Report to: Development Services                                               Report Date: February 3, 2009

 

SUBJECT:                          Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association – Memorandum of Understanding

 

PREPARED BY:               Lorenzo Mele – TDM Coordinator

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and all other related documents, between the Town of Markham, Town of Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Municipality of York (the Partners), to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering, Town Solicitor and the Chief Administrative Officer, for the Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association;

 

And that Council confirm the appointment of at least 1 (one) Councillor to act as the Town of Markham representative on the Smart Commute 404-7 Advisory Committee;

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

 

The Town of Markham entered into a MOU in August 2005 with Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Region of York, to establish the Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association (the TMA). The TMA is responsible for facilitating efficient transportation, relieving traffic congestion and planning for transportation demand management in Markham and Richmond Hill.  Transport Canada through the Urban Transportation Showcase Program (UTSP) was a funding partner at $60,000 per year. With the deletion of the Federal financial assistance initiative (UTSP) and the subsequent introduction of Metrolinx as the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority and a Smart Commute funding agency there is a need for the TMA partners to update the MOU. Beginning on April 1, 2008 Metrolinx began providing annual funding to the TMA in the amount of $130,000 under a funding agreement related to the Smart Commute initiative. Proposed revisions to the 2005 MOU have been outlined in the background section of this report.

 

 

1. Purpose       2. Background         3. Discussion        4. Financial      5. Others (Strategic, Affected Units)       6. Attachment(s)

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to request that the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute an updated Smart Commute 404-7 Memorandum of Understanding that re-affirms the partnership between the Towns of Markham and Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Region of York. The updated MOU, which includes the involvement of Metrolinx as a funding agency, outlines the intent of the partners to join together to perform the functions of a transportation management association that develops transportation demand management solutions within the geographic area of Richmond Hill and Markham, with a particular focus on the corridors created by Highways 404 and 7.

 

BACKGROUND:

The Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association initiative, in Markham and Richmond Hill, is a component of a GTA-wide joint municipal undertaking that had been supported in part by Transport Canada through the Urban Transportation Showcase Program. Beginning in April 2008, the TMA partners across the GTA and Hamilton each entered into a funding agreement with Metrolinx. The agreement defines the terms and conditions of the Metrolinx financial contribution to the operation of the transportation management association and currently provides Smart Commute 404-7 with $130,000 annually.

 

As a result of this funding agency change the Smart Commute 404-7 partners are now required to enter into a revised MOU, which includes the following key changes;

  • Details to reflect the deletion of Transport Canada and the replacement of Metrolinx as a funding agency;
  • Clarification of the roles, responsibilities, terms and length of service of the Advisory Committee;
  • Clarification of the reporting structures of staff and Markham Board of Trade CEO, and;
  • Improved financial and program reporting structures.

 

The CEOs of the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Markham Board of Trade are also committed to ensuring that Smart Commute 404-7 moves towards self-sustainability within a reasonable time period.

 

Markham’s obligations as outlined in the MOU include;

  • Provision of annual funding in the amount of $75,000
  • Support the effective operation of the TMA by collaborating with TMA staff to identify and recruit new members
  • Participation of staff and Council on the Smart Commute 404-7 Advisory Committee

 

Markham Council has invested $75,000 annually since 2006 with a one time increase of $25,000 (to $100,000) in 2007. The expenditure is funded through Development Charges and to ensure value for this investment, the Markham Board of Trade invoices the Town on a monthly basis with detailed invoices and activity reports which record the level of effort and corresponding results for the invoice period.  Staff and Council are represented on the advisory committee with updates being provided to Council on the various programs. The current Council representatives are Regional Councilors Wong and Landon. Smart Commute 404-7 will provide a presentation that will outline their past accomplishments, details concerning the revised MOU and their business plan for 2009, at the February 10, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting.

 

It’s also important to note that the TMA provides services to businesses across Markham with a strategic focus on the Highway 404 and 7 areas including Markham Centre. Given the amount of pending development in Markham Centre a separate TMA for Markham Centre may be considered in the future.

 

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE

The Engineering Department has budgeted $75,000 in Capital Account 083-5399-9329-005 to support the operation of the Smart Commute 404-7 in 2009.

 

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Town’s on going support for the Smart Commute 404-7 transportation management association will ensure that the business community in Markham becomes fully aware and engaged in the transit and transportation demand management initiatives happening today and in the future.

 

 

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The Town Solicitor has reviewed the memorandum of understanding dated September 1, 2008 and is satisfied with the terms and conditions as outlined in the attached MOU.

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED

 

 

 

BY: ________________________           ________________________

       Alan Brown, C.E.T.                            Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

       Director of Engineering                     Commissioner of Development Services        

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

2008 Smart Commute 404-7 -- Memorandum of Understanding