Development Services Capital Budget Items
Culture
Staff provided the following responses to inquiries from the Committee:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21001
|
Culture Public Art Master Plan Implementation - Phase 2 of 3
|
Staff advised that the funds will be used for acquisition and maintenance of the Public Art Collection, and also include preparatory work towards a joint project with Metrolinx (two underpasses at Kennedy and Denison), and Phase one of a Pan Am Centre project.
The preparatory work for the Metrolinx project needs to done to permit for the installation of the digital art platform, and light based artwork in the underpasses. These projects will be brought forward to Council for approval, and will go through a public consultation process as per the Markham Public Art Master Plan.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
That the Budget Committee approve the Culture Capital Budget Item No. 21001.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
That the Budget Committee approve the Museum Capital Budget Item Nos. 21002, and 21003; and,
That the Budget Committee approve the Theatre Capital Budget Item 21005; and further,
That the Budget Committee approve the Art Centre Capital Budget Item No. 21008.
Carried
Art Centres.
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21007
|
Gallery Lobby Maintenance
|
Staff advised that maintenance is being done to the Varley Art Gallery lobby to make the space more attractive and functional to program participants and renters. The work includes: 1) painting the brick walls; 2) upgrading the floor tiles; and 3) installing a flat screen television and a new sound system.
Committee expressed concern with the painting of the brick in the Gallery lobby due to it being a very permanent solution, as it is difficult to remove paint from brick should there be a desiree to do so in the future.
If this work is necessary, Staff should consider installing drywall as opposed to painting.
Committee requested that the concern regarding the painting of the brick be discussed with Gallery Staff, and that Staff report back on the outcome of the discussion at future Budget Committee meeting.
The decision on this item was deferred until Staff report back on the matter.
|
Planning
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget Item
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21012
|
Housing Strategy – Inclusionary Zoning
|
Staff advised that the financial and market analysis needs to be updated so that the Inclusionary Zoning for Markham’s Housing Strategy can be implemented. This is required by the proposed Community Benefits Legislation.
It was anticipated that the work would be completed in less than 12 months.
The City is currently working with developers to include affordable housing in their developments.
|
|
21013
|
Langstaff Master Plan and Secondary Plan Review
|
Staff advised that various types of expertise are required to undertake secondary plan work. In order to obtain these skillsets internally, the City would have to hire multiple staff to undertake the work, therefore Staff seek the assistance of external consultants.
The cost of undertaking the secondary plan work is consistent with the amount other municipalities, and developers spend on similar types of work.
|
|
21014
|
Markham Centre Community Energy Plan
|
Staff advised that the development of the Community Energy Plan is a required component of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Study Update. York Region will not approve the updated Secondary Plan without the completion of the plan.
The Energy Plan created for the Future Urban Area will be used to help develop this plan.
|
|
21015
|
Parkland Study Update
|
Staff advised that the City is required (under Bill 197, COVID Economic Recovery Act) to create a new Parkland Dedication By-Law to continue to charge the alternate parkland rate of $500 per hectare.
|
|
21017
|
Secondary Plans – General
|
Staff advised Committee that this item could be withdrawn based on the identification of an alternate funding source. Committee requested more detail and Staff will report back.
|
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
That the Budget Committee approve the Planning Capital Budget Item Nos. 21009 to 21018.
Carried
Design
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21019
|
Berczy Beckett Park (Cherna Ave.) - Design & Construction
|
Staff Advised that the DC background study, the type of park, and input from the Ward Councillor are some factors considered when determining a park’s amenities. The City is working on standardizing the amount spent per park type. Staff are also working to ensure parkland provided to the City is in good condition, and has no significant grading issues, as resolving these types of issues adds to both the design and construction cost of the park. For example, to resolve a grading issue at Berzy Park a retaining wall is required to be built.
There was discussion that the size of the park will have a factor on the cost per hectare as well due to mobilization costs.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
That the Budget Committee approve the Design Capital Budget Item Nos. 21019-21023 be approved.
Carried
Engineering
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21024
|
Copper Creek Drive Reconfiguration (Road Diet)
|
Staff agreed to consider adding flexible bollards at the intersections to separate the cyclists and other vehicles..
Committee expressed concern regarding the public perception of converting a four lane road to a three lane road if it may need to be converted back to a four lane road in the future.
Staff advised that the Ward Councillor was consulted on the reconfiguration of the road, and indicated that the community is in support of the project, as speeding is currently an issue on the road.
|
|
21027
|
Installation of Way Finding Signs at Rouge Valley Trail
|
Staff advised that the design and location of the wayfinding signs have already been decided, but that the City can hold off on creating and installing the signs until issues are resolved with Parks Canada in regards to the potential re-naming of the trail, and the creation of the trail loop. Staff will have further meetings with Regional Councillor Heath on the Parks Canada trail issues.
Committee agreed to approve the project but requested that staff report back to Development Services Committee prior to proceeding with the project.
There was a brief discussion on cyclists being courteous to pedestrians when using multiuse pathways, and on streamlining wayfinding signs for all of Markham’s trails.
It was requested that staff also report back to the Development Services Committee on the streamlining of trail signage, including wayfinding signs, warning signs (e.g. slippery bridge), and signs encouraging cyclist and pedestrians to be courteous to each other when using multiuse pathways.
Brian Lee will advise Councillor Karen Rea regarding pavement marking on theRouge Valley Trail.
|
|
21030
|
Markham Cycles & Active Transportation Awareness Program
|
Staff clarified that Markham Cycles asked the City for $30K in 2020, but that the City agreed to provide it with $15K. The same amount is recommended in 2021. Markham Cycles is aware that $15k is included in the 2021 budget.
|
|
21038
|
Sidewalk Program (Design)
|
Staff briefly explained the components required to design the sidewalks.
Brain Lee will discuss offline with Regional Councillor Jack Heath how this project relates to the City’s project to improve the connectivity of arterial roads.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
That the Budget Committee approve the Engineering Capital Budget Item Nos. 21024 to 21041 and 21178 (excluding project 21027) be approved.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by Councillor Reid McApline
That the Budget Committee approve the Engineering Capital Budget Item 21027 Installation of Way Finding Signs at Rouge Valley Trail with the understanding that staff report back to Council on the implementation details prior to proceeding with work.
Carried
CAO’s Office Capital Budget Items
Human Resources
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21043
|
Diversity Action Plan Refresh
|
Committee suggested that the Diversity Action Plan should be completed at an accelerated rate without compromising the integrity of the project.
It was noted that Markham’s Diversity Action Plan is to ensure inclusion of people of all races, religions, and abilities. The Anti-Black Racism Strategy is one component of the Plan.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
That the Budget Committee approve the CAO Office’s (Human Resources) Capital Budget Item No. 21043 be approved.
Carried
Corporate Services Capital Budget Items
ITS
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21044
|
ITS Life Cycle Asset Replacement
|
Staff advised that Council recently approved the replacement of desktop phones citywide. This project is for the replacement of IT hardware and software assets at the end of their lifecycle, which includes the replacement of smartphones
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
That the Budget Committee approve the ITS Capital Budget Item No. 21044.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
That the Budget Committee approve the Finance Capital Budget Item Nos. 21045, and 21046.
Carried
Asset Management
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21050
|
Cornell C.C. Parking Garage – Construction
|
Staff advised that it was not anticipated that the Cornell Community Centre Parking Garage would require this type of work at this time in its life cycle. The work is required as the roof of the parking garage is leaking and damaging the concrete. This is occurring due to the roof top sealant being damaged. There is also special maintenance unique to concrete structures that the City will be undertaking. Staff are confident that this solution will resolve the problem, and provide the City with the lowest annual cost of ownership.
|
|
21051
|
Corporate Security Operations & System Upgrades
|
Staff advised that in order to be in compliance with Bill 168 the City continues to update its corporate security operations and system to ensure that staff feel safe in their workspace, and to provide evidence for investigations.
|
|
21055
|
Operations Facilities Repair and/or Replacement Projects
|
Staff advised that this work needs to be done to protect Operations staff from injuring themselves.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
That the Budget Committee approve the Asset Management Capital Budget Item Nos. 21047 to 21062.
Carried
Community Services Capital Budget Items:
Fire & Emergency Services
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Item
|
Discussion
|
|
21069
|
Replacement of Equipment due to Staff Retirement
|
Staff advised that equipment for 12 new firefighter is needed due to anticipated retirements, and that equipment of the retired firefighters is kept as spare inventory.
|
Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
The the Budget Committee approve the Fire & Emergency Capital Budget Item Nos. 21064 – 21070.
Carried
Recreation Services
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21079
|
Cornell C.C. Heat Exchanger Replacement
|
Staff advised that the anticipated life cycle of an asset is included in the Life Cycle Reserve. This date is used as a placeholder to flag that a condition assessment needs to be conducted to determine if the asset’s life cycle can be extended or if the asset needs replacement.
|
|
21091
|
Recreation Lifeguard Chair Replacement
|
Staff advised that the high cost of the lifeguard chair is due to it being made from stainless steel, being a specialized item, and the base of chair needing to be cemented to the floor.
|
Staff advised that there will be two additional Recreational Capital Budget Projects, which will be added to the next meeting agenda. These projects were originally going to be funded by another funding source.
In response to a Committee inquiry, staff advised that the City has not purchased any autonomous floor scrubbers at this time, as more research is required due to changes in the technology requirements.
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
That the Budget Committee approve the Recreation Capital Budget Item Nos. 21072 to 21098.
Carried
Markham Public Library
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21099
|
Library Collections
|
Staff advised that the Library Collections Capital Budget item was revised based on feedback from the General Committee. A Staff Memorandum outlining the changes was presented to Committee.
The Collection Budget was reduced by approximately $400K, with $200k of the funds re-allocated to purchasing e-books versus print books. The budget was able to be reduced, as four branches are projected to remain closed in 2021.
|
Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
That the Budget Committee approve the Library Capital Budget Item No. 21099, and 21100.
Carried
Operations – Roads
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21101
|
Asphalt Resurfacing
|
Staff advised that Markham’s road network is performing well with the current pavement condition results of 73%, and that to reach a target of 80% would be very costly to the municipality.
|
|
21106
|
Citywide Ditching Program
|
Staff agreed to provide Members of Council with the location details for the 2021 Citywide Ditching Program.
|
Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
That the Budget Committee approve the Operation-Road Capital Budget Item Nos. 21101 to 21115.
Carried
Operations – Parks
Staff provided the following responses to Committee inquiries:
|
Capital Budget No.
|
Project
|
Discussion
|
|
21120
|
Boulevard/Park Trees Replacement
|
Staff advised that there is currently a backlog of trees to be planted, which staff are working on addressing. Building Markham’s Future Together addresses protecting Markham’s tree canopy through the creation of a Forestry Management Plan in 2022. Memorandums for both the Emerald Ash Borer and the Tree’s for Tomorrow programs will be presented to Council as updates in early 2021.
|
|
21122
|
Cemetery Fence Repair/Replacement
|
A Member noted that some of the residents in the Thornhill Community would like to see the fence replaced with a wrought iron fence rather than chain link fence, and that there should be some kind of consistency in approaching these type of matters in heritage districts.
The Ward Councillor was satisfied with the project as presented.
|
|
21128
|
Trees for Tomorrow
|
Staff advised that an update will be provided to the General Committee on the Trees for Tomorrow Program in early 2021.
|
Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
That the Budget Committee approve the Operation-Parks Capital Budget Item Nos. 21116 to 21128.
Carried