General Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 25

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Ritch Lau
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Juanita Nathan
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Alice Lam, Acting Commissioner, Community Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
• Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor
• Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer
• Mary Creighton, Director, Recreation Services
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Darryl Lyons, Acting Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Alex Moore, Manager of Purchasing & Accounts Payable
• Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation
• Giulio Cescato, Director of Panning & Urban Design
• Chris Rickett, Director, Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship
• Mark Visser, Sr Manager Strategy Innovation ＆ Investments
• Eddy Wu, Acting Director, Environmental Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Tharsikaa Irajeswaran, Assistant to Council/Committee
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Joseph Silva, Treasurer
• Chris Nearing, Fire Chief
• Jamaal Kossy, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron- Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

General Committee convened at 9:35 AM with Councillor Keith Irish presiding as Chair.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were none disclosed.

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  1. That the minutes of the November 7, 2023 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

3.2

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 4, OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 8, 2023 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  1. That the minutes of the October 4, October 25 and November 8, 2023 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

Barry Nelson, addressed the Committee and made an inquiry regarding the November 8, 2023 General Committee Minutes.  

Doug Denby, addressed the Committee and made a deputation regarding Strong Mayor Powers.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

  That the deputations from Barry Nelson and Doug Denby be received.

  Carried

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

The Committee discussed the following in relation to Bill 131, Transportation In The Future:

• That the City send a letter to the Province with comments in relation to Bill 131 and the funding structure of GO Stations;
• The significance of advancing the Hwy 7 Rapid Transit System in and around Enterprise in Phase 1 and to York-Durham Line to support future growth and new developments in East Markham;
• That there be consideration to synchronize the development of transportation infrastructure and site plan approvals.  

Staff advised that they are reviewing Bill 131 and will report back at an upcoming Development Services Meeting.  Staff further advised that there have been development projects that advance in stages and that their progress depends on the amount of work completed in neighbouring transit infrastructure projects.  Staff will continue to monitor and implement these types of site plan approvals.    

• Moved by Councillor Ritch Lau
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  1. That the following communications dated October 26, 2023 from York Region be received for information purposes:
     1. Traffic and Pedestrian Signal Policy Update
     2. Pedestrian Cycling and Municipal Streetscape Partnership Programs Update
     3. Bus Rapid Transit Prioritization
     4. Bill 131, Transportation for the Future Act, 2023 - Recommendations
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

7.1

MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 7 & OCTOBER 4, 2023 MARKHAM SANTA CLAUS PARADE COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the minutes of the September 7 and October 4, 2023 Markham Santa Claus Parade Committee meeting be received for information purposes. 
  Carried

7.2

WATER/ WASTEWATER SEWER SYSTEM FINANCIAL PLAN (5.3)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the report entitled “Water and Wastewater System Financial Plan,” prepared in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Ontario Regulation 453/07, be received; and, 
  2. That Council, as the Owner and Operating Authority of the City of Markham’s Drinking Water System, approve the Corporation of the City of Markham’s “Water and Wastewater System Financial Plan,” which indicates that the Markham drinking water and wastewater system is financially viable; and,
  3. That Council authorize Staff to submit the “Water and Wastewater System Financial Plan” to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on or before the application deadline of January 21, 2024; and further, 
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.3

STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2023 (7.12)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of September 2023” be received; and further, 
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.4

2024 MEETING CALENDAR (9.0)

The Committee requested that the Public Meeting for June 10, 2023 be moved to June 17, 2023. 

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  1. That the proposed 2024 Standing Committee & Council Meeting Calendar be adopted; and,
  2. That the public meeting scheduled for June 10, 2024 be moved to June 17, 2023; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.5

2023 IN-YEAR CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS (7.5)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the report dated November 21, 2023 titled “2023 In-Year Capital Additions” be received; and,
  2. That Council approve 36 2023 in-year capital additions, which total $38,701,511 as outlined in Appendix 1; and further, 
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.6

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 6, 2023 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

The Committee suggested that the update of the Race Relations Terms of Reference document have an anticipated completion date associated with it.   

Staff indicated that the update may take three months to complete to allow for a wholesome review and consultative process and that it should be ready by the end of March 2024.

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the report entitled, "Proposed Review of the Race Relations Committee Meeting Schedule" be received; and, 
  2. That the current quarterly meeting schedule be maintained; and, 
  3. That the Race Relations Committee Terms of Reference be updated to provide direction and clarity of the roles and responsibilities of the Committee by the end of March 2024; and, 
  4. That the Race Relations Committee convene informal meetings as needed, outside the prescribed meeting schedule, to review time sensitive manners; issues or events that may arise from time to time and communicate the outcome to the staff liaison for further action as may be required; and, 
  5. That the minutes of the March 6, 2023 Race Relations Committee meeting be received; and further,
  6. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this recommendation.  
  Carried

7.7

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 2023 RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

  This resolution was received for information purpose only.

  1. That the minutes of the June 5, 2023 Race Relations Committee meeting be received for information purposes; and,
  2. That it be resolved that the Race Relations Committee does not condone racism in our City, and communities; and,
  3. That it be resolved that the City of Markham has a policy to reflect the importance of anti-racism; and,
  4. That it be resolved that the RRC support swift action and communication when deplorable and racist acts occur; and,
  5. That it be resolved that a clause be included in exit documents to ensure that Linked-In and similar networking sites are updated appropriately to reflect the employment status of the person; and,
  6. That it be resolved that an Equity Audit be conducted by a third party to review evaluate instances of discrimination and harassment, as well as applicable policies; and further,
  7. That it be resolved that the City of Markham be transparent and accountable and implement Key Performance Indicators, for the Diversity Action Plan and Anti-Black Racism Strategy, and to provide regular reporting and feedback on the advancement of the action plans.
  Carried

8.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

8.1

STRONG MAYOR POWERS (9.0)

Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk, addressed the Committee to make opening remarks and introduced Joseph Silva, Treasurer, and Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor, who jointly presented and responded to inquiries in relation to the Strong Mayor Powers presentation.  The presentation included an overview of contextual information related to the legislative, administrative and financial aspects of Strong Mayor Powers.

The Committee thanked Ms. Kitteringham and staff for attending the meeting and the information that was provided.   

The Committee made the following inquiries:

• The communication process associated with mayoral decisions to members of council and the public;
• Whether there are conditions to maintain Strong Mayor Powers, such as adhering to the housing target pledge that was committed to in order to obtain the Strong Mayor Powers;
• The lengths that the Strong Mayor Powers extend to;
• The definition of provincial priorities and how projects are deemed to be a provincial priority;
• The process in which  a veto can be made and if it has to be done in public;
• Whether decisions made by 1/3 of council are appealable by the Ontario Land Tribunal;
• The impact of Strong Mayor Powers in conjunction with the expectation that municipalities need to meet growth targets with a decrease in Development Charges;
• The level of detail that will be contained in the budget and how it may differ from previous budgets;
• The timing related to when council and the public may review the budget document and how amendments may be made;
• Concerns about the concentration of power in one person’s hands and the potential elimination of public debate on certain matters; and,
• The way in which housing targets are measured.

Staff responded to the inquiries and noted that Strong Mayor Powers are intended to eliminate barriers that prevent the advancement of a municipality and their use has to have a link to a provincial priority.  It was further indicated that the veto power is not overarching and cannot change existing zoning.   

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the presentation entitled “Special Powers and Duties of the Head of Council”, by Ms. Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk and Mr. Joseph Silva, Treasurer, be received.
  Carried

9.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

10.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

11.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new or other business.

12.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

13.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

General Committee resolved into confidential session at 11:44 AM. 

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan

  That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:

  Carried

13.1

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

13.1.1

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 19 & OCTOBER 10, 2023 (16.0) [Municipal Act 2001, Section 239 (2) (c)(e)]

The Committee confirmed the General Committee Confidential Minutes of September 19, 2023 and October 10, 2023.  

13.1.2

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (WARD 3) [Municipal Act 2001, Section 239 (2)(c)] 

The Committee consented to place this item on the November 29, 2023, Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

13.1.3

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (WARD 3) (8.0) [MUNICIPAL ACT 2001, Section 239 (2) (c)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the November 29, 2023, Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

13.1.4

PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING CITY OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES; (7.3) [MUNICIPAL ACT 2001, Section 239 (2) (b)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the November 29, 2023, Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

13.2

COMMUNITY SERVICE MATTERS

13.2.1

TRANSITIONING MARKHAM’S BLUE BOX PROGRAM TO PRODUCT PRODUCERS IN 2026 (5.1) 

(A POSITION, PLAN, PROCEDURE, CRITERIA OR INSTRUCTION TO BE APPLIED TO ANY NEGOTIATIONS CARRIED ON OR TO BE CARRIED ON BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD); (5.1) [MUNICIPAL ACT 2001, Section 239 (2) (k)]

The Committee consented to place this item on the November 29, 2023 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.

14.

ADJOURNMENT

General Committee adjourned at 1:53 PM.  

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

  That General Committee adjourn from confidential session at 1:53 PM and not return to open session or report out on any matter.  

  Carried