M I N U T E S
GENERAL COMMITTEE
April 26, 2010
Meeting
No. 12
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 Transportation
Issues
Building, Parks, & Construction Issues Chair: Regional Councillor G. Landon
Chair: Councillor
C. Moretti
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
|
Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor V. Burke Councillor. E. Shapero Councillor D. Hamilton Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor J. Jones |
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services B.
Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A.
Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services C.
Conrad, Town Solicitor S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management A. Brown, Director, Engineering P. Ingham, General Manager, Operations M. Ingwersen, District Manager (West), Operations P. Kumar, Acting Manager, Capital ROW P. Loukes, Director, Operations J.
Lustig, Treasurer B. Nicholson,
Manager, Business and Technical Services W. Ruparian,
Accessibility Coordinator G.
Taylor, Manager, Community Centre Operations H. Tse, Project
Engineer B. Walters, District Manager (East),
Operations K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk |
The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Regional Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair for Finance and Administrative related issues; Councillor A. Chiu chairing Community Services issues; Councillor C. Moretti chairing Building, Parks, & Construction issues; and Regional Councillor G. Landon chairing Transportation related issues.
DISCLOSURE
OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. RESIGNATIONS
- ADVISORY COMMITTEES No
Attachment
AND BOARDS (16.24)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
Canada Day Committee
1) That the resignations of Mitch Reiss and Willie Reiss, from
the Canada Day Committee, be received with regret and letters of appreciation
be forwarded; and (see note 1),
2) That the vacancy not
be filled at this time.
Seniors’ Advisory
Committee
3) That the following persons be appointed to the Seniors' Advisory Committee for the term ending November 30, 2010:
Shirley Burchell
Warren Carroll
Ramma Chabra
Jaswant Dhanjal
Sandra Donin
Tasneem Karimjee
Katy Kwan
Susan Leppington
Angela Morris
Ivy Ng
Shamsher Singh
Jeyasakthy Thayaparan
Manickampillai Velauthapillai
Note 1: Membership of the Canada Day Committee is up to 12
residents and three Members of Council. Councillor Carolina Moretti,
Councillor Alex Chiu, and Councillor Logan Kanapathi were appointed for the term
ending November 30, 2010.
CARRIED
2. MINUTES
OF THE SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, OCTOBER 28, 2009,
JANUARY 20, 2010, AND FEBRUARY 24, 2010
UNIONVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (3.12)
Sept. 30 Oct. 28 Jan. 20 Jan 20 - Presentation Feb. 24
Regional Councillor J. Virgilio provided clarification on Item 7(b) of the February 24th minutes, advising that Council members had not requested the Unionville BIA to submit their proposal, but had only suggested that when it is ready it may be submitted.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the Minutes of the September 30, 2009, October 28, 2009, January 20, 2010, and February 24, 2010 Unionville Business Improvement Area be received.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES
OF THE MARCH 1, 2010
VARLEY MCKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM (16.0)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That
the Minutes of the March 1, 2010 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham be
received.
CARRIED
4. AWARD OF TENDER 001-T-10
BULLOCK DRIVE WIDENING AT
THE INTERSECTION OF McCOWAN ROAD (17.12.2)
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the report entitled “Award of Tender 001-T-10 Bullock Drive Widening at the intersection of McCowan Road” be received; and,
2) That the contract for 001-T-10 Bullock Drive Widening at the intersection of McCowan Road be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, NEI Construction Corp. in the amount of $675,308.00 exclusive of GST, subject to receipt of funding commitment from Region of York in the amount of $150,000 and GO Transit in the amount of $375,000; and,
3) That a separate purchase order in the amount of $67,530.00 exclusive of GST be issued for contingency to cover any additional fees and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
4) That staff be authorized to retain a qualified geotechnical consulting firm in accordance with the Town’s purchasing bylaw to provide geotechnical and materials testing services during construction for an upset limit of $8,000.00 exclusive of GST, subject to receipt of funding commitment from Region of York and GO Transit; and,
5) That the award be funded from 2009 Capital Budget account 058-5350-9232-005, Bullock Drive Widening at McCowan Construction Contract; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
5. AWARD
OF TENDER 003-T-10 (CONSTRUCTION)
AND 055-R-10 (CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION)
FOR REPLACEMENT OF CLARK AVENUE
WATERMAIN AND SANITARY SEWER REPLACEMENT
(FROM YONGE STREET TO SPRUCEWOOD DRIVE) (17.12.1)
Staff advised that a report will be coming forward addressing the recommendations of the Thornhill Stormwater Flooding Remediation Study. It was noted that the contingency amount is based on 5% of the total cost.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the report entitled “Award of Tender 003-T-10 (Construction) and 055-R-10 (Contract Administration) for Replacement of Clark Avenue Watermain and Sanitary Sewer Replacement (from Yonge Street to Sprucewood Drive)” be received; and,
2) That the contract for tender 003-T-10 (Construction) Clark Avenue Watermain and Sanitary Sewer Replacement from Yonge Street to Sprucewood Drive be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Lakeside Contracting Company Limited in the amount of $2,643,554.20 exclusive of GST; and,
3) That a separate purchase order in the amount of $156,693.80 exclusive of GST be issued for contingency to cover any additional fees and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
4) That the contract for Request for Proposal 055-R-10 (Contract Administration) Clark Avenue Watermain and Sanitary Sewer Replacement from Yonge Street to Sprucewood Drive be awarded to highest ranked and lowest priced bidder, Cole Engineering Group Ltd. in the amount of $84,252.00 exclusive of GST, and,
5) That a contingency amount of $8,500.00 exclusive of GST be established to cover any additional contract administration fees and that the Director of Asset Management be authorized to approve expenditure of this contingency amount up to the specified limit in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
6) That staff be authorized to retain a
qualified geotechnical consulting firm in accordance with the Town’s purchasing
bylaw to provide geotechnical and materials testing services during
construction for an upset limit of $50,000.00 exclusive of GST; and,
7) That the award be funded from the 2009 and 2010 Waterworks Capital Projects as identified with the financial considerations section; and,
8) That a new Waterworks capital project account be established and funds in the amount of $2,943,000.00 to be transferred from accounts mentioned in the financial considerations section; and further,
9) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
6. COMMUNITY
& FIRE SERVICES COMMISSION
SERVICE PLANNING PROJECT OPERATION DIVISION (3.0)
Brenda
Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services introduced
this item.
Bob Nicholson, Manager
of Business and Technical Services, and Paul Ingham, General Manager of Operations presented an update on the Service Planning
Project for the Operations Division of the Community and Fire Services Commission.
The presentation provided a service planning overview, project objectives and
benefits, and the NQI PEPIII strategy. The “Made in Markham” solution is based
on leadership, staff engagements, process mapping, peer review, and community
engagement.
Mr. Nicholson reviewed
the data collection, process documentation, initial and revised functional
activities, and the service delivery review. The numerous benefits were
detailed and the next steps were outlined as: complete the Service Plan;
Develop Policies and Standard Operating Procedures; and complete process
mapping documentation. The result will be a level of municipal services that
includes service excellence, service innovation, and service value.
The Committee
commented on the pavement management strategy, sidewalk calculations, the
portal project, and the special events calendar. Requests were made to provide
a copy of the calendar to Council members, and to plant more flowering trees in
the parks next year.
The Committee congratulated
staff on their extraordinary efforts and the phenomenal results.
It was noted that
consultants were not used, and that the valuable input from front line staff
has had a great impact on the project. The Committee also thanked the Mayor for
his leadership in identifying this vision for the Town.
Moved by Councillor D.
Horchik
Seconded by Mayor F.
Scarpitti
1) That the presentation entitled “Community & Fire Services Commission Service Planning Pilot Project Operations Division” be received.
CARRIED
7. FACILITY
ACCESSIBILITY RETROFITS –
PREQUALIFICATION/TENDER (7.12)
Brenda
Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services introduced this item, advising that the
deadline for the completion of the retrofits under the stimulus funding is
March, 2011.
Susan Ruptash, Jeff Hardy, and Sean Siddons of Quadrangle Architects Limited, consultants, gave a presentation on the Facility Accessibility Retrofits. Ms. Ruptash identified the staff and stakeholders involved in the consultation, and the approach of using a universal design to accommodate the widest possible range of disabilities, using Markham’s Accessibility Guidelines. Some of the issues addressed were door openers, elevators and lifts, accessible washrooms, visual and tactile warnings, and accessible parking space improvements. The total project funding is $3.2 million, which covers construction costs and professional consulting fees. The prioritization, phasing, and scope of the projects, were reviewed.
The Committee commented on locating disabled parking spaces closer to building entrances; identifying the spaces by signs as well as ground painting; using a more permanent type of paint for the markings; doing the retrofit in conjunction with other planned construction work; providing baby change tables in accessible washrooms; determining which buildings will have elevators; the use of kick-plates instead of buttons or sensors for door openers; and clear paths of travel. Discussions included the accessibility challenges in Markham Theatre and staff advised that all new facility construction will meet the new accessibility standards. With respect to the timing of the traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 7 and McGowan Road, to enable time for safe pedestrian crossings, staff agreed to forward this request to York Region.
The Consultants were requested to provide an update presentation to Markham’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
The Committee thanked staff and the Consultants for their work on this issue.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
1) That the presentation by Susan Ruptash, O.A.A., Principal, Jeff Hardy, Associate, and Sean Siddons, Project Manager, Quadrangle Architects Limited, be received.
CARRIED
8. FACILITY
ACCESSIBILITY RETROFITS –
PREQUALIFICATION/TENDER (7.12)
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
1)
That the report titled
“Facility Accessibility Retrofits – Prequalification/Tender” be received; and,
2) That Quadrangle Architects Limited (QAL) presentation be received; and,
3) That the schedule presented by QAL highlighting 3 separate tender packages be received; and,
4) That Council authorizes Staff to proceed with the Request For Proposal (RFP), and subsequent award to the lowest compliant bidder for up to 4 elevators; and,
5) That Council authorizes Staff to proceed with a pre-qualification and tender process for General Contractors for the construction phase of the project; and,
6) That Council authorizes Staff to award the construction contract for each of the respective Tenders in accordance to expenditure control policy of Town of Markham up to a total maximum of $2,690,471 and that all awards for tenders over $350,000 be authorized by the CAO; and further,
7) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
9. MAIN STREET MARKHAM
HIGHWAY 407 TO FUTURE DONALD COUSENS PARKWAY
CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY (5.7)
Al Brown, Director of
Engineering introduced this presentation, advising that it has involved a long consultation
process. Staff are seeking the Committee’s endorsement
to go forward to a second public consultation meeting, and will return with a
final report and recommendation.
Martin Scott of McCormack Rankin,
Consultants provided an overview
of the work carried out to date, the alternatives considered, a summary of the
analysis and evaluation, the study approach, and public consultation. The study
area was identified, and a brief history of the development of the area was
given. The Town is addressing the existing and future needs of Main Street
Markham to enhance community character, support commercial activities, respect
and protect heritage, social and natural environmental features, and address
transportation needs within the study area.
Future traffic conditions, measures and values, the findings, and an analysis of the alternatives were presented in depth. The technically preferred alternative was reviewed. The next steps include a second Public Information Centre in late May, a report back to Council in June, and approval of the Environmental Assessment in the fall of 2010, with the design phase starting in late 2010. Accessibility features will be identified in the detailed design phase.
The Committee discussed the importance of the gateway feature; the possibility of raising the road to eliminate the need for curb cuts; and adjusting or reducing the width of the centre median in order to provide a segregated cycling lane. Provisions for adequate deer and wildlife crossings
were also discussed, and it was suggested that the Toronto Zoo and TRCA be consulted in this regard. Multi-use path crossings will also have to be addressed.
The reverse lane option was considered, and the Committee requested that modelling for this option be provided for review. Concern was expressed for the transformation from four to two lanes at James Scott Road, and the flow of traffic. The extension of Donald Cousens Parkway was identified as a key factor in directing traffic movement away from Main Street. Signs identifying the Parkway as a “By-pass” would be helpful, and the Regional Councillors were requested to bring this matter up at the Region. Impacts on the Markham Museum property were also discussed.
Staff were directed to consider holding the Public Information Centre for more than one evening, to allow interested residents to attend. Winter renderings, as well as summer drawings, were requested.
Mr. Peter Ross, representing the Main Street Markham Committee, spoke in support of the study findings, advising that all parties worked together for a common vision for Main Street, and to protect and link together the heritage building resource of the village and the natural resource of the valley. It has been a 12 year long process to create a pedestrian-friendly village.
The Committee noted
support in proceeding to a Public Meeting, and directed that further consultation
with Museum occur, prior to the Public Meeting. It was hoped that the 2011
budget will allocate a significant amount for the design and construction
phases.
The Committee expressed appreciation to staff and the Consultants for their work on the project and to Councillors Webster and Moretti for championing this initiative. Peter Ross was recognized for his hard work and commitment to this cause.
Moved by Councillor J.
Webster
Seconded by Councillor
C. Moretti
1) That the deputation by Mr. Peter Ross, Main Street Markham Committee, be received, and
2) That
the presentation provided by Mr. Martin Scott, McCormick Rankin Corporation,
regarding the Main Street Markham Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Class Environmental Assessment Study, be received.
CARRIED
10. ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
CAPITAL PROGRAM UPDATE (5.10)
Moved by Regional
Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor
V. Burke
1) That
the presentation regarding the Engineering Department Capital Program Update, be deferred.
CARRIED
11. SUSTAINABILITY FOR LEADERS -
LEVEL 1 COURSE, OTTAWA (16.23)
The Committee recommended that
a staff member also attend.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor L.
Kanapathi
1) That
Council authorize Councillor Erin Shapero to attend a (2) day course
entitled “Sustainability for Leaders – Level 1” in Ottawa on May 18, and 19,
2010; and,
2) That
the cost of the travel and overnight accommodations be funded through her
discretionary budget.
CARRIED
12. NEW BUSINESS (5.0)
1) The Committee was provided with copies of the York Region and Local Municipal Joint Waste Management Summary, for information.
2) Appreciation was expressed to the staff of Markham’s Operations Department for their quick response to the sinkhole on Aberfeldy Crescent this past weekend.
IN CAMERA MATTERS
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (e), and (c) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters:
1) Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunal, affecting the municipality regarding Ontario Municipal Board Hearings.
2) A proposed acquisition of land by the municipality regarding the terms and conditions of agreement of purchase and sale.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (1:44 PM)
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The General Committee meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM.