M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2006-05 -01

Meeting No. 9

Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services & Environment Issues

Chair: Councillor S. Daurio Chair: Councillor A. Chiu

Vice Chair, Budget: Councillor D. Horchik Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services:

Vice Chair, IT: Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell Regional Councillor J. Heath

Vice Chair, Recreation & Culture:

Councillor J. Webster

Vice Chair, Character Community:

Councillor J. Webster

Vice Chair, Environment Issues:

Councillor E. Shapero

Attendance

Mayor D. Cousens Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti (a: 10:45 a.m.) Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell (d: 12 Noon) Councillor S. Daurio Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor G. McKelvey Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor A. Chiu (d: 11:15 a.m.)

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Sales, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services S. Birrell, Town Clerk B. Cribbett, Treasurer D. McClean, Fire Chief B. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services A. Brown, Director, Engineering P. Wealleans, Director, Taxation J. Ryerson, Director, Varley Art Gallery W. Snowball, Deputy Fire Chief A. Arbuckle, Manager. Infrastructure and Capital Works L. Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Development F. Wong, Manager, Financial Planning B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Council J. Kee, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:30 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.

The General Committee recessed at the hour of 9:45 a.m. and reconvened at the hour of

10:00 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.

At 11:30 a.m. Councillor S. Daurio remained as the Chair for the Community Services and Environment portion of the General Committee in the absence of Councillor A. Chiu.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None declared.

1. MARKHAM ENGINEERING - CAPITAL Page 1
PROJECTS UPDATE (5.0)

Presentation

Mr. Alan Brown, Director, Engineering, provided an update on the Town’s major capital projects, which were divided into the following categories: road/structures; servicing; transportation; and environmental. Committee commended staff on an excellent format.

Members raised questions regarding the Birchmount Road Extension and the likelihood of delays. The status of the Clegg Road project was queried with respect to possible delays, and easement and zoning issues. Staff will provide a further update Councillors later in the week.

Committee queried the status of the Enterprise Drive/Main Street Unionville project, and as property matters were to be discussed, Committee moved to In-Camera session at this time.

-------------------------------------------

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss a confidential property matter. (9:45 a.m.)

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the Committee rise. (10:00 a.m.)

CARRIED

-------------------------------------------

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the verbal update from Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering, regarding the major Engineering Capital Projects, be received.

CARRIED

2. MINUTES – GENERAL COMMITTEE Page 23
APRIL 24, 2006 (16.23)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the General Committee meeting held on April 24, 2006 be confirmed.

CARRIED

3. MINUTES – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE Page 43
APRIL 18, 2006 (7.13 & 16.34)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Information Technology Sub-Committee meeting held on April 18, 2006 be received.

CARRIED

4. TAX WRITE-OFFS IN ACCORDANCE WITH Page 45
SECTION 354 OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 (7.3)

Report

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That taxes totalling $99,862.50 (includes penalty and interest estimated in the amount of $8,885.25) as set out in this report be written off pursuant to the provisions of Section 354 of the Municipal Act, 2001;

And that the applicable penalty and/or interest charges be adjusted accordingly;

And that the Treasurer be directed to remove the taxes from the Collector’s Roll.

CARRIED

5. 2006 CELEBRATE MARKHAM GRANTS (7.6) Page 49

Report Att

Committee expressed concern regarding the inequitable funding allocation for the Taste of Asia Festival for 2006, compared to other Town festivals, and directed that this grant request be deferred until further information is provided by the organizers of the event.

The Commissioner of Community and Fire Services reported that various in-kind services/support are provided by Town staff depending on the type of event. Details of the support provided by the Town both to this event and in general will be presented to General Committee.

Members requested clarification regarding the item relating to” Allocation for Signage”, and queried future requirements for funding of the Milliken Mills Children’s Festival. It was noted

that the Thornhill Village Festival’s website incorrectly states that the Festival is “self-funding”, and it was suggested that it should be amended to include the financial support from the Town and in-kind services.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That approval of the Celebrate Markham allocation for 2006 for the Taste of Asia Festival be deferred;

And that Dr. Ken Ng be invited to attend General Committee to provide additional information regarding the 2006 Taste of Asia Festival funding request.

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

That the report dated May 1, 2006 entitled “2006 Celebrate Markham Grants” be received;

And that the Grants Sub-Committee’s proposed allocation of Celebrate Markham grants as shown on Appendix A, with the exception of the Taste of Asia Festival, be approved.

CARRIED

6. ONTARIO OMBUDSMAN’S REPORT ON Page 53
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT (7.1)

Report

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the report “Ontario Ombudsman’s Report on Property Assessment” be received for information.

7. MARKHAM BY-PASS/MORNINGSIDE AVENUE Page 59
EXTENSION (5.10)

Report

Mr. Alan Brown, Director, Engineering, provided a verbal update regarding correspondence received from the City of Toronto concerning the preferred alignment for the Markham By-Pass/Morningside Avenue Extension.

Committee discussed environmental assessment implications; corridor protection, the need to obtain Provincial support and assistance, and that the issue is linked to the development of Steeles Avenue. Members were reminded that a meeting has been scheduled between the City of Toronto and Markham representatives for May 16 to discuss this and other issues. It was suggested that the installation of a stoplight at the intersection of 9^th Line and Steeles would assist in traffic control and safety concerns, and this could be raised at the meeting on the 16^th.

Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the update from Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering, regarding the Markham By-Pass/Morningside Avenue Extension, be received;

And that the Ministry of Transportation be requested to intervene in this issue.

CARRIED

8. TIMES INVESTMENTS LIMITED – APPLICATION FOR No attachment
PHASE 1 SITE PLAN APPROVAL – SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF HIGHWAY 7 AND SOUTH TOWN CENTRE
BOULEVARD, PART OF LOT 10, CONCESSION 4, MARKHKAM
CENTRE (HASHEM GHADAKI PROPERTY) (10.5 & 10.6)

In response to a suggestion to post a sign advising of a lack of servicing allocation for the subject Times development application, the Town Solicitor advised that it would be legal for the Town to place a sign on municipal property only, but that it would have to be extremely factual, and include a date, and clearly indicate the deficiencies regarding sewage and water capacity, and lack of site plan approval.

Members expressed concern regarding the Town becoming involved in this matter. There was some discussion regarding developer’s group agreement, and the allocation of units. Staff advised that an update on the matter of unit allocation will be presented to the Development Services Committee meeting on May 16^th .

A motion to post a sign on municipal property was lost for want of a seconder.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the verbal update from the Town Solicitor on the legality of posting a sign on municipal property advising of a lack of servicing allocation for the Times Investments Limited development at the southeast corner of highway 7 and South Town Centre Boulevard, be received.

CARRIED

(Regional Councillor J. Heath was opposed)

9. ECKARDT MCKAY LANDSCAPE DESIGN Page 75
AND GARDEN CAMPAIGN (6.12 & 6.0)

Report Att

Mr. John Ryerson, Director, Varley Art Gallery, gave a brief statement regarding the staff report relating to the landscape project for the McKay House on Main Street Unionville.

Some concern was expressed regarding the poor state of some of the other back-yard properties on Main Street Unionville, and it was requested that staff inspect these properties, with a view to issuing Property Standards Orders.

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

That the report titled “Eckardt-McKay Landscape Design & Garden Campaign” be received;

And that the Landscape Plan for the Eckardt-McKay House, attached as Appendix A, be approved;

And that the Fundraising Campaign and Targets, as outlined in the report be approved;

And that the Donor Recognition Program, as outlined in the report be approved;

And that funding in the amount of $127,000 be committed from the 2007 Capital budget; $86,400 from Development Charges and $40,600 from the Lifecycle Replacement and Capital Reserve;

And further that the additional operation costs in the amount of $6,400 will be brought forward for consideration in the 2007 Parks Maintenance budgets.

CARRIED

10. PURCHASE OF FIRE PUMPERS AND APPARATUS Page 89
PREFERRED SUPPLIER (7.15)

Report

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That Council authorize the Fire Chief and the Manager of Purchasing to enter into a sales agreement with Safetek Emergency Vehicles, as the Canadian sales distributor for Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. (Inc.), Nebraska U.S.A., for the purchase of two (2) - Pumper Fire Apparatus for an amount not to exceed $1,300,000 inclusive of import fees;

And that $750,000 of the funding for the pumper replacements be funded from the 2006 Fleet capital account 57-6150-7112-005;

And that the 2006 Fleet capital account 57-6150-7112-005 be amended to include one additional pumper replacement;

And that the shortfall in funding in the amount of $550,000 be provided for from the Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserve;

And that pumper 921 and pumper 941 be disposed of in accordance with the Purchasing by-law 2004-341 upon receipt of the two new pumpers.

CARRIED

11. MARKHAM SPORT COUNCIL UPDATE (6.4, 6.10) Page 93

Report Appendix

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the report tilted Markham Sport Council Update dated May 1, 2006 be received as information.

CARRIED

12. PROCLAIM JUNE AS RECREATION AND PARKS Page 99
MONTH (6.3, 6.4)

Report

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the staff report titled Proclaim June as Recreation and Parks Month, dated May 1, 2006 be received;

And that June be proclaimed as Recreation and Parks Month.

CARRIED

13. MINUTES - MARKHAM THEATRE ADVISORY BOARD: Page 101
FEBRUARY 27, 2006 AND MARCH 27, 2006 (6.2, 16.34)

Feb 27 Mar 27

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the minutes of the Markham Theatre Advisory Board meetings held on February 27, 2006 and March 27, 2006 be received.

CARRIED

14. MINUTES - MARKHAM CONSERVATION Page 115
COMMITTEE: MARCH 30, 2006 (3.0)

Mar 30

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the minutes of the Markham Conservation Committee meeting held on March 30, 2006, be received.

CARRIED

15. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE: MINUTES OF Page 119
MARCH 30, 2006 AND MARCH 31, 2006 (3.0)

March 30 March 31

Committee expressed concern regarding the recommendation of the Environmental Issues Committee meting held on March 31, 2006 relating to a pesticide by-law and directed that it be deferred.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

That the following recommendation of the Environmental Issues Committee, passed at their meeting held on March 31, 2006, be deferred:

“That Town of Markham staff proceed with the established process leading to a pesticide By-law being brought forward to General Committee on June 12, 2006.”

CARRIED

(See following recorded vote) (7:3)

YEAS: Mayor D. Cousens, Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell, Councillor S. Daurio, Councillor J. Virgilio, Councillor G. McKelvey, Councillor J. Webster, Councillor D. Horchik. (7)

NAYS: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti, Regional Councillor J. Heath, Regional Councillor J. Jones. (3)

ABSENT: Councillor E. Shapero, Councillor K. Usman, Councillor A. Chiu. (3)

Moved by Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

That the minutes of the Environmental Issues Committee meeting held on March 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, be received;

And that the following recommendations of the Environmental Issues Committee at its March 30, 2006 meeting, be approved:

“That the application by the Milliken Mills High School TEAM Program requesting funds in the amount of $4,000 to complete a Bruce Creek Redside Dace Habitat Improvement and Naturalization Program be approved.”

“That the application by the Unionville Meadows Public School requesting funds in the amount of $4,966 to develop an Outdoor Classroom / Peace Garden, be approved.”

“That the application by the Friends of Thornhill Heritage Garden requesting funds in the amount of $6,589.28 to do restoration work and install educational signage at the Thornhill Heritage Garden site, be approved.”

“That the application by the South Unionville Community Association requesting funds in the amount of $6,072 to build a naturalized garden on Piera Gardens between Castan Avenue and South Unionville Avenue, be approved.”

“That the application by the Pomona Mills Park Conservationists requesting funds in the amount of $4308.32 to fund their spring planting initiative which will take place in the west section of Pomona Mills Park, be approved.”

CARRIED

16. MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY No attachment
FUND SPRING 2006 FUNDING (3.0)

Staff distributed copies of the report entitled: “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund – Spring 2006 Funding”, recommending funding for five projects, previously approved in Item #15 this date, and one additional one from the Hunt Club. Also, staff was recommending revisions to the MESF application form and guide to preclude private benefits.

A letter dated April 28, 2006 from Mr. Frank Vetere, President and CEO of York Region Condominium Corporation #792 was also distributed with respect to the application for funding for an energy retrofit at The Hunt Club, 610 Bullock Drive in Markham.

Some concern was expressed with respect to the allocation of funding to private corporations, and it was agreed that the terms “public and private interests” need more definition.

Moved by Mayor D. Cousens

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the staff report titled “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund – Spring 2006 Funding”, dated May 1, 2006, be received;

And that approval of the project application for MESF funding made by the Hunt Club in the amount of $10,000, be deferred for one month;

And that staff be requested:

· to provide more criteria and definition of the terms “public” and “private” interests;

· to further investigate other funding sources, such as the Markham Energy Conservation Office (MECO); and

· to provide implications relating to condominium corporations; commercial and industrial organizations;

And that such report be presented for consideration by June 12, 2006.

CARRIED

17. PROCTOR AVENUE CULVERT REPLACEMENT Page 129
– EXEMPTION TO THE TOWN OF MARKHAM NOISE
CONTROL BY-LAW 2003-137 (2.10)

Report Attachment

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the report entitled Proctor Avenue Culvert Replacement – Exemption To The Town Of Markham Noise Control By-Law 2003-137 be received;

And that an exemption to the Town of Markham’s Noise Control By-law 2003-137 be approved to permit water pumping operation for the Proctor Avenue Culvert Replacement project to proceed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of 2-3 weeks between May 15 to June 30;

And that the above exemption be subject to staff from the Asset Management Department and its consultant advising abutting residents on Proctor Avenue.

CARRIED

18. YORK REGION RESIDUAL WASTE STUDY – DRAFT Page 133
EXECUTIVE STUDY (13.4)

Study

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That a draft executive summary dated April 18, 2006 entitled Evaluation of “alternatives to” and Identification of the Preferred Residuals Processing System, be received.

CARRIED

19. INTRODUCTION OF DEPUTY CLERK,
CLERK’S DEPARTMENT (12.2.6 & 11.3)

The Town Clerk introduced Ms. Kim Kitteringham, recently appointed as Deputy Clerk in the Clerk’s Department. Mayor Don Cousens welcomed her on behalf of Council and staff and wished her great success in the position.

20. FRONT AND EXTERIOR YARD PARKING/DRIVEWAY ISSUE (10.5)

Moved by Mayor D. Cousens

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the Town Clerk be requested to contact Members of Council to request that they submit names of persons to serve on the Working Group that is being established to review proposed amendments to the Town’s Zoning By-laws relating to front and exterior yard parking regulations;

And that the names be presented to the meeting of Committee of the Whole on May 9, 2006.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee adjourned at the hour of 12:30 p.m.