MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

November 18, 2010

ATTENDANCE

Members Philip Ling, Chair Mylene Bezerra Batista Phil Fung Lloyd Helferty James Lin Erika Lontoc Zahra Parhizgari Tom Rado Carrie Sally Christopher Sauer Erica Tsang Dennis Yip Staff Bev Shugg Barbeito, Committee Secretary

Regrets Brent Mersey Louis Priftakis Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Markham Environmental Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:05 PM with Mr. Philip Ling presiding as Chair.

2. CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

The agenda was accepted with the following additions:

- Town of Markham request for feedback from Committee members

- Sustain-a-licious

3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 14, 2010

It was

Moved by Tom Rado
Seconded by Erika Lontoc

That the minutes of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee (MEAC) held on

October 14, 2010 be adopted as distributed.

Carried

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

A. FATAL LIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM (FLAP)

FLAP works with commercial organizations to provide assessments of the level of risk that their buildings provide to birds and to identify appropriate changes. Chair Philip Ling will follow up with Mike Mesure to request a copy of the assessment checklist.

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

At the October 14, 2010 meeting, Chair Philip Ling advised that current Vice Chair Tom Rado would be moving into the Chair position in January 2011 and asked Committee members to indicate their interest in seeking the position of Vice Chair. Since that meeting, four Committee members indicated their interest: James Lin, Dennis Yip, Erika Lontoc, and Chris Sauer. In an email to all Committee members, Chair Philip Ling thanked the four for their dedication to MEAC and its mission, and included information from each expressing why they would be interested in the position of Vice Chair.

At the November 18, 2010 meeting, Chair Philip Ling and Vice Chair Tom Rado praised the high calibre of the candidates. Each candidate spoke in support of their candidacy; following the last presentation, the four candidates left the meeting room. The remaining members cast votes by hidden ballot; the ballots were counted and then destroyed. The applicants were invited to return to the room and Chris Sauer was declared Vice Chair.

Following the election, the Committee discussed expanding the involvement of other Committee members. It was agreed that Carrie Sally and Erika Lontoc will form an Education and Outreach subcommittee.

In addition, the following appointments will be recommended to Town of Markham Council:

- Erica Tsang, to replace Brent Mersey as one of MEAC's representatives on the Markham Centre committee. Philip Ling will remain on the committee as he is currently the co-Chair.

- Mylene Bezerra Batista to replace Philip Ling as MEAC's representative on the Environmental Issues committee, and Lloyd Helferty to replace Brent Mersey as the alternate representative.

- James Lin, to replace Chris Sauer as MEAC's representative on the Markham Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory committee

Vice Chair Tom Rado advised the Committee that he felt this involvement would give the Committee a tremendous start in the New Year. He requested that, by the end of the year, all Committee members submit a bio indicating their background and accomplishments; in January, he plans to send the complete collection of bios to Town of Markham Council so members become aware of the resource that MEAC can be for them.

Chair Tom Rado, Vice Chair Chris Sauer, and Past-chair Philip Ling will meet with Mayor Frank Scarpitti in January to discuss how the Committee might become a more comprehensive resource on environmental issues for the Town of Markham.

B. GREENPRINT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN - KITCHEN TABLE SESSIONS

It was agreed that MEAC members will discuss the Kitchen Table session at its holiday get-together.

C. TOWN OF MARKHAM REQUEST FOR COMMITTEE FEEDBACK

In October, the Town of Markham requested input from all Committee members on the Committee mandate and operations, in order to provide the new Council and staff with feedback on the effectiveness of its current boards/committees. Committee members agreed it would be important to highlight the need for:

- increased coordination and involvement with the Town of Markham,

- a greater voice regarding environmental issues, and

- formalizing the process of bringing environmental issues to the Committee for review

D. SUSTAIN-A-LICIOUS!

Sustain-a-licious, the 2nd annual Sustainability Fair, was a Town of Markham celebration with cooking demonstrations, workshops, children’s activities, interactive booths, and opportunities to taste and learn about the benefits of local food. James Lin attended the event on November 6, 2010. He reported that there were booths representing several food and environmental organizations as well as the Town of Markham Sustainability Office.

E. HOLIDAY GET TOGETHER

The Committee holiday get-together will be held on Monday November 29, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Mandarin Restaurant, 7660 Woodbine Avenue, Markham.

6. ADJOURNMENT

It was

Moved by Chris Sauer

Seconded by Erika Lontoc

That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee adjourn at 9:10 PM.

7. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee has been scheduled for Thursday January 20, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Ontario Room.