M I N U T E S

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

WATER/WASTEWATER RATES

2008-11-18

 

 

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor T. Wong

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Councillor V. Burke

Councillor C. Moretti

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor L. Kanapathi

Councillor A. Chiu

 

 

 

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community Services

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

J. Lustig, Director of Finance and Client Services

P. Loukes, Director Operations

A. Tang, Manager Financial Planning

A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Public Information Meeting convened at 6:45 PM with Mayor F. Scarpitti in the Chair. 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         2009 PROPOSED WATER/WASTEWATER RATES

 

Mr. Joel Lustig, Director of Finance and Client Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation that included: 2008 water/wastewater rates, the Region of York 2009 proposed water/wastewater rates, Town of Markham’s water rate pressures, water/wastewater reserve study and infrastructure surcharge, combined water/wastewater rate and impacts and options to mitigate the water rate increase.

 

Mr. Stephen Kotyck, 10 David Gohn Circle, addressed the Committee regarding the 2009 proposed water/wastewater rates stating some concerns.  He is concerned with the accuracy related to the future projections and whether possible changes in technology are accounted for in the future projections.

 

The Committee advised that as stated in the presentation the reserve study will be updated on an annual basis.  The Committee also advised that the increases are a direct reinvestment in the operation of the water system and infrastructure to ensure residents receive clean, safe water and avoid deterioration in the water system that will result in greater cost increases in future. 

 

Mr. Peter Loukes, Director Operations advised that the annual updates will take into account any technology advancements and those changes would be considered once the information becomes available.

 

Mr. D.A. Hortin, 25 Austin Drive, addressed the Committee regarding the 2009 proposed water/wastewater rates enquiring why the Town is proposing the increase take place in January 2009 and not in April 2009 as indicated by the Region of York?

 

Staff advised that it has been the Town’s practise to implement the increase at January 1st and any surplus at the end of the fiscal year will be transferred to the dedicated waterworks reserve.

 

The Committee advised that a significant portion of the increase is due to the infrastructure improvements south of Steeles Avenue in Toronto as well as in the Region of Peel.  The Region of York purchases water from both jurisdictions and then sells the water to the Town of Markham

 

Ms. Florendine Greaves, 27 Tangmere Crescent, addressed the Committee regarding the 2009 proposed water/wastewater rates enquiring if the “Water for Tomorrow” program funded by the Region of York is still an efficient source of savings for homeowners?

 

The Committee advised that the program has proven to save money and water consumption for homeowners.

 

Mr. John G. Lopes, 9 Armando Drive, addressed the Committee regarding the 2009 proposed water/wastewater rates stating concerns with respect to the proposed increase during these difficult economic times.  He advised that he tried to obtain a rain barrel for the collection of rain water from the Town, but was unsuccessful.

 

Mr. P. Loukes provided Mr. Lopes with contact information to assist him in obtaining a rain barrel.  The Committee also advised that any senior residents are welcome to contact Ms. Barbara Cribbett, Treasurer for information on tax credits.

 

The Committee stressed the importance of maintaining the current infrastructure to ensure that a top quality water service is delivered and that Council is committed to finding savings when possible.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the deputations from Mr. Stephen Kotyck, Mr. D.A. Hortin, Ms. Florendine Greaves and Mr. John Lopes as well as an e-mail from Mike and Sandy Moyer be received; and,

 

That the correspondence from Mike and Sandy Moyer be received; and further

 

That the 2009 Proposed Water/Wastewater Rates presentation by Mr. Joel Lustig, Director of Finance and Client Services be received.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Public Information meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.