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M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

June 17, 2013

Meeting No. 16

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                Community Services Issues

Chair:              Mayor Frank Scarpitti                                                                            Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice Chair:      Councillor Carolina Moretti                                                                   Vice Chair:      Councillor Howard Shore

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                                          Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                                                                         Chair:              Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Vice Chair:      Regional Councillor Joe Li                                                                      Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell

 

                                                                                                                       

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor. Howard Shore

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Paul Ingham, Director, Operations

Dennis Flaherty, Director of Communications and Community Relations

Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk

Peter Loukes, Director, Environmental Services

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Colin Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development

Bill Snowball, Fire Chief

Christopher Alexander, Supervisor Licensing & Animal Services

Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

 

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:01 a.m. with Mayor Frank Scarpitti in the Chair and Councillor Alex Chiu Chaired Community Services related items.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         EVENTS POLICY (3.5 & 12.1)

            Presentation

 

Dennis Flaherty, Director of Communications and Community Relations delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the events policy.

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        Provide Members of Council with a list of all the Corporate Events

·        Corporate events include road and parking openings, press conferences, etc.

·        Current policy is outdated and inconsistent

·        Relationship between the City of Markham the Markham Fair Board

·        Have a quick reference guide outlining - price to drop picnic table, barricades, road closures, etc.

·        Challenges with some of the larger events such as noise complaints, waste issues and safety concerns

·        Provide a brief memo outlining the requirements of the Technical Standard & Safety Association (TSSA) relative to the use of bbq's and inflatable devices

·        Updating the current City by-law that will permit the use of bbq's in certain parks

·        Include in policy that if Members of Council hosting a personal bbq for their residents that they will need to fill out the application and pay the associated fees

·        Include sensitivity to wild life in the events policy

·         Consider including Stryrofoam receptacles at events

·        Include a list of events with the corresponding grants received and indicate if the grant amounts have increased/decreased over the years

·        Consideration to extend janitorial services at the Civic Centre if large events taking place beyond 4:30 pm on weekdays or on weekends

·        Have different rates for Markham based groups versus groups outside of the Markham area

·        Will the policy address religious events

·        Ensure your application clearly states how many individuals can be accommodated at a specific location

·        Investigate some permanent fixtures at certain locations such as a bandshell

·        Include in policy things that the City would like to encourage or discourage in activities

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Dennis Flaherty, Director, Corporate Communications & Community Relations entitled “Events Policy,” be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to consider all the comments and issues raised at the June 17, 2013 General Committee meeting and report back in the Fall 2013.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         ROAD RECONSTRUCTION OF MAIN STREET
MARKHAM FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO BULLOCK DRIVE (7.12 & 5.10)

            Presentation

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Joel Lustig, Treasurer entitled “Road Reconstruction of Main Street Markham from Highway 7 to Bullock Drive,” be referred directly to the June 17, 2013 Council meeting.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         MINUTES OF THE JUNE 10, 2013
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the June 10, 2013 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 21, 2013
AND APRIL 18, 2013 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
MARKHAM VILLAGE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA COMMITTEE (16.0)

            March     April

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the March 21, 2013 and April 18, 2013 Board of Management Markham Village Business Improvement Area Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 


 

5.         MINUTES OF THE MAY 15, 2013
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
UNIONVILLE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the May 15, 2013 Board of Management Unionville Business Improvement Area be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 3, 2013 & JUNE 5, 2013
GERMAN MILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

            April     June

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the April 3, 2013 and June 5, 2013 German Mills Community Centre Board be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE MAY 14, 2013
SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the Minutes of the May 14, 2013 Seniors Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 


 

8.         2012 SUMMER SIGN BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT
UPDATE REPORT (2.16)

            Report     Attachment A     Attachment B

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the following be deferred to the June 24, 2013 General Committee meeting:

 

1)         That the report entitled “2012 Summer Sign By-law Enforcement Update Report” be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to continue with the sign enforcement program as outlined in the Report; and further,

 

3)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

9.         ANIMAL SERVICES DELIVERY MODEL (2.8)

            Presentation     Report     Attachment A
            Attachment B     Attachment C     Attachment D

 

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services provided the Committee with some introductory remarks relative to the proposed Animal Services delivery model.

 

Christopher Alexander, Supervisor Licensing & Animal Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Animal Services delivery model.  

 

Barry MacKay, Markham resident addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Animal Services Delivery Model and spoke in opposition to the DPRA report.  He stated some concerns relative to the OSPCA's Animal Service Program.

 

Liz White, Animal Alliance of Canada addressed the Committee with respect to the Animal Services Delivery Model and stated some concerns.  She submitted a written submission with some suggested additional enhancements.

Nathalie Karvonen, Executive Director, Toronto Wildlife Centre delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding wildlife services.  She suggested that Markham should consider having a specialized wildlife service provider.

Suzanna Gartner addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Animal Services delivery model and spoke in opposition to the DPRA report, advocating the delivery of services similar to those provided in Calgary, Alberta.

 

Janet Andrews, Chair of the Markham Animal Care Committee addressed the Committee with respect to the Animal Services delivery model and spoke in opposition to the DPRA proposed recommendations.

 

Tanya Firmage, OSPCA addressed the Committee to explain some misconception regarding euthanasia of animals and to advise of OSPCA improvements to their operations. She also provided information on the OSPCA's province-wide animal foster program and confirmed the Newmarket Branch would participate in the program.

 

There was discussion regarding whether the option of a Markham shelter should be explored.

 

The Committee suggested amending the period of the contract with the OSPCA to two years with the two options for two year extenstions.

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the Animal Care Committee Special Report entitled “The Future of Markham Animal Services: Priorities for Action to 2016” be received for information; and,

 

2)         That Option 2 – “Enhanced Status Quo” of the DPRA report entitled “Study of Animal Service Delivery Model” be adopted and implemented; and,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized to enter into a contract with the OSPCA for the provision of animal services for a period of two years with an option for 2 two year extensions (if agreeable to both parties); and,

 

4)         That the “Customer Loyalty Card Program” outlined in this report be adopted and implemented in Markham as a licensing incentive; and,

 

5)         That Staff report back in the Fall of 2013 regarding the implementation strategy for the Storefront Operation, including 2014 budget requirements; and,

 

6)         That staff be directed to report back to Committee a year after the contract with the OSPCA is signed with a status report on whether or not the OSPCA is fulfilling the requirements of the contract to the satisfaction of the City of Markham; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 


 

10.       COUNCIL BUSINESS EXPENSE AND
CONFERENCE POLICY (7.0 & 16.23.2)

            Report     Appendix A

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That report entitled “Council Business Expense and Conference Policy” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Clerk be directed to meet with Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and Regional Councillor Jim Jones to discuss their concerns and suggestions relative to the proposed Council Business Expense and Conference Policy and report back to General Committee.

CARRIED 

 

 

 

11.       PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY AND POLICIES (5.6)

            Presentation

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

That the following be deferred to the June 24, 2013 General Committee meeting:

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Paul Carabott and Ms. Allison Harrington, Landscape Architect and Planner with Peter J. Smith & Company with Mr. Paul Ingham, Director, Operations and Mrs. Karen Boniface, Technical Coordinator entitled “Public Realm Strategy and Policies,” be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       FIRE SERVICES AUTOMATIC AID PILOT
PROJECT WITH THE CITY OF VAUGHAN &
TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL (7.15)

            Report     Appendix A

 

The Committee suggested that staff investigate the potential for a fire services automatic aid pilot project with the City of Toronto, City of Pickering and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the potential increase in operating costs relative to a regionalization or amalgamation of fire services.


 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the report entitled, “Fire Services Automatic Aid Pilot Project with the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill” dated May 27, 2013 be received; and,

 

2)         That the City of Markham participate in a two-year Fire Services Automatic Aid Pilot Project with City the of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill; and,

 

3)         That the Fire Chief be authorized to enter into discussions to develop an Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill; and,

 

4)         That the Fire Chief advise the Markham Professional Firefighters Association formally of Markham’s intent to take part in the pilot project; and,

 

5)         That the Fire Chief report back on the results and provide recommendations following the two-year pilot; and,

 

6)         That the Fire Chief also pursue other collaborations within the Region of York that would be beneficial to the fire services in Markham; and,

 

7)         That this report be circulated to City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill; and,

 

8)         That the Fire Chief be directed to report back on the potential of entering into an agreement regarding Fire Services Automatic Aid with the City of Toronto, City of Pickering or Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, including an outline of any possible implications; and further,

 

9)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       INTEGRATED LEISURE MASTER PLAN
-STATUS REPORT (6.0)

            Report     Appendix A

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report entitled “Integrated Leisure Master Plan – Status Report” be received as information.

CARRIED

 

 

14.       TENNIS CLUBS POLICY (6.0)

            Report     Attachment

 

Mike Gannon, Unionville Tennis Club addressed the Committee regarding the proposed tennis clubs policy and provided some information relative to the current arrangement between the City of Markham and Unionville Tennis Club.  He provided some suggestions for staff to consider and believes that there are a few discrepancies between the staff report and proposed new policy.

 

Colin Service, Manager, Planning & Policy delivered a PowerPoint presentation on Tennis Club Policy.

 

The Committee discussed:

·       Strengthen the relationships with the schools in Markham

·       Need real time data of the use of public courts

·       Clay courts versus asphalt courts

·       Can the public access hours be increased at the Community Tennis Clubs

·        Pros and Cons of the City taking ownership of the current club houses

·       Maintenance costs for clay courts

·       Ability for Corporate sponsors

·       Include an assessment of all club houses when the recommendation report comes back to Committee

·       Obtaining the right balance between Club and public access to tennis courts

·       The need for more public consultation

 

The Committee suggested that recommendations three and four be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

1)         That the report entitled “Tennis Clubs Policy” be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve in principle the draft policy, with direction to staff to bring forward a final policy in September, 2013 after further review and consultation with existing Tennis Clubs; and,

 

3)         That the following recommendation be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer for review and consultation with the Ward Councillor: "That the demolition of the Clubhouse building at Duncan Park for an upset limit of $20,000 inclusive of HST to be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve"; and,

 

4)         That establishment of a new capital project for the demolition be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer; and,

 

5)         That during the planning phases of new parks, particularly in Wards 7 & 8, public tennis courts be considered; and,

6)         That the deputation from Mike Gannon be received; and,

 

7)         That staff report back on with a recommendation report regarding the Tennis Club Policy in the Fall 2013; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business

 

 

15.       RESTRICTED MATTER (6.0)

 

Karen Rea addressed the Committee regarding the in-camera item and stated concerns regarding whether this item should be discussed during a closed session.

 

Moved by Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (3:09 pm):

 

1)         Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre)

            [Section 239 (f)] – See Restricted Agenda

CARRIED

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the General Committee rise from the in-camera session (5:24 p.m.)

CARRIED

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 5:25 p.m.

CARRIED

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