M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

April 12, 2010
Meeting No. 10

Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues

Chair: Reg. 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

Alternate formats are available upon request.

Attendance

Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor V. Burke Councillor D. Hamilton Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Mayor F. Scarpitti Councillor. E. Shapero

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services C. Biss, C.E.O. Markham Public Library M. Creighton, Director of Recreation N. Daley, Manager, Human Resources P. Ingham, General Manager of Operations J. Lustig, Treasurer J. Ryerson, Director of Culture C. Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development S. Tam, Manager of Business & Planning M. Visser, Manager, Strategy, Innovation & Investments D. Walker, Director, Library Strategy & Innovation M. West, Manager of Strategic Initiatives L. Miller, Senior Environmental Planner

The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the Chair for Community Services related items. Regional Councillor J. Virgilio chaired the Finance and Administrative related items.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. INTEGRATED LEISURE MASTER PLAN (3.0)

Judi MacIntyre, representing Markham Arts Council reviewed joint ventures with the Town of Markham such as the Small Business Centre and the Mayor’s Art Showcase. Ms. MacIntyre emphasised the need for an Arts and Cultural Centre in Markham.

Brian Gordon, a Board member of the Markham Sport Council congratulated Markham Council and staff on this initiative. Mr. Gordon advised that the Sport Council was involved in the consultation process and had worked with staff, and he was pleased to see the Vision for Sport Development added as a Goal. Mr. Gordon had a concern for the wording of Item # 199, with respect to infrastructure and capacity keeping pace with growth, as he considers that there is an existing significant deficit that needs to be addressed, not just keep pace.

Cheryl Giblon, Chair of the Markham Public Library Board stated that their organization has been involved in the development of the Plan, and they support the Public Library recommendations. The Board has noted that increased library services are needed in areas of intensification, and in south Markham at the Milliken branch.

Marco Filice, representing Liberty Development spoke in support of the initiative, specifically the proposal to reduce the parkland dedication requirement from 3 acres per 1,000 residents to 2.2 acres per 1,000. Staff clarified that the Plan includes a recommendation to review and adjust the Official Plan regarding parkland dedication targets with respect to the impacts on Places to Grow and intensification principles. Adopting parkland classifications may be an option. The Committee suggested that intensification developments need to provide innovative solutions for leisure activities that eliminate the need to travel to facilities. Mr. Filice advised that tennis or other publicly-accessible facilities on the roof of a building might be feasible.

Stephen Yu, resident and concerned citizen, advised that he first became aware of the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP) this past summer and he discussed the concerns of the Canadian Chinese Table Tennis Association (CCTTA). Mr. Yu had attended meetings and presentations and expressed a concern that there was a lack of focus by the Town. As a guideline, the ILMP talks about new facilities and services, but there are no specifics and non-municipally funded programs such as CCTTA, chess, and dancing groups are not part of the defined delivery platform. Mr. Yu stated that residents want transparency and an opportunity to provide input.

Commissioner Librecz responded, outlining the numerous opportunities for community engagement and the open practices applied. Council will be making decisions in an open process, and staff will be presenting regular report cards on the progress of the Plan, which will also be posted on the website and available to the public. With respect to collaborations, at least nine of the recommendations propose working in partnership with community and sports groups.

Staff also discussed the many public meetings and distribution of workload among staff resulting in more knowledgeable staff attended appropriate meetings.

Yanbo Guo, a member of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force spoke in support of the Plan, stating that it is extremely ambitious and contains many good ideas, but he suggested that the term ‘youth’ is vague. He anticipates that the Pan Am Games may create the same excitement and inspiration as the Olympics. Mr. Guo suggested that travelling and the use of transit for youth is not always easy, and that recreation centres need to be close and accessible, spread throughout the Town. He also recommended that the 10-year plan needs to be flexible to adjust to changing demographics.

The Committee expressed appreciation for the comments made by the speakers.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1) That the deputations by Ms. Judi MacIntyre, Brian Gordon, Cheryl Giblon, Marco Filice, Stephen Yu, and Yanbo Guo regarding the Integrated Leisure Plan be received.

CARRIED

2. APPROVAL OF MARKHAM’S
INTEGRATED LEISURE MASTER PLAN (3.0)

Report 1 Presentation

Catherine Biss, C.E.O. Markham Public Library and Project Manager for the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP), acknowledged staff, the steering committee members, and consultants, for their work on this project.

Staff discussed the scope of the project, including parks, recreation, library and culture, and the services, programs, facilities, parks and open space, and policies involved. The Plan is a flexible roadmap for the next 10 years, and is a quality of life “maker” for Markham. Staff reviewed the consultation process and the focus, trends and priorities, as well as the nine Goals and key themes. The Mission Statement is: “Markham’s Parks, recreation, cultural and library services provide inclusive, accessible, safe, enjoyable, and sustainable leisure, learning, sport, and cultural opportunities essential to vibrant places”.

Craig Binning of Hemson Consulting addressed the financial implications and noted a correction to the report with respect to the statement “This period of borrowing is expected to occur from 2011-2023 and is estimated to peak at approximately $53M in 2014.” The correct figure is 53M, not 23M as stated in the report.

Mr. Binning discussed the Development Charge (DC) analysis and growth forecast, and advised that the Plan incorporates the increased population projections to 2031, even though the DC soft services study was adopted in 2009 using previous projections. Over the long term, a balanced position will be achieved by 2031, fully funded by the DC’s. There is an assumption that the Parks capital program will be developed in tandem with growth and park land dedications. With respect to Town-wide hard services, 65% of the capital program will be completed by 2014, but variations in the timing of population growth and capital project completion will impact the hard reserve balances. Flexibility is available for adjustments along the way, and opportunities for upper-tier government grants, partnerships, municipal reserves, and phasing will be utilized.

The Committee made several comments and amendments to the recommendations in the report. It was understood that the document is a living document that is flexible. With respect to the pricing strategy (recommendation # 154) staff confirmed that financial consideration would be given to all groups not just seniors, and that technology programs may assist in strategizing prices across the board by incorporating all the variables.

The Committee congratulated Ms. Librecz, Ms. Biss, all the staff involved, and the consultants on their success in this project.

The Committee directed that this matter be brought forward to Council on April 13, 2010.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1)      That the report entitled “Approval of Markham’s Integrated Leisure Master Plan” be received; and,

2) That Council approve the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP) as attached and amended as follows:

a) Recommendation # 19 to be amended to read:

“Enhance partnerships with school boards, community agencies, places of worship,  sport groups, private recreation facilities, and/or ethnic-based clubs that strengthen services and accessibility and enhance opportunities for the residents of Markham.”;

b) Add a new recommendation to Indoor Aquatic Centres section in Goal 1 of the Plan: 

        “Build, in partnership with the 2015 Pan Am Games, a 50m pool in the Town of Markham.”;

c) Recommendation # 76 to be amended by adding the word "locally" to read: "...post-secondary institutions locally and from across the globe.";

d) Recommendation # 167 to be amended to read:

"..reflects the types of park and green space assets that have been built historically and are anticipated to be built as Markham urbanizes.  Classification categories should be driven by use, purpose, setting and size.  This new system should be used for classifying all parks, green space, and open spaces located in Markham.."; and

3) That Council direct  the Commissioner of Community & Fire Services to develop implementation plans for the recommendations and report progress annually to Council while also incorporating the ILMP into annual business planning and capital and operating budget processes; and further,

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

** CARRIED

**Note: At the April 13, 2010 Council meeting the following amendments were made:

- That Council recognizing the Project Team Members for their outstanding contribution to the Markham's Integrated Leisure Master Plan.

- Council consented to add the following to the end of Section b) of Resolution No. 2:

"…and pursue further recreation facility opportunities in the Town of Markham as a result of the Games."

3. APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS (16.24)

Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards Committee

1) That the following persons be appointed to the Achievement and Civic Recognition Awards Committee (ACRA) for the term ending November 30, 2010 (see note 2):

Ms. Sherry Hugh

Mr. Rommel Domingo

Ms. Zainab Hussaen

Mr. Harvey Rogers

Mrs. Tammy Mok

Mrs. Joan Stockwell

2) That the above appointments be brought forward to Council on April 13, 2010.

CARRIED

4. ROUGE PARK GOVERNANCE REVIEW (10.0)

Presentation

Mr. Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, gave a brief presentation on the significance of this major inter-regional park. Mr. Wells outlined the partnership support, and noted the cooperation between the federal, provincial and local governments. Rouge Park has been successful but the existing governance has become inadequate, and needs ‘natural person power’ authority to realize the opportunities, instead of just operating in an advisory capacity. Consultants advise that the operating budget is under-funded by $3 million annually, and an investment of $43M over 10 years is required. Mr. Wells suggested that designation of the Park as Canada’s first “near urban” National Park is an opportunity and a challenge, and would allow evolution of the governance structure to become empowered and set a vision.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1) That the presentation by Mr. Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, regarding the Rouge Park Governance Review, be received.

CARRIED

5. GOVERNANCE, ORGANIZATION, AND FINANCE
REVIEW OF THE ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE (10.0)

Presentation

Mr. John Livey, Town of Markham CAO, gave a brief presentation, stating that the Town has endorsed the findings of the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force, and is now being requested to support the proposal for a National Park. The presentation included a review of the ownership in Rouge Park, ongoing issues, and the details of a Founding Deal. In the event a Founding Deal is not in place by December 30, 2010, the Government of Ontario will be asked to support reconstituting the Rouge Park Alliance to address the current governance weakness. Mr. Livey advised that a National Park would be funded by Parks Canada, and a funding commitment would not be required from the Town.

The Committee considered the possibility of keeping Milne Park as a Town property, and suggested reactivating the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force for this issue. It was noted that the adopted goals and vision are consistent yet flexible going forward, particularly for ecological issues.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1) That the presentation by Mr. John Livey, Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the Rouge Park Governance Review, be received.

CARRIED

6. GOVERNANCE, ORGANIZATION AND
FINANCE REVIEW OF THE
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE (10.0)

Report Maps 1

The Committee directed that this matter be brought forward to Council on April 13, 2010.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

1) That the staff report entitled Governance, Organization and Finance Review of the Rouge Park Alliance dated April 13, 2010 be received; and,

2) That Council support in principle the recommendations of the Governance, Organization and Finance Review for the future management of the Rouge Park as a National Park, subject to satisfactory agreement upon a new Founding Deal conditions as set out in this report; and,

3) That staff continue to monitor and participate in future discussions regarding a new Founding Deal or any alternative interim and long term Rouge Park arrangements and that staff report back to Committee/Council on progress of the Founding Deal negotiations; and,

4) That applicable Rouge Park Implementation Task Force (RPITF) recommendations be integral to all discussion of a new Founding Deal; and,

5) That this staff report be forwarded to the Rouge Park Alliance; and further,

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

** CARRIED

**Note: At the April 13, 2010 Council meeting, Council consented to recognize Deputy Mayor Heath, Alan Wells and Staff for their efforts regarding Governance, Organization and Finance Review of the Rouge Park Alliance.

7. YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT CORPORATION (YRRTC) (5.10)

Regional Councillor Jones gave a brief summary of his recent consultation with Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill in Chicago, along with Councillor Kanapathi, regarding an alternate realignment of the proposed rapid transit system for Highway 7 / 407 and Yonge St.

Regional Councillor Jones presented renderings and a draft motion that he will provide as a Notice of Motion at Council on April 13, 2010.

ADJOURNMENT

The General Committee meeting adjourned at 12:06 PM.