M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2007-06-11
Meeting No.17

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. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Cribbett, Treasurer A. Seabrooke, Director, Strategic Services J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services P. Loukes, Director, Operations K. Newson, Manager of Purchasing F. Wong, Manager, Financial Planning K. Kitteringham, Deputy Clerk B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

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

Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair at 9:18 a.m.

Councillor E. Shapero assumed the Chair at 12:20 a.m.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None.

1. 2006 AUDIT REVIEW BY KPMG LLP (7.0)

Mr. Kevin Travers, KPMG LLP provided an overview of the 2006 Audit Review completed by KPMG LLP. He presented information regarding the federal gas tax, investments in Markham Enterprise Corporation (MEC), tangible capital assets and depreciation and misstatements. The Committee posed questions on the availability of PowerStream’s financials as well as how the audit relates to art and historical assets. Staff advised that PowerStream’s financials were available upon request and that art and historical assets were not included in the audit process but were itemized and assessed in a list maintained annually by staff. It was also noted that the Town was reviewing the possibility of an internal auditor function.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

That the presentation and management letter by Mr. Kevin Travers and Ms. Kelly Taiabjee, KPMG LLP be received.

CARRIED

2. INFORMATION MARKHAM: TOURISM MARKHAM
FUNDING UPDATE (12.2.6, 3.17)

Mr. P. Miller, Chair, Information Markham, and Ms. Rebecca Chu, Smart Research eMarketing were in attendance to present a work plan relating to the concepts and identity of Tourism Markham. He indicated that Information Markham has worked with the Markham Board of Trade, Tourism York, Business Improvement Areas groups and Smart Research eMarketing to develop the concept of “Experience Markham”. Ms. Chu presented screenshots of the Tourism Markham website and Mr. Miller highlighted examples of visitation plans that will be made available for groups planning to visit and experience Markham.

The Committee recommended minor changes to the visitation plans and Mr. Miller confirmed that they were working examples would be amended before being posted to the website. Members agreed that the work done to date was excellent and confirmed that the program should continue to focus on promoting Markham area businesses.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the presentation by Mr. P. Miller, Chair, Information Markham, regarding Tourism Markham be received and that the $4,750 originally budget by the Town for the program be released to Information Markham.

CARRIED

3. DEPUTATION – YORK DURHAM REGION EA UPDATE
AND WASTE DIVERSION OPPORTUNITIES (5.7)

Mr. Ed Candolini, Communities First, presented information regarding the proposed York/Durham incinerator as well as statistics relating to waste diversion. He discussed the costs of the incinerator, suggesting that Markham residents should not responsible for them. Mr. Candolini indicated his support of staff’s recommendation and commented that the incinerator is not needed and the Region should instead focus on educating the public with respect to their sustainability plan.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor. T. Wong

That the deputation by Mr. E. Candolini, Communities First, regarding the proposed York/Durham incinerator be received.

CARRIED

4. MINUTES OF THE MAY 28, 2007 MEETING OF THE

GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the May 28, 2007 meeting of the General Committee be confirmed.

CARRIED

5. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 26, 2007 MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (16.0)

Members recommended that the Conservation Committee’s name change request be referred to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services to review along with potential amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference and mandate and that a comprehensive report be brought back to a forthcoming meeting of the General Committee.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the minutes of the April 26, 2007 meeting of the Markham Conservation Committee be received;

And that the proposed name change of the Markham Conservation Committee to the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee be referred to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services to report back at a forthcoming meeting of the General Committee in conjunction with potential amendments to the Committee’s mandate and Terms of Reference.

CARRIED

6. MINUTES OF THE MAY 7, 2007 MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

Minutes

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the May 7, 2007 meeting of the Markham Race Relations Committee be received.

CARRIED

7. MINUTES OF THE MAY 14, 2007 MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the May 14, 2007 meeting of the Markham Canada Day Committee be received.

CARRIED

8. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 20, 2007 MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM BUILDING AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION
COMMITTEE (16.0)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the minutes of the April 20, 2007 meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham be received.

CARRIED

9. 2007 FIRST QUARTER INVESTMENT

PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report dated May 8, 2007 entitled “2007 First Quarter Investment Performance Review” be received.

CARRIED

10. DEVELOPMENT CHARGES INDEXING JULY 1, 2007 (7.3)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report titled “Development Charges Indexing July 1, 2007” be received;

And that Council approve an increase in development charges of 2.8%, effective July 1, 2007.

CARRIED

11. DEVELOPMENT CHARGES DECEMBER 31, 2006 RESERVE

BALANCES AND ANNUAL ACTIVITY OF THE ACCOUNTS (7.3)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report titled “Development Charges December 31, 2006 Reserve Balances and Annual Activity of the Accounts” be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

12. DEVELOPMENT CHARGE DEFERRAL – BOX GROVE

HILL DEVELOPMENTS INC. (7.3)

Report 1

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report titled “Development Charge Deferral – Box Grove Hill Developments Inc.” be received;

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with Box Grove Hill Developments Inc for the deferral of the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific development charges on 2.884 hectares of land pending the approval of the land severance application B16/07 on Block 185, Plan 65M-3907, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;

And that the agreement provide that the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charge be deferred pending the approval of the land severance application B16/07 to be considered by the Committee of Adjustment on June 13, 2007;

And that the agreement provide that in the event the land severance application is not approved, that the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charges be immediately payable on the 2.884 hectares;

And that the agreement provide that in the event the land severance application is not approved, and Box Grove Hill Developments Inc. does not provide payment, that the Town Wide Hard and Area Specific Development Charges on the 2.884 hectares be added to the tax roll in accordance with section 32 of the Development Charges Act, 1997;

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

CARRIED

13. SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2007 CANADIAN CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

IN MARKHAM (10.16, 12.2.6).

Staff confirmed that a direct payment would be made to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as opposed to services donated in kind. The Committee posed questions with respect to recognition of the Town’s sponsorship. Staff advised that a memo would be distributed to all Members of Council providing specific details as to how the sponsorship would be recognized.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report dated June 11, 2007 entitled “Sponsorship of the 2007 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Markham” be received;

And that the Town of Markham sponsors the Canadian Chamber of Commerce event in 2007, in the amount of $10,000;

And that the one-time funding be provided for from the Corporate Contingency account, 840-841-7849;

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

CARRIED

14. AWARD OF TENDER 052-T-07 CONSTRUCTION OF

VILLAGES OF FAIRTREE COMMUNITY PARK (7.12)

Staff provided clarification regarding the pre-qualification criteria used to select the preferred applicant.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report entitled “Award of Tender 052-T-07, Construction of Villages of Fairtree Community Park” be received;

And that the contract for Tender 052-T-07 for the construction of Villages of Fairtree Community Park be awarded to the lowest priced qualified bidder, Gateman-Milloy Inc. in the amount of $1,368,321.79, exclusive of GST;

And that a contingency in the amount of $136,832.00 exclusive of GST,  be established to cover any additional construction and consultant costs and that the Director of Planning and Urban Design be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit and to provide a monthly statement of these expenditures to the Town Treasurer;

And that the award be funded from Planning and Urban Design’s Capital Budget account 81-5350-6259-005, Villages of Fairtree Community Park in the amount of $1,445,900.00 and account 81-5350-6654-005, Wismer Neighborhood Park 3 in the amount of $149,863;

And that upon payment of all invoices associated with this project, any remaining funds will be returned to the original funding sources.

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

CARRIED

15. AWARD OF TENDER 060-T-07 CONSTRUCTION OF

ORCHARD VIEW NEIGHBOURHOOOD PARK (7.12)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report entitled “Award of Tender 060-T-07, Construction of Orchard View Neighbourhood Park” be received;

And that the contract for Tender 060-T-07 for the construction of Orchard View Neighbourhood Park be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Zuron Construction Inc in the amount of $405,312.72 exclusive of a $40,531.00 contingency and GST;

And that a consultant and construction contingency amount of $40,531.00 exclusive of GST, be established to cover additional consultant/construction costs and that the Director of Planning & Urban Design or designate be authorized to approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified amount in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy;

And that staff be authorized to issue a PO in the amount of $28,788.76 for Madison Homes Ltd. for financing the design work of Orchard View Neighbourhood Park;

And that staff be authorized to retain Cosburn Giberson for contract administration services in the amount of $15,500 on a non-competitive procurement basis pursuant to Purchasing By-law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1c);

And that the above be funded from Planning and Urban Design’s Capital Budget account

81-5350-7626-005, Greensborough N.P. Orchard View in the amount of $494,400.00 and account 81-5350-6654-005, Wismer Neighbourhood Park 3 in the amount of $33,172.48;

And that upon payment of all invoices associated with this project, any remaining funds will be returned to the original funding sources;

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

CARRIED

16. TOWN CONVEYANCE TO STRINGBRIDGE INVESTMENTS
LIMITED SURPLUS LANDS OUTSIDE THE ROAD

ALLOWANCE KNOWN AS CLEGG ROAD – BLOCK 13,

PLAN 65M-2668, MARKHAM (8.1)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That a By-law be enacted to stop up and close that portion of the surplus Clegg Road turning circle legally described as Block 13, Plan 65M-2668;

And that the portion of the surplus Clegg Road turning circle being lands legally described as Block 13, Plan 65M-2668 be declared surplus pursuant to Town of Markham By-law 178-96 and that notice of the proposed disposition of such lands be placed on the agenda for the Council meeting of June 12, 2007;

And that a By-law be enacted at Council on June 12, 2007, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Transfer of Land and other related documents for the completion of conveyancing required, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;

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

CARRIED

17. EXTENSION OF CONTRACT 133-T-06 CCTV INSPECTION

OF SANITARY AND STORM SEWER MAINS (5.5, 7.12)

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report entitled “Extension of Contract 133-T-06 CCTV Inspection of Sanitary and Storm Sewer Mains” be received;

And that Contract 133-T-06 for CCTV Inspection of Sanitary and Storm Sewer Mains be extended for Two (2) years with Veolia ES Sewer Services Inc. in the estimated annual amount of $300,000 totalling $600,000, exclusive of GST;

And that funds for this contract for the 2007 period be drawn fro the 2007 Capital and Operating Budget Accounts as listed in the financial considerations in the amount of $300,000, exclusive of GST;

And that funds for this contract for the 2008 period, in the amount of $300,000, exclusive of GST, be included in the 2008 budget discussion and subject to Council approval;

And that the remaining balance be applied to other sanitary and storm sewer main projects;

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

CARRIED

18. 2007 CANADIAN OPEN TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT PLAN (5.12, 12.2.6)

Members requested clarification regarding the enforcement options available to the Town if parking on streets adjacent to Angus Glen Golf Club became problematic. Staff advised that The Municipal Act reinforced by Bill 130 provided the opportunity for Council to delegate matters of a minor nature to the appropriate staff. Staff suggested that ad hoc parking control measures would fall under this provision. The Committee recommended that road signage be installed well in advance of the event in order to advised residents of parking restrictions during the Open.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That authority to enact temporary parking restrictions and road closures, as required to address traffic circulation for the 2007 Bell Canada Open at Angus Glen Golf Club, be delegated to the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services or designate;

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

CARRIED

19. ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
JANUARY- DECEMBER, 2006 (5.3)
P. Loukes, Ext. 4894

The Committee requested an update on the drinking fountains within the Town Centre that are not operational. Staff advised that they will be addressing the matter in a Capital Improvements report in the fall. Members requested that signage be posted on each fountain indicating that they are not functioning.

Staff provided an update on the Ministry of Environment’s warning regarding the possibility of lead content in drinking water in a number of Ontario municipalities in Ontario. Staff advised that a question and answer document concerning the issue was posted to the Town’s website. Staff also highlighted new regulations that require child care facilities built prior to 1989 to perform daily flushing and conduct and submit annual water quality tests. It was noted that a full report on the matter is forthcoming to a future General Committee meeting.

Members requested clarification on the number and location of auto flushing stations to be installed in the Town of Markham. Staff advised that the project was long term but advised that design work was currently underway with respect to the installation of eighteen (18) flushing stations. It was also noted that Staff would work with area Councillors to commence a public information process prior to any installation.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the Annual (2006) Summary Report to Council as required by Schedule 22 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 enclosed herein be received;

And that the Annual (2006) Regulatory Report to Ministry of the Environment (MOE) (Attachment “A”), comprised of Parts I, II & III – Form 2, III-Form 6 for the Ministry of the Environment on water supply and quality as required by Section 11 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 be received;

And that Council directs staff to post the Annual (2006) Regulatory Report to MOE on the Town’s website and that it be made available and provided to residents upon request in hard copy version;

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

CARRIED

20. PROTECTION OF THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
THROUGH BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND

CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (5.3)

Staff confirmed that backflow prevention strategies were put in place as a preventative measure to avoid water contamination. It was noted that a draft By-law would be needed and that the public would be consulted during the process. The Committee expressed concerns regarding enforcement of the regulations given the sheer volume of those affected by the By-law, namely all commercial properties and all residential properties that contain lawn sprinkler systems. Staff agreed to review the concerns to address them when the By-law is before Council on June 26, 2007.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That Council endorse the proposed strategy to implement a backflow prevention and cross-connection control program for protection of the Markham drinking-water system as set out int his report;

And that Council enact a By-law to regulate cross-connections and backflow prevention on private plumbing systems in a form substantially similar to Attachment “B”;

And that staff be authorized and directed to review and bring forward for consideration technologies that can reduce the risk and impact of contamination of the drinking-water system due to backflows originating from those properties that are currently exempted from the provisions of the By-law;

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

CARRIED

21. COMMUNITY REUSE DONATION CENTRE
PROGRAM EXPANSION (5.2, 5.1)

Staff advised that they would meet with local Councillors to further develop a communication program to residents. Members advised that the program was working well in Thornhill and that the continued success of Donation Centers throughout the Town would assist in increasing diversion rates.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the report titled, “Community Reuse Donation Centre Program Expansion” be received;

And further that staff be authorized to locate a Goodwill Community Reuse Donation Centre trailer adjacent to the Markham Village Recycling Depot, similar to that which is located in Thornhill.

CARRIED

22. PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF RECREATION
HALL RATES (6.4)

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the report titled “Proposed Restructuring of Recreation Hall Rates” be received;

And that the proposed Restructuring of Recreation Hall Rates be approved and implemented September 1, 2007;

And that Council approve and authorize the Director of Recreation Services to increase fees annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with such increases effective September 1 and rounded to the nearest ½ dollar (see Appendix D);

And that By-law 2002-276, a by-law to impose fees and charges for services or activities provided or done by the Town of Markham, be amended to reflect the new rates;

And further that notice to the public is provided in accordance with By-law 2002-275, a by-law to prescribe the form and manner and times for the provision of reasonable notice;

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

CARRIED

23. 2007-2008 ICE ALLOCATION REPORT (6.1)
B. Roth, Ext. 7515

The Committee expressed concerns regarding the potential for groups to sublet their allocated ice time. Staff advised that they are aware of the possibility and have engaged a process to prevent the abuse.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapthi

That the report entitled “2007-2008 Ice Allocation Report” be received;

And that Council approve the revised Ice Allocation Policy (Appendix A – note changes have been highlighted);

And that Council approve the Ice Allocation Schedule (Appendix B) for the 2007-2008 ice season;

And that Council receive the Special Events List (Appendix C) for the 2007-2008 ice season;

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

CARRIED

24. 2006 MISSION GREEN PROGRAM UPDATE AND
PROPOSED 2007 PILOT PROJECTS (5.2)
P. Loukes, Ext. 4894

Staff demonstrated the “Litter Lid”, a Markham concept for a blue box cover which will be distributed to roughly 3,000 as part of a pilot project to be conducted in Markham between September – December, 2007. It was noted that the “Litter Lid” which was manufactured in Markham and was extremely well received by participants of recent focus groups. Staff confirmed that the device would not impact the collection process. Staff also advised of a second pilot project in which transparent garbage bags would be distributed and temporarily used by residents of a condominium complex and a gated community within the Town. Staff advised that the transparent bag would allow for easier identification of those individuals who do not properly separate their garbage.

The Committee expressed concerns regarding the volume of recycling materials coming from homes throughout Markham versus the size of the current blue boxes. The Committee suggested Staff review possible measures to address this high volume such as a “blue label” that can be affixed to large containers to convert them into recycling bins and/or a larger blue box on wheels. Members recommended that the pilot project area for transparent bags also include a non condominium housing subdivision. There was also discussion on the use of blue bags which will be used for overflow recycling. Staff advised of a report that would be forthcoming to a fall meeting of the General Committee highlighting a number of options relating to recycling.

The Committee also expressed concerns regarding new immigrants to Markham and their comprehension of the Town’s Mission Green initiatives. It was noted that a review of the Town’s current policies related to Multiculturalism and Town services is being conducted by the Communications Committee.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Whereas the Town of Markham has a goal to divert 70% of its residential waste from landfill;

And Whereas staff has applied for project funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Enabling Fund and Stewardship Ontario’s Effectiveness & Efficiency Fund;

Be It Now Resolved That the report titled, “2006 Mission Green Program Update and Proposed 2007 Pilot Projects” be received;

And that Markham’s diversion target be increased from 70% to 75% in 2009;

And that staff be authorized to proceed with developing a pilot project to test the acceptance, compliance and potential diversion impact of residents using transparent bags for curbside residue and blue bags for overflow recycling;

And that the Region of York be requested to support Markham’s transparent bag pilot by accepting for recycling, the overflow blue bags from the pilot area, at the Region’s recycling facility;

And that staff be authorized to proceed with developing a “Litter Lid” pilot project to test a new style of blue box cover as a potential method for decreasing blue box litter and increasing blue box recycling capacity;

And that staff report back on the addition of a third area for the pilot in which transparent bags are used for curbside residue;

And that staff bring back information on alternatives for recycling bins and that they include the possibility of using a larger blue bin with wheels as well as a “blue sticker” that could be affixed to household bins;

And that the costs to conduct the proposed pilot projects not funded from the Green Municipal Enabling Fund or the Stewardship Ontario Effectiveness & Efficiency Fund, to the upset limit of $49,000, be offset by favourable 2007 Waste Diversion Ontario Blue Box funding;

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

CARRIED

25. TURF MAINTENANCE REPORT (5.7, 6.3)
P. Loukes, Ext. 4894

Staff was in attendance to present background information and recommend a five year implementation strategy with respect to turf maintenance practices of sports fields in Markham. The Committee expressed concerns and posed various questions regarding the suggested use of pesticides on fields containing weed cover of fifty per cent (50%) or more. Staff advised that irrigation systems would be installed in several sports fields to assist with organic cultural maintenance practices, but recommended the use of pesticides in the interim for those fields that were deemed unsafe due to the current weed cover. There was considerable discussion regarding how long organic cultural practices would take to rehabilitate fields. Staff noted that in order to re-sod or re-seed a field, it would require at least one season of inactivity. The Committee expressed concerns over the loss of any sports fields in Markham due to the overwhelming demand from users. Members discussed the options put forward by staff including implementations strategies and timelines as well as the costs and potential impacts attributed to each.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the staff report entitled “Turf Maintenance Report” be received;

And that the implementation of cultural practices on Town properties as part of the Operations Department’s turf maintenance program be approved in principle;

And that Council approve implementation of Year One of the proposed Five Year Turf Standards Implementation Plan attached as Appendix “A”, at a cost of $88,423.00 in the 2007 Parks/Operations Operating Budget (Account #730-732-5415), and $200,000.00 in the 2007 Parks/Operations Capital Budget (Enhanced Cultural Practices – Account #059-5350-7503-005);

And that years two to five of the Five Year Turf Standards Implementation Plan (Appendix “A”) be included annually in the Parks/Operations Operating and Capital Budget submissions from 2008 to 2011 for Council’s consideration;

That staff be authorized to engage an organic turf management company to address the issue of weeds and pesticides and that the spraying of weeds and pesticides in 2007 be utilized only as a method of last resort;

And that Development Services incorporate recommendations from the Operations Department to improve both the design and construction practices for new sports field construction in all new park construction projects;

And that the Director of Strategic Services work with the Development Services Commission to identify opportunities to accelerate construction of new sports fields in new subdivisions;

And that the Director of Strategic Services work with the Operations Department the Markham Sports Council, and Sport Field user groups to develop new policies on use of sports fields and report back to Committee and Council in the fall of 2007 with recommendations for implementation in 2008;

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

CARRIED

26. TOWN CONVEYANCE OF A PORTION OF NEW DELHI
DRIVE TO THE REGION OF YORK (13.4)

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti.

That the report entitled “Town Conveyance of a portion of New Delhi Drive to the Region of York” be received;

That Part of Lot 3, Concession 8, designated as Parts 1 and 4, Plan 65R-29254 be declared surplus pursuant to Town of Markham By-law 178-96 and that notice of the proposed disposition of such lands be placed on the agenda for the Council meeting of June 12, 2007;

And that a by-law be enacted at council on June 12, 2007, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Transfer of Land in favour of the Region of York for nominal consideration and other related documents for the completion of this transaction, all in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary including execution of documents to give effect to this report.

CARRIED

27. YORK DURHAM EA UPDATE AND WASTE DIVERSION
OPPORTUNITIES (5.7)

Staff was in attendance to present information on the proposed York/Durham incinerator and to provide information on potential alternative strategies to increase waste diversion. The use of transparent bags for residue, the use of plastic bags for overflow recyclables, mandatory BIA recycling, the communication of reuse models and a “Zero Waste” philosophy were some of the opportunities discussed. The Committee expressed concerns over the proposed York/Durham incinerator as details relating to the cost and operation of the facility had not yet been fully presented to Regional Council.

The Committee discussed the current state of the Three Stream "Green Bin" residential organics collection program. Members recommended that residents are reminded that plastic bags are not to be used for organic residue.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the report titled, “Waste Diversion Opportunities and York Durham EA Information” be received,

And that staff be directed to investigate and report back on the diversion initiatives outlined in this report,

And that the Markham’s Waste Management staff work with the Purchasing and Asset Management Departments to investigate and report back on a Zero Waste procurement policy for all purchasing activities within the Town, including financial implications,

And that a copy of this Report be forwarded to York Region, Durham Region, and each of the Area Municipalities in the Regions of York and Durham;

And that staff bring forward a report to provide comprehensive details on the implementation and communication of a Zero Waste philosophy as well as additional waste diversion opportunities to a fall meeting of the General Committee;

And further that this report include a recommendation suggesting that the Region of York reconsider accepting blue bags for overflow recycling waste.

CARRIED

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General Committee recessed at 1:15 p.m. and re-convened at 1:30 p.m.

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Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss confidential property matters (1:34 p.m.)

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the Committee rise. (1:52 p.m.)

CARRIED

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28. CANADIAN SPORTS INSTITUTE (3.0)

Town Staff was in attendance to present information relating to the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO). The presentation highlighted background information, partnership arrangements, capital contributions to the project, proposed usage and operating agreements, as well as details relating to the site and site servicing, the use of development charges, and business risks and mitigation. The Committee posed various questions regarding the partnership arrangement and discussed liability with respect to potential cost overruns and operating deficiencies. Members also discussed proposed transit amenities and a parking structure needed to properly service the facility. There was considerable discussion regarding the proposed composition of amenities included in the design of the CSIO facility as well as the shared use agreement with the CSIO.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Jones

That the staff presentation regarding the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO) facility be received and that a further report including the CSIO Steering Committee recommendations come forward to the June 18, 2007 General Committee meeting.

CARRIED

29. 2007 ADVISORY COMMITTEE/BOARD

APPOINTMENTS (16.24)

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That Mr. William Pialagitis, Chair, Markham Village BIA, be appointed to the Markham Main Street Committee effective immediately.

CARRIED

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Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the Committee resolve In Camera to discuss a confidential personnel matter (3:05 p.m.)

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the Committee rise. (3:15 p.m.)

CARRIED

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General Committee recessed at 3:15 p.m. and re-convened at 3:45 p.m.

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General Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 3:45 p.m.