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
P. Loukes,
Commission Lead, Operations and Waterworks
A. Seabrooke,
Commission Lead, Library Services, Fire Services
and, Recreation and Culture
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
C. Biss, Chief
Executive Officer, Markham
Public Libraries
J. Lustig, Director
of Financial and Client Services
J. Ryerson,
Director, Varley
Art Gallery
S. Andrews,
Director, Asset Management
S. Laing, Director,
Human Resources
B. Roth, Director,
Recreation Services
J. Carnegie,
Director, Corporate Communications
J. Klaus, General
Manager, Waterworks
P. Ingham, General
Manager, Operations
D. Taylor, Acting
Director, Strategic Initiatives
M. West, Manager,
Strategic Initiatives
D. Walker, Library Strategy and Innovation
S. Tam, Manager,
Business Planning and Innovation
V. Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy
Conservation Office
A. Moore, Manager,
Purchasing
V. McGrath, Acting
Manager, Executive Operations
L. Duoba, Project
Coordinator
A. Wolfe, Project
Coordinator
M. Urquhart,
Manager, Environmental Leadership
B. Nicholson,
Manager, Business and Technical Services
K. Boniface,
Technical Coordinator
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 J. Virgilio in the
Chair. Councillor A. Chiu took the Chair for discussion of Community Services
Issues Items 4, 5 and 6. Councillor E. Shapero took the Chair for discussion of
Environment and Sustainability Issues Item 6.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed
1. WILD LIFE ISSUES AND
RELATED SERVICES WITHIN
THE TOWN OF MARKHAM (16.0)
Ms. Nathalie Karvonen, Executive Director,
Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC), provided an overview of the operations of the
Centre. It was noted that the Town provides funding to two (2) wildlife centres
for services provided to Markham.
Ms. Karvonen recommended that one centre be selected as the primary service
provider of wildlife services and that the annual funding be increased to
$20,000.
Committee requested, and received,
clarification on several minor issues. It was noted that a Council tour of TWC
will be arranged shortly.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the presentation from Ms. Nathalie
Karvonen, Executive Director, Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC), providing an
overview of the operations of the Centre be received;
And that the issue of wildlife-related
services be referred to staff for a comparison of the services and service
levels offered by TWC and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals in Newmarket.
CARRIED
2. MARKHAM TREES FOR TOMORROW (5.7)
Mr. B. Nicholson,
Manager of Business and Technical Services presented an overview of the Trees
for Tomorrow program, showing planting targets and other proposed programs
including education, partnerships and planting on private lands. It was noted
that the public launch of the program will be on May 3, 2008 at Milne Park.
Budget planning for subsequent years of the program will commence in June 2008.
Committee
expressed hope that the program will be sustainable beyond the current term of
Council. There was some concern that Council has not been involved in the
development of the program. It was suggested that a workshop be held to discuss
possible incentives such as tax breaks for residents that plant trees or
offering free trees for planting. Committee also noted that some residents are
keen to plant commemorative trees.
Committee noted
the importance of presenting statistics in a real world format and linking them
with climate change. Suggestions included illustrating how many trees are
required to offset the emissions from commuting or to offset the carbon dioxide
emitted from a family unit. The importance of engaging the School Boards was
noted, as was the importance of enhancing industrial areas. Ongoing maintenance
was highlighted and it was noted that tree guards need to be removed from
several plantings undertaken by developers as they are restricting tree growth.
Committee
suggested that the way in which the Trees for Tomorrow program fits with the
Natural Features Study be highlighted. Committee also noted that open space is
a desirable feature and should be taken into account when assessing tree
planting locations.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the presentation from Mr. B. Nicholson,
Manager of Business and Technical Services providing an overview of the Trees
for Tomorrow program be received.
CARRIED
3. PARKS, RECREATION,
CULTURE & LIBRARY MASTER PLAN
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PLAN (3.0)
Report Presentation Attachment
B
Mr. A. Seabrooke, Commission
Lead, Library Services, Fire Services and, Recreation and Culture, presented an
overview of the accomplishments to date of the current Parks, Recreation,
Culture and Library Master Plan.
