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MINUTES - Council - 20070612 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 07-15 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, June 12, 2007 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Marsh (arrived at 8:25 p.m.), 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, Acting Director of Public Works, Director of Financial Services/ Treasurer, Town Solicitor and Council/Committee Secretary. Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Councillor McRoberts declared a pecuniary interest in item 2(17) by virtue of his employer being the York Region District School Board 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. Councillor Marsh declared a pecuniary interest in the added delegation request from Mr. Kirk of Malone Given Parsons regarding report PL07-060, by virtue of the applicant being her spouse’s employer, 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 Granger Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  Delegation request from Mr. Jim Kirk, Malone Given Parsons Ltd. Re: Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of May 23, 2007, Meeting 07-14 - Item 2 - PL07-060 Victor Priestly/Claretree Developments  NEW ITEM 9 - Correspondence from the Sustainable Urban Development Association (Tabled by Mayor Morris) Re: Sustainable Transportation in the Toronto Region CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 2 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 III OPEN FORUM Ms Susan Walmer addressed Council to advise that on June 4, 2007, many residents attended the York Region District School Board Standing Committee Meeting and expressed their concerns with respect to Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School. Ms Walmer advised that many residents feel that there is no reason to hurry the process and suggested that the school remain open until all aspects of the proposed new school and its location are fully researched. Ms Walmer also suggested that consideration be given to the formation of a partnership between the School Board and the Town of Aurora to plan for the building of a new school and that those involved should look at the Design Share Program for design ideas. Ms Walmer advised that there will be a rally at Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School on Saturday, June 16, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and encouraged interested parties to participate. Mr. John Sargent addressed Council to express his concerns regarding the environmental impact of the installation of artificial turf and fencing at the soccer field located at the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. Mr. Sargent expressed concern regarding the lack of public input with regard to how funds from Development Charges are allocated and suggested that additional parking should be considered. The Director of Leisure Services addressed several of Mr. Sargent’s concerns and advised that a means for additional parking is currently being investigated. IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of May 22, 2007, Meeting 07-13; and Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of May 23, 2007, Meeting 07-14. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the Council minutes from meeting 07-13 be approved. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Special Council - Public Planning minutes from meeting 07-14 be approved. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS None VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor McRoberts advised he recently attended a re-opening ceremony at the Aurora McDonalds Restaurant at which he had the opportunity to view the renovations which have significantly enhanced accessibility for the disabled. Mayor Morris advised that the first Aurora Relay for Life event for the Canadian Cancer Society took place on Friday, June 8, 2007, going through the night into Saturday morning. Mayor Morris advised that she and Councillors MacEachern, Gaertner and Wilson were there as part of the “One Step at a Time” team and added that there were other Town of Aurora staff teams participating as well. Mayor Morris recognized Councillors Collins-Mrakas, McRoberts and Marsh who were assisting as volunteers in various capacities at this wonderful event. Mayor Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 3 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Morris announced that the event raised $91,887, which was more than double their target and she congratulated all who participated through the cold night for their success. Mayor Morris advised that the week of June 2, 2007 to June 8, 2007, was proclaimed Yellow Fish Road Week, which involved the Air Cadets travelling around town painting yellow fish on storm drains as an environmental reminder to be considerate with what you let wash into the storm water system. Mayor Morris advised that the slogan for the week was “Only Rain Down the Drain”. Mayor Morris advised that during the weekend of June 2, 2007 and June 3, 2007, Aurora enjoyed a successful Friday night Street Dance, hosted by the Optimist Club. Mayor Morris added that on Saturday the Chamber of Commerce put on the annual Aurora Street Festival, which was a great success again this year. Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Bike and Board Rodeo took place on May 23, 2007 with the assistance of several Councillors, the Optimist Club and PACT (Police and Community Together) and is was very successful. VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 2(17), 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 were identified for discussion. VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts 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: 1. Special General Committee - Audit Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-25 Tuesday, May 22, 2007 THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee - Audit Committee Meeting 07-25 be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. 7. LS07-021 – Asphalt Parking Lot - Factory Theatre THAT Council approve proceeding with the award of tender to Lincoln Paving & Contracting Ltd. for the asphalt re-surfacing of the Factory Theatre based on tender results of LS2006-64. CARRIED IX DELEGATIONS (a) Ms Mary-Frances Turner, Vice President -York Region Rapid Transit Re: York Region Rapid Transit Plan Ms Mary-Frances Turner of York Region Rapid Transit provided a thorough update on the success of the VIVA program and the status of the Environmental Assessment process which is being done throughout the north/south corridor to allow for the next phase of the York Region Rapid Transit service. Ms Turner advised that the program is moving ahead as planned and she anticipates bringing a final update back to Council in the fall of 2007. Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 4 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED (b) Ms Gayle Wood, CAO - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Re: Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority Programs and Services Ms Gayle Wood of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), provided an overview of the scale and variety of services provided by the LSRCA and an outline of the past, current and projected statistics relating to water quality, availability and demand pertaining to the projected demographics for the Lake Simcoe Watershed area. Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED Councillor Marsh, having previously declared a pecuniary in the added delegation request from Mr. Kirk of Malone Given Parsons regarding report PL07-060, 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. (c) ADDED ITEM - Mr. Jim Kirk, Malone Given Parsons Ltd. Re: Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of May 23, 2007, Meeting 07-14 - Item 2 - PL07-060 Victor Priestly/Claretree Developments Mr. Jim Kirk of Malone Given Parsons Ltd. addressed Council to express concern that a resolution was passed at the Public Planning meeting of May 23, 2007, that requires his client’s applications for a zoning by-law amendment and approval of draft plan of subdivision to be reconsidered at a future Public Planning meeting. Mr. Kirk explained that this decision will delay the process for several months and requested that a meeting be called to address this issue in June or July to help expedite the process. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 5 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 2. General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-26 Tuesday, June 5, 2007 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-26, TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007 Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 17, 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. 17. Resolution Tabled by Councillor Granger Re: Dr. G.W. Williams High School Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Council adopt the following resolution: Notice of Motion: Concerning the best interest and responsibility of the Town of Aurora in following the Sustainability Strategy and good growth management policies associated in the Dr. G.W. Williams replacement school feasibility study/decision by the YRDSB. WHEREAS it is in the best interest and responsibility of the Town of Aurora to follow and implement the Provincial policies and plans reflected in the "Places to Grow Legislation Act”, 2005 and the York Region growth management policy "Planning for Tomorrow "; and WHEREAS under the York Region "Sustainability Strategy draft 2007”, growth management and Municipal responsibilities are identified for input to evaluate the community growth management decisions especially in the case where major community social, cultural and economic impact will be experienced affecting children, families and businesses; and WHEREAS upon the release of the “Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines” by Nancy Naylor, Assistant Deputy Minister, Business and Finance Division on October 31, 2006, under paragraph 26, subsection 8 (1) of the Education Act, the Minister of Education may issue guidelines with respect to school boards’ school closure policies. These guidelines are now in effect and reflect the principles outlined in the February 17, 2005 document “Good Places to Learn: Renewing Ontario’s Schools”; and WHEREAS at a minimum, boards’ accommodation review policies are to reflect the requirements of the ministry’s “Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines” and that school boards are responsible for establishing and following their own accommodation review policies by March 31, 2007 or prior to the announcement of an accommodation review, whichever is earlier; and WHEREAS when school boards are not obligated to undertake an accommodation review in accordance with these “Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines”, the board should provide appropriate notice of decisions that would affect the accommodation situation of students and respect the spirit of the guidelines outlined in the February 17, 2005 “ Good Places to Learn announcement”; and WHEREAS the YRDSB Feasibility Study, issued May18th, does not allow for a public engagement prior to a final formal delegation meeting, thereby rapidly accelerating this process and precluding a proper critical analysis of the YRDSB feasibility data and rational; and Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 6 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 WHEREAS the Town of Newmarket with a current population of 75,000 has 4 Public High Schools and in comparison to Aurora with an expected future population growth projection of 70,000 is told it will only get 2 Public High Schools as indicated in the present YRDSB Feasibility study; and WHEREAS the YRDSB has failed to provide a fair and transparent consultation process not allowing for the full involvement of an informed local community where such process should be based on a broad range of criteria as indicated in the “Places to Grow Act, 2005” and the York Region “Planning for Tomorrow” with special attention towards the quality and servicing of the learning experience for students with recognition of the important role schools play in strengthening our communities, taking into account other government initiatives aimed at strengthening communities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora requests that the Provincial Ministry of Education review the process undertaken by the York Region District School Board in the “replacement/closure” of Dr G W Williams School in Aurora; and ALSO THAT the Provincial Ministry of Education ensure that the York Region District School Board demonstrates openly the justification and fair consideration of all applicable Provincial and Regional Planning policies and that the York Region District School Board is in compliance with the spirit and intent of the public consultation policies set out in the February 17, 2005 “Good Places to Learn” document; and THAT this resolution be circulated to the Minister of Education, the Premier of Ontario and all MPPs in York Region, York Region District School Board Chair and Trustees and Mr. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal; and THAT, due to the timing of the decision by the York Region District School Board of July 3, 2007, the Council of the Town of Aurora requests that this be treated as an urgent request. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the balance of the minutes of General Committee Meeting 07-26 be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. CARRIED 3. Motion Resulting from Closed Session of Council on May 22, 2007 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the Town owned Leslie Street lands be declared surplus and staff initiate the process to sell the lands through the appropriate real estate Multiple Listing Service, and that an RFP be issued for a real estate broker to handle the sale of the lands. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 7 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4. ADM07-006 – 15059 Leslie Street, Draft Plan of Subdivision, Part of Lot 19, Concession 3, Geographic Township of Whitchurch Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT a Request for Proposal be issued to retain a Real Estate Broker to handle the marketing and sale of the land utilizing Multiple Listing Service (M.L.S.) to sell 15059 Leslie Street save and except lots 1, 2, 3, 9, and 12. AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was: Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT staff be authorized to take the necessary steps to sell 15059 Leslie Street save and except lots 1, 2, 3, 9, and 12. CARRIED On a recorded vote main motion was UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED AS AMENDED YEAS: 9 NAY: 0 VOTING YEA: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Marsh, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAY: None 5. Memorandum from the Economic Development Officer Re: Gateway Signage (Deferred from June 4, 2007 General Committee) Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT staff be requested to prepare a further report which would provide alternative options for the Gateway Signage, lighting and landscaping at a maximum cost of $80,000. CARRIED 6. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer Re: 2007 Communications Plan (Deferred from May 15, 2007 General Committee) Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the 2007 Communications Plan be deferred to the next General Committee meeting. DEFEATED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the 2007 Communications Plan be received for information. DEFEATED Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 8 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the 2007 Corporate Communications Plan be approved. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT this meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m. in order to address the remaining items on the agenda. CARRIED 8. Correspondence from the Town of Newmarket Re: Community Services Report - PWES 2007 - 35 Fluorescent Yellow Green School Signs Town-wide Installation Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the correspondence from the Town of Newmarket - Fluorescent Yellow Green School Signs Town-wide Installation, be received for information. CARRIED 9. Correspondence from the Sustainable Urban Development Association Re: Sustainable Transportation in the Toronto Region ADDED ITEM - Tabled by Mayor Morris Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the correspondence from the Sustainable Urban Development Association regarding Sustainable Transportation in the Toronto Region, be received for information. CARRIED XI REGIONAL REPORT Mayor Morris advised that she will be attending Regional Planning and Development meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 where she will address the issue of the Bathurst Street widening project and arrange a public meeting to allow affected residents to express their concerns or comments. Mayor Morris advised that she will be arranging a public meeting to address safety issues relating to the intersection in front of Hadley Grange Seniors’ Residence. Mayor Morris advised that the St. John’s Sideroad widening project has recently received an award and she advised that she will request that the Region install better signage to caution motorists of the low speed limit and the environmental sensitivity of that area. Mayor Morris advised that the Region has passed its Development Charges By-law and is still holding public meetings to get input regarding the incineration issue in York Region. Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 9 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Notice of Reconsideration Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the PL07-060 – Applications to Amend Zoning By-law and Draft Plan Approval of Proposed Plan of Subdivision Victor Priestly / Claretree Developments 105 Inc. Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, E.Y.S Files D14-17- 06 & D12-03-06, which was addressed at the Public Planning meeting on May 23, 2007, be brought back for reconsideration at the June 19, 2007 General Committee meeting. On a recorded vote main motion was DEFEATED YEAS: 2 NAY: 7 VOTING YEA: Councillors Buck and Wilson VOTING NAY: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts and Mayor Morris Councillor Marsh, having previously declared a pecuniary interest in this matter, did not take part in the vote. Councillor Buck advised that she has been receiving a lot of positive feedback from the public regarding the new artificial turf at the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area soccer pitch, and she congratulated the Leisure Services Department and suggested that staff arrange an inaugural celebration. The Director of Leisure Services advised that staff are already discussing arrangements for an opening ceremony. Councillor Wilson advised that he has some safety concerns regarding grading issues at the Brentwood development on Bathurst Street and asked that staff look into this issue. Councillor Wilson advised that he recently attended a Clean Air Summit and was impressed with all of the resources and information available there. Councillor Wilson advised that he would bring in some of the material that he obtained and make it available in the Councillor’s Offices. Mayor Morris advised that she was very impressed by the number of programs and events taking place during the entire month of June in celebration of “Recreation and Parks Month”. Mayor Morris commended and congratulated staff for their hard work and innovation in promoting the benefits and values of recreation and parks. Mayor Morris advised that she has received complaints regarding illegal dumping on private residential property and asked what the Town can do to address this problem. The Director of Corporate Services advised that the Clean Yards By-law clearly prohibits illegal dumping, however it is necessary to identify the culprit(s) in order to follow up and lay charges. Mayor Morris inquired about the current poor condition of the soccer field in Civic Park. The Director of Leisure Services advised that the poor state of the field is resultant of the natural ice rink which was installed over the winter. The Director further advised that staff have aerated and reseeded the field and it is considered safely playable, however it is currently not up to the Town’s usual standards. Mayor Morris advised that she recently attended an event at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies to hear Mr. Al Gore speak. Mayor Morris advised that Mr. Gore was expressed an interest in the subject of “The Right to Dry” and that she gave him her t-shirt with the “Right to Dry” logo on it. Councillor Buck left the meeting at 11:15 p.m. Council Meeting No. 07-15 Page 10 of 10 Tuesday, June 12, 2007 XIII READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4926-07F BEING A BY-LAW to provide for the annual remuneration to be paid to the Mayor and Members of Council. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4924-07.D BEING A BY-LAW to assume aboveground and belowground municipal services; to assume certain lands; and to establish highways (Bayview Meadows – Phase I) 4927-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from the meeting of June 12, 2007. CARRIED XIV CLOSED SESSION Labour Relations Matters Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Council convene into a Closed Session to consider labour relations matters. CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor MacEachern THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:18 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK