Loading...
MINUTES - Council - 20070213 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 07-03 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall- Tuesday, February 13, 2007 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Marsh, McRoberts and Wilson. 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, Director of Financial Services/ Treasurer, Assistant 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 Marsh Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT item 3 be moved to the end of the items for consideration on this agenda. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT item 5 be withdrawn from this agenda. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  NEW DELEGATION a) - Ms Rebecca Beaton Re: Item 6 - Motion from Councillor MacEachern Re: Availability of Town Documents and the Establishment of a “Sign-Out” System for Residents Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 2 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007  CORRESPONDENCE from the following residents Re: Item 7 - Correspondence from residents regarding By-law 4886- 07.P To Amend the Pet Licensing Fees in the Town’s Dog and Cat By-laws: • Ms Marilyn Ellison 7-A • Mr. Daniel & Ms Penny Reynolds 7-B • Mr. Dan McDonnell 7-C • Mr. Richard Spacie 7-D • Ms Allison Halls 7-E • Mr. Rob Schuetze 7-F  ADDITIONAL ITEM - Memorandum from the Director of Planning Re: ITEM 1 (4) - Report PL07-007 - Prato Estates Ltd.  NEW ITEM 10 - Correspondence from Durham Region Re: Request for expressions of interest regarding potential sites for a proposed new thermal waste treatment facility for the Regions of Durham and York  NEW BY-LAW - By-law 4884-07.D to amend By-law No. 2213-78, as amended, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora. (D14-15-06 - Prato Estates)  CLOSED SESSION - ADDITIONAL ITEM Request from Councillor MacEachern for additional item to the closed session agenda regarding a legal matter CARRIED III OPEN FORUM Ms Susan Walmer expressed her support for the citizen appointees for the advisory committees in item 3, particularly the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), and she encouraged Council to approve the appointments to allow the committees to carry on with their work. Ms Walmer advised that former members of EAC, in partnership with the Aurora Arboretum, have arranged a public screening of the Al Gore film “An Inconvenient Truth” which is a critically acclaimed documentary illustrating the effects of global warming on the environment. Ms Walmer advised that the screening will take place on Monday, February 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Aurora Town Hall and she extended an invitation to Council, staff and the public to attend this screening and take part in the discussions afterward. Mr. Keith Munro addressed Council to express his opposition to the proposed amendments to the pet licensing fees in the Town’s dog and cat by-laws. Ms Allison Halls addressed Council to express her opposition to the proposed amendments to the pet licensing fees in the Town’s dog and cat by-laws and inquired about the back-up figures to support the increased fees, particularly regarding pets which have been microchipped. IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of January 30, 2007, Meeting 07-02 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the Council Minutes from meeting 07-02 be adopted. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 3 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 V PRESENTATIONS Mayor Morris advised that during the Christmas holidays a program called “Operation Red-Nose” was established to help thwart drinking and driving in a proactive way, by offering volunteer drivers to pick-up and bring home residents from parties and functions where they knew they would be partaking in festive cheer. Mayor Morris advised that through the help of this program, and the responsibility of residents, there was not a single alcohol related accident during the Christmas holiday period in Aurora. Mayor Morris advised that among the many volunteers, four Councillors participated in this great program and she congratulated and presented Councillors Stephen Granger, Al Wilson and Bob McRoberts each with a statuette of a bobble-headed red-nosed reindeer. Councillor McRoberts advised that the fourth Council member on the team of drivers was Mayor Phyllis Morris and he extended thanks to her on behalf of himself and the other volunteers. VI DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1, 3, 6 and 7 were identified for discussion. VII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Wilson 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. General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-10 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 THAT the minutes of the General Committee Meeting 07-10, held February 6, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be approved. 4. Correspondence from the Director of Public Works Re: Project of the Year Award to St. John’s Sideroad McKenzie Marsh Project THAT the correspondence from the Director of Public Works regarding the Project of the Year Award which was awarded to the St. John’s Sideroad McKenzie Marsh Project, be received for information. 8. Resolution from the Town of Newmarket Re: Fluorescent Yellow Green School Signs THAT the resolution from the Town of Newmarket regarding fluorescent yellow green school signs be received and endorsed. 9. Correspondence from Councillor Buck Re: Correspondence from Mr. John Irvine, President of Aurora Cable THAT the correspondence from Mr. John Irvine, President of Aurora Cable be received for information. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 4 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 VIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that she attended the induction service for Reverend Canon Dawn Davis at the Trinity Anglican Church, that the service was wonderful, and that Councillor Granger also attended and sang with the musical group “Trinity Unplugged”. Councillor Collins-Mrakas extended congratulations and welcome to Reverend Davis. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that Reverend Davis sent her an e-mail to welcome the new Council and let them know that, as leaders in the community, they are remembered in their weekly prayers. Councillor Marsh advised that the Joint Council Committee – Central York Fire Services had it’s first meeting on February 6, 2007, and that, with the support of Council member Wilson and Buck, she has been appointed as Vice-Chair of that Committee for the coming term. Councillor Buck provided Notice of Motion regarding an amendment to the Procedural By-law. Mayor Morris announced that the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor, will be honouring Ms Jacqueline Stewart, Aurora Museum Curator of 25 years, with a special Heritage Award. Ms Stewart will be receiving this award as the Lieutenant Governor’s guest at a special ceremony at Queen’s Park on February 22, 2007. Mayor Morris extended her congratulations to Ms Stewart on behalf of the Town of Aurora. Mayor Morris advised that the Alliance of British Pensioners will be holding an information session on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at the Aurora Legion on Industrial Parkway North at 1:30 p.m. Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Optimist Club is holding a chess tournament on Thursday, February 22, 2007. Councillor Granger advised that the average attendance involves 32 schools and approximately 320 students and encouraged interested parties to come out and register by February 19, 2007. IX DELEGATIONS (a) Ms Rebecca Beaton Re: Item 6 - Motion from Councillor MacEachern Re: Availability of Town Documents and the Establishment of a “Sign-Out” System for Residents Ms Rebecca Beaton addressed Council to express her support for Councillor MacEachern’s recommendations in item 6 and to encourage Council to approve these recommendations. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 6. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT item 6 be brought forward for consideration at this time. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 5 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 6. Motion from Councillor MacEachern Re: Availability of Town Documents and the Establishment of a “Sign-Out” System for Residents Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner WHEREAS, our Strategic Plan states, “By ensuring a transparent and accountable government, Aurora makes itself an attractive community for individuals and businesses. Innovation coupled with responsibility and informed involved citizens will ensure our financial viability for the future;” and WHEREAS, Goal D in our Strategic Plan states, “Ensure transparent, accountable and open governance in concert with informed and involved citizens”; and WHEREAS, Goal D2 in our Strategic Plan states, “Enhance customer service”; and WHEREAS, Goal D3 in our Strategic Plan states, “Be accountable and transparent to residents by ensuring open and accessible information flow and accessible decision-making”; and WHEREAS, Goal D4 in our Strategic Plan states, “Create a respectful environment that fosters teamwork and open dialogue, consistent with a Character Community”: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, staff make available at the Town Hall, within thirty days, the following documents for sign-out by Aurora residents. The documents are to be returned within 14 days from the sign- out date. Further, that these documents continue to be made available at the Library (for reference purposes) and the documents be kept current. - Consolidated Zoning By-law Book - Consolidated Official Plan - Consolidated Secondary Plan - Operating Budget - Capital Budget - Property Standards By-law - Sign By-law - Master Recreation Plan - Strategic Plan On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Wilson, Collins-Mrakas, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Gaertner, Marsh and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Ms Rebecca Beaton be provided a copy of the Operating Budget. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Wilson, Collins-Mrakas, Granger, MacEachern, Gaertner, Marsh and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors McRoberts and Buck Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 6 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-09 Saturday, February 3, 2007 Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee Meeting 07-09, held on February 3, 2007, be received and the recommendations contained therein be approved in principle. CARRIED 7. Correspondence from Residents Re: By-law 4886-07.P To Amend the Pet Licensing Fees in the Town’s Dog and Cat By-laws and Additional Correspondence Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT By-law 4886-07.P to amend the pet licensing fees and additional correspondence be referred to staff for a reduced fee for spayed and neutered pets and a reduced fee for micro-chipped pets; and a reduced fee be set for pet licenses for seniors. DEFEATED Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the correspondence from residents, regarding by-law 4886-07.P to amend the Pet Licensing Fees in the Town’s Dog and Cat By-laws, be referred to staff to review, analyze and report back to a future General Committee meeting with various options for consideration; and THAT staff be authorized to issue pet licenses at the existing rates until further direction is provided. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT Council recess at 8:20 pm to proceed into closed session to address a personal matter. CARRIED Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Council reconvene out of closed session at 8:35 pm. CARRIED 3. Recommendation Resulting from the Closed Session of General Committee on February 6, 2007 Re: Citizen Appointments to Advisory Committees Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the following applicants be approved and appointed to the following Statutory and Advisory Committees; and Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 7 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 THAT staff be directed to re-advertise for applications to the Leisure Services Advisory Committee. Accessibility Advisory Committee Committee of Adjustment Ann Boden James Beechey Jane Boorman Lisa Cruickshank Catherine Couchman Hank Gosar John Lenchak Walter Mestrinaro William Warner Aurora Public Library Economic Development Advisory Kathy Banks Committee Elizabeth Bishenden Christopher Ballard Geoffrey Dawe Bryan Black Milton Hart Kent Dinning Charles Levine Angelo Giannetta Michael Thompson Bryan Moir Environmental Advisory Committee Heritage Advisory Committee Gordon Barnes Robert Elliott Robert Cook Lynne McKenzie Carol Cooper Bill Newman John Gallo Stan Rycombel Catherine Marshall Donna Smith Peter Piersol Jacqueline Stuart David Tomlinson Susan Walmer Richard Wizemann Traffic Safety Advisory Committee David Nesbitt Rino Roncadin Mike Walters Horst Wizemann Carmen Zambri AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the recommendation, it was: Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the provisions of the Advisory Committee Policy be waived and that Brett Cole be appointed as the sixth member of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. CARRIED The recommendation was CARRIED AS AMENDED 10. Correspondence from Durham Region Re: Request for expressions of interest regarding potential sites for a proposed new thermal waste treatment facility for the regions of Durham and York – ADDED ITEM Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT staff be requested to provide Council with the background information regarding siting criteria and whether there is existing zoning in Aurora which would accommodate potential sites for a proposed new thermal waste treatment facility for the regions of Durham and York. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 8 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 XI REGIONAL REPORT Highlights from Regional Council meetings are posted on their website at www.region.york.on.ca under “Council Highlights”. XII READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT by-law 4886-07.P being a by-law to amend the Pet Licensing Fees in the Town’s Dog and Cat By-laws, be referred back to staff to review with the correspondence provided by residents, and report back to a future General Committee meeting with options. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4887-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to appoint members to the Committee of Adjustment. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 5 NAYS: 4 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Wilson, Granger, MacEachern, Gaertner and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, McRoberts, Marsh and Buck Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4888-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to appoint members to the Property Standards Committee. 4889-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to appoint members to the Aurora Library Board. 4890-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from the meeting of February 13, 2007. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4884-07.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law 2213-78, as amended, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora. (D14-15-06 - Prato Estates) CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-03 Page 9 of 9 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 XII CLOSED SESSION Property and Legal Matters Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT Council proceed into closed session to address property and legal matters. CARRIED XIII ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor MacEachern THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:55 p.m. CARRIED