Loading...
MINUTES - Council - 20080212 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 08-04 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, February 12, 2008 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, Acting Director of Planning, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer 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 By-law 4994-08.D 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. II APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  REVISED Council Minutes of January 22, 2008 - Page 13 Re: Correction to mover and seconder for enactment of By-law 4981- 07.P Pet Licensing  ADDED BY-LAW - 4999-08.D Re: BEING a By-law to establish highways on Part of Block 18, Plan 65M-2976 (Stone Road) CARRIED III OPEN FORUM None Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 2 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Council Minutes of January 22, 2008, Meeting Number 08-01 and ADDED ITEM - REVISED Council Minutes of January 22, 2008 - Page 13 Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the January 22, 2008 Council minutes of meeting number 08-01 be adopted as corrected. CARRIED 2. Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of January 23, 2008, Meeting Number 08-02 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the January 23, 2008 Special Council - Public Planning minutes of meeting number 08-02 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED 3. Special Council Minutes of January 29, 2008, Meeting Number 08-03 Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Marsh THAT the January 29, 2008 Special Council minutes of meeting number 08-03 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS None VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Wilson advised that he attended a follow-up celebration for the Operation Red-Nose 2007/2008 Campaign and he advised that the Town of Aurora received an award for most donations received from passengers. Councillor Wilson presented the gold trophy to Mayor Morris who had volunteered her services along with himself and Councillors Gaertner, Marsh, Collins-Mrakas, Granger and McRoberts. Councillor Granger advised that the 12th annual Optimists of York Region Chess Tournament will be held on February 28, 2008 in which 29 schools from the Aurora area will be represented. Councillor Granger recognized the Royal Canadian Legion for their ongoing support and for providing the facility to hold this event. Councillor Marsh advised that Canadian Blood Services has put out a call for the increased need for donations of whole blood at this time, due to severe weather and added strain upon existing supplies. Councillor Marsh advised that anyone interested in finding out how to help may call 1-888-2DONATE. Councillor Marsh announced, on behalf of the Chair of the Library Board, that Ms Louise Procter Maio has been appointed as the new CEO for the Aurora Public Library and that she will be commencing her new duties on March 17, 2008. Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 3 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Mayor Morris and the CAO recognized Mr. Ilmar Simanovskis in the audience, and advised that Mr. Simanovskis is going to be taking on the position of Director of Public Works for the Town of Aurora and that he will be officially commencing his position with the Town on February 19, 2008. Mayor Morris announced that the Ontario Heritage Trust Awards will be presented at Queen’s Park by the Lieutenant Governor on February 21, 2008, as part of the province's Heritage Week celebrations. Mayor Morris advised that several residents from Aurora will be receiving these very special awards, and that these winners will be coming to the next Council meeting to be formally recognized for their achievements. Mayor Morris advised that she and Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, McRoberts and Wilson attended the presentations of the Heritage Designation Plaques on Monday, February 11, 2008. Mayor Morris congratulated the home owners who were in receipt of these plaques and she recognized Mr. Michael Seaman, Community Planner, for the Town of Aurora, for all of his work and dedication to this program. Mayor Morris congratulated the Leisure Services staff for the great success of Aurora’s Arctic Adventure, which took place in Town Park on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Mayor Morris advised that Aurora will be taking part in “Earth Hour” on March 29, 2008 between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and welcomed residents who are safely able to participate, to take part and turn off their lights for that one hour to save energy. Mayor Morris advised of a program called “Cell Phones for Soldiers” in support of Canadian troops and she advised that she will provide information for staff to notify the community of this new initiative. Mayor Morris advised that GO Transit representatives have offered to provide a new home for the bell, which currently rests at the former Library in Aurora. Mayor Morris advised that GO Transit is looking at revitalizing the former parkette at the Aurora GO-train Station and they would like to place the bell there. Councillor Buck advised of a power outage which occurred in Aurora on the evening of Monday, February 11, 2008 for approximately an hour. Councillor Buck commended the staff of the Town of Aurora who work outdoors in extreme weather conditions to provide and maintain various services for the residents of this town. Mayor Morris advised that she recently rode along in a snow plow through Aurora after a heavy storm to better understand the challenges that Public Works staff face in providing this service. Mayor Morris encouraged all residents to remember to move all vehicles off the roads when it snows, wherever possible, to allow plow operators to continue to clear the roads expediently and safely. Mayor Morris advised that she has asked that the Era Banner print a retraction to an article in the February 12, 2008 issue on page 5 pertaining to elected officials travelling business class, due to some misquoted information. VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 6(2), 7(11), 7(12), 7(13), 7(15) and 10 were identified for discussion. Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 4 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 VIII 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: 4. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-04 Monday, January 21, 2008 THAT the report of the January 21, 2008 Special General Committee Meeting No. 08-04 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be adopted. 5. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-05 Thursday, January 24, 2008 THAT the report of the January 24, 2008 Special General Committee Meeting No. 08-05 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be adopted. 8. Correspondence from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) Response to Questions from January 22, 2008 Council Meeting (Tabled by Mayor Morris) THAT the correspondence from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) responding to questions from the January 22, 2008 Council meeting be received for information. 9. Memorandum from the Manager of Engineering Services Re: Correspondence from Residents Related to Proposed Changes in Parking Restrictions on Walton Drive THAT the memorandum regarding correspondence from residents, pertaining to proposed changes in parking restrictions on Walton Drive, be received for information. 11. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Re: Lease Agreement with Region EMS Location THAT the memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, regarding the lease agreement with the Region EMS Location, be received for information. 12. Memorandum from the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Re: Proposed Special General Committee - Budget Meeting Wednesday, February 27, 2008 THAT a Special General Committee - Budget meeting be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008, to continue the budget review process. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 5 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 IX DELEGATIONS a) Mr. John Mulrooney, Director of Engineering Re: PowerStream Mr. John Mulrooney, Director of Engineering for PowerStream, provided a presentation to Council which explained PowerStream’s engineering design philosophy as it applies to the expansion and replacement of its electrical distribution system. Mr. Mulrooney provided a comparison of the benefits and disadvantages associated with aboveground cables versus buried cables and answered questions from Council. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information CARRIED Mr. Mulrooney provided information to Council which illustrated and explained the reasons for the power outage which took place on the evening of Monday, February 11, 2008. Mr. Mulrooney answered numerous questions from Council pertaining to sources of information and notification methods used by PowerStream during a power outage. The Mayor expressed her concern with regard to the lack of clarity pertaining to some of the information provided on the PowerStream website during the power outage, and she requested that she be notified and kept informed in cases of power outages so that she can answer inquiries accurately. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information CARRIED b) Ms Susan Dobson, Public Education/Outreach/Councillor Re: Women’s Support Network of York Region Ms Susan Dobson, of the Women’s Support Network of York Region provided Council with a series of statistics related to sexual violence in Canada. Ms Dobson gave an overview of the unique services provided by the Women’s Support Network of York Region which include education sessions at local schools, outreach programs, free counselling and a 24 hour crisis support line which is handled by professional volunteers and trained staff. Ms Dobson advised that the first week of June in 2008 has been declared “Sexual Harassment Awareness Week” and she urged Council to provide their support by issuing an awareness statement for the media and helping to promote awareness of their services provided by the Women’s Support Network of York Region, including the website www.womenssupportnetwork.ca and the toll-free 24 hour crisis line 1-800-263-6734. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT comments of the delegate be received for information CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 6 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 c) Ms Angie Wilkinson Quality and Systems Manager Re: Community Living Newmarket/Aurora Ms Angie Wilkinson of Community Living Newmarket/Aurora advised that this week February 11, 2008 to February 15, 2008 is “Random Acts of Kindness Week” in Aurora and Newmarket. Ms Wilkinson explained that this initiative is a positive and proactive way to bring people of all abilities and backgrounds into the community and promote personal empowerment through empowering others. Ms Wilkinson handed out “Kindness Kits” to the Mayor and members of Council advising that, upon opening them, they would know what to do with them. Ms Wilkinson described the principles of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, which began in the United States as a positive initiative to counter balance the negative effects of media attention and news stories about random acts of violence. Ms Wilkinson advised that this initiative is a step toward creating a more positive community through acts of consideration and respect for those around us. Ms Wilkinson advised that there are various events and activities being organized to celebrate “Random Acts of kindness Week”, including a pancake breakfast, “Drive-by Flowering” and “Tip-Tim-a-Tooney-Tuesday”. Ms Wilkinson suggested that anyone interested in learning more may visit www.yorkregion.com to see what is planned or 460 Oak Street in Newmarket to see the “Kindness Tree”. Ms Wilkinson concluded with the following quote from Ghandi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT comments of the delegate be received for information CARRIED X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 6. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-06 Tuesday, January 29, 2008 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-06, TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2008 (2) Staff’s Proposed Changes to Achieve Council’s Directive Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following recommendation be deferred to the next Special General Committee - Budget meeting: THAT Council approve an increase in the tax levy by a dollar amount of $460,000 which is equivalent to 2%; and THAT these funds be specifically earmarked to begin to address the capital funding shortfall as recommended by the Treasurer; and THAT the amount be placed into the municipal capital reserve; and THAT this philosophy be carried forward to future years for Council consideration. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED. Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 7 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 YEAS: 5 NAYS: 4 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Marsh and McRoberts Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following recommendation be deferred to the next Special General Committee - Budget meeting: THAT Council not participate in the Smart Commute initiative for 2008, reducing the 2008 Budget by $30,000; and THAT the actual documentation pertaining to Smart Commute be placed on a future agenda so that Council may properly debate and discuss the merits of the program. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the budgeted amounts of $7,731 for Student assistance at the Farmers’ Market and estimated revenue of $3,200 be removed from the 2008 budget. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the previously approved amount of $3,000, for supplies and expenses related to the Farmers’ Market, remain in the 2008 budget. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED. YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck and Marsh Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the balance of the report of the January 29, 2008 Special General Committee Meeting No. 08-06 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be adopted. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 8 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-07 Tuesday, February 5, 2008 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-07, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008 (12) LS08-003 – Pathway Lighting Lambert Willson Park Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT report LS08-003 – Pathway Lighting Lambert Willson Park be deferred to the February 19, 2008 General Committee meeting; and THAT the 2007 Capital Budget page for this project be included with the report; and THAT the request for quotation and the submissions be included for discussion and consideration. CARRIED (15) Memorandum from the Act ing Director of Planning Re: Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and Proposed Plan of Condominium Applications Westhill Redevelopment Company Limited Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the memorandum from the Acting Director of Planning regarding Westhill Redevelopment Company Limited be received for information; and THAT the detailed outstanding items, which have been provided to the applicant, also be provided to the Mayor and Members of Council, Mr. Northey and any other party, should they express an interest in receiving it. CARRIED IX NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the New Business item on page 9 of the General Committee minutes from February 5, 2008, pertaining to the soccer club, be amended to read as follows: Councillor MacEachern expressed concern that on two separate occasions Councillor Buck stated that the Soccer Club at the south end of Aurora was not in compliance with their lease agreement, and for that reason Councillor MacEachern requested that staff review the lease agreement with the Soccer Club and facility located at the south end of town, to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 9 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 (11) LS08-002 – Pine Tree Potters Lease at Aurora Public Library Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Council authorize Leisure Services staff to renew the lease for the Pine Tree Potters Guild at the Aurora Public Library with an amending clause to include an annual 3% escalated cost of living increase; and THAT Council approve an amendment to the billing of hydro under a proposed new agreement; and THAT section 8-1 regarding signage be referred to the Director of Leisure Services to review feasibility of installing signage that is smaller and less obtrusive. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Marsh, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck and McRoberts (13) Key Performance Indicators and Added Support Material  Administration - Chief Administrative Officer’s Office - Communications and Marketing - Economic Development - Legal Services  Building  Corporate Services - Clerk’s Department - By-law and Licensing Services - Human Resources - Information & Technology Services  Financial Services  Leisure Services  Planning  Public Works  Library Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the Key Performance Indicators and Added Support Material be received for information. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the balance of the report of the February 5, 2008 General Committee Meeting No. 08-07 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be adopted. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 10 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Re: Pathway Lighting at Lambert Willson Park Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the memorandum from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, regarding Pathway Lighting at Lambert Willson Park, be deferred to the February 19, 2008 General Committee meeting. CARRIED XI REGIONAL REPORT None XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Gaertner requested a copy of the Offering Memorandum for the sale of the 15059 Leslie Street lands. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow Council to pass a motion under “New Business”. CARRIED Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT this meeting be extended until 11:00 p.m. in order to address the remaining items on the agenda. CARRIED Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT any member of Council who wishes to obtain a copy of the Offering Memorandum - Land Sale document from Colliers International, be provided a copy of the document without being required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Councillor Marsh left the meeting at 11:00 p.m. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 5 NAYS: 3 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas and McRoberts Councillor Marsh was absent. Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 11 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 XIII READING OF BY-LAWS Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in By-law 4994-08.D, did not take part in the vote called for in this regard. Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4994-08.D BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The Wells Street Public School”, 64 Wells Street CARRIED Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted as amended: 4998-08.P BEING A BY-LAW to amend the Town’s Dog By-law to regulate the humane tethering of dogs in the Town of Aurora. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 4993-08.D BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The Pines”, 78 Wells Street 4996-08.D BEING A BY-LAW to establish highways on Block 47 Plan 65M-3461 (Chapman Court) 4997-08.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking By-law 4574-04.T as amended, with respect to Disabled Parking Signage in the Town of Aurora. 4999-08.D BEING a By-law to establish highways on Part of Block 18, Plan 65M-2976 (Stone Road) ADDED ITEM 5000-08.F BEING A BY-LAW affirming support of an application to the Province of Ontario for funding of a capital project under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative. (Capital Project No. 31068 – Reconstruction of Allaura Boulevard) 5001-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from the meeting 08-04 on February 12, 2008. CARRIED Council Meeting No. 08-04 Page 12 of 12 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 XIV CLOSED SESSION Personal, Labour Relations and Property Matters Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider: ▪ Personal matters, items regarding identifiable individuals, update on staff recruitment, performance appraisal of staff and correspondence from former Special Events Committee; and ▪ Labour relations matter regarding collective bargaining with CUPE; and ▪ Security of property matter regarding outstanding invoice. CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Gaertner THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:05 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK