M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2007-05-07
Meeting No.12

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 M. West, Manager, Strategic Initiatives B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:01 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

1. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 23, 2007 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the minutes from the April 23, 2007 General Committee meeting be confirmed.

CARRIED

2. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19, 2007 MARKHAM CANADA
DAY COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the minutes from the March 19, 2007 Markham Canada Day Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

3. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 29, 2007 MARKHAM

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the minutes from the March 29, 2007 Markham Conservation Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

4. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 2007 MARKHAM Page 23

BUILDING & PARKS CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
MEETING (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the minutes from the March 23, 2007 Markham Building and Parks Construction Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED

5. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD No Attachment

APPOINTMENTS (16.24)

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That Mr. Tom Allan be appointed to the Markham Theatre Advisory Board for a term to expire November 30, 2007.

CARRIED

6. EAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE AND Staff Report on Page29
LIBRARY – REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR SCOPE AND MOU on Page 53
LOCATION (6.6, 6.7)

C. Conrad, Ext. 4737

The Committee discussed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Markham-Stouffville hospital and expressed concerns with respect to the lack of clear details regarding the nature of the partnership. Staff advised that the main goal of the partnership is to facilitate shared programming opportunities and once the general location of the Community Centre was established a public consultation process would be initiated.

Ms. J. Beed, CEO, Markham-Stouffville Hospital, confirmed the hospital was reviewing the potential to expand their emergency area, however, the program was not in relation to the development of a Markham Wellness Centre. She advised the Wellness Centre would instead focus on issues such as early detection, diagnostics as well as fitness, health and nutrition. Ms. Beed also indicated the partnership with the Town would facilitate shared programming initiatives addressing lifestyle concepts. She advised the overall vision of the shared Wellness Centre received support from the Ontario Infrastructure Projects Corporation.

The Committee expressed concerns regarding staff’s recommended option as it did not directly include a provision for structured parking if necessary. Members noted the prospect for land acquisition on the opposing side of Highway 7 should also be reviewed. The Committee also discussed the potential to partner with the Catholic School Board to purchase a portion of land on the East side of Bur Oak Avenue.

Members posed questions regarding the anticipated construction schedule and the conceptual design of the Wellness Centre and Community Centre. The Committee expressed concerns that project deadlines for each may not be the same. Members recommended that the Wellness Centre and Community Centre share building walls to facilitate a proper integrated solution. Staff advised of the potential construction costs and indicated that a report on the architectural and engineering services contract would be presented at the next General Committee meeting.

The Committee referenced a recent memo which highlighted potential synergies in addition to those mentioned in the Staff report, including concepts such as an indoor splash pad, rock climbing area and playground facility. Members agreed that a public meeting to include residents and user groups should be initiated prior to the completion of any conceptual drawings.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Whereas it is the desire of Markham Council to work together with Markham-Stouffville Hospital to provide an integrated Community Centre, Library, Health and Wellness complex in east Markham;

And whereas such a facility offers synergies and benefits to the community including more efficient use of resources for land, space, services, capital costs, operating costs, library, and meeting rooms;

And whereas there are opportunities for services to be provided by Markham District Energy to the new complex and the hospital and potentially other buildings in the area;

And whereas the new complex would serve as a catalyst for structured parking to serve it and the hospital and potentially other buildings in the area;

And whereas the complex will provide an opportunity to demonstrate unique partnerships in Markham, York Region, and the GTA;

Therefore, be it resolved that:

1. A major portion of the East Markham Community Centre and Library, integrated with Markham-Stouffville Hospital’s proposed Health and Wellness facility including the provision for a parking garage, be located on the west side of Bur Oak just south of Church Street;

2. The Town confirm to the hospital that the land required for the above purposes is 9.2 acres;

3. The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a MOU with the hospital with respect to land acquisition, design, construction and operating arrangements for the Community Centre and Library and the Hospital’s Health and Wellness facility on a joint development site, in a form satisfactory to the Town’s CAO and Solicitor;

4. The East Markham Community Centre and Library (E.M.C.C. & L) multi-purpose facility include the following amenities, among others to be determined:

· Enhanced indoor pool (25 metre 8 lane competition pool), therapeutic pool, and teaching pool

· Enhanced fitness area

· Gymnasium

· Multi-purpose programme space

· Youth and seniors programme space

· Library;

5. Staff consult with the Public and Catholic School Boards, and affected landowners, about acquiring further lands on the east side of Bur Oak for community centre purposes and / or opportunities to work together to provide joint amenities with either or both Boards;

6. Staff consult with hospital officials concerning opportunities to work together on the construction and operation of structured parking on community centre or hospital owned land;

7. Staff consult with hospital officials concerning opportunities for services to be provided by Markham District Energy to the new complex and the hospital;

8. Using Clause 4 as the base point, staff conduct a charette in June with community and stakeholder representatives. Matters to be discussed might also include:

- For the west side of Bur-Oak:

· Siting options for the facility and its amenities

· Temporary and / or permanent parking

· Indoor playground activity area

· Indoor splash pad

· Indoor mini-stage for presenting plays, etc.

· Pre-school rooms

· Specific services offered by the Health and Wellness Facility

· Other recreational opportunities

- For the east side of Bur-Oak:

· Temporary and / or permanent parking

· Outdoor splash pad

· Outdoor skating rink

· Soccer

· Skateboard park

· Children’s playground

· Tennis

· Off leash park

· The relationship with a potential high school

· Other recreational opportunities;

9. The MOU make reference to discussions between the Town of Markham and Markham-Stouffville hospital regarding opportunities for synergies in the design of the facility, such as shared building walls etc.;

10. Staff report back to General Committee later in June on progress concerning this resolution and the results of the charette.

CARRIED

7. CANADIAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION – MARKHAM
GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB LANDS

Mr. Fritz, Executive Director, Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA), was in attendance to propose a partnership between his association and the Town of Markham. He presented background on the Canadian Junior Golf Association advised that his organization is responsible for running 93 national tournaments and 12 international events annually. Mr. Fritz indicated the CJGA focuses on the development of young golfers by sponsoring their mentorship with professional players and teachers.

Mr. Fritz expressed interest in the Town owned land formerly leased by the Markham Golf and Country Club. Several greens are located on these lands and Mr. Fritz discussed his proposal to develop a state of the art facility on the site that would become the national home for the CJGA. He indicated the greens could be restored and used as a training area. Mr. Fritz presented a draft layout for development of the site. He also advised the greens were not currently being preserved and needed immediate maintenance.

The Committee posed several questions in relation to the Town property as well as the adjacent land, access points and details of the proposed partnership. Mr. Fritz confirmed the CJGA would assume the operation and maintenance of the facility if an agreement was reached. The Committee also noted a possible synergy with the Junior Golf Academy program led by the Bayview Golf and Country Club.

Staff agreed to distribute maps clearly identifying the lands in question delineating those owned by the Town.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the presentation by Mr. Fritz, Executive Director, Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA), regarding a proposed partnership with the Town of Markham be received;

And that the feasibility of the CJGA temporarily maintaining the greens on property on by the Town be reviewed by Community Services staff;

And that a steering Committee composed of Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Dan Horchik, Councillor Alex Chiu and Deputy Mayor Jim Jones be established to work with the CJGA on the details of the proposed partnership.

CARRIED

8. YORK REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT

The Committee briefly discussed the Environmental Assessment (EA) relating to York Region’s waste management system. Staff advised they would report back on the status of the EA and the financial aspects of financing their waste energy system.

9. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM

The Committee discussed a matter referred to the Markham Race Relations Committee regarding the public display of religious symbols. Staff advised a staff report containing options as well as the recommendation from the Markham Race Relations Committee is forthcoming to the May 28 meeting of the General Committee.

10. HERITAGE PLANNER POSITION

Legal staff confirmed that details concerning the proposed employment of a Heritage Planner was currently underway and information would be released as it was made available.

ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee adjourned at 10:47 a.m.