PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
PROPOSED 2010
COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
MINUTES
|
Council: Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor
A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor C. Moretti |
Staff: J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services B. Cribbett, Treasurer J. Lustig, Director of Financial and Client Services V. Siu, Acting Manager, Financial Planning M. Vetere, Business Analyst K. Liu, Senior Financial Analyst J. Kee, Committee Clerk |
The Public Information
Meeting for the Proposed 2010 Markham Budget convened at
1. WELCOME
The Chair explained that the purpose of this meeting is to present the preliminary 2010 budget and receive input from members of the public and the business community. He noted that staff would be delivering a presentation, and then there would be an opportunity for questions or comments from the audience.
2. OVERVIEW OF
Mr. Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services, Ms. Barb Cribbett, Treasure, and Mr. Joel Lustig delivered the 2010 Budget presentation, including the following:
· Budget Process, Budget Summary & Fiscal Scan
· 2010 Proposed Budgets
- Capital
- Building Services
- Planning & Design and Engineering
- Waterworks
- Operating
· Assessment and Property Taxes
· 2010 Budget Summary Highlights
Staff advised that the total Budget recommended for approval for 2010 is $316.2 Million
3. PUBLIC DEPUTATIONS
a) Ms. Eileen Liasi was in attendance on behalf of the German Mills Residents Association, and congratulated Council on achieving the proposed 0% percent tax increase for 2010.
The following concerns were raised:
·
include principles and
priorities on which each year’s budget is based on in the Budget presentation
and to show the health and safety of
· climate change is occurring, causing more intense rainfall and concern that there is insufficient infrastructure funds for resident’s health and safety.
· will support a tax increase of 1-2% for more storm sewer infrastructure and maintenance due to expected increased rainfall (larger storm sewer pipes are required, and size of stormwater storage structures should be increased); cannot support 0% tax increase while some residents continue to face the risks of repeated flooding
· request Council to consider creating a new staff position whose responsibility would be to examine and make recommendations on policy, planning, design standards and methodologies, risk management and implementation strategies, in terms of adaptation to climate change
In addition, Ms. Liasi made the following comments:
· paying for additional infrastructure – consider fairness of using debentures; those who benefit from the service will pay for it while under the reserves model, current residents are paying for future residents’ services. In addition, should consider funding from either reserve funds or debentures; grants, gas tax, or Markham District Energy revenues
·
Optics -
In response to Ms. Liasi’s comments, Committee advised that the Town has created a Sustainability Office, currently employing four staff members, and the Department’s mandate is to develop environmental plans, programs and policies relating to climate change, and other related areas.
b) Ms. Toinette Bezant, President, Bayview Glen Residents Association, was in attendance, and expressed concerns relating to stormwater issues and challenges. Two documents were presented from 2007 and June of 2009. The latter presented the Life Cycle Reserve Budget as it relates to flood control, water course management, and erosion control, and Ms. Bezant queried their status. She suggested that a slight increase in the Budget should be considered in order to address these issues, and that there may be opportunities through surcharges or levies.
Committee advised that staff are currently completing the West Thornhill Stormwater Flood Remediation Class Environmental Assessment Study to assess the existing stormwater system conditions and alternative solutions to improve its performance. Various options and alternative strategies are being developed and will be presented to Council for discussion. The Town is prioritizing and investing in infrastructure and maintenance work on assets included in the reserve study based on condition assessments.
c) Ms. Tracy MacKinnon was in attendance on
behalf of the
· concern that the flowers budget was cut across the Town and UBIA was not called to the table regarding the flowers and greenery on Main Street Unionville this year, and wishes to be included early next year before decisions and purchases are made; UBIA would like to see return of same flower coverage, which can be done in a fiscally prudent manner; it makes a huge difference to the community
·
UBIA would like to see more
trees planted on the
Committee advised that the level of service in the Town was not reduced in 2009 and will not be reduced in 2010, and requested staff to provide information to the Mayor’s Office on the UBIA’s financial contribution to the flower program for 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Mayor Scarpitti expressed appreciation to Councillor Dan Horchik, Budget Chair, and members of the Budget Sub-Committee and Senior Staff for all their work in presenting a 0% Budget for 2010. The Chair noted that the Town has substantive reserves, which are updated annually, and receives considerable revenues from the two Markham-owned corporations, PowerStream and Markham District Energy Inc.
d) Ms. Marion Matthias was in attendance, and made the following comments:
· 200 year storm sewer replacement requested
· asked staff to distribute “coloured” hand-outs and materials in future
· expressed concern that Thornhill does not have a BIA
·
City of
· Main Streets of Unionville and Markham flowers are also very lovely
·
·
in addition, a few strings of
“holiday” lights should be put up on some of the trees on the
· would also like to see more trees planted; expressed concern regarding climate change; trees help tremendously
The Chair thanked everyone present for attending the meeting, and advised that all comments have been recorded. He thanked the Members of the Budget Sub-Committee and staff for all their efforts in achieving a zero percent tax increase, and advised that the proposed budget will be presented at the November 9, 2009 General Committee Meeting and then to the November 10, 2009 Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti
That the Public Information Meeting
regarding the Proposed 2010 Markham Budget adjourn. (
CARRIED