MINUTES - Council - 20070306 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 07-07
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Deputy Mayor McRoberts in the Chair; Councillors
Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, Marsh and
Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT Mayor Morris and Councillor MacEachern were
absent.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Manager of Policy Planning,
Director of Public Works, Director of Financial
Services/Treasurer, Town Solicitor and Council/
Committee Secretary.
Deputy Mayor McRoberts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor McRoberts advised that he had just learned of the recent passing of Ms
Heather Osbourne, volunteer camera operator for ACI. Deputy Mayor McRoberts
advised that Ms Osbourne, who passed away on Friday, March 2, 2007 from heart
failure, was regarded warmly by all who knew and worked with her and he extended
condolences, on behalf of the Town, to the Osbourne family.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Heather Osbourne.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Deputy Mayor McRoberts declared an interest in Item 1 - Special General Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 07-13 Tuesday, February 22, 2007, pertaining to Capital Projects
31060, 31044 and 73031 in the 2007 Capital Budget, due to his residence being in the
proximity of these projects, 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 Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
Item 10 - Memorandum from the Administrative Co-ordinator
Re: Re-Scheduled Meeting Date for the Environmental Advisory
Committee - March 8, 2007 in the Tannery Room
Item 11 - Memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Aurora Horse Show and Aurora Youth Soccer Permits -
Additional Information
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-07 Page 2 of 6
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
III OPEN FORUM
Mr. James Wood of Spruce Street expressed concern about a private driveway
on Wellington Street which opens onto Centre Street and is being used as a
short cut to travel over to Yonge Street.
Mr. Wood suggested that Council consider addressing the parking shortage in
the library square area by purchasing one of three parcels of land which he
observed as apparently vacant and all of which are close to public transit. Mr.
Wood suggested turning the land into a parking lot.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of February 27, 2006, Meeting 07-05
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the Council minutes from meeting 07-05 be adopted.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
Corporate Sponsor Recognition Awards
Deputy Mayor McRoberts advised that there are four Aurora based businesses
being honoured this evening as corporate sponsors of town events. He advised
that they are appreciated and highly valued for their strong support of the various
programs and special events put on by the Town each year. Deputy Mayor
McRoberts advised that these events would not be possible without the
generosity and support of the following companies receiving Platinum
Sponsorship Awards. Deputy Mayor McRoberts presented a plaque of
recognition to each of the following Platinum Sponsor representatives:
Mr. Wil Gondis, Regional Director for Community Affairs - Bell Canada
Ms Beverley Varcoe, Broker - Royal LePage
Ms Chris Ingoe, Vice President - Personal Operations and Barb Reddick,
Partner - HS Financial
Mr. Russ Barfitt of Aurora Home Hardware
(Mr. Barfitt was unable to attend the meeting)
VI DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 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:
6. FS07-007 – Land Acquisition – Burnett Property Capital Project
THAT the Land Acquisition – Burnett Property Capital Project be closed;
and
THAT the balance of $941,291 be transferred to the Sale of Land Reserve
Fund.
Council Meeting No. 07-07 Page 3 of 6
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
7. FS07-010 – Annual Debt Repayment Limits
THAT report FS07-010 be received.
9. PL07-018 – Release for Registration
Hallgrove Estates Inc.
Part of Lot 20, Concession 3
File No. D12-00-2A
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Subdivision
Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Aurora and Hallgrove
Estates Inc. in accordance with the draft approved conditions dated June
28, 2005, subject to the provision of financial payments and securities as
set out on Schedules "K" and "L" of the Agreement substantially in the
form attached; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all documents
necessary to give effect to same.
10. Memorandum from the Administrative Co-ordinator
Re: Re-Scheduled Meeting Date for the Environmental Advisory Committee -
March 8, 2007 in the Tannery Room (ADDED ITEM)
THAT the memorandum from the Administrative Co-ordinator be received.
11. Memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Aurora Horse Show and Aurora Youth Soccer Permits - Additional
Information (ADDED ITEM)
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services be received.
CARRIED
VIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gaertner thanked the Platinum Sponsors for their contributions and
support to the Town of Aurora to run the wonderful events successfully.
Councillor Marsh advised that the Aurora Tigers - Jr. A Hockey Team have once
again been victorious in their current playoff series and she extended
congratulations to the Tigers.
Deputy Mayor McRoberts advised that the Aurora Tigers will be moving on to the
next round of playoffs beginning on Friday, March 9, 2007. The Tigers will be
playing against the Stouffville Spirit, at the Aurora Community Centre.
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Inspector Paul Pedersen, Officer in charge of the Community
Services Bureau for the York Region Police
Re: Item 4 - CS07-013 - Replica Guns
Inspector Paul Pedersen, Officer in charge of the Community Services
Bureau for the York Region Police provided an overview of the issues and
concerns associated with the availability and use of replica fire arms.
Inspector Pedersen explained that these “replicas” are virtually identical to
authentic fire arms and in most cases it is impossible to tell the difference
Council Meeting No. 07-07 Page 4 of 6
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
and this is why there are more crimes committed using replicas, than real
guns in York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Inspector Pedersen
advised that the Town has taken a broad step by drafting a by-law to
prohibit the sale and possession of these “replicas” in Aurora and that this
step sets a very positive and strong message that the threat is real.
Inspector Pedersen advised that the York Region Police suggest that this
issue should be addressed through stronger legislation at a higher level of
government. Inspector Pedersen also suggested that other municipalities
in York Region be consulted and that a uniform by-law be considered.
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item 4 - CS07-
013 - Replica Guns, be brought forward for consideration.
CARRIED
4. CS07-013 – Regulate the Sale and Possession of Replica Firearms
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT staff report CS07-013 – Regulate the Sale and Possession of
Replica Firearms, be received; and
THAT the draft by-law contained in the report be sent back to staff to
consult with York Regional Police to address their concerns with regard to
enforcement and definitions; and
THAT staff consult with the other area municipalities’ by-law staff with a
view to developing a uniform by-law that could be adopted region wide;
and
THAT, upon completion of the consultation process, staff hold a public
meeting to obtain public input to this issue; and
THAT staff work to draft an appropriate motion from Aurora Council for
consideration by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities; and
THAT copies be provided to our local MP, Ms Belinda Stronach and to the
Honourable Stephen Harper.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Deputy Mayor McRoberts having previously declared an interest in aspects of
Item 1 relating to Capital Projects 31060, 31044 and 73031, relinquished the
Chair to Councillor Gaertner during the consideration of this matter and did not
take part in the vote called for in this regard.
1. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-13 Tuesday, February
22, 2007
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the minutes of the General Committee meeting 07-13 be received
and the recommendations contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-07 Page 5 of 6
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Upon conclusion of this matter, Deputy Mayor McRoberts resumed the Chair.
2. BA07-001 – Early Approval of funding for a contract position in IT Services
to support Building Administration CityView project
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Council approve filling a contract position in IT Services funded by
building permit fees for a period of 9 months for the purpose of enhancing
Building Administration CityView software to meet legislative reporting
requirements in the Building Code Act as described in report BA07-001.
CARRIED
3. BA07-002 – 313 – 321 Ridge Road – Aurora Cable Internet
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT Report BA07-002 be received as information; and
THAT Report BA07-002 be forwarded to Industry Canada and the Ministry
of Environment as information.
CARRIED
5. CS07-014 – 2007 Corporate Insurance Renewal
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the Town defer the Request For Proposal process for corporate
insurance for the current year; and
THAT the Town renew its 2007 insurance and risk management program
with Ontario Municipal Insurance Exchange (OMEX) in the amount of
$275,061 plus taxes; and
THAT staff be directed to initiate a Request For Proposal process for
corporate insurance program in order to obtain insurance premium quotes
for the 2008 policy year; and
THAT the appropriate notice be given to OMEX that the Town intends
to proceed with an RFP later in 2007 and that the Town may be
terminating its policies at year end subject to the results of the RFP.
CAR RIED
8. FS07-012 – Capital Fund Report to January 31, 2007
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the Treasurer’s report FS07-012 “Capital Fund Report to January
31, 2007” be received; and
THAT Council authorize the re-allocation of capital project closing
balances as identified in Attachment #2 of this report.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-07 Page 6 of 6
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
XI REGIONAL REPORT
None
XII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4895-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm
actions by Council resulting
from meeting 07-07 on March
6, 2007
CARRIED
XII CLOSED SESSION
None
XIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
BOB McROBERTS, DEPUTY MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK