GENERAL COMMITTEE
Finance & Administrative
Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation
Issues
Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Reg. Councillor G.
Landon
Chair:
Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke Environment
& Sustainability Issues
Chair:
Councillor E.
Shapero
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief
Administrative Officer
C. Conrad, Town
Solicitor
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell, Town
Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services
A. Brown, Director,
Engineering
P. Wealleans,
Director, Revenues
J. Lustig, Director
of Financial and Client Services
P. Loukes, Director,
Operations
L. Kitteringham,
Deputy Town Clerk
M. VanBerkum,
Assistant Town Solicitor
L. Valentini,
Assistant Town Solicitor
B. Boxma, Assistant
Town Solicitor
B. Wiles, Manager,
By-Law Enforcement & Licensing
C. Marsales,
Manager, Waste Management
G. Dick, Chief Fire
Prevention Officer
R. Mino, Fire
Prevention Officer
B. Nanninga, Exec.
Assistant to Mayor and Council
J. Kee, Committee
Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor
J. Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor E.
Shapero assumed the Chair at 11:00 a.m.
Councillor J. Virgilio assumed the Chair at 12:10 p.m.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None declared.
1. FIREWORKS BY-LAW (2.3)
Ms. Sara
Greiner, owner of All Star Fireworks, was in attendance and spoke in opposition
to the Town permitting street/mobile vendors selling fireworks. A letter dated May 7, 2007 from the President
of the Korean Businessmen Association of Markham and Richmond Hill was
presented advising of their strong opposition to transient vendors.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the presentation of Ms. Sara Greiner,
owner of All Star Fireworks, be received;
And the letter dated May 7, 2007 from the President of the Korean Businessmen Association of
Markham and Richmond Hill, be received.
CARRIED
2. YORK REGION INCLUSIVITY ACTION PLAN (13.4)
Presentation
Ms. Janet Rurak, Project
Manager, York Region Inclusivity Action Plan, and Ms. Pat Cousins, Chief
Executive Officer, York Region Neighbourhood Services, were in attendance and
presented information on York Region’s Inclusivity Action Plan, which is an
initiative to welcome and integrate immigrants into the community, and
specifically to guide and support immigrants through the maze of information
and resources in York Region. Members
were advised that a new Welcome Centre is being located in the City of Vaughan,
and members of its Working Group were introduced to Committee.
Core immigrant
services will include: settlement and integration services; language training;
accreditation and qualifications assistance; and employment support. It was noted that the Vaughan location is the
first of up to five Welcome Centres being planned throughout York Region within
the next five years.
Congratulations
were extended to those involved in the Inclusivity Action Plan of the York
Region Human Services Planning Coalition for this initiative, and it was
suggested that Regional staff may wish to provide an overview of the whole inclusivity
program in the future.
3. CANADIAN SPORTS INSTITUTE (6.4)
Presentation
Mr. A. Seabrooke,
Director, Strategic Services, provided an update on the Canadian Sports
Institute Feasibility Study, which is an initiative to establish a Canadian
Sports Institute facility for major multi-sport training and competition,
combining community use and high performance athletes in one complex.
The Presentation
provided details relating to: site location; needs assessment; an overview of
the proposed facility components; capital cost; projected operating pro-forma;
specific site considerations; results of the traffic impact study; parking
requirements; results of the economic impact analysis; correlations with
Recreation Master Plan; Markham’s proposed community use of CSIO; and next
steps.
Committee raised the matter of “accessibility” within the facility, and
it was suggested that staff involve representatives of the Town’s Accessibility
Committee in the planning process. Other
matters discussed, included: on-street parking; use of facilities by community
sports groups; feasibility of an indoor soccer complex; expansion capabilities;
co-operative use of adjacent high school facilities; partnership with GO
Transit; future plans for a 5-star hotel and convention centre; synergy
relating to environmental issues and energy conservation; and the use of solar
and thermal power.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the update
provided by the Director, Strategic Services regarding the Canadian Sports
Institute, be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES OF THE MAY 7 AND MAY 14,
2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
(16.0)
May
7 May
14
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the minutes from the May 7 and May 14,
2007 General Committee meetings be confirmed.
CARRIED
5. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 2, 2007
MEETING OF THE MARKHAM
RACE
RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the minutes from the April 2, 2007
meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee be confirmed;
And that the
following recommendation by the Markham Race Relations Committee at its April
2, 2007 meeting be received and referred
to the Chief Administrative Officer to explore options available and report
back to General Committee:
“That
the Town of Markham create a consistent policy regarding excluding the display
of religious symbols on Town property”
CARRIED
6. MINUTES
OF THE APRIL 16, 2007 MEETING OF THE CANADA DAY
COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the minutes from the April 16, 2007
meeting of the Canada Day Committee be confirmed.
CARRIED
7. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD
APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the
resignation of Mr. Robert Bowman from the Animal Services Committee be accepted;
And that the resignation of Ms. Carina
Mahendrarajah from the Markham Race Relations Committee be accepted with
regret, and a letter of appreciation be forwarded.
CARRIED
8. STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH
OF APRIL 2007 (7.12)
Report 1
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the report entitled “Staff Awarded
Contracts for the Month of April 2007” be received.
CARRIED
9. DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY – MPAC
AGREEMENTS (7.1)
Report
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the report entitled, “Delegation of
Signing Authority – MPAC Agreements” be received;
And that the Treasurer and/or the Director of
Taxation be authorized to sign the annual municipal licence agreement on behalf
of The Corporation of the Town of Markham with the Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC), and beginning in 2008, the proposed perpetual
licence agreements as well as supplementary and omitted assessment Product Use
Sheet agreements required to be signed prior to receipt of every supplementary
or omitted assessment roll;
And that staff be authorized to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
10. FIREWORKS BY-LAW (2.3)
Report
The Town
Clerk advised that a public information meeting had been held in January of
2007 to obtain input and the report Committee had before it contained amended
by-law regulations that addressed identified concerns. Mr. R. Mino, Fire Prevention Officer, was in attendance and responded to
questions relating to Fire Code requirements.
Committee raised and
discussed the following matters:
- feasibility of restricting mobile vendors
to not-for-profit and charitable groups only
- further review of regulations relating to
mobile vendors
- requirement relating to the return of unsold
fireworks to manufacturer – should return to original distributor instead?
- written consent should be required from
landlords that they have given permission for vendors to use their
property
- concern that temporary occupancies within
buildings do not meet Fire & Building Codes; and are difficult to
regulate
- distinguish between various categories and
sizes of fireworks
- suggestion that all persons selling
fireworks must attend and complete the fireworks training and information
seminar
- feasibility of charitable organizations
receiving a discount when purchasing a license/permit to sell fireworks
- that staff attempt to secure information
on the amount of funds raised through fireworks sales by charitable
organizations
- suggestion that Town limit number of
licenses/permits issued, similar to taxi owners; a possible preferential
system for Markham residents;
- suggestion that a cap be placed on the number
of licenses/permits
- feasibility of separation distance based
on competition; consider locational restrictions; increase distance
separation
- suggestion that a map be prepared
indicating vendor locations
- conduct a review of standards relating to
safety of mobile locations (concerns with heat of building, absence of
sprinklers and/or alarm systems)
- suggestion that the allowable age of a
person discharging fireworks be raised above 18
- concern regarding the lack of protection
of businesses
- clarification requested regarding the
zoning of the property where fireworks are sold
It was
generally agreed that due to the number of issues that required further study
and clarification, that the matter be deferred and referred back to staff for
further report in the fall.
Moved by
Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded
by Councillor V. Burke
That the report dated May 10, 2007, entitled
“Fireworks By-law” and the staff recommendations therein, be deferred and
referred back to staff;
And that staff be requested to further review
the regulations relating to fireworks mobile vendors and to consider and
examine all other issues raised this date, and report back to General Committee
in the fall of 2007.
CARRIED
11. PLACES OF AMUSEMENT PINBALL AND VIDEO GAMES
ROOMS BY-LAW AMENDMENTS (2.0)
D. Barker, Ext. 2128
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That By-law 2002-289, “A By-law to provide for the Regulating and
Licensing of Places of Amusement – Pinball and Video Games Rooms” be amended
to:
- Adjust hours of operation to require midnight
closing versus the current 11 PM and to allow businesses to operate during
school hours;
- Require supervision of youths under 16 years,
during school hours and after 9 p.m.;
- Remove redundant sections, now regulated under
other legislation (i.e. Fire Code);
- Create two classes of licenses, Class A for
establishments with four or more machines and Class B for establishments
with three or less;
- Provide requirements to prevent nuisances;
- Require a designated operator be on duty at all
times at each establishment;
- Add a process for the refusal to issue and renew
licences, and an appeal process; and
- All other necessary housekeeping amendments.
That By-law 2002-284, “A By-law to establish Licence Fees” be
amended to establish new licence fees for Class A and Class B Places of
Amusement;
That an application for an Order and a schedule of set fines
pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act and the rules for the Ontario Court of
Justice be made;
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary
to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
12. DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE
COMMITTEE – RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR
SHAPERO (16.24)
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That the resignation of Councillor E. Shapero
from the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Committee, due to scheduling
conflicts, be received with regret.
CARRIED
13. MARKHAM ASSOCIATION OF TOWNHOME CONDOMINIUM
OWNERS (MATCO) – ESSENTIAL SERVIES (3.7)
P.
Wealleans, Ext. 4734
Report 1
Mr. Paul
Wealleans, Director, Revenues, advised that the staff report is in response to
a presentation given by representatives of the Markham Association of Townhome
Condominium Owners requesting that a task group be established to review the
issue of services provided by the Town to owners of residential properties. Members were reminded that condominiums are on
privately owned lands and owners agree to be responsible, both financially and
otherwise, for the provision of certain services as stated in their
agreements/declarations required under the Condominium Act, 1998.
Committee
raised and discussed the following issues:
- fairness and services for all
- suggestion to search for
“middle ground”; meet with MATCO in a working group
- potential increase in tax
rate affecting all Markham property owners
- establish terms of reference
of a working group
- it is a Provincial issue, but
Town could advocate some issues to the Province
- options should be
investigated and explored
- potential for
business/commercial property owners (i.e. shopping malls) to request
similar treatment
Moved by Councillor
J. Webster
Seconded
by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the
report dated May 28, 2007 entitled “Markham Association of Townhome Condominium
Owners (MATCO) – Essential Services” be received;
And that the establishment of a working group
be approved in principle to review issues and options available relating to the
request of the Markham Association of Townhome Condominium Owners;
And that staff be requested to prepare terms
of reference for the working group to review any issues the Town of Markham
could act as advocate for at the Provincial level.
CARRIED
14. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ON
THE
STAFF APPRECIATION DAY COMMITTEE (12.0)
Committee
requested that staff ensure that Staff Appreciation Day for 2007 is not
scheduled on a Development Services Committee meeting day, to provide an
opportunity for Members of Council to attend.
Moved by
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That Councillor C. Moretti be appointed as
the Council representative on the Staff Appreciation Day Committee for 2007.
CARRIED
15. WEDDING PHOTO PERMIT
PARKS SIGNAGE (2.0, 6.3)
As staff
required additional time to prepare sample signs, it was suggested that the
matter be deferred.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded
by Councillor E. Shapero
That the
matter of parks signage for wedding photo permits be deferred.
CARRIED
16. MARKHAM ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE (MECO)
YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT (5.7)
Report 1 2 3 Presentation
Ms. Viive Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy
Conservation Office, gave a presentation providing an update on the programs
and activities undertaken by MECO over the last year.
Members expressed appreciation to Ms. Sawler
for her leadership and contributions to the energy conservation programs
throughout the Town.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the report entitled, “Markham Energy
Conservation Office (MECO) – Year in Review Report” dated March 9, 2007, be
received for information.
CARRIED
17. YORK DURHAM ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY (5.7)
Presentation
Mr. Peter Loukes, Director, Operations, presented
detailed information relating to the York/Durham Environmental Assessment (EA)
study, including: issues under consideration by York Region Council; potential
amount of residue; the Dongara facility in Vaughan; landfill opportunity at
Green Lane; disposal cost comparisons; and put or pay landfill vs incineration.
Staff presented a draft resolution for
Committee’s consideration.
Committee discussed the following matters:
- identified 5 sites: 4 sites in Clarington and 1 site in East
Gwillimbury
- concern raised regarding methane emissions; air quality; odours
- stabilization of landfill suggested
- importance of improvement of education programs for residents
- feasibility of extending contract with Green Lane
- more stringent diversion programs and environmental
considerations required
Some concern was raised with respect to
certain aspects of the proposal, and Members discussed suggested amendments and
changes to the staff resolution relating to waste diversion strategy and
population based programs. It was also
suggested that the “whereas” clauses in the proposed resolution be removed.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the following amendments to the proposed resolution be referred to
staff;
That the Region of York adopt a “zero percent”
waste diversion strategy with a goal of 75% by 2011 and “zero percent” waste by
2030;
And that the Region of York be advised that the
Town of Markham does not support the financial model based on population, due to
our stated goal of the rates of diversion;
And that staff be requested to comment and report on
these and other relative matters relating to the proposal, including financial
considerations, before the Region of York deals with this matter on June 16,
2007.
CARRIED
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
That the “whereas” clauses in the draft resolution, as presented, be
excluded.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That Markham supports York Region’s plan to secure long term disposal capacity (in
concert with Durham or other potential partners) for waste residue;
And that prior to
finalizing any tonnage ‘put or pay’ commitments for the proposed incinerator,
the Region of York be requested to prepare a detailed financial analysis
containing cost comparisons of all waste management
options including incineration, existing Ontario landfills (public and private)
and the potential for a second pellet manufacturing facility located in York
Region for the long term disposal of waste residue;
And that a financial
consultant independent of the EA study process be retained to prepare the
financial analysis;
And that a copy of this Report be
forwarded to York Region, Durham Region, and each of the Area Municipalities in
the Regions of York and Durham.
CARRIED
18.
2007 SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS (13.2)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter dated April, 2007 from The
Honourable J. Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors, regarding the 2007
Senior Achievement Awards be received.
CARRIED
19. OMERS
2006 ANNUAL REPORT (5.7)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter dated April 26, 2007 from Mr.
D. Kingston, Chair, OMERS Board, to Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, regarding the
2006 OMERS annual report, be received.
CARRIED
20. ANGUS
GLEN GOLF CLUB – DRAFT PESTICIDE BY-LAW (5.7)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter dated April 18, 2007 from Mr.
K. Thistle, President, Angus Glen Golf Club to Mayor F. Scarpitti, expressing
concerns regarding General Committee’s recommendation to draft a By-Law
regulating the non-essential use of pesticides, be received.
CARRIED
21. CORNELL
RATE PAYER’S ASSOCIATION (CRPA) – EAST
MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE DEVELOPMENT (13.12)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter from Ms. R. Torrington, CRPA
President, to Regional Councillor J. Heath, expressing support for Council’s
recent resolution regarding the East Markham Community Centre, be received.
CARRIED
22. ROSE
OF SHARON: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (13.12)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter from Mr. A. Bruno Scorsone,
Executive Director, Rose of Sharon: Services for Young Mothers, to ‘Voting
Members of the Rose of Sharon’ advising of the details regarding their annual
general meeting scheduled for June 18, 2007, be received.
CARRIED
23. MEMO:
SMOG SUMMIT - JUNE 7, 2007 (13.1)
Memo
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the memorandum and information from Ms.
M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, to the Commissioner of
Community and Fire Services providing details with respect to the 2007 Smog
Summit be received.
CARRIED
24. GREATER
TORONTO AIRPORT AUTHORITY (13.5.2)
Letter
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the letter dated May 11, 2007 from Mr.
L. McCoomb, President and CEO, GTAA, to City of Toronto Mayor D. Miller
regarding Toronto’s recent By-law with respect to new restrictions for taxicabs
and limousines licensed to operate at Toronto Pearson International Airport be
received;
And that the Town Clerk review this issue and its impact on the Town of
Markham and provide a verbal update in two to four weeks.
CARRIED
25. BUSINESS
EXPENSE AUTHORIZATION – CANADIAN
SPORTS INSTITUTE – OTTAWA (10.16 & 11.12)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That Deputy Mayor J. Jones be authorized to attend meetings in Ottawa
relating to the Canadian Sports Institute Ontario in May of 2007.
CARRIED
26. COUNCIL
AND STANDING COMMITTEE
COMMUNICATIONS
PROCEDURES (16.0 & 16.23)
Committee raised the matter of Council and
Standing Committee communications, and noted that only correspondence addressed
to Mayor and Members of Council should be placed on such agenda, and not
correspondence to individual Councillors.
27. SHOPPING
CART CONTROL STRATEGY (5.0 & 2.0)
Committee requested that staff provide an
update on the status of the shopping cart control strategy, including the
shopping cart control by-law.
28. STIVER
MILL STEERING COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENTS (16.34)
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the following persons be appointed to the Stiver Mill Steering
Committee:
Christl Reeh – Unionville Villagers Association
Ken Davis – Unionville Villagers Association
Richard Talbot – Unionville Villagers Association
Wes Rowe – Alternate - Unionville Villagers Association
Jeanne Ker-Hornell – Alternate - Unionville Villagers Association
CARRIED
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General Committee recessed at 12:30 p.m. and re-convened at 12:35 p.m.
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29. BILL 130 (13.2)
Report
Ms. Kimberley Kitteringham, Deputy Town
Clerk, provided Committee with a broad overview of the amendments to the Municipal
Act arising from the passage of the Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act,
2006, (Bill 130).
Members were advised that staff is
undertaking a review of current Town by-laws, policies and procedures to
identify opportunities and requirements provided by Bill 130, and future
reports will be presented that will deal with specific issues and provide
recommendations for consideration.
Committee queried the following matters
relating to the amendments:
·
Retail Business Holidays
Act – clarification requested relating to Town and Region jurisdiction (Fall
2007)
·
Broad taxation powers of City
of Toronto Act (COTA)
·
Clarification of exceptions
to meetings open to the public; closed meeting criteria; and Closed Meeting
Investigator appointment
·
Clarification of terms:
“committee”, “task force”, “working group”, “meeting”; “duly constituted
group”; guidelines and protocols should be established
·
Animal control – example of
a delegated power
·
Do fences qualify for
development charges (Staff to report back by memo)
Members
requested copies of the detailed notes associated with the staff presentation for
their information.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the presentation on Bill 130 by the
Deputy Town Clerk be received;
And that the report entitled “Proclamation
of Bill 130-Amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001” be received for
information purposes;
And that Staff report to Council on
specific items arising from the amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee
meeting of May 28, 2007 adjourned at 1:40 p.m.