MINUTES - Council - 20000328
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 10-00
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Hartwell, Healy, Hinder, Hogg, McKenzie, Morris,
and West.
STAFF MEMBERS Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Planning,
Director of Building Administration, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Public Works, Fire
Chief, Treasurer, and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Following Open Forum, the Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Griffith declared an interest in the items relating to Aurora Hydro
Corporation from the March 7, 2000 Special Council Meeting due to an
interest in the Aurora Hydro Electric Commission Board of Directors.
Councillor Morris declared an interest in Item 10 - PL00-033 regarding Magna
International Inc. by virtue of her spouse being employed by a subsidiary of
Magna and she 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.
Mayor Jones declared an interest in Item 11- Report No. PL00-034 by virtue
of his residence and place of employment in the vicinity of the subject area
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.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as presented with the
addition of the following delegation requests:
• B. Kestein, P.A.R.K.S. re: TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget
• Aurora Youth Soccer Club re: TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget
• Walter Mestrinaro re: The Library
• Evelina MacEachern re: LS00-009 - New Library Project - Pre-qualification
of General Contractors
• Bryan Moir re: Delegation Status
• Brian MacEachern re: Oak Ridges Moraine
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 2
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting No. 07-00, Tuesday, March 7, 2000
Special Council Meeting No. 08-00, Tuesday, March 7, 2000
Special Council Meeting No. 09-00, Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT the Minutes of Meeting Numbers 07-00, 08-00 and 09-00 be
adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
IV DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 12 and 13 were identified for discussion.
V ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the following recommendations respecting the matters listed as
“Items not Requiring Separate Discussion” be adopted as submitted to
Council and Staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to
give effect to same:
3. LS00-008 - 2000 Community Grant Requests
THAT the 2000 Grant requests including Community Grants and
Special Events Grants totalling $32,711 be approved as outlined
herein; and
THAT $5,000 be identified for future allocation to the Larter Group
subject to the Town reviewing the proposed mural design in advance
and provided that the sponsorship was for recognition only.
5. LS00-011 - Tender No. L.S. 2000-04 Supply
and Delivery of Two Parks Vehicles
THAT Council award lease option of Tender No. L.S. 2000-04 in the
amount of $901.14 per month including a buyback amount of
$9,500.00 at the end of the 36 month lease term for a total expenditure
of $43,366.04 including all applicable taxes to Highland Chev Olds
Cadillac.
6. LS00-012 - Purchase of Aluminum Landscape Trailer
THAT Council accept the Quotation from Eloquip Ltd. In the amount of
$18,761.11 for the purchase of one (1) custom built aluminum
landscape trailer, to be funded from the Vehicle and Equipment
Reserve.
7. CS00-013 - Proposed Boundary Adjustment
with the Town of Richmond Hill
THAT Council approve, in principle, the proposed boundary adjustment
between the Town of Aurora and the Town of Richmond Hill at the
corner of Bathurst Street and Bloomington Road so as to relocate the
boundary to include in the Town of Richmond Hill those lands now
owned by Bathurst Bloomington Investments Limited (being part of the
road allowance between Lots 70 and 71, Concession 1, West of Yonge
Street (stopped up and closed by Regional By-law R-1156-98-087)
currently in the Town of Aurora; and
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 3
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
THAT a by-law be presented under Section 2 of the Municipal
Boundaries Negotiations Act applying to the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing for initiation of procedures provided for in that Act
for the boundary adjustment between the Towns of Richmond Hill and
Aurora; and
THAT the Solicitor, in conjunction with the Town Solicitor for Richmond
Hill, process the necessary application under the Municipal Boundaries
Negotiations Act; and
THAT all the foregoing be subject to Bathurst Bloomington Investments
Limited agreeing to be responsible for all costs related to this
application, including costs attributable to municipal staff working on
this matter, whether or not such application is successful.
