Council Minutes

Meeting #:Meeting Number: 16
Date:
-
Location:
Council Chamber
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 Isa Lee
Regrets
  • Councillor Khalid Usman
Staff
  • Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
  • Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
  • Joel Lustig, Treasurer
  • Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
  • Andrea Berry, Sr. Manager, Corp Comm & Community Engagement
  • Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
  • Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
  • John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
  • Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
  • Morgan Jones, Director, Operations
  • Mike Killingsworth, Deputy City Clerk, By-law Enforcement, Licensing and Regulatory Services
  • Rob Muir, Manager, Stormwater, Environmental Services

Alternate formats for this document are available upon request


The meeting of Council convened at 6:08 PM on Septemer 24, 2019 in the Council Chamber. Mayor Frank Scarpitti presided.

 

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging that we walk upon the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their history, spirituality, culture, and stewardship of the land. We are grateful to all Indigenous groups for their commitment to protect the land and its resources and we are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

None disclosed.
 

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Don Hamilton
    Seconded byCouncillor Alan Ho
    1. That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on September 10, 2019, be adopted.
    Carried

There were no announcements.​​

There were no deputations.​​

  • Moved byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    1. That the request for the City of Markham to complete the Municipal Information Form be received for information.
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Karen Rea
    Seconded byCouncillor Reid McAlpine
    1. That the following proclamations, issued by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Proclamation Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. National Day of the People's Republic of China - October 1, 2019
      2. World Polio Awareness Day - October 24, 2019
    2. That the following new request for proclamation be approved and added to the Five-year Proclamations List approved by Council:
      1. RETT Syndrome Awareness Month - October

    3. That the following request for a flag to be raised at the Anthony Roman Markham Civic Centre flagpole, approved by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Community Flag Raisings & Flag Protocol Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. National Day of the People's Republic of China - October 5, 2019; (Organized by Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham)
      2. World Polio Awareness Day - October 24, 2019; (Organized by Markham-Unionville Rotary Club))
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci

    That the report of the General Committee be received and adopted. (1 item).

    Carried as Amended
  • Moved byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci

     

    1. That the presentation entitled "Alectra Rear Lot Conversion Initiative & Stormwater Fee Update" be received; and,
    2. That the report “Stormwater Fee Update” be received; and,
    3. That an annual stormwater fee continue to be imposed on all property within the municipal boundaries of the City of Markham, save and except those noted in the Stormwater Fee By-law 2019-100 as outlined in Appendix “A” to this staff report; and, 
    4. That the annual stormwater fee for Residential properties be increased in year 2020 from $47 to $50 per property; and further be increased by $1 per year, each year thereafter; and,
    5. That the annual stormwater fee rate for Non-Residential properties be increased in year 2020 by $2 per $100,000 of current value assessment (CVA); and further be increased by 2% per year, each year thereafter; and,
    6. That the annual stormwater fee rate for Vacant Land properties be increased in year 2020 by $2 per $100,000 of current value assessment (CVA) and further be increased by 2% per year, each year thereafter; and,
    7. That the Treasurer continue to be authorized to adjust the annual stormwater fee rate for both Non-Residential and Vacant Land properties to compensate for the average annual change in City-wide CVA; and, 
    8. That the annual stormwater fee levied continue to be included as a separate line item on the final tax bill of the property; and, 
    9. That the City continue to allocate $2,000,000 per year of Federal Gas Tax funding to the Flood Control Program;
    10. That, to promote resiliency during emergencies and extreme weather events, the City supports partial undergrounding of rear lot electrical services by Alectra and the OEB.  If rate-based funding is approved by the OEB in the future, staff are requested to report back to Council on Alectra’s plans. and,
    11. That By-law 2015-130 be repealed in its entirety and replaced with the Stormwater Fee By-law 2019-100 as outlined in Appendix “A” to this staff report; and,
    12. That staff report back to Council in 2024 with any required update to the annual Stormwater Fees, for implementation in 2025, to ensure that the Flood Control Program is adequately funded; and further,
    13. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

    (By-law 2019-100)

    Carried as Amended
  • Council consented to amend the recommendation by adding the following clause:

    10. That, to promote resiliency during emergencies and extreme weather events, the City supports partial undergrounding of rear lot electrical services by Alectra and the OEB.  If rate-based funding is approved by the OEB in the future, staff are requested to report back to Council on Alectra’s plans, and,

     

    Council consented to refer the proposed amendment below to staff for further consideration:

    That staff advise Council annually on possible smaller additional projects to add to the Flood Control Program (e.g., similar to the Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program), with their recommendations including Stormwater Fee impacts, and,

     

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish

    That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted, save an except for Item No. 8.2.1 (See following Item No. 8.2.1):

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report titled “Delegated Authority for Signing Conservation Authority, Provincial and Federal Permit Applications for Engineering Capital Projects” be received; and,

    2. That Council authorize the Director of Engineering to execute application forms and other documents required to obtain permits from various government agencies and levels of government for City capital projects; and further,

    3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report entitled “Rename the section of Meadowview Avenue between Yonge Street and Doncaster Avenue to Doncaster Avenue”, dated September 9, 2019, be received; and,

       

    2. That the by-law attached to this report to rename the section of Meadowview Avenue between Yonge Street and Doncaster Avenue to Doncaster Avenue be approved; and,

       

    3. That Staff be directed to request permission from the Region of York to rename their portion of Meadowview Avenue to Doncaster Avenue; and,

       

    4. That Staff provide notification of the municipal address change to each affected property owner; and further,

       

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

    (By-law 2019-102)

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the Report dated September 9, 2019 entitled “The Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs Business Delegation to China, 2019” be received; and,
    2. That the City of Markham be represented by Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer; and,
    3. That the total cost of the participation not exceed $6,250.00 and be expensed from within the 2019 International Investment and Attraction account 610-998-5811; and further,
    4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci

    That the report of the General Committee be received & adopted, save and except for Item No. 8.3.2 (See following Item No. 8.3.2):

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the Report for the Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001 be received; and,

    2. That taxes totalling approximately $184,932 be adjusted under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001 of which the City’s portion is estimated to be $26,036; and,

    3. That the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments; and,

    4. That the Treasurer be directed to adjust the Collector’s Roll accordingly; and further,

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

    Carried

Council consented to consider the following revised motion:

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the report dated September 16, 2019 titled, “2020 Capital Budget Pre-Approval”, be received; and,

       

    2. That Council approve the 2020 Capital Budget Pre-Approval, save and except for project 20023, which totals $24,361,600 as outlined in Appendices 1, 2 and 3; and further,

       

    3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried as Amended
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the report entitled, “Development Charges Redevelopment Credit – 8330 Woodbine Avenue” be received; and,
    2. That Council authorize staff to provide a redevelopment credit estimated at $519,371.56 to Hanisha Incorporated and Lodson Investment Corp. at 8330 Woodbine Avenue in advance of the full demolition of the existing site; and,
    3. That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement pursuant to section 27 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended, to secure the advance of the redevelopment credit based on the provision of a letter of credit in the amount of the redevelopment credit and the further principles set out in this report, all to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and the City Solicitor, or their delegates; and further,
    4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the report titled “2019 July Year-To-Date Review of Operations and Year-end Projection” be received; and,

       

    2. That the year-end surplus, if any, will be transferred to reserves as per policy in the order outlined below:
      1. Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve to top up to a level equivalent to 15% of local tax levies
      2. Remaining, if any, to the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund, and further,

         

    3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the report entitled “Proposed Amendments to Cannabis By-law” and dated September 16, 2019 be received; and, 
    2. That staff bring forward a revised by-law to the September 24, 2019 Council meeting to amend Cannabis By-law 2018-135 by: a) adding a definition of “Smoke or Smoking” to assist in the enforcement of the By-law and prosecution; and b) delete the word “recreational” from the tile of By-law; and,
    3. That, in keeping with the commitment made by the Province of Ontario to allow municipalities the authority to regulate or prohibit the smoking or vaporizing of cannabis, the City of Markham request the Province of Ontario amend Section 115(3) of the Municipal Act to permit municipalities to regulate smoking on highways (including sidewalks and boulevards); and further,
    4. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Solicitor General, local MPs and MPPs, Chief of the York Regional Police, and York Region municipalities.

    (By-law 2019-103)

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish

    That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted (1 Item):

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report and presentation entitled “City of Markham Comments on York Region’s Draft Employment Framework – 2041 Regional Municipal Comprehensive Review” dated September 23, 2019, be received; and,
    2. That the deputations of Christine Cote, Sandra Wiles, Don Given, Louis Tinker, Patrick Kerney, and Peter Smith be received; and,
    3. That the communications submitted by Sandra Wiles and Rosemarie L. Humphries be received; and,
    4. That Council's consideration of the requests for the conversion of the employment lands identified in the staff report be deferred; and,

    5. That a sub-committee of Development Services Committee be appointed to review the staff recommendations and report back to Development Services Committee in a timely fashion; and further,

    6. That the following be appointed to the sub-committee to review the York Region's Draft Employment Framework :

      1. Chair, Development Services Committee - Regional Councillor Jim Jones
      2. Vice Chair, Development Services Committee - Councillor Keith Irish
      3. Chair, Culture and Economic Development Committee - Councillor Alan Ho
      4. Vice-Chair, Culture and Economic Development Committee - Councillor Khalid Usman
      5. Regional Councillor Jack Heath
      6. Councillor Andrew Keyes
      7. Councillor Isa Lee
    Carried as Amended

​There were no motions.


​​There were no notices of motions.

 


Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton inquired whether a Ward Councillor is required to notify Council when they are hosting a Community Information Meeting. The City Clerk advised that there is no requirement in the City of Markham's Council Procedural By-law or Council Code of Conduct for Ward Councillors to notify Council of such meetings. Such notification is a courtesy only.

There were no announcements.​​

  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    That By-laws 2019-100, 2019-102, 2019-103 and 2019-105 be given three readings and enacted.

    Carried

Council consented to add the following item to the Confidential agenda:

14.2.3 SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.7)[Section 239 (2) (a)]

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Don Hamilton
    Seconded byCouncillor Alan Ho

    That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, Council resolve into a private session to discuss the following confidential matters (7:09 pm):

     

    14.1     APPROVAL OF CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 (10.0)

    14.2     COUNCIL

    14.2.1  PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR BOARD EMPLOYEES (12.0) [Section 239 (2) (b)]

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

    14.2.3 SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.7) [Section 239 (2) (a)]

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Don Hamilton
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jim Jones

    That Council rise from Confidential session at 8:11 pm.

     

    Carried
  • The Confidential items were approved by Council as follows:

14.1
APPROVAL OF CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 (10.0)
 

  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    1. That the September 10, 2019 confidential Council meeting minutes be adopted.
    Carried

14.2
COUNCIL
 

14.2.1
PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR BOARD EMPLOYEES (12.0) [Section 239 (2) (b)]
 

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jack Heath
    Seconded byCouncillor Karen Rea

    WHEREAS, in the province of Ontario, the first Monday in the month of August is a provincial holiday known simply as “Civic Holiday”; and

    WHEREAS, certain municipalities in Ontario have chosen to retitle the day, as it is celebrated within their respective jurisdiction, in honour of historical personage (e.g., in the City of Toronto, the date is observed as “Simcoe Day” to commemorate the first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada); and

    WHEREAS, such action adds historical importance to the day and a point of reference to celebrations held in the community; and

    WHEREAS, the City of Markham has an opportunity to pay tribute to a person of historical significance by dedicating an annual civic holiday in his or her name; and

    WHEREAS, the Federal Government designated William Berczy a person of National Historical Importance, who helped John Graves Simcoe establish a settlement in what is now considered the City of Markham; and

    WHERERAS, William Berczy helped build houses and roads in Markham township and cleared the way for navigation on the Rouge River; and

    WHEREAS, the City of Markham has erected a statue of William Berczy in a municipal square and dedicated a subdivision and park in his name;

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in celebration of Markham’s 225th Anniversary, the City of Markham, within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City, rename the provincial holiday known presently as “Civic Holiday” as “William Berczy Day;’ and,

    That the history of William Berczy and the early settlers be continually celebrated in the City of Markham through public events, communications and dedications; and,

    That communications within the City pay tribute to William Berczy for helping John Graves Simcoe establish a settlement in what is now considered the City of Markham; and,

    That the City of Markham continue and build upon its historical partnership with Nordlingen Germany to carry on the legacy of William Berczy and the early settlers; and further,

    That September 28, 2019 and every Civic Holiday thereafter be designated as "William Berczy Day".

    Carried

14.2.2
PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR BOARD EMPLOYEES (BOARD/ COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS) (16.24) [Section 239 (2) (b)]
 

  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byCouncillor Karen Rea
    1. That the following persons be appointed to the Environmental Advisory Committee:

    Morgan Davies                                November 30, 2023
    Caryn Bergmann                             November 30, 2023
    Frank Vignando                               November 30, 2023

    Victoria Genge                                November 30, 2022

    Stuart Summer                                November 30, 2022
    Paddy Wong                                    November 30, 2022

    Kevin Boon                                      November 30, 2021

    Philip Ling                                        November 30, 2021
    Martin Bush                                     November 30, 2021

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byCouncillor Karen Rea
    1. That additional matters related to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or board employees be referred back to staff; and,
    2. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried

14.2.3
SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.7) [Section 239 (2) (a)]
 

    1. Council consented to not report out on this matter at this time.
  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Alan Ho

    That By-law 2019-104 be given three readings and enacted.

    Three Readings

    BY-LAW 2019- 104 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2019.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish

    That the Council meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

    Carried
No Item Selected