Logo

                                                                                                                           M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

December 14, 2009
Meeting No. 27

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                              Community Services Issues

Chair:                                      Reg. 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

 

Mayor F. Scarpitti
Regional Councillor G. Landon

Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor V. Burke

Councillor. E. Shapero

Councillor C. Moretti

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor L. Kanapathi

Councillor A. Chiu

 

Regrets

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Councillor D. Hamilton

 

 

 

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

C. Conrad, Town Solicitor

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

K. Kitteringham, Town Clerk

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

S. Andrews, Director Asset Management

A. Brouwer, Deputy Town Clerk

A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

 

The General Committee convened at 1:00 PM with Regional Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.


1.         MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2009
PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the November 10, 2009 Parking Advisory Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

2.         APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.24)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

The Friends of the  Markham Museum

1)     That the appointment of the following persons to The Friends of the Markham Museum Foundation for the term of expiry noted, at the First Annual General Meeting held on November 24, 2009, be received for information:

        Genny Landis - 2010

        Gunter Langhorst - 2010

        Ardy Reid - 2010

        Martha Mingay - 2011

        Glenn Schick - 2011

        Vince Tortorici - 2011

         Bob Baird - 2012

         Randy Barber - 2012

        John Buie, Chair - 2012 

        Councillor Carolina Moretti - November 10, 2010


 

3.         AMENDMENT TO BANK SIGNING AUTHORITY (7.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)                  That the report dated entitled “Amendment to Bank Signing Authority” be received; and,

 

2)                  That cheques issued by the Corporation for the Town of Markham be signed by the Mayor, and one of the Treasurer or the Commissioner of Corporate Services; and,

 

3)                  That the Mayor, and one of the Treasurer or the Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to sign contracts for new banking services with the Town of Markham’s Council approved financial institution (bank); and,

 

4)                  That the Mayor, and one of the Treasurer or the Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to approve the set up of new vendor templates for repetitive on-line wire transfers; and,

 

5)                  That the Treasurer or the Commissioner of Corporate Service be authorized to approve on-line wire transfers, once payment has been approved in accordance with the Expenditure Control  Policy; and,

 

6)                  That the Treasurer or the Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to approve investing of Town funds in accordance with the Town’s Investment Policy; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

4.         APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER (7.0)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That, in accordance with Subsection 286 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, a by-law be passed to appoint Andy Taylor as Treasurer for the Corporation of the Town of Markham effective January 8, 2010;

 

2)         That By-law 2001-20 be repealed effective January 8, 2010.

 

CARRIED


 

5.         STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS
FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2009 (7.12)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of November 2009” be received.

CARRIED

 

6.         MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANDIDATE CONTRIBUTION
REBATE PROGRAM (14.0)

            Report     Presentation

 

Mr. Andrew Brouwer, Deputy Clerk, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a high-level overview of options for a municipal election candidate contribution rebate program.

 

The Committee suggested that the authorizing by-law be written without any reference to a particular term of Council.

 

There was discussion with respect to the rebate program being an incentive for individuals to participate as contributors for municipal election campaigns.  The Committee discussed whether the rebate program should only apply to Markham residents.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the rebate program excluding candidates, their spouses and children from eligibility.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

1)         That the Report entitled “Municipal Election Candidate Contribution Rebate Program” be received; and,

 

2)         That Council adopt Option 1 as outlined in the Report entitled “Municipal Election Candidate Contribution Rebate Program”; and further,

 

3)         That a By-law be enacted to implement a Town of Markham Municipal Election Candidate Contribution Rebate Program based on Option 1.

CARRIED


 

7.         ISSUANCE OF TAX REBATES FOR MUNICIPAL

            ELECTION CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS (14.0)

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

That the Town of Markham request the Province of Ontario to grant municipalities the authority to issue income tax receipts to municipal election campaign contributors.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR STREET LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE RE, REPAIR AND
RELAMPING PROGRAM (5.19)

            Report     1   2   3

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

1)                  That the report entitled “Contract Extension for Streetlighting Maintenance , Repair and Relamping Program” be received; and,

 

2)                  That the Contract Extension for 2010 Streetlight Maintenance and Repair be awarded to PowerStream in the estimated amount of $780,000 exclusive of GST; and,

 

3)                  That the 2010 Streetlight Relamping Program contract be awarded to PowerStream in the estimated amount of $145,000 exclusive of GST; and,

 

4)                  That the tender process be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341 Part II, Section 7(1) C which states” when the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost effective or beneficial”; and,

 

5)                  That funds be provided from account #720 720 5497 Streetlighting Maintenance and Repair in the total amount of $925,000 of the Town’s 2010 Operating Budget; and,

 

6)                  That the Town and PowerStream continue to work together on an ongoing basis to review options to enhance service delivery and cost efficiencies, share information and exchange data to control the 2010 expenditures; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

9.         2010 GENERAL INSURANCE
AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (7.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

1)                  That the report dated December 14, 2009 entitled “2010 General Insurance and Risk Management Program” be received; and,

 

2)                  That the 2010 General Insurance Program commencing January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 be awarded to Jardine Lloyd Thompson (“JLT”) the highest ranked and lowest priced proponent in the amount of $1,040,613 inclusive of PST where applicable ($973,958 exclusive of PST), provided JLT enters into a contract with the Town in a form acceptable to the Treasurer and the Town Solicitor (“Contract”); and,

 

3)                  That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Contract on behalf of the Town, in a form acceptable to the Treasurer and the Town Solicitor; and,

 

4)                  That Staff obtain a premium quote for the heritage replacement cost on Town heritage buildings and implement coverage after obtaining independent professional appraisals on all heritage properties and/or historic buildings; and,

 

5)                  That the Town’s insurance liability deductible be increased from $50,000 to $100,000 and be funded from the existing 2010 insurance budget; and,

 

6)                  That the net savings (currently $654,910) related to the difference between 2010 insurance budget ($1,745,523) and the RFP award ($1,040,613) be transferred to the Insurance Reserve, account number 086 2700 300; and,

 

7)                  That Staff retain the services of RiskPro Risk Management Consulting (RiskPro), at an upset limit of $5,000, to ensure that the Town receives the upgraded coverage endorsements agreed to by JLT, and to review the final policy wordings for completeness and accuracy; and,

 

8)                  That the Treasurer be authorized to extend the contract for General Insurance and Risk Management Program for the period January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011 at 50% of the 2010 expiring premium; and,

 

9)                  That the Treasurer be authorized to extend the contract for General Insurance and Risk Management Program for three (3) additional one year periods, provided that it is in the best interest of the Town and the premium increase per year does not exceed 5% of the cost of the previous years' insurance program, exclusive of annual coverage changes; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

10.       EXTENSION OF 092-S-04 SUPPLY
INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF WATER METERS (5.3)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

1)                  That the report “Extension of 092-S-04 Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Water Meters be received”;

 

2)                  That contract 092-S-04 for Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Water Meters be extended to Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Ltd. for a 2-year term from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2011, for an estimated annual contract amount of $1,000,000 exclusive of GST;

 

3)                  That  the Director of Operations be authorized to extend the contract for Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Water Meters for one (1) additional year period, provided that it is in the best interest of the Town

 

4)                  That the tendering process be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7, Non Competitive Procurement, “ When the extension of an existing contract would prove more cost-effective or beneficial”;

 

5)                  That Staff be authorized to retain an external consultant during the contractual period to assess the best business model beyond this contractual term;

 

6)                  That the November to December 2009 costs, estimated at $257,795 shall be funded from the respective operating and capital accounts shown in the financial considerations section; and,

 

7)                  This contract be funded annually from the Waterworks capital accounts for water meter replacement, and the Waterworks operating accounts for meter repair and maintenance as shown in the financial considerations section; and,

 

8)                  That the 2011 purchase order be adjusted for growth (number of water meters) based on the approved budget; and,

 

9)                  That pricing for the first and second year term in 2010 and 2011 be at the same 2009 itemized pricing; and,

 

10)              That the Mayor and the Clerk be authorized to execute the contract with Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Ltd. in a form acceptable to the Town Solicitor; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

11.       APPLICATION TO BUILDING CANADA FUND
STIMULUS FUND FOR THE
BIRCHMOUNT ENERGY CENTRE (7.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)                  That the report entitled “Application to Building Canada Fund Stimulus Fund the Birchmount Energy Centre” be received; and,

 

