M I N U T E S
GENERAL COMMITTEE
June 14, 2010
Meeting
No. 17
Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Chair: Councillor
A. Chiu
Environment
& Sustainability Issues Building, Parks, &
Construction Issues
Chair: Councillor
E. Shapero Chair: Councillor C. Moretti
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
|
Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor V. Burke Councillor. E. Shapero Councillor D. Hamilton Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Mayor F. Scarpitti Councillor C. Moretti |
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer C.
Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services B.
Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A.
Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management K. Boniface, Technical
Coordinator K. Burns, Sustainability Office N. Daley, Manager of Human Resources D. Decker, Deputy Fire Chief J.
Lustig, Treasurer V. McGrath, Director, Sustainability Office R. Mohabeer, Manager, Sustainability Office G. Seaman, Manager, Markham Energy
Conservation B. Snowball,
Fire Chief P. Wealleans,
Director of Taxation B. Wiles, Manager, Enforcement & Licensing J. McWhinnie,
Senior Enforcement & Licensing Clerk K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk |
|
The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair for Finance and Administrative related
items and Building, Parks and Construction related items; Councillor A. Chiu
Chaired Community Services related items; and Councillor E. Shapero Chaired
Environment and Sustainability related items.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. Greenprint,
Markham’s Sustainability Plan
(Draft for Consultation) (5.7)
Report Greenprint Presentation
Victoria McGrath,
Director, Sustainability Office, introduced this issue and the staff team members and HB
Lanarc consultants that are involved. Staff are
seeking approval to move forward with broad consultation of the Draft for
Consultation Greenprint.
Mr. Peter Russell, HB Lanarc gave a
presentation, describing the development of the draft plan and the identification
of place, function and people strategies. Priorities, goals and objectives were
outlined in detail. Next steps include stakeholder and public review, workshops
and outreach activities, and development of action plans by staff. The final
Greenprint document will be presented to Council in early 2011.
Jeanne Ker-Hornell,
representing the Unionville Stiver Mill Farmers Market spoke in support of the
Greenprint proposal, and noted that Farmers Markets are a key component of
sustainability.
Phil Ling, Chair of Markham’s Environmental
Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the Greenprint plan initiatives and
discussed public engagement opportunities.
The Committee
discussed several issues and definitions. Staff advised that a definition of
neighbourhoods is being developed and will be brought for Council approval. The
regeneration of neighbourhoods was discussed with respect to the cost of retrofitting
older buildings and the opportunity to involve partners and other levels of
government. Enhanced standards will be incorporated into new developments. A
suggestion was made that the Town use the integration of the Markham Centre
development with the existing Unionville neighbourhoods as a pilot project for
connectivity.
Concern was expressed
for the implication that Council and Committees are not fully representative of
Markham’s cultural, household income and gender composition. Although this is a
recognized, national situation, the Committee suggested that the statements in
the presentation should reflect verified figures rather than an opinion. Staff
confirmed that a breakdown of the figures will be included in the final report.
Staff was directed to
clarify that the statement with respect to the ban on smoking is targeted to
outdoor environments, and not to indoors locations which has already been
implemented. Integration and coordination of services at one location, such as
health care services, would provide sustainability benefits. Discussions
included “active neighbourhoods” and the opportunities for stewardship of
neighbourhood parks.
Further discussion
included the potential demand for sidewalks to address “walkability” concepts; the
global context of the presentation; development pressure in the farmlands; the challenge
to engage residents; and the sophisticated nature of the residents in terms of
sustainability values. It was noted that this is a long term project, with
evolving short and mid-term goals, and that implementation will be the key to
success.
The Committee thanked
project staff and the document design team for their work on this initiative,
Youth Task Force representatives for their involvement, and the Chief
Administrative Officer and Senior management for their leadership.
The Committee agreed
to endorse the document in principle.
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor
L. Kanapathi
1) That the staff report titled Draft for Consultation Greenprint, Markham’s Sustainability Plan, dated June 2, 2010, be endorsed in principle; and,
2) That staff go forward with broad consultation on the Draft Greenprint, Markham’s Sustainability Plan with Council, staff, the community, stakeholders and all levels of government; and,
3) That staff provide a final Greenprint, Markham’s Sustainability Plan to Council for consideration in early 2011; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
2. Development
Charges December 31, 2009
Reserve Balances and
Annual Activity of the Accounts (7.11)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
1) That the report titled “Development Charges December 31, 2009 Reserve Balances and Annual Activity of the Accounts” be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
3. Award of Tender 155-T-10 Replacement
of Roof at 8100 Warden Avenue (7.12.1)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
1) That the report entitled “Award of Tender 155-T-10 Replacement of Roof at 8100 Warden Avenue” be received; and,
2) That Tender 155-T-10 Replacement of Roof at 8100 Warden Avenue be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, T. Hamilton & Son Roofing Inc. in the amount of $516,129.05, inclusive of PST and HST; and,
3) That a separate purchase order in the amount of $25,806.45 be issued for contingency to cover any additional fees and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
4) That the award be funded from account number 750-101-5399-10524 “Roof replacement at 8100 Warden Ave.” and reimbursed by Markham District Energy (MDE) (50%) upon completion of project; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
4. Staff Awarded Contracts
for the Month of May 2010 (7.12)
The Committee noted Contract #
379-Q-09, South East Markham Community Centre Park, with respect to possible
relocation of the Community Centre. Staff advised that park is not a component
of the Community Centre, but this matter will be reconciled before proceeding.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor L.
Kanapathi
1)
That
the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of May 2010” be
received; and,
2)
That Staff be authorized and directed to do
all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
5. Revised Development Charge
Credit Policy (7.11)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
1)
That the attached “Development Charge
Credit and Reimbursement Policy” be received and adopted by Council; and,
2)
That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
6. CN Bala/ Doncaster
Railway Diamond Noise (9.0)
The Committee
expressed staff and Council members for their work is resolving this matter.
A correction was noted
to the name of the Minister of Transport.
Moved by Councillor V.
Burke
Seconded by Councillor
E. Shapero
1) That the report entitled “CN (Canadian National) Bala/ Doncaster Railway Diamond Noise” be received; and,
2) The CN Bala/ Doncaster Railway Diamond Public Liaison Committee’s recommendation for the construction of a noise barrier and a rail vibration isolation scheme be endorsed by Council and forwarded to CN for action; and,
3) That a copy of the report and Council’s endorsement be sent to the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, to the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), to Peter Shurman, MPP Thornhill, and to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); and,
4) That CN be requested to work with the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) Office to resolve community compatibility issues related to the 24/7 operation of the Doncaster Work Yard for non-emergency railway maintenance operations; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
** CARRIED
**Note: At the June 22 and 23, 2010 Council meeting the following amendment was made:
add the words “…a letter
from the Mayor together with...” to the start of Resolution No. 3.
CARRIED
7. Markham Diversity
Action Plan (11.7)
Ms. Nadine Daley, Manager of Human Resources, gave a presentation on this matter, recapping the plan and process to date. The draft Diversity Action Plan had been approved at General Committee on May 17, 2010, for the purpose of community consultation, and overall positive feedback was received from the five community meetings. The next steps will be development and implementation of an outreach and publication strategy in collaboration with Communications and Community Relations, and development of detailed work plans.
The Committee thanked staff for their work on this initiative. Staff thanked Council and the Chief Administrative Officer for their leadership.
Moved by Councillor L.
Kanapathi
Seconded by Councillor
E. Shapero
1) That the report entitled “Markham Diversity Action Plan” be received; and,
2) That Council approve the Plan as attached; and,
3) That Council direct the Director of Human Resources to coordinate the development of implementation plans for the recommendations and report progress annually to Council while also incorporating the Diversity Action Plan into annual business planning processes; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUMS -
OCCUPANCY INFORMATION (7.0)
Moved by Councillor A.
Chiu
Seconded by Councillor
D. Hamilton
1) That the report “Residential Condominiums – Occupancy Information” be received; and,
2) That developers of residential condominiums be required to provide the Town with a list of the names of individual unit owners and occupancy dates as a condition of site plan and condominium draft approval; and,
3) That any necessary agreements, on a go forward basis, between developers and the Town be modified to include this requirement; and,
4) That Council adopt the policy attached to this report in Appendix A (Condominium Development Securities Policy); and further,
5) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
9. TOWN
OF MARKHAM AND THE
PUBLIC REALM (5.6)
Karen Boniface, Technical Coordinator, gave a presentation of the Public Realm initiative, outlining the proposal to engage the general public to identify with the Public Realm, through a program called “Markham’s Shared Places, Our Spaces”. Ms. Boniface explained the overall work plan, including: demonstration projects; Public Art Policy; Civic Centre projects such as pubic art and sustainable gardens; develop policies and standards to enhance the public realm and update existing policies; align to Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund; and evaluate a public/private partnership program.
Staff are recommending the establishment of Markham’s Shared Places Our Spaces Committee. The next steps include proceeding with the demonstration projects from June to October, establishing the Committee, and reporting back in late 2010 on the results of 2010 and plans for 2011.
The Committee commented favourably on the plantings in public areas, requested an update on the building at Toogood Pond. With respect to the Public Art Policy, staff advised that a policy is being drafted and will be coming forward in September. Comments were also made regarding the Steeles Avenue corridor and gateway enhancements. Staff will continue to work with transportation staff and the City of Toronto on these projects. It was noted that bus shelters are needed for public safety, and staff will continue to work with the Region on this issue. Further suggestion were made that an Earth Day planting event at a location such as Centennial Park, and that the enhancements to the Pomona Mills Tennis Club be expanded to the Henderson Road area.
Councillors V. Burke and A. Chiu indicated an interest in being appointed to Markham’s Shared Places Our Spaces Committee.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor D. Hamilton
1) That the presentation entitled “Town of Markham and the Public Realm” by Ms. Karen Boniface, Technical Coordinator be received; and
2)
That Councillor V. Burke and Councillor A. Chiu be appointed to
Markham’s Shared Places Our Spaces Committee.
CARRIED
10. AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE
MUNICIPAL ACCESS AGREEMENTS (8.0)
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor
J. Webster
1) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized and directed to execute Municipal Access Agreements and any renewals of Municipal Access Agreements with utility companies in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services and the Town Solicitor; and,
2) That the proposed fees within the Municipal Access Agreements (Attachment A) be approved; and,
3) That Council approve the increase of fees annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (Toronto All-Items September to September) with such increases effective January 1 and rounded to the nearest dollar; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
11. TOWN OF MARKHAM
MASTER FIRE PLAN (3.0)
Dave Decker, Deputy
Fire Chief provided a brief introduction on this matter. Steve Thurlow and Suzanne Charbonneau of Dillon Consulting
were in attendance to make a presentation. Mr. Thurlow outlined the benefits of
a Fire Master Plan that would provide a strategic template for delivering
services in response to community risks and needs over the next 10 years, and establish an education program, as required by The Fire
Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
The project milestones
were reviewed. Public and stakeholder consultation will occur in the fall,
followed by discussions with Council. A final report is targeted for April,
2011.
Moved by Councillor J.
Webster
Seconded by Councillor
V. Burke
1) That the presentation by Dillon Consulting be received; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
12. MARKHAM FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
2009 ANNUAL REPORT (3.0)
Moved by Councillor D.
Hamilton
Seconded by Councillor
J. Webster
1)
That the 2009 Annual Report
from the Markham Fire & Emergency Services (MFES) be received; and,
2)
That Staff be authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. 2010
Interim Quality Management
System Management (5.3)
Moved by Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Jones
1) That the report titled “2010 Interim Quality Management System Management Review Outcomes” be received; and,
2) That Council, as the Owner of the Town’s drinking water system, acknowledge and support the outcomes and action items identified from the 2010 Interim Management Review; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution
CARRIED
14. VARLEY ART GALLERY EXPANSION (6.0)
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio
1) That the report entitled “Varley Art Gallery Expansion” be received; and,
2) That design by David Johnston Architects be approved and Staff be authorized to proceed to Tender with this design; and,
3) That subsequent to the Tender closing, the CAO be authorized to award the Contract to the lowest qualified compliant bidder to an upset limit of $1,960,000 and to proceed with construction; and,
4) That the award be funded from the Varley Art Gallery capital account 075-5350-9098-005; and,
5) That a contingency amount of $195,000 exclusive of GST, be established to cover any additional construction or design costs, and that the Director of Asset Management, or his designate, be authorized to approve the expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Town’s Expenditure Control Policy; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
15. COMMUNITY CENTRE (6.0)
The Committee noted a potential community centre site located in Ward 7,
and staff advised that it is being considered.
IN CAMERA MATTERS
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That, in accordance with Sections 239 (2) (c), (e), and (f) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters:
1) Confidential General Committee Minutes;
2) A litigation matter affecting Markham;
3) A proposed or pending disposition of land by Markham - declaration of surplus property;
4) A proposed or pending expropriation of land by Markham – Update on OMB settlement;
5) Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege regarding a proposed settlement.
CARRIED
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (10:48 AM)
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.