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MINUTES - Council - 20070130 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 07-02 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, January 30, 2007 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts and Wilson. MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Marsh was 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 Morris 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 Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  NEW DELEGATION B) - Mr. Peter Scott, Technical Manager - ACI Re: Item 6 (4) - PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance  NEW DELEGATION C) - Mr. Walter Mestrinaro Re: Item 6 (4) - PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance  NEW ITEM 9 - Correspondence from Ballymore Homes Re: Financial Support for the Town of Aurora Character Community Program  CLOSED SESSION - ADDITIONAL ITEMS Re: Personal and Legal Matters (distributed separately) CARRIED III OPEN FORUM None Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 2 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of January 16, 2007, Meeting 07-01 Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the Council Meeting Minutes from meeting 07-01 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS None VI DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1, 2, 4, 6(4), 6(8), 6(9), 6(14) and 6(New Business) were identified for discussion. VII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern 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. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes of January 11, 2007, meeting 07-05 THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee Meeting 07-05 held on Thursday, January 11, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. 5. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2007, meeting 07-07 THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee Meeting 07-07 held on Saturday, January 20, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. 7. Motion from Councillor Granger Re: Timeline for the Reconstruction of Richardson Drive WHEREAS, the reconstruction of Richardson Drive has been scheduled for 2009; and WHEREAS, Richardson Drive is a street that is part of the 10 year road reconstruction program; and WHEREAS, due to high traffic volumes and traffic safety concerns, IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT Council request staff, as part of their 10 year road reconstruction program report, to provide Council with available options to move the reconstruction of Richardson Drive forward when a better understanding of the tender prices for the Town’s 2007 reconstruction projects are known. Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 3 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 8. Motion from Councillor Granger Re: Parking on Trillium Drive THAT staff be requested to bring back to the next General Committee meeting, the background memo outlining the history of reports and meetings dealing with parking concerns on Trillium Drive, for discussion. 9. Correspondence from Ballymore Homes Re: Financial Support for the Town of Aurora Character Community Program (Added Item) THAT the correspondence from Ballymore Homes regarding financial support for the Town of Aurora Character Community Program, be received for information. CARRIED VIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow section VII-New Business/General Information –Councillors, to be moved to the end of the meeting, following section X-Consideration of Items Requiring Separate Discussion. CARRIED IX DELEGATIONS (a) Representative of BMA Management Consulting Inc. Re: Item 1 - 2006 Municipal Study Mr. Jim Bruzzese of BMA Management Consulting Inc. provided a summary of the 2006 Municipal Study and illustrated where Aurora stands in comparison with other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area, with respect to a number of elements within the study, such as; population projections, tax rates, housing assessment rates, and business growth. Council was advised that the 2006 Municipal Study-Executive Summary, as well as the PowerPoint presentation provided at this meeting, will be made available on the Town’s website for public viewing. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 1, the 2006 Municipal Study, be brought forward for consideration at this time. CARRIED 1. 2006 Municipal Study from BMA Management Consulting Inc. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the 2006 Municipal Study be received for information. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 4 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 (b) Mr. Peter Scott, Technical Manager - ACI Re: Item 6 (4) - PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance Mr. Peter Scott, Technical Manager for ACI, provided members of Council with an update of the issues surrounding the Ridge Road property and information pertaining to the use of the storage trailer and previous use of the lands. Mr. Scott explained the reasons for requiring the additional power supply and advised that ACI is currently working to fulfill all of the requirements issued by the Ontario Municipal Board. (c) Mr. Walter Mestrinaro Re: Item 6 (4) - PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance Mr. Walter Mestrinaro addressed Council to express his concern regarding the current use of the property at 313-321 Ridge Road and requested that the Town and representatives of ACI accompany him in taking the application to the courts to obtain a judicial ruling on whether or not the Town’s by-law applies to this matter and, if so, whether or not ACI is in compliance with this by-law. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the comments of the delegates be received and that Item 6(4) PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance, be brought forward for consideration at this time. CARRIED 6. General Committee Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2007, meeting 07-08 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-08, TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 (4) PL07-002 – 313-321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet Property By-law Compliance Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT report PL07-002, be received as information. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT staff contact Central York Fire Services to address concerns raised by residents and report back in writing to Council. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT staff provide to residents, in writing, the definition of storage. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 5 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Building Department staff, and/or designates, attend the ACI site to determine the activities that are taking place in the shipping container, and that staff report back to Council. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT staff report back on the use of the generator and whether it complies with the Ministry of the Environment regulations. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the Mayor and CAO attempt to facilitate discussions between ACI and the concerned residents, with a goal to achieve a resolution on this matter. CARRIED X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 2. Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of December 19, 2006, Meeting 06-31 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the resolution for item 1 be amended to read as follows: THAT report PL06-128 be received as information; and THAT the application be approved in principle, subject to the resolution of outstanding issues; and THAT staff determine if the blend of public walkway and stormwater management pond, as proposed, provides a safe environment for the residents that will use this area; and THAT staff determine if the stormwater management pond that has been constructed in this subdivision meets the Town’s stormwater management pond specifications; and THAT staff consider the feasibility of constructing a viewing platform at the end of the existing walkway to look out onto the wildlife conservation area located to the north-east of the subject lands; and THAT the Special Council - Public Planning Minutes from meeting 06-31 be adopted, as amended. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 6 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 4. Special General Committee Meeting of January 16, 2007, meeting 07-06 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-06, TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 (1) Review of the Advisory Committees’ Terms of Reference Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT the Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee, in the “Purpose” section, be amended to read as follows: 1. PURPOSE The Economic Development Advisory Committee will make recommendations to Council on matters that will foster and enhance a strong and stable economy consistent with the attributes of a sustainable community. The committee will liaise with existing businesses and facilitate the development of new enterprises through support and provision of opportunities for new economic development growth to enhance the quality of life and prosperity in our community and to meet the needs of the future. THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee membership composition remain unchanged; and THAT the membership details of the citizen members be amended to read as follows: Citizen members will: • Be experienced business people with a well developed business community network • Be a broad spectrum of the business community representing a cross section of the business community • Sign confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements as may be required • Be strong proponents of business growth for the town THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meetings be scheduled to take place on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.; and THAT the staff support for the Economic Development Advisory Committee remain unchanged; and THAT the “Duties and Functions” within the Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee be amended to read as follows: To assist and support Council and staff in order to meet the following objectives: • Develop economic opportunities to aid in the growth and progress of Aurora as a desirable place to do business • Support the growth of a variety of businesses to encourage a sustainable business environment Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 7 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 • Increase the quantity and diversity of employment in Aurora to enhance local live/work opportunities and promote efforts to reduce commuting through local economic initiatives • To assist Council in developing an economic development vision to retain the viability of the existing community core • Form sub-committees to deal with specific new initiatives, and identify strategic solutions CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the balance of the minutes of the Special General Committee meeting 07-06 held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. 6. General Committee Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2007, meeting 07-08 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-08, TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 (8) CS07-002 – 2007 Pet Licensing Fees Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT report CS07-002 entitled 2007 Pet Licensing Fees be received for information; and THAT appropriate notice be advertised in the Town’s Notice Board and website regarding the proposed fee increases for 2007 pet licensing; and THAT the proposed amending by-law be presented at the Council meeting of February 13, 2007. CARRIED AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was: Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT staff be requested to implement a pet licensing fee for seniors of $5 per year, for each cat or dog. DEFEATED The main motion was CARRIED. (9) CS07-003 – New Sign By-laws Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT report CS07-003 on the proposed new sign by-laws be received; and THAT the matter be referred to staff to bring back a revised report that addresses the use of banner and inflatable signs, including size limits, duration and location, as well as any other accompanying signage; and THAT the timeframe to remove election signs be reduced from 7 days to 4 days. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 8 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT Mayor Morris be authorized to attend the York Region retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake. CARRIED (14) Memo from Director of Corporate Services Re: Budget Meeting Dates Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the Town Clerk advertise for the following Special General Committee meeting date to hold a Prioritization Session:  Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.; and THAT topics for the February 15, 2007 agenda should include: • executive summaries • environmental issues – Tannery Creek • legal issues THAT the Town Clerk advertise for the following Special General Committee meeting dates to review the 2007 budget:  Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.  Monday, March 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting 07- 08 held on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. CARRIED VIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Wilson advised that he recently took a tour of the Regional Solid Waste Management Facility on Garfield Wright Boulevard in East Gwillimbury. Councillor Wilson advised that the plant was very well maintained and that the tour was surprisingly interesting and enjoyable. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that on February 16, 2007, she will be participating in a Spin-a-Thon to raise funds for Cancer Hospice Care. Councillor Granger commended staff in the By-law Department for providing Council with an informative memo regarding the Leash-free dog park, and recommended that this memo be forwarded to staff and the Leisure Services Advisory Committee, when it is struck. Councillor MacEachern expressed concern regarding the format for the Council and General Committee agendas and she requested that staff look into simplifying the process. Councillor Gaertner advised of the letter from Ballymore Homes (added item 9 on this agenda) advising that Ballymore Homes will be contributing $2,000 per year for the next 5 years, to the Town of Aurora in support of the Town’s Character Community Program. Council Meeting No. 07-02 Page 9 of 9 Tuesday, January 30, 2007 Councillor Gaertner recognized the generosity of Ballymore and expressed the appreciation of Council and staff for this contribution. Mayor Morris advised that the new HSBC Bank is now open in Aurora. Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Seniors’ Centre is holding a “Winter Cabaret” on February 10, 2007 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, starring Cara Chisholm and Brian Roman. Councillor MacEachern provided Notice of Motion regarding the availability of Town documents and the establishment of a “sign-out” system for residents. XI REGIONAL REPORT Mayor Morris advised that the Region has posted its proposed Business Plans and Budget on the Region’s website and they are also available for viewing at the Aurora Public Library. XII READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4883-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from meeting 07-02 of January 30, 2007. CARRIED XIII CLOSED SESSION Property, Legal and Personal Matters Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT Council recess at 9:30 pm to proceed into closed session to address property, legal and personal matters. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT Council reconvene out of closed session at 10:30 pm. CARRIED XIII ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor MacEachern THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:30 pm. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK