General Committee Minutes

Meeting Number: 5

Monday, April 20, 2020 at 9:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Regrets

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner Development Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
• Dave Decker, Fire Chief
• Phoebe Fu, Director of Environmental Services
• Biju Karumanchery, Director of Planning and Urban Design
• Alex Moore, Manager of Purchasing & Accounts Payable
• Sandra Skelcher, Senior Manager, Financial Planning ＆ Reporting
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Elections & Council/Committee Coordinator
• Scott Chapman, Council/Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Lisa Riegel, Assistant City Solicitor
• Francesco Santaguida, Assistant City Solicitor
• Adam Grant, Deputy Fire Chief
• Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Econ Growth, Culture ＆ Entre'ship
• Ronji Borooah, City Architect
• Brad Roberts, Manager, Zoning ＆ Special Projects
• Richard Fournier, Manager, Parks ＆ Open Space Development
• Parvathi Nampoothiri, Manager, Urban Design
• Mark Visser, Sr Manager Strategy Innovation ＆ Investments
• Meg West, Manager of Business Planning and Projects
• Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue ＆ Property Taxation
• Kevin Ross, Manager, Development Finance ＆ Payroll

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The General Committee Meeting convened at the hour of 9:02 AM in the Canada Room with  Regional Councillor Jack Heath presiding as Chair for all items on the agenda.  This meeting was conducted electronically to maintain physical distancing during the current state of emergency and was the first such meeting for General Committee. 

The Chair led Members of Council, staff and meeting participants into a moment of silence to pay respects to the victims and families of the tragedy that occurred in Nova Scotia this past weekend and noted that City flags will be lowered to half-mast.  

General Committee recessed at 11:15 AM and reconvened at 11:32 AM.

General Committee recessed at 1:24 PM and reconvened at 2:02PM. 

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2, 2020 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0) 

There was discussion with respect to the Licensing of Private Transportation Companies item from the March 2, 2020 General Committee meeting.  Due to the cancellation of the Council Meeting on March 31, 2020 staff will report back at the May 12, 2020 Council Meeting on the requested information and notify members of the taxi industry accordingly.  

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the minutes of the March 2, 2020 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

A deputation was made for item, 5.2 Covid-19 Impact to Services. 

Refer to the individual item for the deputation details.

5.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

5.1

2019 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7.0)

Trinela Cane, Commissioner Corporate Services, and Joel Lustig,Treasurer, introduced the item. 

Sandra Skelcher, Senior Manager, Financial Planning and Reporting delivered a presentation entitled, 2019 Consolidated Financial Statements and later introduced Kevin Travers, Lead Audit Engagement Partner, KPMG LLP, a leader in public sector reporting.  Mr. Travers delivered a presentation entitled, Audit Findings Report that provided a complete review of audit procedures and findings.   

The Committee made inquiries on the following:

• Collaboration between staff and Mr. Travers to complete the audit; and
• Frequency of the review of the current worth of total current assets;

There was discussion on the reserve fund adequacy, asset replacement strategy, and valuation of assets.   

• Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the presentation titled “2019 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and,

  2. That the report titled “2019 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and,

  3. That Council approve the draft Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the City of Markham (the City), including Community Boards, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) , and Investment in Markham Enterprises Corporation (MEC), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019; and,

  4. That Council authorize Staff to publish the final audited Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 upon receiving the Independent Auditors’ Report; and,

  5. That the KPMG LLP Audit Findings Report for the year ended December 31, 2019 be received; and,

  6. That this matter be forwarded to Council for adoption on April 28, 2020; and further,

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

5.2

COVID-19 IMPACTS TO SERVICES (12.2.6)

Elizabeth Brown, a member of the Markham Village Sherwood Conservation Residents Association addressed the committee to express her concerns about the prioritization of City initiatives and the importance of public participation during meetings especially during Covid-19.  She noted that the lack of public participation doesn't mean that there are no public concerns.   

There was discussion relative to essential and non-essential initiatives, public participation in meetings, in addition to consideration of processes that respect both the public and the applicant.  

Staff provided confirmation that a recent property standards complaint on Galsworthy Drive will be investigated.  

CAO Andy Taylor addressed the Committee and delivered a presentation entitled, Covid-19 Impacts to Services and thanked all front-line staff at the City and in the community.  

There was discussion in relation to the following items:

• Continuance of the block tree pruning initiative;
• Resumption of major sports leagues;
• Miller yard waste collection;
• Public communication of Council decisions and project status;

Staff provided information on the continuous review and prioritization of City projects, and the current use of the City website and social media to provide regular updates to the public and will post today’s presentation on the City’s website.  Staff will revisit the tree pruning initiative in the next few weeks.

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the presentation entitled “COVID-19 Impacts to Services” be received; and, 
  2. That the deputation from Elizabeth Brown be received.
  Carried

6.

COMMUNICATIONS

6.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the following communications from York Region be received for information purposes:
     1. Potential Development Charge Bylaw Amendment and Interest Policy
     2. Regional Fire Service
     3. Response to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Discussion Paper on Public Health Modernization
     4. Response to Ontario Ministry of Health’s Discussion Paper on Emergency Health Services Modernization
     5. 2019 Drinking Water Systems Report
     6. Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update Project Plan and Progress
     7. 2019 Integrated Management System Update Report for Water, Wastewater and Waste Management
     8. Bylaw 2020-07 Regional Municipality of York 
     9. Community Benefits Charges – Proposed Regulatory Framework; and,
  2. That the following communication from York Region be received for information and that the City of Markham provide comments by June 30, 2020: 
     1. Draft York Region Climate Change Action Plan
  Carried

7.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.  

8.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

The Committee acknowledged the hard work by staff on all the planning for events that have been cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19. 

8.1

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 2020 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 20, 2020 Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.2

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 2020 AND FEBRUARY 19, 2020 ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 15, 2020 and February 19, 2020 Animal Care Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.3

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 2020 CANADA DAY CELEBRATION ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 15, 2020 Canada Day Celebration Organizing Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.4

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2019 GERMAN MILLS MEADOW AND NATURAL HABITAT LIAISON COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the March 20, 2019 German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat Liaison Community Centre Board meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.5

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 16, 2020 MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 16, 2020 Markham Environmental Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.6

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 5, 2020 MARKHAM – MILLIKEN CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the February 5, 2020 Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival Organizing Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.7

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 14, 2019 AND JANUARY 9, 2020 MARKHAM TRAIN STATION COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the November 14, 2019 and January 9, 2020 Markham Train Station Community Centre Board of Management meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.8

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 13, 2020 AND FEBRUARY 3, 2020 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 13, 2020 and February 3, 2020 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.9

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 14, 2020 AND FEBRUARY 11, 2020 SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the January 14, 2020 and February 11, 2020 Seniors Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.10

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 3, 2020 VICTORIA SQUARE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD (16.0)

The Committee made an inquiry with respect to a new recreation centre in Victoria Square.

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner Fire and Community Services addressed the Committee and advised that the Integrated Leisure Master Plan includes a recommendation for a community centre and library in  North West Markham potentially on the Victoria Square  site  but the decision on timing will be made following an evaluation of specific criteria related to population growth, development pace, and capacity of existing facilities  within the surrounding areas.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the February 3, 2020 Victoria Square Community Centre Board meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

8.11

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 19, 2019 WASTE DIVERSION COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the minutes of the November 19, 2019 Waste Diversion Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
     
     
  Carried

8.12

2019 YEAR-END RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (7.0)

The Committee recognized Sandra Skelcher, Senior Manager Financial Planning & Reporting, Jay Pak, Senior Financial Analyst and Joel Lustig, Treasurer for their contributions to this report.   

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the report titled “2019 Year-End Review of Operations” be received; and,
  2. That the City’s 2019 net favourable variance of $3.04M be transferred to the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.13

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES DECEMBER 31, 2019 RESERVE BALANCES AND ANNUAL ACTIVITY OF THE ACCOUNTS (7.11)

There was discussion relative to YMCA land and construction funding reallocation, and DC public works projects.

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the report titled “Development Charges December 31, 2019 Reserve Balances and Annual Activity of the Accounts” be received by Council as required under Section 43(1) of the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended; and,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.14

DEVELOPMENT CHARGE INTEREST POLICY (7.11)

There was discussion with respect to fixed and frozen Development Charges.  

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled “Development Charge Interest Policy” be received; and,
  2. That the “Development Charge Interest Policy”, attached as Appendix A, be adopted by Council; and further,

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

  Carried

8.15

STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2020 (7.12)

There was discussion on the following Staff Awarded Contracts: 

• #3, 019-S-20 Privileged Access Management Solutions;
• #4, 056-R-19 Fireworks Display for Canada Day;
• #5, 218-R-19 Consulting Engineering Services for Street-lighting Upgrades;
• #6, 219-R-19 Consulting Engineering Services for Structures, and;
• #8, 026-Q-20 Supply and Delivery of Street Planters.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of February 2020” be received; and,

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

8.16

060-T-20 THORNHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE PARKING LOT LIGHT POLES REPLACEMENT (7.12)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled “Tender 060-T-20 Thornhill Community Centre Parking Lot Light Poles Replacement” be received; and,

      

  2. That the contract for be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, CM Lighting Maintenance Ltd., in the amount of $151,113.60, inclusive of HST; and,

      

  3. That the estimated cost of $18,000 (including HST) for temporary light towers starting from January 2020 until completion of project in October 1, 2020 along with the above tender award for a total cost of $169,113.60 be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement & Capital Reserve; and further,

      

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

8.17

AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION TENDER 014-T-20 BAYVIEW GLEN NORTH AND LAURELEAF ROAD CAST IRON WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT (7.12)

There was a brief discussion on this award relative to the contractor.

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled “Award of Construction Tender 014-T-20 Bayview Glen North and Laureleaf Road Cast Iron Watermain Replacement” be received; and,

  2. That the contract for Tender 014-T-20 Bayview Glen North and Laureleaf Road Cast Iron Watermain Replacement be awarded to the lowest priced Bidder, Sam Rabito Construction Ltd. in the amount of $5,656,644.04, inclusive of HST; and,

  3. That a 3% contingency in the amount of $169,699.32 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 construction award in the amount of $5,826,343.36 ($5,656,644.04 + $169,699.32) be funded from the capital project 053-6150-20257 “CI Watermain Replacement – Construction & CA” with budget available of $5,447,381.00; and,

  5. That the shortfall of $378,962.36 be funded through Waterworks Stabilization/Capital Reserve; and further,

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

8.18

AWARD OF CONTRACT 023-R-20 PLUMBING SERVICES FOR VARIOUS CITY OF MARKHAM LOCATIONS ON AN AS REQUIRED BASIS (7.12)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report “Award of Contract #023-R-20 Plumbing Services for various City of Markham locations on an as required basis” be received; and,

  2. That the contract be awarded to the highest ranked / lowest priced bidder, Saunders Plumbing and Heating Inc. in the estimated annual amount of $120,000.00 inclusive of HST; and,

  3. That Staff be authorized to extend the contract for three (3) additional years (2021-2023) in the estimated annual amount of $120,000 inclusive of HST, subject to supplier performance; and,

  4. That the contract be funded from various City Departments’ operating budgets on an as-required basis; and,

  5. That the award amounts in 2021 to 2023 be subject to Council approval of the respective annual operating budgets and that the award amounts be amended to reflect changes to the various departments’ budget accounts as approved by Council during the annual budget process; and further,

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

  Carried

9.

CONSENT REPORTS - ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

9.1

ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT (JANUARY-DECEMBER 2019) (5.3)

The Committee inquired about the flushing of dead end streets, lead sampling and testing.

Phoebe Fu, Director, Environmental Services addressed the Committee with details on the following:

City’s dead end flushing program
• Eliminate existing dead ends when it is feasible. Completely eliminating dead ends City wide is not feasible; and,
• Fewer dead end streets in the future as new subdivisions are developed without them.

Lead sampling program
• Described that current testing processes and frequency of testing is location based and adjusted based on testing results; and,
• Consider some lead sampling at the residential and industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) locations beyond the requirements from the Ministry.

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That as the COVID-19 declared emergency suspended General Committee gatherings, Council acknowledge that the report titled “Annual Water Quality Report (January-December 2019)” was delivered to Council through a Monday March 30, 2020 email from Brenda Librecz Commissioner, Community and Fire Services to meet provincial regulation 170/03 (under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002); and,
  2. That as Council resumes the report titled “Annual Water Quality Report (January-December 2019)” as required by Schedule 22 of Ontario Regulation 170/03, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, enclosed herein be officially received; and,
  3. That the Annual 2019 Regulatory Water Quality Report (Attachment “A”), containing information for the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) on water supply and quality as required by Section 11 of Ontario Regulation 170/03, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, be received; and,
  4. That Council acknowledge that staff posted the Annual 2019 Detailed Regulatory Water Quality Report on the City’s website and that it has been made available electronically and in hard copy version by February 28, 2020 as per regulations; and further,
  5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.2

YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD – FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE SHARED FACILITY AGREEMENT (6.2)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled, “York Region District School Board – Flato Markham Theatre Shared Facility Agreement” be received; and,

  2. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, including any amendments to the agreement, between the City and York Region District School Board (“YRDSB”) for the shared use, operation, maintenance and repair of portions of the Unionville High School site, the Flato Markham Theatre and the Markham Civic Centre site, provided the form of such agreement is satisfactory to the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the City Solicitor; and,

  3. That Staff be authorized to increase the Operating Budget by $44,000 to reimburse YRDSB for utility costs based on metered heating and cooling usage at the Theatre; and further,

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

  Carried

10.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

10.1

CITY OF MARKHAM COMMENTS ON BILL 108 PROPOSED REGULATORY MATTERS – COMMUNITY BENEFITS AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT CHARGES ACT AND BUILDING CODE ACT (7.0)

Mark Visser, Senior Manager, Strategy Innovation ＆ Investments delivered a presentation entitled, Comments on Bill 108 - Proposed Regulatory Matters which highlighted the revised regulations, projected financial impact to the City on future development projects and City comments that will be forwarded to the Province.  He acknowledged the following staff members for their contribution to the presentation and report: Kevin Ross, Manager, Development Finance ＆ Payroll; Joel Lustig, Treasurer; Francesco Santaguida, Assistant City Solicitor; Biju Karumanchery, Director of Planning and Urban Design; Ronji Borooah, City Architect; Parvathi Nampoothiri, Manager, Urban Design; Brad Roberts, Manager, Zoning ＆ Special Projects, and; Richard Fournier, Manager, Parks ＆ Open Space Development.

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• How financial figures were derived;
• Consideration of financial impact and operational challenges;
• Reservation of land for projects such as condominiums;
• Concerns with date of Bill 108 implementation by the Province;
• Concerns with present land evaluation values versus post Bill 108 implementation;
• Negotiation with the Region for the extra 5%;
• Potential for funding By-law and Parking Enforcement costs;
• Opportunities for additional recommendations based on previous Provincial commitments;
• Concerns that greater pressure will exist on communities with park-land;
• Options for acquiring needed park-land;
• Consideration of price reductions for condominiums by developers;
• Changes in park-land and cash-in-lieu per unit;
• Compromises on Community Benefits Charges for larger developers;
• Concerns with collection of Development Charges, and spend on park-lands;
• Consideration to add a request to defer Bill 108 due to the Covid-19 emergency in the letter to the Province;
• Consideration to forward a letter from the City requesting Toronto, Durham, and Peel to participate in public engagement;
• Consideration that the Mayor lead the City and Greater Toronto Area municipalities in applying pressure to the Province;  
• Consideration to invite current Members of Provincial Parliament to the April 28, 2020 Council Meeting; and,
• Importance of the creation of a communication plan to educate and mobilize the residents.

Staff addressed the Committee to provide information, the potential impacts of Bill 108 to the City, current land purchasing and valuation policies, as well as financial strategies.  

Staff will report back to Council next week with a communication plan to educate and engage the public, and make the requested revisions to the letter that will go to the Province.  

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the report entitled, “City of Markham Comments on Bill 108 Proposed Regulatory Matters – Community Benefits Authority, Development Charges Act and Building Code Act”, dated April 20, 2020, be received; and,
  2. That this report, including the recommendations from the City of Markham on Bill 108 Proposed Regulatory Matters, be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and to the Regional Municipality of York; and,
  3. That the City of Markham supports the following:
     1. The proposal for the regulation under the Development Charges Act, 1997; 
     2. The community benefits proposed to be included within the community benefits charge regulation;
     3. The proposal for a public notice to be provided prior to the enactment of a community benefits by-law;
     4. The proposed application of an interest rate on refunds in the event of a successful appeal to a community benefits by-law; and,
     5. The proposal to add the community benefits charge authority to the applicable law list under the Building Code;
  4. That staff provide a communication strategy to educate and engage the public on Bill 108 to the Council Meeting on April 28, 2020; and,
  5. That the City of Markham request that the Province:
     1. Provide municipalities with wide latitude to determine what community facilities can be supported through community benefits charges;
     2. Amend the Community Benefits Charge legislation to allow a municipality to require the conveyance of parkland in lieu of payment of a community benefits charge;
     3. Implement an escalating Community Benefits Charge collection limit tied to density to allow municipalities to be able to provide a minimum of 0.8 hectares of parkland per 1,000 residents, and that the maximum limit of the Community Benefits Charge eligible to be collected be set at 50% of the value of the fully developed land;
     4. Given the ongoing emergency situation and scale of work required to implement a Community Benefits Charge regime, increase the timeline for implementation of a Community Benefits Charge by-law be the later of, (1) two years from the date the community benefits regulation comes into effect or, (2) the expiration of the current Development Charge by-laws;
     5. Allow municipalities to fully recover the capital cost of Development Charges without the requirement of preparing a background study until the development charge by-law is next updated; and,
     6. Allow municipalities to utilize the community benefits charge by-law and the parkland dedication provisions of the Planning Act for specific types of developments, i.e. allow the municipality to specify the types of development that would be subject to a CBC vs. parkland dedication provisions; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

10.2

COVID-19 - FINANCIAL IMPACT UPDATE (7.0)

Joel Lustig, Treasurer, addressed the Committee and delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled Covid-19 Financial Impact Update which served as a follow-up to the presentation made at the March 27, 2020 Special Council Meeting.  

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• Continuance of capital projects to put economy back on track;
• Possibility of reducing the 25 year Life Cycle Repair and Replacement of assets target to 10 or 15 years;
• Consideration of not approving new capital projects at this time;
• Calculations of Pre-Authorized Tax Payment figures;
• Conservative approach to proceeding with capital projects subject to Public Health recommendations;
• Possible decrease in future tax collection rates;
• Previous history of significant non-payment of property of property taxes;
• Consideration of a June or July work-shop to discuss various financial options; and,
• Financial assistance from higher levels of government.

Staff advised they will continue to provide Members of Committee with updates on the financial impact of Covid-19.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
  1. That the presentation entitled COVID-19 – Financial Impact Update be received; and,
  2. That the by-law amendments on the April 20^th General Committee agenda be considered at the April 28^th Council meeting; and,
  3. That the City Treasurer report back to General Committee in May providing a financial forecast based on various scenarios; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

      

  Carried

11.

REGULAR REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

11.1

DESTINATION MARKHAM CORPORATION UPDATE / ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) MATTERS (7.0)

There was discussion in relation to points four and five in the original recommendation and that they should be removed and may be revisited if required at the April 28, 2020 Council Meeting. 

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the report “Destination Markham Corporation Update / Annual General Meeting Matters” be received; and,
  2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement between the City of Markham and Destination Markham Corporation, substantially in the form attached to the report as “Attachment 1”, subject to the form and content of the agreement being satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Solicitor; and,
  3. That Destination Markham Corporation By-Law No. 1, substantially in the form attached to the report as “Attachment 2”, be approved; and,
  4. That KPMG be approved as the auditor for Destination Markham Corporation; and,
  5. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute operational agreements of mutual interest, as required, between the City of Markham and Destination Markham Corporation, subject to the form and content of such agreements being satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Solicitor; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried as Amended
• The Committee consented to remove clauses four and five from the original recommendation as follows:

  4.  That the following eight (8) individuals be appointed to the Board of Directors of Destination Markham Corporation, to serve as independent Directors for a term of four (4) years: Ms. Aarti Patel, Mr. Chuck Thibeault, Mr. David Miller, Mr. Herman Grad, Mr. Hiren Prabhakar, Ms. Kate Seaver, Mr. Shafik Jiwani, and Ms. Susan Mandryk; and,

  5.  That the following four (4) members of Council be appointed to the Board of Directors of Destination Markham Corporation, to serve as non-independent Directors for the term of Council: Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, and Councillor Khalid Usman; and,
• The Committee had before it the following original recommendation:  

  1. That the report “Destination Markham Corporation Update / Annual General Meeting Matters” be received; and,
  2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement between the City of Markham and Destination Markham Corporation, substantially in the form attached to the report as “Attachment 1”, subject to the form and content of the agreement being satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Solicitor; and,
  3. That Destination Markham Corporation By-Law No. 1, substantially in the form attached to the report as “Attachment 2”, be approved; and,
  4. That the following eight (8) individuals be appointed to the Board of Directors of Destination Markham Corporation, to serve as independent Directors for a term of four (4) years: Ms. Aarti Patel, Mr. Chuck Thibeault, Mr. David Miller, Mr. Herman Grad, Mr. Hiren Prabhakar, Ms. Kate Seaver, Mr. Shafik Jiwani, and Ms. Susan Mandryk; and,
  5. That the following four (4) members of Council be appointed to the Board of Directors of Destination Markham Corporation, to serve as non-independent Directors for the term of Council: Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, and Councillor Khalid Usman; and,
  6. That KPMG be approved as the auditor for Destination Markham Corporation; and,
  7. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute operational agreements of mutual interest, as required, between the City of Markham and Destination Markham Corporation, subject to the form and content of such agreements being satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Solicitor; and further,
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

12.

REGULAR REPORTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES ISSUES

12.1

RESPONSE TO YORK REGION – FIRE REGIONALIZATION (7.15)

The Committee consented to postpone this item to an upcoming General Committee meeting in May 2020.  

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That Council not support proceeding with a Regional Fire Service study; and,
  2. That Staff recommend that we continue current efforts with Richmond Hill and Vaughan, in particular the creation of a shared communications centre that will enable further joint/shared opportunities to achieve efficiencies and to improve services to our residents and businesses.
  Postponed

13.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

14.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

15.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

15.1

YORK REGION - MANDATED REVIEW OF REGIONAL COUNCIL COMPOSITION (13.4)

The Committee consented to postpone this item to an upcoming General Committee meeting in May 2020.  

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the communication dated February 27, 2020 from York Region regarding Mandated Review of Regional Council Composition be received for information purposes; and,
  2. That the City of Markham provides its consent by May 15, 2020 to a bylaw changing the size of Regional Council by increasing the number of members from the City of Vaughan from four to five.  
  Postponed

16.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

17.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

  That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 2:52 PM.

  Carried