MINUTES - Council - 20041012
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 04-32
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Gaertner,
Hogg, Kean, Morris, Vrancic, Wallace and West.
MEMBERS ABSENT None.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Public Works, Treasurer, Town Solicitor and
Council/Committee Secretary.
Following Open Forum the Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented, with the following additional items:
Revised list of Arts and Cultural Fund Grant Recipients
Delegation request from Denis Poncelet
Resident of 67 Ochalski Road, Aurora
Re: Hydro One Transmission Lines
Delegation request from a STOP committee member
Re: EMFs and a 6 minute video from Dr. Magda Havas
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 2 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of September 28, 2004, Meeting Number 04-30 and Special
Council - Public Planning Minutes of September 29, 2004, Meeting Number
04-31
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the Council Minutes from Meeting Number 04-30 and Special
Council – Public Planning Minutes from Meeting Number 04-31 be
adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
IV PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of Grants by Mr. Joe Lebovic and Ms Shauna Tepperman
Presenting Grants from the Arts and Culture Fund
Mayor Jones introduced Ms Shauna Tepperman and Mr. Joe Lebovic, who were
in attendance to present the grants from the Arts and Culture Fund to the
following organizations:
The following awards were presented by Mr. Lebovic:
Aurora Nursery School – Tony Robertson and Chad Stewart advised that the
grant will be put towards paying for some of the repairs which were necessary
after the school experienced major damage from flooding during the summer,
as well as music programs for the children.
Aurora Seniors’ Book Club - Flo Murray advised that the grant will be used to
assist with the purchasing of new books and to advertise the club in local
newspapers.
Aurora Seniors’ Art Club - Dorothy Clark-McClure & Mary MacIntosh, advised
that the grant will be put towards the continued upkeep of the Clubs library
and archives and also towards paying for visits from guest artists and trips to
local galleries.
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School – Penny Sedore advised that the grant
will be put towards bow ties and cummerbunds for the participants of the
school’s music programs to wear during performances and competitions.
Marquee Productions - Sheryl Amirault advised that the grant will be put
towards the kids programs and the purchase of a VCR to assist with lessons
by allowing students to view their own performances and perfect their
techniques.
The RBC Scottish Dance Club - Jeannette Todd advised that the funds will
put towards the purchase of new tartan sashes for the dancers to wear during
their performances.
Kyla Campo, an 11 year old student at Holy Spirit, advised that she wrote a
story to help children understand what it is like to have a learning disability,
called “I’m Not Stupid at All”. Miss Campo advised that with the grant, her
story will be printed in booklet form and will be made available at the Aurora
Public Library and in her School Library.
Mr. Lebovic advised that it is always an enriching experience to hear from the
creative people who receive these grants. He advised that this year’s speakers
were so inspiring, that he has decided to double the amount of money to be
granted from his part of the Arts and Culture Fund starting next year.
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 3 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
The following awards were presented by Ms Tepperman:
Aurora Aerials Competitive Dance Group - Carolyn Hamill-Best advised that
the grant will be put towards their Tap Funding Program, which provides for
visits from guest instructors, attendance at conventions and participation in
local and regional opportunities.
Aurora Agricultural Fair and Horse Show - Mr. Andy McPhearson advised that
the grant will be put towards the Festival of Arts and various craft and art
displays to be held at the Aurora Fair.
Aurora Family Connections - Rosemary Park advised that the grant will be
used to help pay for the recently held Children’s and Youth Fair, which was a
great success for a first time venture.
Aurora Opera Company - Elizabeth Penwright advised that the grant will be
put towards the Aurora Opera Company’s Scholarship Program.
Factory Theatre - Anne Currie-O'Brien advised that the grant will be used to
upgrade their sound equipment and their website.
Ms Tepperman advised that her father started this fund, and his vision has truly
been realized. Ms Tepperman advised that Aurora is a creative community and
that she is proud to be a part of it, through this special program.
Mayor Jones thanked Ms Tepperman and Mr. Lebovic, on behalf of the Town
and recognized the tremendous contributions they have given to the Arts
Community within the Town of Aurora.
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Item 4 was identified for discussion.
VI ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
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. Minutes from the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee
Meeting, Wednesday, September 8, 2004
THAT the Minutes from the Central York Fire Services Joint Council
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 8, 2004, be received for
information.
2. Resolution from the Town of Markham
Re: Hydro One – Bill 100 (13.8)
THAT the resolution from the Town of Markham regarding Hydro One –
Bill 100 (13.8) be endorsed.
3. Resolution from the Town of Markham
Re: Hydro One Update (13.8)
THAT the resolution from the Town of Markham regarding the Hydro One
Update be endorsed.
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 4 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
5. PL04-113 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Lot 65, Plan 246, 14996 Yonge Street
File D14-11-04
THAT Council receive as information, the following overview of the Zoning
By-law Amendment Application submitted by Brian Moore (File: D14-11-
04), scheduled for the November 24th, 2004 Public Planning Meeting.
6. PL04-114 – Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendment
Amourin Investments Limited & J-G Cordone Investments Limited
Lots 123, 124, 125, 127 and Part of 122, Plan 246
15277, 15283 & 15291 Yonge Street and 10, 12 & 14 Centre Street
Files D09-03-97 & D14-16-97
THAT staff report PL04-114 be received as information with respect to the
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications made by
Amourin Investment Limited and J-G Cordone Investments Limited (Files:
D09-03-97 and D14-16-97), scheduled for the November 24, 2004 Public
Planning Meeting.
CARRIED
VII DELEGATIONS
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the provisions of the Procedural By-law be waived, and the
delegation request submitted by the STOP committee be permitted to
continue past the time limit of 5 minutes, to allow for the viewing of a 6
minute video of Dr. Magda Havas speaking on EMFs.
CARRIED
Delegation Request from Denis Poncelet, Resident of 67 Ochalski Road
Re: Hydro One Transmission Lines (Added Item)
Mr. Denis Poncelet spoke on behalf of the STOP Committee (Stop Transmission-
lines Over People) to advise that the Committee fully supports the
recommendations submitted by the Town of Markham (Items 2 and 3), and
thanked Council for supporting these directives. Mr. Poncelet advised that Hydro
One has announced their preferred method for the installation of new
transmission lines to increase the electricity capacity for York Region, and that
the STOP Committee is against this chosen method. Mr. Poncelet went on to
advise that Hydro One is planning to hold off on initiating this plan until
responses have been provided by the Region of York and local hydro distribution
companies. Mr. Poncelet recommended that Aurora Hydro should re-evaluate
their projected demand estimates, taking into consideration recent provincial
direction to cut back on energy use and the effect of the Oak Ridges Moraine on
projected growth patterns within York Region.
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 5 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Delegation Request from a STOP Committee Member
Re: EMFs and a 6 Minute Video from Dr. Magda Havas (Added Item)
A video tape was shown to Council, of Dr. Magda Havas B.Sc., Ph.D., an
Associate Professor of Environmental and Resource Studies at Trent University,
speaking about the effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) on people.
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the video presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
4. Memo from Councillor Phyllis Morris
Re: Council Pending List
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the current pending items list be made available as follows:
1) Entered into the public record on the General Committee agenda,
similar to the Planning pending list (with any action updates duly
noted); and
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor West
2) Accessible to the public and media in hard copy at the Town Hall
and Library; posted on the Town’s website and forwarded in
electronic format, if requested.
CARRIED
IX REGIONAL REPORT
No report was provided.
X OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor Vrancic inquired as to the status of an information request pertaining
to a financial breakdown of costs associated with the new Recreation Complex.
Councillor Vrancic advised that this request was submitted several times by Mr.
Wilson who spoke in Open Forum this evening, advising that his request has not
yet been addressed.
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT a report be provided which outlines a full financial update on the
new Seniors’ Centre and Recreation Complex; and
THAT a brief/concise format, preferably a single page per facility, also be
prepared for distribution purposes.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 6 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Councillor Gaertner extended her congratulations to Councillor Kean for the
tremendous success of this year’s Farmers’ Market.
Councillor Kean advised that this year’s Farmers’ Market enjoyed the best
attendance so far in the history of the event. Councillor Kean also advised that
the organizers of the Farmer’s Market raised 250 lbs of food and a sizeable cash
donation for the Aurora Food Pantry, and he thanked all parties involved, for their
efforts and contributions.
Councillor Morris inquired as to whether EMF readings have been measured
along the Hydro Corridor anywhere in Aurora, and requested that staff provide
information on this. The CAO advised that he will endeavour to find out if
readings have been taken and will provide that information when available.
Councillor West advised that he has received several calls from residents
regarding the parking situation at the Aurora GO Station, advising that due to
overcrowding of the parking lot many vehicles are being forced to park nearby
and are receiving tickets. Councillor West suggested that staff explore the
feasibility of allowing GO Transit users to park in the Sheppard’s Bush parking
area which is a short walk away from the station, as this lot is generally not used
during business hours on weekdays.
Councillor Buck advised that, in response to her request for a list of all “saleable
Town owned properties”, staff provided her with a list of all Town owned
properties. Councillor Buck advised that this was more information than she
needed, and again requested that staff provide a list of all Town lands that may
be considered as saleable properties.
Councillor Morris inquired as to whether there will be an updated list of growth
projections pertaining to the future hydro demand in Aurora. The Director of
Planning advised that the 5 Year Official Plan Review which was done last year
contains the growth projections which also takes into account the Oak Ridges
Moraine and other pertinent factors, which are unchanged.
XI READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4595-04.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking
By-law 4574-04.T to designate and
erect stop signs at the intersection of
McLeod Drive and Murdock Avenue.
4596-04.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking
By-law 4574-04.T as amended, with
respect to parking on Pinnacle Trail.
4597-04.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking
By-law 4574-04.T as amended, with
respect to parking on McLeod Drive.
4601.04.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by
Council resulting from the meeting of
October 12, 2004.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 04-32 Page 7 of 7
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
XII IN CAMERA
Legal Matter
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT Council proceed In Camera to address a legal matter.
CARRIED
XIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Kean
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK