SENIORS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010 – 4:00 P.M.

CANADA ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

 

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Attendance

 

Committee:

 

Angela Morris – Chair

Warren Carroll – Vice Chair

Shirley Burchell

Ramma Chabra

Jaswant Dhanjal

Sandra Donin

Tasneem Karimjee

Katy Kwan

Susan Leppington

Ivy Ng

Jeyasakthy Thayaparan

Manickampillai Velauthapillai

 

Councillors:

 

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

Regrets:

 

 

 

 

Staff:

L. Wells, Manager, Programs, Recreation             Services

S. Watts. Seniors Coordinator, Recreation             Services

C. McConney-Wilson, Diversity Specialist,             Human Resources

P. Cook, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Seniors Advisory Committee convened at 4:12 p.m. with Lori Wells, Programs, Recreation Services, Town of Markham acting as Chair.

 

 

1.         WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE

            AND STAFF REPRESENTATIVES

All members of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee, and support staff introduced themselves and gave a brief history of their personal interest in serving on the Committee.

 

2.                  ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

Upon an invitation from the Acting Chair, Lori Wells, for volunteers for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair, the Committee unanimously approved Angela Morris as Chair and Warren Carroll as Vice-Chair of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee. 

 

Angela Morris assumed the formal position as Chair of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee from this point forward.

 

3.         REVIEW OF TERMS OF REFERENCE AND DISCUSSION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The members of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee reviewed the Terms of Reference in detail.  In response to a query, Deputy Mayor, Jack Heath explained that with the upcoming municipal election, that although the terms of office of this current Committee expire in November, 2010, staff would take a report forward to the new Council and new terms of office would be determined at that time.

 

The Chair and Vice-Chair requested that the Clerks Office arrange an orientation for them to better understand the rules of procedures for Committee meetings for the Town of Markham.

 

The Chair requested members of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee take the time to read all minutes and familiarize themselves with enclosed documents prior to every meeting.  Staff will assist in the preparation of the Action Plan for the Committee, with Susan Watts, Seniors Coordinator, Recreation Services serving as the main staff contact.

 

Following a discussion regarding the terms relating to financial consideration, Deputy Mayor Heath commented that Lori and Susan will liaise with the Finance Department to determine the guidelines.  Councillor Burke further indicated that all Town Committees would be reviewed and a formal report regarding financial responsibilities will be presented to the new Town Council in November.  In response to a request from the Chair, it was agreed that Lori would provide her a copy of the Town of Markham’s Anti-discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy and Code of Ethics and Conduct Policies. Pecuniary conflicts will be a standard agenda item for all Seniors’ Advisory Committee meetings.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Shirley Burchell

 

THAT the Seniors’ Advisory Committee adopt the Terms of Reference (Appendix A) as amended.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.         DIVERSITY STRATEGY – Ms. Cheryl McConney-Wilson

Cheryl McConney-Wilson, Diversity Specialist, Human Resources for the Town of Markham made a presentation on the Diversity Strategy publication.  Cheryl explained that the document addresses demographics, historical events relating to the Town’s diversity, and includes services, with GIS mapping featuring seniors’ centres, libraries, community centers, government offices, and links to other services available.  The document will be presented to Town Council on June 14th and once approved will be printed and made available to the public through recreation centres, libraries, and other Town facilities. The Chair thanked Cheryl for her presentation and indicated the Committee was impressed with the Diversity Strategy document. 

 

5.         ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Susan Watts, Seniors’ Coordinator, Recreation Services tabled a list of topics that were raised by the Committee members during their interviews for the Seniors’ Advisory Committee.  It was agreed that Susan and Lori would prepare a workshop for the next meeting, for the members to determine action priorities for the Committee.

 

6.         ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Councillor Moretti

Seconded by Katy Kwan

 

THAT the Seniors’ Advisory Committee meeting adjourn; the time being 5:43 p.m.

 

CARRIED