FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE
2003-06-16 - Canada Room
Meeting No. 13
Attendance
|
|
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
C. Conrad,
Town Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
M. F.
Turner, Commissioner, Strategy, Innovation
& Partnerships
T. Webster,
Acting Commissioner, Strategy,
Innovation & Partnerships
J. Allen,
Chief Information Officer
D. McClean,
Fire Chief
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
P. Loukes,
Director, Operations & Asset
Management
S. Chait,
Director, Economic Development
S. Laing,
Acting Director, Human Resources
J. Lustig,
Director, Financial & Client Services
P.
Wealleans, Director of Taxation
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
R.
Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning
J. Harrison,
Manager, Contact Centre
B. Misra,
Manager, GIS & Applications
L. Irvine,
Manager, Parks and Open Space Development
F. Wong,
Manager, Financial Planning
M.
Ingwersen, Manager, Parks Construction &
Maintenance
M. Rebane,
Manager, Corporate Communications
C. Harrison,
Communications Coordinator
B. Nanninga,
Executive Assistant to Mayor
and Council
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
|
The
Finance & Administrative Committee convened at the hour of 1:10 p.m. with
Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
Councillor K. Usman assumed the Chair
at 2:15 p.m.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None
declared.
1. RELOCATION
OF THE UDELL-HAMILTON HOUSE-
TO MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES -
FINANCIAL
CAPABILITY OF APPLICANT AND
LOT SELECTION (16.11)
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the report on financial capability of the applicants to purchase a lot and
successfully undertake the relocation and restoration of the Udell-Hamilton
House at the Markham Heritage Estates be received and endorsed;
And
that Lot 37, Plan 65M-2761 (Heritage Subdivision) be declared surplus to the
Town's need and made available for sale to the applicants;
And
that the fourteen (14) day notice period of the proposed sale of the above
lands, be placed on the next Council agenda, or subsequent date, in accordance
with the Town of Markham By-law No. 178-96 (Sale of Surplus Real Property);
And
that the Manager of Real Property and the Manager of Heritage Planning be
authorized to negotiate the terms and conditions for the relocation of the
Lunau Barn and to finalize the sale of the structure to Mr. Michael Bradshaw,
in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And
that a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute an
Agreement of Purchase and Sale between Michael Bradshaw and the Town of Markham
together with the transfer/deed of land and any other required closing
documentation in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And
that Lot 37 be sold for the price of $109,000.00;
And
that when a building permit is issued for Lot 37, Plan 65M-2761, that the
property be exempt from all of the Town's current development charges in
accordance with the Town of Markham By-law No. 147-99 (Town-wide Hard
Services), and Town of Markham By-law No. 148-99 (Town-wide Soft Services);
And
that in providing the above exemption, it is acknowledged that if or when a
residence is built on the property at 7292 19th Avenue, the property is subject
to any applicable development charges.
CARRIED
2. BUR
OAK & MCCOWAN LAND PURCHASE
NEW FIRE STATION (8.6 &
7.15)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor G. McKelvey
That
Council approve the execution of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale for the
purchase of lands designated as Parts 1, 2 and 3 on the reference plan
(attached to staff report) (to be deposited), being a part of Part 17, Plan
65R-21556, PIN 03060-0179, Bur Oak Avenue, Markham from Amber Plain Investments
Limited in the amount of $675,000 excluding GST;
And
that a by-law be enacted on June 24, 2003 to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to
execute the Agreement and all related documents for the lands designated as
Parts 1, 2 and 3 on the attached reference plan (to be deposited), being a part
of Part 17, Plan 65R-21556, PIN 03060-0179, Bur Oak Avenue, Markham from Amber
Plain Investments Limited, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And
that an Executive Steering Committee be struck, consisting of members of the
current Fire Station Executive Steering Committee and other members of Council
as appointed;
And
that Council support and approve in principle the construction of the
"repeatable design" fire station on the lands;
And
that project management for the construction of the new fire station be
provided by the Town's Construction and Utilities Department.
CARRIED
3. SURPLUS PROPERTY AND CONVEYANCE OF
PART OF BLOCK D, PLAN 2886 AND DESIGNATED AS
PARTS 2 AND 3 ON PLAN 65R-21737 TO UNIONVILLE
HOME SOCIETY, HIGHWAY 7, UNIONVILLE (8.5)
Moved by
Councillor G McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the Chief Administrative Officer and the Town Solicitor be authorized to
proceed with the process of the conveyance of property designated as Part 2 and
3, Registered Plan 65R-21737, once the property has been formally acquired from
the Ontario Realty Corporation, as follows:
"That the property being
Part of Block D, Plan 2886 and designated as Parts 2 and 3 and Plan 65R-21737,
Highway 7, Unionville be declared surplus property pursuant to Town of Markham
By-law No. 178-96;
And that notice of the proposed
disposition of such lands be placed on the agenda for the Council meeting on
June 24, 2003, also required by Town of Markham By-law No. 178-96;
And further that a by-law be
enacted at the Council meeting on July 8, 2003, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk
to execute a Transfer/Deed of Land to Unionville Home Society for lands legally
described as Part of Block D, Plan 2886 and designated as Parts 2 and 3 on Plan
65R-21737, Highway 7, Unionville in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor."
CARRIED
4. RELOCATION
OF THE PETER G. MUSTARD HOUSE
TO MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES -
FINANCIAL
CAPABILITY OF APPLICANT AND
LOT SELECTION (16.11)
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
the report on financial capability of the applicants to purchase a lot and
successfully undertake the relocation and restoration of the Peter Mustard
House at the Markham Heritage Estates be received and endorsed;
And
that Lot 28, Plan 65M-2761 (Heritage Subdivision) be declared surplus to the
Town's need and made available for sale to the applicants;
And
that the fourteen (14) day notice period of the proposed sale of the above
lands, be placed on the next Council agenda, or subsequent date, in accordance
with the Town of Markham By-law No. 178-96 (Sale of Surplus Real Property);
And
that a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute an
Agreement of Purchase and Sale between Gregory Knight and Tara Cooke and the
Town of Markham together with the transfer/deed of land and any other required
closing documentation in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And
that when a building permit is issued for Lot 28, Plan 65M-2761, that the
property be exempt from all of the Town's current development charges in
accordance with Town of Markham By-law No. 147-99 (Town Wide Hard Services) and
Town of Markham By-law 148-99 (Town Wide Soft Services);
And
that in providing the above exemption it is acknowledged that if or when a
residence is built on the property at 9615 9th Line, the property is subject to
any applicable development charges.
CARRIED
5. REGISTRATION
OF PROPERTIES FOR TAX SALE (7.3)
Moved by Mayor
D. Cousens
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the Treasurer commence the registration process under the Municipal Act, 2001 for the four
properties listed on Appendix "A" to this report.
CARRIED
6. PROPERTY
TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM
FOR HERITAGE PROPERTIES (7.3 &
16.11)
Mr.
Paul Wealleans, Director of Taxation, made a presentation on the proposed
property tax reduction program for heritage properties, advising that it would
provide the opportunity of a major incentive for the preservation of built
heritage in the community.
Committee
discussed various aspects of the proposal, including: heritage easement
agreements and possible action to be taken if tax reduction program is
discontinued; eligibility of properties; the amount of reduction or refund to
be considered; and administrative concerns.
Members suggested that a Public Information Meeting be held prior to
approval of the program to give residents an opportunity to provide input on
the proposal.
Moved by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Mayor D. Cousens
That
the presentation by the Director of Taxation, regarding the proposed property
tax reduction program for heritage properties be received;
And that a Public Information Meeting be held as soon as possible to
present the information on the proposed property tax reduction program for
heritage properties to residents, and to provide an opportunity for public
input;
And that advertisements be placed in the local newspapers and that
notices be sent to the following groups and organizations:
- Heritage
Estates Subdivision home-owners
- Home-owners in
the Heritage Conservation Districts (Thornhill, Markham
Village, and Unionville)
- Homeowners in
the Buttonville Heritage Conservation District Study Area
- Owners of
designated heritage properties
- Owners of
listed heritage properties
- Markham,
Thornhill and Unionville Historical Societies, and
- Members of
Heritage Markham Committee
And that staff be requested to bring back a report to the Finance &
Administrative Committee on this matter, consolidating all comments received.
CARRIED
7. APPOINTMENT
OF CSBIF DIRECTOR - (COMMUNITY
SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT
FUND) (10.16 & 12.2.6)
Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That
the report entitled "Appointment of CSBIF Director" be received;
And
that the Town appoint Councillor K. Usman
to serve for a period of one year, as the Town's representative on the Board of
Directors of the Community Small Business Investment Fund (CSBIF) managed by
Value Added Ventures Limited of Thornhill.
CARRIED
8. NOTICE
BY-LAW (2.0 & 2.1)
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That
a by-law be enacted to amend By-Law No. 2002-275, "A By-Law to Prescribe
the Form and Manner and Times for the Provision of Reasonable Notice" to
provide for notice publication on the committee/Council agenda and on the
Town's website.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES
- MARKHAM SARS ECONOMIC RECOVERY
TASK FORCE - MAY 12, MAY 13,
& MAY 20, 2003 AND
SARS FUNDING SOURCE (16.24
& 13.4.4)
Moved by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the minutes of the Markham SARS Economic
Recovery Task Force meetings held on
May 12, May 13, and May 20, 2003, be received;
And that staff of the Financial Services
Department be requested to identify a funding source for the SARS economic
recovery initiative to the level of $75,000 to bring the total amount to be
expended to $100,000;
And that such funding be at the
discretion of the Treasurer.
CARRIED
10. EXEMPTION
OF ALL RETAIL BUSINESSES IN TOWN
OF MARKHAM - SARS ECONOMIC
RECOVERY (13.4 & 7.0)
**Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Whereas Markham Council established a special Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) Economic Recovery Task Force for the purpose of recommending an
action plan promoting the economic recovery of Markham businesses negatively
affected by the SARS outbreaks;
And Whereas the Task Force has consulted with the cross section of Markham
business community in order to better understand the extent of the economic
impact and to identify opportunities for government to assist in the economic
recovery;
And Whereas the retail sector in Markham and across York Region has
been significantly affected by the SARS outbreaks;
And Whereas the Region of York has the authority under the Retail
Business Holidays Act to exempt retail business establishments from the
requirement to close on statutory holidays;
And Whereas Regulation 711/91 permits such exemption for up to five
holidays a year during which a fair, festival or other special event is being
held in a municipality;
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
1. The Region of York be requested to
exempt all retail businesses in the Town of Markham from the provisions of the
Retail Business Holidays Act, pursuant to Regulation 711/01, for every
statutory holiday after Canada Day, up to and including Thanksgiving, 2003, for
the purposes of permitting fairs, festivals or other special events.
2. The Region of York be requested to
exempt all retail businesses in all of the local municipalities in York Region
from the provisions of the Retail Business Holidays Act, pursuant to Regulation
711/01, for every statutory holiday after Canada Day, up to and including
Thanksgiving, 2003 for the purposes of permitting fairs, festivals or other
special events.
3. The Region of York be requested to
schedule a public meeting in accordance with the provisions of the Retail
Business Holidays Act as soon as possible to commence the process to permit the
exemption requested.
CARRIED
_________________________________________________________________________
**Amended by Council at its meeting held June
24, 2003 to add the following clause:
"4. The
Mayor and Council designate the Civic Holiday in August, Labour Day
and Thanksgiving Day as special celebratory
events called "Shop and Celebrate
Markham".
11. REQUEST
FOR PROPOSAL FOR DETAILED REVIEW
OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
(12.2 & 7.0)
Mr. Tom
Webster, Acting Commissioner, Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships, provided
details of the proposal for a review of the Town's Corporate Communications
operation.
Committee
requested that the effectiveness of community newsprint media also be reviewed
by the Communications Committee and staff.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor J. Heath
That the presentation of the
Acting Commissioner, Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships regarding the
Request for Proposal for a detailed review of Corporate Communications, be
received;
And the following recommendation,
which was received and endorsed in principle at Council on June 10, 2003, be
confirmed:
"That the report dated June
3, 2003 entitled "Request for Proposal for a Detailed Review of Corporate
Communications" be received and endorsed;
And that an upset limit for the
review be set at $20,000 (inclusive of GST) and be funded from the Organization
Development account #043 53505242005."
CARRIED
12. SKATEBOARD
PARK UPDATE - SOIL CONDITION (6.3)
Ms. Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open
Space Development, was in attendance and updated Committee on the condition of
the soil at the proposed skateboard park.
She advised that testing has determined that the soil contains fill that
would have to be re-engineered which would effect the original park design and
budgeted costs.
Moved by
Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That the verbal report of the Manager, Parks & Open Space
Development regarding the soil condition of the proposed skateboard park, and
its effect on the final design and costs, be received;
And that staff continue with the tender process for the skateboard
park;
And that the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to award the
contract, at his discretion.
CARRIED
13. CONTRACT
AWARD RFP 026 R03
MARKHAM CENTRE FINANCIAL
STRATEGY (7.12)
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That RFP
026-R-03 for a Financial Strategy for Markham Centre be awarded to the highest
ranked acceptable proponent P3 Advisors for a sum not to exceed the project
budget of $75,000.00, inclusive of 7% GST and disbursements ($72,196.26
inclusive of 3% GST and disbursements);
And that the
award be funded from Development Services 2002 Capital Project account
80-5399-4971-005 “Markham Centre Enterprise
Study”;
And that the
balance remaining in Development Services Capital Project accounts:
80-5399-4975-005 “Open Space Performance Measures” in the amount of $8,261.43;
80-5399-4977-005 “Transportation Performance Measures” in the amount of
$16,412.60 and 80-5399-3519-005 “Sciberras Road Study” in the amount of
$18,802.40 totalling $43,476.43 be transferred to account 80-5399-4971-005
“Markham Centre Enterprise Study”.
CARRIED
14. PARK
AND BOULEVARD MOWING STANDARDS (6.3)
Committee
raised concerns with the abundance of weeds on Town lawns, boulevards and
curbs, and suggested that enhanced trimming or extended cultural practices may
be necessary.
Moved by
Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the program to reduce the number of days between grass mowing in Parks from the
current 14 to 18 day intervals to a 12 to 14 day mowing interval, in the amount
of $150,000 be approved;
And
that the funding for the program to reduce the number of days between grass mowing
in Parks from the current 14 to 18 day intervals to a 12 to 14 day mowing
interval is provided for in the 2003 Operating accounts 730-7363015 in the
amount of $50,000, 730-7363010 in the amount of $30,000, and 750-7525500 in the
amount of $70,000;
And
that the program to increase the level of service for boulevard grass cutting
from 11 to 14 cuts per year, for both Town and Region roads, in the amount of
$66,000 be approved;
And
that the funding to increase the level of service for boulevard grass cutting
from 11 to 14 cuts per year, for both Town and Region roads, is provided for in
the 2003 Operating account 730-7305399;
And
that the Operations and Finance Departments solicit support from the Region of
York to provide financial assistance to cover the additional costs associated
with the increased level of service from 11 to 14 cuts annually on Region
boulevards;
And that staff be requested to report back, to the Community Services
& Environment Committee, with recommendations on ways to restore lawns in
Town parks, boulevards and other Town properties, including enhances trimming
and extended cultural practices.
CARRIED
15. BOULEVARD
MAINTENANCE ON REGIONAL ROADS (5.10)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the report entitled "Boulevard Maintenance on Regional Roads" be
received;
And
that Council direct the Operations Department to contract out the boulevard
maintenance on Regional roads;
And
that a program to collect and dispose of litter on Regional roads be approved,
subject to the Region of York providing full recovery of all of the costs
associated with this new service.
CARRIED
16. OUT
OF THE COLD PROGRAM (12.2.6)
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That Mayor D. Cousens
be authorized to communicate with the City of Toronto, Markham Council's strong
support of their "Out of the Cold Program";
And that the City of
Toronto also be requested to continue this very worthwhile program.
CARRIED
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other issues
considered by Finance & Administrative Committee on June 16, 2003:
17. CONTACT
CENTRE UPDATE (12.2)
Ms.
Janice Harrison, Manager, Contact Centre, gave a brief overview of the
operation of the Contact Centre, which opened on April 28, 2003. Ms. Rhonda Bosch, Consultant, presented
detailed statistical information on call volume, types of inquiries,
performance management, key performance indicators, business process improvements,
service enhancements, and potential services to be included in Phase II.
Committee
requested that staff provide the email address of the Contact Centre to all
Members of Council.
Moved by Mayor
D. Cousens
Seconded by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That
the verbal update of the activities of the Contact Centre by the Manager of the
Contact Centre and Consultant be received;
And that staff be congratulated and commended for their excellent work
in this project.
CARRIED
18. MINISTRY
OF CITIZENSHIP - 2003 ONTARIO MEDAL
FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP (13.2.10
& 12.2.6)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That
the letter from the Ministry of Citizenship, dated May 2003, requesting
nominations for the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship award for 2003 be
received and referred to Members of Council.
CARRIED
19. TOWN
OF WHITBY RESOLUTION - EROSION OF
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (13.5.2
& 12.0)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That
the letter and resolution from the Town of Whitby, dated May 27, 2003, with
respect to the municipality's objection to the potential erosion of municipal
council authority that is set out in the campaign platform recently released by
the Progressive Conservative Party, be received.
CARRIED
20. MUNICIPALITY
OF CENTRAL ELGIN - RESOLUTION -
CALLING OF PROVINCIAL/FEDERAL
ELECTIONS
WHEN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ARE
SCHEDULED (13.5.1 & 12.0)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That
the letter and resolution from the Municipality of Central Elgin, dated May 27,
2003, with respect to the municipality's suggestion that Provincial and Federal
elections not be called when Municipal elections are scheduled, be received.
CARRIED
21. CITY
OF TORONTO - RESOLUTION
MUNICIPAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
CORPORATION'S
(MPAC) FUTURES
PROGRAM (13.5.2 & 13.2)
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That
the letter and resolution from the City of Toronto, dated May 26, 2003,
respecting the Municipal Property Assessment Corporations' (MPAC)
"Futures" Program, be received.
CARRIED
22. SWAN
LAKE - PROPERTY TAX ISSUES (7.3)
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That the
presentation by the Treasurer and Director of Taxation with respect to property
tax issues in Swan Lake, be received.
CARRIED
--------------------------------------
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That
the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss a property matter. (2:40 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved
by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That
the Committee rise and report. (2:42 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss property matters. (3:25 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor J. Heath
That
the Committee rise and report. (4:00 p.m.)
CARRIED
------------------------------------
ADJOURNMENT
The Finance
& Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 4:00 p.m.