JANUARY
25, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 3
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alex Chiu
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Gord
Landon
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
PART A
Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
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Councillor Alex Chiu
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Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community Services
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor
Lilli Duoba, Project Coordinator
Denis Flaherty, Director, Communications & Community
Relations
Daniella Giallonardo, Administrative
Assistant
Biju Karumanchery, Senior
Development Manager
Peter Loukes, Director, Operations
Victoria McGrath, Director,
Sustainable Office
Raj Mohabeer Senior Project Coordinator
Graham Seaman, Manager, Markham
Energy Conservation Office
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee
Coordinator
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The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. in the Canada Room with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Valerie
Burke disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 4, in-camera (# 2, relating
to litigation or potential litigation); she left the room during the discussion and did
not take part in the discussion of this matter.
1. MARKHAM'S
GREENPRINT
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (5.
7)
Presentation
Councillor Valerie Burke, Chair, Environmental and Sustainability
Issues introduced this item and noted that it will provide a great benefit to
the residents as a basis for decisions of Council.
Victoria McGrath, Director, Sustainable Office, introduced members of
the Sustainability Office in attendance, and gave a presentation regarding
Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan. The purpose of the presentation is to
introduce new members and familiarize returning members of Council with the
Greenprint and provide an update on progress to date.
Greenprint is a community-driven, long-term sustainability plan
promoting environmental health, social and cultural well-being and economic
vitality. It provides a vision and range of priorities, objectives and
recommendations to integrate Council’s priorities.
Ms. McGrath explained the evolution of Greenprint since it was draft
approved in principle by Council in June, 2010. The background, timeline,
consultation and internal and external outreach events were outlined. The new
Greenprint layout was illustrated as:
- Vision
- Sustainability Pillars
- Priorities: Objectives, Recommendations
- Financial Discussion
- Governance
- Implementation Matrix: Roles, Timeframe, Funding
The goals of Greenprint were described in detail: Individual Health;
Social Equity; Education and Skills; Identity and Culture; Food Security;
Energy and Climate; Materials Management; Economic Vitality; Access and
Mobility; Shelter; Water; and, Ecosystem Integrity. With respect to financial
issues, the current municipal framework and partnerships were discussed. With
respect to governance, coordination, implementation, and monitoring programs
were outlined.
The following comments from the Committee and responses from staff were
made:
Shelter
-
The issue of second suites was
discussed, and it was suggested the wording be amended to “provide an
affordable and flexible housing option.” The definition of “affordable housing”
was queried.
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It was noted that there are many
instances of multiple families in a single home. Staff will work with the
community and Council to offer options and to ensure safety.
Individual Health
-
What will the Town do that is not
already being done? Staff advised that availability, affordability and flexibility
of Markham programs will be promoted.
-
It was noted that health issues
need to be targeted towards children, perhaps through the library programs and
other opportunities.
Identity and Culture
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This relates to the Tourism
Markham initiative and would work as a collaboration.
-
Identity and Culture should
include diversity initiatives.
-
Markham Theatre rental should be
more affordable and accessible to all cultures.
Food Security
-
Includes community gardens and
partnerships with schools. Staff are currently working with “Seeds for Change” an
organization that is working with schools to create gardens.
-
Consideration could be given to using
the greenbelt area for a theme park, fruit production or experimental farm,
etc., in partnership with a University or industry.
-
In response to questions, staff
confirmed that the exchange of garden products is encouraged, and produce sale in
neighbourhood markets is possible.
-
Workshops to educate participants
in gardening would be helpful.
Access and Mobility
-
What are the implications for
private transportation and York Region Transit? The Town is working with York
Region. Partnerships and other arrangements will be needed.
Social
Equity
- Include assistance in obtaining employment
information, retraining, and educational opportunities, aimed towards new residents, new workforce members, and in different
languages
Energy & Climate
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Materials management strategies are
already being considered by Council.
Economic Vitality
-
Three strategies have already been
established (i.e. Convergence Centre, etc.)
General
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The community needs to be engaged.
A comprehensive communication plan with high visibility is needed to gain a
commitment by the public. It was noted that public engagement began in 2008
through various outreach projects and public meetings.
-
Consultation with public has been
very broad up to now, but there will be lots of opportunities for consultation
in the future.
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This is an extraordinarily
complicated and ambitious plan and it will be difficult to comprehend all aspects.
Study groups may be helpful.
-
It was suggested that the public
be invited to participate in Charettes that will break into groups for
discussion. This would provide education and encourage participation.
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The practicality of some programs,
such as maintenance of bike routes and trails in the winter, will have to be
determined.
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A broad range of options is
available, including writing to the Federal or Provincial governments, and
allowing Markham to support, rather than lead.
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A ranking system for sustainability
pillars was suggested.
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Funding assistance will be sought
from such sources as the David Suzuki Fund or environmental grants. An annual
update will be presented to Council, but it is intended that the projects will
be financed primarily by gas-tax funding, partnerships, and other
opportunities.
-
There is a potential for
duplication of efforts, and the strategy should be streamlined.
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Working groups involving all
commissions will be established. Some have already started and others will be
long-term, high-level initiatives. The Implementation Matrix will outline who
will lead each group.