8. PW00-013 - Request for School Crossing Guard at the
Intersection of Aurora Heights Drive and Tecumseh Drive
THAT the request for a School Crossing Guard at the intersection of
Aurora Heights Drive and Tecumseh Drive be denied;
THAT the Public Works Department be directed to conduct another
School Crossing Guard Gap Study at this intersection in Spring 2000
and report further on this matter;
THAT Stopping be prohibited at anytime on:
a) The west side of Tecumseh Drive from Kitimat Crescent to a point
11 metres south thereof,
b) The north side of Kitimat Crescent from Tecumseh Drive to a point
16 metres west thereof,
c) The south side of Kitimat Crescent from Tecumseh Drive to a point
14 metres west thereof;
THAT Parking be prohibited at anytime on:
d) The north side of Huron Court from Tecumseh Drive to a point 10
metres east thereof,
e) The south side of Huron Court from Tecumseh Drive to a point 14
metres east thereof; and
THAT York Regional Police be requested to increase enforcement of
driver compliance at the stop sign on Aurora Heights Drive at
Tecumseh Drive and of speeding along Aurora Heights Drive in the
area around Tecumseh Drive.
9. PW00-018 - Water Use Efficiency Program -
Distribution Leakage Reduction Update
THAT Council receive for information Report No. PW00-018.
14. TSAB00-002- March 7, 2000, Traffic Safety Advisory Board
Meeting
THAT the Committee Record of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board
Meeting held on March 7, 2000 be received as information, and
THAT the following recommendations of the Board be adopted:
a. That the request for multi-way stops at the intersection of
Crawford Rose Drive and Autumn Way be denied, and
That the resident be so advised and provided information on the
Road Watch program and the Radar Display Board;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 4
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
b. That low-height flashing amber lights be installed on both sides of
the street, in both directions, at the existing pedestrian cross-over
location on Orchard Heights Boulevard, and
That the residents of the seniors apartments be provided
information on the proper use of the pedestrian cross-over
system, and
That Council request York Region Police to provide surveillance
during the rush hour periods.
15. BDC00-002- March 15, 2000, Business Development
Committee Meeting
THAT the Committee Record of the Business Development Committee
Meeting held on March 15, 2000 be received and the
recommendations therein be adopted.
CARRIED
VI DELEGATIONS
B. Kestein, P.A.R.K.S. re: TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget
Mr. Ben Kestein, a representative of P.A.R.K.S. spoke regarding the
elimination of the bus service as suggested in the budget, and the impact this
would have on residents who rely on it as their only means of transportation.
He gave an overview of articles published in the local newspapers over the
past six years and reviewed other financial issues dealt with by Council in the
past.
Aurora Youth Soccer Club re: TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget
Ms. Carol Smith, a representative of Aurora Youth Soccer Club spoke
regarding the elimination of line painting on the Soccer fields as suggested in
the budget. However, after being informed that the service would not be
eliminated, she extended her appreciation to Council for not disposing of this
service and expressed her appreciation to the Town for providing an excellent
level of service. She requested advance notice if consideration is given again
in the future in this regard in order to provide alternative solutions.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the comments of the delegates be received and referred for
consideration with Item 1 - TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget.
CARRIED
Ernie Crossland re: Development and Funding of the
Nokiidaa Trail System
Mr. Ernie Crossland, Chairman of the Nokiidaa Committee, gave a brief
overview of the purpose of the Nokiidaa Project and the structure of the
Committee. He also reviewed the grants for this project and requested
Council's endorsement and support of the Project.
Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Healy
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 2 -
LS00-007 - Nokiidaa Trail be brought forward for discussion at this
point in the agenda.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 5
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
2. LS00-007 - Nokiidaa Trail
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Council endorse the proposed development of the Nokiidaa Trail
Project for the year 2000, provided no Town funds are required; and
THAT Council endorse in principle the allocation of $50,000 or
equivalent services in kind in the 2001 Capital Budget to assist in
securing the Millennium Federal Partnership Program.
CARRIED
Walter Mestrinaro re: Purchase of Land for the New Library
Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to permit Mr. Mestrinaro to
speak on this topic which is not listed on the agenda.
DEFEATED
Mr. Mestrinaro was invited to attend next week's General Committee meeting
where he may then speak on the Library issue.
Evelina MacEachern re: LS00-009 - New Library Project - Pre-
qualification of General Contractors
Ms. Evelina MacEachern spoke with regards to the New Library Project and
the Pre-qualification of General Contractors. She gave a brief description of
the costs associated with the construction of the new library and expressed
concerns respecting the increases. She requested that a report be prepared
with regards to cost benefit, prior to accepting tendering of General
Contractors, and that the Project be put on hold until further information is
received.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 4 -
LS00-008 - New Library Project - Pre-qualification of General
Contractors be brought forward for discussion at this point in the
agenda.
CARRIED
4. LS00-009 - New Library Project –
Pre-qualification of General Contractors
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council endorse the appended list of nine (9) pre-qualified
General Contractors as recommended by the Project Manager to invite
competitive bidding for the Tender call for the new Library Project.
CARRIED
Bryan Moir re: Delegation Status
Mr. Bryan Moir expressed concerns regarding the revised process for
delegation status, noting that this process would not give the public their
democratic rights. He requested Council to reconsider this revised process.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 6
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred for
consideration with the General Committee Report.
CARRIED
Brian MacEachern re: Oak Ridges Moraine
Mr. Brian MacEachern gave a brief overview of his concerns for the Town to
comply with the Provincial guidelines regarding the preservation of significant
natural areas located in the Oak Ridges Moraine. He referenced the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and their designation of the lands as
environmentally sensitive areas prohibiting certain land uses, such as
erecting buildings and structures. He also raised concerns about possible
infiltration problems if the lands were developed and requested Council to
take a proactive approach to protect the lands.
Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the matter be referred to the next General Committee meeting
and that staff be requested to prepare a brief report in response to the
comments raised by the delegate.
CARRIED
VII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. Presentation by the Treasurer re: Service Levels and Reserves and
Reserve Fund; and TR00-008 - 2000 Operating Budget – Final Draft
Barb Cribbett, Treasurer made a presentation of the Town of Aurora's 2000
Budget regarding service levels and fiscal statistics. The presentation
included a comparison of service levels and costs per capita over a ten year
period, 1990, 1995 and 1999 in the following major operational areas namely,
Public Works, Leisure Services, Fire Services and Library services. The
Treasurer gave conclusions to the study, resolutions to some of the expected
future concerns regarding the Reserve Fund and a brief outline to the next
steps to be taken by the Town.
1. RESERVE FUND AND SERVICE LEVEL PRESENTATION:
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the Treasurer’s presentation of service levels and reserves and
reserve funds be received.
CARRIED
2. CONSIDERATION OF REVISIONS TO 2000 OPERATING BUDGET
(7) Community Transit Service - Weekdays
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the provision of weekday Community transit services be
retained.
CARRIED
(9) Student Transit Service
Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 7
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
THAT the provision of student transit service be retained until June
30, 2000; and
THAT staff discuss with the School Boards the option of paying $1.00
per student to subsidize transit costs and that a Report be prepared
prior to September 2000 on this discussion for Council's deliberation.
CARRIED
(10) Saturday Transit Service
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the provision of Saturday transit service be retained at this time
and that staff be requested to report back on all available options
relating to the provisions of Saturday transit service in the Town of
Aurora; and
THAT any cost savings achieved be directed to the reserve fund and
that staff report back to the May General Committee meeting on this
matter.
On a recorded vote, the motion was CARRIED
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Hartwell, Hinder, Hogg, McKenzie, Morris,
West and Mayor Jones
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Griffith and Healy
3. BUDGET APPROVAL
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT Council approve the 2000 Operating Budget with gross
expenditures of $24,463,582 and a net tax levy of $11,681,167.
THAT Council approve a 4.26% increase in the 2000 over 1999 tax rate
resulting in a tax rate of .34841% for the residential class.
THAT an allocation of $50,000 from the 1999 surplus be set aside in the
Church Street School Reserve Fund.
THAT an amount equal to the balance of the 1999 surplus be allocated to
the Municipal Capital Reserve Fund.
THAT the 2000 Projected Reserves and Reserve Fund, as amended, be
received.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was:
Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the budget be further increased to a total of 5.97% with a
resulting tax rate of .354124% for the residential class and that the
additional revenue be specifically identified to increase the contribution
to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan reserve fund; and
THAT a 3-year operating budget plan be endorsed.
On a recorded vote, the amendment was CARRIED
YEAS: 8 NAY: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Griffith, Hartwell, Healy, Hinder, Hogg,
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 8
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
McKenzie, Morris and West.
VOTING NAY: Mayor Jones
At this point in the meeting, Mayor Jones declared an interest in By-law Enforcement
budget account number 2040 due to the employment of his spouse in the Corporate
Services Department 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.
Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the 2000 Operating Budget for the portion of Corporate Services
Department Budget respecting the By-law Enforcement budget
account number 2040 be approved as presented.
CARRIED
Upon conclusion of this matter, Mayor Jones resumed the Chair.
On a recorded vote, the main motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AS
AMENDED.
YEAS: 9 NAY: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Griffith, Hartwell, Healy, Hinder, Hogg,
McKenzie, Morris, West and Mayor Jones
12. Memorandum from L. Knox, Solicitor re: Requesting
New Policies under the Environmental Bill of Rights
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT the memorandum be received as information.
CARRIED
13. General Committee Meeting Report No. 05-00
Tuesday, March 21, 2000; and
Delegation of Bryan Moir re: Delegation Status
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the Report of the General Committee Meeting No. 05-00 be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
adopted.
CARRIED
10. PL00-033 - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law
Amendment Application, 1276073 Ontario Inc. Magna
Medical Clinic Wellington Street East Part of Lot 20, Concession 2 D09-02-00 and D14-08-00
Councillor Morris, having previously declared an interest in this Report, did not take
part in the vote called for in this regard.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Official
Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications D09-02-
00 and D14-08-00, scheduled for the April 26, 2000 Public Planning
Meeting.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 9
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
11. PL00-034 - Yonge Street South Urban Expansion Area
Master Servicing Study and Secondary Plan
D09-03-99
Mayor Jones, having previously declared an interest in this Report
relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor West and did not take part in the vote
called for in this regard.
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT Report No. PL00-034 regarding the next Public Information
Session scheduled for March 30, 2000 for the Yonge Street South
Urban Expansion Area Master Servicing Study and Secondary Plan be
received as information.
CARRIED
Upon conclusion of this matter, Mayor Jones resumed the Chair.
VIII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor West - Requested that a letter be sent to the Ministry of
Transportation requesting that the driver
examination testing routes be changed to include
the Towns of Richmond Hill and Newmarket.
Councillor Morris - Requested a list of Town owned facilities and their
operators and how they benefit the community.
Councillor Hogg - Advised of a letter that he received regarding
rainbarrels and requested that the letter be
referred to staff.
Formation of Budget Subcommittee
Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the issue of the formation of a Budget Subcommittee be referred
to the next General Committee meeting for further discussion
CARRIED
IX READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Healy
THAT the following listed bills be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4160-00.L Being a By-law to authorize the acquisition
of land (Part of Lot 19, Con. 3, E.Y.S.).
4161-00.L Being a By-law to authorize a credit
Agreement with Magum Petroleum Inc.,
Heidi Susanne Hay, Sherri Lynn Hay,
and Douglas Charles Hay together with
the provision of a mortgage in security therefor.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 10-00 Page 10
Tuesday, March 28, 2000
4166-00.H Being a By-law to appoint Aurora's
member to the Joint Board of
Management of the York Region Courts.
CARRIED
X ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor West
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK