M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2007-03-05
Meeting No.8

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 G. Landon Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor V. Burke Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster 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 C. Biss, Chief Executive Officer, Markham Public Libraries J. Ryerson, Director, Varley Art Gallery A. Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services J. Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management D. Taylor, Manager, Executive Operations B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Council B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:04 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None.
1. NANTICOKE COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT (5.7)

Mr. J. Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, was in attendance to present information regarding the proposed transfer of the Nanticoke Power Plant from a coal burning plant to a natural gas facility. He advised that Nanticoke was the largest producer of air pollution in Canada and that by phasing out coal-fire operation at the plant, Canada would be in compliance with one third (1/3) of its Kyoto Protocol requirement. Mr. Gibbons indicated the gradual process of transferring to natural gas would not put excess strain on the electricity supply. He also advised that the Ontario Power Authority had indicated that by 2010 Canada would only require coal power for one percent (1%) of its electricity needs. Mr. Gibbons requested Markham Council pass a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to issue a legally binding regulation requiring the phase out of coal burning at the Nanticoke Generating Station by 2009.

The Committee questioned the delegate about the potential for an interim interruption of the electricity supply. Mr. Gibbons cited reports produced by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance which indicated this would not be the case. The Committee suggested that the supposed reluctance on the part of the Province to issue a request to phase out coal was due to approaching technologies that may supplant natural gas and/or be a more suitable phase out model.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the presentation by Mr. J. Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, regarding the Nanticoke Coal-Fired Power Plant be received and the issue be deferred for one month to allow an opportunity for additional information to be made available.

CARRIED

2. 2007 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL
LEGACY 5KM EVENT (3.8)

Mr. P. Dawson and Mr. G. Gervais, Co-Chairs of the 2007 Markham Stouffville Hospital Legacy 5KM Event, were in attendance to update Council and staff on the April 29, 2007 5KM Event. It was noted that due to the success of the event, the group had raised over $1,000,000 to date. Mr. Dawson indicated they anticiape Twenty Five Hundred (2,500) applicants for the 2007 event and encouraged Committee Members, Town Staff and Markham residents to participate.

There was a brief discussion regarding the Town of Markham’s donation to the event given that the amount exceeded that which has been established by the Town’s grant allocation policy.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster,

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the verbal update from Mr. P. Dawson and Mr. G. Gervais, Co-Chairs of the 2007 Markham Stouffville Hospital Legacy 5KM Event, be received with enthusiastic support;

And that a written request for the $1500 donation to the 2007 Legacy Run be approved contingent upon a positive report from the Mayor’s Executive Assistant.

CARRIED

3. OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT FEE MODEL (7.0)

Presentation

J. Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation, Ms. V. Siu, Sr. Analyst and Town Staff were in attendance to deliver a presentation on the Town’s Development Fee Model. Mr. Bosomworth presented background information which included a synopsis of Bill 124 implementation requirements. He indicated the overall revenue for the planning package was not really affected, but the model was altered to reflect the actual costs relating to Planning/Design, Engineering and Building. Mr. Bosomworth advised the Planning/Design and Engineering fees were increased while Building fees were decreased. He noted that the Town of Markham was one of very few municipalities that was able to decrease building application fees. It was also noted that the principals of the fee model would account for both direct and indirect costs and would allow for the use of a reserve account to assist with fluctuations in revenue.

The Committee posed various questions relating to the decrease in building application fees and expressed concerns that other municipalities did not follow suit. Staff advised that the new fee model restructured the manner in which revenue was collected in that the decrease to building application fees was complimented by an increase to service fees which provided for a more detailed account of the actual costs involved for each application.

The Committee discussed the use of the reserve account in 2006 to cover a loss in revenue due to a reduction in the volume of building applications received. Staff advised that they would be bringing forward the annual report outlining the financial results from 2006. The Committee requested a report detailing the decreased volume of building applications and the resulting financial impacts. The Committee also expressed concerns that certain applications draw more of the Town’s resources than others and that the associated costs would not be recoverable.

Due to the difficulties in forecasting the specific volume of development within Markham, the Committee suggested an economist attend future meetings of the General Committee in an attempt to providing a more accurate projection model. Staff committed to a continued effort with industry representatives and stakeholders to assist with this regard. Staff confirmed that the anticipated volume for building applications in 2007 is slightly lower than in 2006, but the actual revenues would be higher than those the previous year.

Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the presentation by Mr. J. Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation, Ms. V. Su, Sr. Analyst and Town Staff regarding the Development Fee Model be received;

And that staff bring forward a report on the decreased building revenues, comparing the number of building permits received in 2004, 2005 and 2006, more detailed information on the predictions of interest rates and sewer allocations, and on the respective reserve operations;

And that all future financial updates with respect to development fees be reported to General Committee on a quarterly basis.

CARRIED

4. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the February 26, 2007 General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

5. MINUTES OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE
BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE IN 2007 DATED FEBRUARY 5, 2007 (7.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the second Budget Sub-Committee meeting in 2007 dated February 5, 2007 be approved.

CARRIED

6. WEDDING PHOTOS – UNIONVILLE MAIN STREET (2.0, 6.3)

Report

Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, presented an overview of a proposed By-law that would permit the use of public property for wedding photography. Ms Birrell advised the need for the program was a result of problems in the Station Lane and Main Street Markham areas. She advised sufficient notice regarding the proposal was released and a public meeting held in January, 2007. Ms. Birrell indicated a $100 permit fee and application will be required for each session and that due to potential pedestrian traffic issues, there would need to be slight amendments made to the current Street By-law. The By-law will be supplemented by a communication and education program targeted at relevant stakeholders.

The Committee expressed some concerns with respect to some of the parking provisions for limousines in designated areas. Ms. Birrell advised that there will be a number of signs placed on designated parks notifying of the requirements for a permit and the penalties for proceeding without one. She indicated that draft signage would go forward to General Committee for approval of content and placement prior to installation. Staff presented the Committee with the fees charged by Toronto, Richmond Hill and Vaughn and indicated that Markham’s fee structure was in a similar range. Staff agreed to forward the report to the Chair of the Unionville Business Improvement Area and the Unionville Villager’s Association prior to going to Council in March, 2007.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That a By-law be enacted to permit use of public property for Wedding Photography;

And that a By-law be enacted to amend By-law 167-92, a By-law regarding the management and regulation of parks within the Town of Markham, to permit wedding photography;

And that Fee By-law 2002-276 be amended to provide for a fee for a permit to conduct the activities of wedding photography on public property;

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

CARRIED

7. MARKHAM VILLAGE LIBRARY SCHEDULE UPDATE (6.0)
CONTRACT #188-T-05

Report

The Committee reviewed a report on the updated schedule for the Markham Village Library renovation project. Mr. S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management, advised that June 22, 2007 was the targeted completion date and August 2, 2007 was a fallback date in the event of any further delays. He noted that the contractor was performing well, the project was on schedule and the Library Board was receiving on-going update reports from staff. Staff agreed to report delays to major projects to General Committee.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report entitled “Markham Village Library Schedule Update, Contract #188-T-05” be received for information.

CARRIED

8. PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURE AND LIBRARY
MASTER PLAN (3.0)

Presentation

Mr. A. Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services delivered a presentation on the Cultural Facilities portion of the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan. Mr. Seabrooke advised no additional museum and theatre sites were recommended as a part of the data collection and public consultation process. He noted the building space for the Varley Art Gallery was limited but there was enough room for expansion if necessary. Mr. Seabrooke advised the Master Plan called for three (3) additional libraries; one to be situated in East Markham by 2009, one in South East Markham by 2014 and one in Markham Centre by 2017-2021. There were also a number of enhancements recommended for Markham Village, Thornhill Community and Milliken Mills Libraries.

Ms. C. Biss, Chief Executive Officer, Markham Public Libraries, delivered a presentation on the current selection of multilingual items available through Markham Public Libraries and performance measures established to improve the collection. The Committee discussed the materials requisition system used by Markham and other municipalities as well as the growing demand anticipated in Eastern Markham. Staff commented that a report on the potential expansion of the East Markham Library would be presented at a future meeting of the General Committee along with a review of the high turn over rate for materials, multilingual items and electronic versus print materials.

The Committee suggested that staff review the possibility of engaging Markham’s organizations for the purposes of developing a working group similar to the Markham Sports Council. The Committee also discussed the possibility of expanding the children’s rides program at Markham Museum before the summer season. Staff agreed to review the Committee’s suggestions and address them in a Master Plan update report and presentation at a forthcoming meeting of the General Committee.

Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong

Second by Councillor J. Webster

That the presentation by Mr. A. Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services, regarding the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan be received.

C ARRIED

9. YORK REGION ROADWATCH COMMITTEE (5.12)

Email

The Committee briefly discussed an email from Councillor L. Pabst, Township of King, inviting York Region municipalities to appoint a representative to the York Region Roadwatch Committee and advising that the next Committee meeting is on April 11, 2007 at the York Region Administration Building.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That Councillor J. Virgilio be appointed as the Markham representative to the York Region Roadwatch Committee.

CARRIED

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Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the Committee resolve in camera to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition of land for Town purposes. (11:45)

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the Committee rise. (12:50)

CARRIED

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ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee adjourned at 12:54 p.m.