M I N U T E S
GENERAL
COMMITTEE
2008-04-07
Meeting No. 8
Finance
& Administrative Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Councillor
J. Virgilio Chair:
Councillor
A. Chiu
Chair,
Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D.
Horchik Environment & Sustainability Issues
Chair:
IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor
J. Jones Chair: Councillor
E. Shapero
Chair: Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke
Attendance
|
Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones 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 |
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services P. Loukes, Acting Commissioner, Asset Management A.
Seabrooke, Acting Commissioner, S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management S. Birrell, Town Clerk B. Cribbett, Treasurer D. Taylor, Acting Director, Strategic Initiatives J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services P. Ingham, General Manager, Operations L. Wells, Manager, Programs A. Wolfe, Project Coordinator R. Dominico, Manager, Corporate Strategy and Quality J. Ryerson, Director/Manager, L. Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Planning J. Tsien, Community Resource Coordinator L. Canning, Supervisor, Fleet Maintenance M. Urquhart, Manager, Environment Leadership M. Jones, Supervisor, Contract Administration C. Raynor, Committee Clerk |
The General Committee convened at the hour of
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None declared.
1. NATIONAL QUALITY INSTITUTE (12.0) No Attachment
Mr. A. Ebedes, President and CEO, Canada Awards
for Excellence and National Quality Institute (NQI) provided a brief outline of the history and
work of NQI and presented the Town with a certificate for achieving Progressive
Excellence Program (PEP) Level 2.
It was noted that an NQI “Tour de Force” will visit
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the presentation by Mr. A. Ebedes, President and CEO, Canada Awards
for Excellence and National Quality Institute (NQI), be received.
CARRIED
2. COLLECTION BUILDING
MUSEUM LANDSCAPE PLAN (6.7)
Mr. A Wolfe, Project Consultant, presented preliminary details of the
Mr. J. Ryerson, Director/Manager,
Committee noted the importance of ensuring the new building is
constructed to the highest standards. Also noted was the need to ensure the
heating and ventilation systems are not excessively noisy and radiant floor
heating was mentioned as a potential solution.
There was discussion surrounding the site plan, parking lots and other
improvements. It was noted that the objective is to create a uniform experience
in arriving and touring the Museum, with an emphasis on sustainability. Some
improvements will be made to the roadways and parking lots but they will not be
fully paved. However, grading and drainage will be enhanced to minimize
standing water.
There was also discussion surrounding the proposed location of the
sundial, adequacy of lighting, and the integration of the new building with the
existing Reception Centre. It was agreed that discussion of detailed design
issues should be referred to a special workshop during the week of
Committee was advised that a further report on this matter will be
forthcoming to General Committee on
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the presentation from Mr. A. Wolfe, Project Consultant and Mr. J.
Ryerson, Director/Manager, Varley Art Gallery regarding the Museum Collections
Building construction and the Museum Landscape Plan be received.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES
OF THE MARCH 3, 2008
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes of the March 3, 2008 General Committee be received.
CARRIED
4. MINUTES
OF THE JANUARY 28, 2008
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF
MARKHAM
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes of the January 28, 2008 Varley McKay Art Foundation of
CARRIED
5. MINUTES
OF THE JANUARY 10, 2008
CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes of the
CARRIED
6. MINUTES
OF THE FEBRUARY 21, 2008
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE(16.0)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the minutes of the February 21, 2008 Conservation Committee be
received.
CARRIED
7. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS TO
ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.0)
Moved
by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded
by Councillor V. Burke
That the resignation
of Mr. Sam Sahoy from the Canada Day Committee be accepted with regret and a letter
of appreciation be forwarded; and,
That the resignation
of Mr.
That the resignation
of Ms. Chris Girgilis and Ms. Jane Kwong from the Animal Care Committee be accepted
with regret and letters of appreciation be forwarded.
CARRIED
8. EMERGENCY PURCHASES: WINTER OPERATIONS 2007 (7.9)
Mr. P. Ingham, General Manager, Operations, briefly outlined the Winter operations Emergency Purchases for 2007. Committee was advised that the tender for the next contract for winter services provision will be released shortly, following which the increased costs for these services will be apparent.
There was agreement that the Town should inform the public as to the municipality’s increased costs of providing services during this exceptional winter season.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the report entitled ‘Emergency Purchases
– Winter
That the Finance Department be authorized to increase Purchase Orders and approve purchases as per “Attachment A” in order to be aligned with the emergency invoice payments approval for winter maintenance contracts and supplies for 2007; and,
That the over expenditure of $1,412,071 in account 700 504 Winter Controls, be offset by Town wide favourable variances in the 2007 Operating Budget; and,
That the
That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
9. FCM
-2008 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES MISSION
AUGUST 17-22, 2008- VANCOUVER , BRITISH COLUMBIA
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the itinerary for the FCM 2008 Sustainable Communities Mission be received; and,
That Council approve a request by Councillor J. Webster to attend the conference on August 17-22, 2008 in Vancouver, British Columbia at an estimated cost of $1,200.00, which includes 7 nights accommodations, some meals, and bus transportation throughout British Columbia, and for additional expenses to cover associated air fare and per diem expenses, to be funded from Development Services Commissioner’s Office Conference Expenses account number 699 999 5200.
CARRIED
10. RECREATION SERVICES WINTER UPDATE (6.5)
Ms. L. Wells, Manager, Programs, presented a
Recreation Services Winter Update including details on the aquatics, fitness,
youth and older adults programs as well as statistics on attendance and
activities.
It was noted that the minimum age for fitness
memberships was reduced to 16 and that a large number of youth have signed up.
Committee appreciated efforts to engage
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the presentation entitled “Recreation
Services Winter Update” by Ms. L. Wells, Manager, Programs be received.
CARRIED
11. PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION (5.10)
Mr. P. Loukes, Commission Lead, Operations and Waterworks provided an overview of the alternative methods for rehabilitating pavement. The alternatives include cold in-place asphalt recycling, micro-surfacing and use of recycled shingle hot mix asphalt. It was noted that these methods provide environmental benefits as well as producing more robust pavement. It was noted that the Town’s practices were featured in Better Roads magazine.
It was suggested that a package be produced for distribution during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conferences.
There was discussion surrounding the ongoing maintenance program and the number of kilometres requiring work. It is estimated that around 120km per year will be required to be replaced or rehabilitated. However, it is expected that the pace of new road construction will slow due to intensification.
Committee
queried whether the resurfacing of
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the presentation by Mr. P. Loukes, Commission Lead, Operations and Waterworks entitled “Pavement Management Presentation” be received.
CARRIED
12. CONCRETE FENCE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE (2.19)
Mr. M. Jones, Supervisor, Contract Administration, provided an update on the Concrete Fence Replacement Program.
Committee questioned whether a funding strategy consisting of 1/3 contributions from corporate sponsors is sustainable. Committee sought clarification on other matters including the proportion of local residents that buy into the program, whether residents that replaced fences of their own volition might also receive a rebate from the Town and whether the Region of York might contribute to fence replacement costs along Regional roads. There was also discussion as to whether the province might consider the fence replacements as local improvements, the cost of which can be levied on residential tax bills.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the report entitled “Concrete Fence Replacement Program – Update” be received; and,
That Council endorses the proposed 2008 program; and,
That the same three-way cost sharing agreement, whereby the Town, Corporate sponsors and the individual homeowners each contribute one-third of the cost for the fence replacement program be continued; and,
That staff report back in the early fall of 2008 with a more detailed
report considering alternative future funding strategies; and,
That the Beautification Committee be reconvened in order to discuss
further some of the issues raised at General Committee including, but not
limited to, whether residents that replaced fences of their own volition prior
to the program might also receive a rebate from the Town, whether the Region of
York might contribute to fence replacement costs along Regional roads, and
lobbying the province to recognize the fence replacement program as local
improvements; and further,
That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. YOUTH SERVICES UPDATE (16.21)
Report Appendix 1.1 Appendix 1.2 Appendix 2.1 Appendix 2.2 Appendix 3.1
Mr. J. Tsien, Community Resource Coordinator, presented an update on Youth Services, highlighting the work of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force, the Youth Service Strategic Plan and Drop-In Program trends. It was noted that work on the 2009-2011 Youth Services Strategic Pan will commence shortly.
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the report entitled “Youth Services Update” be received as information.
CARRIED
14. GREEN FLEET TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE (5.7)
Report Attachment
D Attachment
E Presentation
Mr. L. Canning, Supervisor, Fleet Maintenance, presented an overview of the Green Fleet Transition Plan. Committee was advised that the new hybrid vehicles are proving cost effective for vehicles travelling in excess of 20,000 kilometres per year. Committee was provided with an inventory of the hybrid vehicles currently utilized by the Town. It was noted that staff are also following the cost and development of hybrid trucks.
Committee recognized the environmental benefits of the Green Fleet and requested that staff continue to consider ways in which to maximize emission reductions and other environmental strategies. There was brief discussion surrounding branding on the newer hybrid vehicles and Committee was advised that the Sign Shop is working on appropriate signage that will fit on those vehicles.
Committee suggested there may be some benefit to having staff receive training on the environmental benefits of the fleet they are driving.
There was brief discussion surrounding credits for reduced emissions. Committee was advised that it is difficult to track the impact of individual vehicles but that the Partners for Climate Protection program is working to quantify emissions.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the staff report entitled ‘Green Fleet
Transition Plan Update Report 2007’, dated
That Fleet Services provide annual ‘Technology Testing Reports’, to be posted on the Town’s Website, to measure emission reductions to equivalent Carbon Dioxide (eCO2) through the implementation of the Green Fleet Transition Plan; and,
That in the fall of each year, Fleet Services staff
continue to provide annual fleet replacement programs, including opportunities
to implement green fleet management practices, to the Budget Review Committee
as part of the
That it be a policy of the
That any rebates and or grants obtained from purchases of fuel efficient and or hybrid vehicle be used to fund future specification upgrades to aid in overall fleet emission reductions; and,
That staff report back to Environmental Issues
Committee with a proposed design for branded signage on the newer hybrid
vehicles in the Green Fleet; and further,
That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
15. MARKHAM
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, briefly outlined the request from the Markham Conservation Committee to change its name to the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee, as well as to revise its mandate. It was noted that the Committee will provide an annual report to General Committee.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That Markham Staff Report,
Markham Conservation Committee, dated
That Markham
Conservation Committee be re-named the
That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee (formerly the Markham
Conservation Committee) report annually to General Committee with an
Action (work) plan, proposed budget and on their accomplishments and
expenditures for the previous year; and further,
That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
16. ROUGE PARK
STREAMLINE IDENTIFICATION
SIGNS (13.13.2)
Moved by Regional Councillor
G. Landon
Seconded by Regional
Councillor J. Jones
That the letter dated
CARRIED
17. MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FUNDING (13.2.5)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the letter dated March 12, 2008 from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing announcing the Government’s intention to introduce legislation that
would, if passed, designate a portion of the provincial surplus to
municipalities for their infrastructure needs be received.
CARRIED
18. CITY OF MISSISSAUGA
THE SALE
MARKET AND FARMERS MARKETS (13.5.2)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the letter dated March 14, 2008 from the City of Mississauga
requesting the support of the resolution passed by Council prohibiting the sale
of birds and animals in Flea and Farmer’s Markets be received and referred to
the Town Clerk.
CARRIED
19. MINISTRY
OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL
MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT INITIATIVE (13.2.1)
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the letter dated March 28, 2008 from the Ministry of Public
Infrastructure Renewal advising the Town that they have been authorized to
receive a one-time grant of $4,500,000.00 to be used for the Markham Cycling
and Pathway System-2008 be received.
CARRIED
20. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS TO
ADVISORY COMMITTEES (16.0)
There was brief discussion surrounding the
process for Committee of Adjustment hearings and it was agreed that information
on this matter will be provided at an upcoming Part A session of Development
Services Committee.
Moved by Councillor C. Moretti
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the resignation of Ms. Loreta Polsinelli from the Committee of
Adjustment be accepted with regret
and a letter of appreciation be forwarded; and,
That staff be directed to
advertise for applications for a replacement member of the Committee of
Adjustment; and further,
That an Interview Committee
consisting of Councillor D. Horchik, Councillor J. Webster, Councillor A. Chiu,
Councillor J. Virgilio and Mayor F. Scarpitti be convened for the purpose of
selecting a replacement member of the Committee of Adjustment.
CARRIED
21. BOB HUNTER PARK UPDATE (6.3)
Deputy Mayor J. Heath provided staff with information relating to the
proposed
22. PORTABLE WASHROOMS ON MAIN STREET MARKHAM
There was brief discussion surrounding a request for temporary portable
washrooms on
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That Committee consider a matter of new business relating to the
provision of portable washrooms on
CARRIED BY 2/3 VOTE
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That staff report back to General Committee on
CARRIED
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That
the Committee resolve in camera to discuss a confidential legal matter
regarding the conveyance of land to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That
the Committee rise (
CARRIED
----------------------------------------------------------------------