MINUTES - Council - 20001219
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 35-00
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Kean, MacEachern, Pedersen, Timpson, Vrancic
and Wallace.
Councillor West was absent due to a family
matter.
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,
Treasurer, Solicitor, Administrative-Coordinator
and Council/Committee Secretary.
Following Open Forum at 7:00 p.m., the Mayor called the meeting to order at
7:10 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Wallace declared an interest in Item 9 - Report PW00-076 -
Transfer of Town Transit Assets and Agreements to York Region due to his
company association with York Region Transit 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 Griffith Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as presented with the
following additions:
Delegation requests from Bob Howarth and Darleen Dawson,
residents re: Report PL00-131 - Site Plan Application, Aurora
Youth Soccer Club/Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority, 93 Industrial Parkway South (Sheppards Bush
Conservation Area);
Memorandum from Councillor West re: Fill By-law;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 2
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Correspondence from the Town of Ajax regarding the Planning
Act Regulations with respect to Application for Technical
Information; and
Delegation request from Susan Walmer re: Proposed
Amendments to the Fill Control By-law.
CARRIED
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting No. 33-00, Tuesday, November 21, 2000
Inaugural Meeting No. 34-00, Tuesday, December 5, 2000
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Minutes of Meeting Numbers 33-00 and 34-00 be adopted
as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
IV PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of an Award to the Town of Aurora from Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority for Playing a Role in the Creation of
Various Sub Watershed Plans which are Being Used Today to Protect
and Restore the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Mayor Jones announced that the Town of Aurora received an award from
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority for demonstrating its
commitment to the environment by participating in the development in the
east Holland River subwater shed plan which is valuable to protect the land,
water and our future.
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 were identified
for discussion.
VI ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
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:
2. TR00-030 - 2001 Interim Tax Levy
THAT Council for the Corporation of the Town of Aurora authorize an
2001 Interim Tax Levy on all rateable real property in the Town which
has been assessed according to the last revised assessment roll;
AND THAT the 2001 Interim Tax Levy be set at 50% of the total 2000
taxes payable on each property;
AND THAT for new properties added to the assessment roll for the
2001 taxation year, the tax rates would be equivalent to 50% of the
2000 tax rates levied as listed in Appendix "A" for this report;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 3
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AND THAT the 2001 Interim Tax Levy be paid in two relatively equal
instalments due on Monday, February 26, 2001 and Thursday, April
26, 2001;
AND THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to amend in whole or
in part any billing in order to comply with any Provincial Legislation
which may be introduced or passed by the Province of Ontario prior to
or after the issuance of the 2001 Interim Tax Billing;
AND THAT By-law number 4246-00.F be approved and given three (3)
readings.
3. ADM00 -018 - Proposed Closure and Sale of a Portion
of Wells Street
THAT Bill 4240-00.T, being a By-law to stop up, close and sell a
portion of Wells Street be provided all three readings;
THAT Bill 4241-00.L, being a By-law to acquire the daylight triangle at
the south west corner of Wells and Centre Streets be provided all three
readings; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all documentation
required to give effect to same.
4. ADM00-023 - Purchase of Richmond Hill Hydro
THAT Council, as a shareholder of approximately seven percent of the
amalgamated utilities of Aurora, Newmarket, Markham and Vaughan
(Amalco), hereby authorizes the Mayor, or his delegate, as the
representative of the Town, to vote the outstanding shares of Aurora in
Amalco, at the appropriate shareholders meeting following the effective
date of amalgamation, as follows:
a) Amalco Distco is hereby authorized to enter into a share
purchase agreement to purchase all outstanding shares of
Richmond Hill Hydro Inc. on the terms and conditions as set-out
in the Agreement between the Towns of Markham and
Richmond Hill and the City of Vaughan;
b) Amalco Distco is hereby authorized to issue such debt as is
required to finance the acquisition of Richmond Hill Hydro Inc;
c) Amalco Distco and its Board of Directors is hereby authorized to
take all necessary steps to amalgamate the shares of Richmond
Hill Hydro Inc. with those of Amalco Distco following acquisition
to form a consolidated electricity distribution company;
d) Amalco and Amalco Distco may make any share issue
necessary to maintain each shareholder's proportional holding
following the acquisition of Richmond Hill and the Town of
Aurora will accept any share issuance necessary to maintain its
proportional shareholdings in Amalco following the integration of
the shares and assets of Richmond Hill Hydro Inc.
7. PW00-074 - Acceptance of Municipal Services –
Cat-Tail (Aurora Grove) Subdivision
Registered Plans 65M-2976 and 65M-3014, and
Grindelwald Developments Limited (Aurora Grove) Subdivision -
Registered Plan 65M-3223
THAT Council accept the municipal services contained within
Registered Plans 65M-2976 and 65M-3014 within the Cat-Tail
Investments Inc. (Aurora Grove) Subdivision;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 4
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
THAT Council accept the municipal services contained within
Registered Plan 65M-3223 within the Grindelwald Developments
Limited (Aurora Grove) Subdivision;
THAT the Director of Public Works be authorized to issue Certificates
of Acceptance of Public Works for said lands as required under
Section 3.12 of the two Subdivision Agreements;
THAT the Treasurer be directed to release all municipal servicing
securities held in relation to the Cat-Tail Investments subdivision with
the exception of $20,000.00 which shall be retained to guarantee
completion of outstanding works; and
THAT the Treasurer be directed to release all municipal servicing
securities held in relation to the Grindelwald Developments
subdivision.
12. LS00-041 - Declaration of Surplus Lands
THAT a parcel of land approximately 7.75m wide and 60m long
adjacent to Ecole St. Jean School within Valhalla Park be declared
surplus; and
THAT Council authorize staff to commence the public notification
process with regards to the proposed sale of said parcel.
14. Memorandum from Mayor Jones re: Citizen Appointments
to the Town's Statutory and Advisory Committees and Boards
THAT the following citizens be appointed to the Town of Aurora's
Statutory and Advisory Committees and Boards:
Aurora Public Library Board
Kathy Banks
Jane Taylor
Laura Thanasse
Committee of Adjustment
Julia Ellieff
John Greupner
Roy Harrington
Julius Horvath
Michael Seaman
Property Standards Committee
Julia Ellieff
John Greupner
Roy Harrington
Julius Horvath
Michael Seaman
Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee
Iidi Connor
Douglas Crowder
Diane Ferguson
Walter Mestrinaro
Steve Mills
David Peirce
John McIntyre (Honorary Member)
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 5
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Traffic Safety Advisory Board
Brett Cole
Clifford Davies
Paul Downey
Helen Kogan
Aurora Cemetery Board
Anthony Marinucci
David Peirce
Amalgamated Hydro Board
Jane Murray as the Town's non political appointee for a 2 year term
Dan Sooley as the Town's nominee for the incoming Board for
consideration for the position of Chairman
CARRIED
VII DELEGATIONS
Maurice J. Neirinck, Solicitor for Mr. G. Di Blasi re:
Proposed Amendments to By-law 3829-97.P - a By-law
to control the dumping of fill and alteration of grades in
the Town
Mr. Mike McQuade, an Associate of Maurice J. Neirinck & Associates spoke
on behalf of Mr. Di Blasi regarding the proposed amendments to the Town's
Fill Control By-law. He requested that the matter be deferred in order that Mr.
Neirinck could meet with staff to address the concerns of Mr. Di Blasi
regarding the proposed amendments to the By-law.
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT staff meet with Mr. Neirinck to discuss his client's concerns
regarding the proposed amendments to the Town's Fill Control and
that the matter be deferred to a future Council Meeting.
CARRIED
Bob Howarth, Resident re: Report PL00-131 - Site Plan Application,
Aurora Youth Soccer Club/Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority,
93 Industrial Parkway South (Sheppards Bush Conservation Area)
Mr. Howarth expressed concern with the timing of the proposed Site Plan
application for the Soccer Bubble. He questioned Council's deliberation of
this application while discussion was ongoing with the residents and the
Soccer Club. He expressed his opinion that the new Council should discuss
issues openly that are important to residents before making any decisions.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the comments of the delegate be received as information.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 6
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darleen Dawson, Resident re: Report PL00-131 - Site Plan Application,
Aurora Youth Soccer Club/Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority,
93 Industrial Parkway South (Sheppards Bush Conservation Area)
Ms. Dawson indicated her opposition with the decision regarding the Site Plan
Application for the Soccer Bubble. She expressed concern with the
construction of the bubble in a conservation area and indicated that green
spaces are diminishing and that there is the need to protect green spaces in
Aurora. She stated that Mr. Sheppards donated his land to the Ontario
Heritage Foundation so that the land could be an oasis for everyone to enjoy.
Ms. Dawson indicated that Mr. Sheppards' wishes should be honoured.
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the comments of the delegate be received as information.
CARRIED
Susan Walmer, Resident re: Proposed Amendment to Town's
Fill Control By-law
Ms. Walmer requested that residents living near the Bloomington Fill Site and
environmental groups be given the opportunity to review and provide input on
the Town's Fill Control By-law before any decision regarding the proposed
amendment to the By-law is implemented.
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and considered as
part of the review process.
CARRIED
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. BA00-015 - Proposed Amendments to Town's
Fill Control By-law
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT Report BA00-015 and By-law Number 4242-00.P, being an
amending By-law to By-law Number 3829-97.P, be deferred to a future
Council Meeting.
CARRIED
5. PL00-139 - Draft Plan of Condominium
Torresdale Construction Limited
Part of Lot 28, Registered Plan 246
(Springfair Avenue & Milestone Crescent)
File Number D07-97001A
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a Condominium
Agreement to be registered on title between the Town of Aurora and
Torresdale Construction Limited with respect to the lands as defined
within the Agreement and contained within Draft Plan of Condominium
D07-97001A.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 7
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
6. PW00-073 - Contract Award, Tender No. PW-2000-28 -
The Maintenance and Emergency Responding to
Sanitary Lift and Water Booster Stations Within the
Town of Aurora
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT Tender No. PW-2000-28, The Maintenance and Emergency
Responding to Sanitary Lift and Water Booster Stations Within The
Town of Aurora, be awarded to Azurix North America (Canada) Corp.;
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the attached
Agreement to execute the subject contract; and
THAT the appropriate draft By-law to implement the new special rates
on the residential water/sewer bills as described in Report No. PW00-
073 be tabled at a future meeting.
CARRIED
8. PW00-075 - Lane Closure on Yonge Street and Pedestrian
Walkways in the Vicinity of the Library Construction Site
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the northbound curb lane of Yonge Street in the block from
Church Street to Mosley Street not be closed;
THAT signage be installed to the north and south of the library site
indicating that the sidewalk in front of the library construction site is
closed and directing pedestrian traffic to either cross Yonge Street at
Mosley Street or Kennedy Street or to use Mosley Street, Victoria
Street, and Church Street to bypass the construction site;
THAT all residences and businesses on Yonge Street between
Kennedy Street and Mosley Street be informed of the closed sidewalk
and of the various alternatives that are available for pedestrians use;
and
THAT the signage remain in place until the scaffolding is removed and
the sidewalk can safely be reopened.
CARRIED
9. PW00-076 - Transfer of Town Transit Assets and
Agreements to York Region
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT Council receive as information the attached draft agreements
from York Region regarding:
1. the transfer of transit vehicles, non-vehicle transit assets and
current transit agreements from the Town to York Region; and
2. the provision of transit support services by the Town to York
Region;
THAT Council direct staff to review and take the appropriate action
necessary with respect to the above agreements to ensure that the
Town is not financially obligated for any transit operating and capital
services provided by York Region after January 1, 2001 unless
compensated for by York Region; and
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 8
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
THAT Council direct the Mayor and Town Clerk to execute the above
agreements by January 1, 2001, subject to the recommendation of the
Town Solicitor.
CARRIED
Councillor Wallace, having previously declared an interest in this Report, did not
take part in the vote called for in this regard.
10. LS00-038 - Award of Security Contracts for the
new Public Library
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council accept the recommendation of UMA Projects Limited to
award the Contract for the supply and installation of the Building
Security System to Best Access Systems Co. in the amount of
$36,415.86 excluding G.S.T.; and
THAT Council award the Contract for the supply and installation of the
Collection Security System to 3M Canada Co. in the amount not to
exceed $100,000 excluding G.S.T.
CARRIED
11. LS00-0040 - Residential Lease for 15059 Leslie Street
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Report be referred back to staff for further review regarding
lien protection.
CARRIED
13. LS00-042 - Special Youth "Non-Prime" Fitness Membership
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council endorse the implementation of the new Club Aurora
membership that addresses the needs of our Town’s youth, between
the age of 14 to 18, to improve their health and fitness.
CARRIED
15. General Committee Meeting Report No. 15-00
Tuesday, December 12, 2000
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 15-00, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2000 -
ITEMS 5 AND 16
(Item 5) PW00-072 - Crossing Guards on Murray Drive at its
Intersections with Glass Drive and Seaton Drive
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT an additional Crossing Guard be approved for the Murray Drive
and Seaton Drive intersection effective January 8, 2001;
THAT York Regional Police be requested to increase enforcement of
the posted speed limit on Murray Drive north of Seaton Drive; and
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 9
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
THAT the issue regarding the designation of Murray Drive at its
Intersections with Glass Drive and Seaton Drive as a "Community
Safety Zone" be referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board for
consideration
CARRIED
(Item 16) Councillor West re: Clarification of Policy
re: Conference Allowance
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
WHEREAS the current expenses policy of the Town of Aurora
governing the attendance by Members of Council at
conferences/seminars does not explicitly address the issue of
registration/accommodation fees with respect to the said functions;
AND WHEREAS Council has annually through the budget process
since 1994 capped the conference/seminar expenditure at $1,000 per
member;
AND WHEREAS Administrative Policy No. 31. governing attendance at
conferences and seminars by staff provides that registration fees will
be separate from the cost ceiling associated with attendance at
conferences/ seminars;
AND THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Aurora recommends
that the policy governing Council Members attendance at conferences/
seminars be amended for the year 2000 and onwards to provide that
registration/accommodation fees be separate from the maximum of
$1,000 allocated to Members of Council, and that this fee be limited to
$1,000 and be funded from the Corporate Training and Development
budget.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the balance of the Report of the General Committee Meeting
No. 15-00 be received and the recommendations carried by the
Committee be adopted.
CARRIED
16. TSAB00-006 - Traffic Safety Advisory Board Meeting –
November 7, 2000
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Committee Record of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board
Meeting held on September 6, 2000 be received as information,
THAT the following recommendations of the Board be adopted:
1. That the request for multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Tyler
Street and Temperance Street be denied;
2. That the existing “No Parking at Anytime” zone on the north side of
Tyler Street, east of Temperance Street be extended approximately
30m to the east to a point opposite the property line between #5
and #7 Tyler Street;
3. That the resident be so advised and provided information on the
Road Watch Program and the Radar Display Board system;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 10
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
THAT the issue of the proposed overnight parking prohibitions on Fife
Road, Primeau Drive, and October Lane be referred back to the TSAB
for consideration and resolution at it’s next meeting; and
THAT the residents on Fife Road, Primeau Drive, and October Lane be
advised that the TSAB will be considering this issue again and that
they be invited to the next meeting of the TSAB once the meeting date
has been set
CARRIED
17. Memorandum from Councillor West re: Library Board
Appointments
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the two school boards be informed of the Town's two-term
Policy, and that they be requested to consider adjusting their Policy to
parallel the Town's, beginning with the 2004 appointments.
CARRIED
18. Gail McIntyre, Resident re: East Aurora Wetland Complex
- 2B Lands
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
19. Ontario Building Officials Association re: Election of
Leo Grellette to the OBOA Board of Directors
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the correspondence be received and that Mr. Grellette be
congratulated on his appointment to the OBOA Board of Directors.
CARRIED
20. Aurora Rugby Club re: Letter of Appreciation for Assistance
in the Aurora Rugby Club Junior Programme
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
21. Memorandum from Councillor West re: Amalgamation
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the memorandum be received as information.
CARRIED
22. Memorandum from Councillor West re: Additional Staff Compliment
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the memorandum be received as information.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 11
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
23. Memorandum from Councillor West re: Town's Fill By-law
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the memorandum be received as information
CARRIED
24. Town of Ajax re: Planning Act Regulations - Application for
Technical Information
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from the Town of Ajax be endorsed.
CARRIED
IX OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor Pedersen re: Request for Agenda to accommodate a
section entitled "Regional Report"
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Council agenda include a section entitled "Regional Report"
in order to review and discuss Regional issues.
CARRIED
Councillor MacEachern inquired whether information on assessment impact
could be included in the regular interim tax bill.
Councillor Pedersen inquired about the new hydro service and whether any
information was published.
Councillor Kean commended the Public Library Board for their excellent work
and advised of the Optimist book sale
X READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings,
and enacted:
4240-00.T Being a By-law to stop up, close
and sell a portion of Wells Street
in the Town of Aurora.
4241-00.L Being a By-law to authorize the
acquisition of land described as
Part of Lot 17, Plan 107 (Dr. Stubbs).
4243-00.C Being a By-law to amend By-law
3737-96.C a By-law to Appoint
a Deputy Mayor and the Greater
Toronto Services Board Alternate
Representative (John West).
4246-00.F Being a By-law to levy an Interim
Tax Rate for the year 2001.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 35-00 Page 12
Tuesday, December 19, 2000
4247-00.C Being a By-law to appoint members
to the Aurora Public Library Board.
4248-00.C Being a By-law to appoint members
to the Local Architectural Conservation
Advisory Committee
4249-00.C Being a By-law to appoint members
to the Committee of Adjustment
4250-00.C Being a By-law to appoint members
to the Property Standards Committee
CARRIED
XI ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Timpson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK