M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2008-05-05
Meeting No. 10

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

Mayor F. Scarpitti (d: 11:10) Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor T. Wong (a: 9:20) Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti (a: 9:10) Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik (d: 10:55) Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor G. Landon

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, Markham Public Libraries, Fire & Emergency Services, Recreation Services and Culture S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management K. Kitteringham, Deputy Town Clerk B. Cribbett, Treasurer W. Snowball, Deputy Fire Chief M. Shatil, Manager, Facility Assets H. Tse, Project Manager V. McGrath, Acting Manager, Executive Operations M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership A. Wolfe, Project Coordinator C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at 9:00 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair for discussion of Community Services Issues Items 7-8. Councillor E. Shapero assumed the Chair for discussion of Environment and Sustainability Issues Items 4-6. Councillor C. Moretti assumed the Chair for discussion of Land, Building and Parks Issues Item 9-10.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

Councillor C. Moretti declared a conflict of interest for Agenda Item 3 as her son is employed by Fieldgate Developments and did not take part in discussion or voting on the item.

1. MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL 2007 UPDATE (12.2.6)

Ms. J. McIntyre, Executive Director, Markham Arts Council, presented an update on the 2007 activities of the Markham Arts Council. Topics covered included funding, activities, education and youth engagement. There was brief discussion surrounding the creation of a Markham Arts and Culture Centre and Ms. McIntyre expressed hope that the Arts Council can integrate more closely with the Town through such things as increased exposure for the Arts Council in the Markham Recreation Guide and on the Town website.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the presentation by Ms. J. McIntyre, Executive Director, Markham Arts Council, providing a 2007 Update on the Markham Arts Council, be received.

CARRIED

2. HERITAGE HOUSE GRANT (16.11.3 & 7.6)

Mr. G. Baron presented information regarding two (2) heritage houses he wishes to relocate to Helen Avenue. He noted there are financial incentives for relocating heritage buildings to the Heritage Estates as opposed to elsewhere in Markham.

Committee noted that staff has received direction to develop a broader policy on acquiring lots in order to protect threatened heritage buildings and that a report on the matter is forthcoming.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the presentation by Mr. G. Baron regarding a heritage house grant be received; and

That the matter be deferred pending a report on a broad policy for the acquisition of lots in order to protect threatened heritage buildings; and further,

That the Town express in writing to the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) its desire to protect the Armstrong House at 7931 Kennedy Road.

CARRIED

3. WEST CATHEDRAL FIRE HALL (7.15)

Presentation

Councillor C. Moretti declared a conflict of interest for Agenda Item 3 as her son is employed by Fieldgate Developments and did not take part in discussion or voting on the item.

Mr. P. McIntosh and Ms. J. Stewart, Thomas Brown Associates, presented preliminary details of the West Cathedral Fire Station. There was substantial discussion surrounding the proposed design of the building and whether it incorporated any architectural elements from the Cathedral. Environmental and sustainability features were also discussed, as were the cost implications of deviating from the design template used for the Bur Oak and Riviera Fire Stations. Committee noted the importance of ensuring staff receive clear direction on design and other elements of the project.

It was noted that there is little available space for additional tree planting and it was suggested that trees be planted in the natural area to the east.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the presentation by Mr. P. McIntosh, Thomas Brown Associates, regarding the West Cathedral Fire Hall be received; and,

That staff be directed to continue with a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the different LEED certification levels; and,

That an application for funding for the project be submitted under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund; and further,

That the further discussion regarding the design of the building be referred to a Unionville Sub-Committee meeting in May 2008.

CARRIED

4. LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL
DESIGN (LEED) CANADA COMPLETE INITIATIVE
PILOT PROJECT (5.7)

Report Attachment

Committee expressed concern regarding the retention of intellectual property rights developed by the Town.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That Markham Staff Report, LEED Canada Complete Initiative Pilot Project, dated May 5, 2008, be received; and,

That the Town of Markham participate in the LEED Complete Canada Initiative pilot project for administration buildings for the municipal offices at 101 Town Centre Boulevard; and,

That the $3,125 participation fee be funded from Asset Management account # 750-751-5399; and,

That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreement to the satisfaction of the Town solicitor; and,

That staff consider options for retrofitting the building to make it more bird-friendly; and further,

That should future opportunities arise for participating in similar pilot projects respecting building performance and sustainability, the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services and the Clerk be authorized to execute similar agreements to a maximum fee of $10,000.

CARRIED

5. UPDATE ON THE MARKHAM GREEN PRINT:
A COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (5.7)

Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2

Ms. V. McGrath, Acting Manager, Executive Operations, provided an update on the Green Print Program activity since the end of 2007. Committee noted the importance of monitoring any wiki-based applications for inappropriate content.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the report entitled “Update on the Markham Green Print: a Community Sustainability Plan” dated April 21, 2008, be received; and,

That Council endorse the work plan outlined in this report; and,

That Council representation on the Green Print Steering Committee be comprised of Mayor Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Wong, Councillor Shapero as Chair of the Committee, Councillor Burke, Councillor Kanapathi; and further,

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

CARRIED

6. MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
FUND (MESF) - SPRING 2008 (5.7)

Report Attachment

Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, provided a brief overview of the Spring 2008 applications to the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund.

Mr. F. Granek, Vice President, Toronto Region Sustainability Program (TRSP), provided more detailed information relating to the funding request from the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA).

Committee requested that staff follow up with the Markham Business Improvement Area regarding possible funding opportunities.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That staff report “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund – Spring Funding”, dated May 5, 2008, be received; and,

That the presentation by Mr. F. Granek, Vice President, Toronto Region Sustainability Program (TRSP), providing more detailed information relating to the funding request from the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) be received; and,

That Council approve funding for the following Town-initiated Project as evaluated and recommended by staff and the Environmental Issues Committee, in the amount of $10,000, as follows:

1. Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) be granted $10,000 for Markham Manufacturers’ Sustainability Program provided that:

· the Program starts in September 2008;

· the Program be managed by the Manager, Environmental Leadership with assistance from the Director, Economic Development;

· a Program outline first be presented to Environmental Issues Committee for review and approval prior to commencement of the program;

· the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with OCETA respecting terms and deliverables of this program; and,

That OCETA’s further request for $10,000 for holding a Pollution Prevention Stakeholder Workshop be approved, in principle, but a final decision be deferred pending completion of the Sustainability Program to determine what is the best focus for a potential workshop; and,

That Council approve funding for these Community Projects as evaluated and recommended by staff and the Environmental Issues Committee in the amount of $24,950, as follows:

1. Unionville BIA for the “Unionville is Cool” LED lighting project be granted ($7,600), following review and approval of the detailed lighting plan and education/promotional proposal and program for tracking savings by:

(i) Heritage Markham

(ii) Manager, Utilities and Contracts

(iii) Managers of Environmental Leadership and Markham Energy Conservation Office

That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with the Unionville BIA who agree to: maintain, replace and repair the lighting; work with the Markham Energy Conservation Office to track all energy cost comparisons to traditional lighting, including energy reduction, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon credits; and, promote and publicize energy savings in the community acknowledging the assistance of MECO and the MESF in their promotional brochures, signage and materials.

2. Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School be granted $5,000 for a planting program, subject to approval of a planting plan with native species, maintenance/watering program by Parks staff and signage acknowledging funding from MESF;

3. All Saints Catholic School be granted $5,000 for a planting program conditional upon the school working with Parks Staff to provide a strengthened proposal with a more comprehensive educational component to the program; approved planting plan with native species, approved maintenance and watering program and signage acknowledging funding from MESF;

4. 10,000 Trees be granted $7,350 for Spring Planting Event in the Rouge Valley which includes cost of administration of the planting program by the TRCA; and,

That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with 10,000 Trees and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority for the transfer and administration of the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF) funding to TRCA on behalf of the Town in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor; and,

That funds come from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), account #87 2800168; and,

Should Council wish to publicly recognize the energy conscious initiatives Walden Pond have undertaken in advance of a future incentive/rebate program, they could be awarded a certificate at Council recognizing these important efforts; and further,

That Staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to the above.

CARRIED

7. 2015 PAN AM GAMES BID (3.0)

Presentation

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the presentation by Mr. A. Seabrooke, Commission Lead, Library Services, Fire Services, and Recreation and Culture entitled “2015 Pan Am Games Bid” be deferred to the May 26, 2008 meeting of General Committee.

CARRIED

8. MARKHAM ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE (MECO)
YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT II (5.7)

Report & Presentation

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the Report entitled, Markham Energy Conservation Office (MECO) – Year in Review II, dated May 5, 2008, be received for information.

CARRIED

9. ENERGY RETROFIT MILLIKEN MILLS
COMMUNITY CENTRE (6.6)

Presentation

Mr. M. Shatil, Manager, Facility Assets, presented an overview of the retrofit program at Milliken Mills Community Centre including the anticipated energy savings and payback period of each feature.

Staff agreed to use the metric system in reports, with the equivalent imperial unit noted in brackets. There was discussion surrounding the Green Municipal Corporation created by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to act as an aggregator for carbon credits. Staff noted that a verification process has not yet been established but that the Town’s reductions are being traced on an ongoing basis. Committee suggested that these reductions be published annually.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the presentation by Mr. M. Shatil, Manager, Facility Assets, entitled “Energy Retrofit Milliken Mills Community Centre” be received; and,

That staff report back in two (2) years with the actual cost savings achieved through the energy retrofit program.

CARRIED

10. MARKHAM MUSEUM WARD BUILDING REHABILITATION
AND COLLECTIONS BUILDING SCHEMATIC DESIGN
APPROVAL (6.7)

Report

Mr. A. Wolfe, Project Consultant, provided an overview of the Markham Museum Ward Building Rehabilitation and Collections Building Schematic Design. It was noted that questions raised at the earlier workshop session will be considered in a forthcoming report. There was discussion about LEED certification and the importance of considering rising energy costs when computing payback periods. There was also brief discussion surrounding the design of the main entrance and the possibility of including an atrium feature.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the report entitled “Markham Museum Ward Building Rehabilitation and Collections Building Schematic Design Approval” be received; and,

That the allocation of $557,000 for the Ward Building Rehabilitation be funded and spent as identified in Council report “Award of Tender 018-T-08 Markham Museum Ward Building Rehabilitation”; and,

That Council approve locating the new Museum Collections Building on a site adjacent to the north side of the Reception Centre; and,

That Council approve the Schematic Design of the new Museum Collections Building that includes a 16,000 square foot split-level building including site development work, and LEED Silver certification, as detailed in this report as Option 4; and,

That Council approve a Schematic Design project cost estimate for the new Collections Building including site development work as summarized below:

Construction	$ 7,300,000
Furniture Fixtures and Equipment	$ 840,000
Internal*	$ 1,018,000
TOTAL	$ 9,158,000

*Internal costs include architectural Fees, signage, insurance, and storage etc

And that funding be provided from the following sources:

Previously Approved Capital Funding- Collections Building Project	$ 4,390,000
Cultural Spaces Federal Grant and Ward Family Contribution	$ 954,500
Total Approved Funding	$ 5,344,500
Life Cycle and Capital Reserve	$ 2,283,500
Development Charges Reserve Fund	$ 1,530,000
Total Additional Funding	$ 3,813,500

That Council authorize the architect to proceed with the design of the Collections Building; and,

That Staff report the results of the public information meeting to Council as part of the Site Plan Approval process; and,

That the Director of Asset Management and the Manager of Purchasing be authorized to negotiate an increase in fees to Ventin Group Architects for the design and construction administration of the Collections Building to reflect the increased complexity and scope of this project; and,

That staff make an application for funding to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund; and further,

That staff report back on options and costs for achieving net zero emissions for the new buildings.

CARRIED

11. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 17 & APRIL 7, 2008
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

Mar 17 Apr 7

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the April 7, 2008 General Committee be received.

CARRIED

12. APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS TO ADVISORY
COMMITTEES (16.24)

Committee requested further clarification of the process for appointing new members to the Main Street Markham Committee.

**Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the resignation of Ms. Sandra McEleney from the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee be accepted with regret and a letter of appreciation be forwarded; and,

That the resignation of Ms. Leila Abboud from the Advisory Committee on Accessibility be accepted with regret and a letter of appreciation be forwarded; and further,

That the appointment of Ms. Diane Kobelansky to the Main Street Markham Committee be deferred to Council on May 13, 2008 pending further information from staff on the process for making appointments to the Main Street Markham Committee.

CARRIED

**Amended by Council at its meeting on May 13, 2008 to replace Clause 3 with the following:

“That Ms. Diane Kobelansky be appointed to the Main Street Markham Committee; and further,

That the appointment of members to the Main Street Markham Committee be included in the normal committee appointment process.”

13. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 28 & FEBRUARY 25, 2008
THEATRE BOARD (16.0)

Jan 28 Feb 25

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the January 28 & February 25, 2008 Theatre Board be received.

CARRIED

14. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 4 & MARCH 3, 2008
RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (16.0)

Feb 4 Mar 3

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the February 4 & March 3, 2008 Race Relations Committee be received.

CARRIED

15. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 17, 2008
CANADA DAY COMMITTEE (16.0)

Mar 17

That the minutes of the March 17, 2008 Canada Day Committee be received.

16. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 9 & FEBRUARY 6, 2008
MUSEUM BOARD (16.0)

Jan 9 Feb 6

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the January 9 and February 6, 2008 Museum Board be received.

CARRIED

17. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 25 & MARCH 31, 2008
MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARIES (16.0)

Feb 25 Mar 31

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the February 25 and March 31, 2008 Markham Public Libraries be received.

CARRIED

18. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19, 2008
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES COMMITTEE (16.0)

Mar 19

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the March 19, 2008 Animal Care Services Committee be received.

CARRIED

19. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 18, 2008
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM (6.12)

Mar 18 Ethics Code

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the March 18, 2008 Varley McKay Art Foundation be received; and,

That the following resolution be approved by Council:

“That the Board of Directors endorse The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code subject to the following change in clause (A. 8.):

(A. 8.) The Foundation will not exchange, rent or otherwise share, its fundraising lists with other organizations”.

CARRIED

20. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 28, 2008
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE (16.0)

Feb 28

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the minutes of the February 28, 2008 Environmental Issues Committee be received.

CARRIED

21. ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS FOR CUSTOMER (16.0)
SERVICE ON. REG. 429/07

Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the report dated April 8, 2008 and titled “Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07” be received for information; and,

That a copy of the report titled “Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07” be distributed to the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility for information.

CARRIED

22. 2008 1^ST QUARTER INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW (7.0)

Report Attachment

Committee requested clarification on the types of investments being made.

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the report dated May 5, 2008 entitled “2008 First Quarter Investment Performance Review” be received.

CARRIED

23. CEMETERY SERVICE FEES (9.3)

Report Appendix C

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the Fee Schedule for a burial plot be increased to $650.00; and the fee for a cremation plot be increased to $300.00; and,

That staff forward the new Fee Schedule to the Ministry of Government Services, Consumer Protection Branch, Cemeteries Regulation Unit for approval; and,

That staff be authorized to review the fees every two years and adjust plot fees based on market comparables, as required; and,

That staff report back to Council by June 24, 2008 with a review of the long term adequacy of the Cemetery Trust Fund; and further,

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

CARRIED

24. OFFICE TOWER APPEALS IN THE CITY OF TORONTO (7.1)

Report

It was noted that the City of Toronto and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation have appealed the interim decision of the Assessment Review Board regarding the assessment appeal of 12 office towers to the Court of Appeal.

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the report entitled “Office Tower Appeals in the City of Toronto” be received; and,

That the Ontario Minister of Finance be requested to take steps to implement the necessary statutory or regulatory amendment to ensure that the current assessment practices in Ontario with respect to assessing land and all improvements thereto continue, including the current methodology for the income approach to value; and,

That Council express support for the position adopted by the City of Toronto on this matter; and further,

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

CARRIED

25. DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
& FINANCING OF A PARKETTE (BLACK 190, PLAN 65M-3884)
ON COUNTRY GLEN ROAD IN THE CORNELL COMMUNITY
BY MATTAMY (COUNTRY GLEN) LIMITED (6.11)

Report

There was brief discussion surrounding the landscaped areas at the end of some roads. It was noted that these are provided for as elements under the landscaping and fencing plans and are not credited as parkland.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the report dated May 5, 2008 to General Committee, entitled “Design, Construction, Contract Administration and Financing of a Parkette (Block 190, Plan 65M-3884) on Country Glen Road in the Cornell Community Cornell by Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited” be received; and,

That Council approve the request by Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited to finance the cost of design, construction and contract administration of a parkette (Block 190, Plan 65M-3884) within the Cornell Community, subject to the following conditions:

1. That Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited finance the cost of the design, construction and contract administration of a parkette (totalling 0.59 acres or 0.24 ha in area) to a minimum value of $155,000.00 per acre, which totals approximately $91,450.00 inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST;

2. That, subject to compliance with these terms and conditions, the Town of Markham reimburse Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited up to $91,450.00 (inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST) towards this project from development charges for park development, under the understanding that Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited may contribute additional funds, which will not be reimbursed by the Town, towards the development of this park;

3. That the Town reimburse Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited for invoices paid on a single lump sum basis for all approved costs associated with the design, construction and contract administration, including all applicable taxes, of this park up to a maximum of $91,450.00 (inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST), less the 10% holdback to be released to them upon final assumption of the park by the Town, after sufficient Development Charges for park development have been collected (90% of a maximum of $91,450.00) at the building permit stage for residential lots within Mattamy’s Country Glen subdivision in the Cornell Community to warrant repayment in full to the maximum allowable. No interest on such invoices shall be payable by the Town;

4. That owners / developers within the Cornell Community, including Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited not receive any credit towards park development charges and continue to pay the park development charge at the building permit stage for all present and future development phases of subdivisions within the Cornell Community;
5. That Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited hire a landscape architect who is a full member of the OALA (with an Association seal), and approved by the Town, to provide professional design, contract document, and contract administration services to the satisfaction of the Town;

6. That Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited conform with the Town’s standard park and open space approval process which includes development of several design concepts, holding community input meetings, and review and approval by Planning and Urban Design Department staff in consultation with the Town’s Parks Operations Department;

7. That Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited tender out the construction of the park works to a minimum of three bidders to the satisfaction of the Town and include a 2 year detailed maintenance contract for the park to the Town’s satisfaction as part of the tendered works. Costs for the 2 year maintenance contract are the responsibility of Mattamy (Country Glen) Limited;

8. That these parks be included in the Urban Design, Development Services Commission, 2009 Capital Budget submission which will include the amount to be reimbursed and internal consulting fees.

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

CARRIED

26. DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
AND FINANCING OF A ‘CRESCENT PARK’
(BLOCK 49, PLAN 65M-3995) IN THE
CATHEDRALTOWN COMMUNITY BY CATHEDRAL TOWN
LIMITED AND 404 DEVELOPMENTS INC. (6.11)

Report

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the report dated May 5, 2008 to General Committee, entitled “Design, Construction, Contract Administration and Financing of ‘Crescent Park’ (Block 49, Plan 65M3995) in the Cathedraltown Community by Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc.” be received; and,

That Council approve the request by Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. to finance the cost of design, construction and contract administration of ‘Crescent Park’ within the Cathedraltown community, subject to the following conditions:

1. That Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. finance the cost of the design, construction and contract administration of the park (totalling 0.8 acres or 0.33 ha in area) to a minimum value of $145,000.00 per acre, which totals approximately $116,000.00 inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST;

2. That, subject to compliance with these terms and conditions, the Town of Markham reimburse Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. up to $116,000.00 (inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST) towards this project from development charges for park development, under the understanding that Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. may contribute additional funds, which will not be reimbursed by the Town, towards the development of this park;

3. That the Town reimburse Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. for invoices paid on a single lump sum basis for all approved costs associated with the design, construction and contract administration, including all applicable taxes, of this park up to a maximum of $116,000.00 (inclusive of PST and exclusive of GST), less the 10% holdback to be released to them upon final assumption of the park by the Town, after sufficient Development Charges for park development have been collected (90% of a maximum of $116,000.00) at the building permit stage for residential lots within Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. subdivision in the Cathedraltown Community to warrant repayment in full to the maximum allowable. No interest on such invoices shall be payable by the Town;

4. That owners / developers within the Cathedraltown Community, including Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. not receive any credit towards park development charges and continue to pay the park development charge at the building permit stage for all present and future development phases of subdivisions within the Cathedraltown Community;

5. That Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. hire a landscape architect who is a full member of the OALA (with an Association seal), and approved by the Town, to provide professional design, contract document, and contract administration services to the satisfaction of the Town;

6. That Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. conform with the Town’s standard park and open space approval process which includes development of several design concepts, holding community input meetings, and review and approval by Planning and Urban Design Department staff in consultation with the Town’s Parks Operations Department;

7. That Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc. tender out the construction of the park works to a minimum of three bidders to the satisfaction of the Town and include a 2 year detailed maintenance contract for the park to the Town’s satisfaction as part of the tendered works. Costs for the 2 year maintenance contract are the responsibility of Cathedral Town Limited and 404 Developments Inc.;

8. That these parks be included in the Urban Design, Development Services Commission, 2009 Capital Budget submission which will include the amount to be reimbursed and internal consulting fees.

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

CARRIED

27. BILL 130-BIA (13.2)

Report

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the May 26, 2008 meeting of General Committee to allow representatives from the Business Improvement Areas to be in attendance:

“That the report entitled “Bill 130 – Impact on Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)” be received for information purposes; and,

That a copy of the report entitled “Bill 130 – Impact on Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)” be provided to Markham’s BIAs for information/action.”

CARRIED

28. CITY OF KINGSTON
ZENN CAR & OTHER ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILES
ON ONTARIO ROADS

Letter

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the letter dated April 2, 2008 from the City of Kingston containing a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario allow the Zenn car and other electric automobiles on Ontario roads; and,

That the Province be requested to study the viability and safety implications of allowing the Zenn car and other electric vehicles on Ontario roads.

CARRIED

29. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (BIA)
STREETSCAPE SERVICES (3.11 & 3.12)

Report Appendix A Appendix B

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to the May 26, 2008 meeting of General Committee to allow representatives from the Business Improvement Areas to be in attendance:

“That the report dated May 5, 2008 entitled “Streetscape Services” be received; and,

That the 2007 Markham Village and Unionville Business Improvement Areas (BIA) financial statements reflect payments of the streetscape services as approved in the 2007 budget in accordance with the tax levy by-law; and,

That the Treasurer be directed to work with the BIAs to develop a repayment schedule extended beyond the current year; and,

That in the event that the Markham Village and Unionville BIAs request the current service level, Staff recommend that Option 4 b) be adopted with BIAs subsidizing the cost of materials over and above the current streetscape average service level provided for in the Yonge Street and Victoria Square areas; and,

That under Option 4b), the 2008 streetscape fee for the Markham Village BIA be $16,775.00 and the Unionville BIA be $11,880.00 which reflects 100% recovery for the costs of additional materials; and,

That under Option 4b), the Operations/Parks Department 2009 revenue budget be reduced by $3,785.00 to reflect this whole year adjustment; and,

That in the event that the Markham Village and Unionville BIAs request a reduced service level, Staff recommend that Option 3b) be adopted as the basic service level standard with BIAs subsidizing 100% of all costs incurred by the Town for current and future requests for increases in service levels over and above the current streetscape average service level provided for in the Yonge Street and Victoria Square areas; and,

That under Option 3b), the Operations/Parks Department 2009 revenue budget be reduced by $32,440 to reflect this whole year adjustment and potential reductions of $58,655 in operating costs; and,

That the recoveries from the BIAs be subject to annual CPI inflationary increases and adjusted as required during annual Budget review; and,

That any financial contributions from the Town to the Markham Village and Unionville BIAs be considered as part of the 2009 budget; and further,

That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.”

CARRIED

30. TREES FOR TOMORROW (5.7)

Mayor F. Scarpitti advised that the launch of the Trees for Tomorrow Program on May 3, 2008 was a great success.

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Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the Committee resolve in camera to discuss confidential land acquisition and personnel matters (12:05)

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the Committee rise (12:06)

CARRIED

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ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m.