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MINUTES - Council - 20061128 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 06-29 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, November 28, 2006 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Gaertner, Hogg and Morris MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Kean, Vrancic, Wallace and West were absent. 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, Director of Financial Services/ Treasurer, Town Solicitor and Council/Committee Secretary. Mayor Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Morris Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  Replacement page 6 – Economic Development Advisory Committee Minutes No. 06-08 – September 20, 2006  Recognition of outgoing Council CARRIED III OPEN FORUM Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg, firstly, commended Council on the creation of Citizen Advisory Committees. Mr. Wehrenberg also suggested that comments made at Open Forum should be formalized within the minutes, and that meetings between Council and residents should be held twice per year in order to learn from each other and apply synergy. Mr. Jim Beesley addressed Council regarding the ACI proposal to install three wind turbines and a shipping container containing a battery installation at 313 - 321 Ridge Road and to request that the Town respect the OMB decision that all parties abide by the decision that the shipping container not be placed until all conditions in the OMB decision have been met. Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 2 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of October 17, 2006, Meeting Number 06-28 Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor THAT the Council Minutes from Meeting Number 06-28 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS (a) Presentations by the Director of Leisure Services The Director of Leisure Services formally acknowledged Jim and Bill Carroll, owners of Canada Pool Ltd., who built the pools at the Aurora Recreation Centre, for winning a gold medal for the Leisure Pool and 8- lane pool in a national competition. The Director of Leisure Services acknowledged MHPM Project Managers, who assisted in defraying some of the costs related to the Aurora Recreation Centre through grants. The Town of Aurora has already received the maximum benefit of a CBIP grant, in the amount of $60,000, and now Mr. Terry Chadwick and Ms Janet Mahood have presented the Town of Aurora with a cheque for $7,389 on behalf of Enbridge Gas for energy efficient design of the facility. Mayor Jones advised that Councillors Vrancic and West were absent due to health reasons, and Councillors Kean and Wallace were absent due to travel. VI DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Item 1(6) was identified for discussion. VII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris 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. ADM06-017 – Gateway Signage THAT Council endorse the location for the new gateway sign at the south east corner of the interchange at Wellington Street East/Aurora Road and Highway 404 as shown as Location #1 on Attachment A. 3. LS06-049 – Amendment to the Agreement for Concession and Snack Food Vending at the New Aurora Recreation Complex THAT Council approve an amendment to the financial requirement of the agreement with Recreation Leisure Services Ltd. to indicate a monthly rental payment of $1,000.00 plus a pro-rated yearly payment of $1,500.00 and/or 5% of snack food and warm beverage vending, whichever is greater. Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 3 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 4. PW06-057 – Award of Tender No. PW-2006-20 - Supply and Delivery of One 2007 Regular Cab, Dual Rear Wheel Dump Truck THAT Tender No. PW-2006-20, for the supply and delivery of one 2007 regular cab, dual rear wheel dump truck be awarded to Alex Irvine Motors, at the tendered price of $65,279.52. 5. PW06-058 – Contract Award of RFP No. PW-2006-78 – Replacement of Fuel Pumps and Fuel Management System THAT Council confirm the award of RFP No. PW2006-78 for the works to replace the existing fuel pumps and fuel management system to Cannington Construction Limited at its proposed price of $80,000.00; and THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and Cannington Construction Limited. 6. PL06-125 – Proposed Change of Street Name from Westlock Crescent to Weslock Crescent THAT the street name of Westlock Crescent being the crescent directly south of Halldorson Avenue, located in the northeast quadrant of Bayview Avenue and Wellington Street East, be changed to Weslock Crescent; and THAT Council enact By-Law 4872-06.D. to affect the said change. 7. CS06-033 – Administration Procedure No. 26 THAT the proposed amendments to Administration Procedure No. 26, Retirement Age and Administration Procedure No. 20, Benefits and Special Leave appended to this report as Appendices #2 and #4, be approved. 8. LS06-050 – Recreation Complex – Sponsorship THAT Council approve the following sponsorship names within the Aurora Recreation Complex; 1. Swim Lane #7 – Neil & Pascale Payne Family, “Andree Payne” ($2,500) 2. Swim Lane #8 – Richard & Karen Rudduck, “Geoffrey Rudduck” ($2,500) 3. Aquatic Pace Clock – Joe Rizzi, “J & S Plumbing” ($2,000) 4. Arena Dressing Room #2 – East Side Mario’s (Jeff Campbell), “T.B.D.” ($5,000); and THAT $12,000.00 be deducted from the fundraising target of $2,000,000.00 in support of these sponsorship donations. 9. Resolution from Mr. Ernie Hardeman, M.P.P. for Oxford, Progressive Conservative Critic for Municipal Affairs THAT Council receive and endorse the following resolution: Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 4 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 WHEREAS the gap between the transfers from the province and the cost of social programs is growing and is now estimated by the Association of Municipalities at over $3 billion; and WHEREAS delays in balancing the cost of delivering services with the ability to pay are resulting in delayed maintenance of infrastructure, reduced municipal services and property tax increases across the province; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in the opinion of the Council of the Town of Aurora, the provincial government’s currently proposed Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review (which will not be completed until February 2008, after the next provincial election) is needlessly drawn out and that a full review to balance the delivery of service with the ability to pay should be completed much more expediently, in order to avoid hitting taxpayers with unsustainable property tax hikes or significant reductions in service. 10. Resolution from the Town of Richmond Hill Re: Development Charges - Legislative Constraints Impacting Ontario Municipalities and Hospitals THAT Council receive and endorse the following resolution from the Town of Richmond Hill: WHEREAS the last update of the Development Charges Act 1997 was nine (9) years ago; AND WHEREAS the current Development Charges Act does not permit the collection of development charges to fund growth related capital costs for the following services which were previously eligible under the old Act;  Cultural facilities such as museums, theatres and art galleries;  Hospitals;  Waste management services and facilities;  Headquarters for municipal administration;  Computer equipment. AND WHEREAS the current Development Charges Act requires a mandatory 10% reduction in the charge for growth related “soft services” such as community centres, libraries and parks; AND WHEREAS the requirement in the current Development Charges Act to collect based on the average service level over the previous ten year period is too restrictive and creates practical calculation and implementation issues; AND WHEREAS the current Development Charges Act does not adequately provide for financial solutions or contributions to meet the challenges of growth that evolve over time (such as transportation through subways and forms of higher order transit); AND WHEREAS the province indicated to the Municipal Finance Officer’s Association of Ontario (MFOA) in August 2005 that a review of the Development Charges Act would commence in the near future; AND WHEREAS the growth related capital costs are significant, growth continues to occur, and growth should pay for growth; Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 5 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Municipal Council of the Town of Richmond Hill as follows: THAT the Council of the Town of Richmond Hill requests the Province of Ontario to immediately commence a consultative process with the municipal and development sectors to revise the Development Charges Act to address the issues noted above, improving the capacity for growth to pay for growth related costs, and other concerns that may be raised by the municipal sector as part of the recently announced Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review process; AND THAT such Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review process conclude with a public final report presented prior to the November 2007 provincial election; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Ministers of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Hou8sing, the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, York Region and the local municipalities of York Region. 11. Correspondence from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Re: Moratorium on Post Office Closures and Rural Delivery THAT Council receive the correspondence from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers for information. CARRIED VIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Morris advised that the Sign By-law would be coming forward in January, and urged that businesses in town obtain a copy for their information. Councillor Morris advised that the town would be participating in Operation Red Nose again this year, which is a program offering free rides home for residents who have been drinking and should not be driving. Councillor Morris advised that those who wish to become involved as volunteers should sign up by December 16, 2006. Councillor Morris requested that staff respond to the comments made by Mr. Beesley in Open Forum and copy the new Council on the response. Councillor Hogg acknowledged the hard work of staff and thanked them for all they have done over the past term to support Council. Councillor Gaertner requested that staff’s response to Mr. Beesley’s comments be brought to the December 12, 2006 General Committee meeting. IX DELEGATIONS (a) Mr. Marc Neeb, Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, Magna International Inc. Re: A Tribute to Mayor Tim Jones Mr. Marc Neeb gave the following tribute to Mayor Tim Jones: “Your Worship, Members of Council, Members of Staff and Residents of Aurora; Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 6 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Because of my unique situation of having been a staff member, resident, businessman and community volunteer in the great Town of Aurora, I was given the honour and the privilege of appearing before you on behalf of the many people here tonight in these Council Chambers and the literally thousands of people who have in some way been touched by Tim Jones during the past 28 years. As we all know, this is Tim’s last Council Meeting sitting in the Mayor’s Chair. Although we are located in the Council Chambers, what I have to say in the next few minutes will have nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with a long and distinguished career dedicated to community service. In essence, it’s really about the measure of a man! Firstly, let’s reflect on 28 years! 28 years ago, I had barely reached puberty and Dick Illingworth was barely a senior! 28 years ago, the Town of Aurora had 15,000 people. Cell phones, laptop computers, I-pods and sunshine had not even been invented yet! Tim spent his formative years in Quebec interacting with people in the community. The chiselled and cut physique that we have before us today belies the fact that Tim was an accomplished tennis pro in his prime. No doubt, this opportunity to help people improve their skills was not only gratifying, but also “served” to plant a seed, which germinated into a passion for public service. When Tim moved to Aurora, he immediately became involved in the community. He joined the Aurora Tennis Club and soon became its president. This led to his participation on the Parks and Recreation Committee and what he felt was the need for a Recreation Master Plan for the Community. Of course, the best way to make this happen was to run for Council. Aurorans gave Tim their vote and their trust in 1978 and 10 more times after that. Now, I could take the next 30 minutes listing all the committees Tim has either Chaired or participated on at the provincial, GTA, town and community level, but I won’t. You see, at the end of the day, the real measure of a man isn’t what committee he was on, but how he used the trust he was given to add value and make a difference to the lives of the people who live, work and play in his community. Therefore, it is far more appropriate to highlight some of Tim’s significant contributions to our Town: 1. His Timberlane Charity Tennis Classic raised over $235,000 for the Access Bus in Aurora. His original target was to buy one bus. When he reached that goal, he bought another one! 2. His Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic raised over $400,000 for many outstanding charities in our community. 3. Tim was very committed to the dream of building a Community Safety Village, which would benefit primarily our children for many generations to come. Over $100,000 later, the York Regional police honoured him by naming one of the classrooms after him. 4. Managing growth in the last quarter century has been a huge challenge for all members of Councils in York Region. Once the Province made the decision to run the York/Durham Sewer system up Yonge Street, it was just a matter of time before Aurora would be impacted. As many of you know, Tim has never been a get to the front of the line and pronounce himself as leader, kind of guy. He prefers to work quietly with staff and other politicians to find consensus and solutions. During his tenure, every Regional Road Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 7 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 in Aurora has been improved or rebuilt. The Regional sewer and water services have been significantly improved and the Amalgamation of Fire Services and Transit Systems with Newmarket, although controversial, turned out to be the most tax and services efficient solutions to difficult problems. 5. Tim has been instrumental in helping us realize key new amenities in our community, such as the Aurora Leisure Complex, the second arena at the Community Centre, the Aurora Library, the new Recreation Centre and the new Aurora Seniors Citizen Centre. 6. Tim was a strong champion for the acquisition of key woodlots; trail systems, parks and playing fields. When demand for soccer fields outnumbered supply, he quietly negotiated land use agreements, which serve our community well to this day. 7. Tim again worked quietly, but successfully to influence and facilitate the relocation of key businesses to Aurora such as AIIM-Avant Imaging, Van Rob, Magna International and State Farm Insurance. 8. Tim understood that a strong business base was a critical component of the success of our community. People have in good humour given him a few jabs about his propensity to cut ribbons. I know that he considers this to be a badge of honour. He continues to marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit of our business community and the guts and hard work it takes to open a new business. Tim was always happy to cut ribbons in admiration and profound recognition of the risk takers who help make the fabric of this community complete. 9. Tim was always a great ambassador for Aurora, wherever he went. He was well liked and respected at the Province of Ontario and many GTA Mayors like Hazel McCallion considered him to be a trusted colleague and friend. Tim always left a positive impression and always approached common problems with a positive attitude and a willingness to work together to get things done for the greater good! 10. Finally, Tim always had a special relationship with the great staff that serves this community so well, everyday! Although he was careful to make sure that the line between the elected decision makers and the professional enablers was not crossed, it was abundantly obvious to staff that Tim really cared about them. They knew he worked as a staff person in North York and they knew that he understood their trials and tribulations. He often gave them credit and he always appreciated their role and efforts in making Aurora great! Last week, all of the staff surprised Tim by showing up for a group picture outside Town Hall…. just Tim and the staff! In my 36 years of being in and around municipal government, I have never seen anything like it…. a truly memorable gesture that truly moved His Worship. As a final indication of his sincere respect for the outstanding public servants in our community, Mayor Jones and his golf committee decided last week during their final meeting to donate the remainder of their final net proceeds to TOAST (Town of Aurora Staff Together). As soon as things are wound down and the bank account is officially closed, TOAST will receive a cheque for over $12,000, to continue their efforts in giving back to the community. Although I have skipped much and have perhaps not done you total justice Your Worship, I think our residents and businesses have a pretty good idea about the significant impact you have had on the Town of Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 8 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Aurora. As you look back on your political career, you can be assured that you really have touched the lives of Aurorans in a significant, profound and meaningful way. There can also be no doubt that you added considerable value and you made a very big difference in the community you have been proud to call home! After all is said and done…not a bad legacy! After all is said and done… thank you, Your Worship, from the bottom of our hearts! Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Hogg THAT the delegation be received and that the tribute to Mayor Jones be recorded on the public record. CARRIED (b) Mr. Stephen Forsey, President and Ms Carla Adams, Executive Director, Aurora Chamber of Commerce Re: Recognition of Mayor Tim Jones’ Contributions to the Town of Aurora and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Mr. Stephen Forsey and Ms Carla Adams thanked Mayor Tim Jones for his contributions and advice over the years and presented the Mayor with a lifetime membership to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and a token of appreciation. (c) Mr. Robert Moulton, Community Relations Representative, Salvation Army Re: Recognition of Councillor John West’s Efforts towards the Christmas Kettle Campaign Mr. Robert Moulton thanked Mayor Tim Jones, Aurora Council, Cooky Ellis, Kelley Powis, John Adema and Central York Fire Services for all of their support of the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. Mr. Moulton presented a framed letter of appreciation and certificate to Councillor John West, in absentia, for his 22 years of service in conjunction with the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Hogg THAT the delegation be received. CARRIED (d) Mr. David Prowten, National Vice President, Revenue Development, Arthritis Society Re: Foresters BIG Swim for Arthritis Mr. David Prowten addressed Council to invite the Town of Aurora to host the Forester BIG Swim for Arthritis in 2007, in support of the Arthritis Society, at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and the Aurora Recreation Complex and requested a block of time at each facility for this event. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the delegation be received and that the matter be referred to staff for a report back to the December 12, 2006 General Committee meeting. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 9 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. EDAC06-08 – September 20, 2006 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Morris 6. Yonge Street Commercial Area Sub-Committee Minutes of August 31, 2006 THAT the Yonge Street Commercial Area Sub-Committee minutes of August 31, 2006 be deferred to the December 12, 2006 General Committee meeting. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hogg 1. THAT the balance of the committee record of the Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 06-08 held on September 20, 2006 be received as information and the following recommendations of the Economic Development Advisory Committee be endorsed: 2. Previous Minutes THAT the Minutes of Meeting Number 06-07 held on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 be adopted. 3. Director of Public Works to present an overview of Report PW06-034 Northern 6 Municipalities Joint Waste Collection Contract THAT the verbal report from the Director of Public Works providing an overview of Report PW06-034 Northern 6 Municipalities Joint Waste Collection Contract be received for information. 4. Economic Development Advisory Committee Pending List THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee Pending List be received for information. 5. Memorandum from the Administrative Co-ordinator/Deputy Clerk Achievements and Initiatives of the Economic Development Officer and Economic Development Advisory Committee (to be distributed at the meeting) and Key Performance Indicators for 2007 Budget (distributed by the Chief Administrative Officer at the meeting) THAT the Key Performance Indicators for the 2007 Budget, distributed by the Chief Administrative Officer and the memorandum from the Administrative Co-ordinator/Deputy Clerk outlining the Achievements and Initiatives of the Economic Development Officer and Economic Development Advisory Committee, be received for information. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 06-29 Page 10 of 10 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 XI REGIONAL REPORT Mayor Jones advised that, due to an impending population of 50,000 in the Town of Aurora, a second regional seat on Regional Council is being considered. Mayor Jones indicated that he is hopeful for someone to continue championing the Character Initiative at the Region. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COUNCIL Mayor Jones presented a departing gift to Councillor Bill Hogg and recognized the other departing Council members: Nigel Kean, Damir Vrancic, Ron Wallace and John West. Mayor Jones acknowledged the incoming Council members in attendance: Alison Collins-Mrakas, Stephen Granger, Bob McRoberts and Al Wilson. XII READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4872-06.D BEING A BY-LAW to change the name of Westlock Crescent to Weslock Crescent 4873-06.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from meeting 06-29 on November 28, 2006. CARRIED XIII CLOSED SESSION None The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. John Rogers, addressed Council on behalf of staff to express the honour it has been to serve the Mayor and Council this term. The CAO also presented Mayor Jones with a gift from staff. XIV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Hogg THAT the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ _____________________________ T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK 1 A COUNCIL CHAMBER TRIBUTE TO TIM JONES Your Worship, Members of Council, Members of Staff and Residents of Aurora; Because of my unique situation of having been a staff member, resident, businessman and community volunteer in the great Town of Aurora, I was given the honour and the privilege of appearing before you on behalf of the many people here tonight in these Council Chambers and the literally thousands of people who have in some way been touched by Tim Jones during the past 28 years. As we all know, this is Tim’s last Council Meeting sitting in the Mayor’s Chair. Although we are located in the Council Chambers, what I have to say in the next few minutes will have nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with a long and distinguished career dedicated to community service. In essence, it’s really about the measure of a man! 2 Firstly, let’s reflect on 28 years! 28 years ago, I had barely reached puberty and Dick Illingworth was barely a senior! 28 years ago, the Town of Aurora had 15,000 people. Cell phones, laptop computers, I- pods and sunshine had not even been invented yet! Tim spent his formative years in Quebec interacting with people in the community. The chiselled and cut physique that we have before us today belies the fact that Tim was an accomplished tennis pro in his prime. No doubt, this opportunity to help people improve their skills was not only gratifying, but also “served” to plant a seed, which germinated into a passion for public service. When Tim moved to Aurora, he immediately became involved in the community. He joined the Aurora Tennis Club and soon became its president. This led to his participation on the Parks and Recreation Committee and what he felt was the need for a Recreation Master Plan for the Community. Of course, the best way to make this happen was to run for Council. Aurorans gave Tim their vote and their trust in 1978 and 10 more times after that. 3 Now, I could take the next 30 minutes listing all the committees Tim has either Chaired or participated on at the provincial, GTA, town and community level, but I won’t. You see, at the end of the day, the real measure of a man isn’t what committee he was on, but how he used the trust he was given to add value and make a difference to the lives of the people who live, work and play in his community. Therefore, it is far more appropriate to highlight some of Tim’s significant contributions to our Town: 1. His Timberlane Charity Tennis Classic raised over $235,000 for the Access Bus in Aurora. His original target was to buy one bus. When he reached that goal, he bought another one! 2. His Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic raised over $400,000 for many outstanding charities in our community. 3. Tim was very committed to the dream of building a Community Safety Village, which would benefit primarily our children for many generations to come. Over $100,000 later, the York Regional police honoured him by naming one of the classrooms after him. 4 4. Managing growth in the last quarter century has been a huge challenge for all members of Councils in York Region. Once the Province made the decision to run the York/Durham Sewer system up Yonge Street, it was just a matter of time before Aurora would be impacted. As many of you know, Tim has never been a get to the front of the line and pronounce himself as leader, kind of guy. He prefers to work quietly with staff and other politicians to find consensus and solutions. During his tenure, every Regional Road in Aurora has been improved or rebuilt. The Regional sewer and water services have been significantly improved and the Amalgamation of Fire Services and Transit Systems with Newmarket, although controversial, turned out to be the most tax and services efficient solutions to difficult problems. 5. Tim has been instrumental in helping us realize key new amenities in our community, such as the Aurora Leisure Complex, the second arena at the Community Centre, the Aurora Library, the new Recreation Centre and the new Aurora Seniors Citizen Centre. 5 6. Tim was a strong champion for the acquisition of key woodlots; trail systems, parks and playing fields. When demand for soccer fields outnumbered supply, he quietly negotiated land use agreements, which serve our community well to this day. 7. Tim again worked quietly, but successfully to influence and facilitate the relocation of key businesses to Aurora such as AIIM-Avant Imaging, Van Rob, Magna International and State Farm Insurance. 8. Tim understood that a strong business base was a critical component of the success of our community. People have in good humour given him a few jabs about his propensity to cut ribbons. I know that he considers this to be a badge of honour. He continues to marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit of our business community and the guts and hard work it takes to open a new business. Tim was always happy to cut ribbons in admiration and profound recognition of the risk takers who help make the fabric of this community complete. 9. Tim was always a great ambassador for Aurora, wherever he went. He was well liked and respected at the Province of Ontario and many GTA Mayors like Hazel McCallion considered him to be a 6 trusted colleague and friend. Tim always left a positive impression and always approached common problems with a positive attitude and a willingness to w ork together to get things done for the greater good! 10. Finally, Tim always had a special relationship with the great staff that serves this community so well, everyday! Although he was careful to make sure that the line between the elected decision makers and the professional enablers was not crossed, it was abundantly obvious to staff that Tim really cared about them. They knew he worked as a staff person in North York and they knew that he understood their trials and tribulations. He often gave them credit and he always appreciated their role and efforts in making Aurora great! Last week, all of the staff surprised Tim by showing up for a group picture outside Town Hall…. just Tim and the staff! In my 36 years of being in and around municipal government, I have never seen anything like it…. a truly memorable gesture that truly moved His Worship. 7 As a final indication of his sincere respect for the outstanding public servants in our community, Mayor Jones and his golf committee decided last week during their final meeting to donate the remainder of their final net proceeds to TOAST (Town of Aurora Staff Together). As soon as things are wound down and the bank account is officially closed, TOAST will receive a cheque for over $12,000, to continue their efforts in giving back to the community. Although I have skipped much and have perhaps not done you total justice Your Worship, I think our residents and businesses have a pretty good idea about the significant impact you have had on the Town of Aurora. As you look back on your political career, you can be assured that you really have touched the lives of Aurorans in a significant, profound and meaningful way. There can also be no doubt that you added considerable value and you made a very big difference in the community you have been proud to call home! After all is said and done…not a bad legacy! After all is said and done… thank you, Your Worship, from the bottom of our hearts!