GENERAL COMMITTEE
2007-10-22
Meeting
No. 26
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Environment & Sustainability Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Councillor
E. Shapero
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke
Attendance
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J. Baird, Acting CAO
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
S. Andrews, Director,
Asset Management
G. Taylor, Manager,
Community Centre Operations
C. Biss, Chief
Executive Officer, Markham Public Libraries
J. Lustig, Director
of Financial and Client Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
L. Irvine, Manager,
Parks and Open Space Planning
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor and
Council
C. Raynor, Committee
Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Councillor J.
Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair for discussion of
Community Services Item 12.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed
1. DEPUTATION:
PUBLIC WASHROOM FACILITIES
IN DOWNTOWN UNIONVILLE (6.1)
Mr. Banerjee and Mr. Shepard, local
residents, presented a proposal for two (2) public pay-per-use washrooms on
Main Street Unionville.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That
the proposal by Mr. Banerjee and Mr. Shepard, local residents, for two (2)
public pay-per-use washrooms on Main Street Unionville be received;
And
that staff report back on the proposal;
And
that staff take immediate steps to improve street signage indicating the availability
of public washroom facilities in the Crosby Arena and to increase the number of
hours the washroom facilities are open to the public.
CARRIED
2. EAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE AND
LIBRARY (8.7)
Report 1 2 3
Mr. D. Arthurs and Mr. D. Balmer, Architects
from Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners, provided a detailed presentation on the
East Markham Community Centre and Library project. There was considerable
discussion surrounding the components of the project and integration with the
Markham Stouffville Hospital facilities.
Committee suggested that spectator space at
the Aquatics Centre be increased. It was noted that the current vision is for
the pool to be a training centre rather than a competitive venue and increased
spectator areas will incur additional costs. Committee suggested that the pool
should be as versatile as possible. There was also brief discussion surrounding
the potential for a 50 metre pool in the Town.
There was considerable discussion
surrounding the fitness centre, particularly regarding its integration with the
proposed Wellness Centre. It was noted that the fitness area will have an
enhanced membership and will have its own changing facilities. There was
general agreement that more information is required on the Hospital’s proposals
and the associated synergies. Committee stressed the importance of providing an
integrated centre that will engage people and meet their Wellness needs.
It was stated that the Hospital will be
conducting a public consultation on November 7, 2007 and that more information
will be forthcoming at that time. It was also noted that synergies may come
through shared infrastructure such as filtration systems as well as through
shared use of the facilities.
There was discussion of the library and
public access to the medical resource materials. It was noted that physical
access to some materials may be limited but that the contents will be
accessible through other means. It was stated that arrangements will be made to
enable medical staff to have twenty-four hour access to the medical library.
Committee queried whether there is
potential for renting office space to medical professionals. It was suggested
that this type of space is more likely to be located within the Wellness
Centre.
There was discussion of the shared use
facilities. Committee noted the importance of providing a music hall-type space,
as such a practice facility is scarce in the Town. Also noted was the value of
incorporating a central gathering place for hosting special events such as for
Earth Day. Additionally, Committee commented on the importance of planning
space for children with special needs.
Committee was provided with an overview of
the projected costs based on December, 2008 construction prices. There was
brief discussion surrounding LEED certification and Committee was advised that
engineers will be present at a future meeting to provide a detailed presentation
on the LEED Silver certification. Committee also requested that the architects
consider installing a solar roof and it was stated that Markham District Energy
will be considered as a power source.
Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report entitled “Programming &
Charrette, East Markham Community Centre & Library” be received;
And that Council generally supports the recommended programs and associated space
requirements contained in this report and as presented by the Town’s retained
architectural/engineering services consultant, Shore Tilbe Irwin &
Partners;
And
that staff arrange a meeting between Council and representatives from Markham
Stouffville Hospital to discuss programs and service integration, prior to the
Hospital’s public consultation session on November 7, 2007;
And
that staff report back on comments made at General Committee on October 22,
2007 and with the findings from the meeting with Hospital representatives;
And that Council direct staff to conduct a
follow-up public consultation Charrette to refine the program and space
requirements and solicit further input and comments from stakeholders and the
public, following the staff update
report;
And that staff report back of the findings
of the aforementioned Charrette;
And further that staff be authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 9, 2007
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the minutes of the October 9, 2007
General Committee be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES OF THE JULY 30, 2007 AND
SEPTEMBER 4, 2007
MARKHAM PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
July September
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the minutes of the July 30, 2007 and
September 4, 2007 Markham Parking Advisory Committee be received.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the minutes of the September 10, 2007
Markham Race Relations Committee be received.
CARRIED
6. MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2007
BUILDING AND PARKS
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the minutes of the September 21, 2007
Building and Parks Construction Committee be received.
CARRIED
7. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee
That Mr. Robert Hunn, Chair of the Advisory
Committee on Accessibility, be appointed as the Committee's representative to
the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, for the term ending November 30,
2010.
CARRIED
8. STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS
FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007 (7.12)
Report
Staff agreed to
report back on whether any other Town parks will require retrofitting.
Moved by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the report
entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of September 2007” be received.
CARRIED
9. RECORD RETENTION - MAYOR’S FILES (12.1)
Report
There was brief discussion regarding the
retention period for files relating to Office Equipment and Supplies and
Purchasing General.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jones
That the By-law
No. 2001-101, “A By-law Establishing Schedules of Retention Periods for all
Records Kept by the Town of Markham “be amended to provide Retention Periods
for the Mayor’s records as outlined on Schedule “A”.
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
10. FIREWORKS BY-LAW AMENDMENTS UPDATE (2.3)
Report 1
Ms. S. Greiner, All Star Fireworks, was in attendance and spoke in
opposition to the proposed amendments to the Fireworks By-law. Ms. Greiner
expressed concern that it will encourage too many mobile vendors and also noted
that sales trailers have competitive advantages over retail businesses because
they have larger signs and are more prominent.
Ms. E. Costello, Aird and Berlis LLP, on behalf of the Canadian
Pyrotechnic Council, spoke in general support of the proposed amendments, but
expressed some reservations. Ms. Costello noted some perceived contradictions,
for example, the proposed by-law states that customers can purchase more than
10kg of fireworks with a permit but that retailers are not permitted to sell in
excess of 10kg to a single person. The proposed by-law also states that permits
are available to discharge fireworks at any time of year but that purchases are
only permitted on or around Victoria Day and Canada Day. Ms. Costello requested
a deferral of this matter in order to further discuss these issues with staff.
There was discussion surrounding the requirements of the Ontario Fire
Code pertaining to fire extinguishers and the required number of exits. The
reduction in the distance separation requirements was also discussed.
Committee was advised that mobile vendors can only be banned where there
is a legitimate municipal concern, such as health and safety, but not for
commercial reasons.
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by
Councillor V. Burke
That the deputation from Ms. S. Greiner, All Star
Fireworks, in opposition to the proposed amendments to Fireworks By-law
2001-137 be received;
And that the deputation from Ms. E. Costello, Aird
and Berlis LLP, on behalf of the Canadian Pyrotechnic Council, in support of the proposed amendments, with reservations, be
received;
And that By-Law
No. 2001-137, “Being a By-Law Respecting the Regulating, Licensing, Sale and
Discharge of Fireworks” be repealed and a new by-law respecting the regulating,
sale and discharge of fireworks be enacted for the purpose of:
- Allowing the sale of family
fireworks from businesses and mobile sales premises by permit during the
seven days immediately proceeding Victoria and Canada Day;
- Prohibiting mobile vendors
from locating or operating from any municipal street, boulevard or road
allowance;
- Requiring insurance in the
amount of two million dollars as a condition of obtaining a permit;
- Requiring unsold fireworks
in excess of 25 kilograms gross weight be returned to the manufacturer or
the distributor within seven days of Canada Day and Victoria Day to avoid
the potential for inappropriate storage;
- Requiring all permit holders
to attend or have someone attend a fireworks training and information seminar
and to ensure a trained person is on site during business operations;
- Requiring a permit for the
discharge of display and theatrical fireworks and compliance with the
Town’s Noise By-Law prior to the issuance of the permit;
And that staff report back to Council on November 13,
2007 regarding issues raised at General Committee by Ms. E. Costello, Aird and
Berlis, on behalf of the Canadian Pyrotechnics Society, regarding
inconsistencies in the proposed by-law;
And that By-Law
No. 2002-276, “The Fee By-Law” be amended to provide for a $150 fee for the
required permit for sale of fireworks and the cost of training, with provision
for the waiver of the fee for not-for-profit corporations;
And that Staff be
authorized to make an application for set fine to assist with enforcement of
the by-law;
And that Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
11. AMENDMENTS TO DEVELOPMENT
AND BUILDING FEE BY-LAWS (7.12)
Report 1
There was
brief discussion as to whether the proposed marijuana grow operation
remediation fee is sufficient. Staff agreed to clarify this at the November 20,
2007 public meeting.
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the Report
titled “Amendment to Development and Building Fee By-laws, Development Services
Commission” dated October 22, 3007, be received;
And that the
proposed amendments be referred to the Developer’s Round Table meeting being
held on October 25, 2007 and to a public meeting of Development Services
Committee, to be held on November 20, 2007.
CARRIED
12. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
GAP ANALYSIS AND DELIVERY PLAN (13.12)
Report 1
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the report
titled “Quality Management System Gap Analysis and Delivery Plan” be referred back to staff.
CARRIED
13. IN CAMERA
MATTER
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the Committee
resolve in camera to discuss a legal contract matter (12:15)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the Committee rise (12:20)
CARRIED
14. CLOSED MEETING INVESTIGATOR (13.2)
Committee requested that staff provide
comments as to the financing of this initiative.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That consideration of the following
recommendation be deferred to General Committee on October 29, 2007:
“That
the presentation by Ms. K. Kitteringham, Deputy Town Clerk, regarding a Closed
Meeting Investigator be received;
And
that Council appoint a closed meeting investigator in accordance with Section
239.2(1) of the Municipal Act;
And
that Council authorize staff to initiate an expedited recruitment process for a
Closed Meeting Investigator;
And
that a selection committee comprised of three Members of Council be formed to
review potential candidates for the position of Closed Meeting Investigator;
And
that the Selection Committee return to General Committee with a preferred
Candidate by December 3, 2007;
And
that Legal staff prepare a draft appointment by-law & agreement;
And
that staff continue to monitor the Closed Meeting Investigator service delivery
experiences of other municipalities over the next year & report back on
same in December, 2008;
And
that the Clerk correspond with all Town Committees & Local Boards regarding
post-Bill 130 procedural & closed meeting requirements & provide
training on same, as required.”
CARRIED
15. PURCHASE OF
SPONSORSHIP
MAYOR’S ARTS DINNER – OCTOBER 25, 2007 (7.9)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That Council purchases a corporate table to attend the Mayor’s Dinner
for the Arts at the Hilton Suites Markham, Thursday, October 25. To be charged
to account 840 8415840 not to exceed $3,000;
And that Council authorizes this purchase of $2120.00 a projected
over-expenditure of $5,245 in the 2007 Council Table Promotion account,
840-841-5840 to be offset by other favourable variances in
Council Discretionary Advertising, Promotion and Special Events accounts;
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
16. PURCHASE OF
SPONSORSHIP.
ARTZ DAY ANNUAL GALA - NOVEMBER 24, 2007(7.9)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That Council purchases tickets for Councillors wishing to attend the
Artsz Day Annual Gala, Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Hilton Suites
Markham. Tickets are $150 each and three
Councillors have requested to attend. To
be charged to account 840 8415840;
And that Council authorizes a projected over-expenditure of $3,125 in
the 2007 Council Table Promotion account, 840-841-5840 to be offset by other favourable
variances in the Council Discretionary Advertising, Promotion and Special
Events accounts;
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
17. MARKHAM WAXERS CORRESPONDENCE AND
DEPUTATION
FROM SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 GENERAL
COMMITTEE MEETING (6.0)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jones
That
the matter regarding the Markham Waxers Correspondence and Deputation from the September
10, 2007 General Committee Meeting be deferred to a future meeting of General
Committee;
And
that staff be directed to invite a representative of the Markham Waxers to
appear as a delegate.
CARRIED
18. GREEN BUILD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND
EXPO
NOVEMBER 7-9, 2007 – CHICAGO,
IL. (5.7)
There was general
discussion regarding a policy for Councillor attendance at conferences and
seminars. It was noted that Regional Councillor J. Jones is attending the
conference on behalf of the Region of York.
Moved by Mayor
Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor
A. Chiu
That the itinerary for
the 2007 Green Build International Conference and Expo, November 7-9, 2007 to
be held in Chicago, Il. be received;
And that Council approve a request by Councillor
E. Shapero, Chair, Environmental Sustainability Committee to attend the
conference.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The
General Committee adjourned at 12:20 p.m.