MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

FEBRUARY 10, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:              Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

 

Attendance

Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu   Regrets Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor C. Moretti   Absent Councillor E. Shapero

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering S. Chait, Director, Economic Development C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager J. Bosomworth, Manager Strategy & Innovation A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:05 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No.3.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- January 20, 2009, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held January 20, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         MAKE IT HAPPEN TASK FORCE
            (10.0)

 

Mr. Jamie Bosomworth, Manager Strategy & Innovation delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the recommendations of the Make It Happen Task Force.

 

The Committee commended Mr. Bosomworth and his team for the excellent work related to the Make It Happen Task Force.

 

The Committee inquired of the recommendation regarding the review of snowplowing and streetlight/energy costs charged to the developers.  Staff advised that they are suggesting that the costs be assessed at the agreement stage and set the fee in advance.

 

There was discussion regarding the involvement of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) with respect to the Make It Happen Task Force.  Staff advised that the TRCA have participated by sending a representative or letters and have been very helpful throughout the process.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Jamie Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation regarding the Make It Happen Task Force, be received with thanks.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         SMART COMMUTE 404-7
            TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
            BUSINESS PLAN
            (5.14)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Richard Cunningham, CEO, Markham Board of Trade, addressed the Committee to provide a brief update with respect to Smart Commute 404-7.  He advised that although it is a fairly new program in this region it is doing very well and achieving great results. 

Mr. Basil Marcello, Markham Board of Trade, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association Business Plan.  The presentation highlighted the work that SMART Commute has already completed and the proposed future goals.

 

The Committee inquired of the work done with relation to the York Catholic District School Board.  Mr. Marcello advised that they are working with them to present a program to the teachers to try and reduce the parking at a staff level and are not dealing with the parent drop-off issues at the schools.

 

There was discussion regarding the current fare rates and double fare.  Mr. Marcello advised that one of Metrolinx’s initiatives is to deal with the issue of double fares.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Basil Marcello, Markham Board of Trade regarding Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association Business Plan, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         2009 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
            MARKETING PLAN
            (10.16)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development presented the Committee with the 2008 award received from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) for their strategic plan – “Markham 2020:  An Economic Blueprint for the Second Decade of the 21^st Century.”  He also advised that the Town of Markham ended as a finalist for the following: Publications – Annual Report and Publications – Stand Alone Advertisement/Cooperative Publication.

 

Mr. Chait delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2009 Economic Development Marketing Plan.  The presentation highlighted what is included in the plan and the steps required moving forward.

 

The Committee congratulated the Economic Development team on their EDCO award.

 

There was discussion regarding the exclusion of the Professional Scientific and Technological Services and Health in Markham.  The Committee suggested including a brief summary of what is being done with respect to the Professional Scientific Technology Services and Health.  The Committee also suggested that given the current economy, the KPI’s should not focus primarily on the number of jobs being created and consider demonstrating what is being done to help maintain the jobs that have already been created.  

 

The Committee discussed tourism and whether it should be an active sector of the Marketing Strategy.  Staff advised that it was Council’s direction to not include tourism at this time.

The Committee stated concerns that there does not seem to be enough to engage the residents and/or communities within Markham in relation to the Economic Development Marketing Plan.  Staff advised that there are many ways in which the Markham communities are engaged in this process such as:  through the awards received; everything is well documented and obtaining feedback from various Committees (eg. Knowledge Community Committee).  Staff suggested following up with the Corporate Communications department to ensure there is proper media attention with respect to Economic Development.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development regarding the 2009 Economic Development Marketing Plan, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM.