FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE
2002-11-04 - Canada Room
Meeting No. 17
Attendance
|
Councillor D. Horchik
Mayor D. Cousens (1:25pm)
|
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
J. Mascarin,
Acting Town Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
M. F.
Turner, Commissioner of Development
Services
J. Baird,
Acting Commissioner of Development
Services
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community & Fire
Services
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
J. Allen,
Chief Information Officer
S. Chait,
Director of Economic Development &
Director of Corporate Quality
R. Dominico,
Manager of Corporate Quality
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
J. Lustig,
Manager, Financial Planning
T.
Northcott, Business Development Consultant
S. Tam,
Small Business Consultant
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
|
The Finance
& Administrative Committee convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with
Councillor S.
Daurio in the Chair. At 1:10 p.m.
Councillor K. Usman assumed the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None
1. MULTI-LINGUAL
INTERPRETIVE SERVICES (2.1 & 12.2.6)
Mr. Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate
Services, gave a presentation recommending a multi-lingual services policy for
the Town. He advised that staff are
investigating more detailed statistics by ethnic origin and by geographical
area.
It was requested that this information and
presentation be made to a future meeting of the Markham Race Relations
Committee, and it also be suggested that the Race Relations Committee consider
the feasibility of coordinating seminars for the public on multi-lingual
initiatives offered by the Town, in a form similar to those held as "Lunch
& Learn" sessions for Town staff.
Moved
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That
a Multi-Lingual Interpretive Services Policy, in the form attached hereto as
Appendix 1, be adopted;
And
that this policy be reviewed every five years following receipt of the latest
Census Canada data, commencing in 2006;
And that that the information and
presentation on the Multi-Lingual Interpretive Services Policy be made to a
future meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee;
And further that the Markham Race
Relations Committee be requested to consider the feasibility of coordinating
seminars for the public on multi-lingual initiatives offered by the Town, in a
form similar to those held as "Lunch & Learn" sessions for Town
staff.
CARRIED
2. DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES INDEXING FOR 2003 (7.11)
Moved
by Councillor J. Heath
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That
the report entitled "Development Charges Indexing for 2003", be
received;
And
that Council approve an increase in all development charges of 0.9% effective
January 1, 2003.
CARRIED
3. MARKHAM'S
INNOVATION SYNERGY CENTRE (10.16 & 12.2.6)
Mr. Stephen
Chait, Director of Economic Development & Director of Corporate Quality,
introduced representatives from York University, the National Research Council,
and the private sector who have been meeting regularly to develop and advance a
proposal for an "Innovation Synergy Centre" in Markham, as follows:
Stan Shapson, V. P., Research &
Innovation, York University
Bob Glandfield, National Research Council
Peter Ott, C.A.
Karen Grant, Toronto Venture Group
Terry Mocherniak, Managing Partner, Value
Added Ventures Limited
Terry Graham
Peter Ross, Special Assistant to V. P.,
Research & Innovation, York University
Tony Rahilly, Regional Director, Ontario,
National Research Council
Nancy Coldham, Partner, CG Group
Mr. Chait went
on to explain the key elements of the proposal, which would assist small and
medium sized businesses to innovate and grow.
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the report entitled "Markham's Innovation Synergy Centre (ISC)" be
received and approved for implementation;
And
that staff be authorized to invite stakeholders from York University, the
public and private sector of the Greater Toronto Area, and at least 3 members
of Council to participate on the ISC Steering Committee and the ISC Technical
Committee;
And
that staff be authorized to pursue commitments from external parties for
capital and operating funds for the ISC through grant applications, awards, and
sponsorships;
And
that staff be authorized to investigate space and furnishing opportunities to
accommodate the establishment of the ISC within or in close proximity to
Markham Centre;
And
that staff be authorized to retain a consultant to prepare a detailed 5-year
business plan to guide the design, launch and operations of the ISC, at a cost
not to exceed $30,000, to be funded up to 50% by the Town from the Economic
Development Business Development account #610-9985808, and the remaining 50% to
be raised through grants and sponsorships;
And
that the Director of Economic Development be authorized to also spend up to
$15,000 in the year 2002 in support of furthering the development of ISC
partnerships and external funding commitments, and retaining space
planning/design assistance to be funded from within the Business Development
Account 610-9985808;
And further that the following Members of Council be appointed to
participate on the ISC Steering Committee and the ISC Technical Committee:
Mayor D. Cousens
(Ex Officio)
Regional
Councillor B. O'Donnell
Regional
Councillor T. Wong
Councillor K.
Usman
CARRIED
4. TOWN
SPONSORSHIP OF A CSBIF INVESTOR
FUND FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
(10.16 & 12.2.6)
Mr. Stephen
Chait, Director of Economic Development & Director of Corporate Quality
introduced representatives from York University, the National Research Council,
and the private sector who have been meeting regularly to consider the merits
of including Community Small Business Investment Fund (CSBIF) activities in the
proposed Innovation Synergy Centre, as follows:
Stan Shapson, V. P., Research &
Innovation, York University
Bob Glandfield, National Research Council
Peter Ott, C.A.
Karen Grant, Toronto Venture Group
Terry Mocherniak, Managing Partner, Value
Added Ventures Limited
Terry Graham
Peter Ross, Special Assistant to V. P.,
Research & Innovation, York University
Tony Rahilly, Regional Director, Ontario,
National Research Council
Nancy Coldham, Partner, CG Group
Moved by
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Mayor D. Cousens
That
the report entitled "Town Sponsorship of a CSBIF Investor Fund for
Economic Development" be received and approved for implementation;
And
that Council approves in principle the concept of the Town serving as a sponsor
of one or more Community Small Business Investment Fund(s) (CSBIF);
And
that staff be authorized to solicit investor and sponsorship interest (i.e.
applications) in establishing one or more Markham CSBIF's based on the criteria
presented in this report;
And
that any application to establish a Markham CSBIF be brought forward as a staff
report to the Finance and Administrative Committee for its consideration and
approval by Council.
CARRIED
5. ENGAGE
21ST CENTURY MARKHAM: FINAL REPORT (12.0)
Mr. Rick
Dominico, Manager of Corporate Quality, gave a brief presentation on the
results of the public response and consultations regarding the draft strategic
plan, "Building For The Future, Preserving The Past".
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
the report entitled "Engage 21st Century Markham: Final Report" be
received and approved for implementation;
And
that the Town's strategic plan, "Building for the Future, Preserving the
Past" be adopted by Council;
And
that the recommended next steps be implemented, including:
- Publish, promote, and make available the
strategic plan to all stakeholders
- Adopt corporate performance measures
that align with the goals of the Town and support the overall strategic
direction for the community
- Adopt an annual monitoring and reporting
system that demonstrates the progress of the Town in its pursuit of
strategic goals and objectives
- Amend the report template to ensure that
all recommendations submitted to Council for approval make reference to
the corporate goals
- Refine and integrate the budgeting and
business planning processes to link the business plans and budgets of the
Commissions and Departments to the overall strategic plan for both the
term of Council and on an annual basis
- Continue stakeholder engagement through
regular and periodic surveys, meetings, and Internet based consultations
- Before the end of 2002, prepare and
distribute to Council profiles of Wards on results of the Environics
survey research and 2001 Census of Canada
CARRIED
6. THEATRE
RENTAL RATES FOR FISCAL 2003 (6.2)
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Councillor J. Heath
That
the report entitled "Markham Theatre Rental Rates for Fiscal 2003" be
received for information;
And
that the rental rates for Markham Theatre outlined in the report be approved
for use during fiscal 2003 with the $8,000 in additional revenue generated
going into theatre operation revenue accounts for fiscal 2003.
CARRIED
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7. PROCLAMATION
- OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 11, 2002
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION AWARENESS
WEEK (3.4)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Mayor D. Cousens
That the Town Clerk be requested to poll Council immediately to proceed
with the proclamation for Holocaust Education Awareness Week, October 31 -
November 11, 2002.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES
- BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 7 & OCTOBER 16,
2002 (7.4 & 7.5)
Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the minutes of the Budget Sub-Committee Meetings held on October 7 and October
16, 2002, be received.
CARRIED
9. COUNCILLORS' PAYROLL
DIRECT DEPOSIT DATES FOR 2003
(7.0)
Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
Council receive for information the November 4, 2002 report "Councillors'
Payroll - Direct Deposit Dates for 2003".
CARRIED
10. PROPOSAL
FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING IN THORNHILL (10.0
& 10.7)
Members had before them correspondence from the Thornhill Vineyard
Christian Fellowship Church regarding a proposal for affordable housing in the
Langstaff area of Thornhill. Committee
discussed various matters, including: Official Plan requirements; traffic &
safety issues; availability of government grants; density; and development charges.
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the proposal for
affordable housing in the Langstaff area of Thornhill, by the Thornhill
Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church, be referred to Development Services
Commission staff for report back to the Finance & Administrative Committee.
CARRIED
11. REMEMBRANCE
DAY - MOMENT OF SILENCE
NOVEMBER 11 (3.5.6)
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That Town of Markham staff be
requested to take one moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day -
November 11, to remember those who fought and died for our country.
CARRIED
12. PROPOSAL
FOR A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (12.2.6)
Mayor
D. Cousens reported on the activities of the Toronto Community Foundation,
which is a philanthropic organization, established in 1981 and managed by a
Board of Directors, to assist the community in a wide variety of ways. It was requested that staff explore the
feasibility of establishing a community foundation for Markham.
Moved
by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That Corporate Services Commission staff be requested to bring forward
a report to the Finance & Administrative Committee on how to receive and
establish a community foundation in Markham; said report to include costs to
establish, and information on how other communities have handled this issue.
CARRIED
13. YMCA
FUNDRAISER (12.2.6)
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the information presented by Mayor D.
Cousens with respect to the YMCA Fundraiser, be received.
CARRIED
14. TORONTO
AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2001 - "THE
LIVING CITY" (13.13.2)
Mayor D. Cousens presented the 2001 Annual Report of the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority, entitled "The Living City".
Moved by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the Town of Markham extend
congratulations to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for the
publication of an excellent document, the "Annual Report 2001".
CARRIED
15. MUNICIPAL
ELECTION - REQUEST FOR
CONTRIBUTION REBATE (14.0)
Moved by Regional Councillor Tony Wong
Seconded by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That Corporate Services Commission staff be
requested to prepare a report with respect to enacting a by-law on municipal
election contribution rebates, and such report to be presented to the Finance
& Administrative Committee meeting scheduled for December 2, 2002.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Finance
& Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 2:55 p.m.