Minutes

General Committee

 

Finance & Administrative Issues                  Community Services Issues

Chair:              Deputy Mayor Jack Heath                            Chair:                      Councillor Alan Ho

Vice Chair:      Councillor Colin Campbell                             Vice Chair:              Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Environment & Sustainability Issues                        Building, Parks, & Construction Issues

Chair:              Councillor Valerie Burke                 Chair:                     Councillor Colin Campbell

Vice Chair:      Councillor Karen Rea                                      Vice Chair:              Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

                                                                                                                       

                Alternate formats are available upon request.

 

 

Attendance

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones(left at 11:30am) Regional Councillor Joe Li Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong Councillor Valerie Burke(left at 11:50am) Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Karen Rea Councillor Amanda Collucci(left at 9:28) Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu   Regrets Councillor Colin Campbell

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community    & Fire Services Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and    Acting Director of Human Resources Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk Joel Lustig, Treasurer Phoebe Fu, Director of Asset Management Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff Robert Muir, Manager, Stormwater Rob Grech, Environmental Engineer Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Tax Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waste Management David Plant, Manager, Parks Operations Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:07 AM with Deputy Mayor Jack Heath in the Chair and Councillor Alan Ho Chaired Community Services related items.

 

General Committee and everyone in the Council Chamber observed a moment of silence for the passing of David LaLonde advisor at Weinscanada formerly Don Valley North Auto Group.

 

General Committee recessed at 11:50 AM and reconvened at 12:03 PM. 

General Committee recessed at 12:29 PM and reconvened at 1:20 PM.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 5, 2018
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That the minutes of the February 5, 2018 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

Carried

 

 

2.         2017 CITY OF MARKHAM UNITED WAY COMMITTEE (12.2.6)

 

General Committee was presented with the Spirit Award: Joint Labour & Management Campaign.  This is awarded to a unionized workplace that exemplifies collaboration and teamwork between labour and management groups in running their United Way campaign.

 

 

3.         UNITED WAY CHEQUE PRESENTATION (12.2.6)

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti on behalf of all Members of Council thanked and congratulated all the staff, the association of Firefighters, and CUPE for all their efforts in raising $70,172.82 for the United Way.

 

 

4.         DON MILLS CHANNEL FLOOD REMEDIATION
CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (5.5)

            Presentation

 

Rob Grech, Environmental Engineer, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Don Mills Channel Flood Remediation Class Environmental Assessment.

 

The Committee discussed the following relative to the Don Mills Channel Flood Remediation Class Environmental Assessment:

·        Consider a committee similar to the current liaison committee to assist with implementing the education/flood proofing program

·        Provincial Government involvement

·        Proposed education program recommended through the Environmental Assessment process

·        Consider a range of options to be assessed as part of the flood proofing and education program, including incentives for re-development and flood proofing to business owners

·        Consider options and cost implications for implementing a higher level of service than the 5 year storm

·        Importance of reducing garbage/dumping in the channel

·        Importance of protecting employment lands

·        Importance of public safety

·        Consider planting more boulevard trees and in the channel

 

The Committee suggested that staff report back with the definition of a 100 year storm and how that is determined.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the presentation by Mr. Rob Grech, Environmental Engineer, entitled “Don Mills Channel Flood Remediation Class Environmental Assessment,” be received; and

 

2)         That staff be authorized to hold Public Meetings to obtain feedback on the preliminary preferred option identified through the Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment Study for the Don Mills Channel Flood Remediation (the “Class EA Study”); and,

 

3)         That staff report back to Council with feedback obtained from the public prior to endorsement of the final preferred alternative identified through the Class EA Study; 4; and further

 

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

Carried

 

5.       NEW PROVINCIAL BLUE BOX PROGRAM CHANGES (5.1)

Presentation     Report

 

Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waste Management delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the New Provincial Blue Box Program Changes.

 

The Committee discussed the following with respect to the New Provincial Blue Box Program Changes:

·        Markham continues to be one of the few municipalities able to market their densified Styrofoam

·        Stewardship Ontario still needs to confirm whether schools, Business Improvement Areas (BIA), churches will be considered residential and not commercial customers and eligible for funding

·        Once the Blue Box system is managed by Stewardship Ontario there will be a provincial diversion rate reported out not necessarily individual municipal diversion rates as is the current practice

·        It is unlikely Stewardship Ontario will fund or provide municipal ‘special’ programs such as collection at supermail boxes or assisted collection. The City would pay for services not offered by the Stewards.

·        Do not have the Ministers position on December 19, 2017 draft Blue Box report prepared by Stewardship Ontario and AMO’s response

·        On February 15, 2018 Stewardship Ontario communicated to AMO, all stakeholders and municipalities that they will be delaying the submission of the plan to the Authority and the Minister and that they require further time to consult with municipalities. The original deadline for submission of the report was Feb 15th.

·        As of February 20, 2018, staff have not heard if any decision has been made by the Minister to grant an extension

·        Staff should continue to seek clarification on the proposed program, and seek enhanced funding for all Blue Box services

·        Concerns with the potential changes to acceptable blue box items and if they would now be garbage if not allowed in the Blue Box

·        Confirmation that this implementation has been delayed

·        City of Markham will not regress with their recycling program

 

There was discussion of the proposed options, and it was suggested that this be referred to the Waste Diversion Subcommittee for further consideration.  The Committee also suggested that a Special Council Workshop be scheduled.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)      That the presentation by Ms. Claudia Marsales, Senior Manager, Waste Management entitled “New Provincial Blue Box Program Changes,” be received; and,

 

2)      That the report entitled “New Provincial Blue Box Program Changes” be received and referred back to the Waste Diversion Subcommittee; and,

 

3)      That the Province of Ontario be requested to delay the implementation of the proposed Provincial Blue Box Program changes and funding to allow for proper consultation with all municipalities and negotiations be considered to achieve an equivalent or improved level of service; and,

 

4)      That a Special Council Workshop be scheduled to further consider the proposed Provincial Blue Box Changes; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

6.       MUNICIPAL ACCOMMODATION TAX (MAT) (7.3)

Presentation     Report

 

Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Tax delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Municipal Accommodation Tax.

 

The Committee discussed the following relative to the Municipal Accommodation Tax:

·        Boundaries of existing tourism organizations such as Central Counties

·        Benefits of establishing a new Markham Tourism Organization

·        Importance of establishing the board governance

·        Composition of the Board to include volunteer members from the hotel industry, restaurant businesses and small businesses that cater to tourism and including representative associations such as Markham Board of Trade, Business Improvement Areas (BIA), etc.

·        Establish a definition of what tourism infrastructure is

·        Consider working with Information Markham

·        Will short term accommodations such as Bed & Breakfast and Airbnb be included in the future

·        During the consultations with the hotel industry inquire if they would be interested on being a representative on the Board

·        What percentage of Markham residents utilize the hotel services versus outside residents

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)      That the report “Municipal Accommodation Tax” be received; and,

 

2)      That staff be authorized to engage with stakeholders and the hotel industry regarding the potential of a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in the City of Markham; and,

 

3)      That the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) revenue be directed towards the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund as a funding source to support the replacement and rehabilitation requirements of the City’s tourism-related infrastructure; and,

 

4)      That staff be directed to develop the business case for the purpose of creating a Municipal Services Corporation (MSC), which will operate as the City of Markham’s New Tourism Organization; and,

 

5)      That subsequent to the consultation with stakeholders, staff report back to Council with further details related to the potential implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in the City of Markham; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

DEPUTATIONS

 

There were no deputations.

 

 

7.         YORK REGION
            COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

 

The Committee suggested that York Region staff be requested to provide a formal presentation during the public consultation period for the Municipal Comprehensive Review when presenting in Markham.

 

There was discussion regarding whether the Inflow and Infiltration Reduction should be considered for the proposed future development on the former York Downs Golf Course.

 

There was discussion regarding the Establishment Procedures for Alternate Members of Council at York Region, and whether the City of Markham should consider having alternates. 

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)      That the following communications dated January 26, 2018 from York Region be received for information purposes:

 

a.       Municipal Comprehensive Review, Regional Official Plan Update and Vision 2051 – Consultation Plan; and,

 

That York Region Staff be requested to provide a formal presentation during the consultation period for the Municipal Comprehensive Review when presenting in Markham; and,

 

b.       Upper York Sewage Solutions Individual Environmental Assessment Approval Status Update

 

c.       Provincial Consultation on Income Security: A Roadmap for Change

 

d.         Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Update

 

e.         Establishing Procedures for Alternate Members of Council.

Carried

 

 

 

 

8.         YORK REGION
            COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

            Communication

 

There was brief discussion regarding community planning permits.  The Committee suggested that staff provide an update on proposed inclusionary zoning regulations.

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the communication dated February 1, 2018 from York Region regarding “Proposed Inclusionary Zoning Regulation Content EBR Posting 013-1977”, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

PETITIONS

 

There were no petitions.

 

 

9.         MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2018
MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the minutes of the January 18, 2018 Markham Environmental Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

10.       STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS
FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2018 (7.12)

            Report

 

The Committee discussed the following:

·        044-Q-17 Markham Museum – Foundation Rehabilitation at Locust Hill Train Station

·        201-Q-17 Recycling Collection and Marketing

·        259-T-17 Installation of Backflow Preventers and Chambers in City Parks

·        039-T-17 Fire Alarm Panel Replacement at Markham Civic Centre

 

Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

1)      That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of January 2018” be received;

and,

 

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

Carried

 

 

11.       YORK UNIVERSITY CAMPUS COMMITTEE (16.0)

            Report

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report entitled “York University Markham Campus Committee”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the quorum requirements for York University Markham Campus Committee be amended from a majority of the Members to four (4) Members of Council; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

12.       RESTRICTED ACTS AFTER NOMINATION DAY
IN A MUNICIPAL ELECTION YEAR (14.0)

            Report

 

There was discussion regarding the change in Nomination Day, and the closing of nominations.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

 

1)         That the report titled, “Restricted Acts After Nomination Day in a Municipal Election Year” be received for information purposes; and,

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

 

 

13.       EMERALD ASH BORER PROGRAM NEXT STEPS (5.0)

            Report

 

The Committee suggested that staff report back with a memo regarding the success of the injection program.

 

There was discussion regarding whether staff can set up a Life Cycle Reserve fund specifically for future natural tree enhancements or other issues and requested that staff report back if this is possible.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Emerald Ash Borer Program Next Steps” be received; and,

 

2)         That the remaining funds in the amount of $1,569,036 in the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) capital project of which:

 

            a)         $489,732 (31%) be allocated for use in years 2018 to 2020 to inspect, monitor, and oversee the contractor warranties for the 10,500 trees planted in years 2016 and 2017 and;

 

            b)         $50,800 (3%) be used from the remaining funds to provide provision for the resources for the watering of 7,259 trees past their warranty period in years 2018 and 2019, should the weather deem this necessary. If the funds are not used for annual watering then they will be returned back to the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund and;

 

            c)         $58,275 (4%) be used from the remaining funds for tree injections for 525 living Ash trees in years 2018 and 2019 and;

 

            d)         That the remaining funds of $970,229 ($1,569,036 - $489,732 - $50,800 - $58,275) be returned to the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve Fund and further;

 

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

Carried

 

 

 

14.       GRASS CUTTING AND MAINTENANCE
-SERVICE LEVEL OPTIONS (5.0)

            Report

 

David Plant, Manager, Parks Operations addressed the Committee and summarized the details in the report.

 

There was discussion regarding whether there is the need to increase the current service levels, and the Committee suggested that the service level be changed to option 3, and whether it can be implemented in 2018 rather than 2019.

 

The Committee discussed whether the complaints received from residents are for boulevards, parks or actual sports fields. It was suggested that staff report back on the breakdown of the complaints, and break it out by Ward.

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton

 

1)                  That the report entitled “Grass Cutting and Maintenance- Service Level Options” be received; and,

 

2)         That staff maintain the current grass cutting and maintenance service levels; and,

 

3)         That staff be directed to report back at the March 5, 2018 General Committee meeting relative to the complaints received for grass cutting and maintenance on boulevards and parks; and further,

 

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

Carried

 

 

MOTIONS

 

There were no motions.

 

 

NOTICES OF MOTIONS

 

There were no notices of motions.

 

 

 

 

 

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

15.     NEW BUSINESS
YORK REGION CANNABIS PRESENTATION (13.0)

 

Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong advised that she forwarded the York Region Cannabis presentation to all Local Councillors for their information, and if they have any questions to please contact her.

 

 

16.     NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT – SPONSORSHIP (16.23)

 

Councillor Karen Rea inquired if she could obtain clarification from the Clerk regarding the rules relative to receiving sponsorships for hosting Ward BBQs within the Council Code of Conduct.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

There were no announcements.

 

 

17.       CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS (16.0, 8.0 & 8.0)

 

General Committee did not resolve into a confidential session.  General Committee provided direction for the matters listed below during public session.

 

(1)        GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
-FEBRUARY 5, 2018 (16.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (b) (c)]

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

 

That the February 5, 2018 General Committee confidential meeting minutes be confirmed.

Carried

 

(2)        A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 5) (8.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (c)]

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

 

That this matter be placed on the February 27, 2018 Council agenda for consideration.

Carried

 

 

(3)        A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (WARD 5) (8.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (c)]

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

 

That this matter be deferred to a future General Committee meeting.

Carried

 

 

 

Adjournment

 

Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 4:06 PM.

 

Carried