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All aspects will be incorporated
as a new decision-making paradigm throughout the Town.
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Internal reporting and updates to
Council will ensure the recommendations are implemented.
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All Greenprint initiatives will
result in a reduced environmental footprint. It was suggested that workshops on
how to reduce environmental footprints would be helpful to the public.
-
The Markham Environmental Alliance
would be an asset in helping with the Greenprint
Councillor Valerie Burke expressed appreciation to staff for their hard
work.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti thanked staff for all their work on this
initiative, which will position Markham as the best sustainable community in North
America.
Staff was directed to include strategies to engage and involve the
public for the long term.
Staff advised that today’s comments will be incorporated into the draft
Greenprint and be provided to the Committee shortly, for review and feedback. A
detailed presentation will follow, with final approval targeted for the spring.
Once approved by Council, the Sustainability Office will work with each
department to determine short, mid and long term goals and needs.
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
That the presentation provided by Ms. Victoria
McGrath, Director, Sustainable Office regarding Markham's Greenprint
Sustainability Plan, be received.
CARRIED
2. INFLOW INFILTRATION REDUCTION &
LONG TERM WATER CONSERVATION STRATEGIES (5.5)
Presentation
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering,
introduced the presenters and gave a brief overview of water and sewer systems
and issues relating to problems with the inflow and infiltration systems.
Mr. Brown discussed capacity, flood
risks, inflow and infiltration reduction, water conservation, downspout and
consumption reduction programs, Region-wide complex issues and the Regional and
Municipal Water and Wastewater Task Force.
Funding strategies include set rates
collected at local and regional levels to build reserves and to address
programs within the local strategy.
Ms. Rosa D'Amico,
Manager, Infrastructure & Business Management, Region of York and Ms. Tracey
Carrigan, Manager, Environmental Promotion, Region of York, provided a high
level view of the strategy and goals for infow and infiltration reduction over
the next 20 years. The intent and implementation components were described in
detail. The long-term water conservation strategy and the Regional-Municipal
coordinated sustainability approach for the next 40 years were outlined.
The Committee questioned the percentage
of infiltration in Markham from downspouts, and what is being done to assist
homeowners to disconnect. Staff advised that the pilot project in Thornhill had a significant impact on capacity
in the older area, but it would not be as effective in newer areas. A proposal
will be brought to Council to expand the program. Staff also described the
problems with the pipes including aging factors and ground shifting. Going forward,
best practices will be used to minimize the risks.
The Committee discussed servicing for the Beckett Farm property and private
properties with respect to incentives. It was suggested that funding be
provided such as with the Water For Tomorrow conservation program and that
promotions be multi-lingual. Ms. Carrigan advised that various
replacement and rebate programs are available for existing homes, while new
homes are encouraged to incorporate the latest conservation measures. Water
conservation education program are provided in schools.
Regarding the management of storm water, Ms. Carrigan outlined plans to reuse the water for irrigation or cooling systems and other
purposes. A guide is being developed and the results will be monitored. It was
noted that guidelines are the only tool available unless the Province amends
the Building Code.
It was recognized that Canada is a major source of clean water and it is
important to preserve this resource.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
That the presentation provided by Ms.
Rosa D'Amico, Manager, Infrastructure & Business Management (A), Region of
York, Ms. Tracey Carrigan, Manager, Environmental Promotion, Region of York
and Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, Town of Markham regarding the Inflow
Infiltration Reduction & Long Term Water Conservation Strategies be
received.
CARRIED
3. ENGINEERING
CAPITAL PROJECTS
AUDITOR REPORT (5.0)
Staff
Response Auditor
Report
This
item had been referred from Council on November 23, 2010.
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services, introduced this matter and reminded the Committee of
previous presentations by the past Auditor General.
Alan Brown reviewed the
highlights of the Auditor General’s report and recommendations, and provided a
response and update on the Engineering Capital with respect to active projects,
E3 initiatives, and issues and challenges. Significant challenges relate to
staff retention, staff levels, project timelines and revenues.
Moved by: Councillor Valerie
Burke
Seconded by: Councillor
Colin Campbell
1) That the presentation by Alan Brown, Director of
Engineering, entitled “Engineering Department Capital Project Audit Report –
Management Responses” be received; and,
2) That the report prepared by Ingrid Kutter, former Auditor
General, entitled “Engineering Capital Projects Audit Report of the Town of
Markham” be received; and,
3) That the Town staff action plans developed in response to
the Auditor General recommendations be received and approved; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
4. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT NOTIFICATION
(10.12)
Councillor Alex Chiu raised the possibility of
expanding the notification circulation range, or holding a Public Information
Meeting for a Committee of Adjustment application in the vicinity of Pacific
Mall. The Commissioner of Development Services reviewed notification practices
and noted that a site plan application may also be involved. The Committee
expressed an interest in the application and requested staff provide more
information on the matter.
5. IN CAMERA ITEMS (5.0, 10.0)
Moved by
Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor Carolina Moretti
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (f) (e) of
the Municipal Act, Development Services
Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following
confidential matters:
1) Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege,
including communications necessary for that purpose.
2) A litigation or potential litigation, including matters
before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board
CARRIED
Moved by
Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded
by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the
Committee rise from the in-camera session (11:55 AM).
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM.
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