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M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

October 7, 2013

Meeting No. 20

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                Community Services Issues

Chair:              Mayor Frank Scarpitti                                                                            Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice Chair:      Councillor Carolina Moretti                                                                   Vice Chair:      Councillor Howard Shore

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                                          Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                                                                         Chair:              Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Vice Chair:      Regional Councillor Joe Li                                                                      Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell

 

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor. Howard Shore

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Eric Lariviere, Theatre Manager

Paul Ingham, Director Operations

Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:08 a.m. with Mayor Frank Scarpitti in the Chair and Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items.

 

 

General Committee recessed at 12:07 p.m.  General Committee reconvened into an in-camera session at 1:35 p.m.  General Committee recessed at 2:02 p.m.  General Committee reconvened at 3:14 p.m.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 


 

 

1.         FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE STRATEGIC
UPDATE AND KEY INITIATIVES (6.5)

            Presentation     Report     Appendix A      Appendix B

 

Mr. John Tidball, Chair and Ms. Karen Toon, Member, Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update for the Flato Markham Theatre Strategic and Key Initiatives.

 

The Committee thanked staff and the Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board members for all their work in achieving many positive initiatives.

 

The Committee discussed the following relative to the Flato Markham Theatre:

·        Net revenue

·        Rental rates

·        City contributions

·        Corporate sponsorships

·        Discovery program

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. John Tidball, Chair, Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board and Ms. Karen Toon, Member, Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board entitled “Flato Markham Theatre Strategic Updates and Key Initiatives,” be received.

 

2)         That the report titled Flato Markham Theatre (FMT) Strategic Update and Key Initiatives be received; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

CARRIED

 

 


 

2.         A PROPOSAL TO CONTINUE TO INVEST $4 MILLION
ANNUALLY FROM MARKHAM’S FEDERAL
GAS TAX FUNDING TO SUPPORT MARKHAM DISTRICT ENERGY’S CAPITAL PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2014 TO 2017 (13.7)

            Presentation

 

Bruce Ander, President & CEO, Markham District Energy, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding a proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham’s Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy’s capital plan for the period 2014 to 2017.

 

There was considerable discussion regarding the required capital costs related to the development of Markham Energy. It was noted that although the up-front capital investments are large the long-term pro-forma creates an appealing utility style after tax rate of return for the Shareholder.

 

Ms. Karen Rea, Markham resident, addressed Committee regarding the proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham's Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy's capital for the period of 2014 to 2017 and stated concerns.

 

Ms. Karen Rea read Donna Bush's deputation with respect to the proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham's Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy's capital for the period of 2014 to 2017 and stated concerns.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the PowerPoint Presentation by Bruce Ander, President & CEO, Markham District Energy, titled "A proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham’s Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy’s capital plan for the period 2014 to 2017", be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to report back to General Committee regarding the proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham's Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy's capital plan; and,

 

3)         That discussion regarding the proposal to continue to invest $4 million annually from Markham's Federal Gas Tax funding to support Markham District Energy's capital plan be included in the 2014 City of Markham Budget process and at a future Markham Enterprises Corporation meeting.

 

CARRIED

 

 


 

3.         WINTER OPERATIONS SERVICE STANDARDS REVIEW (5.10)

            Presentation   Report   Attachment

 

Paul Ingham, Director, Operations, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding winter operations service standards review.

 

There was discussion regarding the various issues and concerns related to the driveway windrow removal program for seniors.  Staff advised that they will report back on a potential rebate program for seniors in place of the driveway windrow program.

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

1)         That the presentation by Paul Ingham, Director Operations, titled "Winter Operations Service Standards Review", be received; and,

 

2)         That the staff report titled “Winter Operations Service Standards Review” be received; and,

 

3)         That Operations be authorized to increase the number of hired tandem units from  19 to 20, effective November 16, 2013, to meet service standards for road inventory increases related to growth for a total estimated annual cost of $73,150, inclusive of HST; and,

 

4)         That Operations be authorized to increase the number of hired sidewalk plowing  units from  24 to 26, effective December 1, 2013, to meet service standards for sidewalk inventory increases related to growth for a total estimated annual cost of $90,933, inclusive of HST; and,

 

5)         That Operations be authorized to increase the number of hired loader units from 28 to 35, effective December 1, 2013, to increase service levels for rear lane snow clearing for a total estimated annual cost of $81,879, inclusive of HST; and,

 

6)         That the 2014 Operating Budget for hired tandems, loaders and sidewalk plowing be increased by $245,963, inclusive of HST to cover both standby and operating costs for additional units identified above and the 2013 Operating Budget will be impacted by $62,203, inclusive of HST; and, 

 

7)         That Operations staff continue to offer the City’s existing “Windrow Removal Program” to pre-qualified residents; and,

 

8)         That Operations staff engage York Region Operations staff to improve  coordination of road and sidewalk winter maintenance activities on Regional roads throughout the City; and,


 

9)         That Operations staff continue work with Canada Post to improve winter maintenance activities at Canada Post super mailboxes located within the City’s rights of way; and,

 

10)       That Operations, Information Technology Services and the Corporate Communications and Community Engagement staff  expand the current mobile application and web information  to include information for residents and businesses about the City’s  service standards,  storm status updates and related storm information,  and,

 

11)       That the Operations and Corporate Communications and Community Engagement Departments commence work on an enhanced awareness and  education  campaign as soon as possible; and,

 

12)       That the Contact Centre enhance its current services during severe winter storm events to better serve City residents and businesses; and,

 

