M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

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 Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones 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

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 B. Cribbett, Treasurer J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services B. Snowball, Fire Chief P. Ingham, General Manager Operations L. Wells, Manager Programs A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The General Committee convened at 9:00 AM with Regional Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor A. Chui chaired the meeting for the Community Services related items.

 

 

1.         STIVER MILL: UNIONVILLE VILLAGE
CONSERVANCY PROPOSAL DEPUTATION (8.0)

 

Ms. Jeanne Ker-Hornell, Unionville Village Conservancy (UVC) addressed the Committee to provide some their objectives in relation to the Stiver Mill.  She indicated that the UVC anticipates enlisting more professionals for the Stiver Mill project and attending courses such as Artscape to obtain further information.  Ms.  Ker-Hornell advised that the UVC will reapply with the Town in the spring 2010 once they have completed a suitable business plan for this special building and location.  She requested that permission be granted to continue the partnership with the Town of Markham for a Farmers’ Market again in 2010.

 

2.         CELEBRATE MARKHAM –
GRANT REQUEST DEPUTATION (7.6)

 

Ms. Tracy MacKinnon, Unionville BIA, addressed the Committee with respect to the request from the Unionville BIA for Celebrate Markham funding for the 2009 Unionville Old Tyme Christmas Parade requesting it be approved.  She pointed out some of the differences and similarities of Unionville Old Tyme Christmas Parade and the Markham Santa Claus Parade.

 

Mr. Greg McCormick, Unionville BIA, addressed the Committee regarding the request from the Unionville BIA for Celebrate Markham funding for the 2009 Unionville Old Tyme Christmas Parade requesting that their application be moved forward.  He indicated that they have lowered their requested amount to $6,500 that will match the amount available in the Celebrate Markham fund.  Mr. McCormick feels that their event should be treated similar to the Markham Santa Claus Parade that takes place on Main Street Markham.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That item 9. C. “Celebrate Markham:  Thornhill Festival 2009 Funding increase and Unionville Old Tyme Christmas Parade 2009 Funding Request” be moved forward.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         FEEDBACK FROM THE NOVEMBER 4, 2009
2010 BUDGET PUBLIC INFORMATION
MEETING (7.4 & 7.5)
Presentation

 

Mr. Joel Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing feedback from the November 4, 2009 Public Information Meeting regarding the 2010 Budget. 

 

The Committee inquired about a more sustainable way to deliver the flower program.  Staff advised that is part of the Public Realm and indicated that the Horticultural department is in the process of converting many of the annual to perennial beds. 

 

The Committee requested that the responses to #4, 5, 6 and 7 in the presentation include more detailed information.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the presentation entitled “Feedback from the November 4, 2009, 2010 Budget Public Information Meeting” by Mr. Joel Lustig, Director of Financial & Client Services be received.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

That the response to #4 in the presentation include that the Unionville BIA used to contribute $10,000 for the flower program along Main Street Unionville which they no longer did in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and that the Town of Markham now fund this program through the Town’s operating budget; and,

 

That staff are in the process of finalizing a sustainable way to provide the delivery of the flower program through the Public Realm program.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

That #2 comment in the presentation include the fact that climate change is occurring, causing more intense rainfall and concern that there is insufficient infrastructure funds for resident’s health and safety; and,

 

That the response to #5 in the presentation identifies potential location(s) of where two or three more trees are to be planted in Unionville; and,

 

That staff meet with the Unionville BIA to investigate the possibility of further tree planting in Unionville.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the response to #6 in the presentation include that staff be directed to forward a letter to the City of Vaughan requesting their participation in establishing a Yonge Street BIA.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 19, 2009
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the October 19, 2009 General Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the September 21, 2009 Markham Public Library Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 2009
MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the October 5, 2009 Markham Race Relations Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

7.         MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 2009
MARKHAM THEATRE BOARD (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the June 22, 2009 Markham Theatre Board be received.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 19, 20 AND 21, 2009

            BUDGET SIB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Oct. 19     Oct. 20     Oct. 21

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the October 19, 20, and 21, 2009 Budget Sub-Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

9.         MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 15, 2009
MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)         That the Minutes of the October 15, 2009 Markham Environmental Advisory Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

 

10.       APPOINTMENT TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES
AND BOARDS (16.24)

 

Councillor C. Moretti suggested that the Markham Theatre Advisory Board composition be amended to read “up to (2) Members of Council.”

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

1)         That the following persons be appointed to the Markham Theatre Advisory Board for the term ending November 30, 2010:

 

Jennifer Kah

Dennis Cline

Neil Fernandez

Pat Kincaid

Brian Harvey

 

Note:  The Markham Theatre Advisory Board is to be comprised of twelve (12) voting members in total: nine (9) from the community; up to two (2) Members of Council; and one (1) representative from the York Region District School Board (Principal of Unionville High School).  There are currently three ex-officio members: the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and one (1) York Region District School Board Trustee.

CARRIED

 

 

11.       STATUS OF CAPITAL PROJECTS
AS OF AUGUST 31, 2009 (7.5)

            Report     1   2

 

There was brief discussion regarding awarded projects and completed project.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the report dated November 9, 2009 entitled “Status of Capital Projects as of August 31, 2009” be received; and,

 

2)         That $1.21M from closed capital projects be transferred to the sources of funding as listed on Exhibit A; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

12.       PROPOSED 2010 WATER AND
            WASTEWATER RATE INCREASE (5.3)

            Report     1

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

1)              That the report dated November 9, 2009 entitled “Proposed 2010 Water/Wastewater Rate Increase” be received; and,

 

2)              That the Minutes of the Public Meeting held on October 27, 2009, with respect to the proposed 2010 Water/Wastewater Rate Increase be received; and,

 

3)              That the 2010 Town of Markham’s (“Town”) Water/Wastewater rate increase be equivalent to the Region of York’s (“Region”) monetary increase of $0.1229 per cubic metre (m³) based on Region’s estimated increase of 10%; and,

 

4)              That in addition to the Region’s increase, the 2010 Water/Wastewater rate increase includes the third year of the approved 10 year phase-in of the Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Surcharge of $0.0457/m³; and,

 

5)              That an additional surcharge of $0.0401/m³ be approved to account for changes in policy and assumptions; and,

 

6)              That effective April 1, 2010, the 2010 Water/Wastewater rate will be $2.2129/m³, an increase of $0.2087/m³; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

13.       MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2009
GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the Minutes of the November 2, 2009 Grants Sub-Committee be received.

CARRIED

 

14.       TOWN OF MARKHAM
2010 BUDGET (7.4 & 7.5)

            Report    Budget   Public Meeting Presentation

 

The Committee discussed the original amount of $150,000 Capital Project amount for the Rouge Park projects and that at the October 27, 2009 Council meeting the Terms of Reference for the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force were amended which eliminated the request for that specific amount of $150,000.  The Committee suggested re-allocating the $150,000 to the land acquisition fund.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

1)      That the report dated November 9, 2010 entitled, “Town of Markham 2010 Budget” be received; and,

 

2)      That Council approve the 2010 Operating Budget for Town services which totals $153,807,527, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 1;

 

3)      That gross operating expenditures of $153,807,527, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) be funded from the following sources:

 

4)      That Council approve the 2010 Capital Budget that totals $77,919,500, the funding details of which are listed in Appendix 2; and,

 

5)      That Council approve the 2010 Waterworks Operating Budget that totals $67,297,242, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 4; and,

 

6)      That Council approve the 2010 Planning & Design Budget that totals $4,883,518, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 5; and,

 

7)      That Council approve the 2010 Engineering Budget that totals $5,157,982, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 6; and,

 

8)      That Council approve the 2010 Building Standards Budget that totals $7,155,944, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 7; and,

 

9)      That the contribution to the two land acquisition reserve funds be increased by $75,000 each through the removal of Capital project funding for Rouge Park Projects in the amount of $150,000; and,

 

10)  That further to the finalization of assessment growth numbers on the return of the 2010 assessment rolls in December 2009, the Treasurer be authorized to adjust the 2010 tax rate and resulting levy to reflect a zero percent tax rate increase; and,

 

11)   That any resulting surplus be transferred to the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve; and,

 

12)   That upon finalization of the 2009 audited financial statements, the 2010 Operating, Waterworks, Planning & Design, Engineering and Building Standards budgets be adjusted to reflect the 2009 operating results; and,

 

13)  That a copy of the budgets be made available to the public through the Clerk’s Department and each of the Markham Public Libraries; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

15.       CELEBRATE MARKHAM
            THORNHILL FESTIVAL 2009 FUNDING
            INCREASE AND UNIONVILLE OLDE TYME
            CHRISTMAS PARADE 2009 FUNDING REQUEST (7.6)

            Report    1

 

The Committee discussed whether it is appropriate for the Town to fund BIA events and if so there needs to be consistency between the various Town BIA’s.  There was discussion regarding the similarities and differences between the Rotary Clubs and BIA’s.

 

The Committee suggested that the guidelines when applying for a grant through Celebrate Markham need to be reviewed and potentially revised.  The Committee stated concern with potential future budget implications if this grant for the Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas Parade is approved.

 

The Committee suggested that staff prepare a report that outlines the current status and outstanding issues related to all the BIA’s within Markham.

 

Staff will identify and compare all in-kind service provided to the Markham Rotary Club Santa Claus Parade held on Markham Main Street and the Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas Parade held on Unionville Main Street.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That staff be directed to prepare a report and recommendations to improve the relationships between the Town of Markham and all Markham Business Improvement Area (BIA); and,

 

That a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting that Business Improvement Area Boards of Management should not be under the jurisdiction of the Town.

 

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

1)      That an additional Celebrate Markham grant in the amount of $500 be approved and allocated to the Thornhill Village Festival for 2009.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)            That the request of the Unionville BIA for Celebrate Markham funding for the 2009 Unionville Old Tyme Christmas Parade be referred to General Committee; and,

 

2)      That the request from for Celebrate Markham grant in the amount of $6,500 be approved and allocated to the 2009 Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas Parade; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

16.       MARKHAM OLYMPIC TORCH
            RELAY CELEBRATION (6.4)

            Presentation

 

Ms. Lori Wells, Manager Programs, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing details with respect to the Markham Olympic Torch Relay Celebration scheduled for Thursday December 17, 2009.

 

The Committee thanked Ms. Lori Wells and all staff involved in the process for the Torch Relay Celebration.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

1)         That the presentation by Ms. L. Wells, Manager, Recreation Programs, entitled “The Torch Stops Here! Join Markham’s Torch Relay Celebration” be received.

CARRIED

 

17.       P AN AM GAMES (6.0)

 

Ms. Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services, provided a verbal update with respect to the recent announcement for the 2015 Pan Am Games.  She advised the Committee that the multi-party agreement has been signed and that she will distribute copies to the Mayor and Members of Council.

 

The Committee indicated that this announcement is an exciting opportunity for the Golden Horseshoe and the Province of Ontario.  There was discussion regarding the 2015 Pan Am Bid Committee and that it will be dissolved and that the establishment of a new committee (Host Committee) will soon be established that will be made up of a broader membership including representatives of Federal Government, Provincial Government and various stakeholders.  There was discussion regarding the possibility of changes to the proposed venue locations.

 

The Committee suggested forwarding a letter of congratulations to the Premier of Ontario and to David Peterson.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the Town of Markham express their appreciation, support and congratulations to Premier Dalton McGuinty and his Government for their successful 2015 Pan Am Bid; and,

 

That the Town of Markham extend their appreciation, support and congratulations to Mr. David Peterson, Chair of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Bid and Ms. Jagoda Pike, Chief Operating Officer of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Bid for the great work they accomplished in putting together the successful bid.

CARRIED

 

18.       WINTER PARKING
PILOT PROGRAM (5.10)

            Report     Presentation

 

Mr. Bill Snowball, Fire Chief, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Winter Parking Pilot Program.

 

The Committee discussed the following issues and concerns related to the Winter Parking Pilot Program:

• If tickets are not being enforced constituents may not obey the parking restrictions
• Does the By-law department have the resources for enforcement
• Do not include in public communication brochure that individuals will only receive a warning
• Communication needs to be very clear (have 2 part) and ensure the word “pilot” is used
• Provide the communication brochure in different languages
• If pilot is successful would there be consideration to alternating sides of streets that parking is permitted
• Communication needs to outline reasons for parking restrictions (mainly the life safety issues)
•  Should the pilot be Town wide or try it only in a few selected Wards
• Laneways – that they are not included in this pilot

 

Staff advised the Committee that there was not a solution that would be a perfect fit for all the various subdivisions throughout the Town.  Staff indicated that this program will have to be monitored and that they will report back to Committee.

 

The Committee requested that staff forward the Communications brochure to the Mayor and Members of Council for comments and/or suggestions prior to being distributed throughout the Town.

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

1)         That the presentation entitled “Winter Parking Pilot Program” be received, and,

 

2)                  That the report entitled, “Winter Parking Pilot Program” be received; and,

 

3)                  That Council endorse the proposed pilot project to restrict parking on the “even” numbered side of the street, applicable to all municipal roads, from November 15, 2009  to April 15, 2010; and,

 

4)                  That the education and communications campaign commence immediately; and,

 

5)                  That The Winter Parking Committee report back in Spring 2010, with the results of the pilot project; and,

 

6)                  That the funding for the education and communications campaign be provided from the Operations Department operating account 700 998 5801to an upset limit of $3500; and further,

 

7)                  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 A. Chiu

 

That, in accordance with Sections 239 (2) (c), and (a) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (12:11 PM):

 

1) A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board regarding three Town owned houses.

 

2) The security of the property of the municipality or local board regarding Stiver Mill.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (12:57 PM).

CARRIED

 

 

19.       ONTARIO REALTY CORPORATION (ORC) (5.7)

 

Councillor E. Shapero raised concern with the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) project at the St. Roberts Catholic High School site that is removing soil from that location and transporting it down to the City of Toronto.  She is concerned with the increasing number of dump trucks along Leslie Street and Don Mills Road.  She indicated that these trucks park and leave the trucks idling on Leslie Street and Don Mills Road. 

 

The Committee suggested that John Livey, Chief Administrative Officer contact the ORC directly to address these concerns and work out a solution if possible.  If a solution cannot be achieved that the following resolutions be forwarded to the Region of York.

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

1)         That the Town of Markham request the Region of York to amend their Parking By-law to prohibit vehicles from parking along Leslie Street from Steeles Avenue to Simonston Boulevard as soon as possible; and,

 

2)         That the Region of York introduce a temporary truck prohibition on Leslie Street between Steeles Avenue and Green Lane, subject to the CAO's discussions with Ontario Realty Corporation on truck re-routing.

CARRIED

 

The Committee requested that staff provide an update on whether parking prohibitions can be enforced on Regional roads.

 

 

20.       MARKHAM LIFE (12.2)

 

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath advised that some constituents have indicated that the Markham Life was not included with the delivery of the Markham Economist and Sun. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The General Committee meeting adjourned at 12:57 PM.