Minutes

General Committee

 

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 Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor Nasir Kenea, Chief Information Officer Joel Lustig, Treasurer Paul Ingham, Director of Operations Mohammed Hosseini-Ara, Director of Culture Bill Wiles, Manager of By-Law Enforcement & Licensing Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:04 AM with Councillor Carolina Moretti in the Chair and Councillor Alex Chiu, Chaired Community Services related items.

 

General Committee recessed at 12:16 PM and reconvened at 1:06 PM.

 

Disclosure of Interest

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         2013 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (7.2)

            Presentation

 

Joel Lustig, Treasurer, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Kevin Travers, Partner, KPMG LLP delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the audit findings report for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Special Recognition was given to the following finance staff that coordinate the annual financial statements: Kishor Soneji, Stella Attai, Annie Hung, Raymond Law and Hilton Lee.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the presentation provided by Joel Lustig, Treasurer, entitled “2013 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation provided by Kevin Travers, Partner, KPMG LLP regarding the 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements be received.

 

Carried

 

 

 

2.         ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS PROPOSAL FOR
407 EXPRESS TOLL ROUTE HIGHWAY (5.0)

            Staff Memorandum   Metrolinx Presentation

 

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed Committee and provided some opening remarks with respect to the electronic billboards proposal for the 407 Express Toll Route Highway.

 

Blair Murdoch, Allvision Canada delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding Metrolinx Digital Signage Network.

 

The Committee discussed the following relative to the Metrolinx digital signage network proposal:

·        Why only on the rail corridor

·        Is there anything in the agreement that prevents the 407 Express Toll Route (ETR) from doing the same type of billboards

·        Does the City of Markham have any control over whether the 407 ETR such as cutting trees, adding lanes or installation of billboards

·        How do we guarantee that the information on the proposed digital signage will be information related to Markham residents (eg. Markham Community Event dates)

·        Potential of using solar power in future

·        Need a revenue formula

·        The revenue should be put towards the future 407 Transitway with signs at all stops along the transitway

·        What would be the in-kind value for the City

·        What type of advertising will be displayed and what restrictions will there be (it was noted that the advertising would have to meet the criteria set out in the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards)

·        Safety concerns

·        Size of the proposed signs

 

There was discussion regarding the "boundary line" at Yonge Street and 407 Express Toll Route and the Committee suggested that staff confirm whether the land is under the Town of Richmond Hill or City of Markham.

 

The Committee suggested that staff prepare a report responding to the questions and concerns raised relative to the Metrolinx digital signage network proposal.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the staff memorandum from Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services, regarding the presentations provided by Metrolinx and RCC Media be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation provided by Blair Murdoch, Allvision Canada on behalf of Metrolinx regarding electronic billboards on the 407 Express Toll Route Highway be received; and further,

 

3)         That staff be directed to prepare a report regarding the Metrolinx digital signage network proposal.

 

Carried

 

 

 

3.         ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS PROPOSAL FOR
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY (5.0)

            RCC Media Presentation

 

Tony Romanelli, RCC Media delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining their proposal to convert all existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards.  It was noted that with the digital billboards RCC is proposing that the City would be provided 10 seconds of each 60 seconds of messaging on the boards for community and emergency management information.  The community/emergency messaging will be managed remotely by the City.

 

The Committee discussed the following with respect to the proposal to convert all existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards:

·        How will these billboards fit in with the improved streetscape plan along the Yonge Street Corridor

·        What is the revenue received by the City for these billboards (it was confirmed that the City currently receives a fixed annual permit fee of approximately $300)

·        Will the proposal include signage on railway bridges?

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

1)         That the presentation provided by Tony Romanelli, RCC Media regarding electronic billboards on the Canadian National Railway right of way be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to prepare a report regarding the RCC Media proposal to convert all existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards.

 

Carried

 

 

 

4.         ICE STORM RESPONSE AND
RECOVERY PLAN UPDATE (5.7)

            Presentation

 

Paul Ingham, Director of Operations delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the Ice Storm Response and Recovery Plan. It was noted that the watercourses were discussed with and approved by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) prior to commencement of the data collection.

 

The Committee discussed and suggested the following relative to the Ice Storm Response and Recovery Plan:

·        Importance of an effective communication plan for the public highlighting the City's next steps and anticipated timelines

·        Operations staff work with Corporate Communications staff to develop an "update letter/pamphlet" that the Members of Councillor can use

·        Stumping must be completed first - then tree planting

·        Can residents take the initiative and plant their own replacement boulevard tree? (it was noted that there are too many risks involved with this)

·        Size of trees being replanted on the municipal right-of-way

·        The trees that have fallen into watercourses and how they are being dealt with

·        Streets that have been completely devastated is it possible to find a way of replanting sooner than the Spring of 2015

·        Ontario Ice Storm Assistance Program

·        Holding a Public Information Meeting

·        Is the City keeping track of private trees that have had to be removed as a result of the Ice Storm?

·        Debris along Steeles Avenue (it was noted that falls under the responsibility of the City of Toronto)

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

1)         That the presentation provided by Paul Ingham, Director of Operations, entitled “Ice Storm Response and Recovery Plan Update” be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be authorized to schedule a Public Information Meeting prior to the end of Spring 2014.

Carried

 

 

5.         VARLEY ART GALLERY STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE (6.12)

            Presentation

 

Mohammed Hosseini-Ara, Director of Culture delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update regarding the Varley Art Gallery Strategic Plan.

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the presentation provided by Mohammed Hosseini-Ara, Director of Culture, entitled “Varley Art Gallery Strategic Plan Update” be received.

Carried

 

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 7, 2014
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the April 7, 2014 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

 

Carried

 

 

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE APRIL 14, 2014
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the April 14, 2014 Special General Committee meeting be confirmed.

 

Carried

 

 

 

8.         MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2013 AND JANUARY 14, 2014
SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Dec. 10   Jan. 14

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the December 10, 2013 and January 14, 2014 Seniors Advisory Committee meetings be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

9.         MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19, 2014
ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 19, 2014 Animal Care Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

10.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2014
PUBLIC REALM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 20, 2014 Public Realm Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

11.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 13, 2014
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND
TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 13, 2014 Information, Communications and Technology Sub-Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

12.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 3, 2014
RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 3, 2014 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

13.       MINUTES OF THE APRIL 8, 2014
GREENPRINT STEERING COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the April 8, 2014 Greenprint Steering Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

14.       MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2014
MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the March 20, 2014 Markham Environmental Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

15.       MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 16 AND
MARCH 20, 2014 MARKHAM VILLAGE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (16.0)

            Jan. 16   Mar. 20

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the minutes of the January 16 and March 20, 2014 Markham Village Business Improvement Area meetings be received for information purposes.

 

Carried

 

 

 

16.       2014 FIRST QUARTER INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0)

            Report   Attachment

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report dated April 28, 2014 entitled “2014 First Quarter Investment Performance review” be received.

 

Carried

 

 

 

17.       STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE
MONTH OF MARCH 2014 (7.12)

            Report

 

The Committee briefly discussed the following staff awarded contracts:

·        052-T-14 Flood Plain Debris Removal (Ice Storm Related)

·        217-T-13 Consultant to Audit Playground Equipment

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of March 2014” be received; and,

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

18.       CANCELLATION, REDUCTION
OR REFUND OF TAXES UNDER
SECTIONS 357 AND 358 OF THE
MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 (7.1)

            Report

 

There was brief discussion regarding property address: 8651 Ninth Line.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the Report for the Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001 be received; and,

 

2)         That taxes totalling approximately $205,247.90 be adjusted under Section 357 (in the amount of $111,192.31) and Section 358 (in the amount of $94,055.59) of the Municipal Act, 2001 of which the City’s portion is estimated to be $33,729.17; and,

 

3)         That the associated interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments; and,

 

4)         That the Treasurer be directed to adjust the Collector’s Roll accordingly; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

19.       AWARD OF CONTRACT 030-T-14
HYDRANT REPLACEMENT AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS (7.12)

            Report   Map

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Award of Contract 030-T-14 Hydrant Replacement at Various Locations” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Contract for Hydrant Replacement at Various Locations be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, VM Dimonte Construction Ltd., in the total amount of $547,941.98 inclusive of HST; and,

 

3)         That a contingency in the amount of $54,794.20 (10%), inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs, and that authorization to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,

 

4)         That the award be funded from the Waterworks project for Water System Upgrade Program (account 053 6150 14322 005) in the amount of $602,736.18, inclusive of HST; and,

 

5)         That the balance remaining in the amount of $68,879.82 in the Waterworks project for Water System Upgrade Program (account 053 6150 14322 005) after contract award be returned to original funding source; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

20.       WASTE MANAGEMENT FEE INCREASE (7.4)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Waste Management Fee Increase” be received; and,

 

2)         That By-law 2002-276, a By-law to impose fees and charges for services or activities provided or done by the City of Markham, be amended to reflect increased Waste Management fees for new developments; and,

 

3)         That the increases in the Waste Management fees as outlined on Table 1 be effective June 1, 2014; and,

 

4)         That notice to the public be provided in accordance with By-law 2002-275, a By-law to prescribe the form, manner and times for the provision of reasonable notice; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

21.       2013 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (7.2)

            Report   Attachments

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the report entitled “2013 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve the Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the City of Markham (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”), which include the City of Markham Public Library (the “Library”), Business Improvement Areas (“BIAs”) , and Investment in Markham Enterprises Corporation, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013; and,

 

3)         That Council authorize Staff to issue the final audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 upon receiving the Independent Auditor’s Report; and,

 

4)         That the KPMG LLP Audit Finding Report for the year ended December 31, 2013 be received; and,

 

5)         That the 2013 favourable variance of $36,920 for the Flato Markham Theatre not be transferred to the Theatre Endowment Reserve Fund; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

22.       DIGITAL MARKHAM (7.13)

            Report

 

Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed the Committee to provide a brief introduction regarding Digital Markham

 

Nasir Kenea, Chief Information Officer delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding Digital Markham.

 

Councillor Howard Shore provided some supportive comments as Chair of the Information, Communication & Technology Subcommittee with respect Digital Markham.  The Committee thanked Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Nasir Kenea, Chief Information Officer for bringing this forward.

 

Moved by Councillor Howard Shore

Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report entitled “Digital Markham” be received; and,

 

2)         That the contract for developing Digital Markham strategy be awarded to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), in the amount of $211,700 (inclusive of HST); and,

 

3)         That this engagement be funded from capital project #13829 (Technology Strategy Review) in the amount of $75,000 and the remaining balance of $136,700 be from the Capital Contingency project #6395; and,

 

4)         That the report on Digital Markham be presented to April 30^th Council meeting; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

 

23.       MARKHAM FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
2013 ANNUAL SERVICE REPORT (7.15)

            Report   Annual Service Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Markham Fire and Emergency Services 2013 Annual Service Report” be received; and,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

 

24.       STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR
VARLEY ART GALLERY - UPDATE (6.12)

            Report   Attachment

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled Strategic Planning for Varley Art Gallery be received; and,

 

2)         That the Strategic Imperatives and Strategic Initiatives developed through the strategic planning process be endorsed, and further,

 

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

 

 

 

25.       NEW BUSINESS (IN-CAMERA ITEM)

 

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath advised that he would like to discuss the York University Proposal.

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matter (2:03 PM):

 

(1)        A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD AND ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE (YORK UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL) (8.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (c) (f)]

 

Carried

 

 

Moved by Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the General Committee rise from the in-camera session 2:47 PM.

 

Carried

 

 

 

Adjournment

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 2:48 PM.

 

Carried