2)                  That the Commissioner of Corporate Services be directed to submit an application for the Birchmount Energy Centre project as outlined in the report to the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario under the Building Canada Fund Stimulus Fund program

 

3)                  That the Town proceed with the project at an upset limit of $13,055,000 ($14,624,000 less land cost of $1,569,000) on a 1/3 shared basis with the Province of Ontario, and Government of Canada and the Town of Markham; and,

 

4)                  That the Town of Markham’s share of $4,351,667 for the project be funded from the Lifecycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund; and,

 

5)                  That staff report back to Council with a draft lease agreement for the Birchmount Energy Centre with Markham District Energy Inc; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 


 

12.       INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS UPDATE (5.0)                                                

            Report  1    Presentation

 

Ms. Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the Infrastructure Projects.

 

The Committee inquired if the new bubble tennis structure that will be built at Angus Glen can be shared/used at the St. Roberts project for soccer purposes.  Ms. Librecz advised that the bubble structure at Angus Glen will be a permanent structure.

 

There was discussion regarding whether the Civic Centre pond should be drained and cleaned.  Staff advised that draining the pond will be considered as part of the long term plans for this location.  The Committee discussed wildlife issues related to the Civic Centre Pond.  It was noted that there have been discussions to increase the natural features around the pond to ensure it is friendlier to the wildlife and individuals and to assist in lowering the overall maintenance costs.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the elevator at the Thornhill Community Centre.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

1)         That the presentation by B. Librecz, Commissioner Community & Fire Services, entitled “Infrastructure Programs: RinC and Stimulus Programs be received; and,

 

2)         That the report entitled “Infrastructure Projects Update” be received.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       EAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY
CENTRE LIBRARY- TENDER (6.6)

            Report     Presentation

 

Mr. Duff Balmer, Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a status of the design for the East Markham Community Centre & Library.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the possibility of salt water pool in place of chlorine.  Mr. Balmer advised that there is an entire report on that issue and will forward it to the Members of Committee.

 

The Committee suggested that the following be considered:

  • Reducing light pollution further (retractable blinds)
  • Provide an area for nursing mothers in bathrooms
  • Provide toddler toilet in bathroom close to the children’s area
  • Source locally and sustainably for furniture where possible

 

There was brief discussion regarding the site plan approvals for the Community Centre and the one for the Markham District Energy (MDE) site.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the presentation by D. Balmer, Partner, Shore Tible Irwin & Partners, entitled “East Markham Community Centre” be received.    

 

2)      That the report titled “East Markham Community Centre & Library – Tender” be received; and,

 

3)      That the presentation by Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners highlighting the final design and colours and finishes be received; and,

 

4)      That Council approval of the site plan application for the EMCC&L be delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or her designate; and,

 

5)      That Council confirm delegation of site plan approval for the abutting Markham District Energy building to the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or her designate; and,

 

6)      That Council authorizes Staff to proceed with tendering to the pre-qualified General Contractors for the construction phase of the project; and,

 

7)      That Council authorizes Staff to award a construction contract to the lowest compliant bidder if the price is within the approved budget; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

14.       AWARD OF CONTRACT 345-S-09 –                                                                    
INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS ENERGY
RETROFIT – IMPLEMENTATION OF
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES (5.0)

 

Staff together with Mr. John Southwood, O.P. McCarthy & Associate delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the Infrastructure Stimulus Energy Retrofit – Implementation of Facility Improvement Measures.

 

There was discussion regarding funds that are being placed in 8100 Warden’s Operating Budget and lost interest towards the Lifecycle Reserve.

 

The Committee suggested including the tracking of decreasing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the carbon offsets (credits for emission reduction achieved by these projects) as part of the report and future presentations.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

1)            That the report titled, “Award of Contract 345-S-09 - Infrastructure Stimulus Energy Retrofit – Implementation of Facility Improvement Measures” be received; and,

 

2)      That Council authorize the installation of energy saving Facility Improvement Measures (FIM) in nine Town of Markham Facilities, as listed in the attached itemized breakdown (see Appendix B) for a total investment of $1,265,814; and,

 

3)      That the tendering process be waived for the contractual agreements with Johnson Controls L.P. and Siemens Building Technologies for the implementation of the energy saving measures in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 Non Competitive Procurement, item 1 (g) where it is in the Town’s best interest not to solicit a competitive bid;

 

4)      That contract 345-S-09 be awarded to Johnson Controls LP in the amount of $724,507.00 inclusive of bonding and insurance coverage and excl. of GST for the following facilities;

·        Angus Glen Community Centre

·        Civic Centre

·        Rouge River Community Centre

·        Morgan Pool

 

5)      That contract 345-S-09 be awarded to Siemens Building Technologies, Ltd. in the amount of $541,307.00 inclusive of bonding and insurance coverage and excl. of GST for the following facilities;

·        8100 Warden Avenue

·        Markham Village Library

·        Thornlea Pool

·        Thornhill Community Centre

·        Armadale Community Centre

 

 

6)      That Council authorize the retrofit of sport lighting in Town-owned arenas for a total estimated investment budget of $210,000; and,

 

7)      That Council authorize the planning for installation of photovoltaic solar panel system on 8100 Warden Avenue warehouse roof, for a total estimated investment budget of $1,125,515; and,

 

8)      That the Director of Sustainability Office be authorized to apply for Ontario Feed-in tariff and other applicable incentives; and,

 

9)      That Council authorize the installation of an additional photovoltaic solar panel system on 8100 Warden Avenue warehouse roof, for a total upset limit of $1,400,000 to be funded from the Life Cycle reserve fund, this amount being over and above the recommendation 7; and,

 

10)    That the estimated annual energy rebate from Ontario’s Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program for the 250kW roof top array (in amount of $178,250 a year) be built into 8100 Warden’s Operating Budget with the first $1,400,000 (dependant upon tender award) plus lost interest going towards the Lifecycle Reserve for the capital project payback, the rest of which will be used to offset annual hydro costs.  This estimated amount will be adjusted in future years’ budgets based on the actual amount received; and,

 

11)    That Council authorize Staff to complete design, contract documents and tender for construction of the photovoltaic solar panel system on 8100 Warden Avenue warehouse roof.  Staff will report back to Council for the award of the construction tender; and,

 

12)    That Council authorize Staff to retain Consultants for preparation of design drawings, preparation of tender documents and services of construction contract administration at an estimated cost of $100,000; and,

 

13)    That the remaining project budget of $150,000 be allocated as contingency for all of the above listed energy retrofit and green initiatives, and expended in accordance to the Town’s Expenditure Control Policy”; and,

 

14)    That the proposed energy savings from the Energy Services Companies (ESCO) (Johnson Controls - $137,604/year & Siemens - $55,779/year as shown in Appendix B) be tracked by Asset Management and reported by the Sustainability Office annually and a portion of the dollar savings go toward the evaluation and potential purchase of an enterprise energy management system with automated data acquisition.  A report will be brought forward for approval of the enterprise energy management system purchase once evaluation is complete; and further,

 

15)    That the awards be funded from capital budget account 056-5350-9517-005 (345-S-09 Energy Retrofit & Green Initiatives (Federal Stimulus); and,

 

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

CARRIED

 

IN CAMERA MATTERS

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (a) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (3:25 PM):

 

 

1) A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board regarding a proposed cell tower site with Rogers Communication Inc;

 

 

2)  The security of the property of the municipality regarding infrastructure stimulus energy retrofit – implementation of facility improvement measures;

 

 

3)  The security of the property of the municipality regarding solar photovoltaic roof top leases with PowerStream;

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (3:47 PM)

CARRIED

 

 

15.       MICROPHONE AND SOUND SYSTEM

            IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS (7.13)

 

Regional Councillor Gord Landon advised the Committee that the Town should find a way to finance the cost to upgrade the audio in the Council Chambers that will avoid the disruption that are currently faced when someone has their cell phones or blackberries on.

 

Staff confirmed that a report outlining the audio improvements for the Council Chambers and Canada Room will be presented to Committee in January 2010.

 

 

16.       CERTIFICATES ((16.23.2)

 

Councillor Valerie Burke requested that staff provide an update with respect to the Town’s guidelines and/or policy for constituents wanting to present a certificate to a friend or family member who have turned 90 years old (or older) and for couples who have reached a marriage anniversary of 40 years or more.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The General Committee meeting adjourned at 3:50 PM.

 

 

No Item Selected