GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2005-10 -17
Meeting No. 16
Finance & Administrative Issues Transportation
Issues
Chair: Councillor
S. Daurio Chair:
Councillor K. Usman
Vice Chair,
Budget: Councillor D. Horchik
Vice Chair,
IT: Regional Councillor B.
O’Donnell
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
J. Allen, Chief Information Officer
S. Birrell, Town Clerk
B. Cribbett, Treasurer
A. Brown, Director of Engineering
B. Labelle, Committee Clerk
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The General Committee convened at the hour of
9:32 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
The General Committee recessed at the hour of
12:45
p.m. and reconvened at the hour of
1:20 p.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
At 2:15 p.m.
Councillor S. Daurio vacated the Chair and Councillor K. Usman assumed the
Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. REPORT
TO ESTABLISH THE MARKHAM
PARKING COMMITTEE (16.23 &
2.17)
Report
There was a discussion as to the structure of
the Parking Committee and whether it was a subsidiary of, and should be
directed by, Markham Enterprises Corporation. Staff noted that the current Committee
is to be considered an interim arrangement until such time that a Markham
Parking Authority is established.
It was agreed that staff will modify the
language in Appendix A under “Role and Responsibilities of Markham Parking” to
better identify those lands in which the Town of Markham may not own or control
but have an interest in accommodating an on-street or paid parking initiative.
The Committee discussed prospective models in
which Council may be used to develop, manage and operate a Town wide paid
parking initiative. It was agreed that
staff report back on how other municipalities deal with their programs.
Moved by Mayor
D. Cousens
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the report dated October 17, 2005, entitled “A
report to establish the Markham Parking Committee” be received;
**And that Council endorse the establishment of the Markham Parking
Committee;
And that Council
endorse the role and mandate of the Markham Parking Committee, attached as
Appendix A to the report;
And that the
Markham Parking Committee be constituted as a committee comprising the whole of
Council;
And further that
Council authorize that Town staff resources from the appropriate departments be
provided to support the role, mandate and activities of the Committee.
And
that the matter be referred back to staff to comment and report back on the
possibility of Members of Council and members of the community being appointed
as members of this committee;
And that Town staff from the appropriate
departments be provided as a resource.
CARRIED
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**Amended by
Council at its meeting on October 25, 2005.
2. MARKHAM
BOARD OF TRADE MISSION
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA (10.16)
Report
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That the
report entitled “Town of Markham
and Markham Board of Trade Mission to Cary, North
Carolina”, be received.
And that
Regional Councillor Bill O’Donnell be authorized to represent Council in this
trade mission.
CARRIED
3. PURCHASE
OF SPONSORSHIP – TORONTO CHINESE
COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION
ACADIAN BALL – FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 2, 2005 (12.2.6)
Report
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
a full page ad be purchased and tickets be purchased for Councillors wishing to
attend the Toronto Chinese Community Services Association Acadian Ball to a maximum of $3000 – The Gala will be held on Friday, December
2, 2005.at the Metropolitan Centre 3840 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough.
CARRIED
4. PURCHASE
OF SPONSORSHIP –12TH ANNUAL
CHARLES SAURIOL ENVIRONMENTAL
DINNER
OCTOBER 27, 2005 (12.2.6)
Report
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
tickets be purchased for Councillors wishing to attend the 12th
Annual Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner on Thursday, October 27, 2005. The dinner will be held at
the Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Avenue E, Brampton, Ontario.
CARRIED
5. REGION OF YORK
INDIVIDUAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
MARKHAM BY-PASS FROM HIGHWAY 407 TO
MORNINGSIDE ROAD (5.10)
Report
The
Committee discussed the imminent intersection improvements to be completed
along with the construction of the Markham by-pass and how they will be submitted within
the Environmental Assessment (EA). It was recommended that the intersection
improvements noted within the EA not be attached to the widening of Steeles Avenue. It was also suggested that the EA not
associate the construction of the remainder of the continuous corridor with
Parkview’s land use status.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor K. Usman
That
the staff report entitled “Region of York Individual Environmental Assessment,
Markham By-pass from Highway 407 to Morningside Avenue” dated October 17, 2005
be received;
And
that the recommended alignment developed through the Environmental Assessment
(EA) for the proposed four-lane arterial road between the Markham By-pass/Highway 407 interchange and Morningside Avenue be endorsed subject to the following
conditions:
- the Region report back to
the Transportation Committee with an accelerated implementation
plan, including any phasing requests;
- the Region include in the
EA report a Noise study addressing issues as they relate to residents on
Rouge River Circle and Ridgevale Drive;
- the Region include in the
EA report the evaluation of Bridge Type options for the bridge over the Rouge River, including a single span option;
And
that the Regional Municipality of York be requested to review with the Town of Markham construction of the 4 lane urban road from
Highway 407 to the Ninth Line By-pass as part of the Box Grove Phase 2
development;
And
that Town staff be authorized to hold a public meeting when the Box Grove
Developer submits an Official Plan Amendment and/or Rezoning Application for
the location of a Service Station to the east side of the By-pass, within the
Box Grove Secondary Plan area;
And
that Mr. B. Macgregor, Commissioner of Works, Regional Municipality of York be advised accordingly.
CARRIED
6. HIGHWAY
7 RAPID TRANSIT
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT
(5.10, 5.14)
Report
The
Committee discussed the status and attire of special constables currently
monitoring VIVA buses. Members posed questions regarding the potential traffic
conditions created by the construction of a median and the potential for
pedestrians to cross Highway 7 at various points. It was noted that subsequent
meetings would be held to receive further input on the final design and
implementation of the Transitway and associated structural elements.
There
was considerable discussion with respect to the status and ownership of certain
roadways within the Town of Markham’s Official Plan which are put forward as
preferred options for the Transitway. Members also discussed issues relating to
the intended route and the suggested extensions used to connect the Transitway
with various communities in the Town of Markham.
It was
agreed that a staff report would come forward to General Committee
acknowledging the status of roadways noted within the Official Plan but not
within the latest Development Charges By-Law.
Moved
by Regional Councillor J. Heath
Seconded
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
the October 17, 2005 report entitled “Highway 7 Rapid Transit
Environmental Study Report” be received;
And
that Council endorse the findings of the Environmental Assessment Study Report
for the Highway 7 Rapid Transit project;
And
that staff continue to work with Regional and YRTP staff to finalize the design
for the rapid transit facility;
And
that Bruce Macgregor, Commissioner of Transportation and Works for the Region
of York and Mary Frances Turner of YRTP be advised of Council’s position.
And that staff report back on the location of stations East of Wooten Way.
CARRIED
7. EAST
VALHALLA DRIVE AND COCHRANE DRIVE
ALL WAY STOP CONTROL (5.12.3)
Report 1 By-law
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
Schedule 12 of By-law 106-71 for all way stop control be amended to include the
intersection of East
Valhalla Drive and Cochrane Drive
and that the 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 by-law;
And
that York Regional Police be requested to enforce the all way stop control upon
installation of these signs.
CARRIED
8. BAYVIEW
FOREST LANE
PROPOSED PARKING PROHIBITION
(5.12.4)
Report 1 By-law
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
the by-law to amend parking regulations on Bayview Forest Lane be approved;
And
that the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to install the
appropriate signs upon approval of the attached by-law;
And
that the Parking Control Department be requested to enforce the by-law.
CARRIED
9. OLD
KENNEDY ROAD PARKING PROHIBITION (5.12.4)
Report 1 By-law
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That
the by-laws to amend parking regulations on Old Kennedy Road be approved;
And
that the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to install the
appropriate signs upon approval of the by-laws;
And
that the Parking Control Department be requested to enforce the by-laws.
CARRIED
10. CORNELL
DAYTIME PERMIT PARKING EXTENSION (5.12.4)
Report 1 By-law
Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor S. Daurio
That Traffic
By-law 2005-188, Schedule ‘N’ for “Daytime Permit Parking”, be amended to rescind
Country Glen
Road and Walkerville Road, between Riverlands
Avenue and Settlement Park
Avenue, as shown in Attachment B;
And that Traffic By-law
2005-188, Schedule ‘C’ for “Prohibited Parking”, be amended to rescind Country
Glen Road, as shown in Attachment B;
And that Traffic By-law 2005-188,
Schedule ‘N’ for “Daytime Permit Parking”, be amended to include Settlement
Park Avenue, The Meadows Avenue, Spring Meadow Avenue, Country Glen Road,
Walkerville Road and Bur Oak Avenue, as shown in Attachment B;
And that the Operations and
Asset Management Department be directed to install the appropriate signs upon
approval of the by-law;
And that the Parking Control Department be directed to issue
the daytime permit parking permits to the respective residents and enforce the
by-law.
CARRIED
11. KENNEDY
ROAD/LEE AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNALS (5.12.1)
Report
Mr. A. Brown,
Director of Engineering, requested that this matter be deferred in order to
provide for the appropriate mitigation measures, and to properly address the
concerns of residents in the area. Staff advised that York Region has indicated
that liability issues are driving the initiative for signalization at Lee Avenue and Kennedy Road.
The Committee
noted a number of concerns regarding the potential for heightened infiltration
into the community following the signalization of the intersection. There was
further discussion on the community perception and prospective impacts for the
installation of a sidewalk on Lee Avenue.
Staff advised
that they are currently reviewing the possibility of establishing turn
restrictions at Lee and 14th Avenue during certain hours as well as installing further signage on 14th Avenue advising motorists not to infiltrate through the community.
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the
report entitled “Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue Traffic Signals” dated October 17, 2005 be received;
And
that the Region of York be requested to install traffic signals at Kennedy
Road/Lee Avenue with left turn prohibitions at Noble Street and 14th
Avenue and at Lee Avenue and Kennedy Road and with the no through prohibition from
the North Milliken Mills Community Centre ingress/egress through to Lee Avenue;
And
that the Milliken Mills Sub-Committee hold a community meeting with the
residents of the area **within one month **and prior
to the submission of this recommendation to the Region of York;
And that the
Town of Markham monitor traffic infiltration after the signal installation and
work with Region of York staff to implement any additional measures required to
reduce infiltration to the local community;
And that Brian
Harrison, Director, Roads and Transportation be advised accordingly.
CARRIED
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**Amended by Council at its
meeting on October
25, 2005.
12. REGIONAL
MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION WORK
NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION AND
ROAD CLOSURE (5.10)
Report
Moved
by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded
by Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the Region of York be granted exemptions to the Town’s Noise Control By-law
218-86 as follows:
- Warden
Avenue between McPherson Street and Highway 407
- To expedite the road
construction and reduce the duration of traffic impact;
- November 1, 2005 to November 30, 2006;
- Exemption from 1900 hours
to 0700 hours Monday night to Saturday morning;
- Subject to:
- Region implementing a
traffic management plan;
- Region implementing a
communication plan to advise motorists, businesses and residents;
- The work to be carried
out during the above hours shall be restricted to asphalt grinding,
paving and sewer construction;
- Noise levels emitting
from the site must meet Ministry of Environment Guidelines and Town
By-law 218-89 (maximum 85 decibels);
- Floodlighting must be
adequately shielded to minimize light pollution;
- The Town has the right
to rescind the exemption if the Region or its contractor fail to comply
with the above conditions;
And
that Mr. B. Macgregor, Commissioner of Works, Region of York, be advised
accordingly.
CARRIED
13. HIGHWAY 48/MAIN STREET MARKHAM
TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION UPDATE (5.10)
Report
Mr. A.
Brown, Director, Engineering, advised that work schedules pertaining to this
matter are currently in jeopardy of being lost and suggested that discussions
be elevated to involve political representatives from the Ministry of
Transportation as well as senior staff members and Councillors in an attempt to
resolve the outstanding issues and provide for direction on the issue.
There
was a brief discussion regarding Council’s position on the widening and/or
replacing of the Rouge River bridge.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That
the staff report entitled “Highway 48/Main Street Markham Transfer of Jurisdiction Update” dated October
17, 2005 be received;
And
that the Mayor’s office arrange a meeting with the Minister of Transportation, Markham’s MPPs, interested Councillors and senior
staff to finalize the outstanding issues regarding the transfer of Highway 48
from 16th
Avenue
to the Markham By-pass and cancellation of the Connecting Link Agreement.
CARRIED
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Other
matters considered by General Committee on October 17, 2005
14. IBM’S
OFFER TO THE TOWN OF MARKHAM
FOR THE PROVISION OF COMPUTER
HARDWARE (7.13)
Presentation Letter
Mr.
Graeme McKay, Vice-President, Ontario Public Sector of IBM, delivered a
presentation and extended an unsolicited offer to the Town of Markham to receive
discounts further to the current Government level pricing on all IBM hardware
products.
There
was discussion regarding the potential for further price reduction, extending
the offer across all IBM product lines and to present the same offer to other
municipalities within York Region. The Committee discussed potential impacts of
accepting the offer and suggested methods in which further examination of the
proposal could occur.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Mayor D. Cousens
That
the information presented by G. McKay of IBM regarding IBM’s offer to the Town
of Markham for the provision of computer hardware, be received with thanks,
And that a staff report be prepared to review the offer as it relates
to products purchased from IBM and/or from one of its vendors as it relates to
other municipalities and to investigate and test the model to acquire an
appreciation of the value added.
CARRIED
15. STEELES
AVENUE IMPROVEMENT (5.10)
Mr.
Paul May, Director, Transportation Planning and Approvals, advised that York
Region staff has met extensively with the City of Toronto in order to
resolve many of the outstanding issues with respect to potential improvements
and the ongoing maintenance of Steeles Avenue.
He noted that the issue of cost and consideration of Steeles as a boundary road
are two central issues yet to be settled. It was noted that the Toronto Steeles
Avenue Sub-Committee has recently recommended that the CAO of Toronto meet with
the CAO of York Region in an attempt to resolve these matters.
The
Committee advised that the condition of Steeles Avenue
is a serious problem, but if York Region were to assume half of the road, the
maintenance and repair costs would be exorbitant. There was discussion with
respect to a number of ways in which Markham could
assist with the ongoing negotiations. It
was agreed that any issues relating to Steeles Avenue
improvements and/or negotiations with the City of Toronto in this
regard be dealt with by General Committee and/or Committee of the Whole.
Moved by
Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
That
the presentation by Mr. P. May, Director, Transportation Planning and
Approvals, regarding the Steeles Avenue Improvement be received.
CARRIED
16. MARKHAM
BY-PASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (5.10)
Mr. P.
May, Director, Infrastructure Planning, and Mr. Martin Scott, Project
Coordinator, McCormick Rankin, delivered a presentation regarding the Markham
By-Pass Environmental Assessment in which the consultation process, recommended
alignment, potential refinements, staging and upcoming steps were discussed.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Councillor K. Usman
That
the presentation by Mr. P. May, Director, Infrastructure Planning, and Mr.
Martin Scott, Project Coordinator, McCormick Rankin, regarding the Markham
By-pass Environmental Assessment be received.
CARRIED
17. VIVA
– HIGHWAY 7 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (5.10, 5.14)
Mr. P.
May, Director, Infrastructure Planning, York Region, and Ms. Mary Francis
Turner, York Region Rapid Transit Corp, delivered a presentation regarding VIVA
operations and the VIVA – Highway 7 Environmental Assessment (EA). Mr. May
discussed particulars relating to the Highway 7 and Vaughan North-South Link
Transitway and illustrated conceptual drawings detailing the preferred station
locations and layouts, typical cross sections and medians to be constructed in
conjunction with the widening of Highway 7, as well as potential options in
which the transitway could cross Highway 404.
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor A. Chiu
That
the presentation by Mr. P. May, Director, Infrastructure Planning, York Region,
and Ms. Mary Francis Turner, York Region Rapid Transit Corp, regarding VIVA
operations and the VIVA – Highway 7 Environmental Assessment be received.
CARRIED
18. DEPUTATION – CHINESE NEW YEAR
2006 CELEBRATION (3.5)
Mr.
James Wong, Canadian Asian Business Information Network, was in attendance to
request that the 2006 Chinese New Year Celebration be held at the Markham Civic
Centre in light of recent suggestions by staff that the event may be better
suited for a larger venue to accommodate for the size of the gathering and to
satisfy health and fire regulations.
It
was suggested that following any Town event in which there were complications
or concerns, a report come forward notifying Committee of them so that the
appropriate action can be taken.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor Heath
That
the request from Mr. J. Wong, Canadian Asian Business Information Network, to
hold the 2006 Chinese New Year Celebration at the Markham Civic Centre be
referred to staff for further discussion.
CARRIED
19. STAFF
AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE
PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1 TO 30,
2005 (7.12)
Report
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor G. McKelvey
That
the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the period from September 1 to 30, 2005” be received.
CARRIED
20. FEDERAL
GAS TAX ALLOCATION
2005 TO 2009 (7.0)
Report
It was
agreed that any discussion regarding the allocation of the Federal Gas Tax
would be held at General Committee. Following these discussions, direction on
the matter would be forwarded to the Budget Sub-Committee for consideration.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by
That
staff report back to Council with the Town of Markham’s Municipal
Funding Agreement when it becomes available;
And
that discussion regarding the allocation of the Federal Gas Tax be referred to
the General Committee.
CARRIED
21. STRATEGIC
INITIATIVES UPDATE (16.23)
Ms. Anne
Pozywiak, Director, Strategic Initiatives, was in attendance to remind
Committee Members to return their surveys regarding the upcoming Council
retreat. Committee Members requested a brief review of the agenda and format
for the event.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
the information provided by Ms. A. Pozywiak, Director, Strategic Initiatives,
regarding Strategic Initiatives, be received.
CARRIED
22. FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN EXCESS OF $10,000
TO
REQUIRE AN AUDIT (12.1)
A
suggestion was raised that staff be required to bring forward a report as to
whether the Mayor and Members of Council associated with fundraising events in
excess of $10,000 should be required to submit an audited account of all
financial activity in relation to that event.
Members
raised concerns with respect to potential difficulties that may arise when they
are involved in an event with another charitable organization such as the United Way. It
was recommended that a clause be added recommending that an audit not be
required unless a Councillor is exclusively involved in running or directing
the event.
Additional
concerns were raised in relation to the potential use of public monies used to
finance an audit for personally directed fundraising activities.
The
Committee discussed whether the municipality has the authority to call for an
audit with respect to activities in which outside organizations and Councillors
combine their fundraising efforts. Moreover, Members posed questions as to what
the recourse would be for an audit which showed misdirection of funds.
Moved
by Mayor D. Cousens
Seconded
by K. Usman
That
the suggestion for a staff report on whether
the Mayor and or Members of Council should be required to submit an
audited statement for each fundraising event yielding an excess of $10,000 or
more, be referred to the Town Solicitor for a legal opinion, prior to
proceeding with a report
CARRIED
23. HIGHWAY
407 INTERCHANGES WITH NINTH LINE AND
MARKHAM BY-PASS (5.10)
Report
The
Committee noted concerns regarding the official position of the 407ETR with
respect to the installation of Highway 407 interchanges with Ninth Line. There
was discussion in relation to the cost of installing both interchanges and
whether the Ministry of Transportation has imposed requirements to do so.
It was
agreed that Members of Council would meet on October 18,
2005 following the
Development Services Committee meeting to review the format and the attendees.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded
by Regional Councillor Heath
That the matter of Highway 407 Interchanges with Ninth line and Markham
By-Pass be deferred until such time as staff receive written confirmation from
the Ministry of Transportation as to whether there are obligations on behalf of
the 407ETR to complete the interchanges with Ninth Line and Markham By-Pass.
CARRIED
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the following communications be received:
24. MUNICIPAL
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CORPORATION (MPAC)
UPDATE ON SERVICES &
INVITATION TO MPAC’S 2005 ANNUAL
MEETING IN NIAGARA FALLS –
OCTOBER 19, 2005 (7.1 & 13.2)
That
the letter dated September 26, 2005 from the Chair of MPAC Board of Directors
providing an update on the services provided to Ontario municipalities, and
also inviting all Mayors to attend MPAC’s 2005 Annual Meeting being held in
Niagara Falls on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, be received.
25. MARKHAM
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY
RESOLUTION – BUDGET REQUEST
(16.9)
That
the following resolution from the September 21, 2005 meeting of the Advisory
Committee on Accessibility be received and referred to the Budget Sub-Committee:
“THE
TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:
THAT
Council for the Town of Markham be requested to include $100,000 in the budget for use in addressing
accessibility issues in municipal building, facility and property projects as
prioritized by the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee in conjunction with Town of Markham staff.”
26. ABEYANCE
LIST – FINANCE AND
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES (16.23)
That the list
of items pending as of October 2, 2005 relating to Finance and Administrative issues be received.
27. ABEYANCE
LIST – TRANSPORTATION ITEMS (5.0)
That the list
of items pending as of October 2, 2005 relating to Transportation issues be received.
CARRIED
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Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J.
Virgilio
That the Committee resolve In
Camera to discuss confidential property and legal matters. (2:46 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the Committee rise. (3:00 p.m.)
CARRIED
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ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned at the hour
of 3:00
p.m.