GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2005-02 -14
Meeting No. 3
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:
Councillor J. Webster
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
D. McClean,
Fire Chief
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
P. Loukes,
Director, Operations & Asset
Management
P. Ingham,
General Manager of Operations
J. Carnegie,
Director of Corporate
Communications
B. Roth,
Director, Recreation and Culture
Services
S. Taylor,
Director, Strategic Services
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
B. Wiles,
Manager, Enforcement & Licensing
A. Pozywiak,
Director, Strategic Initiatives
L. Wells,
Manager, Programs
L. Manuel,
Seniors Coordinator
C. Marsales,
Manager, Waste Management
B. Miller,
Civic Centre Coordinator
L. Irvine,
Manager, Parks & Open Space
Development
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
B. Labelle,
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.
The General Committee recessed at the hour of
12:15 p.m. and reconvened at the hour of
12:50 p.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the
Chair.
At 1:15 p.m., Councillor S. Daurio vacated
the Chair and Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None
declared.
1. PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT AND LEASING SERVICES
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT – HELTER
INVESTMENTS LTD.
60 ESNA PARK DRIVE, MARKHAM
(8.2 & 8.7) Report
Moved
by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded
by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That Council
approve an amendment to Section 6.1 (Term) and Section 7.1(e) (Bonus Management
Fee) of the existing Property Management and Leasing Services Agreement dated
April 30, 2002 for 60 Esna Park Drive, Markham, between the Town of Markham and
Helter Investments Limited, extending the Term for a period of two (2) years
commencing January 1, 2006 and to expire on December 31, 2007 and revising the
Bonus Management Fee from 50 percent to 33 percent of the annual net operating
income;
And that the
Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the amendment in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
2. CIVIL
MARRIAGES (2.0) Report
Staff was
requested to review the Civic Centre building’s architectural drawings to
determine the reason that outside doors were not installed at the entrance to
the Chapel.
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That
a by-law be enacted to implement the civil marriage ceremonies in the Town of
Markham.
CARRIED
3. PARKING
CONTROL BY-LAW AMENDMENT
ANGUS GLEN SUBDIVISION
(2.17) Report Presentation
Mr. Rob
Wells, a resident of the Angus Glen Subdivision, was in attendance and provided
comments on the proposed one year trial parking permit program.
Committee
noted that the one-year trial parking permit program would only apply to the
East Village portion of the Angus Glen Subdivision, and also that overnight
exemptions be issued all year round.
Staff
was requested to consider options regarding the feasibility of providing
residents with notice of forthcoming Town work, such as street cleaning, being
carried out on the streets in their local community.
Committee
consented to a division of the question.
Moved
by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded
Councillor A. Chiu
That the deputation of Mr. Rob Wells, resident of the Angus Glen
Subdivision, providing comments on the proposed one year trial parking permit
program, be received;
And
that By-law No. 336-88 “A By-Law to govern and control parking of vehicles in
the Town of Markham” be amended to provide for permit parking within the Angus
Glen Subdivision, East Village only;
And that the practice of issuing overnight exemptions for guests, etc.
be extended to the East Village, year round.
CARRIED
4. PURCHASING
OF SPONSORSHIPS – PAKISTAN NATIONAL
DAY DINNER – MARCH 18, 2005
(12.2.6) Report
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That
Council purchase a Gold Sponsorship for the Pakistan National Day Dinner on
March 18, 2005 to be held at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall. Charges of $3,000 to account 840 8415840.
CARRIED
5. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP – CONFEDERATION
OF GREATER
TORONTO CHINESE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION – 8TH ANNUAL
CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA – FEBRUARY 19, 2005 (12.2.6)
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor
A. Chiu
That Council purchase a table in the amount of $1,380.00 for the 8th
Annual Chinese New Year Gala on February 19, 2005 at the Hilton Suites
Toronto/Markham Conference Centre & Spa (Charge of $1,380 to account 840
8415840.);
And
that if Members of Council cannot fill the table, then members of Senior
Management or members of the Economic Development Department be invited to
attend.
CARRIED
6. NATURAL
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH
COUNCIL PROGRAM GRANT USE
(6.7) Report
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the
report entitled Natural
Science and Engineering Research Council Program Grant Use (NSERC) be received;
And that
Council approve the objectives for the project, as outlined in this report;
And that the Museum be authorized to allocate
portions of its approved operating budget allocations to support the work
outlined in this report.
CARRIED
7. PROPOSED
SENIORS CLUBS FEE SCHEDULE -
LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING
(6.0) Report
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the
report entitled Proposed
Seniors Clubs Fees Schedule – Letter of Understanding be
received;
And that the
proposed five-year fee schedule detailing the contributions to be made by the
Older Adults in Action and the Thornhill Seniors Club to the Town of Markham be
approved as listed in Appendix A (attached to original Council minutes in
Clerk’s Office) and take effect from 2005 to 2009;
And
that the Director, Recreation and Culture Services be authorized to execute a
Letter of Understanding between the Older Adults in Action club and Thornhill
Seniors Club and the Town of Markham in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor.
CARRIED
8. L.E.A.D.
(LEAD, EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOP)
PROGRAM (6.0) Report
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the
report titled L.E.A.D. (Lead, Experience and Develop) Program be
received;
And that
Members of Council approve the Addition to the Purchase of Service – Schedule D
to form part of the existing Child Care Services Agreement;
And that
Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute Schedule ‘D’ - Addition to Purchase of Service (attached to original
Council minutes in Clerk’s Office), and all other
documents necessary to give effect thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor which will form a part of the existing Consolidated Agreement for
Child Care Services between the Town of Markham and The Regional Municipality
of York approved by Council September 28, 2004;
And
that Council authorize a discount of 20% of the program fee to eligible
participants to cover the Town’s contribution.
CARRIED
9. PESTICIDE
FREE PILOT PROJECT UPDATE (5.7) Report
The
Committee discussed the three (3) year duration of the pesticide free project
and suggested that a follow up report come forward to a forthcoming General
Committee meeting. Staff agreed that they would review the project and report
back.
Ms. Sari Merson, Pesticide Reduction Committee Member, 3 Lunar Lane,
Thornhill, presented a deputation and written submission in regards to the Ward
2 Pesticide Free Pilot Project. She commended the Town of Markham for its
pesticide-free maintenance of parks and other municipal properties. Ms. Merson
noted that although she concurred with the basis of the report, she enquired as
to why pesticide usage was not entirely ruled out.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the staff report entitled Pesticide Free
Pilot Project Update, dated February 14th, 2005 be
received;
And that the deputation by Ms. Sari Merson regarding the Pesticide Free
Pilot Project be received;
And
that the current Pesticide Free Pilot Project in Ward 2 and the Civic Centre,
and the Cultural Practices Pilot Project at five Ward 2 parks and at the Civic
Centre continue until October 2005;
And
that consideration for continued use of cultural practices in parks be
addressed through the consultants report on Park Maintenance Standards in the
fall of 2005;
And that the matter be referred to the
Environmental Issues Committee for further discussion.
CARRIED
10. RESPONSE TO COUNCIL DEPUTATION BY MR. KAY
REGARDING REESOR ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
BETWEEN 16th AVE AND MAJOR MACKENZIE DR (5.10) Report
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the report entitled Response to Council
Deputation by Mr. Kay regarding Reesor Road Bridge Replacement between 16th
Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive be received;
And
that the Town proceed with the Reesor Road Bridge Replacement Project in the
summer of 2005 as previously approved by Council.
CARRIED
11. SPRING
AND YEAR ROUND LOAD
RESTRICTIONS (5.10) Report
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report titled Spring and Year-Round Load Restrictions for the Town
of Markham’s Road Network be received;
And that a By-Law be passed authorizing the
restriction of the gross weight of commercial vehicles to 5 tonnes per axle on
all public highways under the jurisdiction of the Town of Markham, from March
1, 2005 to April 30, 2005;
And that should adverse spring thaw
conditions be encountered due to a harsh winter, at the discretion of the
Director of Operations and Asset Management, the load restrictions be extended
up to May 31, 2005 (up to four weeks);
And that a By-law be passed authorizing the
restriction of the gross vehicle weight of commercial vehicles to 5 tonnes per
axle for hard surfaced Town roads, from March 1, 2005 to February 28, 2006;
And that according to the Highway Traffic Act
Sec.122 (4) the restrictions would exempt vehicles operated by or on behalf of
the municipality and school buses;
And that the Director of Operations and Asset
Management be authorized to grant exemptions to the By-law to permit heavy
vehicular loads, at his discretion.
CARRIED
12. 18th AVENUE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
- STATUS
UPDATE (5.10) Report
Mr.
P. Loukes, Director, Operations and Asset Management, presented an update on
the status of the 18th Avenue Bridge Replacement initiative. He
noted that an Environmental Assessment (EA) had been completed in 2004 and that
notification was sent out to residents in the area engaging them on the design
plans. The Committee briefly discussed the public notification process utilized
for this issue.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the
report entitled “18th Avenue Bridge Replacement - Status Update” be
received;
And that the
Operations and Asset Management Department be authorized to proceed with
construction of the 18th Avenue Bridge Replacement Project in 2005;
And that
Totten Sims Hubicki Associates be retained for finalizing detail design,
preparation of tender documents and provision of contract administration at an
estimated amount of $41,500 plus GST and the tendering process be waived in
accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-431, Section II-7(1c);
And
that this project be funded from the 2002 Capital Budget, Account No.
65-5350-4872-005 and from the 2005 Capital Budget, Account No.
58-6150-6581-005.
CARRIED
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Other matters considered by the General
Committee at its meeting held on February 14, 2005
13. ONE
YORK FIBER COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
REGIONAL COUNCILLOR JIM JONES
(7.13)
Regional
Councillor Jim Jones distributed an information package and gave a presentation
on an initiative for an ultra high-speed broadband infrastructure of networking
services and applications which would improve the way services are provided
within the Region of York. He advised
that this would be a fibre-based network that would transmit data thousands of
times faster than traditional broadband, and improve services throughout
participating municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That staff be authorized to provide an evaluation of the One York
Concept, for an ultra high-speed broadband infrastructure of networking
services, and report back to the General Committee as soon as possible.
CARRIED
14. 2004
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0) Report Exhibits
1-6
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That
the report dated February 14, 2005 entitled “2004 Investment Performance
Review” be received.
CARRIED
15. MINUTES
- BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2005 (7.4 &
7.5) Minutes
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That
the minutes of the Budget Sub-Committee meeting held on February 8, 2005 be
received.
CARRIED
16. 2005
PROPERTY TAX OPTIONS (7.3) Report
Moved
by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That the
report dated February 14, 2005 entitled “2005 Property Tax Options” be
received.
CARRIED
17. TOWN OF MIDLAND – VETERANS
LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM (13.5.2 & 2.17)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the letter from the Town of Midland, dated January 31, 2005, urging all
municipalities in Ontario to support a Veteran Recognition Program wherein
vehicles displaying an Ontario Veterans License Plate be exempted from certain
enforceable regulations, be received.
CARRIED
18. PREMIER
JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY AND
RECREATION FACILITY PROPOSAL
FOR SETTLERS PARK / SABISTAN
SITE (6.4) Presentation
Mr. J. Frye,
Mr. J Rossetti, Game Inc., and Mr. D. Moote, Golf Course Architect, were in
attendance to present a proposal to establish a Premier Junior Golf Academy and
Recreation Facility on the Settlers Park/Sabistan site. Mr. Frye indicated that
the initiative would be focused on youth recreation and development. He noted
that the project would preserve the natural landscape, provide further
development opportunities as well as integrate a charitable component designed
to support junior golf and local hospitals.
Mr. Frye
outlined the structure of the facility and illustrated a timeline for all
aspects of the proposal. Mr. Frye acknowledged that development would be wholly
funded by private sources and would require no investment by the Town of
Markham. He provided a brief assessment of potential benefits for the Town such
as a revenue sharing model, branding program and terrestrial beautification.
Mr. Moote
discussed details associated with site development. He noted that the facility
would have a significant buffer to residential areas and would not include
obtrusive aesthetic components. Mr. Moote highlighted the fact that underground
lighting would be used to decrease the amount of radiance cast on the
neighbouring houses and that walking trails would be established on the
perimeter of the site.
The
Committee posed questions regarding the potential involvement of the Bayview
Country Club, which is adjacent to the Settlers Park/Sabistan site. Mr. Frye
noted that the Bayview Country Club would be cooperating with the Academy for
use of their maintenance equipment. Members also queried the presenters with
respect to land ownership, securement and probable patrons.
There was
discussion regarding Game Inc.’s 1991 proposal to the Town of Markham. Mr.
Rosetti noted that although the foundation of the proposal was the same the
current tender was enhanced by the addition of Mr. Moote and his design, the
Jim McLean teaching facility, the ‘Greens and Dreams’ charitable organization
and a superior platform for environmentally sound development. The presenters
noted that although they saw the Settlers Park/Sabistan site as ideal, they
would consider other potential locations within the Town of Markham. However,
Mr. Rossetti requested that consideration be given for the facility to be
housed on the Settlers Park/Sabistan site vis-à-vis the upcoming public
consultation process.
Deputations
from the following Markham residents were presented to request that a public
consultation process be engaged to facilitate participation with residents in
the area:
·
Mr. Rolf. A. Piro, German Canadian Heritage Group,
3338 Enniskillen Circle, Mississauga
·
Mr. Paul Fink, German Mills Ratepayers Association,
14 German Mills Road, Thornhill, presented a deputation and submitted his request
to the Town Clerk
·
Mr. Bill Wylie, Society for the Preservation of
Historic Thornhill, 148 John Street, Thornhill, noted that there was a heritage
building on the site and requested that it be maintained.
·
Mr. John O’Gorman, 29 Grandview Ave, Thornhill
·
Mr. Lorne Smith, 10292 McCowan Rd, Markham
·
A letter requesting that a public consultation
process be initiated prior to consideration of the any proposal for development
of the site was submitted by Dr. Dena Bain Taylor, 97 Donnamora Crescent, Thornhill.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That the
presentation by Mr. J. Frye, Mr. J Rossetti and Mr. D. Moote regarding the
Premier Junior Golf Academy and Recreation Facility Proposal for the Settlers
Park / Sabistan Site, be received;
And that
staff work with the proponents to see if there is another suitable location for
the Golf Academy and Recreation Facility within the Town of Markham;
And that
staff be directed to proceed with the public consultation process regarding
options for the planning of Settlers Park.
CARRIED
19. USE OF PESTICIDES (5.7)
Ms. J. Murray, Markham resident, was in attendance to present a
deputation to the General Committee regarding the use of pesticides in her
community. She acknowledged that her cat and other outdoor animals in the area
have become violently ill due to the spraying. Ms. Murray requested that
Council of the Town of Markham pass a By-law that would obligate lawn care
companies who are spraying to install temporary notification signs in that
area.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the presentation by Ms. J. Murray regarding her proposal for the
Town of Markham to require pesticide companies to install temporary
notification signs in the area prior to spraying, be received.
And that the matter be referred to the Environmental Issues Committee
for further discussion.
CARRIED
20. RECREATION,
CULTURE AND LIBRARY
MASTER PLAN (3.19)
Mr. S.
Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, presented an overview and update of the
Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan. He summarized the progress to date
and noted that demographic profiling, trends analysis studies, staff interviews
and a public consultation process had all been completed. He reviewed the
emerging challenges and opportunities facing the Town with respect to
delivering the necessary services encapsulated in the master plan. Mr. Taylor
indicated that the Master Plan should be considered a guiding document as some
aspects relating to the potential development of parks and open space are not
specifically captured within it.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the
presentation by Mr. S. Taylor, Director, Strategic Services, on the Recreation,
Culture and Library Master Plan, be received;
And that a
separate meeting be scheduled to facilitate a more in-depth discussion on the
Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan and that an invitation be extended
to those members of the public who attended the public information sessions.
CARRIED
21. OLDER ADULTS THREE YEAR
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (6.0) Presentation
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the presentation document by Mr. L. Manual, Seniors Coordinator,
Recreation and Culture Services, regarding the Older Adults Three Year
Implementation Plan, be received.
CARRIED
22. MINUTES
– ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY:
DECEMBER 15, 2004 AND JANUARY
19, 2005 (16.9) Dec.15
Jan.19
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting held on December
15, 2004 and January 19, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
23. MINUTES
– FREDERICK HORSMAN VARLEY
ART GALLERY OF MARKHAM BOARD:
JANUARY 24, 2005 (6.12) Minutes
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham Board
meeting on January 24, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
24. MINUTES
– ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
COMMITTEE: JANUARY 20, 2005
(16.34) Minutes
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Environmental Issues Committee meeting on January 20, 2005,
be received.
CARRIED
25. MINUTES
– COMMUNITY ISSUES
COMMITTEE: JANUARY 28, 2005
(2.8, 6.0) Minutes
Councillor
S. Daurio requested that all Committee Members review the notes of the
Community Issues Committee in detail as they convey the success story of the
City of Mississauga’s dog off-leash campaign. He commended Councillor Pat Saito
for her attendance and presentation to the Community Issues Committee meeting
on January 28, 2005 and suggested that the information she conveyed would be
very valuable for the Town of Markham’s consideration of a similar program.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
CARRIED
26. MINUTES
– MARKHAM MUSEUM
BOARD: FEBRUARY 2, 2005
(6.7) Minutes
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Markham Museum Board meeting on February 2, 2005, be
received.
CARRIED
27. MINUTES – MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS
COMMITTEE: DECEMBER 6, 2004
AND
FEBRUARY 7, 2005 (3.0) Dec. 6 Feb. 7
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the minutes of the Markham Race Relations Committee meetings on December 6,
2004 and February 7, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
28. MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE
REGARDING THE HARMONY
FOUNDATION AWARD (3.0)
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That
the following resolution arising from the minutes of the Markham Race Relations
Committee meeting on December 6, 2004, be adopted:
That
the Jaffari Islamic Centre and Temple Harzion be congratulated by the Town for
winning the Harmony Foundation Award in recognition of 25 years’ of harmonious
co-existence.
CARRIED
29. TORONTO’S
20-MINUTE MAKEOVER
PROGRAM (13.5.2)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the letter from Mayor David Miller, City of Toronto, dated January 17, 2005
regarding the 20-Minute Makeover Program,
a project which urges all employees, students and citizens in a municipality to
pick up litter in and around their workplace, school or home for twenty (20)
minutes on a Friday afternoon, be received.
CARRIED
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Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss
legal matters. (2:00 p.m.)
CARRIED
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee rise and report to
Committee of the Whole. (2:45 p.m.)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned
at the hour of 2:45 p.m.