to Approve the Expenditure of
Funds on Said Eligible Capital Project” be enacted;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
See following motion to amend Clause 2 that was lost
Moved by Deputy Mayor
J. Heath
Seconded by Regional
Councillor T. Wong
And that Council
approve the Town’s participation in the Province of Ontario’s Municipal
Infrastructure Investment Initiative by approving a grant request in the amount
of $4,100,000 for the “Markham
Cycling and Pathway System 2008 (Aligned with Active 2010 Initiative)” project;
LOST
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Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee resolve in camera to discuss
a confidential legal matters regarding tax billings and the over dedication of
parkland (1:03 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee rise (1:12 p.m.)
CARRIED
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20. TRUCK
ROUTES IN MARKHAM’S
EAST END (5.12)
Committee
requested that, at the next meeting of Transportation Committee, an update be
provided on the truck routes on or around McCowan Road, Ninth Line, Highway 48 and Donald Cousens Parkway.
There was some doubt as to whether McCowan
Road will remain as a truck route.
ADJOURNMENT
The
General Committee adjourned at 1:20 p.m.