Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 6
-
Live streamed
Roll Call
  • Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  • Regional Councillor Joe Li
  • Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  • Regional Councillor Alan Ho
  • Councillor Keith Irish
  • Councillor Ritch Lau
  • Councillor Reid McAlpine
  • Councillor Karen Rea
  • Councillor Andrew Keyes
  • Councillor Amanda Collucci
  • Councillor Juanita Nathan
  • Councillor Isa Lee
Regrets
  • Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Staff
  • Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
  • Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
  • Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
  • Adam Grant, Fire Chief
  • Alice Lam, Acting Commissioner, Community Services
  • Bryan Frois, Manager, Executive Operations & Strategic Initiatives
  • Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
  • Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
  • Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
  • John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
  • Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
  • Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design
  • Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
  • Mark Visser, Acting Treasurer
  • Stephanie DiPerna, Director, Building Standards
  • Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design
  • Ned Sirry, Manager, Client Service Delivery

Alternate formats for this document are available upon request


The meeting of Council convened at 1:04 PM on February 8, 2023. Deputy Mayor Michael Chan presided.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

Deputy Mayor Chan noted the recent passing of Markham resident, Robert Hunn, a long serving member of Markham’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and an advocate for accessibility improvements. Council observed a moment of silence.

Council also observed a moment of silence in recognition of the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria that has resulted in more than 11,000 lives lost. 

Deputy Mayor Chan welcomed the Grade 10 Civics Class from Amberson High School to today’s Council meeting.

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byCouncillor Isa Lee
    1. That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on January 25, 2023, be adopted.
    Carried

There were no presentations. 

Cavita Sharma appeared before Council to bring attention to SaveSoil Day which Council proclaimed on March 21, 2023.  Ms. Sharma asked for Council’s assistance in spreading education and awareness about this movement.

  • Moved byCouncillor Reid McAlpine
    Seconded byCouncillor Juanita Nathan

    That the deputation from Cavita Sharma regarding the proclamation of SaveSoil Day be received.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Karen Rea
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Alan Ho

    That the communication from the City Solicitor regarding the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Decision Made RE:  Garden Homes Markham, 73 Main Street South be received.

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    1. That the following proclamations, issued by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Proclamation Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27, 2023
      2. Black History Month - February 2023
      3. National 211 Day - February 11, 2023
      4. World Thinking Day - February 22, 2023
      5. World Spay Day - February 28, 2023
      6. Epilepsy Awareness Month - March 2023
      7. Purple Day (Epilepsy Awareness) - March 26, 2023
      8. National Wildlife Week - April 4 to April 8, 2023
      9. Day Of Mourning For Workers Killed Or Injured On The Job - April 28, 2023 
      10. Be Kind To Animals Week - May 3 to May 9, 2023
      11. World Turtle Day - May 23, 2023
      12. Canadian Environment Week - June 5 to June 11, 2023
      13. India Independence Day - August 15, 2023
      14. Animal Health Week - October 1 to October 7, 2023
      15. National Feral Cat Day - October 16, 2023
    2. That the following new requests for proclamation be approved and added to the Five-Year Proclamations List approved by Council:
      1. Amyloidosis Awareness Month - March 2023
      2. Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month - March 2023
      3. SaveSoil Day - March 21, 2023
      4. World Down Syndrome Day - March 21, 2023
    3. That the following requests for flag to be raised at the Anthony Roman Markham Civic Centre flagpole, approved by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Community Flag Raisings & Flag Protocol Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. Black History Month - February 13 - February 28, 2023
      2. India Independence Day - August 15, 2023
      3. Armenian Independence Day - May 28, 2023
    4. That the following request for flags to be flown at half-mast at all municipal facilities, approved by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Community Flag Raisings & Flag Protocol Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. Day Of Mourning For Workers Killed Or Injured On The Job - April 28, 2023 
    Carried
  • That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted. (Items 1 to 4):

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the menu board sign variance application by 2048833 Ontario Incorporated at 8310 McCowan Road, Application No. 22.261422.000.00.SP, BE APPROVED subject to the following conditions:
      1. That the proposed menu board sign be restricted to a maximum height of 2.5 metres and a maximum sign area of 2.0 square metres; and,
      2. Where two (2) menu board signs are provided on-site, zero (0) pre-menu boards be permitted in association with the drive-through service facility; and,
    2. That the location of the second menu board sign is such that it is visible only by those using the drive through, and is not visible from any arterial road; and further,
    3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report dated January 31, 2023 entitled "Streamlining Planning Approvals through a Community Planning Permit System” be received; and,
    2. That the report dated January 31, 2023 entitled "Streamlining Planning Approvals through a Community Planning Permit System” be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as per the terms of the Audit and Accountability Fund – Intake 3 Fund; and,
    3. That staff be directed to evaluate the findings of the study entitled “Final Report: Streamlining Planning Approvals Through a Community Planning Permit System” and report back to Development Services Committee with potential options for a Community Planning Permit System including a work program and required resources; and further,
    4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the January 31, 2023, report titled, “Approval of the Continuation of the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program, 2023-2025”, be received; and,
    2. That a by-law be adopted to implement the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program (2023-2025) generally in the form attached as Appendix “A” to this report; and,
    3. That the existing reserve fund titled, “Designated Heritage Property Grant Reserve Fund”, continue to be used as the funding source for the program; and,
    4. That the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program be allocated $30,000 per year in funding for a three year period (2023 to 2025) for a total of $90,000 from the following source:
      1. A transfer of $90,000 from the Heritage Loan Reserve Fund, which has a current balance of $134,375; and,
    5. That By-law 175-81, as amended, (A By-law to Establish a Heritage Fund) be amended as per Appendix “C” to this report; and further,
    6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report entitled “ Main Street Unionville Revitalization – Project Update and Scope Adjustment, Ward 3, be received; and,
    2. That Purchase Order PD-21263 issued to CIMA Canada be increased by $239,207.23 inclusive of HST, to cover the additional design work and communication efforts required for the project, and to be funded from Capital Account 22338 (Main Street Unionville Reconstruction); and,
    3. That the contingency Purchase Order PD-21264 issued to CIMA Canada be increased by $35,881.08 inclusive of HST, to cover any additional design work required for the project and that authorization to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy, and to be funded from Capital Account 22338 (Main Street Unionville Reconstruction); and,
    4. That the Engineering Department Capital Administration Fee in the amount of $25,238.22 inclusive of HST, be transferred to revenue account 640-998-8871 (Capital Admin Fees); and,
    5. That the Engineering Capital Account # 083-5350-22338-005 (Main Street Unionville Reconstruction) be increased to include the scope adjustment, as identified in this report in the amount of $1,363,000 inclusive of HST, to be funded from the following reserves:
      1. Life Cycle Fund - $86,100; and,
      2. Development Charges Reserve (DC Reserve) / Community Benefits Charge (CBC) / Tax- $36,600; and,
      3. Waterworks Reserve (WW Reserve) - $161,500; and,
      4. Stormwater Reserve (SW Reserve) - $175,600; and,
      5. York Region - $833,500; and,
      6. Tax/Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) - $28,700; and,
      7. Private Property - $41,000; and further,
    6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • That the report of the General Committee be received & adopted. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byCouncillor Ritch Lau
    1. That the report entitled “261-T-22 Rehabilitation of Suspended Watermain” be received” be received; and,
    2. That the contract for the rehabilitation of suspended watermain be awarded to the lowest priced Bidder, Avertex Utility Solutions Inc., in the amount of $912,082.00, inclusive of HST; and,
    3. That a 10% contingency in the amount of $91,208.20 inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs and that authorization to approve expending of this contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
    4. That the construction award in the amount of $1,003,290.20 (912,082.00 + $91,208.20) be funded from capital project #22206 “Suspended Watermain Insulation Replacement/ Rehabilitation” with available budget of $638,569.56; and,
    5. That the budget shortfall of $364,720.64 be funded from the Waterworks Reserve; and further, 
    6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byCouncillor Ritch Lau
    1. That the CAO be authorized to execute Circular Materials Ontario’s Registration Forms and Confidentiality Agreements (in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor) in order for Staff to obtain documents related to blue box Collection RFPs and blue box transition; and, 
    2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried

There were no motions.

There were no notices of motion to reconsider.

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jim Jones
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    That the following Council Committee appointments be made:

    1. Council Committee Appointments

    Chairs of Standing Committees

    General Committee:

    Finance & Administrative

    Chair: Keith Irish

    Vice Chair: Michael Chan

    Community Services

    Chair: Isa Lee

    Vice Chair: Juanita Nathan

    Environment & Sustainability

    Chair: Amanda Collucci

    Vice Chair: Ritch Lau

    Land, Building & Parks

    Chair: Andrew Keyes

    Vice Chair: Keith Irish

     

    Development Services Committee

    Planning- Development & Policy

    Chair: Jim Jones

    Vice Chair: Joe Li

    (Chair Development Services Public Statutory Meetings: Joe Li)

    Culture & Economic Development

    Chair: Alan Ho

    Vice Chair: Amanda Collucci

    Engineering -Transportation & Infrastructure

    Chair: Karen Rea

    Vice Chair: Reid McAlpine

     

          2. Development Services Subcommittees

    Markham Subcommittee

    Chair: Regional Councillor Alan Ho

    Members:    Councillor Karen Rea

                       Councillor Andrew Keyes

                       Councillor Amanda Collucci

    Milliken Subcommittee

    Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li

    Members:    Councillor Isa Lee

                       Councillor Juanita Nathan

                       Councillor Ritch Lau

    Thornhill Subcommittee

    Chair: Regional Councillor Jim Jones

    Members:    Councillor Keith Irish

                       Councillor Isa Lee

                       Councillor Andrew Keyes

    Unionville Subcommittee

    Chair: Deputy Mayor Michael Chan

    Members:    Councillor Reid McAlpine

                       Councillor Isa Lee

                       Councillor Amanda Collucci

    Note: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

              Deputy Mayor Michael Chan

              Regional Councillor Jim Jones

              Chair of Development Services Committee

              Regional Councillor Joe Li

              Vice Chair of Development Services

              are ex-officio members of all DSC subcommittees.

    Development Services Policy Subcommittee

    Chair: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

    Vice Chair: Councillor Reid McAlpine (Vice Chair Transportation)

    Members:    Regional Councillor Jim Jones (Chair DSC)

                       Regional Councillor Joe Li (Vice Chair DSC)       

                       Councillor Keith Irish (Chair GC)

                       Deputy Mayor Michael Chan (Vice Chair GC)

                       Councillor Karen Rea (Chair Transportation)

     

         3. Additional Appointment:

    Destination Markham Board

    Deputy Mayor Michael Chan

    Carried

There were no announcements. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    Seconded byCouncillor Ritch Lau

    That By-laws 2023-25 to 2023-27 and By-laws 2023-30 to 2023-35 be given three readings and enacted.  

    Carried
Three Readings

A By-Law to amend Traffic By-Law 106-71

(Item 8.1.1, Report 1, Council January 25, 2023)

  • Carried

A BY-LAW TO AMEND BY-LAW 175-81, AS AMENDED, BEING, A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH A HERITAGE FUND

(Item 8.1.3)

  • Carried

A By-law to amend by-law 1229, as amended (to delete lands from the designated area of By-Law 1229) and bylaw 177-96 as amended (to incorporate lands into the designated area of by-law 177-96)

(Communication No. 1-2023)
(By-law 2023-28 as approved by OLT)
(For information only to facilitate the assignment of a by-law number)

A by-law to adopt an Official Plan Amendment to the in force Official Plan (Revised 2014), as amended, to permit townhouse dwelling up to three storeys in heights and to facilitate a development consisting of fourteen residential dwellings on the subject lands. 

(Communication No. 1-2023)
(By-law 2023-29 as approved by OLT)
(For information only to facilitate the assignment of a by-law number)

A By-law to amend by-law 122-72 as amended, being a by-law to rezone the subject lands and incorporate site specific development standards.

  • Carried

A By-law to amend by-law 122-72 as amended, being a by-law to rezone the subject lands and incorporate site specific development standards.

  • Carried

A By-law to amend by-law 122-72 as amended, being a by-law to rezone the subject lands and incorporate site specific development standards.

  • Carried

To add “prohibited parking” at specific intersections within the City of Markham.

  • Carried

To authorize speed limits at specific intersections within the City of Markham.

  • Carried

To add compulsory stops at specific intersections within the City of Markham.

  • Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Amanda Collucci
    Seconded byCouncillor Reid McAlpine

    That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, Council resolve into a private session to discuss the following confidential matters:

    Carried
  • Council reconvened in Open Session at 1:56 PM and passed the following resolutions:

14.1
COUNCIL

 

14.1.1
LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LOCAL BOARD;

 
    1. That the Commissioner Corporate Services and Chief Information Officer be authorized to execute the “Mutual Termination Agreement” dated December 15, 2022 between The Corporation of the City of Markham (the “City”) and Verint Americas Inc. (“Verint”), provided the agreement is in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and,
    2. That Staff be authorized and directed to take the actions set out in this report.

14.1.2
PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES (APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS TO BOARDS/COMMITTEE) (16.24) [Section 239 (2) (b)]

 
  • That Paul Tiefenbach be re-appointed to the Heritage Markham Committee with a term ending November 30, 2025.

14.1.3
CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 13, 2022 [Section 239 (2) (a)(b)(c)(e)(f)]

 
    1. That the confidential Council minutes of the Council Meeting held on January 25, 2023 be adopted.

14.2
REPORT FROM GENERAL COMMITTEE - FEBRUARY 7, 2023

 

14.2.1
A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (8.6) [SECTION 239 (2)(c)];

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byCouncillor Amanda Collucci

    That By-law 2023-24 be given three readings and enacted.

    Three Readings

    BY-LAW 2023-24 - A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2023.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Ritch Lau
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    That the Council meeting of February 8, 2023 be adjourned. 

    Carried
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