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MINUTES - Council - 20070911 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 07-21 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, September 11, 2007 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Marsh and McRoberts. MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Wilson was absent. 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 7:05 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Councillor McRoberts declared a pecuniary interest in items 2, 3 and 4 as well as any delegations pertaining to the northeast quadrant traffic calming study, by virtue of his residence being in the affected area, 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. Mayor Morris declared an interest with respect to item 1(10) regarding a Site Plan Amendment Application, Van-Rob Realty Investments, due to the employment of her spouse with the company, 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:  Presentation – Acting Director of Public Works Re: Presentation to Mr. Brad Schonauer in honour of his 30 years of service with the Town of Aurora. - WITHDRAWN  Addition to the Closed Session Agenda Re: Personal matter regarding staff recruitment  Late Addition - Item 7 - ADM07-011 Re: Real Estate Brokerage - 15059 Leslie Street - Award of Contract CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 2 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 III OPEN FORUM Mr. Ben Kestein of the New Deal Ratepayers Association addressed Council to express his disappointment with the traffic calming measures which have recently been implemented in the north-east section of Aurora. Ms Michelle Haney-Kileeg advised that the new traffic calming measures in the northeast quadrant of Aurora are already having a positive effect on the neighbourhood. Ms Haney-Keleeg advised that the streets are quieter and safer for those who live in the affected area. Ms Laura Starr of Gartner Lee Limited addressed Council on behalf of Sterling Cook regarding the Bloomington Heights project, to request that Council direct staff to proceed with the Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Condominium Applications for Stirling Cook Aurora Inc. on the northeast corner of Yonge Street and Bloomington Road and that the engineering staff be requested to review the engineering plans in the interest of expediting the process. Ms Danina Davis addressed Council to express her support for the northeast quadrant traffic calming measures. Mr. James Wood addressed Council to express his opposition to the traffic calming measures and inquired as to whether the Town will pay for any damage to emergency vehicles or any injuries to fire fighters resulting from the new configuration of the streets. Mr. John Elliott addressed Council to express his support and appreciation for the implementation of the traffic calming measures in the northeast quadrant of Aurora, advising that the new measures have improved the safety and ambiance of the neighbourhood. Mr. John Sworbrick spoke in opposition of the traffic calming measures and suggested that the Town work with the Region of York to address the issue of traffic congestion at the intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street. Mr. Peter Piersol addressed Council to express his appreciation and thanks to the staff and Council of the Town of Aurora for the work that has been done to improve the northeast quadrant traffic flow through the implementation of the traffic calming measures. IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of August 14, 2007, Meeting 07- 19 and Council Minutes of August 14, 2007, Meeting 07-20 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the Special Council - Public Planning minutes from meeting 07-19 and Council minutes from meeting 07-20 be adopted. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 3 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 V PRESENTATIONS NONE VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Morris acknowledged from the audience her sisters Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Owen who were visiting from England, and she welcomed them to the Council meeting. Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Farmers’ Market is holding an Apple and Honey Festival on Saturday, September 22, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Councillor Granger advised that the “Marketeers” will be hosting a baking contest for best home-made apple crumble and apple pie and there will be a children’s apple & honey tart making workshop as well as many other fun activities for the whole family. Councillor Granger encouraged everybody to take advantage of this special event which will also feature the usual showcase of fresh produce and local crafts and creations at the Farmers’ Market. Councillor Marsh advised that Regional Councillor John Taylor, who sits on Aurora’s Joint Council Committee and is the son of former Newmarket Mayor Tom Taylor, just became the father of a baby girl. Councillor Marsh, on behalf of the members of Council and the Mayor, extended her congratulations to the Taylor family. Councillor Marsh advised that a representative of Elections Ontario will be attending a future meeting of Council to provide a presentation explaining the referendum which is to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming Provincial Election. Councillor Gaertner advised that at the next General Committee meeting Mr. Brad Schonauer, of the Public Works Department, will be honoured for reaching 30 years of service to the Town of Aurora. Councillor Gaertner extended her congratulations to Mr. Schonauer. Mayor Morris recognized that there have been power interruptions and water shortages over the summer of 2007 and she thanked residents for their patience and understanding, as this has been a very difficult summer. Mayor Morris advised that the Town is working closely with the Region of York to bring in the necessary infrastructure to alleviate the water problems. Mayor Morris advised that the Town has had some very successful and enjoyable events over the summer, including, but not limited to, the recent Rib- Fest, Concerts in the Park, the Farmers’ Market, the Movie in the Park and the Battle of Yonge Street. Mayor Morris thanked staff for organizing and managing these fantastic events. Mayor Morris advised that the Seniors’ Centre is currently holding a membership drive and encouraged any seniors in Aurora who would like to explore the wonderful activities and facilities available at the Centre to contact them at 905- 726-4767. Mayor Morris advised that the Green Bin Program is in place. Mayor Morris thanked residents for participating in the program and for being patient during the start up phase. Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 4 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1(6), 1(10), 1(16). 2, 3, 4 and 5 were identified for discussion. VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Marsh 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. Appointment to the Heritage Advisory Committee of Aurora (From Closed Session of September 4, 2007) THAT Mr. Andries Godschalk be appointed to the Heritage Advisory Committee of Aurora. CARRIED IX DELEGATIONS a) Mr. Ed Benvenuto, Director of Customer Service and Mr. Mike Matthews, Director of Lines, Maintenance & Construction, PowerStream Inc. Re: Update on Power Supply to Aurora Mr. Benvenuto and Mr. Matthews provided a summary of the structure and operations of PowerStream Inc. outlining the rate harmonization process and the conservation demand management program to enhance service and reliability for the Town of Aurora and all of York Region. Mr. Matthews addressed the issue of power outages, outlined the strategies in place to manage any power shortages, and provided the following contact number for the Power Outage Communication Service: 1-877-777-3810. Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED b) Ms Linda Housser Re: Traffic Calming Ms Linda Housser deferred her delegation to Mr. Quinn Bingham. Mr. Quinn Bingham thanked Council for initiating and continuing their support for the northeast quadrant traffic calming measures, adding that the neighbourhood has improved significantly as a result of the implementation of the new measures and he expressed his confidence in the process which was thorough and fully inclusive. Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 3. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 5 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 c) Mr. Graham Creelman Re: Traffic Calming Mr. Creelman addressed Council to express his support and thanks for the traffic calming measures and he suggested that signage be erected to divert motorists to St. John’s Sideroad as an alternate route to Yonge Street. Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 3. CARRIED d) Mr. Robert McConkey Re: Traffic Calming Mr. McConkey addressed Council to express his support of the traffic calming measures and he advised that his concern for the safety of his toddlers has been relieved due to the implementation of the these measures. Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 3. CARRIED e) Mr. Michael Robertson Re: Traffic Calming Mr. Robertson spoke in support of the northeast quadrant traffic calming measures, adding that the process followed to get to this point was very carefully planned and involved a thorough traffic survey, several open public meetings and was fully inclusive. Mr. Robertson advised that the measures have been implemented as a result of the residents’ input, and the plan is a success. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 3. CARRIED f) Mr. Arthur Lombard Re: Traffic Calming Mr. Lombard spoke in opposition to the traffic calming measures and suggested that it is unfair that the subject area should be treated differently from any other neighbourhood in Aurora. Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 3. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT items 2, 3 and 4 be brought forward to consideration at this time. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 6 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2. Memorandum from the Acting Director of Public Works Re: Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Plan Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the memorandum from the Acting Director of Public Works, regarding the Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Plan, be received for information. CARRIED 3. Correspondence from Various Residents Re: Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Plan (Tabled by Mayor Morris) Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the correspondence from residents regarding the Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Plan be received for information. CARRIED 4. Correspondence from Ms Jackie Wilson Re: Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Plan (Referred from the September 4, 2007 General Committee Meeting) (Tabled by Mayor Morris) Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT the correspondence from Ms Jackie Wilson regarding the traffic calming measures be received for information. CARRIED X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-31, Tuesday, September 4, 2007 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 07-31, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 (6) LS07-033 – The Aurora Heritage Centre Operations Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT Council approve that the Town of Aurora, Leisure Services Department assume the operation of the Aurora Heritage Centre; and THAT staff report back on alternate operational models/options by which the Leisure Services Department could operate the Aurora Heritage Centre. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 7 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 (16) Memorandum from the Acting Director of Public Works Re: Operating Costs - Streetlights Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT, due to safety reasons, the Town of Aurora will assume the cost of $210 to power the three lights under dispute between Mosaics Condominium Corporation and Canadian Tire Corporation, subject to both parties resolving the issue of separating the three lights from the main circuit. CARRIED Mayor Morris, having previously declared an interest in item 1(10), relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor McRoberts and did not take part in the vote called for in this regard. (10) PL07-100 – Application for Site Plan Amendment Approval Van Rob Realty Investments 200 Vandorf Sideroad File D11-14-03 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT report PL07-100 be received as information; and THAT, subject to the resolution of all outstanding issues and the submission of all fees and securities, Council authorize the Director of Planning and Development Services to execute a Site Plan Amendment Agreement between the Owner and the Town of Aurora to permit the construction of additional parking spaces on the subject lands. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting 07- 31 be received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted. CARRIED 5. Motion Tabled by Councillor McRoberts Re: Advisory Committee minutes Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT all advisory committee minutes shall identify any and all recommendations to be considered by Council, in list format at the beginning of the minutes. CARRIED XI REGIONAL REPORT Mayor Morris advised that the next Regional Council meeting will take place on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 8 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Buck inquired about the destination for the contents of the new green bins. The Acting Director of Public Works advised that there are several different locations that process the green bin materials, adding that the primary depot is located in Quebec. Councillor Collins-Mrakas extended congratulations to the Aurora Historical Society for conducting a very successful candle-light tour on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that the Terry Fox Run will be taking place on Sunday, September 16, 2007 and she added that registration will be starting at 8:00 a.m. at Sheppard’s Bush. Councillor Granger advised that the issue of left hand turns on Wellington Street at Yonge Street, should be addressed with the Region. Councillor Granger requested that staff look into this matter. Councillor Granger inquired if there is a proposed date for the upcoming meeting pertaining to a strategy for Town owned buildings. The CAO advised that there are several special meetings being arranged for various pending issues and he advised that staff are updating the list of town owned facilities for consideration and will be seeking a date for this meeting shortly. Councillor Granger gave notice of motion regarding the proposal of an agreement between the York Region District School Board and the Town of Aurora to permit the Aurora Farmers’ Market to share the use of land at the School Board’s Head Office on Wellington Street in the parking lot area. Councillor MacEachern suggested that the upcoming meeting scheduled for October 12, 2007 to address the Strategic Plan, be revised to address the issue of Town owned facilities. XIII READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4955-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from meeting 07-21 of September 11, 2007. CARRIED XIV CLOSED SESSION Property and Personal Matters Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT Council convene into a closed session to consider property matters and a personal matter regarding staff recruitment. CARRIED At 10:20 p.m. Council recessed. The meeting reconvened at 12:25 a.m. Council Meeting No. 07-21 Page 9 of 9 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 7. ADM07-011 - Real Estate Brokerage - 15059 Leslie Street - Award of Contract Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Council award the contract for Real Estate Brokerage Services regarding 15059 Leslie Street to Colliers Mcaulay Nicolls (Ontario) Inc. Brokerage. CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor MacEachern THAT the meeting be adjourned at 12:30 a.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK