MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

October 28, 2008

Meeting No. 26

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:              Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

 

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor T. Wong

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Councillor V. Burke

Councillor E. Shapero

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor C. Moretti

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor L. Kanapathi

Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

R. Borooah, Town Architect

C. Conrad, Town Solicitor

L. Duoba, Project Coordinator

S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:00 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  Regional Councillor T. Wong assumed the Chair for Economic Development items, Nos.4 &5. Councillor A. Chiu assumed the Chair for Community Services Issues item, No.6. 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

Regional Councillor G. Landon disclosed an interest with respect to Item #2 & 3, as his son works for Greenpark Homes, and did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.

 

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 14, 2008, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held October 14, 2008, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         ANAGNI HOMES
            REVISED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
            FOR THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MARKHAM ROAD
            AND EDWARD JEFFREYS AVENUE (10.0)

 

Mr. Anthony Martelli, Director of Engineering, Greenpark, advised the Committee that today’s presentation is a work in progress.  He also advised that Anagni Homes has an approved proposal for the northwest corner of Markham Road and Edward Jeffrey’s Avenue, but have met with Town staff to explore a more suitable design.  Mr. Martelli reported that they have committed to LEED Silver for this proposal.

 

Mr. Sean Lawrence, Kohn Architect, presented the Committee with 3 D models depicting the original proposal and four options of alternative massing.  The new proposals have higher towers together with podium buildings.  Mr. Lawrence advised that by bringing these dwellings closer to the corner of Markham Road and Edward Jeffreys Avenue the proposed development will be further away from the existing single family community and allow for additional green space.

 

The Ward Councillor advised that she will be presenting these new proposals to the residents for their comments and feedback.  Staff advised that a traffic analysis will be required.

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the presentation by Mr. Anthony Martelli, Director of Engineering, Greenpark regarding Anagni Homes and Mr. Sean Lawrence, Kohn Architect - Revised Development Proposal for the Northwest Corner of Markham Road and Edward Jeffreys Avenue be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.         HIGHWAY 48 WOODLOT
            LOCATED IN FORMER MATRUNDOLA LAND (10.0)

 

Ms. Shirley Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Highway 48 woodlot, north of Edward Jeffreys Avenue and south of Bur Oak Avenue.

 

There was considerable discussion regarding other municipality’s policies with respect to park land dedication credit in exchange for conveyance of woodlots into public ownership.  Staff advised that currently the Town has a comparatively high rate of parkland dedication for high density development.  They are currently reviewing the practices of other Municipalities within York Region and the Greater Toronto area.  Staff also advised that during Bill 51 considerations, staff petitioned the Province for specific provisions to take woodlands or valleylands as a condition on subdivision approvals.  However, the Province did not grant that request.  Staff will report back on the practices of other municipalities.

 

The Committee suggested that staff review retaining more of the woodlot than is currently being proposed and continue the woodlot and buffer area to the north.  The Committee enquired if an independent review was prepared for this area.  Staff advised that an independent woodlot assessment was completed and will confirm (via e-mail) the details of that review to Members of Council.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the presentation by Ms. Shirley Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design regarding

Highway 48 Woodlot located in former Matrundola Land be received.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         MARKHAM CHINA BUSINESS MISSION
            POST MISSION UPDATE (10.16)

            Presentation

 

Ms. Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Markham China Business Mission focusing on the outcomes.

 

The Committee commended all the members of staff involved in organizing the event.  The Committee discussed the importance of continued follow up and up and coming events related to the Markham China Mission.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the presentation by Ms. Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects, regarding the Markham China Business Mission, be received.

CARRIED

 

5.         DEMONSTRATION OF ELECTRONIC KIOSK
            NEW DVD (10.16)

 

Ms. Huyen Hare, Business Development Officer, demonstrated the electronic kiosk advising that when it is not being used at special events that it will be stationed in the great hall.

 

The Committee suggested having the new Markham DVD placed on U-tube and identifying contact information for Economic Development department.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the presentation by Ms. Huyen Hare, Business Development Officer, regarding the new DVD for the electronic kiosk, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         EAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE &
            LIBRARY – SCHEMATIC DESIGN (6.6)

            Report  Attach A  Attach B

 

Mr. Duff Balmer, Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the building concepts for the East Markham Community Centre & Library outlining the updated site plans, building massing, parking structure and hospital linkage.

 

Mr. Stephen Carpenter, President, Enermodal Engineering Ltd., delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the LEED initiatives for the East Markham Community Centre & Library advising that they are close to achieving LEED Gold.

 

The Committee suggested that staff together with the representatives from Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners consider the following:

·        Further review of anticipated cars visiting the main drop-off area

·        Additional work on the proposed parking structure (solar panel or green roof)

·        Entrance to the Wellness Park (a major entrance)

·        Reduction in light pollution

·        Further consideration of Bird Friendly Design Criteria

·        More balance with the glass materials

 

There was considerable discussion as to whether this proposal follows the architectural design guidelines of the Cornell area.  Mr. D’Arcy Arthurs, Partner, Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners, advised the Committee that they have worked closely together with the Town Architect, the Urban Design team, Markham Stouffville Hospital (and their architect), Markham District Energy staff and that the proposal being presented has been considered in the context of Cornell.  Staff advised that the proposal is a schematic and that the actual building materials will be confirmed at a later stage.

 

The Committee suggested addressing the Community through a Public Information meeting to explain the various elements that have been incorporated into the design to make the entire site functional and integrated.  The Committee also suggested that a Council Workshop together with representatives of Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partner, and staff be held prior to the Public Information meeting.  The Committee requested that the recommendation to approve the schematic design be deferred.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That the report titled “East Markham Community Centre & Library – Schematic Design” be received; and,

 

That the presentation by Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners highlighting the building envelop and proposed elements of the building and associated parking garage structure be received; and,

 

That Council authorizes staff to proceed with detailed design phase following joint Town of Markham and Markham Stouffville Hospital Open House on November 17, 2008 and a to-be-scheduled Council Workshop ; and,

 

That Council authorizes the Mayor and the Clerk to execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, in a form satisfactory to the CAO and the Town Solicitor and all related documents and take any action necessary to give effect to the acquisition of approximately 4.51 acres of land from Markham Stouffville Hospital together with an option to purchase an additional 0.75 acres of land at the south-west corner of Bur Oak Avenue and Church Street; and,

 

That the property acquisition costs be funded from account #070 6200 7369 005; and,

 

That the Architectural/Engineering Services fee for Shore Tilbe Irwin and Partners be increased by $591,480 to account for additional project scope, primarily related to the parking garage structure; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

7.         MAIN STREET MARKHAM
            ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - UPDATE (5.7)

           

 

This item was deferred to the November 4, 2008 Development Services Committee meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.         ROUGE NORTH MANAGEMENT AREA/ GREENBELT
            OPA 140 SETTLEMENT (10.0)

            Report   Attachments

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services advised the Committee that staff have been working for some time at bringing forward a Rouge North Management Plan, including ecological criteria plan that will be used to define the boundaries of the Rouge River and its tributaries to be brought into public ownership.  The development community had objected to the originally proposed criteria.  The Provincial Greenbelt Plan validates the Rouge North Plan.  The document has been revised to reflect and make direct reference to the Provincial Greenbelt.  Mr. Baird also advised that the revised document is very timely and has received the support of the Rouge Park Alliance, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the development community.  The development community will be withdrawing their appeals following modifications outlined in the report. 

 

The Committee thanked staff for all their work with respect to the Rouge North Management Area/Greenbelt and are pleased to see things have been sorted out with the development community. 

 

The Committee requested that the Town Solicitor send an e-mail confirming the cumulative effect of this amendment and the public ownership lands within the boundaries.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy J. Heath

 

That the report entitled “Rouge North Management Area/Greenbelt OPA No. 140 Settlement” be received; and,

 

That the modifications to OPA No. 140, as shown in Attachment A of the staff report, be approved; and,

 

That the Town Solicitor be authorized and directed to execute Minutes of Settlement with the appellants to OPA No. 140, substantially in the form attached as Attachment B to the staff report and to request the Ontario Municipal Board to approve OPA 140 as modified.

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 1:20 PM.