M I N U T E S
FINANCE
& ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
2003-09-22 - Council
Chambers
Attendance
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Chair: Councillor
K. Usman Vice-Chair,
Budget Reg. Councillor
F. Scarpitti Vice-Chair,
IT Councillor
S. Daurio Members: Councillor
J. Virgilio Councillor J. Heath (Alternate) Councillor
A. Chiu Others: Regional
Councillor T. Wong Councillor G. McKelvey Councillor D. Horchik |
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Sales, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services J. Allen, Chief Information Officer S. Birrell, Town Clerk J. Lustig, Director of Financial & Client Services B. Varner, Real Property Manager F. Wong, Manager, Financial Planning L. Wells, Manager of Programs R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning L. Manuel, Seniors Coordinator B. Nanninga, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Council J. Kee, Committee Clerk |
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The Finance & Administrative Committee
convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with Councillor K. Usman in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Councillor J. Virgilio disclosed an interest
with respect to the matter relating to the surplus property on part of Old 16th
Avenue, east of Ninth Line, by nature of he representing the owner of one of
the adjoining properties, and did not take part in the consideration or
discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Release and Abandonment of Easement for lands legally described as Part of Lot 18, Concession 3, designated as Parts 15 and 16, Plan 65R-17583, Markham, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That Council receive the report entitled "Provincial Performance Measures - 2002", dated September 22, 2003;
And that staff publish the mandatory Provincial Performance Measures on the Town of Markham website.
CARRIED
The Commissioner of Corporate Services noted a correction on Page 2 of the staff report. Corrected copies of the report would be included in the Council Meeting agenda of September 30, 2003.
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That
taxes totalling $655,830.86 (excluding penalty and interest), as set out in the
staff report dated September 22, 2003, be written off pursuant to the provisions
of Section 354 of the Municipal Act, 2001;
And that the applicable penalty and/or interest charges be adjusted accordingly;
And that the Treasurer be directed to remove the taxes from the Collector's Roll.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the revised Recreation and Culture Registration Refund Policy be approved to meet the increasing demand on recreation programs, day camps and swim lessons;
And that Council approve the introduction of a $10 administration fee per program registration cancelled less than five (5) business days prior to the start of the first class or after the program has started;
And that the $10.00 Administration Fee be waived if the customer accepts a credit on their account;
And that, if a written request to cancel is submitted up to and including the second class/day, then the amount refunded be pro-rated based on the number of classes held;
And further that the new policy, attached to this report as Appendix B, be implemented in January 2004 - Winter Session.
CARRIED
The Commissioner of Corporate Services advised that consideration is being given to MLT using the Implement Building on the Museum property, and raised the issue of transferring the exhibits presently housed in the Implement Building to other buildings on the Museum site. Staff will meet with MLT regarding the costs involved in this move.
Mr. John Storey, Chair, Markham Little Theatre (MLT) Fundraising Committee, was in attendance and stressed the importance of a Committee decision this date.
Moved by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That Council approve an interest free loan to a maximum of $200,000 to the Markham Little Theatre (MLT) for the construction of a workshop, storage and rehearsal facility at the Markham Museum site, conditional upon the approval of the building design, security provisions, and the completion of a parking study;
And that the Markham Little Theatre repay the loan with equal annual payments beginning September 30, 2004 over the next fifteen (15) years;
And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a loan agreement with the Markham Little Theatre in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That the report entitled "Community Sport Council" be received as information;
And that staff work with stakeholders in the development of an independent model (See Option 1, Page 5 of staff report) for a Community Sport Council;
And further that staff report back with an update on the development of the Community Sport Council and related costs.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That Council sponsor the Markhaven Gala Evening 2003 on November 6, 2003 at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall for a gold sponsorship at $2,000.00.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor J. Heath
That Council approve a Bronze sponsorship in the amount of $3,000.00
for the York Central Hospital Foundation - Chicago Night Gala, at LeParc on
November 7, 2003;
And that up to 10 Members of Council or staff be invited to attend.
CARRIED
Moved by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That Council approve the purchase of a table for 8 (eight) at
$1,000.00;
And that Members of Council and staff be invited to attend.
CARRIED
Committee requested staff to ensure that the Unionville-Milliken Soccer Club acknowledges the support of the Town of Markham on their wearing apparel.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the letter dated September 16, 2003 from the President of the Unionville-Milliken Soccer Club requesting financial assistance for their U18 Boys Provincial team trip to the Nationals being held in Winnipeg on October 8, 2003, be received;
And
that in accordance with Town's Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines, Council
provide support to the Unionville-Milliken U18 Boys Provincial team trip to
Winnipeg in October, 2003, as follows:
"support community groups competing at a
national or international level
and the support would be 50% of the cost of the wearing apparel to a
maximum
amount of $1,000.00".
And
that this support be subject to staff ensuring that the Unionville-Milliken
Soccer Club acknowledges the support of the Town of Markham on their wearing
apparel.
CARRIED
Councillor Stan Daurio reported that at a
meeting of the Region of York Police Services Board, the City of Vaughan had
presented a proposal that Vaughan By-law Officers be granted special constable
status to be empowered to enforce various statutes and legislation. The Board directed that further discussion
take place between the Region of York Chief of Police, the City of Vaughan and
the Town of Markham prior to a decision.
Copies of a draft resolution, prepared by
Councillor Daurio were distributed to all Members of Committee for their
consideration.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
Whereas it has been interpreted by the Provincial Minister of Public Safety
that the York Region Police Services Board has the authority to appoint a
Special Constable;
And whereas a Special Constable may stop and ticket a vehicle for
speeding or for a stop sign violation, or for other offences;
And whereas Markham has requested that local enforcement officials be
granted such authority;
And whereas, the Chief of Police for York Region was directed by the
Board to meet with representatives of Markham and Vaughan to discuss the
conveyance of some powers which could provide a mutual benefit;
Therefore be it resolved that the following committee of elected
officials and staff be appointed to represent Markham, to request a meeting
with the Chief at his earliest convenience, and to negotiate conditions under
which selected Markham enforcement officers can be appointed as Special
Constables:
Regional
Councillor F. Scarpitti
Councillor K.
Usman
Councillor A.
Chiu
Councillor Stan
Daurio
Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Town Solicitor
Town Clerk
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That a by-law be enacted authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the necessary conveyance to Forest Bay Homes Limited, or as they may direct, for lands legally described as Part of Block 43, Plan 65M-3425, designated as Part 6, Plan 65R-26144, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor, upon a conveyance of Parts 3, 4 and 5, Plan 65R-26144 for a Place of Worship.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That part of Old 16th Avenue, situated to the east of Ninth Line, shown in Appendix 2 as Parts 5, 6, 8 and 20 on Plan 65R-14883, containing a total of 4.0+- acres, be declared surplus pursuant to Town of Markham By-law 178-96;
And that notice of the proposed disposition of part of Old 16th Avenue, shown in Appendix 2 as Parts, 5, 6, 8 and 20 on Plan 65R-14883, containing a total of 4.0+- acres be placed on the Agenda for the Council Meeting on September 30, 2003, as required by Town of Markham By-law 178-96;
And further that the Manager of Real Property be authorized to enter into negotiations for the sale of the property to abutting landowners and be required to report back to Council on this matter.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That Clause 4(a) of the standard Agreement of Purchase and Sale for a vacant lot within Heritage Estates Subdivision between the Town and an approved purchaser be revised to permit a first building mortgage in a principal amount not to exceed $350,000;
And that when requests are received in writing by property owners of lots within Heritage Estates Subdivision where the second mortgage has not been discharged, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute postponement of the Town's second mortgage to permit registration of a new first mortgage not to exceed a principal amount of $350,000.
CARRIED
Moved by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That Council provide direction as to the recommendation of Heritage Markham, that Susan Casella be nominated for the Ontario Heritage Foundation Heritage Community Recognition Award in the Built Heritage category and that George Duncan be nominated in the Cultural Heritage category.
CARRIED
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Other matters
considered by Finance & Administrative Committee on September 22, 2003:
The Director of Taxation advised that the
report dated September 22, 2003, entitled "Property Tax Reduction Program
For Heritage Properties", prepared jointly by the Finance Department and
Heritage Planning, primarily incorporates feedback obtained from a Public
Information Meeting held on July 10, 2003, from residents relating to the
proposed heritage tax relief program.
Committee members raised various issues,
including: the amount of the heritage tax rebate being proposed; a suggestion
that staff make a formal presentation regarding this program to the Region of
York if approved by Council; and prior to approval, circulation of the
recommendations and the report to those residents who attended the Public
Information Meeting for further input; removal of the easement agreement should
the program be eliminated in the future; and administration costs of the
program.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the report entitled
"Property Tax Reduction Program for Heritage Properties" be referred
back to staff to be circulated as soon as possible to those residents who where
in attendance at the Public Information Meeting on July 10, 2003 to obtain
further input;
And that staff review the
responses received and incorporate the information into a further staff report
to be considered, if possible, at the October 20, 2003 Finance &
Administrative Committee meeting;
And further that staff
include in such report options available, particularly regarding easement
agreements if owners of heritage properties wish to opt out of the heritage tax
rebate program in the future.
CARRIED
Ms. Patty Loveland and Ms. Mary Pan were in attendance and addressed Committee regarding the "All About Kids Festival", the first regional indoor children's festival scheduled for February 5 to February 8, 2004 at Markville Shopping Centre.
They advised that the Festival will celebrate children and youth, provide a great variety of information on services available in the Town of Markham and Region of York, celebrate cultural diversity in the community, and create a fun-filled family event. Committee was being requested to consider a grant in the amount of $5,000, comprised of $2,500 from the Town of Markham and $2,500 from the Mayor's Youth Task Force, which would assist to offset costs relating to tables, table covers, easels, t-shirts, balloons and stage AV equipment.
Moved by Councillor J. Heath
Seconded by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That the presentation of Ms. Patty Loveland and Ms. Mary Pan regarding the "All About Kids Festival", the first regional indoor children's festival scheduled for February 5 to February 8, 2004 at Markville Shopping Centre, be received;
CARRIED
Committee also had before them, as Item #8 of the Finance & Administrative Agenda, a staff report dated September 22, 2003 entitled "Grant Request - All About Kids Festival". Members queried various matters including: status of organization - i.e. not-for-profit; the role of the Mayor's Youth Task Force; services in kind; Region of York participation; alternate Town sources of financial assistance, such as the Markham Race Relations Committee;
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
That the request for financial assistance regarding the "All About
Kids Festival" be referred back to staff for a report, following
discussions with the organizers.
CARRIED
Mr. Graham Constantine, CEO, Unionville Home Society, addressed Committee regarding a request for financial assistance with respect to the new Union Villa long-term care facility. Committee was requested to consider a grant for $26,717.50, a deferral of the sewer contributions, and alternate security for the landscaping costs.
Following some discussion, Committee queried various issues, including: the status of the Highway #7 sewer connection; the viability of the Eureka Street house as collateral; possible assistance from the new Ontario Affordable Housing Program; and the feasibility of developing a Town policy on such applications for assistance.
Moved by Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the deputation of Mr. Graham Constantine, CEO, Unionville Home Society regarding a request for financial assistance with respect to the new Union Villa long-term care facility, be received;
And that the matter be referred to staff to report back as soon as
possible, either to Finance and Administrative Committee or Committee of the
Whole.
CARRIED
Mr. Fuwing Wong, Manager, Financial Planning, made a brief presentation.
Moved by Councillor D Horchik
Seconded by Councillor J. Heath
That the presentation of the Manager, Financial Planning with respect to the 2003 Year-End Projection, be received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the minutes of the Communications Committee meetings held on July 8 and August 26, 2003, be received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the report entitled "Staff Awarded Contracts for the period from August 9 to September 5, 2003" dated September 22, 2003 be received for information only.
CARRIED
Councillor Daurio reported that the Executive of the new Thornhill Seniors Club requires short-term liability coverage. Staff will investigate securing liability insurance in the interim until the new Club receives official status.
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Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the meeting resolve in-camera to discuss
property and personnel matters. (3:40 p.m.)
CARRIED
Moved by Regional Councillor F.
Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the Committee rise and report. (3:50
p.m.)
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Finance & Administrative Committee meeting adjourned at the
hour of 3:50 p.m.