Council Meeting

Minutes

C#04-20
-
Council Chambers
225 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Council Members Present:
  • Mayor Barrow
  • Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
  • Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli
  • Councillor Beros
  • Councillor Muench
  • Councillor Liu
  • Councillor West
  • Councillor Cilevitz
  • Councillor Chan

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Council consented to recess the meeting between 12:25 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The following member of the public addressed Council during the Public Forum:

John Li, 206 Brookside Road, regarding the proposed density in the Yonge and Bernard Key Development Area.

Councillor West advised of the success of the 52nd Annual Richmond Hill Winter Carnival which took place on February 2nd and extended thanks to staff, and appreciation for the support of the community and sponsors.

Councillor West advised of the Sustainability Symposium that was held this past Sunday at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts and noted that it was well attended.  He advised of the event's guest speakers, and highlighted a conversation with Second Harvest regarding food waste.

Councillor Muench advised that a memorial to remember the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was planned for February 16th at Mel Lastman Square, and asked that those who could not attend the event take time to reflect on those impacted by the loss. 

Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli advised that Richmond Hill has challenged the Province to a game of basketball to raise money for Play Forever, a youth basketball team.  He noted that the event will be held on February 29th at Richmond Hill High School and extended an invitation for everyone to attend.     

Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli announced that he would be hosting a skating party at Richmond Green Skate Trail on March 1st, between 11am to 1pm.  He extended an invitation for everyone to attend, and noted that there would be free pancakes and hot chocolate available.

  • Moved by:Councillor Muench
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola

    That consideration of the following items be added to the agenda as Time Sensitive matters:

    a) January 11, 2020 rain incident and sewer back-up – (Item 15.1)

    b) Closed Session Item 17.1 b)

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
    Seconded by:Councillor Beros

    That the agenda be adopted as distributed by the Clerk with the following additions:

    a) Correspondence from James Counter, Ward 1 representative for the Heritage Richmond Hill Committee, received on February 11, 2020, regarding the Demolition Request for 11575 Yonge Street - the former Jefferson Schoolhouse - (Item 13.13)

    b) Correspondence from Jessica Tse, 3 Gatcombe Circle, received on February 11, 2020, regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program - (Item 13.14)

    c) Correspondence from Cheryl Lewandowski, on behalf of Blue Dot Richmond Hill, received on February 11, 2020, regarding Richmond Hill Climate Change Actions - (Item 13.15)

    d) By-law 4-20 - A By-law to Amend By-law 255-96, as amended, of the Corporation of the City of Richmond Hill – (Item 16.7)

    e) January 11, 2020 rain incident and sewer back-up – (Item 15.1)

    f) Closed Session Item 17.1 b)

    g) Additional delegation from Mary-Lou Montgrain, 31 Rathfon Crescent, regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program - (Item 12.6)

    Carried

Councillor Cilevitz declared a pecuniary interest on Agenda Item 13.5 regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program (Staff Report SRCS.20.01) as she is affiliated with a number of the organizations listed to receive a grant. Councillor Cilevitz left her seat and did not participate in the discussion or voting on this item.

Councillor West declared a pecuniary interest on Agenda Item 13.5 regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program (Staff Report SRCS.20.01) as he is a Board member of one of the organizations listed to receive a grant. Councillor West left his seat and did not participate in the discussion or voting on this item.

  • Moved by:Councillor West
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    That the minutes of Council Meeting C#01-20 held on January 22, 2020 be adopted.

    Carried
  • Moved by:Councillor West
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    That the minutes of Council Public Meeting C#02-20 held on January 22, 2020 be adopted.

    Carried

Council consented to separate Items 13.3.5, 13.4.1, 13.5, 13.7 and 13.8 for discussion.

On a motion of Councillor Chan, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz, Council adopted those items not identified for separate discussion.

There were no public hearings.

There were no presentations.

Jim Vollmershausen, President, Richmond Hill Historical Society, addressed Council regarding the Demolition Request for 11575 Yonge Street, the former Jefferson Schoolhouse. He touched on the heritage value of the structure, noted the successful preservation of other historical buildings in Richmond Hill and advised that its connection to the past warranted preservation and not demolition.  Mr. Vollmershausen outlined the possible options to preserve the building, and acknowledged that the Historical Society does not underestimate the commitment and efforts that will be required to preserve the structure.

Wilhelm Bleek, 136 Centre Street West, addressed Council regarding the Demolition Request for 11575 Yonge Street, the former Jefferson Schoolhouse.  He advised of a recent visit to the school house and shared his observations regarding the building’s interior, exterior and surrounding neighbourhood.  Mr. Bleek shared his opinion that the structure should remain on Yonge Street, noting that the contrast of the structure to its surroundings was complimentary. He also advised of possible ways the building could be repurposed.

Carrie Tai, Neighbours for the Planet, addressed Council regarding Richmond Hill Climate Change Actions. She advised of the origins of Neighbours for the Planet, outlined its purpose, and identified several other climate change groups in the community.  She provided an overview of initiatives that have taken place within the last eight months to raise climate change awareness in the community and noted that students were also becoming engaged.  Ms. Tai advised that systematic change was required at all levels of government to reduce carbon emissions and asked Council to add urgency to the work that was being done.

Liz Couture, Richmond Hill resident, addressed Council regarding Richmond Hill Climate Change Actions.  She outlined several initiatives she has been involved with since the Council meeting on June 11, 2019, to move the climate change conversation forward.  She identified several emergencies in the world exacerbated by climate change, and noted the possible impact of climate change on Richmond Hill residents.  Ms. Couture advised that efforts should be concentrated on areas producing the biggest carbon footprint and advised of the need for Council to keep the climate change conversation going.

Kathleen Wong, spoke on behalf of Blue Dot Richmond Hill regarding Richmond Hill Climate Change Actions. She provided a brief overview of the written submission by Cheryl Lewandowski of the Blue Dot Group, distributed as Correspondence Item 13.15.  She acknowledged the growing awareness in Richmond Hill of the climate crisis, noted the work underway by Richmond Hill to address climate change, and provided suggestions of areas that could be focused on at the municipal level. Ms. Wong also noted the business opportunities that exist in climate solutions.

Mary-Lou Montgrain, 31 Rathfon Crescent, spoke on behalf of Chorus York regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program.  She provided an overview of the organization and its programming and advised of the importance of music to society.  Ms. Montgrain noted that while Chorus York does reach out to the community for financial support, grant funds are helpful in supporting the program.

  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the minutes of the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre Advisory Committee meeting HCAC#03-19 held November 27, 2019, be adopted.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the minutes of the Youth Action Committee meeting held on January 15, 2020 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried Unanimously

That the minutes of the Budget Committee of the Whole meeting BCW#01-20 held January 28, 2020 be adopted as circulated and the following recommendations approved:

  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That Council approve the changes to the manner in which the City provides public notices and advertises services and events, as generally described in staff reports SRCFS.19.052 and SRCFS.19.044 (Attachment A to staff report SRCFS.19.52);

    b) That the Office of the Clerk’s 2020 Operating Budget for Advertising expenses be reduced to reflect the approved changes to the manner in which the City provides public notices and advertises services and events, as described in staff report SRCFS.19.052;

    c) That a By-law to repeal and replace Notice By-Law 170-07, being Chapter 278 of the Municipal Code, as generally described in staff report SRCFS.19.052, be enacted;

    d) That all Council approved policies requiring newspaper notices be deemed amended to only require website and other digital media notices;

    e) That staff report back on alternatives to advertise City events and services in ethnic media.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the 2020 operating budget of $129,940 for the Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area as provided within staff report SRCFS.20.007 be approved;

    b) That the amount of $129,940 be levied upon the rateable properties in the improvement areas.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That all capital projects listed in Appendix “A” to staff report SRCFS.20.005;

    i) Be closed;

    ii) Projects with unexpended funds be returned to source(s) as identified;

    iii) Projects with overspent funds be funded as identified.

    b) That Budget and Funding Adjustments, as noted in Appendix “B” to staff report SRCFS.20.005, be approved;

    c) That the Status of Capital Projects List in Appendix “E” to staff report SRCFS.20.005, be received.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That Council approve the implementation of the new Stormwater Management Rate structure by site area as described in staff report SRCFS.20.001 starting in 2022;

    b) That staff continue to manage and prioritize the projects in the City’s stormwater management capital program to ensure long-term sustainability of the Water Quality Protection Reserve Fund.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    a) That the 2020 Operating Budget with a recommended budget increase of $845,700 and a total tax levy of $116,894,500 (excluding supplementary taxes), be adopted inclusive of the following adjustment;

    i) The costs associated with the 4 new firefighters approved as part of the 2019 Operating Budget be removed from the 2020 Operating Budget.

    b) That the 2020 Seniors Tax Assistance Grant be increased to $404;

    c) That draft By-law 2-20 as updated and attached, be enacted to adopt the 2020 Operating Budget;

    d) That the Capital Asset Sustainability Fee budget increase of $1,160,500 and total fee levy of $5,392,100 for the 2020 taxation year, be adopted;

    e) That draft By-law 3-20 as updated and attached, be enacted to adopt the 2020 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budgets;

    f) That the Financial Outlook as provided in SRCFS.20.002, be received;

    g) That, as required by Ontario Regulation 284/09, Municipal Act 2001, the compliance report as provided in staff report SRCFS.20.002 be approved for expenses that have been excluded from the 2020 Operating Budget;

    h) That the Library Board’s 2019 Operating Surplus be allocated to the Library Special Purposes Reserve;

    i) That Council approve a project budget of $150,000, funded from the Fire DC Reserve Fund, to update the Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan, as well as comply with Provincial legislative requirements for a Community Risk Assessment.

  • A recorded vote was taken on clause a) i) of the Motion:

    In favour: (5)Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli, Councillor Beros, Councillor Muench, and Councillor Liu
    Opposed: (4)Mayor Barrow, Councillor West, Councillor Cilevitz, and Councillor Chan
    Carried (5 to 4)
  • A recorded vote was taken on clauses b) to i) of the Motion:

    In favour: (9)Mayor Barrow, Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli, Councillor Beros, Councillor Muench, Councillor Liu, Councillor West, Councillor Cilevitz, and Councillor Chan
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    The complete Motion to read as follows:

    a) That the 2020 Operating Budget with a recommended budget increase of $845,700 and a total tax levy of $116,894,500 (excluding supplementary taxes), be adopted inclusive of the following adjustment;

    i) The costs associated with the 4 new firefighters approved as part of the 2019 Operating Budget be removed from the 2020 Operating Budget.

    b) That the 2020 Seniors Tax Assistance Grant be increased to $404;

    c) That draft By-law 2-20 as updated and attached, be enacted to adopt the 2020 Operating Budget;

    d) That the Capital Asset Sustainability Fee budget increase of $1,160,500 and total fee levy of $5,392,100 for the 2020 taxation year, be adopted;

    e) That draft By-law 3-20 as updated and attached, be enacted to adopt the 2020 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budgets;

    f) That the Financial Outlook as provided in SRCFS.20.002, be received;

    g) That, as required by Ontario Regulation 284/09, Municipal Act 2001, the compliance report as provided in staff report SRCFS.20.002 be approved for expenses that have been excluded from the 2020 Operating Budget;

    h) That the Library Board’s 2019 Operating Surplus be allocated to the Library Special Purposes Reserve;

    i) That Council approve a project budget of $150,000, funded from the Fire DC Reserve Fund, to update the Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan, as well as comply with Provincial legislative requirements for a Community Risk Assessment.

    Carried

(Deferred from the January 22, 2020 Council meeting)

(Staff Report SRPRS.19.199 is attached for Council's reference)

  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli
    Seconded by:Councillor Chan

    a) That the application to demolish the heritage designated former Jefferson Schoolhouse, located at 11575 Yonge Street, be denied;

    b) That the City Clerk provide notice of its decision to the owner, to the Ontario Heritage Trust, and be published in a local newspaper;

    c) That the Manager of Real Estate and other applicable staff be directed to contact the landowner to begin discussions to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the former Jefferson Schoolhouse located at 11575 Yonge Street for the purpose of converting the building back into a school house, as well as explore alternative options to preserve the Jefferson Schoolhouse, and report back to Council.

  • A recorded vote was taken on Clauses a) and b) of the Main Motion:

    In favour: (9)Mayor Barrow, Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli, Councillor Beros, Councillor Muench, Councillor Liu, Councillor West, Councillor Cilevitz, and Councillor Chan
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • A recorded vote was taken on Clause c) of the Main Motion:

    In favour: (6)Mayor Barrow, Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli, Councillor Liu, Councillor Cilevitz, and Councillor Chan
    Opposed: (3)Councillor Beros, Councillor Muench, and Councillor West
    Carried (6 to 3)
  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli
    Seconded by:Councillor Chan

    The complete Motion to read as follows:

    a) That the application to demolish the heritage designated former Jefferson Schoolhouse, located at 11575 Yonge Street, be denied;

    b) That the City Clerk provide notice of its decision to the owner, to the Ontario Heritage Trust, and be published in a local newspaper;

    c) That the Manager of Real Estate and other applicable staff be directed to contact the landowner to begin discussions to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the former Jefferson Schoolhouse located at 11575 Yonge Street for the purpose of converting the building back into a school house, as well as explore alternative options to preserve the Jefferson Schoolhouse, and report back to Council.

    Carried

(Referred from the January 22, 2020 Council meeting)

  • Moved by:Councillor Beros
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola

    a) That Council not approve issuing any 2020 Community and Cultural Grants

  • Moved by:Councillor Beros
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola

    A recorded vote was taken:

    In favour: (4)Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli, Councillor Beros, and Councillor Muench
    Opposed: (3)Mayor Barrow, Councillor Liu, and Councillor Chan
    Carried (4 to 3)
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the non-competitive acquisition pursuant to Procurement By-law 113.16 Appendix B, Part II – Single Source Acquisitions Section b) “an Unforeseen Situation of Urgency exists and the Goods and/or Services cannot be obtained in time by means of a competitive Procurement be approved;

    b) That additional funding of $5,200 from the Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund be approved.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Beros
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    a) That Staff Report SRPRS.20.026 regarding the Private Street Naming Application submitted by Dormer Bond Inc. for the lands known as Lots 68 to 71 and Part of Lots 72 and 73, Plan 136 (Municipal Addresses: 12850, 12860, 12864, 12868, 12874 and 12890 Yonge Street and 1, 3 and 5 Bond Crescent) be approved subject to the following:

    (i) that the names “Sayers Lane (P)” and “Phelps Lane (P)” be added to the Council Approved Street Name List;

    (ii) that the proposed private street names Sayers Lane (P) and Phelps Lane (P) be approved in accordance with Staff Report SRPRS.20.026;

    (iii) that staff be directed to bring forward a by-law to a regularly scheduled Council meeting to implement the approval of the proposed private names upon finalization of the development applications.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor West
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That Council receive SRPRS.20.011 for information and acknowledge with appreciation for the work staff has undertaken thus far. 

    b) That the development of the City’s Corporate Climate Change Framework and Community Energy and Emissions Plan include an examination of the following directions and programs for implementation: 

    1. Application of a climate change lens to the City’s policies, plans and programs, where applicable, and identify through staff reports how climate change mitigation and/or adaptation has been considered; 
    2. Undertaking a GHG inventory for Richmond Hill and identify targets and timeframes for GHG emission reductions
    3. Options and incentives to enable home/building energy efficiency retrofits to conserve energy use, save money and reduce GHG emissions; 
    4. Options to promote private property resilience such as connecting homeowners to flood protection assessment programs and other resources to help safeguard homes from extreme weather events; 
    5. Options for the electrification of some of the City’s fleet vehicles and tools to support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in public and private developments to encourage low carbon transportation options;
    6. Enhancement of capacity in the community to implement climate change actions by developing a climate change community outreach toolkit and a climate leaders’ training/recognition program.
    7. Provision of additional incentives through the Sustainability Metrics Program for sustainable design features that support climate change mitigation; 
    8. Joining the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy for the purpose of learning from cities around world to help inform our work on climate change;
    9. Investigation of available grant funding to implement any of the foregoing actions.
    10. Staff strongly encourage the inclusion of e-charging infrastructure for each and every parking space in all medium and high density development applications.
    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the assumption of external municipal sanitary sewer and related appurtenances within the Hall Street road allowance associated with the Site Plan Agreement D06-15040, be approved.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That draft By-law 8-20, being a By-law to amend Building By-law 55-19, as amended, so as to remove provisions respecting the appointment of a Chief Building Official and inspectors pursuant to the Building Code Act, be enacted;

    b) That draft By-law 9-20, being a By-law to appoint a Chief Building Official and inspectors pursuant to the Building Code Act, delegate Council’s authority to appoint inspectors to the Chief Building Official and to set out a Code of Conduct for Building Officials, be enacted.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That Staff Report SRCFS.20.006 regarding Semi Annual Report - Non-Competitive Acquisitions be received for information purposes only.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the correspondence from James Counter, Ward 1 representative for the Heritage Richmond Hill Committee, received on February 11, 2020, regarding the Demolition Request for 11575 Yonge Street - the former Jefferson Schoolhouse, be received.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the correspondence from Jessica Tse, 3 Gatcombe Circle, received on February 11, 2020, regarding the 2020 Community and Cultural Grant Program, be received.

    Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor Chan
    Seconded by:Councillor Cilevitz

    a) That the correspondence from Cheryl Lewandowski, on behalf of Blue Dot Richmond Hill, received on February 11, 2020, regarding Richmond Hill Climate Change Actions, be received.

    Carried Unanimously

There were no other business items.

  • Moved by:Councillor Muench
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    a) That with respect to the January 11, 2020 rain incident and sewer back-up, staff be directed to determine ways to accommodate the collection of waste of impacted residents.

    Carried Unanimously

16.

  • Moved by:Councillor Cilevitz
    Seconded by:Councillor West

    That the following By-laws be approved:

    16.1   By-law 2-20 - A By-law to Adopt the 2020 City Operating Budget

    16.2   By-law 3-20 - A By-law to adopt the 2020 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budgets

    16.3   By-law 8-20 - A By-law to amend Building By-law 55-19, as amended, so as to remove provisions respecting the appointment of a Chief Building Official and inspectors pursuant to the Building Code Act

    16.4   By-law 9-20 - A By-law to appoint a Chief Building Official and inspectors pursuant to the Building Code Act, delegate Council’s authority to appoint inspectors to the Chief Building Official and to set out a Code of Conduct for Building Officials

    16.5   By-law 12-20 - A By-law to repeal and replace Chapter 278 of the Municipal Code (Public Notice)

    16.6   By-law 16-20 - A By-law to assume external municipal sanitary sewer and related appurtenances within the Hall Street road allowance

    16.7   By-law 4-20 - A By-law to Amend By-law 255-96, as amended, of the Corporation of the City of Richmond Hill

    Carried

(Deferred from the December 18, 2019 Council meeting)

  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli
    Seconded by:Councillor Beros

    That Council resolve into a closed session meeting:

    a) To receive advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; and litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, with respect to payment of Parkland Cash-in-lieu (Section 239(2)(f) and (e) of the Municipal Act, 2001).

    b) To consider personal matters about identifiable individuals, including municipal or local board employees, with respect to a staff member (Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001) (added Time Sensitive Matter).

    Carried

Council moved into closed and then returned to open session (1:30 p.m. to 3:38 p.m.)

There were no recommendations arising from Closed Session.

  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    That By-law 17-20, A By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at this meeting, be passed.

    Carried
  • Moved by:Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola
    Seconded by:Regional and Local Councillor Perrelli

    That the meeting be adjourned.

    The meeting was adjourned at 3:39 p.m.

    Carried
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