GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2005-03-21
Meeting No. 5
Finance & Administrative Issues Community
Services & Environment Issues
Chair: Councillor S. Daurio Chair:
Councillor A. Chiu
Vice Chair, Budget: Councillor
D. Horchik Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services:
Vice Chair, IT: Regional
Councillor B. O’Donnell Regional Councillor J. Heath
Vice
Chair, Recreation & Culture:
Transportation Issues Councillor J. Webster
Chair: K.
Usman Vice
Chair, Character Community:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Environment Issues:
Councillor E. Shapero
Attendance
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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. Bekking, Chief Training Officer
S. Birrell, Town Clerk
A. Brown, Director of Engineering
B. Cribbett, Treasurer
N. Daley, Client Services Advisor
N. Marchant, Labour Relations Advisor
C. Marsales, Manager, Waste Management
D. McClean, Fire Chief
A. Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation/
Engineering
B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor
and Council
B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture
Services
D. Smarrelli, Supervisor, Traffic Operations
W. Snowball, Deputy Fire Chief
P. Wealleans, Director, Taxation
B. Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and Licensing
A. Wolfe, Project Manager
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of
9:30 a.m. with Councillor K. Usman in the Chair.
At 10.30 a.m. Councillor K.
Usman vacated the Chair and Councillor S. Daurio assumed the Chair.
At 11:28 a.m. Councillor S.
Daurio vacated the Chair and Councillor K. Usman assumed the Chair.
At 11:30 a.m. Councillor K.
Usman vacated the Chair and Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed
1. 2005 TAX POLICY OPTIONS – TAX IMPACTS
(7.3) Report
Ms. B. Cribbett, Treasurer, briefly outlined the tax impacts of the
2005 tax policy options.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor K. Usman
That the following tax capping options be
adopted for properties in the commercial, industrial and multi-residential
classes for 2005 and future tax years:
1. Assessment related tax
increases be limited to an amount which is the greater of:
a. 10% of the prior year’s
annualized property taxes; or
b. 5% of the prior year’s
property tax at Current Value Assessment (CVA);
2. Properties for which tax
increases have been capped but are within $250 of their full
CVA tax, be moved to the CVA tax level;
3. Properties for which tax
decreases have been clawed back but are within $250 of their
full CVA taxes, be moved to their full CVA level of tax;
4. Eligible properties (new
construction/new to class) within the meaning of subsection
331 (20) of the Municipal Act, 2001,
be taxed at a minimum of:
a. 70% of their full CVA tax
value for the 2005 tax year;
b. 80% of their full CVA tax
value for the 2006 tax year;
c. 90% of their full CVA tax
value for the 2007 tax year;
d. 100% of their full CVA tax
value for the 2008 tax year and beyond;
And that these recommendations be forwarded
to the Regional Municipality of York;
And that the Province of Ontario be requested
to permit municipalities to exclude those properties in the multi-residential,
commercial and industrial classes that have reached their CVA level of tax from
future capping and clawback provisions.
CARRIED
2. FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
REQUEST FOR DEFERRAL OF
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
AND A REDUCED AND DEFERRED
CASH-IN-LIEU PARKLAND
CONTRIBUTION BY THE OLD
KENNEDY COOPERATION
DEVELOPMENT CORP. AT 90-108
OLD KENNEDY ROAD (7.11 & 10.7) Report
Mr. M. Boyce, Senior Project Coordinator,
presented an outline of the affordable housing strategy being proposed by the
Old Kennedy Cooperative. It was noted that staff recommend supporting the
initiative as a pilot project and that it is in line with existing Town policy.
Additionally, staff will seek to ensure that a substantial proportion of the
beneficiaries are York Region or Markham residents.
Ms. B. Cribbett, Treasurer, provided
information relating to the financial implications of Town support. The main
impacts will be a possible cash shortfall in the development charges reserve
fund, and a reduction in parkland dedications.
Ms. C. Conrad, Town Solicitor, briefly
outlined the legal implications of the proposed agreement.
In response to queries from the Committee,
Mr. M. Labbe, President, Options for Homes, provided detailed information on
the financial structure of the agreement, as well as some of the ownership
rules. It was noted that the majority of residents are expected to sell their
units within ten (10) years. It was stated that the 95% owner-occupancy rate of
the units tends to ensure that properties are maintained satisfactorily. The
Committee noted the importance of maintaining the units to an acceptable level.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Mayor Cousens
That the presentation by the Treasurer, the
Senior Project Coordinator and Mr. Charles Sutherland of “Options for Homes”
regarding financial incentives for affordable housing be received;
And that the March 21, 2005 staff report entitled “Financial Incentives
for Affordable Housing – Request for Deferral of Development Charges and a
Reduced and Deferred Cash-in-lieu of Parkland Contribution by the Old Kennedy
Co-operative Development Corp. at 90-108 Old Kennedy Road” be received;
And that Council authorize a conditional deferred payment of the Town
of Markham development charges (equivalent to town-wide hard and soft services
or approximately $700,000) and a reduced and deferred cash-in-lieu of parkland
contribution (equivalent to 5% of the land value or approximately $150,000),
(collectively, the “deferred charges”), estimated to be a total of
approximately $850,000 relating to the development of 135 dwelling units and 5
retail units at 90-108 Old Kennedy Road, as a pilot project financial incentive
in support of affordable homeownership housing in Markham;
And that the short-term borrowing for the deferred charges be provided
from the Corporate Rate Stabilization Reserve, if required, until such time as
the full deferred payment owed is paid from the Home Ownership Alternatives
Non-Profit Corporation;
And that the deferred charges be conditional on confirmation by the
Commissioner of Development Services that the proposed development at 90-108
Old Kennedy Road has received all necessary municipal approvals, and upon
meeting the criteria outlined in this report, to the satisfaction of the Town
Solicitor, the Commissioner of Development Services and the Commissioner of
Corporate Services.
And that the deferred charges also be conditional on the execution of
an agreement between the Old Kennedy Co-operative Development Corporation, the
Home Ownership Alternatives Non-Profit Corporation and the Town of Markham, to
secure the payment of deferred charges, to the satisfaction of the Town
Solicitor, the Commissioner of Development Services and the Commissioner of
Corporate Services including, but not limited to, the following provisions:
a)
that the Town of Markham’s contribution shall be combined with CMHC –
Ontario Affordable Housing Program Homeownership Pilot Program funding and
concentrated to provide funding assistance for a minimum of 25% or not less 34
of the dwelling units in the development (the “funded units”);
b)
that the purchasers of the funded units only be eligible if:
i)
their household income is less than or equal to the 40th percentile of household incomes for Markham;
and
ii) for not less than 30% of the funded units,
the purchaser’s household income is less than
or equal to the 30th
percentile of household incomes for Markham;
c)
that the funded units include a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom stacked garden
apartments and 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses to ensure affordable homeownership
opportunities are provided to both individuals and families;
d)
that for the funded units at least 75% of the purchasers live or work in
the Region of York, and at least 37.5% live or work in the Town of Markham, at the date the unit purchase
agreement is executed;
e)
that the Old Kennedy Cooperative Development Corporation be required to
submit a letter of credit, to the satisfaction of the Town’s Treasurer, to
secure the delivery of the funded units in accordance with the above provisions
and that the letter of credit be reduced accordingly once the Town is satisfied
that each of the funded units and the purchasers have met the eligibility
criteria;
f)
that payment of the deferred charges, plus applicable interest or
appreciation, to the Town be secured as follows:
-
Proceeds of the resale of each funded unit will be remitted to the Town
annually; and, in any event, the Home Ownership Alternatives Non-Profit
Corporation will pay 90% of the deferred charges within 15 years of the
condominium registration and 100% of the deferred charges within 20 years of
the condominium registration;
g)
that the Home Ownership Alternatives Non-Profit Corporation agree to
apply the proceeds of the shared appreciation of their deferred deposit
mortgages registered on all units of the
development to fund further Home Ownership Alternatives non-profit
housing developments, preferably in
Markham and/or other municipalities in
York Region, in accordance with their Declaration of Trust; and
h)
that the Home Ownership Alternatives Non-Profit Corporation will act
responsibly in administering any second mortgage related to the deferred
charges, and failing to do so or in the event that the Home Ownership
Alternatives Non-Profit Corporation ceases to exist, said second mortgage shall
be forthwith transferred to the Town of Markham as it relates to the payment of
the deferred charges.
And that the payment of deferred charges also be conditional on the Old
Kennedy Co-operative Development Corporation providing written confirmation,
that a CMHC - Ontario Affordable Housing Program Homeownership Pilot Project
funding allocation of not less $810,000 is available to apply towards the
funded units, to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner of Development Services and Commissioner of Corporate
Services;
And that in the event that the full CMHC – Ontario Affordable Housing
Program Homeownership Pilot Project funding allocation is not made available by
the Province that the Town of Markham’s contribution be reduced in an
equivalent manner;
And that the Province be requested to amend the provincial eligibility
requirements relating to the cost price of the dwelling units and the selection
of eligible purchasers in Markham, to permit the full funding allocation of
$810,000 to be used and to demonstrate the Province’s commitment to partnering
with municipal governments in support of affordable home ownership development
in Markham and York Region;
And that the Region of York be requested to make a similar contribution
respecting deferral of Regional development charges for this affordable home
ownership pilot project to demonstrate the Region’s commitment to partnering
with senior and local municipal levels of government in support of affordable home ownership development in
Markham and York Region;
And that the Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this report to the
Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, York Region MPPs and the Region of
York.
CARRIED
3. AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO DATA USE
LICENCE
AGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES (7.13 & 8.2) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled “Authorization to
Enter into Data Use Licence Agreements with Government Agencies” be received;
And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to
enter into a data use licence agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing to obtain digital mapping of the Greenbelt Plan, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to
enter into future data use licence agreements with government agencies, as
outlined in the report, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and the
Commissioner of Development Services.
CARRIED
4. TENDER AWARD #003-T-05 CULVERT REPAIRS
ON ELGIN MILLS ROAD EAST AND
DENISON STREET (5.10 & 7.12.2) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled “Tender Award
#003-T-05 Culvert Repairs on Elgin Mills Road East and Denison Street” be
received;
And that the contract for tender #003-T-05
Culvert Repairs on Elgin Mills Road East and Denison Street be awarded to the
lowest priced bidder, Gatbridge Contracting Ltd. in the amount of $463,935
exclusive of GST;
And that funds are provided for in Capital
Works, ROW 2002 Capital Budget Account #65 5350 4872 005 Bridges and Culverts
Rehabilitation in the amount of $507,160;
And that the balance of $43,225 less the
committed amount of $8,022, leaving a remaining balance of $35,203 will be used
as a contingency for this project, the use of which will be guided by the
Expenditure Control Policy.
CARRIED
5. HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION
INFORMATION REPORT (7.3 &
16.11) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the Heritage Property Tax Reduction
Program – Information Report, dated March 21, 2005, be received as information;
And that the Region of York be requested to
reconsider its participation in municipal heritage tax relief programs and that
the Markham Regional Councillors raise this issue at Regional Council at the
earliest opportunity.
CARRIED
6. NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY
(2.10) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That Council approve an exemption to the
Town’s Noise By-law 2003-137 to permit amplified music from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00
a.m. on June 10th and 11th, 2005 at the Markham Museum.
CARRIED
7. RFP #082-R-04 - TOWN OF MARKHAM
PARKING SOFTWARE (7.12 &
2.17) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report dated Monday, March 21, 2005 entitled “RFP #082-R-04 –
Town of Markham Parking Software” be received;
And that the contract for the acquisition and implementation of Parking
Management Software be awarded to ParkSmart, Inc. in the amount of $198,831.21
inclusive of 8% PST from the 2005 ITS capital budget.
And that funding be provided from the 2005 ITS Capital budget account
#49-5350-6764-005 ($258,000.00 set aside for this project).
CARRIED
8. A NEW BY-LAW TO REGULATE SPECIAL SALES
WITHIN THE TOWN OF MARKHAM
(2.22) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That a new by-law be enacted to regulate
Special Sales within the Town of Markham;
And that By-Law 2002-284 (A By-Law to
Establish License Fees for the Town of Markham) be amended to include a $500.00
fee for an initial license and a $250.00 fee for a repeat license to recover
costs for the processing of Special Sale licenses;
And that the existing By-Law 2001-38 (A
By-Law to License and Regulate Special Sales and Persons Conducting Special
Sales) and By-Law 2001-39 (A By-Law to provide for the licensing of Transient
Traders) each be repealed.
