MINUTES FROM THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE IN 2008

 

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

May 21, 2008

 

Members                                                                      Regrets

Deirdre Kavanagh                                                        Dianne More

Peter Ross                                                                    Councillor John Webster

Diane Kobelansky                                                        Ibrahim Ali

Jonathan Mingay                                                           Regan Hutcheson, Staff

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Phil Howes, BIA

Keith Thirgood

Helen Walter

Wil Pialagitis

 

Staff

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

 

The Fifth meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting in 2008 was convened at

5:55 p.m. with Councillor Carolina Moretti in the Chair.

 

 

 

1.         WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER

 

Councillor C. Moretti welcomed Ms. Diane Kobelansky to the meeting, noting that Ms. Kobelansky was appointed by Council to the Main Street Markham Committee on May 13, 2008. 

 

 

 

2.         MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 16, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held on April 16, 2008, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.         UPDATES:

 

a)         Parking Lot Signs

 

Mr. Phil Howes advised that Jim Sowerby, Supervisor, Sign Installation, is in the process of manufacturing the parking lot signs and they should be in place by June 30th.  Work is continuing on the production of the map signs.

 

 

b)         Interpretation Sub-Committee

 

Ms. Deirdre Kavanagh reported that the Terms of Reference for the interpretive walking tour have not been completed as yet.  She noted that some research has been carried out reviewing the microfiche files at the library.  Councillor Moretti suggested that Ms. Kavanagh may wish to contact Ms. Sue Smitko who is conducting research for an additional Markham history volume in conjunction with the Markham Museum. 

 

In addition, it was suggested that Ms. Kavanagh investigate the costs related to conducting video interviews with local seniors, such as Red Carlson, Lou Pilkey and Carman Lewis, who would be able to provide a wealth of information.  Members were asked to provide any additional names.

It was agreed that Heritage Markham staff should be involved in this process.

 

 

c)         Tannery Pond

 

Mr. Keith Thirgood distributed pictures of the approved signage that has now been installed for Tannery Pond.  The signs have been well constructed and are attached to steel posts. 

 

Members discussed some areas of concern requiring attention of staff, including: the partly washed out bridge; the snow fence; and the high water in the ponds/Robinson Creek.  Councillor Moretti noted that Mr. Bob Walter, District Manager East, has been requested to follow up on these issues.  Mr. Keith Thirgood advised that he will also follow up.  Depending on action taken within the next month, it was agreed that this item could be placed in the Parking Lot.

 

In response to a query regarding the purpose of “Parking Lot” items, Councillor Moretti clarified that active items from the previous Agenda are placed on the current Agenda for update and discussion.  Parking Lot items are those which are being worked on and no new information is expected at the time the Agenda is printed.  Members, at any time during a meeting, may bring an item forward from the Parking Lot for discussion.

 

 

d)         Downtown Markham

 

Councillor Moretti advised that Councillor J. Webster had raised the issue of “Downtown Markham” at a recent Council Standing Committee meeting.  The Town Solicitor, Catherine Conrad, has been requested to look into the matter and will report back to Development Services Committee.

 

 

e)         Environmental Assessment – Main Street Markham

 

            Councillor C. Moretti advised that a preliminary meeting of the advisory group has

            been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Canada Room, and all members

            have been notified.  The meeting will bring members up to date on the environmental

            assessment taking place between Highway 407 and Donald Cousens Parkway.  It is

            expected that residents will be invited to a Public Meeting in the fall.

 

 

o)         Status of Town Square Feasibility Study

 

Councillor C. Moretti reported that a meeting was held recently with Mr. David Pearce, Manager, Real Property with respect to the Town Square Feasibility Study.  Time lines have yet to be established by Council.

 

 

n)         Trees on Private Property

 

Councillor C. Moretti updated Members on the status of the Town’s Tree Preservation By-law, noting that there will be a lot of restrictions, and permits will be required.  A heritage component will also be considered.  Mr. Howes advised that there is a $5,000 allocation for trees on Main Street Markham; however, it has been difficult in the past to obtain agreement from the business owners/tenants on the types of trees to be planted on the private portion of the street.  It was suggested that staff be contacted to follow up on this.

 

 

 

4.         NEW BUSINESS

 

            Public Washrooms – Main Street Markham

 

            Mr. Phil Howes reported that portable washroom units have been delivered and installed, and will be monitored and serviced daily by the BIA.  A schedule of opening times will be posted.  The units are located north of Robinson Street behind the Tangerine Gecko Art Gallery by the Markham Guild of Village Crafts building.

 

            The total cost will be approximately $15,000 for this year, and it was suggested that the addition of some planters would be appropriate.

 

 

            Truck Traffic Concerns

 

            Councillor C. Moretti advised that she has been in touch with Inspector Robinson Rouse,

            District 5, York Regional Police, with respect to complaints received regarding truck

            traffic on Main Street Markham.  Police will monitor the situation over the next few

            weeks.

 

It was also noted that signage directing trucks away from Main Street Markham, and diversions to the Markham By-Pas has either been covered or removed.  The Chair advised that the Region of York is preparing new signage that will be installed shortly.  It was suggested that this matter should be raised for discussion at the upcoming Environmental Assessment meeting.

 

 

            Winter Damage to Trees

 

            Some concern was expressed regarding the damaged and dead trees on Main Street

            Markham.  It was noted that some have been removed, but more work is required.  Phil

            Howes and Jonathan Mingay will follow up with Mr. Bob Walter, District Manager East

            on this matter.

 

 

 

5.         NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is scheduled for:

 

            Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the York Room.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Fifth Main Street Markham Committee meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.