MINUTES - Council - 20050816
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 05-27
Holland Room
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
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, Deputy Treasurer and
Council/Committee Secretary.
Following Open Forum the Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Gaertner declared an interest in Item 1 – July 14, 2005 Leisure
Services Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, by virtue of an affiliation with Hot
Spot, 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.
Councillor Vrancic declared an interest in Item 1 – July 14, 2005 Leisure Services
Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, by virtue of a client/solicitor 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 West Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department, with the following additional items, be approved:
Delegation Request from Mr. Al Wilson
Re: Item 11 - TR05-024 – 2005 Financial Review as at June 30, 2005
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – July 19, 2005
By-law 4695-05.H – Being a by-law to appoint a Treasurer
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 2 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Special Council Minutes of June 22, 2005, Meeting Number 05-22, Revised
Council Minutes of July 12, 2005, Meeting Number 05-25 and Special
Council Minutes of July 21, 2005, Meeting Number 05-26
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Special Council Minutes from Meeting Number 05-22, the
revised Council Minutes from Meeting Number 05-25 and the Special
Council Minutes from Meeting Number 05-26 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
IV PRESENTATIONS
None
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 18 were identified for discussion.
VI ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
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. Memo from Councillor West
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s Report Regarding
Tree Planting
THAT Council receive for information, the report regarding tree planting
from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.
4. Correspondence from the City of Vaughan
Re: City of Toronto Act – GTA Pooling
THAT Council receive and endorse the following resolution from the City
of Vaughan:
WHEREAS the City of Toronto has requested the Province of
Ontario amend the City of Toronto Act;
WHEREAS the City of Toronto is requesting that the Province
provide the City with more authority and autonomy to address local
issues;
WHEREAS the City of Toronto is requesting greater authority with
respect to generating revenues;
WHEREAS GTA municipalities have previously requested that the
requirement for GTA municipalities to send locally collected tax
dollars to assist the City of Toronto (“GTA Pooling”) be
discontinued;
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 3 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
WHEREAS the province has indicated that they will be introducing
new legislation to address Toronto’s concerns this fall;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT GTA Pooling be discontinued and Toronto be provided the
necessary authority to address their funding issues within the City
of Toronto;
THAT this resolution be circulated to Dalton McGuinty, Premier of
Ontario, the Hon. John Gerrestsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Housing, the Hon. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, MPPs
within the GTA, municipalities within the GTA and the City of
Toronto.
6. BA05-008 – Variance to Sign By-law 4622-04.P – Sleep Better Mattress
Company – 446 Hollandview Trail
THAT Council grant the variance to permit approximately 14.5 square
metres of signage at 446 Hollandview Trail so as to allow Sleep Better to
incorporate lifestyle images into the proposed signage.
10. PW05-023 – Region of York Noise Policy Update
THAT Report No. PW05-023 dealing with the Region of York Noise Policy
Update be received by Council; and
THAT the Region of York be informed the Town of Aurora supports the
Region of York Noise Policy Update; and
THAT Report No. PW05-023 entitled “Region of York Noise Policy
Update” be forwarded to the Region of York as input to the finalization of
their new Noise Policy.
13. PL05-071 – Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
David LeGallais, 154 Wellington Street East
File D14-05-05
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Zoning By-
law Amendment Application D14-05-05, and schedule the application for
the September 28th, 2005 Public Planning Meeting.
14. PL05-072 – Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Gathering Place of Aurora, 210 Edward Street
File D14-07-05
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Zoning By-
law Amendment Application D14-07-05, and schedule the application for
the September 28th, 2005 Public Planning Meeting.
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 4 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
15. PL05-073 – Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Richard Allen and Associates Ltd., 15032 Yonge Street
Pt Lots 39 and 40, Plan 39
File D14-09-05
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Zoning By-
law Amendment Application D14-09-05, and schedule the application for
the September 28th, 2005 Public Planning Meeting.
16. PL05-075 – Application to Amend the Zoning By-law and Application for
Site Plan Approval
Aurora Heights Development Inc., 15450 Yonge Street
Part of Lot 3 and Part of Block B of Registered Plan 246
Files D14-08-02 and D11-01-05
THAT Report PL05-075 be received as information and that, subject to the
resolution of all outstanding issues and the submission of all fees and
securities, Council authorize the Director of Planning and Development
Services to execute a Site Plan Agreement between Aurora Heights
Development Inc. and the Town of Aurora to permit the construction of a
five storey residential condominium building with ground floor retail uses
on the subject property; and
THAT Council enact implementing Zoning By-law 4676-05.D.
17. PL05-076 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application – Temporary Use
La Maison Montessori School (Vic Priestly Demolition)
669 Wellington Street East
Part of Lot 80, Concession 1, E.Y.S.
File D14-10-05
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of an
Application to Amend the Zoning By-law (File D14-10-05), and schedule
the Public Planning Meeting for September 28th, 2005.
CARRIED
VII DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. James Johnston, Zip Signs Ltd.
Re: Item 7 – Variance to Sign By-law 4622-04.P
Bank of Montreal – 15252 Yonge Street
Mr. James Johnston addressed Council to request a variance to the Sign By-law
in order to allow the Bank of Montreal, in keeping with a re-branding program, to
have additional cladding installed around the previously approved pole sign at
the north-west corner of Wellington Street and Yonge Street. Mr. Johnston
suggested that the sign is sufficiently set back from the road and therefore, it
would not obstruct any sightlines.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 5 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
(b) Mr. Wayne Ramsay, Zip Signs Ltd.
Re: Item 7 – Variance to Sign By-law 4622-04.P
Bank of Montreal – 15252 Yonge Street
Mr. Wayne Ramsay addressed Council to explain that the proposed ground sign
being requested by the Bank of Montreal is quite thin, and that the only possible
sightline obstruction would be when travelling south on Yonge Street, but that
this sightline is already obstructed by the tree line. Mr. Ramsay indicated that the
bank is set back onto the property, offering a clear view of the north-west corner
of the well controlled intersection at Yonge Street and Wellington Street.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
(c) Mr. Dan O’Kopniak, Bank of Montreal
Re: Item 7 – Variance to Sign By-law 4622-04.P
Bank of Montreal – 15252 Yonge Street
Mr. Dan O’Kopniak addressed Council to explain that the Bank of Montreal had a
substantial budget and a generous timeframe to review the re-branding program,
and that the proposed sign is in keeping with the bank’s new image and unified
approach to branding. Mr. O’Kopniak offered an alternate proposal to the sign,
suggesting that the base could be cut in half on the vertical, thereby removing
any sightline obstruction issues.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 7 be
brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
7. BA05-009 – Variance to Sign By-law 4622-04.P – Bank of Montreal
15252 Yonge Street
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT Council approve the request for a variance to the Sign By-law to
permit the Bank of Montreal to install a new larger pylon sign on the north-
west corner of Yonge Street and Wellington Street.
DEFEATED
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Council permit the Bank of Montreal to install a modified sign
on the north-west corner of Yonge Street and Wellington Street,
whereby only half of the base of the sign on the west side reaches
the ground and the other half of the base on the east side is cut out.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 6 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Mr. Al Wilson, Resident
Re: Item 11 – TR05-024 – 2005 Financial Review as at June 30, 2005
(Added Item)
Mr. Al Wilson addressed Council to request more transparency regarding the
communication of tax bills, to request a policy for managing surplus and, finally,
to express his concerns regarding the semi-annual Treasury report.
Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 11 be
brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
11. TR05-024 – 2005 Financial Review as at June 30, 2005
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Financial Services Report TR05-024, entitled “2005 Financial
Review as at June 30, 2005”, be received for information; and
THAT Staff report back on the over-expenditure of Building
Maintenance and Legal Costs.
CARRIED
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Councillors Gaertner and Vrancic, having previously declared an interest in Item 1, did
not take part in the vote called for in regard to the adoption of this item.
1. LSAC05-07 – July 14, 2005 Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Kean
1. THAT the Committee Record of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee
meeting, held on July 14, 2005, be received for information and Council
endorse the following recommendations of the Leisure Services Advisory
Committee:
2. Review of Community Survey
THAT review of the Community Survey be deferred to the next Leisure
Services Advisory Committee meeting.
3. Evaluation of Submissions of Expressions of Interest on the Lease of
Library Square
THAT the Director of Leisure Services bring an in-camera report to the
first possible General Committee meeting identifying the community
groups that the committee feels should be approached to negotiate a
possible lease for space in Library Square; and
THAT the Director of Leisure Services present the criteria used for
evaluation of the groups, the point totals and the rankings as determined
by the committee for all groups.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 7 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
2. TSAB05-020 – June 8, 2005 Traffic Safety Advisory Board Meeting
Members of Council expressed a concern that the Traffic Safety Advisory Board
meeting did not have a quorum and, therefore, the report should not be accepted
at this time.
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Report TSAB05-020 be referred back to the Traffic Safety
Advisory Board for review by the Committee with a properly
constituted quorum.
CARRIED
5. Correspondence from Councillor Gaertner
Re: The Process for Re-consideration of an Agenda Item
Members of Council deliberated on the memo from Councillor Gaertner and
discussed, in detail, sections of the Procedural By-law relating to the waiving of
the Procedural By-law at the Special Council meeting on July 21, 2005.
The Mayor finally ruled that, in his interpretation, Council did not breach the
Procedural By-law when re-considering Item 1 - PL05-063 – Implementing
Zoning By-law and Site Plan Application - Aasit & Rajendra Amin – 15018 Yonge
Street - Files D14-11-03, D11-09-05.
The ruling was subsequently appealed by some Members of Council and the
Mayor asked for a vote on his ruling, which was supported by a vote of 5 in
favour and 4 against. CARRIED
YEAS: 5 NAYS: 4
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Hogg, Wallace, West and Mayor Jones
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Gaertner, Kean, Morris and Vrancic
8. CS05-022 – Sign By-law
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT this matter be deferred to the next General Committee meeting.
CARRIED
9. CS05-024 – Complaint Handling Procedures – Taxi Drivers
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the report entitled Complaint Handling Procedures – Taxi Drivers be
received for information; and
THAT the Town of Aurora notify the public that procedures are in
place to allow them to file a complaint with the By-law Services
Department at the Town Hall.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 8 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
12. PL05-046 – Minor Site Plan Application Process
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor West
THAT, pursuant to the Town’s Strategic Plan, more minor Industrial,
Commercial and Institutional development applications be reviewed and
processed in an expedited manner through a Minor Site Plan application
process as outlined within Staff Report PL05-046; and
THAT Council endorse the precedent Minor Site Plan agreement
appended to Staff Report PL05-046; and
THAT Staff continue to monitor methods of streamlining Site Plan
applications and report to Council with recommendations for changes to
the review and approval process as may be appropriate.
CARRIED
18. CS05-023 – New Domain Name for Website
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Council select e-aurora.ca as the new domain name for the Town of
Aurora website.
CARRIED
ACCESS05-05 – July 19, 2005 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
1. THAT the Committee Record of the Accessibility Advisory Meeting held on
July 19, 2005 be received for information; and
2. Regional Accessibility Workshop
THAT the notes from the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee
Workshop be received for information; and
3. Town of Aurora, Accessibility Audit of Facilities
THAT staff be authorized to commence the tender process for the
installation of accessible doors at the entrances of the Town Hall and the
Aurora Leisure Complex; and
THAT staff be authorized to prepare specifications and issue a tender for
the retrofitting of the washrooms on the 1st and 2nd floors at the Town Hall
including the construction of a walled entrance to the washrooms on the
1st floor to accommodate accessibility features; and
THAT the Chief Executive Officer of the Aurora Public Library be
requested to attend the next regular meeting of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee to address the issues identified in the facility audit prepared by
Associated Planning Consultants and provide the Committee with an
estimated timeline of resolving the issues; and
THAT staff be authorized to proceed with the remedial action plan for the
Town Hall and Aurora Public Library as prioritized by the Accessibility
Advisory Committee; and
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 9 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
THAT the Director of Corporate Services contact the local newspaper
requesting a correction to the report entitled Legislation Helps Disabled
published in the June 7, 2005 edition of the Auroran.
CARRIED
IX REGIONAL REPORT
No meeting was held, therefore there was no Regional Report.
Highlights from Regional Council meetings are posted on their website at
www.region.york.on.ca under “Council Highlights”.
X OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Due to the concern of some parents whose children play hockey, Councillor
Kean requested an update on the progress of the construction of the new
Recreation Complex. The Director of Leisure Services responded that he
provided a tour today for the Executive of the Aurora Minor Hockey Association
who were very happy with the progress. The Director also advised that the
opening date for the arenas is still scheduled for September 6, 2005. Councillor
Kean questioned patrons’ safety when visiting the building due to the
construction, to which the Director responded that the appropriate areas would
be sectioned off to allow traffic flows into and out of the building within safe
areas.
Councillor West left the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Councillor Hogg requested that staff provide a report to Council with information,
going back about five years, regarding the number of days the town has had
watering bans and the magnitude of these bans. Councillor Hogg also requested
information regarding the number of serviced lots that have been approved by
the Region.
Councillor Morris referred to an article in the local newspaper questioning
whether the new pool is too small for competition, to which the Director of Leisure
Services responded that it would be too small to hold the Commonwealth Games
or International level events, but that no pool in York Region could accommodate
these Games, as they would likely require a 50 metre pool. The Director
indicated that the new pool will accommodate swim meets, but not at the level of
world championships or the Commonwealth Games.
Councillor Morris advised that Aurora will be hosting the Canadian Federation of
Intercultural Friendship on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 from 9:30 a.m. –
11:30 a.m. Councillor Morris indicated that the Mayor will be in attendance and
invited all Members of Council to attend.
Councillor Morris advised that the Ontario Power Authority will have its next
meeting on August 17, 2005. Councillor Morris also advised that on September
14, 2005, the Ontario Power Authority will be presenting their recommendations,
which will be sent to the Ontario Energy Board, and then a public session will
take place on September 21, 2005. Councillor Morris advised that a report would
be presented to Council after September 14th and before September 21st, to
allow for a review of the recommendations in conjunction with the CAO. The
CAO suggested that, in the meantime, it would be important for Council to review
the 27 options provided in the charts prepared by Mr. Ian Munro. The CAO also
clarified that the Ontario Power Authority deliberations have no impact on the
sale of Aurora Hydro to PowerStream and that these delays are, rather,
procedural.
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 10 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Councillor Buck inquired about what policies are in place to regulate the length of
time that financial records are kept, to which the Director of Corporate Services
responded that the Records Retention By-law requires a 7 - 10 year retention
period for financial records, depending on the type of records in question.
Councillor Hogg suggested, based on the technology now available, that this
process should be reviewed.
Councillor Vrancic suggested that, in addition to Councillor Hogg’s comments
regarding the watering bans, the matter should be put on a General Committee
agenda so that a motion can be forwarded to the Region suggesting that
development in the Region should not be so rapid, when there is a watering
issue for those residents already established in the area.
Councillor Vrancic questioned what policies are in place to monitor the erecting
of scaffolding which blocks sidewalks and forces pedestrians to walk on the road.
Councillor Vrancic singled out the scaffolding at Yonge Street and Wellington
Street which should be such that pedestrians can walk underneath, thereby
staying on the sidewalk, and should also be screened.
Councillor Vrancic requested that section 5.13(b) of the Procedural By-law be
examined by the Town Solicitor in order to identify potential inconsistencies with
the By-law.
XII IN-CAMERA
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor
THAT Council proceed In-Camera to address a personnel matter.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT Council reconvene at 10:15 p.m.
CARRIED
Mayor Jones indicated that, among the by-laws to be read, Mr. L. John
Gutteridge will be appointed as the new Treasurer for the Corporation of the
Town of Aurora, effective September 6, 2005.
XI READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4676-05.D BEING A BY-LAW to
amend By-law No.
2213-78, as amended,
being the Zoning By-law of
the Town of Aurora
(File D14-08-02,
15450 Yonge Street)
Council Meeting No. 05-27 Page 11 of 11
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
4695-05.H BEING A BY-LAW to
appoint a Treasurer for the
Corporation of the Town of
Aurora
4694.05.C BEING A BY-LAW to
confirm actions by Council
resulting from the meeting of
August 16, 2005.
CARRIED
XIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Kean
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
CARRIED
_________________________________ ______________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK