MINUTES - Council - 20051108
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 05-36
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, November 8, 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 Leisure Services,
Director of Planning, Director of Public Works,
Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, Town
Solicitor and Council/Committee Secretary.
Following Open Forum the Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Vrancic declared an interest in the In-Camera Item of November 1,
2005 and Item 8 – Report PL05-097 – Zoning By-law Amendment Applications –
Paula Bell, 15 Mosley Street, by virtue of solicitor-client relationships and did not
take part in or vote on any questions relating to these matters or attempt in any
way to influence the voting on such questions.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department, with the following additional items, be approved:
Correspondence from Ms Gayle Whitehead, Manager of
Community Programs and Children’s Services
Re: Swim to Survive
By-law 4715-05.D with Revised Schedule A
Delegation Request from Ms Rebecca Beaton
Re: Item 11 - TR05-031 – Aurora Hydro Connections Sale
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 2 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of October 25, 2005, Meeting Number 05-34 and Special
Council – Public Planning Minutes of October 26, 2005, Meeting Number
05-35
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the Council Minutes of October 25, 2005, Meeting Number 05-34
and the Special Council – Public Planning Minutes of October 26, 2005,
Meeting Number 05-35 be adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
IV PRESENTATIONS
(a) Presentation by Mr. Wayne Jackson, Director of Public Works
to Ms Ruth Beaton, Permit Information Officer and
Mr. David Atkins, Manager of Engineering Services
Re: Successful Completion of the Masters Certificate in
Municipal Management
Mr. Wayne Jackson, the Director of Public Works, congratulated Ms Ruth
Beaton, Permit Information Officer for the Building Department, and Mr. David
Atkins, Manager of Engineering Services for the Public Works Department, on
their successful completion of the Masters Certificate in Municipal Management
from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Mr. Jackson advised
that the Schulich School of Business is a world class business school, ranked
15th in the world ahead of Chicago, Harvard and Stanford, and that the areas
which were studied included: essential skills for Municipal Managers, operational
excellence and public sector advancements. Dr. Wesley Cragg, Professor at the
Schulich School of Business was in attendance and helped Mayor Jones present
Ms Beaton and Mr. Atkins with their certificates.
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2(4), 2(11), 2(13), 2(14), 2(15), 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 were 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:
4. ACCESS05-07 – October 27, 2005 Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting
THAT the No Quorum Record of the October 27, 2005 Accessibility
Advisory Committee Meeting be received.
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 3 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
9. PL05-106 – 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 61 units of residential servicing be allocated to Aurora Heights
Development Inc. (15450) Yonge Street.
CARRIED
VII DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Greg Baxter, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)
Re: Item 1 – TR05-030 – 2005 Property Assessment Data for the 2006
Property Taxation Year
Mr. Greg Baxter addressed Council to outline and clarify the assessment process
by reviewing what items are assessable, the factors that are used in the process,
and procedures that are in place so that each property does not require an in-
person visit. Mr. Baxter also indicated that, since property owners are requesting
more information on how properties are assessed, additional information
comparing the previous year’s assessment to this year’s assessment will be
provided on the new notices, which will be mailed on November 10, 2005 for
Aurora. Also, Mr. Baxter indicated that property owners would like the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation to be more approachable and accessible,
therefore the office, which is located at 45 Vogell Road in Richmond Hill, will be
extending their hours of operation during the weeks of November 14 – 25, 2005
from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. As well, the following contact information will be
provided on the notices: phone: 1-866-296-MPAC; fax: 1-866-297-6703; email:
enquiry@mpac.ca; and website: www.mpac.ca. Mr. Baxter advised that a
Request for Reconsideration can be filed by a resident, free of charge, by
December 31, 2006, should they not agree with their assessment and a Notice of
Complaint can be filed until March 31, 2006 for a fee of $75 for residents and
$150 for commercial, industrial and multi-residential.
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the presentation by the delegate be received and that Item 1 be
brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
1. TR05-030 – 2005 Property Assessment Data for the 2006 Property Taxation
Year
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT Report TR05-030 regarding 2005 Property Assessment Data for the
2006 Property Taxation Year be received for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 4 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
(b) Mr. L. John Gutteridge, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Budget Process
Mr. John Gutteridge, the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer addressed
Council to provide an overview of the budget process. Mr. Gutteridge outlined, in
detail, the 3 step process, which includes 1) Business Plans 2) Capital Budget
and 3) Operating Budget. Mr. Gutteridge suggested the following schedule in an
attempt to adopt the 2006 Budget by the end of 2005:
November 22, 2005 Draft Budget to Council
November 24, 2005 Budget Deliberations
November 28, 2005 Budget Deliberations
December 5, 2005 Budget Deliberations
December 20, 2005 Adoption of Budget at a Special Council Meeting
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
(c) Mr. John Rogers, CAO
Re: Item 10 – Civic Administration
Mr. John Rogers, CAO addressed Council to provide an overview of the
suggested re-organization of the Civic Administration by reviewing the proposed
organizational charts. Mr. Rogers indicated that the position of the new staff
member responsible for the Town of Aurora website will have the title of “Web
and Communications Specialist”. As well, Mr. Rogers indicated that the
Communications Division would be titled “Marketing and Corporate
Communications”.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the presentation be received for information and that Item 10 be
brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
10. ADM05 -021 – Civic Administration - Revised
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
1. THAT the existing Treasury Department be formally re-titled the Financial
Services Department; and
2. THAT the approved position of Financial Analyst be retitled Financial
Analyst/Budget Supervisor; and
3. THAT the Financial Services Department (Financial Analyst/Budget
Supervisor) assume the responsibility for the supervision of the Budget
Co-ordinators of the Leisure Services Department and the Public Works
Department, as their duties relate to the administration, development and
reporting of the annual operational and capital budgets for those
Departments; for all other duties of these pooled positions, their current
reporting relationship with their existing Departments remains unchanged;
and
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 5 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
4. THAT the Municipal Information Systems (MIS) section of the existing
Treasury Department be transferred to the operational jurisdiction of the
Corporate Services Department; and
5. THAT the re-structured administrative organization of the Financial
Services Department be as outlined on the attached Financial Services
Department- Organization Chart (Appendix A of report ADM05-021); and
6. THAT the Communication/Marketing Section of the existing Corporate
Services Department be transferred to the operational jurisdiction of the
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; and
7. THAT effective immediately all real estate matters and property valuation
(including cash-in-lieu) matters be transferred from all other Departments
and Divisions of the Administration to the Legal Division of the Office of
the Chief Administrative Officer; and
8. THAT at the earliest possible opportunity the resources of the Legal
Division be strengthened with the addition of a junior Solicitor to the
complement of the Office of the Town Solicitor; and
9. THAT the Senior Management Team be recognized as comprising of the
Chief Administrative Officer ( Chair ), all Department Heads, the Town
Solicitor and the Economic Development Officer; and
10. THAT the re-structured administrative organization of the Civic
Administration be adopted as outlined on the attached Civic Administrative
– Organization Chart (Appendix B of report ADM05-021) to take effect on
January 1, 2006.
CARRIED
(c) Ms Rebecca Beaton, Resident
Re: Item 11 – TR05-031 – Aurora Hydro Connections Sale
Ms Beaton addressed Council to advise that the following clauses from the
motions that were passed at the June 28, 2005 Council meeting have not been
addressed in report TR05-031:
6. THAT existing Reserve Fund balances as at December 31, 2004
contained in Schedule A attached to this report be left intact until a full
examination of such Reserve Funds has been undertaken in conjunction
with the Consolidated Asset Management Review and a subsequent
report on the nature, scope and adequacy of these funds have been
reviewed by Council in September 2005. It should be noted that Reserve
Fund Balances can only be spent, allocated or re-assigned for the express
purpose that the specific Reserve Fund was created for.
9. THAT clause #9 in report TR05-025 be referred back to staff for a report to
incorporate Council’s comments and provide timelines regarding the use
of funds.
Ms Beaton inquired as to whether the above information would be available prior
to the 2006 budget approval, to which the Mayor responded that it would be.
Ms Beaton inquired as to whether the entire offer of purchase and sale for Aurora
Hydro would be made available to the public, to which the CAO responded that,
subject to legal and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
Act review, it would be made available for public viewing.
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 6 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the comments of the delegate be received, and that the requests of
the delegate be responded to and that Item 11 be brought forward for
discussion.
CARRIED
11. TR05-031 – Aurora Hydro Connections Sale
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT Council request the Director of Financial Services to bring back a
report to a future General Committee meeting, within the next 3 months,
with proposals to consider for the investment of the funds from the sale of
Aurora Hydro, with a view of investing in a long term 5 – 10 year plan.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it
was:
Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT staff bring forward a report, to the December 6, 2005 General
Committee meeting, that provides a plan outlining milestones and
deliverables.
CARRIED
On a recorded vote, the main motion as amended was CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEA: Councillors Gaertner, Hogg, Kean, Morris, Vrancic, Wallace and
West
VOTING NAY: Councillor Buck and Mayor Jones
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
2. General Committee Meeting Report No. 05-22, Tuesday, November 1, 2005
(4) Correspondence from the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Council
Re: Proposal to establish the Greater Toronto Atmospheric Fund (GTAF)
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT correspondence be received as information; and
THAT the matter be referred to the Environmental Advisory Committee.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 7 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
(13) Memo from the CAO’s Office
Re: In-Camera Assembly to Discuss Naming Rights of the New Recreation
Complex
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT, in accordance with Council’s direction, an In-Camera Assembly be
held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at 6:00 p.m., to discuss naming
rights for the New Recreation Complex.
CARRIED
(14) PL05-104 – Prehearing Conference of the Ontario Municipal Board
Respecting Appeals to OPA #17 & ROPA #3 Regarding the
Delineation of the Town’s Urban Settlement Area
OMB Case PL980166, OMB File No. 0980052
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Director of Planning request clarification from the Region of any
outstanding compliance requirements supporting the incorporation of Area
2C within the urban boundaries of the Town by Regional Official Plan
Amendment and the details of any outstanding requirements and that Staff
be authorized to take such action and proceed as required to achieve
compliance therewith; and
THAT the Director of Planning report back to Council on the foregoing,
forthwith following the final report of the Area 2C Natural Features Study
or by the end of March, 2006, whichever is the earlier.
DEFEATED
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the Director of Planning request clarification from the Region of any
outstanding compliance requirements supporting the incorporation of Area
2C within the urban boundaries of the Town by Regional Official Plan
Amendment and the details of any outstanding requirements and that Staff
be authorized to take such action and proceed as required to achieve
compliance therewith; and
THAT the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Planning convene a
meeting with representatives of the appellants and parties respecting
outstanding appeals/referrals to Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 3
and Town of Aurora Official Plan Amendment No. 17 with a view to
narrowing or eliminating matters before the Ontario Municipal Board for
disposition; and
THAT the Director of Planning report back to Council on the foregoing,
forthwith following the final report of the Area 2C Natural Features Study
or by the end of March, 2006, whichever is the earlier.
CARRIED
(11) Notice of Written Proceeding - York Region Electrical Supply
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Council support the location of the transformer station at the
Holland junction; and
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 8 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
THAT staff be authorized to take the appropriate steps to proceed as
deemed necessary.
CARRIED
(15) ADM05-020 – Terms of Reference/Audit Committee
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the General Committee remain as the Audit Committee and that the
Terms of Reference of the Finance Advisory Committee not be amended.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 05-
22 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
adopted.
CARRIED
3. LSAC05-09 – October 13, 2005 Leisure Services Advisory Committee
Meeting
(2) Arboretum Master Plan
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the matter be referred back to the Leisure Services Advisory
Committee for clarification regarding the overall concept and funding of
the plan.
CARRIED
(7) Report LS05-055 – Youth Action Sub-Committee Recruitment 2005/2006
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the Leisure Services Advisory Committee appoint the following
youth members to sit on the Youth Action Sub-Committee for the
2005/2006 school year:
Britney Bartlet, Cardinal Carter C.H.S.
Charles Ho, St. Andrew’s College
Tony Lau, St. Andrew’s College
Bryan Lin, St. Andrew’s College
Trevor Smith, Northern Lights P.S.
Lori Scriven, Dr. G.W. Williams S.S.
Michael Taylor, Unionville H.S.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the meeting be extended past 10:30 p.m. in order to address the
remaining items on the agenda.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 9 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
(8) Special Events Sub-Committee
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the proposal to light up the trees at the Cenotaph not be pursued.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT, Ms Rebecca Beaton be appointed to fill one of the two vacancies
on the Special Events Sub-Committee.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Wallace
1. THAT the balance of Committee Record of the Leisure Services Advisory
Committee meeting, held on October 13, 2005, be received for information
and Council endorse the following recommendations of the Leisure
Services Advisory Committee:
3. Review of Community Survey
THAT the review of the Community Survey be deferred to the next Leisure
Services Advisory Committee meeting.
4. Survey of Interest in Special Events Membership
THAT the Survey of Interest in Special Events Membership be received for
information.
5. Aurora Minor Ball Space
THAT the Aurora Minor Ball Association report be received for information.
6. Crescent Brook Farms Child Care
THAT the York Region Neighbourhood Services Inc. report be received
for information.
8. Special Events Sub-Committee
THAT Ms Ware check the viability of incorporating a waiver into the float
registration process for this year’s parade.
CARRIED
5. Memo from the Director of Corporate Services
Re: Bill 123, Transparency in Public Matters Act, 2005
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT Bill 123, Transparency in Public Matters Act, 2005 be endorsed in
principle.
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 10 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Point of Order by Councillor Buck
THAT Notice of Motion was not given to endorse Bill 123.
The Chair recognized and supported the Point of Order.
An appeal to the Chair’s ruling was filed by Councillor Vrancic stating that
a Notice of Motion was not required because all of the information was
provided in the agenda.
A vote on the Point of Order was taken by Members of Council and the
Point of Order was DEFEATED.
The original motion was WITHDRAWN and a new motion was presented:
Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the matter be referred to the next Council meeting.
CARRIED
6. Memo from Councillor West
Re: Council Attendance - Minutes
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
1. THAT the minutes report members in attendance after the meeting
has been called to order as “present”, and those members not
present as “absent”; and
2. THAT arrival and departure times be recorded for Council Members
who arrive after the meeting has been called to order and for those
members who leave before the adjournment of the meeting; and
3. THAT, for all committees of Council, Councillors and citizens be
recorded in the same way.
CARRIED
7. Resolution from Councillor Buck Regarding Notice of Motion
Re: Child Care for Town Employees
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT this matter be referred to the next Council meeting.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 11 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Councillor Vrancic, having previously declared an interest in Item 8, 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.
8. PL05-097 – Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Paula Bell, 15 Mosley Street, Pt Lot 1, R.P. 68
File D14-14-05
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT Council receive, as information, the following overview of Zoning
By-law Amendment Application D14-14-05, and schedule the application
for December 13th, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regular scheduled
Council meeting.
CARRIED
Correspondence from Ms Gayle Whitehead, Manager of Community Programs
and Children’s Services
Re: Swim to Survive
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the matter be referred to the Director of Leisure Services for a
report outlining a policy for these types of requests.
CARRIED
IX REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Jones indicated that there are a number of items pertaining to the
Regional Report and that he would leave the press release in the Councillors’
Lounge for perusal by the Councillors.
Highlights from Regional Council meetings are posted on their website at
www.region.york.on.ca under “Council Highlights”.
X OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Mayor Jones handed out a book to all Councillors titled “Building Character: A
Community’s Success Story”.
Councillor Kean inquired as to whether our rinks would be getting defibrillators, to
which the Director of Leisure Services responded that staff are actively working
on obtaining 2 free defibrillators and that the majority of the funds that have been
allocated for the defibrillators will be put towards training, hook-up to 911 and
maintenance.
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the Director of Leisure Services bring a report to General
Committee regarding defibrillators in Town facilities.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 12 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Councillor Kean inquired about the power outages in town, particularly on
Connaught Avenue to which Mayor Jones responded that he spoke to Power
Stream who are investigating the problem, which they believe may be caused by
branches hitting the power lines. The Director of Public Works was asked to
follow up on the issue.
Councillor Buck advised that Ms Jacqueline Stewart, who has been the curator at
the Aurora Museum for approximately 30 years, is resigning and requested that
she be invited to a Council meeting to thank her for her many years of service.
Councillor Gaertner thanked Mr. David Tomlinson and all of his volunteers for
planting 10,000 acorn trees at the new Recreation Complex.
Councillor Gaertner requested that Councillors keep the pages of the agenda
dealing with Bill 123 so that they need not be reproduced again.
Councillor Gaertner provide Notice of Motion with respect to a Committee of
Adjustment decision.
Councillor Morris inquired as to whether the letter from the Director of Public
Works to Mr. Ed Harvey regarding the issue of a remedial action plan for 50
Industrial Parkway South, as well as Earth Tech’s findings about exceeding
contamination levels, will be coming onto a future agenda, to which the Mayor
requested that it be brought to the next General Committee meeting.
Councillor Morris thanked Mr. David Tomlinson and all those involved in the
planting of 10,000 acorn trees and suggested to the Director of Leisure Services
that some type of a snow fence be erected in order to protect them throughout
the winter.
Councillor West addressed the funnel design in the road at the end of George
Street at Wellington Street West, and the traffic congestion that it causes due to
the school, nursing home, two condominiums and an apartment building that are
on George Street.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT George Street at Wellington Street West be reconstructed to a
traditional intersection design.
DEFEATED
XI READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4715-05.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend
By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning
By-law of the Town of Aurora.
(Part of Lot 21, Con 2,
E.Y.S., 65M-3850, 65M-3851
& 65M-3852, D14-15-05)
Council Meeting No. 05-36 Page 13 of 13
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
4719-05.T BEING A BY-LAW to
amend Parking and Traffic
By-law 4574-04.T as
amended, with respect to
turning movements on
Murray Drive
4720.05.C BEING A BY-LAW to
Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting From Meeting 05-36
on November 8, 2005.
CARRIED
XII IN-CAMERA
None
XIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Hogg
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
CARRIED
________________________________ _____________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK