MINUTES - Council - 20020129
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 02-02
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Kean, MacEachern, Pedersen, Timpson, Vrancic,
Wallace and West.
STAFF MEMBERS Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Planning,
Director of Leisure Services, Director of Public
Works, Treasurer, Administrative Co-ordinator/
Deputy Clerk, Solicitor and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Following Open Forum at 7:00 p.m., the Mayor called the meeting to order at
7:12 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor MacEachern declared an interest in the first part of item #11 -
LS02-003 - Library Construction Wrap-up Report by virtue of an employment
relationship 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 Wallace Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as presented with the
following additions:
• Memo From Director of Public Works re: Amended material to
accompany item #5 - PW02-007
• Delegation request from Mr. Homer Farsad re: (Item #7) Proposed
parking restrictions on Stone Road.
• Minutes of the Joint Council Committee Meeting held Thursday,
January 17, 2002.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 2
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting No. 02-01, Tuesday, January 15, 2002.
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the Minutes of Meeting Number 02-01 be adopted as printed
and circulated.
CARRIED
IV PRESENTATIONS
None
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 were identified for discussion.
VI ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Timpson
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:
1. CS02-006 - The Bob Hartwell Runner’s Challenge
THAT Council endorse the request from the organizers of the Bob
Hartwell Runner’s Challenge to hold a marathon race and friendship
walk on April 14, 2002, within the Town of Aurora; and
THAT the organizers of the event be advised to contact the Region of
York in relation to traffic control measures and requirements within
their jurisdiction; and
THAT the Public Works Department implement the appropriate
measures for this event in accordance with the Town’s by-laws.
3. PW02-005 - Early Approval of Capital Reconstruction Project –
Jasper Drive, Dunham Crescent, Sunray Place and Cabot Court
THAT Council approve the reconstruction of Jasper Drive, Dunham
Crescent, Sunray Place, and Cabot Court in advance of approval of
the remainder of the 2002 Capital Budget; and
THAT the Public Works Department be directed to report to Council
with the results of the tendering process.
4. PW02-006 - Rehabilitation/Replacement of Bituminous
Fibre Sanitary Laterals - Wrap-up Report
THAT Council receive Report No. PW02-06 detailing the summary of
the Bituminous Fibre Rehabilitation/Replacement program as
information; and
THAT Council approve as outlined in Corporate Report No. PW02-06
the amendment of the project’s financial payment terms to reflect an
acceleration in payment of future outstanding financial obligations on
the basis of discounting the amount payable by 4.5%; and
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 3
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
That Council approve allocation of $1,629,180 from the Water/Sewer
reserve fund to finance the proposed accelerated payment proposal
presented by LiquiForce Sewer Services.
9. EDC02-01 - January 16th , 2002, Economic Development
Advisory Committee Meeting
THAT the Committee Record of the Economic Development Advisory
Committee Meeting held on January 16, 2002 be received as
information.
10. LACAC02-01 - January 14, 2002, Local Architectural
Conservation Advisory Committee Meeting
1. THAT the Committee Record of the L.A.C.A.C. Meeting held on
January 14, 2002, be received as information.
2. And That LACAC supports the proposal for the rezoning of 253 Old
Yonge St. in principle, but wishes to express it’s concerns regarding
the parking spaces located adjacent to the building on the south side,
and requests that they be eliminated or relocated elsewhere on the
site;
3. And that staff be requested to prepare a historical report on the radial
railway pillar presently located at the north east corner of Yonge St.
and Industrial Pkwy;
4. And that staff be requested to prepare a historical report on the Petch
Log House presently located at 15395 Leslie St.;
5. And that a historical plaque be presented to the owners of 69 Spruce St.,
and that this presentation be made at a future Council Meeting;
6. That LACAC purchase a copy of the book entitled York County
Mouldings from Historical Interiors by George W. J. Duncan, and that
staff prepare a list of the Town of Aurora properties identified in the book
and cross reference it with the Town’s historical properties list;
7. And that Diane Fergueson be appointed Chair and Walter Mestrinaro be
appointed Vice Chair for 2002.
CARRIED
VII DELEGATIONS
Ed Addison, resident of 107 Kennedy St. W. re: Stop
Signs at Kennedy/George Street
Mr. Ed Addison expressed appreciation and commendation to the Staff at the
Town of Aurora for the work that has been done with regard to researching
and implementing measures to reduce the speed of traffic in the George St.
and Kennedy St. area. Mr. Addison noted that residents still have minor
concerns with regard to the placement of one of the stop signs at the
intersection of these two streets, and he advised that many residents in the
area object to the possibility of removing these stop signs as of January 30,
2002, as indicated in the By-law.
Mr. Addison requested that Council consider allowing the stop signs to remain
at the Kennedy and George Street intersection as they currently stand in the
interest of safety for the residents and school children in the area.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 4
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item
#7 section (a), and that the item be brought forward at this point in the
agenda for consideration.
CARRIED
7. TSAB02-002 - January 09, 2002, Traffic Safety Advisory
Board Meeting
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Committee Record of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board
Meeting held on January 09, 2002 be received as information.
THAT the following recommendations of the Board be adopted:
(a) THAT the existing three–way stop signs at the Kennedy Street
West and George Street intersection remain in place with the
following exception;
THAT the by-law be amended to remove the clause which
states that the by-law be repealed as of January 30, 2002.
THAT this issue be revisited by Council in 6 months time as
part of the overall staff report on Kennedy Street scheduled
to be presented at that time.
CARRIED
Mr. Homer Farsad re: (Item #7) Proposed
Parking Restrictions on Stone Road.
Mr. Homer Farsad expressed concern regarding the TSAB's recommendation
to prohibit parking on the East side of Stone Road on either side of Crow's
Nest Gate from Primeau Drive up to Clift Road. Mr. Farsad expressed that in
his opinion these measures are extreme and suggested that parking be
restricted only at peak times when students from the two local schools are
being dropped off or picked up by parents or school busses. Mr. Farsad also
expressed concern that the proposed parking ban stretches beyond a
reasonable distance from the two local schools and suggested that the
distance be reduced in either direction.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item
#7 section (d), and that the item be brought forward at this point in the
agenda for consideration.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT item (d) of the report TSAB02-002 - January 09, 2002
regarding traffic and parking recommendations for Stone Road,
be referred back to the TSAB along with comments from the
delegate for further consideration and that a report be brought
back to council.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 5
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
(b) THAT parking be prohibited on the east side of John West Way
from Amberhill Way to a point 20 metres north of the Amberhill
Way intersection; and
THAT the Clerks Department be requested to introduce the
necessary by-law to implement the above recommendation.
(c) THAT the January 04, 2002 letter from Neil McWilliams
regarding safety and speeding concerns on Orchard Heights
Boulevard be received as information;
THAT the Public Works Department be requested to
investigate and prepare a report to be submitted at a future
TSAB meeting; and
THAT a letter be sent to the York Regional Police Department
requesting their comments on the use of a paid duty police
officer to enforce traffic laws on Town roads.
(e) THAT the November 18, 2001 letter and petition from residents
of Jasper Drive requesting for School Zone signage and speed
limit signs be received as information;
THAT the Public Works Department be requested to install
40km/hr speed limit signs on Jasper Drive from Tecumseh
Drive to Haida Drive; and
THAT the Public Works Department be requested to install the
necessary School Zone signage on Jasper Drive as per what is
required according to the Ontario Traffic Manuals.
(f) THAT the activity list be received as information.
CARRIED
Susan Walmer, Chair of R.A.Y.S re: 2002 Operating and
Capital Fund Budget - Draft #2
Ms. Walmer expressed concern with regard to the proposed tax increase of
8.8% for 2002 and the projected increase for 2003 of 20.8%. Ms. Walmer
advised that the Treasurer's explanation for these projected increases is due
to the fact that the Town of Aurora did not impose any tax increases
throughout the 1990's and this has left the Town in a position where it must
catch up to current municipal levels. Ms. Walmer suggested that a decision
to defer be made in junction with all data-service level impacts as well as
impact on future years. Ms. Walmer questioned the Town's intention to
continue to develop lands into residential to assist in offsetting the tax base,
and suggested that this initiative will only perpetuate the level of debt that the
Town must recover from. Ms. Walmer expressed the opinion that careful
planning and thorough research into the effects of residential growth on local
schools and resources would be a more prudent strategy. Ms. Walmer
concluded by suggesting that Council must assess the impact that these
decisions will have on the future of Aurora.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to the
Budget meeting for consideration at that time.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 6
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
2. PW02-003 - Southbound Right Turn Prohibition Yonge Street
to Irwin Avenue, 6:30a.m. to 9:30a.m. - Exemption for buses
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT buses be exempted from the southbound right turn prohibition
on Yonge Street at Irwin Avenue as described in detail in Report No.
PW02-003; and
THAT the Clerks Department be requested to forward Report No.
PW02-003 and By-law 4331-02.T to York Region for approval; and
THAT the Region be requested to give this matter priority status.
CARRIED
5. PW02-007 - January 09, 2002, Traffic Safety Advisory
Board Meeting
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the January 29, 2002 TSAB Council Report be adopted by
Council
CARRIED
6. General Committee Meeting Report No. 02-02
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 02-02, TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002 - ITEM 1
(1) TR02-001 - 2002 Operating and Capital Fund Budget – Draft #2
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Report TR02-001 "2002 Operating and Capital Fund Budget -
Draft #2" be received for information;
THAT appended Record of the Administration and Finance Committee
Meeting held January 5th, 2002 be received for information;
THAT the 2002 Operating and Capital Fund Budget - Draft #2 as
further revised by staff following the January 5th Administration and
Finance Committee review to now reflect an 8.8% increase in 2002 Net
Tax Levy Requirements be referred to the Council Meeting on
February 12th, 2002 for public suggestions and input; and
THAT the General Committee provide any further direction to staff with
respect to additional modifications to be incorporated into the 2002
Operating and Capital Fund Budget – Draft #2 prior to the proposed
public information session on February 12, 2002.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor West
THAT staff provide a report on status and funding provisions for
current and future parks projects within the Bayview/Wellington
area including the Hydro Corridor and Civic Square park as
outlined in the Master Recreation Plan.
CARRIED
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 7
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor West
THAT staff report on plans for the current surplus of funds generated
from surcharges for ice users at the Aurora Community Centre and
Leisure Complex.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor West
THAT staff report on the potential for reclaiming any funds through
liability issues or warranties related to projected repair and
maintenance costs towards replacing the roof of the arena at the
Leisure Complex and also for the outside works to be done at the
Town Hall.
CARRIED
It was suggested that the comments by Councillor Kean in the Other
Business section Report of the General Committee Meeting No. 02-02 be
amended to read as follows:
Councillor Kean suggested that the Region of York and the Town
of Aurora should not be paying for their employees to use the
Public Transit System and instead this money should be put
towards allowing seniors to ride the buses for free.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the Report of the General Committee Meeting No. 02-02 be
received and that the remaining recommendations carried by the
Committee be adopted.
CARRIED
8. LSAC02-01 - January 10th, 2002, Leisure Services Advisory
Committee Meeting
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the Youth Co-ordinator investigate the Town of Newmarket's Youth
Centre and what it offers and decide what would be appropriate for the Town
of Aurora.
THAT the Director of Leisure Services and the Youth Co-ordinator contact
Nursing Homes, the Yellow Brick House, the Community Information Centre
and the Chamber of Commerce to inquire whether they have volunteer
employment opportunities for the youth and report back to the next Leisure
Services Advisory Committee meeting with the results; and
THAT the information obtained be funneled through the Community
Information Centre located on the first floor of the Aurora Town Hall; and
THAT the information obtained be advertised on the Notice Board in the Era
Banner.
THAT advertisement for the upcoming tournaments be kept on the
reader boards; and
THAT a copy of the tournament schedule be provided to Lowell
McClellan of the Aurora Cable Sports Show.
THAT discussion of the awards be added to the Agenda for the May or June
LSAC Meeting;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 8
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
THAT the Director of Leisure Services and Councillor Kean provided
changes to the nomination forms in order to obtain more specific background
information of the nominees; and
THAT Clause #1 of the meeting record be amended to read as follows:
THAT the Youth Council investigate the Town of
Newmarket's Youth Centre and what it offers, as well as
canvass other Youth Facilities for input, and bring a full
and comprehensive report back to LSAC on what would be
the most appropriate course of action for the Town of
Aurora.
CARRIED
Councillor MacEachern, having previously declared an interest in the first part of
item #11 did not take part in the vote called for in regard to the adoption of that
portion of the item and requested the second part be voted upon separately.
11. LS02-003 - Library Construction Wrap-up Report
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council receive this report for information purposes; and
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT all residual funds from the Library Construction budget be
transferred back into the capital reserve fund.
CARRIED
12. Memo from Councillor John West re: Hydro Privatization
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora express it's objection to the
Province of Ontario to any further privatization in as much as the grid
transmission line and power generation system; and
THAT this resolution be sent to the Premier, members of the
Government, leaders of the opposition parties and to all Councils for
support via AMO; and
THAT the five candidates for leadership also be notified of this matter
and encouraged to take definitive action in this regard.
CARRIED
IX REGIONAL REPORT
The Mayor advised that York Region has approved their 1.2 billion dollar
business plan and budget including a new police district in Aurora, enhanced
Transit Service in the Region, projection of 4 to 5 more years of construction
on various regional roads, The Town of Aurora will be asked to provide input
towards a 30 year master transportation plan. Aurora resident Bob Callow
was appointed as vice-chair of the Police Services Board. York Region has
passed a resolution to declaring the Region a "Character Community" and the
Mayor thanked the Town's CAO, Director of Planning, Youth Co-ordinator,
Chief By-law Officer, and several residents from Aurora who attended
sessions on character, for their participation in this activity.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 9
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
X OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
The Mayor advised that a serious fire was currently taking place in the
Wellington Street and Murray Street area and he advised that the newly
amalgamated York Region Central Fire Services were on the scene and
crews were able to keep the blaze contained to two units. He advised that the
fire marshal commended the fire fighters for their incredibly fast response
time and their efficient handling of this potentially disastrous incident.
Councillor Wallace, who had been at the site of the fire, provided a further
and more involved report on the magnitude of the situation and also
commented on what an impressive and commendable job that the Central
Fire Services Department was doing out there.
Councillor Kean requested follow up from the December 11th Council meeting
recommending that staff be requested to report further on the results of the
additional sewer samples taken as a result of the Gartner Lee Report. The
Director of Works advised that the results only just arrived and would be
provided to Councillor Kean at staff's earliest convenience.
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the York Region Board of Education be requested to defer any
decision in regard to the Elementary School Boundary Changes for
one year;
THAT the Board be requested to meet with all concerned parties with a
view to finding an acceptable solution; and
THAT the Town of Aurora offer any resources available to assist in this
matter.
On a recorded vote, the resolution was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor MacEachern advised of the receipt of a letter from the Town
Solicitor indicating that the Gartner Lee Report is now ready, and requested
that a copy of this report be forwarded to the Environment Canada to keep
them informed of the situation.
Councillor MacEachern informed of a memo from the Clerk regarding Aurora
Hydro Connections Ltd. advising that their meetings will be closed to the
public and inquired if this is standard business practice. The Solicitor advised
that said company is a private corporation and the Business Corporations Act.
requires that the meetings be held closed.
Councillor Pedersen advised that she had recently attended an open house
for Habitat for Humanity and inquired about interest in developing a habitat in
the Town of Aurora. The Mayor advised that a Habitat for Humanity meeting
will be held within the next month in the Town of Aurora Council Chambers.
Councillor West requested that staff investigate possible options for adjusting
the traffic lights on Wellington Street at Magna Drive suggesting that they be
adjusted or possibly switched to flashing amber past the hour of 11:00 p.m. to
allow traffic to flow more easily during the off-work times.
Councillor West advised that the Salvation Army Kettle Drive raised over
$15,000 and extended thanks to all those who helped and a special thanks to
those who donated.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 02-02 Page 10
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
XI READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings,
and enacted:
4331-02.T BEING A BY-LAW to
amend By-law 4269-
01.T with respect to
restricting turning
movements on Yonge
Street within the Town
of Aurora
4329-02.T BEING A BY-LAW to
amend By-law 4326-
01.T to designate and
erect stop signs at the
intersection of
Kennedy Street West
and George Street.
CARRIED
XII IN CAMERA
Legal Matters
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor West
THAT this Council proceed In Camera to address legal matters.
CARRIED
XIII ADJOURNMEN
Moved by Councillor Griffith
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK