General Committee Minutes

Meeting Number: 2

Monday, February 03, 2020 at 9:30 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Council Chamber

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• 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 Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Regrets

• Regional Councillor Jack Heath

Staff

• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner Development Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Morgan Jones, Director, Operations
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Elections & Council/Committee Coordinator
• Tanya Lewinberg, Public Realm Coordinator

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The General Committee Meeting convened at 9:47 AM with Councillor Khalid Usman in the Chair.  Councillor Karen Rea assumed the Chair for Community Services Item 7.1.   

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 2020 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the minutes of the January 20, 2020 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

Deputations were provided for the following item:

#8.1  City of Markham's Community Flag Raisings and Flag Protocol Policy

Please refer to the individual item for the deputation details.

5.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.

6.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

6.1

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2019 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the December 16, 2019 Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.2

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 16, 2019, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 AND DECEMBER 18, 2019 ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the October 16, 2019, November 20, 2019 and December 18, 2019  Animal Care Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.3

MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 22, 2019 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT MARKHAM VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA COMMITTEE (16.0) 

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the August 22, 2019 Board of Management Markham Village Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.4

MINUTES OF THE APRIL 17, 2019, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AND OCTOBER 16, 2019 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT UNIONVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the April 17, 2019, September 18, 2019 and October 16, 2019 Board of Management Unionville Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.5

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2019 MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the December 16, 2019 Markham Public Library Board meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.6

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 4, 2019 AND DECEMBER 2, 2019 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

There was a brief discussion on Quebec's Bill 21.  

The Committee received the recommendations from the Race Relations Committee.    

There was discussion on potential changes to the City's flag raising policy under item 8.1 City of Markham's Community Flag Raisings and Flag Control Policy.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That Markham City Council condemn Quebec’s Bill 21 - An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State; and,
  2. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Quebec and the Prime Minister of Canada.
  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  That General Committee receive the following proposed resolutions from the Race Relations Committee for information purposes:

  1. In accordance with the principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Community Flagpoles will not be used to fly flags:  
     1. of Political Parties;
     2. of Religious Groups;
     3. in support of fund-raising drives that are political or religious in nature; and
     4. in support of groups, organizations, or events that incite and promote hatred, violence and/or other forms of discrimination; and,
  2. That the Race Relations Committee recommends that Markham City Council condemn Quebec’s Bill 21 in support of building a welcoming city where everyone has access to opportunity and prosperity.  Moreover, that residents and those who visit are free from discrimination on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender, and specifically religious practice; and further,
  3. That, as a signatory of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (formerly the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination [CCMARD]), the Race Relations Committee recommends that Markham City Council call for all signatory municipalities, specifically those in Quebec, to condemn Quebec's Bill 21 and recognize its conflict with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and negative impact to the unity, reputation and well-being of Canada.

      

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the minutes of the November 4, 2019 and December 2, 2019 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes.  
  Carried

6.7

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 19, 2019 SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the November 19, 2019 Seniors Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.8

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 2, 2019 WASTE DIVERSION COMMITTEE (16.0) 

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the October 2, 2019 Waste Diversion Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.9

AWARD OF TENDER 216-T-19 BLOCK TREE PRUNING PROGRAM – YEAR 1 of 3 (Part 2) (7.12)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “Award of Tender 216-T-19 Block Tree Pruning Program – Year 1 of 3 (Part 2)” be received; and,

  2. That the contract for Tender 216-T-19 Block Tree Pruning Program – Year 1 of 3 (one grid area) be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, W.M Weller Tree Service Ltd., in the amount of $241,349.06, inclusive of HST; and,

  3. That the estimated costs of $241,349.06 be funded from account 059-6150-20197-005 (Block Pruning Initiative –Year 1 of 3) with budget available of $14,533.35; and,

  4. That the budget shortfall in the amount of $226,795.71 ($241,349.06 - $14,533.35) be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund; and further,

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

6.10

UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS 2020 (12.2.6)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled "United States Conference of Mayors 2020" be received.  
  Carried

7.

PRESENTATIONS - COMMUNITY SERVICES ISSUES

7.1

CITY OF MARKHAM GATEWAY MASTER PLAN REPORT (10.0)

Morgan Jones, Director, Operations introduced the following staff members that played a key role in the development of the City of Markham's Gateway Master Plan:  Raymond Law, Senior Manager of Business Fleet and Public Realm and Tanya Lewingberg, Public Realm Coordinator. 

Tanya Lewinberg, provided brief opening remarks and introduced Ms. Ute Maya-Giambattista, Principal, Urban Design, of Fotenn Planning + Design who is the lead on the City's Gateway Master Plan process.  Ms. Maya-Giambattista delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled "City of Markham Gateway Master Plan" which provided an overview of gateway development, public consultation, identification, funding, partnership opportunities and implementation.  

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• Ownership and maintenance of subdivision entrances;
• Possible partnership with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to incorporate foliage along Highway 407;
• A perimeter gateway for the area between Warden Avenue, McCowan Road and Ninth Line;
• A gateway for Highway 7 and Main Street Unionville;
• Additional consideration for a Premier Gateway at Warden Avenue and Highway 7;
• Council Member involvement in the development of the Victoria Square area;
• Consideration to identify the beginning of the heritage district at 16th Avenue and Main Street Markham;
• Inquiry into the grant program in relation to the City's current sign by-laws.

Ms. Maya-Giambattista noted the suggestions of Committee and provided information relative to the rationale used in determining gateway locations.  She will also provide follow up on the grant program.  Brenda Librecz, Commissioner, Community and Fire Services suggested that staff will report back regarding a Special Designation for the Warden Avenue and Highway 7 area and noted that the City does not support future subdivision entrances.

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the presentation entitled "City of Markham Gateway Master Plan" be received; and,
  2. That the report dated October 2019 entitled "City of Markham Gateway Master Plan" be received; and,
  3. That the strategies and guidelines outlined in the Gateway Master Plan (attachment “A”) be endorsed; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

      

  Carried

8.

REGULAR REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

8.1

CITY OF MARKHAM’S COMMUNITY FLAG RAISINGS AND FLAG PROTOCOL POLICY (3.4)

Alida Tari, Manager, Access and Privacy delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "City of Markham's Community Flag Raising and Flag Protocol Policy" that included an overview of the City's current policy and practices of neighbouring municipalities.

Robert Mok, addressed the Committee to express his concerns relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy and use of the Celebrate Markham logo by the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham in connection with the flag raising event on October 5, 2019.   

Martin Leung, addressed the Committee and spoke about his concerns relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy and suggested that the City discontinue the raising of foreign flags.  

Peggy Leung, addressed the Committee to express her concerns relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy and suggested that the City discontinue the raising of foreign flags.  

Marcus Kolga, addressed the Committee to express his concerns relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy and suggested that the City discontinue the raising of foreign flags.  

Eira Keay, addressed the Committee to express her concerns relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy and suggested that the City discontinue the raising of foreign flags.  

Shanta Sundarason, from The Giving Tree Unionville, addressed the Committee and suggested that the City discontinue the raising of foreign flags.  

The Committee thanked the deputants for attending the meeting and discussed the following relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy:  

• Distinction between community flags and foreign national flags;
• Policies of other municipalities; 
• Federal flag raising guidelines; 
• Configuration of flags at the City Civic Centre;
• Resident perception of raising foreign flags;

Staff provided information relative to the City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy:

• The request submission and approval process;
• The raising of national flags should not be interpreted as the City's support for the politics of a country;
• The origin of the City's approved flag configuration;
• The City's flag practices in comparison with Federal guidelines;
• The City's flag maintenance practices; and,
• The City's current flag raising practices when a foreign dignitary visits the City.

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the report entitled “City of Markham’s Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy” be received; and,
  2. That Appendix “A” of the current Policy (see Policy included as Attachment “B”) be amended to include the following additional Solemn Days of Commemoration in accordance with the Federal Government’s National flag etiquette guidelines: June 23 (National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism); Second Sunday of September (Firefighters National Memorial Day); and the last Sunday in September (Police and Peace Officer’s National Memorial Day); and   
  3. That City of Markham Community Flag Raising & Flag Protocol Policy be amended to eliminate the flying of any National Flag other than the Canadian Flag at the Markham Civic Centre or any City owned facility except in the event of a visit by a dignitary to the City of Markham; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

      

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the deputation presentations made by Robert Mok, Martin Leung, Peggy Leung, Marcus Kolga, Eira Keay, Shanta Sundarason be received.

   

  Carried

9.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

10.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

11.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

As per Section 2 of the Council Procedural By-Law, "New/Other Business would generally apply to an item that is to be added to the Agenda due to an urgent statutory time requirement, or an emergency, or time sensitivity".

11.1

CHANGES TO THE 2020 COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE CALENDAR (16.0)

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the April 20, 2020 Development Services Committee meeting time be changed to 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and reconvene at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm; and,
  2. That a Special General Committee meeting be scheduled for April 20, 2020 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.
  Carried

11.2

RICHMOND HILL BOUNDARY IN LANGSTAFF AREA (10.0 & 10.5)

Regional Councillor Jim Jones addressed the Committee requesting a status update on the staff report relative to the boundary line between the City of Markham and City of Richmond Hill in the Langstaff area.  Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services advised the Committee that staff is currently preparing the report and will bring it forward to Development Services Committee once complete.

12.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements. 

13.

ADJOURNMENT

General Committee adjourned at 12:22 PM.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 12:22 PM. 

  Carried