FINANCE
& ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
2004-03-22
Meeting No. 6
Attendance
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J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
J. Allen,
Chief Information Officer
C. Biss,
Chief Executive Officer, Markham
Public Libraries
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
J. Lustig,
Director of Financial and Client
Services
P. Loukes,
Director, Operations & Asset
Management
S. Taylor,
Director, Strategic Services
P. Ingham,
General Manager, Operations
S. Bertoia,
General Manager, Construction
and Utilities
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
F. Wong,
Manager, Financial Planning
G. Sequeira,
Manager, Financial Transactions
C. Joyce,
Manager, Community Partnerships
F. Poon.
Manager, Technology
C. Marsales,
Manager, Waste Management
P. Veiga,
Program Coordinator, Waste
T. Murphy,
Special Events Coordinator
K. Sookrit,
Lead, Telephony & Integration
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor
and Council
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
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The Finance & Administrative Committee
convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Regional
Councillor B. O'Donnell disclosed an interest with respect to the Purchase of
Sponsorship for Hospice-Thornhill, "The Lilac Gala" being held on May
15, 2004, by nature of his wife being an employee of Hospice Thornhill and
Co-Chair of the Volunteer Fundraising Committee, and did not take part in the
consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such
matter.
1. SUMMARY
OF 2003 REMUNERATION & EXPENSES
FOR COUNCILLORS AND APPOINTEES
TO BOARDS
AND OTHER BODIES FOR THE
PERIOD
JANUARY 01, 2003 TO DECEMBER
31, 2003 (16.23.2) Weblink
1 2 3
Members received copies of a revised Appendix
A to the staff report. Committee
expressed concern that mileage and cell phone charges are being listed as
discretionary expenses. Staff advised
that this matter had been raised previously, and will be addressed by a
presentation to Committee in April, 2004.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That
Council receive for information the March 22, 2004 report entitled
"Summary of 2003 Remuneration & Expenses for Councillors and
Appointees to Boards and Other Bodies for the period January 01, 2003 to
December 31, 2003;
And that the format of listing the mileage and cell phone charges on
the Summary be considered in a staff presentation in April, 2004.
CARRIED
2. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP - 12TH ANNUAL
YORK
REGIONAL POLICE APPRECIATION NIGHT
APRIL 22, 2004 (12.2.6 & 13.4.10) Weblink
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council purchase tickets for Councillors wishing to attend the 12th Annual York
Regional Police Appreciation Night on Thursday, April 22, 2004. The dinner will take place at Le Parc, 8432
Leslie Street, Richmond Hill.
CARRIED
3. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP - THE HERBERT
H. CARNEGIE
FUTURE ACES FOUNDATION CHARITY BALL "EVERYTHING'S
COMING UP ROSES" - SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2004 (12.2.6) Weblink
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council purchase tickets for Councillors wishing to attend The Herbert H.
Carnegie Future Aces Foundation Charity Ball "Everything's Coming Up
Roses" - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at the Delta Toronto East, 2035 Kennedy
Road.
CARRIED
4. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP - BETHANY LODGE
REDEVELOPMENT BENEFIT DINNER - APRIL 2, 2004 (12.2.6) Weblink
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council purchase tickets for Councillors wishing to attend the Bethany Lodge
Redevelopment Benefit Dinner on Friday, April 2, 2004 at the Crystal Fountain
Banquet Hall in Markham up to one table of ten.
CARRIED
5. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP - EVERGREEN
HOSPICE
PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT - JULY 19, 2004 (12.2.6) Weblink
Regional
Councillor B. O'Donnell disclosed an interest with respect to the Purchase of
Sponsorship for Hospice-Thornhill, "The Lilac Gala" being held on May
15, 2004, by nature of his wife being an employee of Hospice Thornhill and
Co-Chair of the Volunteer Fundraising Committee, and did not take part in the
consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such
matter.
Moved by Councillor G, McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That
Council support the Evergreen Hospice Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Monday, July
19, 2004 at Meadowbrook Golf Club by purchasing a luncheon sponsorship at
$1000;
And that any Member of Council who wishes to attend may do so provided
that all expenses are charged to their individual budget.
CARRIED
6. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIP -
HOSPICE-THORNHILL
"THE LILAC GALA" - MAY 15, 2004 (12.2.6) Weblink
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council purchase a corporate table at the Thornhill Hospice "The Lilac
Gala" on Saturday, May 15, 2004.
Location is at the Bayview Country Club.
CARRIED
7. WASTE
MANAGEMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING (5.1)
Weblink
Moved by
Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That
the report entitled "Waste Management Public Information Meeting" be
received;
And
that staff organize a public information meeting in April 2004, at an estimated
cost of $1,000 to discuss options for expanding Markham's waste diversion
programs and assist Markham to achieve its waste diversion goals;
And
that staff be authorized to develop an electronic medium and conduct focus
group discussions, at an estimated cost of $5,000 to obtain public input on the
future of Markham's waste management program including 3-Stream waste
management;
And
that costs related to this project be absorbed within the 2004 Waste Management
Operating budget.
CARRIED
8. STREET
LIGHT HYDRO AND MAINTENANCE
2003 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER
INCREASE (5.19 & 7.9) Weblink
In response to a previous query, the
Treasurer provided Committee with costs related to new energy rates,
amalgamated cost for 2003 growth, and the costs for new lights coming on line
in 2004. The Director of Operations
& Asset Management responded to additional questions.
Moved by
Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That
the report entitled "Street Light Hydro and Maintenance - 2003 Blanket
Purchase Order Increase" be received;
And
that the Blanket Purchase Order B2-46 for Markham Hydro be increased by
$141,876.49 inclusive of 7% GST ($136,573.19 inclusive of 3% GST) for the
period ending December 31, 2003;
And
that funds for the increase be paid for out of the Construction and Utilities
Division's 2003 & 2004 Operating Budget Account # 720-720-5930 for Street
Light Hydro and Account # 720-720-5497 for Street Light Maintenance.
CARRIED
9. TRANSFER
OF LOCAL TELEPHONE
SERVICE PROVIDER (7.13 &
12.2)
**Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That
the report dated March 22, 2004 entitled "Transfer of Local Telephone
Service Provider" be received;
And
that local telephone (voice) services remain with Bell Canada and not be
transferred to FCI Broadband (FCI).
CARRIED
Committee
expressed concern regarding long distance charges for calls within York Region
and it was suggested that a letter be forwarded to the CRTC (Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) expressing this
concern. Staff advised that a report
would be prepared for consideration prior to this action.
Moved
by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That staff be requested to
prepare a report on the status of long distance calling within the Region of
York and the feasibility of other options available.
CARRIED
___________________________________________________________
**Amended by Council at its meeting held on
March 30, 2004 to defer the matter and refer it back to staff for further
discussions with the vendor and a further report.
10. 2004
CAPITAL AND OTHER PROGRAMS BUDGET
(PART A) (7.5) Weblink
1 2 3
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor K. Usman
That
the report dated March 22, 2004 entitled "2004 Capital and Other Programs
Budget (Part A)" be received;
And
that Council approve the 2004 Capital and Other Programs Budget (Part A)
totalling $80,138,881 the funding and details of which are listed in Appendix
A, (attached to the minutes of the Finance & Administrative Committee dated
March 22, 2004 on file in the Clerk's Department);
And
that the 2004 Capital and Other Programs Budget (Part A), in the amount of
$80,138,881, be funded from the sources outlined in Appendix B, (attached to
the minutes of the Finance & Administrative Committee dated March 22, 2004
on file in the Clerk's Department).
CARRIED
11. 2004 PARKS, OPEN SPACE
AND FACILITY OPENINGS (6.3 & 12.2.6)
Weblink
1 2 3
In response to
queries from Committee regarding the absence of names of some parks/parkettes,
or other concerns, Members were advised to bring these issues to the Building
and Park Construction Committee for consideration and clarification.
Moved by
Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the level of funding for park openings be adjusted as outlined in this report;
And
that the 2004 Schedule of Park, Open Space and Facility Openings as outlined in
Appendix A, (attached to the minutes of the Finance & Administrative
Committee dated March 22, 2004 on file in the Clerk's Department), be referred back to the Building and Parks
Construction Committee for further consideration;
And
that parks, open space and facility opening costs be absorbed within approved
operating and capital budgets.
CARRIED
12. SENECA COLLEGE - VOLUNTEER BOARD
OF GOVERNORS (13.0 & 16.24)
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
the letter dated February 19, 2004 from Seneca College requesting the Town's
assistance in recruiting candidates with senior management experience to serve
on its volunteer Board of Governors, be received;
And that the names of Regional Councillor J. Jones and Councillor K.
Usman be recommended for appointment to the Board of Governors for Seneca
College of Applied Arts & Technology.
CARRIED
13. CONDEMNATION
OF VIOLENCE AND HATE CRIMES (12.2.6)
**Moved
by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded
by Councillor K. Usman
That the Town of Markham strongly condemns the recent anti-semitic
violence and hate crimes committed against the Jewish Community;
And that the Town of Markham stands in solidarity with the City of
Toronto and City of Vaughan in condemning these acts;
And that such acts of violence will not be tolerated by the Council of
the Town of Markham;
And that the Markham Race Relations Committee hold a community forum on
hate crime with the York Regional Police;
And further that Corporate Communications staff be requested to prepare
a press release and place an advertisement in the local newspapers immediately.
CARRIED
__________________________________________________________
**Amended
by Council at its meeting held on March 30, 2004 to add the following clause
to the resolution:
"And that the Town of Markham strongly
condemns the recent hate crimes against the Muslim Community;"
_____________________________________________________________________
Other matters
considered by Finance & Administrative Committee on March 22, 2004:
14. TAXI
LICENSING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS (2.23) Weblink
Mr. Benny Banipal, of AAA Taxi & Limo,
was in attendance and requested that Committee consider reducing the initial
distance traveled from 235 metres to 190 metres to align with the City of
Toronto.
Mr. Vasilios (Bill) Sakorafas, also of AAA
Taxi & Limo, was in attendance and raised the issue of adjusting the
taxicab meters.
Mr. Anis Khalaf, taxi driver, was also in
attendance in support of decreasing the distance of metres traveled, and
pointed out that the taxicab meters can be programmed.
The Town Clerk advised that representatives
of the taxi industry were raising issues not raised at the public meeting. She requested a deferral to allow an
opportunity for staff to meet with the industry to further investigate and
obtain clarification on distance traveled; waiting time; programming of taxicab
metres; and alignment with City of Toronto rates.
Moved by
Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That subject to a staff review being favourable, By-Law No. 2002-308 "A By-Law for Licensing, Regulating and
Governing Owners and Drivers of Taxicabs and Taxicab Brokers" be amended,
to:
Increase the initial tariff rate for fares
from $2.50 to $2.75;
Provide for an initial establishment of taxi
stands at seven locations with a total twenty-four spaces within the Town as
illustrated on Schedule 'A';
And that staff review and consider the input
from the March 2, 2004 Public Meeting on Taxi Licensing and report back to
Council on the following: Safety Equipment, Single Colour/Vehicle
Identification, Police Screening Process, Safety Inspections/Blitzes,
Additional Premiere Plates, Mandatory Driver Training, Administrative By-Law
Amendments;
And that the following additional
issues be reviewed by staff: possible new locations for taxi stands, Region of
York rates, and enforcement concerns;
And that the deputations made by Mr. Benny Banipal and Mr.
Vasilios (Bill) Sakorafas, of AAA Taxi & Limo, and Mr. Anis Khalaf, taxi
driver, be received;
And that staff meet with representatives
of the taxi industry to obtain clarification on the following issues raised
this date and report back to Committee of the Whole on March 30, 2004:
- distance travelled
- waiting time
- taxicab metres, and
- alignment with City of Toronto rates
CARRIED
15. MARKHAM
VILLAGE LIBRARY EXPANSION,
FUNDING AND ANALYSIS (6.6
& 7.5) Weblink
Mr. Gerald Shoalts, of Shoalts and Zaback
Architects Ltd., was in attendance and gave a brief presentation on two
expansion options for the Markham Village Library at Highway #7 and Markham
Road.
The following residents spoke in support of
Option 3 as an anchor and focal point of Main Street Markham:
- Mr. Gunter Langhorst, 22 Rougecrest Drive, Markham,
- Mr. Peter Ross, on behalf of the Vinegar Hill Ratepayers Association,
and
Main Street Markham Committee
- Ms. Judi McIntyre, on behalf of the Markham Village BIA
- Ms. Elizabeth Plashkes, on behalf of Markham Village Conservancy, and
- Mr. Ken Hoyle, Consultant, Strategic Planning & Management
Mr. Ed Brewer, a member of the Markham Public
Library Board, presented a resolution passed at the March 15, 2004 meeting of
the Library Board as follows:
"Resolved
that the Town of Markham Public Library Board recognizes and supports the
position of the local community who support Markham Village Library expanding
to the north, as a potential community focal point.
And
that the Board reaffirms the Library’s Building Program and the principle of
equitable distribution of library facilities for all residents of
Markham."
Following some discussion, Committee agreed
that the matter should be deferred for further discussion.
Moved by
Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by
Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That
the following deputations in support of Option 3 be received:
- Mr. Gunter Langhorst, 22 Rougecrest Drive, Markham,
- Mr. Peter Ross, on behalf of the Vinegar Hill Ratepayers Association,
and
Main Street Markham Committee
- Ms. Judi McIntyre, on behalf of the Markham Village BIA
- Ms. Elizabeth Plashkes, on behalf of Markham Village Conservancy, and
- Mr. Ken Hoyle, Consultant, Strategic Planning & Management
And
that the deputation by Mr. Ed Brewer, a member of the Markham Public Library
Board, be received;
And that the matter of the Markham Village Library expansion, funding
and analysis, be deferred;
And that staff be requested to further review Option 3, as the
preferred Option;
And that the following issues be included in the Option 3 review:
- enhancement of
Hwy. #7 and Markham Road location and Main Street Markham
- integration of
the two facilities
- cost of new
parkette in front of building
- possible
deterioration of the south wall and costs involved
- funding
sources/options for financing, (Development Charges/Reserve/Other)
- impact on
community
- building to the
north and all costs involved
- atrium in front
of building
- feasibility of
a multi-stage project
- impact on green
space
- options for
financing, including: commercial/partnership options available;
And that staff report back to the Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED
16. GFOA
CANADIAN AWARD - MARKHAM'S ANNUAL
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR
ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2002 (7.0 &
12.2.6)
Mr. Gerard
Sequeira, Manager, Financial Transactions, presented the GFOA (Government
Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada) Canadian Award
for Markham's Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2002 to
Councillor Khalid Usman, as Chair, Finance Committee, 2002.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the presentation of the GFOA Canadian Award for Markham's Annual Financial
Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2002 to Councillor Khalid Usman, as
Chair, Finance Committee, 2002, be received;
And that this presentation also be made at the March 30, 2004 meeting
of Council;
And that staff be requested to provide the criteria for this
prestigious award;
And that staff also be requested to provide a power-point presentation
on the highlights of the 2002 Annual Report.
CARRIED
17. PRESENTATION
- DEVELOPMENT CHARGES UPDATE
HEMSON CONSULTING LTD. (7.11)
Mr. Fred
Koenig, Hemson Consulting Ltd., was in attendance and provided a briefing and
overview of the Development Charges Act.
Details included definition, process, current and proposed development
charge structure, and the proposed public consultation process, which is to
take place between March and the end of August, 2004.
Committee
expressed concern regarding the tight timelines for the public consultation
process prior to the by-law being approved by Council, and requested staff to
provide information from other municipalities on this matter. Staff advised that more information would
also be available following discussions with the development industry.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
the presentation by Mr. Fred Koenig, Hemson Consulting Ltd., on the Development
Charges Act, be received;
And that staff be requested to review the categories and the timing
constraints with the municipalities of Peel, Durham and York Region.
CARRIED
18. STAFF
AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE PERIOD
FROM FEBRUARY 14 TO MARCH 2,
2004 (7.12) Weblink
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
the report entitled "Staff Awarded Contracts for the Period from February
14 to March 2, 2004" dated March 22, 2004 be received for information
only.
CARRIED
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Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss
a confidential matter. (4:10 p.m.)
CARRIED
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee rise and report. (5:00
p.m.)
CARRIED
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19. YORK REGION NO-SMOKING BY-LAW
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIRD PHASE
JUNE 1, 2004 (2.13 & 13.4.4)
Moved by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by
Councillor G. McKelvey
That the
letter dated February 16, 2004 and information package, forwarded from Regional
Councillor Jack Heath, from the Chair and CEO of the Region of York regarding
the third and final phase of the Region's No-Smoking By-Law, be received.
CARRIED
20. THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE - 4TH ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
ON SAFE DRINKING WATER - APRIL 26 & 27, 2004 (5.3 & 11.12)
Moved by
Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That the
letter dated January 8, 2004 from The Canadian Institute inviting attendance at
the 4th Annual Conference on Safe Drinking Water, April 26-27, 2004 in Toronto,
be received.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Finance & Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the
hour of 5:15 p.m.