MINUTES - Council - 19990113
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING
NO. 01-99
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
7:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Hartwell, Healy, Hinder, Hogg, McKenzie, Morris, and
West.
STAFF MEMBERS Acting Chief Administrative Officer/Director of
Corporate Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Building Administration, Director of Leisure Services,
Director of Public Works, Fire Chief, Treasurer, and
Council/Committee Secretary.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
#1. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as outlined herein with the
following additions:
• A delegation request from Stephen Granger re: Highview Public
School Millennium Partnership Project.
• A revised Schedule “A” to By-law 4012-98.D; and
• Correspondence and delegation request from Patricia Virc re: PW99-
002-009.
CARRIED
DELEGATIONS
Wendy Gaertner re: The Future of Hot Spot Youth Club
Ms. Wendy Gaertner, operator of Hot Spot Youth Club informed Council that Hot Spot,
which has operated for 8 years, is a Friday night drop in for children in grades 6-9 at the
Aurora Lions Hall. She indicated that the Lions Club recently advised her that in order
to continue to rent the premise for the next 3 years at their current rent of approximately
$9,400, Hot Spot would have to make an additional payment of $10,000 to compensate
for the installation of new heating and air conditioning systems. The effect would be an
M I N U T E S
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 2
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
increase of 35% over the three year period. She indicated that would translate into an
annual rent of over $65,000 if Hot Spot were to rent the Lions Hall each night of the
year. Ms. Gaertner advised that this increase would put Hot Spot at financial risk and
asked for Council input to help resolve this situation.
#2. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the matter be referred to the Director of Leisure Services to meet
with Ms. Gaertner to review the group’s financial resources, program
attendance, expenses and the proposed Contract/Lease with the Aurora
Lions Club, and to report back to Council with this information and any
available options.
CARRIED
Heather Harbinson, York Region Abuse Program re: Request to
Support the York Region Abuse Program
Ms. Heather Harbinson, a committee member of the York Region Abuse Program
indicated that the York Region Abuse Program is a Non-profit Agency that provides free
Group Therapy Programs to victims of sexual abuse who reside in York Region. She
provided Council with an overview of their Program and advised that 21% of their
budget is raised through community grants and fundraising. Ms. Harbinson indicated
that 10% of their clients live in Aurora, and that two Group Therapy Programs are
currently being offered in Aurora. She advised that the Abuse Prevention Program was
taught in four schools in Aurora last year. She informed Council that their Agency is
seeking support from municipalities to help fund the Group Therapy Programs for their
residents. Ms. Harbinson requested Members of Council to support their Agency by
either making a personal commitment to attend the Valentine=s Gala on February 12,
1999 or a one-time contribution from Council to the Agency.
#3. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments of the delegate be received; and
THAT the grant request be referred to the Budget discussions.
CARRIED
Stephen Granger, Resident re: Highview Public School
Millennium Partnership Project
Mr. Stephen Granger advised Council of a proposed Millennium Partnership Project
which would involve the installation of a recreational play structure, fully accessible to all
students, particularly suited to those having special needs and the physically challenged
to be located at Highview Public School. He reviewed the Project objectives, mandate,
plan design criteria and cost. Mr. Granger informed Council that there would be an
estimated budget of $100,000 for the equipment, plus installation and site preparation
costs. Potential partners and participant groups that could benefit from participating in
this Millennium project were identified. He advised that a Request for Proposal would
be sent out to manufacturers and they anticipated meeting with suppliers in late January
or early February of 1999. Mr. Granger asked that the Leisure Services Department
work with them on this project and requested the Town to be a 3rd partner in supporting
the project from both a financial and services in kind perspective.
#4. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments of the delegate be referred to the Unfinished section
of the Agenda.
WITHDRAWAL: The motion was withdrawn with the consent of the mover and
seconder.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 3
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
#5. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the matter be referred to the Director of Leisure Services to review
the initiative and to identify the options available and to report back to
Council through the Leisure Services Advisory Committee.
CARRIED
Patricia Virc and Michael Blair, Residents re: PW99-002-009 -
Request for Connection to Municipal Services – 11 Alm Court
Mr. Michael Blair, resident at 11 Alm Court spoke concerning their request for access to
municipal services for their residence. Council was advised that the request for a sewer
connection was withdrawn, but asked that Council support their request for water
connection. Ms. Patricia Virc reviewed the provisions of the Public Utilities Act. She
disagreed with the suggestion in the Staff Report respecting the location of their
property outside the serviced area of the Town and indicated this was not a suitable
basis for the denial of their request for water connection. She expressed concerns with
the poor quality of water that they are presenting using. Ms. Virc advised Council that
they are willing to pay for the cost of connecting the water to their property.
#6. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT the comments of the delegate be referred for consideration with
Report PW99-002-009; and
THAT Report PW99-002-009 be brought forward for discussion after the
delegation of the Region of York.
CARRIED
York Region, Transportation Department re: St. John’s Sideroad
Class Environment Assessment Study
Mr. Brian Harrison introduced Don Fraser and Brian Henshaw of Gartner Lee Limited,
and Dino Basso, York Region Transportation Department who were in attendance at the
meeting. Mr. Henshaw showed a number of photos and provided a comprehensive
overview of the history and evolution of the north and south wetlands of McKenzie
Marsh. He outlined the attributes and hydrology of the marsh. Mr. Fraser summarized
the issues associated with the proposed reconstruction of the roadway through the
marsh which included a loss of 0.6 acres of wetland; death of wildlife due to unsafe
crossing at St. John’s Sideroad; water quality; and human access. The solutions
proposed by the Region of York to be implemented as part of the St. John’s Sideroad
reconstruction program include the construction of a retaining wall on the south side of
the road to prevent roadkill of the wildlife; a boardwalk on the north side; a sidewalk on
the south side; three culverts, including a wet one for marine life and a dry one for
turtles and frogs; and planting of wetland vegetation.
Mr. Dino Basso updated Council on the status of the Class Environmental Assessment
for St. John’s Sideroad. Council was informed that the issues identified through this
process and the three public meetings held included natural enviroment, transportation
and community. He indicated that potential solutions were identified and evaluated
based on the criteria developed through public consultation. The recommended design
alternative for St. John’s Sideroad which best addressed all issues includes a 4 lane
urban section between Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue. Mr. Basso advised that the
recommendations by Gartner Lee would be incorporated into the final design and that
construction is planned for 2001. He informed Council that a 2 lane rural reconstruction
is recommended for Bayview Avenue to Woodbine Avenue. The Construction
timeframe for this section would be finalized depending on development in that area.
Transportation and safety issues were identified through the public meetings held to
date which included poor visibility, narrow shoulders, inadequate road strength, vehicle
speeds, and transit. Mr. Basso informed Council that some adjustments are planned for
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 4
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
the left turn access off Yonge Street to Hadley Grange. The reconstruction of the road,
the boardwalk and sidewalk would provide safer driving, walking and biking conditions.
He advised that no speed increase is proposed in the McKenzie Marsh area, and that
there would be an overall enhancement to the Marsh. Mr. Basso informed Council that
the recommended design alternative would be presented at a public meeting to be held
on January 14, 1999. Any public comments would be documented in an Environmental
Study Report, which would be filed as a public record for 30 days to give the public
another opportunity to review the recommendations and comments. The Region then
would proceed with the design and reconstruction of St. John’s Sideroad pending
approval and the necessary Regional By-laws. Mr. Basso concluded that the
recommended design alternative best addresses all the issues, improves the safety for
all users, enhances the quality of McKenzie Marsh, and it supports existing and
projected growth within Aurora and York Region.
#7. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments of the delegates be received as information.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Minister of Long-Term Care with Responsibility for Seniors re:
Request for Proclamation – “International Year of Older Persons”,
1999
THAT 1999 be proclaimed “International Year of Older Persons” in the
Town of Aurora.
York Region, Transportation and Works Committee re:
Clause No. 9, Report No. 20 – Class Environmental Assessment
and Detailed Design, Wellington Street – Yonge Street, Project No. 9116
THAT the correspondence be received and referred to the Director of
Public Works.
York Region, Transportation and Works Department re:
Notice of Public Meeting for the St. John’s Sideroad Class
Environmental Assessment from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
York Region, Commissioner of Transportation and Works re:
Clause No. 1, Report No. 12 – Regionally Integrated Transit
System Task Force - Progress Report
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
York Region, Transportation and Works Department re:
Clause No. 5, Report No. 20 – York Regional Forest
20-Year Management Plan
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Town of Newmarket re: Support of Aurora’s Resolution
regarding Payment to the Province for the 1998 Downloaded
Service Costs
SECTION “A” – CONSENT ITEMS
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 5
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Town of Newmarket re: Notice of the Passing of an Official
Plan Amendment
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Township of King re: Endorsement of Aurora’s Resolution
regarding Bill 79 and Year 2000 Compliance
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Town of Georgina re: Endorsement of Aurora’s Resolution
regarding Payment to the Province for the 1998 Downloaded
Service Costs
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
City of Nepean re: Resolution – Provincial Government
Policy and Criteria for Funding for Schools in Ontario
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities re: Invitation to Members
to submit Resolutions on Topics of National Municipal Interest
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Stantec Consulting Ltd. re: Request for Comments on Possible
Improvements to Bathurst Street Between Gamble Road and
Highway No. 9
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Thomson Roger re: Town of Aurora Official Plan Amendment
No. 20, Notice of Appeal by Bayview-Wellington North Inc.
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Kalpita Deobhakta, Aurora High School Student
re: Appreciation for the Town of Aurora Award
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Memorandum from Councillor West re: Salvation Army
Christmas Kettle Drive
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
STAFF REPORTS
BA99-001-003 - Service Provision Agreement - Plumbing
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement
with the Regional Municipality of York for the purpose of providing the
Region the authority to act as plumbing inspectors for permits issued prior
to December 31, 1998 and which remain outstanding as of January 1,
1999.
BA99-002-004 - Plumbing Inspector
Appointment By-law No. 4025-99.H
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 6
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
THAT By-law No. 4025-99.H receive three readings at the January 13th,
1999 meeting of Council.
#8. Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Healy
THAT the suggested resolutions respecting the matters listed as “Consent
Items” be adopted as submitted to Council and Staff be authorized to take
all necessary action required to give effect to same.
CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
PW99-002-009 - Request for Connection to Municipal Services –
Premises No. 11 Alm Court; and
Correspondence and Delegation of Patricia Virc
#9. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT Council deny the request from the owner of Premises No. 11 Alm
Court for connection to municipal water service.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing re: Aurora’s
Resolution regarding Land Ambulance Services
#10. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Minister of Finance re: Bill 79 – The Fairness for Property
Taxpayers Act
#11. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
City of Vaughan re: Resolution – 1998 Property Tax
Mitigation
#12. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Town of Caledon re: Request to Review and Heighten
Public Awareness Programs for Organ Donation
SECTION “B” – MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 7
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
#13. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor West
THAT staff be directed to obtain more information from the Town of
Caledon on the Organ Donation Program.
CARRIED
Ontario Olympics Commissioner re: Request for Support
of Motion for the City of Toronto to Host the 29th Summer
Olympic Games
#14. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Healy
THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora support the resolution of the City
of Toronto respecting the 29th Summer Olympic Games.
CARRIED
B. Kestein, P.A.R.K.S. re: Proposal for St. John’s Sideroad and
the McKenzie Marsh
#15. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
David Falconer, Chair, Local Architectural Conservation
Committee (L.A.C.A.C.) re: 1999 LACAC Budget Proposal
#16. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the 1999 LACAC budget proposal be referred to the Budget
Committee.
CARRIED
Memorandum from Councillor West re: Downtown Parking
- Town’s Parking Signs on the McConnell Property
#17. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the parking signs on the McConnell property be covered until the
end of May of 1999 in order that the issue might be resolved; and
THAT notice be provided to the merchants in the area advising them that
these parking spaces are intended for the customers.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
General Committee Report No. 01-99
Thursday, January 7, 1999
#18. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the Report of the General Committee Meeting No. 01-99 be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be adopted
with the exception of Recommendation No. 5.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 8
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 01-99
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1999 – RECOMMENDATION NO. 5
PW99-001/PL99-001-001 - Review of Approval and Maintenance
Considerations for Public Laneways and Delegation of Roger Beaman
#19. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Report PW99-001/PL99-001-001 be referred to the Treasurer to
provide additional information respecting the ability to charge the capital
and maintenance costs back to the benefiting owners.
CARRIED
STAFF REPORTS
CO99-002-005 - Adjoining Owners purchase from Town of Aurora
Part of Block 48, Registered Plan 65M-3220 (Aurora Gardens Subdivision)
#20. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Council authorize the conveyance of portions of Block 48, Plan
65M-3220, to the adjoining owners for a total purchase price of $19.73 per
square metre plus related costs; and
THAT Bill 4023-99.L, authorizing the said conveyance be provided first
and second reading.
CARRIED
CO99-003-006 - Policy and Procedure to Determine the Allocation of
Funds for the Advance Funding Program Charity Roster
#21. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Healy
THAT Council adopt the Policy and Procedure Guideline for the review of
the Advance Funding Program to determine the amount of the allocation
to be recommended for the Advance Funding Program Charity Roster;
and
THAT staff be directed to report back on the roster for Council's
consideration as to the organizations to share in the advance funding and
amount of the allocation prior to the program deadline of March 31, 1999
for submission to the Ontario Lottery Corporation.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was:
#22. Moved by Councillor Hinder Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the third and fourth evaluation criteria as proposed by staff be
eliminated from the Policy.
CARRIED
The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 9
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
#23. Moved by Councillor Hinder Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the provisions of the Procedural By-law be waived, the hour of
adjournment be extended and the Agenda be completed.
CARRIED
FI99-001-007 - Emergency Preparedness and Year 2000 Problems
#24. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT Council receive Report FI99-001-007 for information purposes; and
THAT Council request the Regional Municipality of York to immediately
include emergency preparedness representatives from all of the nine
lower tiered municipalities in York Region in all future community
emergency planning and preparedness work.
CARRIED
PW99-004-008 - Aurora Transit Operations Information Update
#25. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Report PW99-004-008 be received and referred to the Budget
Committee.
CARRIED
BY-LAWS
#26. Moved by Councillor Hinder Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for First Reading:
4021-99.D Being a By-law to amend By-law
2213-78 (Allan).
4023-99.L Being a By-law to authorize the
conveyance of land being Part of
Block 48, Registered Plan 65M-3220.
4024-99.H Being a By-law to repeal By-law
3896-98.H and to appoint an Acting
Deputy Clerk for the Corporation of
the Town of Aurora (Lonny G. Knox).
4025-99.H Being a By-law to appoint a
Plumbing Inspector (Daniel Gunn).
4026-99.P Being a By-law to repeal By-law
3802-97.P to require the installation
of smoke alarms in dwelling units.
4027-99.C Being a By-law to amend By-law
3925-98.C a By-law to appoint a
Deputy Mayor (John West).
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 10
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
AND THAT the same be taken as read a First Time.
CARRIED
#27. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for Second Reading:
4021-99.D Being a By-law to amend By-law
2213-78 (Allan).
4023-99.L Being a By-law to authorize the
conveyance of land being Part of
Block 48, Registered Plan 65M-3220.
4024-99.H Being a By-law to repeal By-law
3896-98.H and to appoint an Acting
Deputy Clerk for the Corporation of
the Town of Aurora (Lonny G. Knox).
4025-99.H Being a By-law to appoint a
Plumbing Inspector (Daniel Gunn).
4026-99.P Being a By-law to repeal By-law
3802-97.P to require the installation
of smoke alarms in dwelling units.
4027-99.C Being a By-law to amend By-law
3925-98.C a By-law to appoint a
Deputy Mayor (John West).
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Second Time.
CARRIED
At this point in the meeting Councillor Morris declared an interest in By-law 4012-98.D
regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment for Magna International Inc. and The Alpen
House Limited due to the employment of her spouse in a subsidiary of Magna and did
not take part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to
influence the voting on such questions.
#28. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
by-laws for Third Reading:
3993-98.D Being a By-law to repeal certain
by-laws that exempted lands from
part lot control.
4011-98.T Being a By-law to dedicate certain
lands as public highway on Reference
Plan 65R-767, 65R-6284, Registered
Plan 65M-2747, and Part of Lot 75,
Concession I, E.Y.S., forming part of
Kennedy Street, Vandorf Road, and
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 11
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
Engelhard Drive.
4012-98.D Being a By-law to amend By-law
No. 2213-78 (Magna-Golf Course).
4014-98.F Being a By-law to amend
Municipal Waterworks
Distribution By-law 3305-91,
as amended.
4015-98.P Being a By-law to amend Fence
By-law Number 3431-93.
4020-98.P Being a By-law to provide a schedule
of Taxicab Fares to the Taxicab
By-law 3680-96.P.
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Third Time.
CARRIED
Councillor Morris, having previously declared an interest in By-law No. 4012-98.D, did
not take part in the vote called for in this regard.
#29. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
by-laws for Third Reading:
4024-99.H Being a By-law to repeal By-law
3896-98.H and to appoint an Acting
Deputy Clerk for the Corporation of
the Town of Aurora (Lonny G. Knox).
4025-99.H Being a By-law to appoint a
Plumbing Inspector (Daniel Gunn).
4027-99.C Being a By-law to amend By-law
3925-98.C a By-law to appoint a
Deputy Mayor (John West).
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Third Time.
CARRIED
NOTICE OF MOTION
Councillor West gave a Notice of Motion regarding the preparation of facts and figures
on municipal amalgamation for the next Council Meeting.
QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
Councillor Hogg - Asked for an update on the use of the first floor of the
Totera property on Wellington Street East for commercial
uses.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 01-99 Page 12
Wednesday, January 13, 1999
- Enquired about the signage at the end of Brookview
Drive/Allenvale Drive/Stemmle Drive.
Councillor Healy - Advised that he could attend the Community Network
Meeting to be held at the City of Vaughan on January 25,
1999 on behalf of Council.
- Reminded Council of the joint meeting of Local
Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and the
Community Core Review Committee to be held on
January 18, 1999. Discussions would include the Height
By-law, the extent of the historic core, and the Property
Maintenance By-law.
Councillor West - Asked for an update on Aurora second representative on
Regional Council.
- Congratulated Public Works Operations Staff for their
effort in keeping the streets clear of snow.
IN CAMERA
Labour Relations, Legal and Property Acquisition Matters
#30. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT this Council proceed In Camera to address labour relations, legal
and property acquisition matters.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
#31. Moved by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the Meeting be adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
CARRIED
___________________________
____________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR L. ALLISON, MUNICIPAL CLERK