ATTENDANCE

Members

Brent Mersey, Chair
Phillip Ling, Vice Chair

Mylene Bezerra Batista

Thomas Rado

Sandra McEleney
Lloyd Helferty
Joyce Chau
Serena Chin

Staff

Mavis Urquhart, Manager of Environmental Leadership

Laura Gold, Committee Clerk

Regrets
Christopher Sauer
Lisa Wilson
Justin Chin

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:13 PM with Brent Mersey presiding as Chair without quorum.

2. EVENT PLANNING DISCUSSION

Mavis Urquhart, Manager of Environmental Leadership, was in attendance to discuss the “Pesticide Ambassador Program”. The following Committee Members and Town Staff were assigned to work at the pesticide booth locations listed below as part of the “Earth Day” festivities:

Markville Mall

· Mylene Bezerra Batista

· Sandra McEleney

· Sarah Maedel

Angus Glen Community Centre

· Serena Chin

· Caroline Smith

Brent Mersey, Chair, and Philip Ling, Vice Chair, will spend time at both Angus Glen Community Centre and Markville Mall.

Ms. Urquhart advised that the “Pesticide Ambassador Program” will occur May 17-18 at Home Hardware and Sheridan Nursery. The program focuses on educating Town of Markham residents and lawn care service providers about natural lawn care methods and the Town’s Pesticide By-law. She provided some FAQs and information for the Committee to review in preparation for the events. Ms. Urquhart advised the Committee that volunteers were still needed for May 17-18 and indicated she will attend the next Committee meeting to review arrangements.

There was a brief discussion on lawn care practices of schools and regional properties. Committee members felt it was challenging to advocate to residents effective natural lawn care practices when government owned properties are not being well kept. The Committee considered writing a letter to York Region addressing this issue. Ms. Urquhart explained that there is a need for standard legislation to be created by the Province regarding pesticide use and lawn care.

3. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Brent Mersey, Chair, advised the Committee that Council has approved changing the name of the Markham Conservation Committee to the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee. He noted Council also approved changes to the Committees composition, which included the addition of 2 new members. He advised the Committee that the revised mandate focuses on sustainability, environmental policy, and planning and promotion of environmental awareness. He explained that an action plan was to be provided to the General Committee on an annual basis. The report should provide an outline of the projects the Committee would like to pursue and the proposed budget. The Chair requested the action plan be added as an item on the next agenda.

The Committee requested that an announcement be made regarding the Committees’ name change. Ideas included making an announcement on the Town page of Markham Economist and Sun, or on the Town’s website. The Chair inquired about having emails created for the Committee Members. Laura Gold, Committee Clerk will contact Corporate Communication regarding possible tools to promote the Committees’ new name.

4. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL MEETING

The Committee discussed the possibility of hosting the Annual Regional Environmental Advisory Committee meeting. The Committee appointed Lloyd Helferty as the York Region Environmental Advisory Committee contact. All information pertaining to Environmental Advisory Committees (EAC’s) should be directed to Mr. Helferty. The Committee agreed the planning of the meeting would need to start as soon as possible. A proposed outline of the meeting was discussed, which included:

· Opening Remarks

· EAC’s Introductions/Highlights

· Keynote Speaker

· Working Group Sessions

Lloyd Helferty was requested to contact the EAC representatives regarding the possibility of hosting the annual meeting. The Committee suggested a Wednesday, or Thursday in September would be an ideal time to host the meeting. Thomas Rado volunteered to be responsible for booking the room through the Town Clerk’s Department. The Chair requested this item be added to next agenda.

5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD MARCH 20, 2008

The Committee passed the minutes with quorum by means of the arrival of Mylene Batista Bezerra.

MOVED BY: THOMAS RADO

SECONDED BY: MYLENE BATISTA BEZERRA

“That the minutes of the Markham Conservation Committee held on March 20, 2008 be adopted”.

CARRIED

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Brent Mersey, Chair, advised the Committee he had established a contact at the Region's Household Hazardous Waste & Recycling Depot in East Gwillimbury. The Committee planned to tour the facility on May 12, 2008. Mr. Mersey will send out an email confirming the date and time of the tour to Committee Members.

Laura Gold, Committee Clerk, advised the Committee that a list of action items arising from the meetings will be sent out following each committee meeting. Ms. Gold was asked to include members’ profiles as an action item.

7. EARTH DAY

Members were reminded to arrange amongst themselves the shifts they will be covering on April 19 for “Earth Day” festivities. Joyce Chau advised the Committee she would provide the remainder of the “Earth Day” bracelets from last year’s event to Mylene Batista Bezzerra to distribute at the event. Brent Mersey, Chair, advised the Committee he would contact other Committee Members to find out if they were able to help with the “Pesticide Ambassador Program” on May 17, or May 18.

8. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee is scheduled for May 15, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Ontario Room.

9. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY: SERENA CHIN

SECONDED BY: PHILLIP LING

“That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee meeting of April 17, 2008 adjourn.”

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.