GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2006-02-06
Meeting No. 4
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:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Character Community:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice
Chair, Environment Issues:
Councillor E. Shapero
Attendance
|
|
C. Conrad,
Town Solicitor
J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community &
Fire Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
S. Birrell,
Town Clerk
B. Cribbett,
Treasurer
D. McClean,
Fire Chief
P. Loukes,
Director, Operations
P. Ingham,
General Manager of Operations
B. Roth,
Director, Recreation and Culture
Services
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client
Services
B. Labelle,
Committee Clerk
|
The General Committee convened at the hour of
10:08 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.
At
11:02 p.m.
Councillor S. Daurio vacated the Chair and Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair.
The General Committee
recessed at the hour of 12:48 p.m. and reconvened at the hour of
1:20
p.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Councillor K. Usman declared a potential
pecuniary interest in the matter of the Thornhill Senior Centre’s Facility
Operating Agreement as he advised that he is the auditor for the Thornhill
Senior Centre’s Club.
1. RFP
AWARD #066-R-05 SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF
HARDWARE, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
(7.12)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the report entitled RFP Award #066-R-05 Supply
and Delivery of Hardware, Tools and Equipment be received;
And
that the contract for RFP 066-R-05 Supply and Delivery of Hardware, Tools and
Equipment be awarded to the highest ranked and lowest priced proponent,
Acklands Grainger Inc. in the estimated annual amount of $375,000 exclusive of
GST for a period of 1 (ONE) year with an option to renew for an additional 2
(TWO) years under the same terms and conditions at the sole discretion of the
Town;
And
that funding for this contract be provided from facility maintenance accounts
in the Operations and Recreation & Culture departments;
And
that projected cost savings in the amount of $90,000 be removed from the 2006
Operating Budget accounts identified in Appendix A with the corresponding
offset in the Purchasing Department’s account 410-434-4299.
CARRIED
2. DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES DEFERRAL
LIBERTY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
(7.11)
Report
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the report titled Development Charge Deferral – Liberty
Development Corp. be received;
And
that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with Liberty
Development Corporation to defer the payment of the Town’s Town Wide Hard and
Area Specific development charges in respect of the development of the
residential portion of Phase 1 and all other phases of the development of Block
5, Plan 65M-2668 and Part Lot 10, Concession 4, to the satisfaction of the Town
Solicitor;
And
that the agreement provide that the Town Wide Hard Development Charge be
deferred until the issuance of a building permit, with payment at that time to
be calculated at the rate that is in effect at the time a complete application
for a building permit is requested;
And
that the agreement provide that the deferral be conditional on the Area
Specific Development Charge being charged and paid on a per block basis;
And
that the agreement provide that the Area Specific Development Charges be
deferred until the execution of the first Site Plan Control Agreement on each
block, with payment at that time to be calculated at and payable in respect of
each block, at the rate that is in effect at the time the first Site Plan
Control Agreement is executed for each block;
And
that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect
to these recommendations.
CARRIED
3. FACILITY
USER GROUP INSURANCE (4.0)
Report 1
Staff
advised that the facility group insurance policy will allow for the coverage of
participants and users of Markham satellite facilities as well as provide for
improved liability coverage for the Town. It was indicated that a training
program for staff will be forthcoming to ensure that standardized rental forms
are completed properly. The Committee commended staff for all the work they had
done on the program.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
Whereas
the Town of Markham has been seeking a way to better serve the community by
providing insurance options to residents who rent Town-owned community
facilities;
Therefore be it resolved that
the report dated February 6, 2006 entitled Facility User Group Insurance
be received;
And
that the Town amend all Community Centre facility rental agreements, requiring
all facility renters to have $2,000,000 of general liability insurance coverage
for all participants involved and naming the Town as additional insured or to
purchase the same insurance coverage through the Facility User Group Insurance
program;
And
that the Town amend all Sports Field rental agreements, requiring all renters
to have $2,000,000 of general liability insurance coverage for all participants
involved and naming the Town as additional insured or to purchase the same
insurance coverage through the Facility User Group Insurance program;
And
that the Purchasing Manager be authorized to complete an application with
Sports Can, B.F. Lorenzetti & Associates Ontario Inc. (BFL), or execute any
other documents to give effect there to, in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor, to allow BFL to offer User Group Insurance, to facility renters,
with $2,000,000 per occurrence liability and a $5,000,000 annual aggregate, for
all Town Operated Facilities;
And
further that the Town review the pilot insurance program with the Heintzman
House and Markham Train Station in March 2006 to determine how and when
the program will be rolled
out to the other Satellite Facilities.
CARRIED
**Amended by Council on February
14, 2006 to
add the first clause and add the words, “Therefore be
it resolved” to the beginning of the second clause.
4. PURCHASE
OF SPONSORSHIPS – MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE
HOSPITAL “THE KIT KAT CLUB” GALA
FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2006 (12.2.6)
Report
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by
Councillor A. Chiu
That
Council purchase a Corporate Table of 10 at $3,500 for the Markham Stouffville Hospital “The
Kit Kat Club” Gala on Friday, April 7, 2006. The evening will be at Le Parc Dining &
Banquet facility.
CARRIED
5. RECEIPT
OF CANADIAN ARTS & HERITAGE
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM GRANT
(6.7 & 7.6)
Report
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor E. Shapero
That
the report titled Receipt of Canadian Arts & Heritage
Sustainability Program Grant (CAHSP) be received;
And
that Council approve the objectives for the project, as outlined in this
report;
And
that the Museum be authorized to allocate portions of its proposed 2006
operating budget to support the work outlined in this report;
And
that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the contribution agreement with
the Department of Canadian Heritage in order to initiate the funding in the
amount of $29,000, and any other documents to give effect thereto, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
And
further that staff be authorized to apply for future grants, and that the Mayor
and Clerk be authorized to execute future grant contribution agreements and any
other documents to give affect thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Town
Solicitor.
CARRIED
6. 2006
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BACKGROUND STUDY (7.11)
Report
Staff
advised that a 2006 Development Charges Background Study will review the Town
wide and area specific hard charges due to price increases in construction and
land acquisition costs not currently recoverable through the development
charges process. The Committee discussed the rationale for a further review of
specific development charges and whether they can be incorporated into the
Town-wide By-law.
Moved by
Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti.
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
the report titled 2006 Development Charges Background Study
be received;
And
that Hemson Consulting Ltd. be retained as the lead consultant to assist in the
completion of the 2006 Development Charges Background Study at a cost not to
exceed $80,000 inclusive of 7% GST ($74,775 exclusive of GST);
And
that Council pre-approve the 2006 Capital Project “Development Charge
Background Studies” in the amount of $150,000, to be funded $135,000 or 90%
from Development Charge Administrative Capital Growth Studies account, and
$15,000 or 10% from tax funded sources;
And
that Council pre-approve the 2006 Capital Project “Town Wide Studies” in the
amount of $120,000, to be funded from Development Charges Town Wide Hard
account;
And
that the balance of the funds in the two capital projects be used to retain any
Planning and Engineering consultants and land appraisers on a preferred
supplier basis, as required, to support the Development Charge Background Study;
And that staff provide Members of Council with a memo outlining various
projects being contemplated as additions to the Town-Wide Hard Services
Development Charges By-Law.
CARRIED
7. PETITION
FOR SUBSIDY FOR THE 2005-06 CONNECTING
LINK PROGRAM (5.10, 5.12.1)
Report
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That the report entitled Petition for Subsidy for the 2005-06 Connecting
Link Program be received;
And that the Operations Department be
authorized to petition for the statutory subsidy pursuant to The Public
Transportation and Highway Improvement Act for 2005-06 Connecting Link
Construction Projects to facilitate the retrofitting of the traffic signals to
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) components along Main Street Markham North, from
Centre Street to Ramona Boulevard;
And further that Council approve the Connecting Link Construction
By-Law to authorize the execution and estimated cost as represented by the
Minister of Transportation and the Corporation of the Town of Markham entered
into pursuant to Section 116 of the Public Transportation and Highway
Improvement Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.50, as amended-Schedule A.
CARRIED
8. AMENDMENT
TO THORNHILL SENIOR CENTRE’S
FACILITY OPERATING AGREEMENT
(6.0)
Report 1 1a) 2
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the Thornhill Senior
Centre’s Facility Operating Agreement report
be received;
And that the
Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Facility Operating Agreement between
the Thornhill Seniors Club and the Town of Markham, and any other documents
required to give effect thereto, respecting the Senior Centre at 7755 Bayview
Avenue, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor for the period January 1,
2005 to December 31, 2009;
And further
that the membership fees have been included in the 2006 Budget in the amount of
$22,000.00.
CARRIED
(Councillor K. Usman Abstained)
9. SPRING
AND YEAR-ROUND LOAD RESTRICTIONS FOR THE
TOWN OF MARKHAM’S ROAD NETWORK
(5.10)
Report By-law
Staff advised
that signage indicating load restrictions are normally posted at intersections
entering subdivisions and are not installed on every road therein in which the
restriction applies.
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the report titled Spring and
Year Round Load Restrictions for the Town of Markham’s Road Network be
received;
And that the gross weight of commercial
vehicles be restricted to 5 tonnes per axle on all public highways under the
jurisdiction of the Town of Markham, from March 1, 2006 to April 30, 2006, according to the by-law “Appendix A ”;
And that should adverse spring thaw
conditions be encountered due to a harsh winter, at the discretion of the
Director of Operations, the load restrictions be extended up to May 31, 2006
(up to four weeks);
And that the gross vehicle weight of
commercial vehicles be restricted to 5 tonnes per axle for the hard surfaced
Town roads listed in Appendix ‘B’, from March 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007,
according to the by-law;
And that according to the Highway Traffic Act
Sec. 122(4) the restrictions would exempt vehicles operated by or on behalf of
the municipality and school busses;
And that the Director of Operations be
authorized to grant exemptions to the By-law to permit heavy vehicular loads,
at his discretion.
CARRIED
10. TURF
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT REVIEW (5.7, 6.3)
Report 1
Mr.
M. Inglis, Consultant, Marshall Macklin Monaghan, and Mr. B. Kennedy, Marshall
Macklin Monaghan, delivered a presentation with respect to an assessment of the
Town of Markham’s various turf conditions. A comparison was drawn with Vaughan and Richmond Hill as
well as Waterloo for a comparison of environmental practices. It was presented that Markham compares
favourably with its York Region counterparts in regards to turf maintenance practices
and results.
The
Committee posed questions in relation to the terms of reference for the study.
Staff advised that the presentation and report was based on the first phase of
the study which was to be focused on the collection of data. The second phase
of the study would be an investigation of turf maintenance practices and
recommendations as to how to improve. Members enquired about the Town’s current
maintenance practices and how they compare with Richmond Hill. The
Committee also discussed matters relating to irrigation practices and how they
affect ground cover. It was noted that the safety of sports fields, parks and
other areas would be addressed in the second phase of the study in which a
maximum weed content threshold would be recommended. In addition, staff was
requested to include Oakville in the comparisons.
It
was noted that, due to the favourable assessment of Markham’s various
turf conditions, Members of Council consider moving forward with the public
forum on a pesticide By-law.
Moved
by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded
by Councillor S. Daurio
That the
report entitled Turf Maintenance Assessment Review,
dated February 6th, 2006 be
received;
And that the
findings from Phase 1 of the Turf Assessment Review are received as
information;
And that Council approve the hiring of
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited to an upset limit of $36,000 exclusive of
GST, to undertake Phase 2 of this review.
Marshall Macklin Monaghan will be required to work with qualified
consultants, the cost of which is included in the $36,000, with demonstrated
expertise in pesticide-free or cultural practices for turf care as selected by
the Environmental Issues Committee;
And that staff present the findings of Phase
2 of the review in a report back to General Committee and propose standards of
care for various classifications of parks, sports fields, boulevards, etc. and
determine options for a comprehensive recovery plan for existing parks and
long-term maintenance plans for both existing and new infrastructure;
And further that the cost for the Turf
Maintenance Assessment Review Phase 2, to an upset limit of $36,000, exclusive
of GST, be funded from the 2006 Operations Department Capital Project 7133, Sports
Field Maintenance and Reconstruction.
CARRIED
11. OLDER
ADULT STRATEGIC PLAN 2006 TO 2009 (3.0)
Presentation
Mr. L.
Manuel, Seniors Coordinator, Town of Markham, was in attendance to deliver a presentation
on the Older Adult Strategic Plan for 2006 to 2009. Mr. Manuel highlighted key
strategic directions for the plan and discussed research with respect to programming
participation levels.
The
Committee commended staff for the work that had been done on the plan and noted
the importance of moving forward with an improved older adult services model.
It was noted that staff could assist seniors groups in working through bodies
such as the Markham Race Relations Committee to facilitate community outreach and
awareness to the many diverse cultural groups within Markham.
Moved by
Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by
Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the presentation regarding the Older Adult Strategic Plan
2006 to 2009 be received and supported.
CARRIED
12. YOUTH
SERVICES STRATEGIC PLAN (3.0)
Presentation
Mr. G.
Dycke, Community Resource Coordinator, Town of Markham, presented the Youth Services Strategic Plan.
Mr. Dycke advised of key strategic directions moving forward and discussed
current participation levels. A number of initiatives were recommended as ways
to increase youth participation in Town-wide programs including a reallocation
of staff resources, an enhancement of dedicated outreach and awareness
programs, and a number of new partnership possibilities.
The
Committee agreed that the presentation put forward many positive goals by which
an improved engagement of youth could occur and commended staff for their work.
Staff advised that further information regarding space available for youth and
older adults programming will be forthcoming by way of future facility Master
Plans. It was also noted that additional recommendations will be brought
forward through a 2006 review of the Recreation and Culture Services area.
Moved by
Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by
Councillor K. Usman
That
the presentation regarding the Youth Services Strategic
Plan be received and supported.
And that the Mayor's Youth Task Force provide an update to Committee of
the Whole on a regular basis.
CARRIED
**Amended by Council on February
14, 2006 to
add the second clause.
---------------------------------------------------------
Other
matters considered by General Committee at its meeting on February 6, 2006:
13. 2006 BUDGET (7.4, 7.5)
There was debate on whether to add the item
regarding a review of the Budget Breakfast meeting held on February 6, 2006 and the recommendations of the Budget Sub-Committee passed at their
meeting on January
9, 2006.
The Chair ruled a simple majority vote was
required. The Chair’s ruling was challenged and it was not upheld. It was
indicated that a staff report will be forthcoming to Council to supplement the
recommendations of the Budget Sub-Committee.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the minutes of the Budget Sub-Committee
meeting held on January 9, 2006 be referred directly to Council on February 14,
2006.
CARRIED
14. MINUTES
–BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE
JANUARY 9, 2006 (7.4 &
7.5)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That
the minutes of the Budget Sub-Committee meeting held on January 9, 2006 be received.
CARRIED
15. MINUTES
– MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE:
JANUARY 26, 2006 (3.0, 5.7)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the minutes of the Markham Conservation Committee meeting held on January 26, 2006 be received;
And
that the following recommendation be received and referred to staff:
“That
Council approval be requested to change the name of the Markham Conservation
Committee to the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee.”
And
that staff review staff time and resources allocated to the Markham Conservation Committee;
And
that staff review the current Terms of Reference for the Markham Conservation Committee;
And
that attendance at Markham Conservation Committee meetings be
distributed;
And
that staff review all other Town of Markham environmental committees
CARRIED
**Amended by Council on February
14, 2006 to
add clauses 4 through 7.
16. CITY
OF TORONTO/TOWN OF MARKHAM
JOINT COMMITTEE (13.5)
Moved by
Regional Councillor Heath
Seconded by
Councillor Usman
That this
matter be referred to Committee of the Whole on February 14, 2006;
And
that a joint committee be established, the composition and appointments to be
determined by Mayor Cousens.
**Amended by Council on February
14, 2006 to
add the following clause, “And that a joint committee
be established, the composition and appointments to be determined by Mayor
Cousens.”
17. REPLACEMENT
OF A REGIONAL SEWER LINE
IN MILNE PARK TO BE CONNECTED
INTO YORK DURHAM SEWER SYSTEM
(5.5)
The Committee
discussed the timelines and approvals process for this project, noting that in
order to meet the deadlines in place and to ensure that Milne Park is
accessible to residents, it may be necessary to allow for construction to occur
on Sundays. It was noted that Council approval is necessary for this to occur
as it will be regarded as an exemption to the Noise By-law. Staff advised that they
will contact the Region of York to assess the status of the project and report
back to Council at its meeting on February 14, 2006.
Moved by
Councillor McKelvey
Seconded by Regional
Councillor Heath
That, if the need
arises, the Town authorize construction to occur on Sundays between the hours
of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with no machinery allowed to enter or leave the site
subject to all other conditions of the Town being met.
Whereas the Region of York is currently replacing a
Regional sewer under the Milne Pond;
And whereas the Ministry of National Resources requires such work be
completed by March 31, 2006;
And whereas the Region of York has requested approval to
work if necessary Sunday’s from 0800 to 1700 to meet the project deadline.
And that an exemption to the Town of Markham's Noise By-law #2003-137 be approved to permit
the Region of York and its contractor to work 0800 to 1700 hours Sunday from
February 19, 2006 to March 26, 2006 for sewer construction;
And that the above exemption be subject to the Region and its
consultant advising abutting residents on Riverview Avenue and Willowgate Drive.
CARRIED
**Amended by Council on February
14, 2006 to
remove the initial clause in its entirety and add clauses 1 through 5.
18. CHARACTER
COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR 2006 (3.0)
Presentation
Mr.
R. Bullis, Chair, Character Communities Committee, and Ms. C. DeHaas, Executive
Director, Character Council of York Region, delivered a presentation regarding the
Character Communities initiative. The presentation outlined upcoming events and
informed of ways in which Town staff and community service groups could become
involved with the programme.
The
Committee discussed ways in which the concept of character community could be
highlighted noting the potential for local community groups to sponsor awards
for individuals and businesses within the community who exemplify the traits of
character community. It was also suggested that further attempts be made to
increase the level of morale of Markham staff.
Moved
by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell
Seconded
by Councillor J. Webster
That
the presentation delivered by Mr. R. Bullis, Chair, Character Communities
Committee, and Ms. C. DeHaas, Executive Director, Character Council of York
Region, be received;
And
that the report entitled Character Community Events
for 2006 be received.
CARRIED
19. DIVERSION
TARGET UPDATE (5.2)
Report
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Councillor D. Horchik
That
the report entitled Diversion Target Update
be received for information.
CARRIED
20. MINUTES – VARLEY-McKAY ART FOUNDATION OF
MARKHAM: NOVEMBER 28, 2005 (6.9)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the minutes of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham meeting
held on November
28, 2005 be received.
CARRIED
21. MINUTES – MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD:
DECEMBER 7, 2005 (6.7)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Heath
That
the minutes of the Markham Museum Board meeting held on December 7, 2005 be received.
CARRIED
22. ONTARIO
HERITAGE FOUNDATION – REQUEST FOR
NOMINATIONS FOR YOUNG HERITAGE
LEADERS PROGRAM (16.11 &
12.2.6)
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That a letter
dated January 16, 2006 from the Ontario Heritage Foundation requesting
nominations for the Young Heritage Leaders Program be received.
CARRIED
23. NAMING
OF NEW UNIONVILLE SPORTS ACADEMY
HIGH SCHOOL (3.0, 6.0)
Moved
by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That a letter
dated January 25, 2006 from Mr. Glenn
Baron to Mayor D. Cousens, Members of Council and Mr. W. Crothers, Chair, York
Region District School Board, suggesting possible names for the new Sports Academy
High School in Unionville be received.
CARRIED
24. FLOOD INFORMATION DISCUSSION (5.10, 5.0)
The Committee
discussed details stemming from Thornhill Public Information Sessions regarding
the August 19, 2005 flood. Members
requested that staff bring forward further information with respect to the
particulars involved.
25. POLLUTION PROBE (5.7)
The Committee
was notified of a request for a deputation by Pollution Probe at the next
General Committee. Members agreed that the deputation could occur by submitting
notice through the Clerk’s Department.
-------------------------------------------
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss confidential property
and legal matters. (2:06 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the Committee rise. (3:25 p.m.)
CARRIED
-------------------------------------------
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee adjourned
at the hour of 3:35 p.m.