THIRD MEETING OF THE

2010 BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE

CANADA ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

OCTOBER 21, 2009

MINUTES

Budget Sub-Committee: Councillor D. Horchik, Chair Deputy Mayor J. Heath Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Webster Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets: Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor C. Moretti

Staff J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services B. Cribbett, Treasurer J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services A. Tang, Manager, Financial Planning V. Siu, Senior Business Analyst B. Snowball, Fire Chief C. Biss, CEO, Markham Public Libraries A. Brown, Director, Engineering P. Loukes, Director, Operations J. Ryerson, Director, Culture S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management R. Raman, Manager, Accounting & Expenditure Control J. Kee, Committee Clerk

The Third 2010 Budget Sub-Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:10 a.m. with Councillor D. Horchik in the Chair.

1. COUNCILLOR REQUESTS – COUNCILLOR E. SHAPERO

Committee was provided with a listing of thirteen (13) Councillor requests from Councillor E. Shapero for items to be included in the 2010 Budget, with corresponding comments from staff. Members discussed the items, by exception, and provided direction, as follows

#1 – Buying Green Energy from Bullfrog Power to Power Civic Centre – Committee was advised that the Town would spend approximately $6,000 per month to purchase electricity from Bullfrog Power for the Civic Centre. Staff will bring a report back providing more information.

#3 – Special Events Drinking Fountain Water Truck – Staff advised that this is one of the initiatives being worked on, and the item will be added to the 2010 Budget to be funded from the Waterworks Reserves.

Committee expressed great concern that the water fountain had recently been removed from the Markham Theatre and replaced with a soft drink machine. It was requested that staff look into this and have a water fountain re-installed. Staff agreed and also advised that water fountains in the Town’s facilities are all being replaced. A report will be presented to Council regarding this and related water matters.

#6 – Bayview Fairways – Tennis clubhouse Refurbishing and Town Programming for Community Tennis Clinics – Staff will undertake a condition assessment before the end of 2009 and will report back on issues, including: policy, life cycle; liabilities and proper stewardship.

#9 – Boulevard Tree Median South Park Road – To Address Streetscape and Wide Street Design – Staff will review this street, and also consider other wide streets, such as Denison, Highglen and Box Wood. An overall review is required, including financing options, and staff will report back.

#13 – One Additional Landscape Design Inspector – Staff reported that the Town has been employing one full-time and one contract Landscape Design Inspector, and this request is to change the contract position to a full-time position. Members requested staff to confirm the number of months that the contract position was for, and report on any other terms relating to the position. All resource requirements across the Town will have to be prioritized and considered for the 2011 Budget year.

#8a – Yonge Street Heritage Area – Banners on Posts to Celebrate Heritage and Define Heritage Area – This matter, submitted by Councillor Burke under Councillor Requests, had been considered at the October 19, 2009 Budget Sub-Committee meeting. Additional concern was expressed that unless a BIA was established soon, banners would not be installed unless some specific funding was placed in the 2010 Budget as a contingency.

Committee discussed the matter further, and staff emphasized that $150,000 has been placed in the 2010 Budget for the Public Realm initiative, and that it would be at the discretion of the Beautification Committee to bring forward specific ideas.

The importance of establishing a BIA on Yonge Street was stressed, and it was suggested that Economic Development staff may be able to assist the Ward Councillor in encouraging the local business owners to become involved. Staff will work with Councillor Burke on this matter.

The Chair thanked staff for their work in providing responses to the Councillor Requests and confirmed that all direction given will be carried out by staff.

2. 2010 BUDGET APPROVAL

The Director of Financial and Client Services reviewed the 2010 Budget summary indicating the original Budget shortfall of 0.58% and the options to reduce the Budget shortfall to 0.00%.

Members of Committee spoke briefly in support or in opposition to the proposed 0% tax rate increase, and asked that the resolution be presented and voted on in two parts.

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the Budget Sub Committee recommends a 0% tax rate increase in the 2010 net tax rate.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the draft Public Meeting Presentation be forwarded to General Committee on October 26, 2009.

CARRIED

The Chair thanked Members of the Budget Sub-Committee and staff or their work on the 2010 Budget.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

That the Third 2010 Budget Sub-Committee meeting adjourn. (10:00 a.m.)

CARRIED