GENERAL COMMITTEE
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Environment & Sustainability Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Councillor
E. Shapero
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief
Administrative Officer
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
J. Lustig, Director
of Financial and Client Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
J. Wright, Director,
Building Standards
J. Bosomworth,
Manager, Strategy and Innovation
A. Tang, Acting Manager,
Financial Planning
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor and
Council
C. Raynor, Committee
Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the
Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Regional Councillor G. Landon declared an interest in Agenda Item 14 as
he is a Director of CSDC Systems and did not take part in the consideration or
discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.
1. UNITED WAY
PRESENTATION (12.2.6)
Mr. J. Bosomworth, Chair, 2007
United Way Campaign, announced the results of the
2007 campaign. A total of $94,159 was raised. Committee was provided with an
overview of the different fundraising events and thanks were extended to all
staff who participated in making the Campaign a success.
Mr. D. Zanotti, CEO, United
Way of York Region, spoke to thank the Town for its
fundraising efforts.
2. PROPOSED 2008 BUDGET BREAKFAST
PRESENTATION (7.5)
Mr. J.
Lustig, Director, Financial and Client Services, presented information relating
to the 2008 Budget process and previewed the presentation that will be made at
the Budget Breakfast meeting on January
22, 2008. The proposed budget will result in a 4.19% tax increase
which will result in a $44 per year increase in property tax for the average
house in Markham.
Committee was provided with a brief analysis of some of the underlying factors
affecting the total Budget such as personnel, growth, new and enhanced
programs, inflation, and energy indices.
There was
discussion about the Reserve Fund for replacement of aging infrastructure. It
was stated that many municipalities will soon have to address the repair and
replacement of infrastructure. Committee suggested that it may be appropriate
to cap the Reserve Fund in future. Additionally, it was noted that there will
be a report on Councillor’s expenses and salaries.
Committee requested
that staff highlight the green initiatives in the Budget and expressed concern
that funding for the Pesticide Education Program may be insufficient.
That the
presentation entitled “Proposed 2008 Budget Breakfast” by J. Lustig, Director,
Financial and Client Services, be received;
And that the minutes of the December 10, 2007 Budget Sub-Committee be received;
And that Staff be authorized to present the
proposed tax rate increase of 4.19% at the Budget Breakfast on January 22, 2008;
And that feedback from the Budget Breakfast be
brought forward to the Budget Sub-Committee on January 28, 2008.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF
THE DECEMBER 3, DECEMBER 10, AND
DECEMBER 17, 2007 GENERAL
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Dec.
3 Dec.
10 Dec.
17
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the minutes of the December 3,
December 10, and December 17, 2007 General Committee be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES OF
THE DECEMBER 3, 2007
BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the
minutes of the December 3, 2007 Budget Sub-Committee be received.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES OF
THE DECEMBER 14, 2007
BUILDING & PARKS
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the December 14,
2007 Building and Parks Construction Committee be received.
CARRIED
6. MINUTES OF
THE NOVEMBER 19, 2007
CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
There was
discussion as to the process for dealing with unspent funds from previous years’
budgets. It was noted that the Committee also undertakes its own fundraising in
addition to the Town’s funding.
Staff
agreed to report back as to how unspent funds should be dealt with.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the November 19, 2007 Canada Day Committee be received.
CARRIED
7. MINUTES OF
THE NOVEMBER 7 AND DECEMBER 5, 2007
MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD (16.0)
Nov
7 Dec
5
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the November 7 and December 5, 2007 Markham Museum Board be
received.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES OF
THE NOVEMBER 21, 2007
MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ACCESSIBILITY (16.0)
Minutes
There was
brief discussion surrounding the proposed Accessibility Coordinator position.
Staff advised that a resource should be available through the Career Bridge
program.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the November 21, 2007 Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility be
received.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES OF
THE SEPTEMBER 20, OCTOBER 18 AND
NOVEMBER 15, 2007
MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
(16.0)
Oct
18 Nov
15
It was
noted that a report concerning the proposed name change for the Markham
Conservation Committee will be forthcoming shortly.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the September 20, October 18, and November 15, 2007 Markham
Conservation Committee be received.
CARRIED
10. MINUTES OF
THE NOVEMBER 26, 2007
MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
(16.0)
Minutes
Staff
advised that research is underway on the legal implications of the proposed
name change of the Markham Public Libraries.
Committee
requested that there be a presentation on the new library materials
classification system at a future meeting of General Committee.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the
minutes of the November 26, 2007 Markham
Public Library Board be received;
And that
the following resolution be approved by Council:
“That the Board approve changing the business
name “Markham Public Libraries” (using the plural form of “library”) to
“Markham Public Library” (using the singular form of “library”);
And that the Board authorize the Town of
Markham Legal Department to secure external legal counsel to take all required
actions to register an “official mark” for the name(s) used by Markham Public
Libraries/Markham Public Library, to obtain greater protection for the names.”
CARRIED
11. MINUTES OF THE
NOVEMBER 28, 2007
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES COMMITTEE
(16.0)
Minutes
Moved
by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded
by Mayor Scarpitti
That
the minutes of the November 28, 2007 Animal Care Services Committee be received
And that the following resolution be
received:
“Whereas
residents of the Town of Markham
are demanding excellent animal care services;
And whereas over the past few years, actions have been taken to
provide improved animal care services to the residents of the Town of Markham;
And whereas one of the main improvements to the animal care service
has been the transfer of services to the Town of Whitby;
And whereas Council established an Animal Care Services Committee,
whose primary role is to educate residents on animal care and the importance of
spaying and neutering and appropriate veterinary services; providing for
reasonable and affordable veterinary services to residents; arranging for
adoptions and fund raising;
And whereas Members of the Animal Care Services Committee feel
strongly that the Town of Markham
should own its own animal care facility within its own boundaries;
Now therefore, be it resolved that it be recommended to Council that
staff be directed to review and report on options for the provision of an
animal care facility located within the Town of Markham, including appropriate
financing options.”
And that staff be directed to initiate a zoning amendment to support
the temporary use of a Cat Shelter at 205 Langstaff Road East, subject to the
agreement of the operators of the proposed Cat Shelter and the landowners;
And that Council reaffirm its direction that staff consider options
for the provision of an animal care facility located within the Town of Markham, including
appropriate financing options.
CARRIED
12. ADVISORY
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
Councillor
J. Virgilio tendered his resignation from the York Region Road Watch Committee
effective immediately.
Moved by
Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That consideration of the following
recommendation be deferred pending information from staff as to the number of
Councillors presently serving on these Committees and the York Region Road Watch Committee:
“That Council nominate a Member of
Council for each of the following Committees:
Don Watershed Regeneration
Committee for the term ending June, 2009
Markham Race Relations Committee
for the term ending November
30, 2008
Markham Arts Council for the
term ending November 30,
2008”
CARRIED
13. PARKING
CONTROL BY-LAW ADMINISTRATIVE
AMENDMENTS (2.17)
Report
Committee
expressed concern that making any obstruction of a sidewalk illegal will result
in a huge number of tickets. Staff noted that the proposed amendment will
assist in the prosecution of offenders.
Moved by
Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That sections 5(j) and 9(3)
of By-Law 2005-188 “A By-law to govern and control parking of vehicles in the
Town of Markham” be amended to provide for administrative amendments to wording
with respect to parking regulations on boulevards and Fire Access Routes;
And that the proposed
amendments to section 5(e) of By-Law 2005-188 be referred back to staff to
consider options such as allowing minimal obstruction or relaxing the
requirements outside of the snow clearing season;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
14. MAKING IT
HAPPEN WITH AMANDA (10.0)
Report
Regional Councillor G. Landon declared an interest in Agenda Item 14 as
he is a Director of CSDC Systems and did not take part in the consideration or
discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.
Mr. J.
Wright, Director, Building Standards, presented a brief overview of the
proposed AMANDA enhancements. There was brief discussion surrounding AMANDA
version 5.
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
$80,100 from project 8176 (AMANDA Enhancements) and $15,000 from project 8006
(AMANDA Operational Audit) of the Capital Budget be pre-approved for the
following purposes:
a.
The
“Time and Activity Tracking Module” be implemented to support KPI reporting and
fee model maintenance at a cost of approximately $29,700,
b.
Letter
of Credit automation be implemented, at a cost of approximately $26,400 and
c.
Support
services be procured to augment the capacity of our staff AMANDA administrator
at a cost of approximately $24,000, and
d.
That
consulting services be procured for an estimated cost of $15,000 to update the
assessment of Markham’s AMANDA implementation to identify any gaps between the
system’s functional capability and its implementation in Markham with
particular focus on any fiduciary or security implications of such gaps;
And that
the above services be awarded to CSDC Systems Inc., on a preferred supplier
basis pursuant to section 7(1)c of the Purchasing By-law;
And that
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
15. ANNUAL GTA
TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
MARCH 5-6, 2008, TORONTO (5.7)
Attachment
There was
discussion surrounding the policy for Councillor attendance at conferences and
seminars as well as the policy on overnight accommodation. Staff noted that
unless Council approves otherwise, all expenses should be funded from the Councillor’s
discretionary account. Committee noted the importance of ensuring the policy is
transparent and consistent. Committee requested that staff review the policy on
conferences and travel expenses. Staff agreed to provide monthly updates to
Council regarding upcoming appropriate conferences.
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the
itinerary for the Annual GTA Transportation Summit be received;
And that Council approve requests by Regional
Councillor G. Landon and Councillor J. Webster to attend the conference on March 5-6, 2008 at an
estimated cost of $1,000.00 each.
CARRIED
16. WHERE DO WE
GROW FROM HERE?
FEBRUARY 14, 2008 – HILTON
SUITES, MARKHAM (5.7)
Attachment
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the itinerary for the Where do we Grow
From Here? Event be received.
CARRIED
17. THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO
PST EXEMPTION FOR ALL
MUNICIPALITIES (13.5.2)
Resolution
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the letter
from the Corporation of the City of Waterloo dated December 17, 2007 containing
a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to exempt all Ontario
municipalities from paying PST with the understanding that the savings be
mandated to fund existing infrastructure renewal and asking Ontario
municipalities to endorse this resolution be received;
And that Council endorse the resolution by the
City of Waterloo and forward this endorsement to the Prime Minister of Canada,
Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and Minister of
Public Safety and the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Public Infrastructure
Renewal, Minister of Finance, Minister of Finance, Minister of Revenue,
Minister of Transportation and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and
the City of Waterloo, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
CARRIED
18. THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO
MUNICIPAL INFASTRUCTURE
FUNDING (13.5.2)
Resolution
Staff
provided brief information regarding a new municipal infrastructure grant.
Committee was advised that staff will consider projects that may be eligible
and will report back.
That the letter
from the Corporation of the City of Waterloo dated December 17, 2007 containing
a resolution requesting the Provincial and Federal Governments to re-examine how municipalities are funded in
regards to infrastructure and asking Ontario municipalities to endorse this
resolution be received;
And that Council endorse the resolution by the
City of Waterloo
and forward this endorsement to Markham’s
provincial and federal representatives and the City of Waterloo, the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities.
CARRIED
19. BUILDING
PERMIT APPLICATION UPDATE (10.13)
In response
to a Councillor query, staff agreed to review the status of a particular
Building Permit application.
20. SOLAR
HEATING AND ON DEMAND HOT WATER SYSTEMS (5.7)
Committee
queried whether staff can develop a guide for residents outlining the approvals
process for installing solar heating or on demand hot water systems. It was
noted that systems are different and each may be subject to various regulatory
requirements.
Moved by
Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That staff
report back on the permit process and regulatory requirements surrounding the
installation of solar heating and on demand hot water systems.
CARRIED
21. UNIONVILLE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA
SUPPORT FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS
(3.12)
There was
discussion surrounding the signing authorities of Councillors. Committee also
noted that recycling and green bins should be available at special events.
Moved by
Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That the
Town of Markham immediately support the two (2) grant applications by the
Unionville Business Improvement Area (BIA) for funding to support the
Unionville Historic Heritage Celebration and Doors Open Markham events due to
time constraints;
And that
this action be ratified by Council on January 22, 2008;
And that
Council support a grant application by the Markham Village Music Festival.
22. RECENT SPECIAL EVENTS
(3.0)
Committee
noted that the recent Anthony Roman Memorial Hockey Tournament and the 20th
Anniversary Celebration of Mount Joy Community Centre were great successes.
Staff were thanked for their efforts.
It
was also noted that staff at the Galleria Shopping Centre raised $20,000 for
local charities.
-----------------------------------------
Moved
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded
by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That
the Committee resolve in camera to discuss a confidential legal matter
regarding animal care services (10:47)
CARRIED
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the
Committee rise (11:10)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The
General Committee adjourned at 11:44
a.m.