13)       That Operations, Development Services and Financial Services collaborate in sourcing emerging technologies for consideration of a future pilot project to be located in City’s expanding intensified development locations and report back to Council on options and costs associated with implementation of a pilot project in a to be determined high-density new development area; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the September 23, 2013 General Committee be referred directly to         the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

CARRIED

 

 


 

5.         MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 2013
THE FRIENDS OF THE MARKHAM MUSEUM
FOUNDATION BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the June 19, 2013 The Friends of the Markham Museum Foundation          Board be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 21, 2013
ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the August 21, 2013 Animal Care Committee be referred directly to        the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND

TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE
 (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the September 26, 2013 Information, Communications and Technology Sub-Committee be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 


 

8.         MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 13, 2013
PUBLIC REALM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the August 13, 2013 Public Realm Advisory Committee be referred          directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

9.         MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 27, 2013
RBC MARKHAM MILLIKEN MILLS
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the August 27, 2013 RBC Markham Milliken Mills Children’s         Festival Committee be referred directly to     the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for      consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 22, 2013
SENIORS HALL OF FAME
AWARDS COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the August 22, 2013 Seniors Hall of Fame Awards Committee be   referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 


 

11.       MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 2013
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the June 19, 2013 Advisory Committee on Accessibility be referred          directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
VICTORIA SQUARE COMMUNITY
CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the September 16, 2013 Victoria Square Community Centre Board            be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

13.       MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 2013
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM
ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the Minutes of the June 24, 2013 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham       Annual Meeting of Members be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council         meeting for consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

 


 

14.       CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY LEAGUE
            - REQUEST FOR MARKHAM TO HOST THE
            2014 AND 2015 CLARKSON CUP (12.2.6)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

That the following be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration:

 

1)         That report Canadian Women's Hockey League – Request for Markham to Host Clarkson Cup be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve that the City of Markham host the Clarkson Cup in 2014 and 2015; and,

 

3)         That Council approve that for 2014 and 2015 that $10,000 be added to the Recreation operating budget; and,

 

4)         That Council approve that use of Centennial Arena for the 5 day period is at no cost; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

15.       MARKHAM SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL CENTRE (6.0)

 

It was suggested that the Markham Sports, Entertainment & Cultural Centre sub-committee meeting scheduled for October 7, 2013 be audio-streamed.

 

Moved by Councillor Howard Shore

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the October 7, 2013 Markham Sports, Entertainment & Cultural Centre sub-committee meeting be audio-streamed.

CARRIED

 

 


 

16.       PARK RENAMING IN WARD 2 (5.0)

 

Councillor Howard Shore advised that he has an item of new business regarding a potential park renaming.  (See In-camera Item No. 2)

 

 

 

17.       DEFERRAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON OCTOBER 15 & 16, 2013
            TO CONSIDER A MOTION REGARDING THE MARKHAM SPORTS,
            ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL CENTRE (6.0)

 

At the October 7, 2013 Markham Sports, Entertainment & Cultural Centre subcommittee meeting there was discussion regarding whether the scheduled Special Council meeting (October 15 & 16, 2013) should be re-scheduled to a later date to permit continued negotiations.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Special Council meeting scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2013 to consider a Motion regarding the Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre, be deferred to a date to be determined at the end of November 2013, to allow for continued negotiations.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

18.       IN-CAMERA MATTERS

 

Committee consented to add a new item of new business to the in-camera session regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Ward 3 – Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre, Agreement with Remington).

 

Committee also consented to have the discussion relative to a park renaming during the in-camera session given the discussion will include personal matters about an identifiable individual.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera/restricted session to discuss the following confidential matters (1:35 p.m.):


 

(1)        a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Ward 3 – Markham Sports, entertainment and cultural centre)
(agreement with remington) (6.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (c)]

 

(2)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL,
            INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
            (PARK RENAMING IN WARD 2) (5.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

(3)        GENERAL COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (c) (d) (f)]

 

(4)        GENERAL COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- APRIL 22, MAY 6 AND JUNE 17 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (d) (f)]

 

(5)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
(BOARD/COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS) (16.24)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

(6)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL,
INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
AND
LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING
MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS,
AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD
(UNIONVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA MATTER) (UBIA) (3.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (e)]

 

CARRIED

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the General Committee in-camera session rise and report (1:58 p.m.)

CARRIED

 


 

Committee reported out the items as follows:

 

 

ITEM NO. 1

 

(1)        a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Ward 3 – Markham Sports, entertainment and cultural centre)
(agreement with remington) (6.0)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

            That the following motion adopted at the June 26, 2013 Council meeting be reported out to the public:

 

"That at the June 26, 2013 Council meeting, Council authorized the execution of an enforceable agreement with Remington whereby the City will acquire title to 6 acres of land adjacent to Highway 407 if the Markham Sports, Entertainment & Cultural Centre proceeds."

 

 

ITEM NOS. 2 TO 6

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

That the following In-camera Item Nos. (2) to (6) listed below be referred directly to the October 8, 2013 Council meeting for consideration:

 

(2)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL,
            INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
            (PARK RENAMING IN WARD 2) (5.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

(3)        GENERAL COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (c) (d) (f)]

 

(4)        GENERAL COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
APRIL 22, MAY 6 AND JUNE 17 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (d) (f)]


 

(5)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES. (BOARD/COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS) (16.24)

            [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 

(6)        PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL,
INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
AND
LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING
MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS,
AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD
(UNIONVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA MATTER) (UBIA) (3.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (e)]

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 3:17 p.m.

 

CARRIED

 

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