CARRIED
9. AMENDMENT OF BY-LAW 277-97
(FENCE BY-LAW) (2.19) Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That By-Law No. 277-97, “A By-Law for
Prescribing the Height and Description of Lawful Fences in the Town of Markham
and for Determining How the Cost of Division Fences Shall be Apportioned”, be
amended to require swimming pool enclosures to conform to the regulations
contained in the Fence By-Law.
CARRIED
10. PROPOSED TENDERING OF THE CENTENNIAL
COMMUNITY CENTRE EXPANSION AND
INDOOR BOCCE COURTS (7.12
& 6.6) Report
There was detailed discussion relating to the agreement of funding of
the bocce courts. The Committee requested that the agreement be brought to
Committee for further review before being executed. It was noted that the club
is satisified with the proposed financial arrangements but that the courts will
be constructed to enable alternative uses in the event that the bocce courts
are not viable in the future.
Additionally, staff agreed to consider the feasibility of moving
forward the opening of the Community Centre to October, 2006.
**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That this report entitled “Proposed Tendering
of the Centennial Community Centre Expansion and Indoor Bocce Courts” be
received;
And that Indoor Bocce Courts be included as
part of the Centennial Community Centre Expansion project;
And that the
complete agreement between the Town of Markham and the Markham Bocce
Association be presented for approval at a future meeting of the General
Committee prior to its execution;
And that Council approve tendering the
Centennial Community Centre Expansion and Indoor Bocce Courts project;
And further that an extensive green roof on
the swimming pool roof be included as a separate item in the tender for the
Centennial Community Centre Expansion and that the decision to include the
green roof in the project be deferred until the tender award.
**Amended by Council on March 29, 2005 to
defer and refer the matter back to staff to allow further discussion of the
various options with Council within the next two weeks.
11. REPORT ON FUNDING REQUEST FOR A SOLAR
THERMAL
DISTRICT ENERGY FEASIBILITY
STUDY (5.7 & 5.0) Report
Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the staff report entitled “Report on
Funding Request for a Solar Thermal District Energy Feasibility Study” dated
March 21, 2005 be received;
And that an application for funding be made
to the Green Municipal Fund on behalf of the Town of Markham by Science
Applications International Corporation Canada for a Solar Thermal District
Energy Feasibility Study, as described in this report;
And that funding be approved to an upset
limit of $25,000 from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund to cover
the Town’s share of the cost of preparing the feasibility study;
And that the Town’s contribution to the cost
of preparing the study be conditional on Times Group Corp. contributing
matching funds (25% of the cost of the study);
And that the Town of Markham Environmental
Sustainability Fund be reimbursed for the study cost by Markham Energy
Conservation Office if Powerstream approves the Thermal Storage and Fuel
Switching Pilot.
CARRIED
12. PURCHASE OF SPONSORSHIPS – 4TH
ANNUAL
TARTAN GALA – FRIDAY, APRIL
15, 2005 (12.2.6) Report
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That tickets be purchased for Councillors
wishing to attend the York Regional Police Pipes & Drums 4th
Annual Tartan Gala to be held at the Renaissance Parque Dining, Banquet &
Convention Centre on Friday, April 15, 2005.
Charges to account #840 8415840.
CARRIED
13. AMENDMENT
TO BY-LAW 32-95 TO REMOVE
PLASTIC BAGS AS APPROVED CONTAINERS
FOR RESIDENTIAL LEAF AND YARDWASTE (5.7)
Report By-law
There was discussion surrounding possible confusion amongst waste
collection drivers as to what waste is appropriate for pickup. Additionally,
the Committee noted that there should be additional scheduled collections of
yard waste in the fall. Staff noted that Miller Waste has access to the CARE
system and is able to view residents’ complaints regarding inconsistent
pickups. Staff also agreed to provide communication to residents informing them
of what type of waste is eligible for pickup, as well as the schedule for two
(2) additional fall pickups. Staff also agreed to provide residents with
information on how to recycle wood waste.
