MINUTES - Council - 20071023 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 07-26
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-
Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, Marsh, McRoberts and
Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor MacEachern 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 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor McRoberts declared a pecuniary interest in any discussion 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.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional item, be approved:
New Item 9 - PW07-040 - Reconstruction of Knowles Crescent
Update No. 3
CARRIED
III OPEN FORUM
Ms Sher St. Kitts addressed Council in support of item 5 - recommendation
resulting from the Leisure Services Advisory Committee on October 18 regarding
the reinstatement of the Canada Day Parade. Ms St. Kitts encouraged Council
to approve the recommendation and requested that a Canada Day Committee be
struck as soon as possible to allow enough time for the planning to commence.
Council Meeting No. 07-26 Page 2 of 8
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of October 9, 2007, Meeting 07-24; and Special Council
Minutes October 16, 2007, Meeting 07-25
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the Council minutes from meeting 07-24 and Special Council
minutes from meeting 07-25 be approved.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
a) 2007 Anti-litter Poster Contest Winner and Finalists
Ms Catherine Marshall presented to Council the 2007 Anti Litter Poster
Contest Winner and Finalists. Ms Marshall advised that there were over 80
entries for the 2007 Anti-Litter Poster Contest and that five Aurora
elementary schools are represented at this meeting through the winner and
8 finalists. Posters were judged by 3 local senior artists: Dorothy Clark-
McClure (winner of 2007 Citizen of the Year award), Mary McIntosh and
Bud Switzer and Catherine Marshall, who is an Environmental Advisory
Committee member and graphic designer.
Ms. Marshall extended her thanks to all of the Aurora grade 4 teachers who
helped their students learn about littering and participate in this contest, and
then invited the Mayor to present each of the following students with their
original framed poster.
Winner:
• Miss Jeneva Smith of Aurora Senior PS - Mrs. Shuttleworth
Finalists:
• Miss Clair Balkowski of Wells St. PS - Mrs. J. Gertzbein
• Miss Allysah Greaves of Aurora Senior PS - Mrs. Baskin
• Mr. Max Leroux of Regency Acres PS - Mr. Salhani
• Miss Haleigh Meech of Holy Spirit Catholic School - Mrs. Lalonde
• Miss Sarah Pettigrew of Holy Spirit Catholic School - Mrs. Lalonde
• Mr. Justin Pezzack of Aurora Senior PS - Mrs. Baskin
• Mr. Geoffrey Siow of Aurora Senior PS - Mrs. Shuttleworth
• Miss Rola Wahab of Aurora Senior PS - Mrs. Compton
b) Town of Aurora Staff Character Champion 2007
Mr. Chris Cantania, Youth & Community Development Coordinator and
Chair of the Character Committee, announced the Winner of the 2007 Town
of Aurora Staff Character Champion Award, Ms Heather Green.
Mr. Catania advised that this award is very highly regarded at the Town of
Aurora, as it won through nomination by one’s peers and represents all of
the positive and admirable character traits that Town staff strive to display
on a daily basis. Mr. Catania advised that Ms Green is a strong and
inspiring example of what this award stands for, in the many activities and
contributions that she has initiated and championed, over and above her
dedicated service as By-law Enforcement Licensing Officer. Mr. Catania
explained that Ms Green’s efforts included, but are not limited to, organizing
Council Meeting No. 07-26 Page 3 of 8
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
and leading the highest contributing team in the 2007 Dragon Boat Races
for the United Way, as well as the highest contributing team in the 2007
Relay for Life, to name only a few, all in the name of good will and team
spirit.
The Mayor presented Ms Green with the Official Aurora Staff Character
Champion Plaque, with her name newly added, to be displayed in the Town
Hall and the Mayor congratulated Ms Green for her well deserved
recognition on behalf of the Town.
c) Town of Aurora Character Community Committee, "Warm Hearts,
Warming Hands"
Mr. Chris Catania provided Council with an introduction to the newest
character initiative called “Warm Hearts - Warming Hands”. Mr. Catania
advised that this program was initiated by Councillor Alison Collins-Mrakas
with the cooperation of the Aurora Character Committee and the Aurora
Seniors’ Association. Mr. Catania advised that the program involves the
creation of special “kits” for cold weather, to provide back-up outerwear for
any student who has forgotten or is without proper protection from the cold.
Mr. Catania explained that each “kit” will contain mittens, a hat and scarf,
and will be provided to every classroom in Aurora’s grade schools from
grade 1 to grade 3, with the help of the volunteer knitters and seamstresses
as well as donated (new) items. Mr. Catania advised that this program is
planned to continue over this and next winter and is hoped to expand to
include kindergarten up to grade 5 classrooms. Mr. Catania extended a
special thanks to Ms Flo Murray, “Head Knitter”, and Ms Joan Levert, “Head
Seamstress”, for their tireless work and enthusiasm in this project. Mr.
Catania concluded by advising that he will be returning to update Council on
the progress of “Warm Hearts-Warming Hands” as the program becomes
more fully established.
d) Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Aw ard Presentation
The CAO advised that on October 19, 2007 the Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority held its 2007 Conservation Awards. The CAO
advised that the Aurora Public Works Department was presented with the
Water Conservation Award, which acknowledges individuals and groups
completing a project that improves water quality and wildlife in the Lake
Simcoe watershed. The CAO congratulated Mr. David Atkins, Acting
Director of Public Works, who accepted the award on behalf of his
department, for completing two storm water management retrofit projects,
reducing the phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe by 24 kg. per year. Mr.
Atkins thanked staff and extended a special thanks to Ms Anca Mahail and
Mr. Steve Wilson who were particularly instrumental in getting these
projects completed.
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that the Welcome Wagon - Aurora Chapter recently won
the Community of the Year Award.
Mayor Morris and Councillor Granger advised that the second annual “Great
Pumpkin Give Away” will be taking place at the Aurora Farmers’ Market on
Saturday, October 27, 2007 starting at 8:00 a.m. Councillor Granger advised
that there will be many other special activities planned for the Farmers’ Market on
that date because it will be the closing weekend for the Market. Councillor
Granger encouraged the public to come out on Saturday, for the last Market day
of 2007.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Mayor Morris and the CAO provided a brief outline of the two applications being
considered at the Public Planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October
24, 2007.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the National Bank in Aurora is presenting a
stage production of South Pacific which will take place at Theatre Aurora starting
November 23, 2007 through to December 8, 2007. Councillor Gaertner advised
that a portion of the proceeds will help the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 2, 8 and 9 were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
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 Meeting Minutes No. 07-39 Friday, October 12,
2007
THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee Meeting 07-39 be
received and the recommendations contained therein be adopted.
3. General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-41 Tuesday, October 16, 2007
THAT the minutes of the General Committee Meeting 07-41 be received
and the recommendations contained therein be adopted.
4. CS07-041 – Corporate Services Department Clerk’s Division Reorganization
THAT the proposed reorganization for the Clerk’s Department be
endorsed; and
THAT the new position of Manager of Administration be approved.
5. Extract - Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting, October 18, 2007
Re: Delegation from Ms Sher St. Kitts - July 1 st Parade
THAT staff prepare a report for the November 15, 2007 Leisure Services
Advisory Committee meeting regarding the structure and process for the
restoration of the Canada Day Parade for 2008 and beyond.
6. Memorandum from the Acting Director of Public Works
Re: Concern Regarding Traffic Operations on Yonge Street at Industrial
Parkway South Related to Storm Sewer Repair Project
THAT the memorandum from the Acting Director of Public Works
regarding traffic operations on Yonge Street at Industrial Parkway South
related to storm sewer repair, be received for information.
7. Correspondence from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Re: Allocation of Funding Toward Elderly Persons Centres
THAT the correspondence be received for information.
CARRIED
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Mr. Daniele Zanotti, CEO of the United Way of York Region
Re: 2007 United Way Campaign
Mr. Daniele Zanotti, CEO of the United Way of York Region addressed
Council to advise of the tremendous support and enthusiasm displayed in
York Region so far and to congratulate and thank the Town of Aurora for
all that they have done and are doing to support the 2007 United Way
Campaign. Mr. Zanotti shared examples of individuals who have been in
need and received life changing support from various local services within
York Region, and he asked that all who can, please try to assist in building
a social services infrastructure that is able to address the needs of the
growing population.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Mr. Paul Finlayson of Colliers International
Re: Sale of Town Lands
Mr. Paul Finlayson of Colliers International provided a detailed overview of
the critical path and methods to be used to sell the Town owned lands
located at 15059 Leslie Street.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT item 9 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
9. PW07-040 - Reconstruction of Knowles Crescent Update No. 3
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT Council receive report PW07-040 (Reconstruction of Knowles
Crescent – Update No. 3) for information.
CARRIED
2. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 07-40, October 13, 2007
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT item LS13 – Aurora Senior’s Centre Fund Raising Initiatives, be
amended to read as follows:
THAT staff bring forward a report on November 19, 2007 outlining
any budget implications so that it can be addressed as part of the
2008 budget deliberations.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-26 Page 6 of 8
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the balance of the minutes of the Special General Committee
Meeting 07-40 be received and the recommendations contained therein
be adopted.
CARRIED
8. Motion from Mayor Morris
Re: Dance in the Park Event Location
(Notice of Motion was provided at General Committee, October 16, 2007)
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the following motion presented by Mayor Morris be adopted:
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora is known as Canada’s Birthday
Town;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Aurora has for many years held a
dance on the eve of Canada Day in the Town Park from 1992 to
2005;
AND WHEREAS in April 2006 Members of Leisure Services
Advisory Committee were advised by staff that the move to
Lambert Wilson Park was considered in order to reduce labour
costs, reduce liability and centralize the events;
AND WHEREAS, based upon that staff presentation, in 2006,
Leisure Services Advisory Committee recommended to Council to
move the dance from Town Park over to Lambert Wilson Park;
AND WHEREAS Goal B of the Town of Aurora Strategic Plan is to
promote a sustainable community that respects its historic culture
and character and embraces diverse cultural development and
renewal in harmony with sound environmental management and
business development activity;
AND WHEREAS numerous citizens and the Rotary Club have
since then expressed support for moving the dance back to the
Town Park
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to
prepare a report to be tabled at Leisure Services Advisory
Committee on November 15, 2007, outlining the pros, cons and
logistics of staging the Eve of Canada Day - Dance in the Park,
back at its former location, "Town Park" for 2008.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that the new census figures have been released by the
Region. The Mayor also advised that the Region is considering new legislation
to prohibit smoking in cars carrying children as passengers, and a matter of
safety legislation regarding secondary dwelling units.
Councillor Granger advised of a recent presentation at Regional Council
regarding affordable housing, and he asked if it would be possible to have a
similar presentation provided for Aurora Council.
Council Meeting No. 07-26 Page 7 of 8
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Wilson advised that the speed limit on the newly reconstruction portion
of Bathurst Street has been raised to 70 km.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that a community meeting was held on
Monday, October 22, 2007, regarding issues related to the Orchard Heights
Water Tower lands. Councillor Collins-Mrakas thanked Members of Council, Mr.
Chris Alexander, By-law Services Coordinator, and representatives from York
Region Police for assisting with this meeting which was well attended and very
informative.
Councillor Gaertner questioned whether there is a policy regarding community
meetings, and whether they must be approved through Council. The Clerk
advised that there is no written policy for setting community meetings, they are
generally called on an as needed basis in response to requests from residents.
Mayor Morris gave notice of motion that she will be bringing forth a
recommendation to the next General Committee meeting regarding the addition
of a second Aurora Councillor to sit on Regional Council.
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared at interest in any discussion
pertaining to the issue of traffic calming measures in the northeast quadrant of Aurora,
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 Buck requested that Council reconsider the issue of traffic calming
measures in the northeast quadrant of Aurora, to allow her to bring forth a notice
of motion.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT Council reconsider the issue of traffic calming measures in the
northeast quadrant of Aurora
DEFEATED
Councillor Buck expressed her concern that members of Council have deemed it
inappropriate to openly discuss the comments of residents who have publicly
addressed Council or General Committee.
Councillor Gaertner requested that a copy of the comments made by a resident
regarding Knowles Crescent be provided.
Mayor Morris requested an update from Fire and Emergency Services regarding
the northeast quadrant traffic calming measures.
Councillor Gaertner gave notice of motion regarding the Secondary Dwelling
Task Force.
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4963-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from meeting 07-26 of October 23, 2007.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 07-26 Page 8 of 8
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
XIV CLOSED SESSION
Legal and Personal Matters
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT Council convene into a Closed Session to consider a legal and a
personal matter.
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Granger
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK