MINUTES - Council - 20070522 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 07-13
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 22, 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, Acting Director
of Public Works, Director of Financial Services/
Treasurer, Assistant Solicitor and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor McRoberts declared a pecuniary interest in the Council minutes of
May 8, 2007 and Items 1(delegations), 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 as well as any
related additions or delegations - pertaining to Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary
School, by virtue of the York Region District School Board being his employer.
Councillor McRoberts 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 Council minutes of May 8,
2007 and items 1(17) and 2(8) by virtue of her spouse’s employer being the
applicant, 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 Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
(13) York Region District School Board
Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School - Feasibility Study
Delegation Request from Ms Susan Walmer
Re: Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School - WITHDRAWN
(14) Correspondence from Ms Susan Walmer to withdraw her
Delegation Request from the agenda and provide written
comments.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 2 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
III OPEN FORUM
None
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2007, Meeting 07-12 Meeting Number 07-01
Councillor Marsh, having previously declared an interest in the minutes of Council
Meeting 07-12, May 8, 2007 - Minutes of April 24 -Item 8, did not take part in the vote
called for in regard to the adoption of this item.
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in several matters in the
minutes of Council Meeting 07-12, May 8, 2007 pertaining to Dr. G. W. Williams
Secondary School, did not take part in the vote called for in regard to the adoption of
those items.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2007, Meeting 07-11
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the Council minutes from meeting 07-11 be approved.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the balance of the Council minutes from meeting 07-12 be
approved.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
Presentation from the TOAST (Town Of Aurora Staff Together) Committee
to Ms Catherine Gill of Reality Check Studio
Ms Angie Roylance, of the TOAST (Town Of Aurora Staff Together) Committee,
advised Council that the committee was recently made aware of an employee at
the Town of Aurora, who’s family has been dealt a great many burdens over the
past few years. Ms Roylance advised that Mr. Massedeh’s five year old daughter
was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December of 2004, and that requires
ongoing rehabilitation therapy and weekly chemotherapy treatments, which will
exceed a year. Ms Roylance advised that their youngest son suffers from a
complex congenital heart defect and has undergone numerous open heart
surgeries and is currently being assessed for a heart transplant. Ms Roylance
advised that the TOAST Committee gave a financial contribution to the family to
assist with the many cost burdens associated with medical treatments, and also
attained the services of Ms Catherine Gill who designs and paints murals with
Reality Check Studio, to paint a mural in the bedrooms of each of the afflicted
children. Ms Roylance explained that Ms Gill welcomed this challenge without
hesitation and she expanded this gift to include a third mural for the eldest son
and she only accepted reimbursement for the cost of her supplies.
Ms Roylance, along with Mr. Massadeh and his three children presented Ms Gill
with a framed print of the three paintings, a bouquet of flowers and a certificate
for a day at the Aqua Spa in Aurora, to express their gratitude and appreciation
for this beautiful and heart warming gift.
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 3 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Gaertner extended her congratulations to Lauren Winders and her
team for launching a very successful breast cancer awareness fundraiser.
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Tigers were welcomed back from their
national victory with a big celebration last week at the Town Hall. Mayor Morris
advised that the celebration was a great success and she particularly thanked
Dorothy Wardle for presenting a large statue of a tiger to the team.
Mayor Morris advised that a Public Open House is scheduled at the Aurora
Heritage Centre on Thursday May 31, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is holding the
annual World’s Longest Street Sale on Sunday, June 3, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
Mayor Morris advised that there will also be a street dance taking place on
Yonge Street between Murray Drive and Henderson Drive, on Saturday, June 2,
2007. She advised that the dance is organized by the Optimist Club of Aurora
and that tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Mayor Morris advised that the July 1st Canada Day Parade has been cancelled
this year as a result of inability to form a committee of volunteers to plan and
organize the parade.
Councillor Buck suggested that it’s not too early to think about next year and she
encouraged interested parties to consider planning to participate in the 2008 July
1st parade.
Mayor Morris extended her congratulations to Mr. Cliff Davies, who was
honoured with the “Senior of the Year Award” for 2007, from the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration for Seniors.
Councillor Marsh advised that the Garage Sale for the Cure will be taking place
Saturday May 26, 2007. Councillor Marsh explained that this event involves
residential Garage Sales all over the Province, which will be identifiable by a pink
sign displayed on the lawn. Councillor Marsh also advised that participants will
be donating a portion of the proceeds toward breast cancer research, and she
encouraged everyone to get out and participate.
Councillor Buck requested clarification regarding comments made by the Region
of York Planning Staff regarding development on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The
Director of Planning advised that development is permitted within settlement
areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Councillor Buck confirmed that a committee has been struck to review
applications and determine the next “Citizen of the Year”
Councillor Granger announced that the Town of Aurora and the Optimist Club of
Aurora will be holding a Bike and Board Rodeo this Saturday, May 26, 2007,
from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex.
Mayor Morris advised that the 13th Annual Senior’s Art Group Show and Sale will
be held on Friday, May 25, 2007, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, May
26, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.
Mayor Morris advised that the Town of Aurora is hosting a Home Renovation
Forum on Thursday, May 24, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for home owners,
local contractors and hobbyists.
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 4 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Mayor Morris advised that Mr. Jack DeGraaf, former Citizen of the Year and
Legionnaire, passed away this week at age 75. Mayor Morris extended her
condolences to the DeGraaf family and friends and advised that Jack will be
missed.
Mayor Morris advised that on Saturday, June 2, 2007 the Aurora Air Cadets will
be painting yellow fish all through the town to signify the environmental impact of
introducing contaminants into storm water sewers, through simple activities such
as washing a car or emptying a bucket on the street. Mayor Morris advised that
yellow fish will be appearing all over town, on storm sewer grates, help to raise
awareness of this issue.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(12), 1(8), 2-A, 2-B, 8, 9 and 12 were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
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. Memorandum from the Director of Planning
Re: PL07-029 – Official Plan Amendment No 66
Industrial/Commercial Designation and Economic
Development File D09-03-06
THAT the Region of York be advised that the Council of the Town of
Aurora supports the modifications to Official Plan Amendment No. 66 as
proposed by the Region.
4. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Special General Committee - Audit Committee Meeting
THAT a Special General Committee - Audit Committee Meeting be called
for Monday, June 18, 2007.
5. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Assorted Documents
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
regarding the availability of assorted documents be received for
information.
6. Correspondence from Mr. Jerome Dupont, Aurora Tigers Junior “A”
Hockey Team Coach and General Manager
Re: The Aurora Tigers’ National Championship Victory Celebration
THAT the correspondence from Mr. Jerome Dupont be received for
information.
7. Correspondence from Mr. John D. Leach, City Clerk for the City of Vaughan
Re: New Hospital Services in Vaughan
THAT the correspondence from the City of Vaughan regarding new
hospital services in Vaughan be received for information.
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 5 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
10. Memorandum from Councillor Buck
Re: Memorandum on School Board Meeting Hosted by the Town
THAT the correspondence be received for information
11. Correspondence from Mayor Morris
Re: Communications with the York Region District School Board
THAT the correspondence be received for information
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
None
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report No. 07-24 Tuesday, May 15, 2007
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-24, TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2007
(12) LS07-003 – Consolidated Facility Concession and Vending Request
for Proposal
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council approve the attached Terms of Reference to be used for a
consolidated Request for Proposal for concession and vending services at
all Town of Aurora facilities; and
THAT Council approve a 2 month contract extension for both concession
and vending service contracts through to August 31, 2007 to provide
adequate time to tender services and award a new contract.
CARRIED
Councillor Marsh, having previously declared an interest in item 1(8), did not take part in
the vote called for in regard to the adoption of this item.
(8) PL07-056 – Applications to Amend the Zoning By-law and
Draft Plan of Subdivision
Brookvalley Developments (Aurora)
14425 Bayview Avenue
Part of Lot 15, Concession 2, E.Y.S.
File D14-06-05 & D12-05-02A
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the matter be referred to staff to provide a report on the cost
structure associated with the entrance features, landscaping and
community mailbox areas on Town lands; and
THAT discussion on this matter continue with the applicant in order to
bring back further options for Council’s consideration.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 6 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 1(delegations), did
not take part in the vote called for in regard to the adoption of this item.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting No.
07-24 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
adopted.
CARRIED
2. Part-A Motion from Councillor Buck regarding GTA Pooling
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
WHEREAS the Provincial Government has made the decision to relieve
the taxpayers of York Region of the unjust burden of paying for Social
Services in the City of Toronto which are of no benefit to the taxpayers of
York Region; and
WHEREAS relief from this injustice is to be phased in over ten years,
starting this year; and
WHEREAS there is no indication the Region of York intends to cancel that
part of the levy for the taxpayers of the Region. Indeed the indication is the
Region intends to continue this onerous and unjust levy; and
WHEREAS the Municipalities of the Region are the tax collectors for the
Region; and
WHEREAS by their action the Region anticipates this municipality’s
acquiescence in their decision;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora direct The Chief Financial Officer,
John Gutteridge to withhold that portion of the levy pertaining to Aurora’s
share of this year’s relief from the cost of Toronto’s Social Services
budget.
On a recorded vote the resolution was DEFEATED
YEAS: 1 NAYS: 8
VOTING YEAS: Councillor Buck
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern,
Marsh, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the Region of York be informed that the Town of Aurora does not
agree to continue to impose this unfair burden on the taxpayers of Aurora
which the Province has finally seen fit to remove, albeit in dribs and drabs.
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Granger, MacEachern,
Marsh, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Gaertner
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 7 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
2. Part-B FS07-020 – Notice of Motion – GTA Pooling
(referred by General Committee on May 15, 2007)
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the Town of Aurora send a resolution to the Region of York,
strongly objecting to their method of handling the roll back of the GTA
pooling money and suggest that the funds be returned to the local
municipalities in the form of a grant, if they choose not to return it to the
local taxpayers; and
THAT the resolution be circulated to the municipalities within York Region
for consideration and endorsement.
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger,
MacEachern, Marsh, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: None
8. Article from the Auroran - Week of May 15, 2007 Entitled “York Chairman
Responds to Newspaper Coverage” (Tabled by Mayor Morris)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the article be received for information
CARRIED
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 9, did not take part
in the vote called for in regard to the adoption of this item.
9. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Invitation to York Region District School Board
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence be received for information; and
THAT the Council Chambers be made available for a meeting of the
Coalition of Aurora Taxpayers, on Monday May 30, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
CARRIED
12. Correspondence from Mr. Bill Hogarth, Director of Education York Region
District School Board
Re: Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from the Director of the York Region District
School Board be received for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 8 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
13. York Region District School Board, Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School -
Feasibility Study - ADDED ITEM
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the York Region District School Board, Dr. G.W. Williams
Secondary School - Feasibility Study be received for information.
CARRIED
14 Correspondence from Ms Susan Walmer to Withdraw her Delegation
Request from the Agenda and Provide Written Comments - ADDED ITEM
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from the Ms Susan Walmer regarding the York
Region District School Board be received for information.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that the Region of York will be holding a meeting on
Thursday, May 24, 2007 and that one of the primary subjects for discussion will
be solid waste incineration in York Region. Mayor Morris advised that this issue
is important and she encouraged members of Council and residents to attend
and be involved in this process. Mayor Morris also suggested that members of
the Environmental Advisory Committee would benefit from attending this meeting
and subsequent regional meetings which may pertain to this matter.
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Buck inquired about the status of a recent request from Council to ACI
to advise of the feasibility of televising the General Committee Meetings. The
Director of Corporate Services advised that a report on this matter will be tabled
at the next General Committee meeting.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that the Graffiti Committee call for
membership applications has been re-advertised and she encouraged interested
parties to look into it.
Councillor Granger gave Notice of Motion regarding best interests of the Town
pertaining to Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School.
Mayor Morris inquired about the feasibility of enacting an interim control by-law
relating to Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School. The Director of Planning
advised that it would be possible under certain conditions and if a land-use study
is being conducted on the subject property.
Mayor Morris inquired about contact information for animal control services. The
Director of Corporate Services advised the Town of Aurora Works Department
and/or By-law Services is handing the collection of lifeless animals from public
property, and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(OSPCA), or a pest control company would be the businesses to call if removal
of living animals is required.
Council Meeting No. 07-13 Page 9 of 9
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4911-07.F BEING A BY-LAW to set and levy the Rates of
Taxation for the year 2007.
4914-07.H BEING A BY-LAW to appoint a Building Inspector.
(Essam Ishak)
4915-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council
resulting from the meeting of May 22, 2007.
CARRIED
XIV CLOSED SESSION
Property Matters
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider property matters.
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK