M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

2009-02-09
Meeting No. 04

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 (9:36 a.m.) Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon (12:30 p.m.) Councillor V. Burke Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Cribbett, Treasurer J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management A. Brouwer, Deputy Clerk N. Daley, Manager, Human Resources G. Dick, Chief Fire Prevention Officer S. Laing, Director, Human Resources P. Ingham, Manager of Operations C. Marsales, Manager of Waste Management A. Moore, Manager, Purchasing C. Service, Manager of Planning & Policy Development B. Snowball, Acting Fire Chief A. Tang, Manager, Financial Planning D. Taylor, Acting Director, Strategic Initiatives

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:01 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair. Councillor A. Chui chaired the meeting for community services-related items.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.

1. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12, 2009
GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)
Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the minutes of the January 12, 2009 General Committee be received.

CARRIED.

2. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 2009
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION
OF MARKHAM (16.0)
Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the minutes of the January 19, 2009 Varley Art Foundation of Markham be received.

CARRIED.

3. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12,
AND JANUARY 19, 2009
BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING (16.0)
Jan. 12 Jan. 19

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the minutes of the January 12, and January 19, 2009 Budget Sub-Committee meeting be received.

CARRIED.

4. FEEDBACK FROM
THE FEBRUARY 4, 2009
BUDGET PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING (7.4)

Presentation

Mr. Joel Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services provided an overview of the feedback provided at the February 4, 2009 Budget Public Meeting included in the addendum agenda. Committee thanked staff for their efforts.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the presentation entitled “Feedback from the February 4, 2009 Budget Public Information Meeting” by Mr. J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services, be received.

CARRIED.

5. TOWN OF MARKHAM 2009

BUDGET UPDATE (7.4)
Report 1

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the $13,000 increase in non-discretionary budget recommended by the Budget Sub-Committee to accommodate voice telecommunications be deferred pending further review by staff.

CARRIED.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1) That the report dated February 9, 2009 entitled, “Town of Markham 2009 Budget” be received;

2) That Council approve the 2009 Operating Budget for Town services which totals $161,757,042, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 1; and,

3) That gross operating expenditures of $161,757,042, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) be funded from the following sources:

Taxation Revenues	108,412,063
Grant & Subsidy Revenues	917,447
General Revenues (Investment Income, Fines, Permits)	19,782,086
User Fees & Service Charges (User Fees, Rentals, Sales)	26,951,773
Other Income / Recoveries	5,693,673
Total	161,757,042

4) That Council approve the 2009 Capital Budget that totals $117,614,100, the funding details of which are listed in Appendix 2; and,

5) That Council approve the 2009 Waterworks Operating Budget that totals $64,266,839, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 4;

6) That Council approve the 2009 Building Standards Budget that totals $6,970,563, (excluding prior year surplus/deficit) the principle components of which are detailed on Appendix 5; and,

7) That upon finalization of the 2008 audited financial statements, the 2009 Operating, Waterworks and Building Standards budgets be adjusted to reflect the 2008 operating results; and,

8) That a copy of the budgets be made available to the public through the Clerk’s Department and each of the Markham Public Libraries; and further,

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

CARRIED.

6. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 137-R-08
TOWN OF MARKHAM SERVICE PROVIDER
FOR GROUP HEALTH CARE PLAN (7.11)

N. Daley, ext. 3255
Report

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

1) That the report entitled “Request for Proposal (RFP) 137-R-08 Town of Markham Service Provider for Group Health Care plan “ be received; and,

2) That the contract for the Town’s Service Provider for the Group Health Care plan be awarded to Sun Life Financial effective March 1, 2009; and,

3) That the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Director of Human Resources be authorized to execute an agreement with Sun Life Financial for the provision of Employee Benefits, in a form satisfactory to the Town’s Solicitor; and further,

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

CARRIED.

7. UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION,
SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL
ORGANIZATION (UNESCO)
– COALITION OF MUNICIPALITIES
AGAINST RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION (11.7)
Report 1 Presentation

Ms. Nadine Daley, Manager of Human Resources provided an overview of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CMARD) initiative, which is intended to address racism at a municipal level by demonstrating key commitments and actions. The request for the Town to join the CMARD initiative was recommended by the Town’s Race Relations Committee.

Committee reviewed and provided feedback on some of the current municipal responses to CMARD, including the diversity action plans associated with the Building Markham’s Future Together Initiative. Committee expressed their support for the CMARD initiative and thanks to the Race Relations Committee for their leadership.

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

1) That the presentation “UNESCO-CMARD” be received; and,

2) That the Town of Markham join the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism (CMARD); and,

3) That the strategic priority of Diversity as set forth by Council be recognized as the Town’s response to CMARD; and,

4) That the Town agrees to act as a “thought leader” by sharing outcomes and best practices in the area with other organizations including York Region; and,

5) That the Town’s actions and activities related to its membership in CMARD be communicated through the Town’s internet site; and further,

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

CARRIED.

8. MOBILE FIRE SAFETY HOUSE (3.0)

Report Presentation

Mr. Glenn Dick, Chief Fire Prevention Officer presented a status report on the features and programming related to the new fire safety house, as well as potential future uses. Councillor Alex Chiu was acknowledged for his fundraising efforts which totalled $50,000.

It was noted that corporate sponsors and donors will be invited to the official opening of the Mobile Fire Mobile Safety House.

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

1) That Council receive this report, Mobile Fire Safety House for information purposes only; and,

2) That the presentation by G. Dick, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, entitled “Fire Safety House” be received.

CARRIED.

9. APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS
TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES/BOARDS (16.24)

Moved by: Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by: Councillor V. Burke

Varley McKay Art Foundation Board

1) That the resignations of Nancy Coxford and Brain Ayer from the Varley McKay Art Foundation Board be received with regret and letters of appreciation be forwarded, and;

2) That Mr. Patrick Carr be appointed to the Varley McKay Art Foundation Board for the term ending June 30, 2009; and,

Mayor’s Youth Task Force

3) That York Region District School Board (Markham) Trustee, Mr. Neethan Shan, be appointed to the Mayor's Youth Task Force for the term ending November 30, 2009 (Please see note 1).

CARRIED.

Moved by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (b) and (c) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matter:

(i) A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD REGARDING THE CANADIAN SPORTS INSTITUTE OF ONTARIO (6.1)

(ii) PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN INDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL(S), INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES REGARDING APPOINTMENTS TO THE MARKHAM TRAIN STATION COMMITTEE

Moved by: Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That Committee rise from its in-camera session.

CARRIED.

Moved by: Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

4) That the following appointment of members to the Board of the Markham Train Station Community Centre for the term ending April 30, 2009 be confirmed:

Linaire Armstrong

Ken Rudy

Mari Lin Van Zetten

Dorothy Gilbert

Nirmala Persuad-Armstrong

Tim Armstrong

Dianne More, President

Wayne Moss

Elizabeth Plashkes

Theo Rothe

Donna Wigmore

CARRIED.

10. WASTE MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT 2008 UPDATE (5.1)

Presentation

Referring to a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Claudia Marsales, Manager of Waste Management provided an overview of the Town’s current waste management activities. She indicated that multi-unit residential unit organic waste collection will be phased in over a period of three years. The Town’s current efforts toward producing zero waste at Town facilities were highlighted, including media exposure and recognition. The zero waste program will be expanded to other Town facilities.

Key projects planned for 2009 include:

- Organic waste program to be expanded to the Town’s BIAs;

- Town-wide implementation of a clear bag program;

- Review of the collection contract; and

- A review of the recycling depot in anticipation of electronic stewardship and utilization of polystyrene densifier initiatives.

Ms. Marsales also outlined the efforts of the Unionville Meadows Public School, to be recognized for their efforts at a future Council meeting.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

1) That the presentation entitled “Waste Management Department 2008 Update” by Ms. C. Marsales, Manager of Waste Management, be received.

CARRIED.

11. BASKETS AND BARRELS
PROGRAM STREETSCAPE
BEAUTIFICATION (3.0)

Presentation Spread Sheet

Deputations:

Phil Howes, Manager of the Markham Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) expressed his support for the recommendations of staff. He also expressed his thanks to the Town for its ongoing support to the Markham Village BIA.

Marion Matthuis, Markham resident expressed concerns about the reduction of baskets and barrels in the Thornhill neighbourhood.

Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

1) That the presentation by Mr. Paul Ingham, Manager of Operations, entitled “Baskets & Barrel Program Streetscape Beautification” be received.

2) That Council support recommended staff option two in principle and that a status report on the Baskets and Barrels program be brought back at a future General Committee meeting.

CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee adjourned at 1:11 p.m.