Committee made several
comments and suggestions, including:
·
That staff
consider ways to increase employment of youth and new immigrants;
·
That the
new Master Plan consider the impact of the proposed CSIO facility and bearing
any operating costs associated with Rouge
Park;
·
That a
strategy for the arts be considered in greater detail;
·
That staff
consider ways of increasing the number of Seniors’ Clubs in Town;
·
That the
future vision for Markham Public Libraries be clarified;
·
That the
development of a smaller concert hall-type facility be considered;
·
That the
impact of intensification be considered when assessing facility requirements in
certain areas of the Town;
·
That LEED
certification be a standard for new Town facilities;
·
That staff
consider partnership opportunities such as integrating new facilities into high
rise developments, for example, condominium buildings;
·
That staff
report back on the budget implications of making all Town facilities fully
accessible;
·
That
future population estimates be revised where necessary in light of new
development proposals;
·
That staff
consider securing land early in anticipation of future facility requirements;
·
That staff
review requirements in South Markham,
particularly relating to the provision of soccer fields, basketball courts and
programs for seniors;
·
The Mayor
agreed to meet with the Chair of the Accessibility Committee to discuss the
need for a staff coordinator;
·
That
market research be undertaken to determine the demand for banquet facilities;
·
That staff
undertake a review of programming space in light of comments from the public
for increased storage and rehearsal space
·
That
community groups be polled to assess the demand for additional features, for
example, Snoezelen rooms, in new facilities;
·
That staff
arrange a Council tour of soccer centres in the Greater Toronto Area to assist
in developing a strategy for the provision of soccer facilities;
·
That the
provision of living arts installations be considered, particularly around the
major transit hubs;
·
That the
provision of illuminated basketball courts be considered;
·
That a
workshop be held to discuss the Master Plan process once a consultant has been
hired.
Moved by Councillor J.
Webster
Seconded by Councillor
A. Chiu
That the report
entitled, “Parks, Recreation, Culture & Library Master Plan –
Accomplishments and Development of New Plan”, be received;
And that the
presentation from Mr. A. Seabrooke, Commission
Lead, Library Services, Fire Services and, Recreation and Culture, highlighting the accomplishments in the areas of parks,
recreation, culture and library during the 2004 to 2007 period be received;
And that Council
approve of the general approach proposed to develop a new master plan
commencing in 2008;
And that the
estimated cost to the upset limit of $150,000 to be funded by the 2008 Capital
Project #8262, “Parks Recreation Culture and Library Master Plan”;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
4. SHOPPING CART CONTROL BY-LAW (5.0,
& 2.0)
Report
Attachment A
There was brief discussion concerning the
process for identifying shopping carts and the notice given to affected
businesses.
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the report entitled “Shopping Cart Control
By-Law” be received;
And that a by-law to
control shopping carts on public property, and in a form satisfactory to the
Town Solicitor, the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Commission Lead,
Operations and Asset Management, be enacted;
And that Fee By-law 2002-276 be amended to
reflect a charge of up to $50.00 for every shopping cart the Town collects and
returns to its respective owner(s);
And that staff report back after eighteen (18) months on the
results of the program;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
5. ANNUAL REGULATORY WATER
QUALITY SUMMARY
REPORT TO COUNCIL (5.3)
Report Attachment A
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by
Councillor J. Virgilio
That the 2007
Annual Summary Report to Council as required by Schedule 22 of Ontario
Regulation 170/03 enclosed herein be received;
And that the Annual
2007 Detailed Regulatory Water Quality Report (Attachment “A”), comprised of
Parts I, II & III-Form 2, III-Form 6 for the Ministry of the Environment on
water supply and quality as required by Section 11 of Ontario Regulation
170/03, be received;
And that Council
directs staff to post the Annual 2007 Detailed Regulatory Water Quality Report
on the Town’s website and that it be made available and provided to residents
upon request in hard copy version on or before February 28, 2008;
And that the matter be brought back to General
Committee on March 17, 2008
for further discussion;
And further that
staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
6. CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY
CENTRE
SUSTAINABILITY STUDY – GREEN TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES (6.6)
Report
Mr. D. Oleson, Oleson Worland_Taylor Smyth
Architects, presented options for energy saving installations at Centennial
Community Centre and provided an overview of such features that are already in
place. Committee requested the formula for calculating energy and cost savings
and noted that a carbon tax may be likely in the future and should be
incorporated into the calculations. There was brief discussion concerning the
installation of solar water heating panels on the pool roof and a high
efficiency condensing boiler.
Committee requested that interpretive
signing be installed to highlight the green roof and that such signage should
be installed when the solar panels are in place. It was noted that during the
detailed design stage, more aesthetically-pleasing solar panel design can be
considered.
Committee also requested that consideration
be given to ways in which heat from the ice-making machinery might be utilized
to heat the swimming pool.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Councillor V. Burke
That Markham Staff report, Centennial
Community Centre Study, dated December
10, 2007, be received;
And that the “Centennial Community Centre
Sustainability Study” prepared by Oleson Worland_Taylor Smyth Architects be
received;
And that Council approve the installation
of Solar Water Heating System for Centennial Pool and replacement boilers and
Domestic Hot Water (DHW) tanks instead of a green roof at Centennial Community
Centre;
And that Council approve tendering of the
seasonal Solar Water Heating Unit for Centennial Pool and the replacement of
its 2 existing gas-fired boilers and DHW tanks and associated works by Asset
Management staff;
And that funding, not to exceed $226, 500
that was identified for Green Roof installation from the Markham Environmental
Sustainability Fund (capital project #6789-$101,500) and the Gas Tax funds (capital
project #7326 -$125,000) be used for the installation of this equipment;
And that the other technological
improvements for energy savings for arenas and pools identified in the Study be
referred to Manager, Community Centre Operations for assessment and potential
future installation in Centennial Community Centre and other community centre
facilities;
And that energy savings of all these
retrofits be tracked by the Markham Energy Conservation Office;
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
7. AWARD OF
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 172-R-07
SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF SOFT
DRINKS AND
RELATED EQUIPMENT (7.9)
Report
**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the report entitled “Award of Request
for Proposal 172-R-07 Supply and Delivery of Soft Drinks and Related Equipment”
be received;
And that request for proposal 172-R-07 for
the Supply and Delivery of Soft Drinks and Related Equipment be awarded to the
highest ranked bidder, Coca Cola Bottling Company for a term of three (3) years
with an option to extend for an additional two (2) years based upon the mutual
agreement of both parties and with conditions that provide financial return as
per Attachment “A”;
And that the Manager of Purchasing and
Commission Lead, Community and Fire Services in consultation with the Town
Solicitor be authorized to approve the final terms and conditions of the
agreement;
And that the Commission Lead, Community and
Fire Services and Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to exercise
the option to extend the contract for an additional two (2) years upon expiry
of the third year provided that both organization are satisfied with past
performance;
And that the $35,000.00 annual beverage
exclusivity fund and the one time $50,000.00 signing bonus be credited to the
Partnership Revenue Account 795 797 9394 as outlined in Attachment “A”. The $50,000 signing bonus will then be
transferred to account 087 2800 200 Life Cycle & Capital Reserve Fund.
**Amended by Council at its meeting on March 4, 2008 to refer the
matter back to staff in order to allow staff to review the issue regarding the
inclusion of healthy beverage choices in vending machines and report back to
the next General Committee to be held on March 17, 2008.
8. STAFF AWARDED
CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH
OF DECEMBER 2007 (7.4)
Report
Attachment
A
Moved by
Councillor A.Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor V. Burke
That the report
entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of December 2007” be received.
CARRIED
9. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.24)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
Animal Care Committee
That the resignation
of Councillor Erin Shapero from the Animal Care Committee
be accepted with regret and another Councillor be appointed.
Note: The composition of
the Animal Care Committee is: 10 residents and 2 Members of
Council. Councillor V. Burke and Councillor E. Shapero were previously
appointed to the Animal Care Committee for the term ending November 30, 2008. The
resignation of Councillor Shapero leaves one Councillor Position vacant.”
Heritage Markham Committee
That the resignation of Mr. Ted
Shepherd from the Heritage Markham Committee be accepted with regret and a
letter of appreciation be forwarded.
Note: The composition of
the Heritage Markham Committee is: 10 residents and 3 Members of
Council. Councillor V. Burke, Councillor C. Moretti, and Councillor J.
Virgilio were previously appointed to the Heritage Markham Committee for
the term ending November
30, 2008. The resignation of Mr. Shepherd leaves one
resident position vacant representing Unionville.
Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility
That Mrs. Joan Jenkyn be appointed to the
Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility for the term ending November 30, 2010.
Note: The current composition of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility
is: Eight (8) resident members; two (2) representatives from local
organizations; and two (2) Members of Council. Regional Councillor G.
Landon and Councillor V. Burke were previously appointed by Council for the
term ending November 30,
2008.
CARRIED
10. PARKING CONTROL
BY-LAW -
ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT (2.17)
Report
Moved by
Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That By-law
2005-188, “A By-Law to Govern and Control Parking of Vehicles in the Town of
Markham”, be amended to state that no person shall park a motor vehicle so as
to obstruct any portion of the sidewalk;
And that staff
report back after eighteen (18) months on the results of this change with
regard to By-law enforcement and also on Extended Driveway enforcement;
And that
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
11. CITY OF VAUGHAN RESOLUTION REGARDING THE
ONE
CENT NOW CAMPAIGN (13.5.2)
Letter
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter
from the City of Vaughan dated February 1, 2008 regarding a resolution adopted
by its Council expressing its support for transferring one cent of the GST to
municipalities be received.
CARRIED
12. CITY OF CLARINGTON RESOLUTION REGARDING
THE DURHAM/YORK GARBAGE INCINERATOR SITE (13.5.2)
Letter
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter from the Municipality of
Clarington dated January 29, 2008 regarding a resolution passed by its Council
on Jan 28, 2008 concerning the proposed Durham/York garbage incinerator site be
received.
