GENERAL COMMITTEE
2006-08-28
Meeting
No.14
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services & Environment Issues
Chair: Councillor S. Daurio Chair:
Councillor A. Chiu
Vice Chair, Budget: Councillor
D. Horchik Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services:
Vice Chair, IT: Regional
Councillor B. O’Donnell Regional Councillor J. Heath
Vice
Chair, Recreation & Culture:
Transportation Issues Councillor J. Webster
Chair: K. Usman Vice
Chair, Character Community:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Environment Issues:
Councillor E. Shapero
Attendance
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|
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer
C. Conrad, Town Solicitor
J. Sales, Commissioner of Community &
Fire
Services
A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate
Services
J. Baird, Commissioner of Development
Services
S. Birrell, Town Clerk
B. Cribbett, Treasurer
A. Brown, Director of Engineering
J. Ryerson, Director/Manager Varley Art
Gallery
R. Raman, Manager, Accounting and
Expenditure
Control
B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor
and
and
Council
J. Kee, Committee Clerk
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The
General Committee convened at the
hour of 9:30 a.m. with
Councillor S. Daurio in the
Chair.
At 10:55 a.m. Councillor S. Daurio
vacated the Chair and Councillor A.
Chiu assumed the Chair.
At 11:00 a.m. Councillor A. Chiu vacated
the Chair and Councillor K. Usman
assumed the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF
INTEREST
None declared.
1. ACCOUNTING FOR AND REPORTING OF
TANGIBLE
CAPITAL ASSETS (7.0)
Report Presentation
Mr. Raj Raman, Manager,
Accounting and Expenditure Control, and Ms. Barb Cribbett, Treasurer, were in
attendance and gave a presentation regarding impending changes to accounting
for and reporting of tangible capital assets by municipalities, effective the fiscal
year beginning January 2009. Staff noted
that this is a three to four year project, but that much work has already been
accomplished through the Town’s
Reserve Study.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report titled “Accounting for & Reporting of
Tangible Capital Assets” be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
2. MINUTES – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SUB-COMMITTEE
JUNE 20, 2006 (7.13 &
16.34)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the minutes of the
Information Technology Sub-Committee meeting held on June 20, 2006 be received for
information.
CARRIED
3. EXTENSION OF TERMS OF OFFICE – ADVISORY
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS (16.24)
Report
Committee
noted that Schedule A, a brief summary of the Town policy regarding procedures
for advisory boards and committees, attached to the staff report, should be
updated to reflect the recent change in the term of Council from three to four
years. Staff was directed to update this
and any other necessary housekeeping revisions.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the terms of office for incumbents on advisory
committees and boards, whose terms expire on November 30, 2006, be extended
into the 2007 new year, as
necessary.
CARRIED
4. PARKING BY-LAW ADMINISTRATIVE
AMENDMENTS (2.17)
Report
Committee
requested staff to report prior to the
September 12 Council Meeting with a definition of “median”, and to also provide
a definition of the term “abandoned
vehicles”. Some concern was expressed
with the increasing number of
vehicles that are being displayed for sale on private property, and staff was
requested to follow up on this with Members of Council. Vehicles for sale on Reesor Road were specifically mentioned.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That By-law 2005-188
Parking Control By-law be amended
to:
- add a definition of “median” and an offence for parking on one;
- replace all references to “ Disabled Person Parking Permit”
with Accessible Parking Permit”; and
- incorporate further
administrative amendments relevant to the
handicapped parking system;
- enable enforcement staff to order abandoned vehicles to be
towed.
CARRIED
5. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP – YORK CENTRAL HOSPITAL
GALA – NOVEMBER 3, 2006
(12.2.6)
Report Attachments
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That Council sponsor
the York Central Hospital Foundation
on November 3, 2006
in the amount of $3000. The Gala dinner will be held at Le Parc
Markham. The cost to be charged to
account #840 8415840.
CARRIED
6. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP – MARKHAVEN
GALA
NOVEMBER 10, 2006 (12.2.6)
Report Attachments
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That Council sponsor
the Markhaven Foundation Gala on
November10, 2006 in the amount of
$2000. The Gala dinner will be held at
Le Parc Markham. The cost to be charged
to account #840 8415840.
CARRIED
7. BY-LAW TO LICENSE AND REGULATE PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTORS (2.0)
Report
Committee
had before it a report recommending a by-law that will increase the level of
consumer protection to property owners hiring services of a property
maintenance business and prevent a potential public nuisance.
Mr.
Mark Cooper, of Stepping Stone Landscaping Inc, was in attendance to provide
comments and suggested that all services should be regulated.
Ms.
Susan Creighton, of Gentree Landscaping, was in attendance. She noted that legitimate contractors would
be penalized, and requested that the property maintenance contractor industry should
not be targeted.
Ms.
Eileen Liasi, representing a group of retired neighbours on Aberfeldy Crescent, was in attendance in
support of the proposed by-law, noting that the initiative would improve
conditions and would encourage all lawn-care contractors to operate
responsibly.
Mr.
Andrew Grant, of Life Outdoors Inc, was in attendance and expressed concerns
with respect to additional work for the contractors, and queried the proposed
requirements for a written contract being forwarded to the Town, and written
permission from adjoining property owners.
Mr.
Mark Singer, of Four Seasons Estate Services, was in attendance and suggested
that further meetings should take place between contractors and staff to
discuss various issues. He raised the
matters of the use of power equipment; uninsured contractors; and the
occasional requirement to provide service during at times other than normal
hours of operation.
Members
were advised that staff is trying to address the problem of contractors not
operating in accordance with the Town’ regulations. The proposed by-law is one of the recommended
initiatives following the zoning amendment respecting extending driveways, and would
authorize the Town to license and regulate the contractor to help improve
health and safety issues, nuisance control and consumer protection. In addition, staff would prepare an education
and communication program for the public.
The
following comments/suggestions were made:
- identifying legitimate businesses by GST or PST numbers;
- providing copies of all written contracts being a hardship for
the contractors;
- permitting articles or bins placed on Town roads;
- regulation of machinery noise, products used, etc.;
- identifying vehicles with symbols or decals;
- financial/resource implications; and
- a review at the end of a year.
The
Clerk advised a written contract would not be necessary, but rather a process
utilizing a template that could be faxed might be preferable. She further advised that when licensing, the
Enforcement and Licensing Division provide all of the necessary information
involved with the specific by-laws. The
Department has summaries of all existing licensing by-laws.
It was
agreed that staff would meet with the contractors to discuss the issues and
gather input. Following that meeting, a
public information meeting is to be scheduled.
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
the matter of licensing and regulating Property Maintenance Contractors who
conduct business on private property, and the related by-law, be referred back
to staff;
And
that the Town Clerk and Manager, By-law Enforcement and Licensing be requested
to meet with the contractors to discuss issues of concern, and following that
meeting, a public information meeting is to be scheduled.
CARRIED
8. ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO ANNUAL
CONFERENCE –
PROVINCIAL-MUNICIPAL FISCAL AND
SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW
(13.12.2)
Report
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the memorandum from the
Manager, Executive Operations with respect to the
Province’s announcement of a Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery
Review, be received;
And that staff be requested to prepare a formal submission, as soon
as possible, for presentation to the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service
Delivery Review.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES – ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ACCESSIBILITY
JUNE 21, 2006 (16.34)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting held on June 21, 2006 be received for
information.
CARRIED
10. MINUTES – MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE
APRIL 3, MAY 1 AND JUNE 5,
2006 (16.10)
April
3 May
1 June
5
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Markham Race Relations Committee
meetings held on April 3, May 1 and June 5, 2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
11. MINUTES – VARLEY-MCKAY ART FOUNDATION
OF MARKHAM - JUNE 26, 2006 (6.9 & 16.34)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham
meeting held on June 26,
2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
12. MINUTES – CANADA DAY COMMITTEE
JUNE 12, JUNE 26 AND JULY 10,
2006 (16.34)
June
12 June
26 July
10 Attachment
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Canada Day Committee meetings held
on June 12, June 26, and July 10, 2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
13. MINUTES –COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM COMMITTEE
JUNE 7 AND JULY 5, 2006
(16.34)
June
7 July
5
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Communities in Bloom Committee meetings held on June 7 and July 5, 2006 be
received for information.
CARRIED
14. MINUTES –MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
APRIL 27, MAY 25 AND JUNE 29,
2006 (16.28)
April
27 May
25 June
29
Committee
expressed concern with respect to an item in both the May 25 and June 29, 2006
Markham Conservation Committee minutes relating to: “Incineration and
Environmental Assessment”, which indicated contradictory comments to Council’s
action. Staff was requested to follow up
on this matter.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Markham Conservation Committee meetings held on April 27, May 25 and June 29,
2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
15. MINUTES –MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD
MAY 3, 2006 (6.7)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Markham Museum Board meeting held on May 3, 2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
16. MINUTES –MARKHAM THEATRE ADVISORY BOARD
APRIL 24 AND MAY 29, 2006
(6.7)
April
24 May
29
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Markham Theatre Advisory Board meetings held on April 24 and May 29, 2006 be
received for information.
CARRIED
17. MINUTES – ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
APRIL 28, 2006 (6.7)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the minutes of the
Environmental Issues Committee meeting held on April 28, 2006 be received for information.
CARRIED
18. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE MAYOR’S
YOUTH
TASK FORCE FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 –
JUNE 30, 2007 (16.21)
Report
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the
following appointments to the
Mayor’s Youth Task Force be confirmed for the
term September 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007:
LEGEND: R - Returning
Markham Grade
R Timothy Galang High School 10
R Mathew Biskup High School 11
R Su-Ann Khaw High
School 12
R Jara Mae Vallestero High School 12
Janelle
Vallestero High
School 9
R Vino Jeyapalan High
School 10
Vijay Jeyapalan High
School 10
Farheen Alim High
School 11
Kitty Law High
School 11
Michael Verdirame High
School 12
Unionville Grade
R Jesse Colautti High School 10
R Andrew Tse High School 12
R Giorgio Proestos High
School 11
R Vivian Hui High
School 11
R Maha Naqi Elementary
School 8
YanBo
Guo High
School 9
Milliken Grade
R Aditi Marisetti (Co-Chair) High
School 12
R Deqa Osman High School 12
R Divya Khurana High
School 12
R Catherine Pak High School 12
R Samantha Soto Elementary School 9
Thornhill Grade
R Ben Bigio (Co-Chair) High
School 12
RAndrew Xiao High
School 12
CARRIED
19. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE
(5.0)
Presentation
Mr. Alan Brown,
Director of Engineering, was in attendance and provided an update on the status
of the Engineering Department’s major capital projects which are underway,
including: road/structures; servicing; transportation; and environmental
projects.
Committee expressed
concern with respect to the curve on Rodick
Road, between Highway 7 and Apple Creek Boulevard, and the potential
safety hazards relating to expected high volumes of traffic, once Rodick Road is
completed to the south.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the update by the Director of Engineering on the Engineering Department’s Major Capital Projects
be received;
And that staff be requested to bring back a report relating to the
curve on Rodick Road,
between Highway 7 and Apple Creek
Boulevard, and provide options available for
improvement.
CARRIED
20. 7778
KENNEDY ROAD (FORMERLY 4488 14TH AVENUE
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES (7.11)
Correspondence
Members were advised
that Mr. Gerry Mintz, Calearth International Developments Inc., has requested delegate
status when the staff report is
presented to Committee.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the E-mail correspondence between the Town Clerk and Mr. Gerry Mintz, Calearth
International Development Inc., Consulting Engineers, with respect to 7778
Kennedy Road and development charges be received and referred to Financial
Services staff for report;
And that staff be requested to provide Council with the financial
impact of granting a credit.
CARRIED
21. YORK REGION – HIGHWAY 407
INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT STUDY
(5.10)
Report
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the copy of the
report from York Region dated June 5, 2006 endorsing the
Town of Markham’s request for York Region to be a co-proponent in a traffic and
financial model study to examine additional ramps for Highway 407 at Ninth Line
and the new Markham By-pass be
received and referred to Engineering Department staff.
CARRIED
22. SIGNING CEREMONY – ECONOMIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
CITY OF WUHAN,
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
AND TOWN OF MARKHAM - SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 (10.16)
Committee was advised that the Town of Markham will be host to the Governor of Hubei Province and
his delegation for the signing of an Economic Alliance Agreement establishing a
Sister City Relationship between the Town of Markham
and the City of Wuhan of the People’s Republic
of China. The Signing Ceremony is to be held on
Tuesday, September 12 at the Markham Civic Centre.
Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
Mr. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, be
invited to attend the Signing Ceremony between the Town of Markham
and the City of Wuhan, People’s Republic of China;
And
that the letter of invitation be prepared by the Mayor’s Office and forwarded as
soon as possible, due to time constraints.
CARRIED
23. SENECA ALUMNI 2006 INVITATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 25, 2006 – SCAROBORO
GOLF AND
COUNTRY CLUB - (12.2.6)
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
Council purchase a sponsorship in the amount of $2500 for a foursome to attend
the Seneca Alumni 2006 Invitational at Scarboro Golf and Country Club on
September 25, 2006;
And that the cost be charged to account #840-841-5840.
CARRIED
24. REGION OF YORK
DELEGATION TO BOSTON,
MASSACHUSETTS TO VIEW BUS MAINTENANCE
FACILITY
AND HIGH RISE CONDOMINIUM
DEVELOPMENT (7.0 & 16.23)
Committee
was advised that municipal representatives from the Region of York will be
visiting Boston, Massachusetts, August 30 to September 1, 2006, as a delegation to view an existing
bus maintenance facility/high-rise condominium development. It was requested that Councillor Stan Daurio
join this delegation, and that his expenses be funded by the Town. Expenses of other delegates will be covered
by the Region.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
authorized expenditures incurred by Councillor Stan Daurio as part of the Region
of York delegation to Boston, Massachusetts,
August 30, to September 1, 2006, be charged to Corporate Expense account
#840-8417899.
CARRIED
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Moved by Councillor K.
Usman
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss a
confidential property matter and a confidential financial matter. (11:20 a.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor D.
Horchik
Seconded by Councillor
G. McKelvey
That the Committee rise and report. (11:50 p.m.)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned at the
hour of 11:55 p.m.