Electronic General Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 17

Monday, November 15, 2021 at 9:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
• Catherine Biss, Chief Executive Officer
• Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor
• Adam Grant, Fire Chief
• Mary Creighton, Director, Recreation Services
• Alex Moore, Manager of Purchasing & Accounts Payable
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Eddy Wu, Acting Director, Environmental Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the current treaty holders Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

Under the authority of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 (Bill 197) and the City of Markham's Council Procedural By-law 2017-5, and in consideration of the advice of public health authorities, this meeting was conducted electronically with members of General Committee, staff, and members of the public participating remotely.

General Committee convened at 9:09 AM with Regional Councillor Jack Heath presiding as Chair for all items on the agenda.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.  

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 18, 2021 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the October 18, 2021 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

3.2

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 1, 2021 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the November 1, 2021 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

The Committee inquired about the City's report regarding Vacant Home Tax and expressed support for the pedestrian and cyclist pilot measures being implemented by the Region at five City of Markham intersections to improve public safety.

Joel Lustig, Treasurer, addressed the Committee to indicate that staff is currently working on a Vacant Home Tax report that will be tabled at an upcoming General Committee meeting.  

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the following communications dated November 2, 2021 from York Region be received for information purposes:
     1. Proposed York Region Official Plan Amendment No. 7
     2. Analysis of Ontario's Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission's Final Report and Recommendations for Urgent Provincial Action
     3. City of Markham Comments on York Region's Growth Forecast and Land Needs Assessment to 2051
     4. Water and Wastewater Capital Infrastructure Status Update
     5. Municipal Streetscape and Pedestrian and Cycling Partnership Programs Annual Update
     6. Results of Pedestrian and Cyclist Pilot Measures
     7. Vacant Homes Tax to Support Affordable Housing
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions. 

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

7.1

2022 MEETING CALENDAR (9.0)

The Committee requested that staff provide confirmation on the number of meetings held in September 2018, prior to the 2018 Municipal Election, at the upcoming Council meeting on November 23, 2021.

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the proposed 2022 Standing Committee & Council Meeting Calendar be adopted.
  Carried

7.2

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 4, 2021 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the minutes of the October 4, 2021 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.

CONSENT REPORTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES ISSUES

8.1

182-S-21 SERVICING OF ARENA REFRIGERATION (7.9)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the report entitled “182-S-21 Preventive Maintenance and Servicing of Arena Refrigeration Equipment” be received; and,

      

  2. That the contract for preventive maintenance and servicing of arena refrigeration equipment be extended to CIMCO Refrigeration for a five year term (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2026 ) in the total amount of $695,112.79; and,
     • 2021: $34,756.14 (October 1 – December 31)
     • 2022: $139,024.56
     • 2023: $139,024.56
     • 2024: $139,024.56
     • 2025: $139,024.56
     • 2026: $104,268.42 (January 1 - September 30)

       Total Term: $695,112.79 (Pricing fixed for 5 years)

        

  3. That the 2021 award be funded from the various operating budgets from each respective location as identified under financial considerations; and,

      

  4. That the shortfall of $13,359.90 be adjusted as part of the 2022 Operating Budget subject to Council approval; and,

      

  5. That the tender process be waived in accordance with Procurement By-Law 2017-8, Part II, Section 11, Non-Competitive Procurement, item 11.1 (c) which states “when the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective or beneficial; and,

      

  6. That the CAO be authorized to extend the contract for an additional five (5) years (2026 (October 1) – (September 30) 2031) subject to Council’s approval of the annual operating budget, vendor performance, and an increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Ontario All-Items to a maximum of 2%; and further,

      

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

      

  Carried

8.2

256-T-17 ROUTINE & EMERGENCY SEWER AND WATERMAIN INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS CONTRACT EXTENSION (7.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the report entitled “ 256-T-17 Routine & Emergency Sewer and Watermain Infrastructure Repairs Contract Extension” be received; and,
  2. That the tendering process be waived in accordance with the City’s Purchasing By-law # 2017-8, Part II, Section 11.1(c), Non Competitive Procurement which states, “when the extension of an existing Contract would prove more cost-effective or beneficial”; and,
  3. That the contract for routine & emergency watermain, sewer and stormwater system infrastructure repairs be extended with FDM Contracting Co. Ltd. for two (2) years from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 in the estimated annual amount of $887,355.00 (inclusive of HST); and,
  4. That the award be funded from the Waterworks Operating and Operations accounts outlined in the Financial Considerations; and,
  5. That staff be authorized to amend the award amount to reflect changes to the operating budget accounts as approved by Council during the annual budgeting process; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

PRESENTATIONS - COMMUNITY SERVICES ISSUES

9.1

ANNUAL LIBRARY BOARD PRESENTATION (3.19)

Catherine Biss, Chief Executive Officer, Markham Public Library, introduced Margaret McGrory, Vice-Chair of the Markham Public Library (MPL) Board, who together with MPL Board members, Raymond Chan, Edward Choi, Lillian Tolensky, presented the Markham Public Library Board Annual Presentation 2021, that provided and overview of 2021 results and the 2022 business plan.  It is anticipated that 2022 will see a return to regular full service hours to engage the community in learning and social connections.  

The Committee thanked the MPL Board and staff for their work, dedication and support during the pandemic and noted the alignment of library initiatives to the City's strategic plan to leverage their value and deliver these services to residents.  The City is looking forward to the resumption of full library services.  

There was discussion on the following:  

• The price variances for e-books versus hard cover books;
• An inquiry regarding e-audio books;
• The potential integration with the library registration system and the City's recreation registration system; 
• The positive effects the library has on the community;
• Consideration to bridge the social and educational gaps experienced during the pandemic as services resume; and,
• Identifying opportunities to create a formal relationship with York University in the future.

Catherine Biss, addressed the Committee and indicated that MPL and other libraries across North America have lobbied their Federal Governments regarding the regulation of e-book pricing.  She also indicated that the library would continue to seek out opportunities for partnerships with York University.   

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That the presentation, "Markham Public Library Board Annual Presentation 2021", made by the following MPL Board members be received:

  • Margaret McGrory;
  • Raymond Chan;
  • Edward Choi; and,
  • Lillian Tolensky. 
  Carried

10.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

11.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motions.

12.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new or other business.

13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Committee acknowledged the meaningful and inspiring Remembrance Day Service video and thanked Councillor Keyes, Rebecca Cotter, Manager Communications, Operations, John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II, Michelle Gibbons, Assistant to Councillor Keyes, and Janet Beatty for their work on this moving and special tribute to our veterans. 

14.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

The Committee did not resolve into confidential session and consented to place items; 14.3.1, 14.3.2, and, 14.3.3 on the November 23, 2021, Confidential Council Meeting for consideration. 

The Toronto and Region Conversation Authority, was requested to attend the November 29, 2021, General Committee meeting.   

• That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:

14.1

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

14.1.1

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES- JUNE 14, 2021 (16.0) [ Section 239 (2) (a)(c)(i)]

14.1.2

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES- JULY 13, 2021 (16.0) [ Section 239 (2) (c)(i)]

14.1.3

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 (16.0) [ Section 239 (2) (f)]

14.1.4

PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES (BOARD/ COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/ RESIGNATIONS) (16.24) [Section 239 (2) (b)]

14.2

ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

14.2.1

THE SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (WARD 7) [Section 239 (2)(a)]

INFORMATION EXPLICITLY SUPPLIED IN CONFIDENCE TO THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD BY CANADA, A PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OR A CROWN AGENCY OF ANY OF THEM; (WARD 7) (13.0) [Section 239 (2)(h)]

14.3

LAND, BUILDING & PARKS CONSTRUCTION ISSUES

14.3.1

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (8.7) (WARD 5) [Section 239 (2)(c)]

14.3.2

A SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 8) (8.2) [Section 239 (2)(a)]

14.3.3

A SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 7) (8.7) [Section 239 (2)(a)]

15.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman

  That General Committee adjourn at 10:26 AM.

  Carried