CARRIED
13. YONGE SUBWAY ADVISORY
TASK FORCE – DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE (13.5.2)
Letter
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter from York Region dated January
31, 2008 containing a resolution endorsing the Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force
– Draft Terms of Reference be received.
CARRIED
14. APPOINTMENTS AND
RESIGNATIONS TO
ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.0)
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That consideration
of the following recommendation be deferred to Council on March 4, 2008:
“That two (2) Councillors be appointed to serve on the Markham Sports
Council as directed at General Committee on February 11, 2008.”
CARRIED
15. CLICK WITH MARKHAM (12.0) t
Committee received
presentations on the following strategic priorities:
Growth Management
Councillor J. Webster
presented an overview of the issue statement, revised action plan and target
dates. There was considerable discussion surrounding the issue statement. It
was suggested that some of the issues be combined and draft wording was
provided by Ms. S. Laing, Director, Human Resources. Committee requested that
“economic prosperity” replace “economic” in action item 2 and noted there is a
need for a financial strategy and an overall strategy for growth.
Transportation/Transit
Deputy Mayor J.
Heath presented an overview of the issue statement, revised action plan and
target dates. Committee suggested the issue statement be revised to express the
need to protect the quality of life for existing, new and future residents, and
to reference the use of future technology. Committee noted the importance of
providing an effective transportation network that is clean and efficient.
Environment
Councillor E.
Shapero presented an overview of the issue statement, revised action plan and
target dates. Committee suggested that the issue statement be revised to
specify that the innovation in built form portion relates to environmental
sustainability rather than general design innovation. Additionally, it was
noted that Markham
should act as a leader and engage other municipalities to follow. Committee
suggested that in the issue statement “demonstrate” be replaced by an
alternative verb.
There was
discussion on the timelines and it was suggested that the Green Print project
completion date be moved to the first half of 2009 and the Green Building
and Green Community Standards have a target completion date of the second half
of 2009. Additionally, specific dates are required for the other ongoing items.
Municipal Services
Councillor D.
Horchik presented an overview of the issue statement, revised action plan and
target dates. The issue statement was discussed There was discussion as to the
impracticality of assessing every service that is offered. It was suggested
that the services be prioritized and only the major services be assessed.
Committee suggested that an overall vision should be outlined.
Parks and Recreation
Regional
Councillor G. Landon presented an overview of the issue statement, revised
action plan and target dates. It was suggested the issue statement be broadened
by emphasizing active lifestyle opportunities for residents. There was debate
around public safety. There was some disagreement as to which area should be
responsible for this issue. It was agreed that the issue statement would be
revised to address public safety and that the revised statement would be
forwarded to Council for review. A proposed statement was: “To enrich community
life through the provision of green space, libraries and culture for all in a
safe setting.”
Diversity
Regional
Councillor T. Wong presented an overview of the issue statement, revised action
plan and target dates. It was agreed there needs to be some reference to
behaviour modification and education. It was noted that diversity was given a
broad mandate to include accessibility as well as ethno-cultural issues.
Committee
suggested the Town needs to develop ways to bring community groups together. It
was also noted that some of the festival organizing committees find it
difficult to attract volunteers whereas the Town generally has a surfeit of
applicants. It was suggested that applicants might be directed to some of these
outside committees.
Committee noted
that the Markham Race Relations Committee can assist with tackling attitudes
and behaviours. Committee hoped that inter-cultural groups can be engaged to
create awareness and greater tolerance.
There was
discussion on the proposed timelines. There was agreement that some of the
dates be brought forward although it was acknowledged that several of the
proposed actions will continue for some time and may not have definite end
dates.
Additionally,
there was agreement that most of the issue statements were more like vision
statements and that they should be reworked to capture the original issues
rather than showing the desired end state.
Ms. J. Carnegie,
Director, Corporate Communications, provided an outline of how the Click With
Markham program has been communicated to the public to date. Committee was also
provided with a proposed communications plan for the rest of 2008. Committee
requested copies of all materials provided so as to be able to communicate
effectively the progress to date. It was agreed that there be quarterly updates
on the progress of each action plan.
It was stated that
there will be a report to General
Committee on March 17, 2008
which will provide estimated dates for all the action plan items.
16. ACCESSIBLE
PARKING ENFORCEMENT (5.12.4)
Committee
was advised that accessible parking violations cannot be enforced where the
appropriate signage is not in place. Staff agreed to investigate to ensure that
appropriate protocols are in place to ensure signs are replaced.
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Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee resolve in camera to discuss
a confidential personnel matter. (11:58)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee rise (12:15)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The
General Committee recessed at 12:15 p.m.
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.