M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2007-04-02
Meeting No. 10

Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues

Chair: Councillor J. Virgilio Chair: Councillor A. Chiu

Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation Issues

Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Reg. Councillor G. Landon

Chair: Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke Environment & Sustainability Issues

Chair: Councillor E. Shapero

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor. E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Sales, Commissioner of Community & Fires Services J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services S. Birrell, Town Clerk B. Cribbett, Treasurer B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services A. Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

At 10:20 a.m. Councillor J. Virgilio vacated the Chair and Councillor E. Shapero assumed the Chair.

At 11:36 a.m. Councillor E. Shapero vacated the Chair and Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None.

1. DEPUTATIONS - REPORT ON NON-ESSENTIAL USE OF
PESTICIDES (5.7)

· Ms. Teri Yamada, Managing Director, Golf Industry and Government Relations, Royal Canadian Golf Association, presented information regarding the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program currently employed by several Markham area golf courses. She advised that the IPM program allows for a 35% - 50% reduction in pesticide usage. Ms. Yamada requested that if the Town of Markham chose to enact a pesticide By-law that special recognition be granted to golf facilities that have achieved IPM accreditation.

There was discussion regarding pesticide regulations currently in place in other municipalities and it was noted that although Toronto’s By-law did not grant an exemption for golf and lawn bowling facilities, they do receive special recognition for their specific maintenance practices.

· Mr. Gideon Forman, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, presented information with respect to the enactment of several pesticide By-laws in neighboring municipalities. He requested Markham use Toronto’s Pesticide By-law as a model because it would allow for a seamless legislated framework between the two municipalities and will assist with the cost and time associated with developing and communicating an education and awareness program relative to the new By-law.

· Mr. Bruce Turner, Canadian Cancer Society, spoke in support of the enactment of a By-law that would restrict the ornamental use of pesticides. Mr. Turner advised that although scientific data is inconclusive, it does strongly suggest that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of developing cancer. He also noted children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system were at a greater risk for cancer.

· Ms. Sari Merson, Markham resident, spoke in support of a By-law that would restrict the use of pesticides noting several other municipalities that have successfully enacted similar legislation.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the deputations by Ms. Teri Yamada, Managing Director, Golf Industry and Government Relations, Royal Canadian Golf Association, Mr. Gideon Forman, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Mr. Bruce Turner, Canadian Cancer Society, and Ms. Sari Merson, Markham resident, regarding a possible Markham By-law to regulate the non-essential use of pesticides be received.

CARRIED

2. CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CPAC)
2007 BUSINESS PLAN (5.14)

Presentation

Mr. L. Mele, TDM Coordinator, and Mr. D. Richardson, Chair Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), presented the 2007 CPAC Business Plan. Mr. Mele provided background information and advised of the mandate of the Committee. He highlighted the Cycling Master Plan discussing several proposals that would be forthcoming to General Committee including the development of a ‘Spine Network’, a bicycle path initiative that would interconnect several high traffic routes and common amenities within the Town. Mr. D. Richardson presented an overview of the 2007 Plan noting that CPAC would be reviewing pedestrian and safety issues, planning and implementation priorities as well as promoting the Can-Bike safety program, Smart Commute initiative and ‘Terry Fox’ Bikeway project. The completion of a trail, pathway and Cycling Master Plan was noted to be the top priority for 2007.

The Committee commended CPAC for their work to date and shared concerns regarding the safety of current cyclists in Markham. Members also suggested several areas where bicycle racks should be installed. Staff confirmed that CPAC was currently reviewing this and would be suggesting the creation of a number of ‘end of trip facilities’ to General Committee at an upcoming meeting. Staff agreed to review the possibility of including a Cornell route within the ‘Spine Network’ and report back.

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the presentation by Mr. L. Mele, TDM Coordinator, and Mr. D. Richardson, Chair Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), regarding the 2007 CPAC Business Plan be received.

CARRIED

3. REPORT ON NON-ESSENTIAL USE OF PESTICIDES (5.7)

Report 1

Ms. M. Urquhart, Environmental Manager, presented an overview of a report regarding the non-essential use of pesticides. Staff suggested two options with respect to further public consultation on the matter. The first option recommended by staff was to undertake additional consultation and expand the process to include a wider portion of Markham residents through geographically based community meetings held across the Town. The second option was for staff to draft a By-law restricting the non-essential use of pesticides in Markham and seek community input at a public information meeting.

Staff confirmed that all stakeholders involved in the previous public meetings as well as those individuals who submitted their names in interest were given notice that the matter would be discussed at the April 2, 2007 General Committee meeting. The Committee discussed the previous public meeting process and staff confirmed that representatives from both the golf and lawn bowling industries were in attendance.

There was discussion as to whether a draft By-law for Markham could be developed using Toronto’s By-law as a model. Members discussed whether alignment with Toronto’s By-law would allow for a more efficient and less costly awareness and communication program.

The Committee recommended that Markham staff consider a staged implementation process similar to the Toronto By-law to allow sufficient time for the delivery of an education and training program. It was also suggested that the golf and lawn bowling industries receive special recognition for their maintenance practices within the draft By-law.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That Council instruct staff to proceed with a community consultation meeting respecting pesticide regulation in the Town of Markham;

And that the community meeting follow Option 2, as outlined in the staff report titled “Report on Regulating the Non-Essential Use of Pesticides”, which includes a draft by-law restricting the non-essential use of pesticides in Markham being brought to General Committee, followed by a meeting with the public, and finally a presentation to Council for a decision before the end of June;

And that the draft By-law be modelled on Toronto’s pesticide By-law and further that the best practices from other municipalities be considered, including a phased in implementation program and possible exemptions subject to any other changes that staff may recommend;

And that staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to the above.

CARRIED

4. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD

APPOINTMENTS (16.24)

It was noted that Mr. Mahendra Naik had been appointed to the Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards Committee and the Markham Library Board. The Committee advised the Clerk to withdraw his name from both Committees until such time that his preference could be determined.

Note: at Mr. Mahendra Naik’s request, his application to the ACRA was withdrawn.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the following appointments be confirmed:

Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards Committee (ACRA)

Imran Ali For term ending November 30, 2010

Sheynoor Karsan For term ending November 30, 2010

Hemant Misir For term ending November 30, 2010

Animal Care Committee

Robert Bowman For term ending November 30, 2009

Julia Burke For term ending November 30, 2009

Terri Daniels For term ending November 30, 2009

Chris Girgulis For term ending November 30, 2009

Jane Kwong For term ending November 30, 2009

Rachel Lau For term ending November 30, 2009

Barbi Lazarus For term ending November 30, 2009

Denielle Duncan For term ending November 30, 2009

Mary Brown For term ending November 30, 2009

Yasuao Naka For term ending November 30, 2009

Markham Race Relations Committee

That the resignation of Ms. Shamira Madhany be accepted with regret:

Markham Library Board

That the term of office for the current members of the Markham Library Board be extended until April 30, 2007 in order to provide for continuity on the board;

And that the following persons whose terms will expire on April 30, 2007 be forwarded a letter of appreciation:

Joanne Pickering

Elliot Berlin

Michelle Tidball

And that the following persons be appointed for a term effective May 1, 2007 expiring November 30, 2010:

Deborah Jestin

William Jeyaveeran

Shamira Madhany

Justin Hung

Mahendra Naik

Cheryl Giblon

Patricia Durst

Ada Leung

Rashi Sharma

Lan Sum;

CARRIED

5. MINUTES OF MARCH 19, 2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the March 19, 2007 meeting of General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

6. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM MUSEUM BOARD (6.7, 16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the February 7, 2007 meeting of the Markham Museum Board be received.

CARRIED

7. MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 2007 AND FEBRUARY 16, 2007
MEETINGS OF THE BUIDLING AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION
COMMITTEE (16.0)

Jan. Feb.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the January 19, 2007 and February 16, 2007 meetings of the Building and Parks Construction Committee be received.

CARRIED

8. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the February 21, 2007 meeting of the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee be received.

CARRIED

9. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007 AND MARCH 5, 2007 MEETINGS
OF THE MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (16.0)

Feb. Mar.

Regional Councillor T. Wong advised of an amendment to the March 5, 2007 meeting of the Race Relations Advisory Committee in which he noted that he did not attend the Chinese New Year event at Times Square on February 18, 2007.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the February 5, 2007 and March 5, 2007 meetings of the Markham Race Relations Advisory Committee be amended accordingly and received.

CARRIED

10. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the February 22, 2007 meeting of the Markham Conservation Committee be received.

CARRIED

11. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2007 MEETING OF THE
MARKHAM CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the minutes of the February 19, 2007 meeting of the Markham Canada Day Committee be received.

CARRIED

12. 025-R-06 RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING SERVICES (7.12)

T. Casale, Ext. 3190

Report

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report titled “025-R-06 Recruitment advertising Services” be received;

And that Request For Proposal 025-R-06 Recruitment Advertising Services be awarded to the highest ranked and second lowest priced proponent, Tamm Communications in the estimated amount of $420,000.00, inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST for a term of three years;

And that the 2007 costs, estimated at $140,000.00 be charged to the Operating Account 200 201 5820 Recruitment Advertisement, subject to Council approval of the 2007 operating budget;

And that the following 2008-2009 estimated costs be provided for within the respective years budget submission for the Human Resources Department;

• 2008 $140,000.00
• 2009 $140,000.00

And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

13. AWARD OF TENDER #010-T-07 TOWN-WIDE, INTERLOCKING
STONE REPAIRS (7.12.2)

A. Sobti, Ext. 2239

Report 1

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the report titled “Award of Tender # 010-T-07 Townwide, Interlocking Stone Repairs” be received;

And that the contract for Townwide, Interlocking Stone Repairs be awarded to the lowest bidder, Cambium Site Contracting Inc. for an estimated annual amount of $183,000.00 exclusive of GST, totalling $549,000.00 exclusive of GST for a period of three (3) years;

And that funds for this contract for the 2007 period be drawn from the pre-approved 2007 Capital and Operating Budget Accounts as listed below in the amount of $183,000, exclusive of GST;

And that funds for this contract for the 2008 and 2009 period, in the amount of $366,000, exclusive of GST, be included in the 2008 and 2009 budget discussions;

And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

14. EXTENSION OF CONTRACT 068-R-06 CONSULTING SERVICES FOR

FACILITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SPACE PLANNING (7.12)
A. Sobti, Ext. 2239
Report

The Committee posed questions regarding the nature of the work to be completed by Mayhew and Associates Ltd.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the report titled “Extension of Contract 068-R-06 Consulting Services for Facility Project Management and Space Planning” be received;

And that Contract 068-R-06 for Facility Project Management and Space Planning be extended for Two (2) years with Mayhew and Associates Ltd. In the estimated annual amount of $250,000 totaling $500,000, exclusive of GST;

And that funds for this contract be drawn from the pre-approved 2007 Corporate Accommodations Budget Account 056 6150 7501 005 in the amount of $250,000, exclusive of GST;

And that funds for this contract for the 2008 period, in the amount of $250,000, exclusive of GST, be included in the 2008 budget discussions;

And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

15. ANIMAL CARE SERVICES UPDATE (16.0)

S. Birrell, Ext. 4729

Report 1

The Committee thanked the Town Clerk for her work on the initiative and commended the

efforts of staff involved.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the Annual Work Program and Methods of Fundraising of the Animal Care Services Committee attached to the report of the Town Clerk dated March 20, 2007 be approved;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

16. BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE NEXT STEPS (7.4)

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the Budget Sub-Committee be authorized to proceed to a Budget Breakfast presentation on April16, 2007 subject to their meeting the afternoon of April 2, 2007;

And that an additional Budget Sub-Committee meeting be held on April 23, 2007 to receive the feedback from the Budget Breakfast and for the Budget Sub-Committee to make a recommendation to the General Committee.

CARRIED

17. APPOINTMENT TO PUPIL ACCOMODATION REVIEW
COMMITTEE (13.6)

There was discussion regarding a letter from the French Catholic School Board regarding their request for a Markham representative to assist in reviewing the Pupil Accommodation Policy. It was noted that the representative did not have to be an elected official.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the matter relating to an appointment of a Markham representative to assist in reviewing the Pupil Accommodation Policy for the French Catholic School Board be referred to staff to select an appropriate individual.

CARRIED

18. RECREATION DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW (6.0)

B. Roth, Ext. 7515

Report 1

Ms. B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services and Ms. Ainsley Wood, Sloan Wood Inc., presented an overview of the Recreation Department Organizational Review. Ms. Wood presented the proposed departmental reorganization and highlighted the benefits of moving to a district based model. She also discussed the proposed implementation priorities for 2007-2010 and noted the expected financial impacts. Ms. Wood concluded by presenting a diagram comparing the Town of Markham’s Recreation Department organizational structure with that of Vaughan, Mississauga and London.

The Committee deliberated on the proposal to transfer the Cultural portfolio consisting of the Markham Museum, Markham Theatre and Varley Art Gallery from Community Services to the Strategic Services Department. Members also expressed concerns regarding the costs that would be incurred from restructuring the department and creating several new Full Time Employee (FTE) positions. Staff confirmed that only two (2) new FTE’s positions were proposed for 2007 and that staff would bring forward a report with any additional suggestions for each following year. The Committee agreed that further discussion was necessary on this matter.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the matter of the “Recreation Department Organizational Review” be deferred to the General Committee meeting re-scheduled for April 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. to allow for further discussion.

CARRIED

19. EMAIL COMMUNCATION REGARDING PESTICIDE BY-LAW (5.7)

Email

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi

That an email dated March 20, 2007 from Ms. L. Wener, Markham Resident, requesting the enactment of a Pesticide By-law for Markham be received.

CARRIED

20. EMAIL COMMUNCATION REGARDING PESTICIDE BY-LAW (5.7)
Email

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi

That an email dated March 26, 2007 from Mr. E. Casper, Markham Resident, requesting the enactment of a Pesticide By-law for Markham be received.

CARRIED

21. FACSIMILE COMMUNCATION REGARDING PESTICIDE
BY-LAW (5.7)
Fax

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi

That a facsimile dated March 27, 2007 from Mr. S. Orrico, Markham Resident, in response to the staff report titled “Report On Non-Essential Use Of Pesticides” noting the potential impacts of enacting a Pesticide By-law be received.

CARRIED

22. LETTER AND INFORMATION FROM CROP LIFE CANADA
REGARDING PESTICIDE REGULATIONS AND USAGE (5.7)

Letter

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi

That a letter dated March 26, 2007 from Mr. P. MacLeod, Acting Managing Director – Chemistry, Crop Life Canada, providing information on pesticide regulations and usage be received.

CARRIED

23. AWARD OF TENDER #004-T-07 BIRCHMOUNT ROAD
EXTENSION – PHASE 1, CN TRACKS TO ENTERPRISE

DRIVE (5.10, 7.12).

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the matter regarding an “Award of Tender #004-T-07 Birchmount Road Extension – Phase 1, CN Tracks to Enterprise Drive” be referred to the April 3, 2007 Development Services Committee meeting.

CARRIED

24.       REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK REPORT TITLED                            
            “HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES ON REGIONAL

            ROADS” (13.4)
Report

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the report from York Region dated March 7, 2007 titled “High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on

Regional Roads” be defered to the next meeting of General Committee in which Transportation

matters are discussed.

CARRIED

25.       REGIONAL COMMENTS ON DRAFT MTO HIGHWAY ACCESS                
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES (13.4)
Report

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the report from York Region dated February 8, 2007 titled “Comments on Draft MTO Highway

Access Management Guidelines” be defered to the next meeting of General Committee in which

Transportation matters are discussed.

CARRIED

26.       REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK REPORT TITLED                           

PROVINCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT
THE ‘PLACES TO GROW’ PLAN IN YORK REGION” (13.4)
Report

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the report from York Region dated March 7, 2007 titled “Provincial Infrastructure Required

to Implement the ‘Places to Grow’ Plan in York Region.” be defered to the next meeting of General

Committee in which Transportation matters are discussed.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee adjourned at 12:45 p.m.