COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT
COMMITTEE
2004-03-08
– 1:00 p.m.
Canada
Room
Meeting No. 2
Attendance
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J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
S.
Bertoia, General Manager, Construction & Utilities
B.
Cribbett, Treasurer
P.
Ingham, General Manager of Operations
M.
Ingwersen, Manager of Parks Construction and Maintenance
C.
Marsales, Manager, Waste Management
S. Mintz,
Deputy Fire Chief
B. Roth,
Director, Leisure and Culture Services
J.
Ryerson, Director/Manager, Varley Art Gallery
C.
Raynor, Committee Clerk
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The
Community Services and Environment Committee convened at the hour of 1:00 p.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the
Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF
INTEREST
None disclosed
1. UNIONVILLE
150TH /SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENTS (6.5)
Weblink1
2
Ms. B. Roth briefly outlined that the Town of Markham had received a grant from the
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) in order to market the Unionville 150th
celebration events. She stated that part of the terms of the grant is that 30%
of the grant is paid back to the OCAF following the event. In order to
eliminate financial risk, staff are proposing to hold back 30% in order to pay
it back immediately.
The Committee sought clarification that there would be no conflicts with
other scheduled Town events such as the Canada Day celebrations on July
1, 2004.
Staff stated that the grant is for marketing purposes and that other groups
such as the Canada Day Committee and the Unionville BIA would be consulted and
that no events would conflict.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That the report entitled Unionville 150th
Sesquicentennial Events be received as information;
And that the Town of Markham receive the Ontario
Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) grant of $125,000;
And that a capital project be established in the
amount of $87,500 for marketing expenditures related to the Unionville 150th/Sesquicentennial
Events to be fully funded from the grant;
And that the balance of grant funds in the amount of
$37,500 be allocated to account 027-2140014, Refund Completion of Works account
for repayment to OCAF upon completion of the Unionville 150th/Sesquicentennial.
CARRIED
2. POLICY FOR USE OF CELL PHONES AND
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE DEVICES IN
TOWN FACILITIES (2.1,
6.10)
Weblink1
2
Ms. B. Roth briefly stated that the recommendation was in response to an
alert issued by the Ontario Recreation Facility Association concerning the
possibility of inappropriate use of digital equipment.
The Committee queried whether the policy could be strengthened by
enabling fines to be levied on those who breach it. Staff agreed to bring a
further report to the Committee at its next meeting to be held on April
5, 2004
that would provide more detailed information with regard to enforcement and
implementation of the policy, including timelines and key milestones.
There was some discussion as to whether the policy could, or should, be
broadened to incorporate all recording devices in areas where there was a
reasonable expectation of privacy. Staff stated that they are currently
conducting a broad review of related policies and that this report was merely a
starting point.
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor J. Webster
That the
report entitled Policy for Use of Cell Phones and Personal Assistance Devices
in Town Facilities be received;
And that
Council approve the Policy for Use of Cell Phones and Personal Assistance
Devices in Town Facilities prohibiting patrons from using cell phones, cameras
or personal digital assistants in facility change rooms and washrooms, as
attached to the original minutes in the Clerk’s Office;
And that the policy be reworded so as to
properly indicate that the prohibition of the use of Cell Phones and Personal
Assistance Devices is in change rooms and washrooms, and not Town facilities in
general;
And that
staff continue its review of the Town’s “Violence, Vandalism and Unacceptable
Behaviours” policy;
And that
the matter of levying fines be referred to the Legal Department for their input
as to whether, and how, a greater degree of enforcement action could be taken
in future against those who breach the policy;
And that
signage be posted for all facilities to inform all users of the policy;
And that
the policy be advertised in the Recreation and Culture guide.
CARRIED
3. PROCUREMENT OF ZERO TURN MOWERS
FOR PARKS MAINTENANCE (5.7,
6.3)
Weblink1 2
Mr. P. Ingham, General Manager, Operations, was in
attendance to speak to this issue. He briefly clarified that a zero turn mower
was one that had a very small turning circle.
There was brief discussion surrounding the use of
bio-diesel fuel in the mowers. The Committee suggested that there had been
reports of possible health issues related to the use of bio-diesel containing
meat rendering. Staff indicated that they were currently using B20 to B50 fuel.
Staff indicated that a further report on the use of
bio-diesel will be forthcoming to the Committee at a later date.
The Committee also requested that the scope of the
ongoing pesticide reduction education program undertaken by Town staff not be
limited to only the IPM Symposium.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the
report titled “Procurement of Zero Turn Mowers for Parks Maintenance”, dated March
8, 2004, be
received;
And that
the Fleet Division of the Operations and Asset Management Department proceed
with tender preparation for the purchase of four (4) Diesel Zero Turn mowers;
And
that the Zero Turn Mowers continue to use a plant-based bio-diesel fuel mixture
in the range of B20 to B100 be used, as appropriate;
And that the Operations Department
continue to work with the Manager of Environmental Leadership and the Markham
Clean Air Committee to investigate and evaluate new technology and equipment to
proactively consider environmentally sustainable alternatives during the fleet
procurement process;
And that funds are provided for in the
2003 Capital Budget Fleet Replacement Program (Account # 056-6150-5000-005).
CARRIED
4. MARKHAM BEAUTIFICATION –
FRIENDS OF A PARK/ADOPT-A-PARK
(6.3)
M. Ingwerson, ext. 3000 Weblink1 2
Mr. M. Ingwerson, Manager of Parks Maintenance, was in attendance and
fielded questions. The Committee stated their support for this initiative and
there was brief discussion surrounding the matter of allowing local groups some
discretionary spending in order to fund refreshments for clean-up events and
other expenses.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the report “Markham Beautification – Friends of a
Park/Adopt-a-Park” be received;
And that
Option 2 be amended so as to allow up to $50 from the
maximum $500/group to be used for discretionary spending such as for
refreshments or other event costs, with the remaining amount to be spent on
park projects proposed by the group;
And that Option 2 “Provide funding from the Town (maximum $500/group)
for specific amenities within the park as approved by the Parks Maintenance
Section, including benches, trees/plant material or any other amenities that
meet current standards and/or policies”, as amended, be approved;
And that funding is provided for in the 2003 Parks Maintenance Capital
Budget account 59-5350-5262-005 for “Markham Beautification – Friends of a
Park/Adopt-a-Park” in the amount of $20,000.
5. PESTICIDE REDUCTION STEERING COMMITTEE
INTERIM REPORT (6.3, 5.7)
P. Ingham, ext. 4852 Weblink
Mr P. Ingham, General Manager of Operations, was in attendance to speak
to this issue. The Committee stated that it was important that a suitably
qualified consultant who understands the Town’s requirements with respect to
sports field safety without the use of pesticides be hired. Staff indicated that
they will be producing a pre-selection report to the Environmental Issues
Committee prior to issuance of the Request for Proposal and that this will
address the types of expertise being sought. It was stated that it may be
necessary to hire a team of consultants in order to obtain the broadest
knowledge base.
Staff indicated that the Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee will be
kept informed during the process.
Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the report entitled “Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee Interim
Report”, dated March 8, 2004, be received;
And that Operations Division hire a consultant qualified in the areas
of pesticide free, organic turf care and sports field management to
undertake the assessment of the Town’s parks, sports fields, boulevards and
medians and review the Town’s maintenance practices;
And that the Environmental Issues Committee be
involved in the final selection of a consultant;
And further that funding in the amount of $25,000, to cover the cost of
the consultant’s review, can be provided from the Enhanced Program funding set
aside for Parks in the 2003 Operating budget.
CARRIED
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Other matters considered by the
Community Services and Environment Committee on March 8, 2004:
6. SPRING AND
YEAR-ROUND LOAD RESTRICTIONS
FOR THE TOWN OF MARKHAM’S ROAD
NETWORK (5.12)
P. Ingham, ext.
4852 Weblink1 2
That the report titled “Spring And
Year Round Load Restrictions For The Town Of Markham’s Road Network” be referred
to the Committee of the Whole meeting to be held on March 9, 2004;
CARRIED
7. MARKHAM LITTER PREVENTION
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT –
RESULTS OF FOCUS GROUP
MEETINGS AND
RECOMMENDED CAMPAIGN
SLOGAN (3.0, 5.1) Weblink
Ms. C.
Marsales outlined that four focus groups have been held with representatives
from each Ward, in order to assist with the creation of a litter prevention
strategy in the Town of Markham. She suggested that all the groups
were supportive of making the campaign a positive one, rather than
concentrating on negative aspects.
Staff
stated that there would be a further report that would deal with operational
issues such as funding, and the strategic placement of litter and recycling
containers.
There was
considerable discussion of the proposed strategy and slogan, and the need to
incorporate the word “litter” into the slogan. The Committee stressed the
importance of making it clear that the campaign was designed to specifically
address the littering issue and not waste management in general. Members also
stated that the campaign should not run indefinitely and should reflect the
action being taken by the Town.
There was
also debate as to whether the campaign should concentrate on education and
awareness, or stricter enforcement. Staff suggested that enforcement of
anti-littering laws is costly and that there has not been a successful
prosecution, to date, in Ontario.
The
Committee agreed that the focus groups had identified the main litter
“hotspots” and problem areas, although it was suggested that OMG boxes, and
their placement in open spaces, are also a concern.
Moved by
Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the Report entitled “Markham Litter
Prevention Strategy Development – Results of Focus Group Meetings and
Recommended Campaign Slogan” be received;
And that
the slogan “Don’t Let Markham Go To Waste” be referred back to staff for
consideration of other options;
And that
staff report back to the next meeting of the Community Services and Environment
Committee meeting on April 5, 2004 addressing other components that
will enhance the overall message, such as posters.
CARRIED
8. MINUTES – MARKHAM
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 25, 2003, OCTOBER
23, 2003,
NOVEMBER 27, 2003, AND
FEBRUARY 26, 2004 (16.28)
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the
minutes of the Markham Conservation Committee meetings held on September 25,
2003, October 23, 2003, November 27, 2003 and February 26, 2004, be received.
CARRIED
9. MINUTES – VARLEY ART
GALLERY BOARD
FEBRUARY 23, 2004 (6.12)
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the minutes of the Varley Art Gallery
Board meeting held on February 23, 2004, be received.
CARRIED
10. MINUTES
– ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY
FEBRUARY 18, 2004 (16.9)
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting held
on February 18, 2004, be received.
CARRIED
11. GREATER TORONTO APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
REQUEST FOR MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENTS TO ENDORSE
FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE THE
CONSUMPTION OF
ELECTRICITY IN APARTMENT
BUILDINGS (5.7)
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the letter from the Greater Toronto Apartment Association
requesting support for a recommendation to reduce electricity consumption in
apartment buildings, primarily by introducing individual tenant billing, be
received and referred to the Kyoto Task Force with the specific purpose of
working with the owners of apartment buildings and condominium associations in
order to examine ways to reduce electricity consumption.
CARRIED
12. MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
PROTECTING GREENSPACE IN THE
GOLDEN HORSESHOE (5.7, 3.0)
13. CITY OF VAUGHAN
PESTICIDE USE TO COMBAT ASIAN
LONG-HORNED BEETLE (6.3, 5.7)
ADJOURNMENT
The
Community Services and Environment Committee adjourned at 2:55
p.m.