GENERAL COMMITTEE
January 11, 2010
Meeting
No. 1
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Reg.
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
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
B. Librecz, Commissioner
of Community & Fire Services
J. Lustig, Acting
Treasurer
L. Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space
Planning
P. Wealleans, Director
of Taxation
P. Ingham, General
Manager, Operations
K. Kitteringham,
Town Clerk
F. Edwards, Election
Coordinator
A. McNeilage, Election Assistant
A. Brouwer, Deputy
Town Clerk
K. Bavington,
Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Regional Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor C. Moretti chaired the meeting for the
Building, Parks, and Construction items.
1. PROPERTY
TAXES -
SENIORS
OVER EIGHTY (7.3)
Mr. Sokoloff, resident, made a deputation
to request that consideration be given to reducing property taxes for
homeowners who are over 80 years of age. This would assist the residents, who
have contributed to the community for so many years, to be able to remain in
their homes with their families, longer.
The Committee noted that the Town, the
Region, and the community provide many services to assist seniors, and that due
to health situations, home is often not the best place to be. Markham has
recently established a Seniors Advisory Committee, to identify the concerns of
seniors and ways to provide assistance. The Committee directed staff to look at
options for next year’s budget, and provide an update to the Committee.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1)
That the deputation by Mr.
Sokoloff, resident, regarding property taxes of seniors over eighty be received;
and further,
2) That staff review
options for the 2011 budget with respect to assisting seniors with property
taxes, and report back to General Committee.
CARRIED
2. ELECTION
OVERVIEW (14.0)
Presentation
Kimberley Kitteringham, Clerk, and Andrew
Brouwer, Deputy Clerk, gave a presentation to review the highlights of the Ward
3 By-election held in 2009, and the upcoming 2010 municipal election.
The 2009 by-election received a voter
turnout of 23.7%, higher than the typical figure of 10-15%. New initiatives were discussed, as
well as lessons learned regarding the need to better engage diverse cultures
and to reinforce identification and regulatory requirements.
The highlights of Bill 212, the Good
Government Act, were reviewed: to achieve a “level playing field” for
incumbents and challengers; provide clarity/certainty for milestones and
election finances; provide accessibility; and to ensure accountable and
transparent campaigns.
Key amendments include changes to Voting
day (Oct 25, fourth Monday in October),
Nomination Day (closes Sept 10 at 2:00 p.m.),
and nomination withdrawals must be made by the close of Nomination Day. The campaign
extends to June 30 of following year for financial reporting purposes, and
changes have been made to eligible expenses and fundraising and finance criteria/requirements.
Other changes include clarified voter identification criteria, and the requirement
for establishing a Compliance Audit Committee.
The presentation provided a high-level
outline of plans for the 2010 election. Growth pockets will be reviewed to
determine appropriate voting places, cultural diversity and accessibility
issues will be examined, and a communications plan is being prepared to improve
awareness.
Frank Edwards, Election Coordinator, and
Andrew McNeilage, Election Assistant, were introduced as
members of the election team.
The Committee had several questions and was
provided clarification regarding: carrying forward current deficits; the responsibility of the
contributor to ensure the campaign donation does not exceed the maximum of
$5,000 per municipality/jurisdiction; and identification requirements. Initiatives
to address cultural diversity will include the recruitment of election
officials who have specific language abilities, and making materials and
communications available in specific languages.
Staff advised that a survey with feedback
and candidate comments is being prepared and will be released shortly.
In response to the Committee’s concerns
regarding internet voting, staff advised that it is being used by more
municipalities, as an accessibility tool, and that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk
will be making a presentation in Ottawa on the issue. Staff will be updating the
risk assessment and the RFP will include
requirements to ensure the technical integrity of the process and system
security, prior to the Town making any decision. The Committee requested an
opportunity to review the presentation to be given in Ottawa. Staff will circulate
a copy of the presentation. Staff will also provide a presentation in the near
future on procedures and key dates for the 2010 election.
The Committee requested a copy of the
information provided.
Moved by Councillor D. Hamilton
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the presentation
by Ms. K Kitteringham, Town Clerk, and Mr. A. Brouwer, Deputy Town Clerk, entitled
“Election Overview” be received.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES
OF THE NOVEMBER 30,
DECEMBER 7, AND DECEMBER 14, 2009
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Nov.
30 Dec.
7 Dec.
14
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That
the Minutes of the November 30, December 7, and December14, 2009 General
Committee be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES
OF THE NOVEMBER 23, 2009
PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That
the Minutes of the November 23, 2009 Parking Advisory Committee be received.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES
OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2009
RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That
the Minutes of the November 2, 2009 Race Relations Committee be received.
CARRIED
6. ADVISORY
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
Victoria Square Community Centre Board
1) That the following
persons be appointed to the Victoria Square Community Centre Board, for the
term ending November 30, 2010 or until the appointment of successors (see note
1):
Edith Friedel,
Chairperson
Ruth Brock
Joy Mortson
Jean McCron
Don Boynton
Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
2) That the following
persons be appointed to the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for the
term ending November 30, 2010, or until the appointment of successors (see note
2):
Peter Miasek
Adam Poon
Gordon Walter
Jenika Wong
Accessibility Advisory Committee
3) That
the resignation from Mr. Scott Labbett from the Advisory Committee on
Accessibility be received with regret and letter of appreciation be forwarded
(see note 3); and,
4) That the vacancy be
filled.
Note 1: The composition of the
Victoria Square Community Centre Board is five (5) members of the public, and
one (1) Member of Council. Councillor Dan Horchik was appointed to the
Board for the term ending November 30, 2010.
Note 2: The Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee is composed of up to 20 members of the public and outside
organizations, including one representative of the Markham Environmental
Advisory Committee and one representative of the Advisory Committee on
Accessibility. Councillors Erin Shapero and Logan Kanapathi are members
of this advisory committee.
Note 3: The Advisory Committee on Accessibility is comprised of
nine members, at least five of whom must be persons with disabilities, and two
Members of Council. Regional Councillor Gordon Landon and Councillor
Valerie Burke are currently members of this Committee.
CARRIED
7. SAINT
ROBERT ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELD
AND AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURE
(RInC FUND) UPDATE (6.3)
Report 1
Paul Ingham, General
Manager, Operations, gave a presentation on the artificial turf field and air
supported structure at Saint Robert Catholic High School. Mr. Ingham displayed elevations and site
plans, and describing the perimeter fencing, grading,
tree removal, landscape enhancements, snow removal system, the removal of the
portables, and the addition of the field house. It is anticipated that the tender
will be issued by the end of February and awarded by April, and that construction
will begin in May.
The Committee expressed appreciation to
staff for their diligent work with the School Board and Council. It was noted
that the School Board has been very cooperative.
Discussions included the alignment and
connection of the field house to the dome. Staff explained the orientation is
due to issues relating to winter maintenance and seasonal removal of the dome.
In response to questions, staff confirmed that a sign will be located on Main
Street to identify the structure as a Town facility, and that the joint
agreement is proceeding in a satisfactory and cooperative manner. With respect
to the Parkway Belt lands, staff advised that Provincial approval will not be
required, as Provincial policies provide the Town with authority is this
matter.
The Committee also had comments regarding
tree preservation/relocation, dark sky lighting, and
stormwater management. Staff responded that
these issues will be addressed and the plans will be appropriate. With respect
to naming the facility, the name of “Thornhill Soccer Dome” was suggested for
consideration.
The Committee agreed to add provisions to
the motion regarding the review of the finalized plan.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti
1)
That the report and
presentation titled “Saint Roberts Artificial Turf Field and Air Supported
Structure (RInC Fund) Update” be received; and,
2)
That the conceptual site plan
as presented herein for the Saint Robert Artificial Turf Field and Air
Supported Structure be approved in principle; and,
3)
That staff proceed with
detailed design work, preparation of working drawings, tendering, and tender
award as required to insure that construction of this facility commences as
soon as possible; and,
4)
That staff be delegated
authority for site plan approvals, and
that staff work with the Ward Councillor,
the Ward One Councillor, and the Chair of Building, Parks and Construction Committee
to finalize the site plan; and further,
5)
That staff be authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. ADVISORY
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
The Committee was provided with a list of proposed
appointments to the Canada Day Committee.
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
Canada Day Committee
1) That the following
persons be appointed to the Canada Day Committee, for the term ending November
30, 2010 or until the appointment of successors:
Jeanne Bowman
Jaswant Dhanjal
Mitch Reiss
Willie Reiss
Richard Wilson
Irene Tse
Antonette Di Novo
Daisy Jiang
Shervin Mohabbati
Peter Still
Leon Liu
CARRIED
IN CAMERA MATTERS
Moved by Councillor
D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That, in
accordance with Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal
Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the
following confidential matter (10:20 AM):
1) A personal matter about an identifiable individual,
including municipal or local board employees.
CARRIED
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That the Committee rise from the
in-camera session (10:27 AM)
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee meeting adjourned at 10:27 AM.