GENERAL COMMITTEE
2007-04-02
Meeting
No. 10
Finance &
Administrative Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation
Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Reg. Councillor G.
Landon
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke Environment
& Sustainability Issues
Chair:
Councillor E.
Shapero
Attendance
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J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
C.
Conrad, Town Solicitor
A.
Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community & Fires Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S.
Birrell, Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
B. Roth,
Director, Recreation and Culture Services
A.
Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services
S.
Andrews, Director, Asset Management
B.
Labelle, Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. with Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair.
At 10:20 a.m. Councillor J. Virgilio vacated the
Chair and Councillor E. Shapero
assumed the Chair.
At 11:36 a.m. Councillor E. Shapero vacated the Chair and Councillor A.
Chiu assumed the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None.
1. DEPUTATIONS - REPORT ON
NON-ESSENTIAL USE OF
PESTICIDES (5.7)
·
Ms. Teri Yamada, Managing
Director, Golf Industry and Government Relations, Royal Canadian Golf
Association, presented information regarding the Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) program currently employed by several Markham area golf courses. She
advised that the IPM program allows for a 35% - 50% reduction in pesticide
usage. Ms. Yamada requested that if the Town of Markham chose to enact a
pesticide By-law that special recognition be granted to golf facilities that have
achieved IPM accreditation.
There was
discussion regarding pesticide regulations currently in place in other
municipalities and it was noted that although Toronto’s By-law did not grant an
exemption for golf and lawn bowling facilities, they do receive special
recognition for their specific maintenance practices.
·
Mr. Gideon Forman, Executive
Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, presented
information with respect to the enactment of several pesticide By-laws in
neighboring municipalities. He requested Markham use Toronto’s Pesticide By-law
as a model because it would allow for a seamless legislated framework between
the two municipalities and will assist with the cost and time associated with developing
and communicating an education and awareness program relative to the new
By-law.
·
Mr. Bruce
Turner, Canadian Cancer Society, spoke in support of the enactment of a By-law
that would restrict the ornamental use of pesticides. Mr. Turner advised that
although scientific data is inconclusive, it does strongly suggest that
exposure to pesticides increases the risk of developing cancer. He also noted
children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system were at a
greater risk for cancer.
·
Ms. Sari
Merson, Markham resident, spoke in support of a By-law that would restrict the
use of pesticides noting several other municipalities that have successfully
enacted similar legislation.
Moved by Councillor A.
Chiu
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
That the deputations
by Ms. Teri Yamada, Managing Director, Golf Industry and Government Relations,
Royal Canadian Golf Association, Mr. Gideon Forman, Executive Director,
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Mr. Bruce Turner, Canadian Cancer Society, and
Ms. Sari Merson, Markham resident, regarding a possible Markham By-law to
regulate the non-essential use of pesticides be received.
CARRIED
2. CYCLING
AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CPAC)
2007 BUSINESS PLAN (5.14)
Presentation
Mr. L. Mele, TDM Coordinator, and Mr. D.
Richardson, Chair Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), presented
the 2007 CPAC Business Plan. Mr. Mele provided background information and advised
of the mandate of the Committee. He highlighted the Cycling Master Plan discussing
several proposals that would be forthcoming to General Committee including the
development of a ‘Spine Network’, a bicycle path initiative that would
interconnect several high traffic routes and common amenities within the Town. Mr.
D. Richardson presented an
overview of the 2007 Plan noting that CPAC would be reviewing pedestrian and
safety issues, planning and implementation priorities as well as promoting the
Can-Bike safety program, Smart Commute initiative and ‘Terry Fox’ Bikeway
project. The completion of a trail,
pathway and Cycling Master Plan was noted to be the top priority for 2007.
The Committee
commended CPAC for their work to date and shared concerns regarding the safety
of current cyclists in Markham. Members also suggested several areas where
bicycle racks should be installed. Staff confirmed that CPAC was currently reviewing
this and would be suggesting the creation of a number of ‘end of trip
facilities’ to General Committee at an upcoming meeting. Staff agreed to review
the possibility of including a Cornell route within the ‘Spine Network’ and
report back.
Moved by Councillor E.
Shapero
Seconded by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
That the presentation
by Mr. L. Mele, TDM Coordinator, and Mr. D. Richardson,
Chair Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), regarding the 2007 CPAC
Business Plan be received.
CARRIED
3. REPORT
ON NON-ESSENTIAL USE OF PESTICIDES (5.7)
Report 1
Ms. M. Urquhart, Environmental Manager, presented
an overview of a report regarding the non-essential use of pesticides. Staff
suggested two options with respect to further public consultation on the
matter. The first option recommended by staff was to undertake additional
consultation and expand the process to include a wider portion of Markham
residents through geographically based community meetings held across the Town.
The second option was for staff to draft a By-law restricting the non-essential
use of pesticides in Markham and seek community input at a public information
meeting.
Staff confirmed that all stakeholders
involved in the previous public meetings as well as those individuals who
submitted their names in interest were given notice that the matter would be
discussed at the April 2, 2007 General Committee meeting. The Committee discussed
the previous public meeting process and staff confirmed that representatives
from both the golf and lawn bowling industries were in attendance.
There was discussion as to whether a draft
By-law for Markham could be developed using Toronto’s By-law as a model. Members
discussed whether alignment with Toronto’s By-law would allow for a more efficient
and less costly awareness and communication program.
The Committee
recommended that Markham staff consider a staged implementation process similar
to the Toronto By-law to allow sufficient time for the delivery of an education
and training program. It was also suggested that the golf and lawn
bowling industries receive special recognition for their maintenance practices
within the draft By-law.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That Council instruct staff to proceed with
a community consultation meeting
respecting pesticide regulation in the Town of Markham;
And that the community meeting follow Option 2, as outlined in the staff report titled
“Report on Regulating the Non-Essential Use of Pesticides”, which includes a
draft by-law restricting the non-essential use of pesticides in Markham being brought to General Committee,
followed by a meeting with the public, and finally a presentation to Council
for a decision before the end of June;
And
that the draft By-law be modelled on Toronto’s pesticide By-law and further
that the best practices from other municipalities be considered, including a
phased in implementation program and possible exemptions subject to any other changes
that staff may recommend;
And that staff be authorized to do all
things necessary to give effect to the above.
CARRIED
4. 2007 ADVISORY
COMMITTEE/BOARD
APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
It was noted that Mr. Mahendra Naik had
been appointed to the Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards Committee and
the Markham Library Board. The Committee advised the Clerk to withdraw his name
from both Committees until such time that his preference could be determined.
Note:
at Mr. Mahendra Naik’s request, his application to the ACRA was withdrawn.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the following appointments be
confirmed:
Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards
Committee (ACRA)
Imran Ali For
term ending November 30, 2010
Sheynoor Karsan For
term ending November 30, 2010
Hemant Misir For
term ending November 30, 2010
Animal Care Committee
Robert Bowman For
term ending November 30, 2009
Julia Burke For
term ending November 30, 2009
Terri Daniels For
term ending November 30, 2009
Chris Girgulis For
term ending November 30, 2009
Jane Kwong For
term ending November 30, 2009
Rachel Lau For
term ending November 30, 2009
Barbi Lazarus For
term ending November 30, 2009
Denielle Duncan For
term ending November 30, 2009
Mary Brown For
term ending November 30, 2009
Yasuao Naka For
term ending November 30, 2009
Markham Race Relations Committee
That the resignation of Ms. Shamira Madhany
be accepted with regret:
Markham Library Board
That the term of office for the current
members of the Markham Library Board be extended until April 30, 2007 in order
to provide for continuity on the board;
And that the following persons whose terms will expire on April 30,
2007 be forwarded a letter of appreciation:
Joanne Pickering
Elliot Berlin
Michelle Tidball
And that the following persons be appointed
for a term effective May 1, 2007 expiring November 30, 2010:
Deborah Jestin
William Jeyaveeran
Shamira Madhany
Justin Hung
Mahendra Naik
Cheryl Giblon
Patricia Durst
Ada Leung
Rashi Sharma
Lan Sum;
CARRIED
5. MINUTES OF MARCH
19, 2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the March 19, 2007 meeting of General Committee be confirmed.
CARRIED
6. MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 7, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD (6.7, 16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the February 7, 2007 meeting of the Markham Museum Board be received.
CARRIED
7. MINUTES
OF JANUARY 19, 2007 AND FEBRUARY 16, 2007
MEETINGS OF THE BUIDLING AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Jan. Feb.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the January 19, 2007 and February 16, 2007 meetings of the Building and Parks
Construction Committee be received.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 21, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the February 21, 2007 meeting of the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee
be received.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007 AND MARCH 5, 2007 MEETINGS
OF THE MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Feb. Mar.
Regional Councillor T. Wong advised of an amendment to the March 5, 2007
meeting of the Race Relations Advisory Committee in which he noted that he did
not attend the Chinese New Year event at Times Square on February 18, 2007.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the February 5, 2007 and March 5, 2007 meetings of the Markham Race Relations
Advisory Committee be amended accordingly and received.
CARRIED
10. MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 22, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the February 22, 2007 meeting of the Markham Conservation Committee be
received.
CARRIED
11. MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 19, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the minutes of
the February 19, 2007 meeting of the Markham Canada Day Committee be received.
CARRIED
12. 025-R-06
RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING SERVICES (7.12)
Report
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
RECOMMENDATION:
That the report titled “025-R-06
Recruitment advertising Services” be received;
And that Request For Proposal 025-R-06
Recruitment Advertising Services be awarded to the highest ranked and second
lowest priced proponent, Tamm Communications in the estimated amount of $420,000.00,
inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST for a term of three years;
And that the 2007 costs, estimated at
$140,000.00 be charged to the Operating Account 200 201 5820 Recruitment
Advertisement, subject to Council approval of the 2007 operating budget;
And that the following 2008-2009 estimated
costs be provided for within the respective years budget submission for the
Human Resources Department;
- 2008 $140,000.00
- 2009 $140,000.00
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. AWARD
OF TENDER #010-T-07 TOWN-WIDE, INTERLOCKING
STONE REPAIRS (7.12.2)
Report 1
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the report titled “Award of Tender #
010-T-07 Townwide, Interlocking Stone Repairs” be received;
And that the contract for Townwide,
Interlocking Stone Repairs be awarded to the lowest bidder, Cambium Site
Contracting Inc. for an estimated annual amount of $183,000.00 exclusive of
GST, totalling $549,000.00 exclusive of GST for a period of three (3) years;
And that funds for this contract for the
2007 period be drawn from the pre-approved 2007 Capital and Operating Budget
Accounts as listed below in the amount of $183,000, exclusive of GST;
And that funds for this contract for the
2008 and 2009 period, in the amount of $366,000, exclusive of GST, be included
in the 2008 and 2009 budget discussions;
And that staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
14. EXTENSION
OF CONTRACT 068-R-06 CONSULTING SERVICES FOR
FACILITY PROJECT
MANAGEMENT AND SPACE PLANNING (7.12)
Report
The Committee posed questions regarding the nature of the work to be
completed by Mayhew and Associates Ltd.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the report
titled “Extension of Contract 068-R-06 Consulting Services for Facility Project
Management and Space Planning” be received;
And that Contract
068-R-06 for Facility Project Management and Space Planning be extended for Two
(2) years with Mayhew and Associates Ltd. In the estimated annual amount of
$250,000 totaling $500,000, exclusive of GST;
And that funds for
this contract be drawn from the pre-approved 2007 Corporate Accommodations
Budget Account 056 6150 7501 005 in the amount of $250,000, exclusive of GST;
And that funds for
this contract for the 2008 period, in the amount of $250,000, exclusive of GST,
be included in the 2008 budget discussions;
And that staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
15. ANIMAL CARE SERVICES UPDATE
(16.0)
Report 1
The Committee
thanked the Town Clerk for her work on the initiative and commended the
efforts of staff
involved.
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That the Annual Work Program and Methods of Fundraising
of the Animal Care Services Committee attached to the report of the Town Clerk
dated March 20, 2007 be approved;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
16. BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE NEXT STEPS (7.4)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the Budget Sub-Committee be authorized to proceed to a Budget Breakfast
presentation on April16, 2007 subject to their meeting the afternoon of April
2, 2007;
And that an additional Budget Sub-Committee meeting be held on April 23,
2007 to receive the feedback from the Budget Breakfast and for the Budget
Sub-Committee to make a recommendation to the General Committee.
CARRIED
17. APPOINTMENT TO PUPIL ACCOMODATION REVIEW
COMMITTEE (13.6)
There was discussion regarding a letter from the
French Catholic School Board regarding their request for a Markham
representative to assist in reviewing the Pupil Accommodation Policy. It was
noted that the representative did not have to be an elected official.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the matter relating to an appointment of a
Markham representative to assist in reviewing the Pupil Accommodation Policy
for the French Catholic School Board be referred to staff to select an
appropriate individual.