Staff advised that, in order to allow for initial confusion amongst
residents, it may be appropriate to provide an amnesty week where waste in
incorrect bags will be picked up but an education leaflet will be left behind
to inform residents of the correct process.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the report entitled “Amendment
to By-Law 32-95 to Remove Plastic Bags as Approved Containers for Residential
Leaf and Yardwaste” be received;
And that By-law 32-95, as amended, be further amended as follows:
By deleting Part II, Subsection 4(e) and replacing it with the
following:
4. (e) yard materials shall be
placed out, unmixed with any other refuse, in Kraft paper bags specifically
designed for the curbside collection of yard materials or in reusable, rigid,
tapered containers, such as bushel baskets and refuse containers. Twigs and branches shall be less than 15cm (6
inches) in diameter and tied using a non-ferrous material in bundles no longer
than 1.2m (4 feet) in length;
And that the current
residential leaf and yard material collection schedule remain every other week
from April to November in 2005;
And that staff monitor leaf
and yard material collection operations in 2005;
And further
that the Region of York be requested to provide a temporary “plastic bag
amnesty” in the month of October 2005 when plastic bags could be used for the
collection of residential leaf and yard material.
CARRIED
14. WEST NILE VIRUS 2004 UPDATE AND 2005
ACTION PLAN (5.7) Report
The Committee suggested that York Region and
CN Rail be consulted in order to ensure that the West Nile program in rail
corridors is carried out more smoothly than in the past.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the staff report titled “West Nile
Virus 2004 Update and 2005 Action Plan”, dated March 21, 2005, be
received;
And
that the Town of Markham continue to support the Region of York, Health
Services Department in their activities to control of the West Nile Virus in
2005, in promoting education and reducing, where appropriate, standing water on
public property;
And
that the Town of Markham continue to work in partnership with the Region of
York in 2005, to communicate and distribute information about the West Nile
Virus;
And
that staff be authorized to continue working with the Region of York Health
Services Department by participating in the meetings of the West Nile Virus
Control Committee;
And
that the Town of Markham website continue to include a link to the Region of
York Health Services Department;
And
that the Town of Markham Internet and Intranet sites be updated, when
appropriate, with current, factual information about the West Nile Virus and
how the general public can protect themselves from exposure;
And
that staff erect 20 additional bat houses on Town lands in appropriate
locations in an effort to naturally reduce mosquito populations;
And
further that, Council approve funding in the
amount of $95,000 to cover the cost of:
·
One 150-day employee dedicated to surveillance activities, database
production, communications and reduction of standing water on Town property,
from April to October 2005, at a cost of up to $25,000 (including fringe
benefits and overhead);
·
One 150-day By-Law Enforcement Officer
dedicated to enforcement of the Standing Water By-Law, from April to September
2005, at a cost of up to $20,000 (including fringe benefits and overhead).
·
Up to $50,000 for: a high-pressure flusher
truck as an enhanced approach to reducing mosquito breeding in those areas
without catch basins; installation of bat boxes at appropriate Town-owned
properties; additional windmill powered aerators, as warranted; establish a
pilot project introducing fathead minnows in storm water management ponds; and,
continuation of the catch basin screening initiative.
CARRIED
15. RESOLUTION – ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ACCESSIBILITY: MARCH 16, 2005
(16.9)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the following resolution from the Advisory Committee on
Accessibility on March 16, 2005, be adopted;
“That up to four members of the Markham Advisory Committee on
Accessibility be authorized to attend the “Creating Accessible Communities”
workshop to be held on Wednesday, April 27th in the Town of
Markham’s Canada Room at a cost of $40.00 per person to be paid from the 2005 Corporate
Contingency account number 840-841-7849.”
CARRIED
16. THREE-STREAM
PHASE TWO IMPLEMENTATION
UPDATE (5.1) Report
The Committee stressed the importance of
ensuring that the Regional Councillors are familiar with the implementation of
Three-Stream Phase 2 in order to encourage the support and participation of
York Region.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled “3-Stream Phase 2
Implementation Update” be received;
And that Phase Two of Markham’s 3-Stream
collection system be implemented Town wide on Monday July 04, 2005 to
approximately 55,000 single-family homes;
And that the cost to transfer and process
organics (SSO) for the months of July and August 2005 be shared equally between
Markham and the Region of York to an upset limit of $77,300;
And that the cost be funded from additional
revenue to be received from the WDO in excess of the budgeted amount in Waste
Management Provincial Grants and Subsidy Operating Account #770-772-8350;
And further that the Region be requested to
approve Markham’s implementation plan as outlined in this report, at the March
31, 2005 meeting of Regional Council.
CARRIED
17. ANNUAL
WATER QUALITY REPORT (5.3) Report 1
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the Annual
Summary Report to Council as required by Schedule 22 of Ontario
Regulation 170/03 enclosed herein be received;
And that the Annual
Summary Report to MOE (Attachment “A”), comprised of Parts I, II
& III-Form 2, III-Form 6 for the Ministry of the Environment on water
supply and quality as required by Section 11 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 be
received;
And that Council directs staff to post the Annual Regulatory Report to MOE on the
Town’s website and that it be made available to residents in hard copy version.
18. FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT: PROJECT
OVERVIEW AND UPDATE (3.0) Presentation
Ms. N. Daley, Client Services Advisor,
briefly outlined the firefighter recruitment project. It was noted that 1,400
applicants had been processed through six (6) examination sessions. Ms. Daley
recognized the contributions of Ms. I. Chen, Publications Coordinator, Ms. C.
Dimpfel, Customer Service Representative, Ms. F. Lee, Web Administrator, Mr. J.
Swan, Client Advisor, Mr. S. Rao, Manager, Technology, Ms. D. Reeves, Administrative
Assistant, Ms. L. Sillito, Part Time Clerk, Recreation and Culture Services,
Ms. E. Uffren, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, and Ms. L. Wells, Manager,
Programs.
Mr. M. Bekking, Chief Training Officer,
advised that the project was completed on time and within the budget. It was
stated that development of a web-based job application program reduced costs by
reducing both the volume of calls to the contact centre and the number of
information manuals produced.
There was discussion surrounding diversity
amongst applicants. Staff noted that an optional equity survey was distributed
but that the number of respondents was not statistically significant. It was
stated that a community outreach program was carried out, with advertisements
placed in fourteen (14) ethnic publications. Additionally, the interview panel
do favourably consider those applicants best reflecting the community. The
Committee suggested that the Markham Race Relations Committee be consulted on
future recruitment drives.
**Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the presentation by Mr. M. Bekking and
Ms. N. Daley regarding a Firefighter Recruitment Project Overview and Update,
be received;
And that, without compromising
the current level of excellence in the Fire Department, priority in the
firefighter recruitment process be given to those applicants best reflecting
the local community.
**Amended by Council on March 29, 2005 to
delete paragraph 2 and replace with the following:
“And that, without compromising
the current level of excellence in the Fire Department, priority in the
firefighter recruitment process be given to those applicants best reflecting
the diversity of Markham’s local community.”
19. REESOR
ROAD AT CAMP ROBIN HOOD
SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE (5.12) Report
1 2 3 4 By-law
Mr. J. Feldman, Torkin Manes Cohen Arbus,
presented information relating to the bus loading zone on Reesor Road at Camp
Robin Hood. He noted that the zone is only in use for thirty (30) minutes per
day during the camp season. Staff considered the use of the zone to be a
potential traffic hazard but Mr. Feldman advised there has not been an accident
in the forty (40) years the camp has been in operation. Three (3) alternative
options have been put forward by staff but were rejected by the camp due to
operational or financial reasons.
The Committee sought clarification on some minor points and were
advised that discussions to resolve the matter have been ongoing since August
2004. Mr. L. Bell, Senior Director, Camp Robin Hood, provided additional
detail.
**Moved by Mayor Cousens
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the deputations by Mr. J. Feldman,
Torkin Manes Cohen Arbus, and Mr. L. Bell, Senior Director, Camp Robin Hood,
regarding the school bus loading zone on Reesor Road at Camp Robin Hood be
received;
And that Schedule 21 of By-law 106-71
pertaining to school bus loading zones be amended to rescind the By-law 209-84
provisions for Reesor Road at Camp Robin Hood;
And that Management at Camp Robin Hood be
advised that the bus loading zone on Reesor Road will not be permitted starting
with the 2005 camp season;
And that the Operations and Asset Management
Department be directed to remove the existing Bus Loading Zone signs upon
approval of the attached by-law.
**Amended by Council on March 29, 2005 to
defer and refer the matter back to staff for further discussions of options
with the camp and that staff report back at the April 18, 2005 General
Committee meeting.
20. EUREKA STREET PARKING PROHIBITION
(5.12.4) Report 1 By-law
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That Schedule 2 of Parking By-law 336-88
pertaining to “Parking for a Restricted Period” be amended as it relates to
Eureka Avenue;
And that the necessary amending by-law be
approved;
And that the Operations and Asset Management
Department be directed to install the appropriate signs upon approval of the
amending by-law;
And that the Parking Control Department be directed
to enforce the amending by-laws.
CARRIED
21. BUR OAK AVENUE AND COUNTRY RIDGE DRIVE
ALL WAY STOP CONTROL
(5.12.3) Report By-law
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That Schedule 12 of Traffic By-law 106-71 for an all way stop control
be amended to include the intersection of Bur Oak Avenue and Country Ridge
Drive and that the necessary by-law be approved;
And that the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to
install and maintain the appropriate signs upon approval of the amending
by-law;
And that the York Regional Police be requested to enforce the all way
stop control upon installation of these signs.
CARRIED
------------------------------------------------------------
Other matters
considered by General Committee at its meeting held on March 21, 2004
22. SUMMARY OF 2004 REMUNERATION AND
EXPENSES FOR COUNCILLORS AND
APPOINTEES TO
BOARDS AND OTHER BODIES FOR
THE PERIOD
JANUARY 01, 2004 TO DECEMBER
31, 2004 (16.23 & 11.0) Report 1 2
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That Council receive for information the
March 21, 2005 report entitled “Summary of 2004 Remuneration & Expenses for
Councillors and Appointees to Boards and Other Bodies for the period January
01, 2004 to December 31, 2004”.
CARRIED
23. 2003 ELECTION CONTRIBUTION REBATE PROGRAM
(14.0) Report
It was noted that the original cost estimate
of the 2003 election contribution rebate program was $45,000 but that the final
cost was $150,000. The Committee was concerned with non-residents and family
members being eligible for rebates. Additionally, there was a query as to how
the rebate program relates to fundraising activities.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That Council receive the Election Contribution
Rebate Program report dated March 21, 2005;
And that staff clarify the application of the
rebate program to fundraising activities;
And that staff further review the policy as
it relates to rebates for non-residents and family members.
CARRIED
24. YOUTH SERVICES STRATEGIC
THREE YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
(3.0) Presentation
Mr. G. Dycke, Community Resource Coordinator briefly outlined the Youth
Services Strategic Three Year Implementation Plan. The Committee recognized the
work of Mr. Dycke, Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services, and
Ms. L. Wells, Manager, Programs, in creating the plan.
Moved by Mayor Cousens
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the presentation by Mr. G. Dyke
regarding a Youth Services Strategic Three Year Implementation Plan, be
received.
CARRIED
25. MINUTES – MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS
COMMITTEE: MARCH 7, 2005
(16.10) Minutes
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the minutes of the Markham Race
Relations Committee meetings on March 7, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
26. MINUTES – ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ACCESSIBILITY:
FEBRUARY 16, 2005 (16.9) Minutes
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the minutes of the Advisory Committee on
Accessibility meeting held on February 16, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
27. MINUTES – MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE:
JANUARY 27 AND FEBRUARY 24,
2005 (16.28) Jan. Feb.
It was noted that a report on the proposed
Pesticide By-law will be forthcoming to a future meeting of General Committee.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the minutes of the Markham Conservation
Committee held on January 27, 2005 and February 24, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
28. MINUTES – VARLEY-McKAY ART FOUNDATION
OF MARKHAM: FEBRUARY 28, 2005
(6.12) Minutes
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the minutes of the Varley-McKay Art
Foundation of Markham meeting on February 28, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
29. MINUTES – ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
COMMITTEE: FEBRUARY 24, 2005
(16.34) Minutes
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the minutes of the Environmental Issues
Committee meeting on February 24, 2005, be received.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned
at the hour of 12:15 p.m.