MINUTES FROM THE ELEVENTH MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

 

November 17, 2004 - 6:30 P.M.

 

 

Members

Regrets

Dave Adams

Amy Pialagitis

Elizabeth Plashkes

Morley Lem

Jonathan Mingay

Iggy Natoli

Councillor J. Webster

Corina Sallaberger

Peter Ross

Helen Walter

 

Councillor G. McKelvey

Also Present:

David Black

Regional Councillor J. Heath

Frankie Rose

 

Mark Champion

 

Michelle Sukul-Chan

 

Dianne More

                                                 

 

Staff

Chris Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

The Main Street Markham Committee meeting convened at the hour of 6:35 p.m. with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

 

 

1.                  ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE TENTH MEETING OF THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the Minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held on October 20, 2004, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

2.         MARKHAM VILLAGE LIBRARY EXPANSION

 

Mr. G. Shoalts, Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd., provided information relating to the expansion of the Markham Village Library, and presented a massing model of the proposed design. Mr. Shoalts advised that a design proposal for the village green will be forthcoming.

 

The Committee suggested that it may be useful to provide a book drop off facility on the north side of the building. It was stated that there will be no public access on the extreme north side as it could pose a security risk. It was noted that the overall program space in the facility will remain the same.

 

There was some discussion of the access points to the Library. It was suggested that such details will be addressed at the next public meeting concerning the development. It was noted that construction is expected to begin in July 2005, and be competed by November 2006.

 

The Committee commended the architect, and Town staff, for keeping the public informed on the development.

 

 

3.         BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE

 

Councillor G. McKelvey provided a summary of the October 18, 2004 meeting of the Budget Sub-Committee.

 

The Main Street. Markham Committee agreed to consider the following items in the 2005 budget:

·        New Service Club signs;

·        Three benches;

·        Determining Town owned, leased, and agreement, parking lots and installing appropriate signage;

·        New three or two stream recycling containers;

·        Two month summer student to research and update, in conjunction with Museum staff, the village walking guide, and;

·        Installation of “current event” signage at the north and south entrances to Main Street.

 

 

4.         UPDATES:

 

a)         Update on Greenbelt

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

b)         Wismer Commercial Design Guidelines

 

Councillor J. Webster provided information received from Mr. J. Baird, Commissioner, Development Services. It is anticipated that the report by J. Winter and Associates, and its peer review, will be completed early in 2005. It was noted that a public meeting on the Town’s commercial policy will be held on November 23, 2004.

 

c)         Public Space Recycling Containers on Main Street Markham

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

d)         Main Street Markham Traffic Management & Streetscape Study (bump-outs)

 

Mr. S. Lau, Senior Project Manager, provided written updates on the 16th Avenue/Highway 48 and Highway 7/Markham Road intersection improvements. It was noted that $1.35 million, included in the 2005 Operations and Asset Management budget for construction at the latter intersection, has been removed from the budget, although the detail design is expected to be completed by April 2005.

 

The Committee expressed disappointment that the money had been removed and it was agreed that Mr. P. Ross write to the Chair, Budget Committee, to determine the impact of this development on the proposed intersection improvements. It was suggested that the improvements should coincide with the completion of the Library expansion and the development of the parkette from the Library to the Rouge Valley.

 

The Committee emphasized the need to ensure a continuing high profile for the development vision of Main Street.

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That Mr. P. Ross write to Councillor D. Horchik, Chair, Budget Committee to express disappointment at the removal of $1.35m, set aside for construction of the intersection improvements at Highway 7 and Markham Road, from the 2005 Operations and Asset Management budget, and to request its reinstatement.

CARRIED

 

e)         Master Plan Environmental Sub-Committee

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

f)          Master Plan Sub-Committee

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

g)         Tannery Pond

 

The Committee requested further information relating to the completion of the meander. Councillor J. Webster agreed to follow up.

 

h)         Official Plan and Zoning Review Subcommittee

 

Mr. R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning, provided a written update on the Official Plan and Zoning Review. It was noted that the consultant has submitted a revised report incorporating amendments requested by staff. There will be a further review and Mr. Hutcheson will provide an update at the next meeting.

 

i)          Morgan Park Trust Fund

 

Councillor J. Webster advised that, in addition to the Trust Fund, there may also be a charitable fund attached to Morgan Park. If so, this could allow some fundraising for future work in the park. The Committee also requested information as to what plans the Town may have for the park.

 

j)          Canadian Municipal Incentive Program

 

Ms. E. Plashkes agreed to contact Mr. R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning regarding the Canadian Municipal Incentive Program.

 

k)         Development Behind Wedding Cake House

 

Mr. R. Hutcheson provided a written update regarding the development behind the Wedding Cake House. The developer has indicated that all adjacent parties have been contacted and their concerns addressed. The only proviso is that there should be no trees planted too close to the restaurants.

 

There was discussion surrounding the overall plans for the development, particularly the access road. Councillor J. Webster agreed to collect further information regarding the original planning decisions.

 

l)          Update on Bypass

 

It was suggested that Markham Bypass will open very shortly. Members noted that signage is installed on 407ETR.

 

 

m)        Merge Lane on Main Street South

 

Mr. P. Ross advised that York Region are still developing a solution to the problem of the merge lanes on Main Street South. He noted that the “No Right Turn” sign for Rouge Street may need to be relocated to facilitate planned work.

 

 

4.         NEW BUSINESS

 

Budget Issues

 

Regional Councillor J. Heath provided a brief update on the status of the budget requests made by the Committee. The Committee suggested that the budget also allow for signage prohibiting the use of engine noise retarders on Main Street.

 

Regional Councillor J. Heath advised that he will request that Regional Council provide funding for an opening ceremony for the new Markham Bypass.

 

           

5.         NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is scheduled for January 19, 2005.

 

6.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee adjourned at 8:30 p.m.