CARRIED
18. RECREATION
DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW (6.0)
Report 1
Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation and
Culture Services and Ms. Ainsley Wood, Sloan Wood Inc., presented an overview
of the Recreation Department Organizational Review. Ms. Wood presented the
proposed departmental reorganization and highlighted the benefits of moving to
a district based model. She also discussed the proposed implementation
priorities for 2007-2010 and noted the expected financial impacts. Ms. Wood concluded
by presenting a diagram comparing the Town of Markham’s Recreation Department
organizational structure with that of Vaughan, Mississauga and London.
The Committee deliberated
on the proposal to transfer the Cultural portfolio consisting of the Markham
Museum, Markham Theatre and Varley Art Gallery from Community Services to the
Strategic Services Department. Members also expressed concerns regarding the
costs that would be incurred from restructuring the department and creating
several new Full Time Employee (FTE) positions. Staff confirmed that only two
(2) new FTE’s positions were proposed for 2007 and that staff would bring
forward a report with any additional suggestions for each following year. The
Committee agreed that further discussion was necessary on this matter.
Moved by Councillor
D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That the matter of
the “Recreation Department Organizational Review” be deferred to the General
Committee meeting re-scheduled for April 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. to allow for
further discussion.
CARRIED
19. EMAIL
COMMUNICATION REGARDING PESTICIDE BY-LAW (5.7)
Email
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi
That an email dated March 20, 2007 from Ms. L. Wener, Markham Resident,
requesting the enactment of a Pesticide By-law for Markham be received.
CARRIED
20. EMAIL COMMUNICATION
REGARDING PESTICIDE BY-LAW (5.7)
Email
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi
That an email dated March 26, 2007 from Mr. E. Casper, Markham Resident,
requesting the enactment of a Pesticide By-law for Markham be received.
CARRIED
21. FACSIMILE COMMUNICATION
REGARDING PESTICIDE
BY-LAW (5.7)
Fax
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi
That a facsimile dated March 27, 2007 from Mr. S. Orrico, Markham
Resident, in response to the staff report titled “Report
On Non-Essential Use Of Pesticides” noting the potential impacts of enacting a
Pesticide By-law be received.
CARRIED
22. LETTER
AND INFORMATION FROM CROP LIFE CANADA
REGARDING PESTICIDE REGULATIONS AND USAGE (5.7)
Letter
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi
That a letter dated March 26, 2007 from Mr. P. MacLeod, Acting Managing
Director – Chemistry, Crop Life Canada, providing information on pesticide
regulations and usage be received.
CARRIED
23. AWARD
OF TENDER #004-T-07 BIRCHMOUNT ROAD
EXTENSION – PHASE 1, CN TRACKS TO ENTERPRISE
DRIVE (5.10, 7.12).
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That the matter
regarding an “Award of Tender #004-T-07 Birchmount Road Extension – Phase 1, CN
Tracks to Enterprise Drive” be referred to the April 3, 2007 Development
Services Committee meeting.
CARRIED
24. REGIONAL
MUNICIPALITY OF YORK REPORT TITLED
“HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES ON REGIONAL
ROADS” (13.4)
Report
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That the report from York Region dated March 7, 2007 titled “High
Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on
Regional
Roads” be defered to the next meeting of General Committee in which
Transportation
matters are
discussed.
CARRIED
25. REGIONAL
COMMENTS ON DRAFT MTO HIGHWAY ACCESS
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES (13.4)
Report
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
That the report
from York Region dated February 8, 2007 titled “Comments on Draft MTO Highway
Access Management
Guidelines” be defered to the next meeting of General Committee in which
Transportation
matters are discussed.
CARRIED
26. REGIONAL
MUNICIPALITY OF YORK REPORT TITLED
PROVINCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT
THE ‘PLACES TO GROW’ PLAN IN YORK REGION” (13.4)
Report
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor C. Moretti
That the report from York Region dated March 7, 2007 titled
“Provincial Infrastructure Required
to Implement the
‘Places to Grow’ Plan in York Region.” be defered to the next meeting of
General
Committee in
which Transportation matters are discussed.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General
Committee adjourned at 12:45 p.m.