MINUTES

MARKHAM SANTA CLAUS PARADE COMMITTEE

ROTARY CLUB OF MARKHAM SUNRISE INC.

Planning Board Room, Markham Civic Centre

October 27, 2010

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Attendance

Councillor Caroline Moretti

Councillor John Webster

Jim Sandiford, Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise Inc. - Chair

Andy Taylor, Commissioner Corporate Services

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Dennis Flaherty, Director, Communications & Community Relations

Morgan Jones, Supervisor, Operations

Jon Styles, Supervisor Operations

Peter Cusimano, Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise Inc.

Enzo Greco, Public Program Supervisor

Christine Matthews, Markham BIA, Event Co-ordinator & Community Liaison

Alida Tari, Committee Coordinator

Regrets:

Bob Hincks, Supervisor, Operations

Bob Walter, District Manager, Operations

Olivia Bella, Event Management Assistant

The meeting convened at 4:05 PM with Jim Sandiford in the Chair.

1. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD OCTOBER 6, 2010

Moved by Peter Cusimano

Seconded by Morgan Jones

That the minutes of the Markham Santa Claus Parade Committee meeting held on

October 6, 2010, be adopted.

CARRIED

2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

a) Meeting with York Region Police

Mr. Peter Cusimano advised that at their last meeting with York Region Police and Town staff they discussed ways to improve the intersection at Highway 7 and Wootten Way.

Operations staff indicated that they will speak with By-laws about making some of the streets one-way traffic to have a circular flow of traffic.

There was discussion with respect to directing individuals to pick up their kids at the Mount Joy GO station.

Mr. Cusimano will further discuss the parking lot situation at the Museum with Enzo Greco.

b) Road Closure Letters

Councillor Webster will meet with Mr. Dennis Flaherty and confirm on a map the streets that need to be closed for the parade.

It was suggested that Jason Tsien be contacted to obtain volunteers from the Mayor's Youth Task Force and have them deliver the road closure letters.

c) Santa Claus Float, Markham

Mr. Jim Sandiford advised that he will need approximately five volunteers the day prior to the parade to help with the finishing touches on the float. He also advised that he will need another 10-12 volunteers the day of the parade.

It was confirmed that Morgan Jones will ensure that the stage for the judges is picked up.

d) Sponsorships

Mr. Enzo Greco advised that he has not received any response to date from McDonald's and that he will visit the location in person to speak to them about having Ronald McDonald participate in the parade.

Mr. Dennis Flaherty confirmed that Honda will provide four vehicles to be used in the parade.

Mr. Andy Taylor indicated that the Town's Finance department will look after the outstanding $3000.00 required from sponsorships.

e) Waivers for Parade Participants

It has been confirmed that the drivers are required to sign the waiver and/or the parade entry form.

f) Driver Training

Mr. Peter Cusimano advised that he will be providing all the information to the drivers prior to the driver training session (scheduled for Monday November 22, 2010 at the Markham Civic Centre, Canada Room from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM). He indicated that he has also invited the float marshals to attend.

g) Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremonies will be held at the January 25, 2011 Council meeting.

h) Festival of Lights

Ms. Matthews confirmed that there will be a scaled down Festival of Lights celebration in the park that will include the lighting of the tree and fireworks. She advised that both sides of Robinson Street will be closed.

i) Volunteers

It was suggested that the role of the volunteers needs to be identified prior to recruiting them and to obtain volunteers from the Mayor's Youth Task Force.

Mr. Jim Sandiford indicated that they will need individuals at the arena to direct all the volunteers who will be assisting that day.

j)Grand Marshal

Mr. Sandiford confirmed that the veterans will be placed at Washington Street to salute Chief Armand La Barge.

3. OTHER BUSINESS

Banner

Ms. Matthews confirmed that she will look after the banner.

Jon Styles will look after including Chief Armand La Barge's name on the banner.

Event Advertising

There was discussion with respect to splitting the cost of advertising between the Markham BIA and the Rotary Club.

Washroom

Need confirmation that the following have been ordered:

· 6 portable washrooms from Nature’s call

It was suggested that two be located at the Museum grounds and four to be located on Robinson Street behind the Tangerine Gecko (on the Town land).

4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Markham Santa Claus Parade Committee is scheduled for Wednesday November 10, 2010 at 4:00 PM in the Canada Room.

ADJOURNMENT

The Chair thanked everyone for their ideas and the meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM.