MINUTES - Council - 20080325 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 08-08
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Collins-Mrakas,
Gaertner (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Granger, MacEachern,
Marsh, McRoberts and Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck was absent.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Administrative Coordinator/
Deputy Clerk, Director of Building, Director of Leisure
Services, Director of Planning, Director of Public Works,
Deputy Treasurer and Council/Committee Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor MacEachern declared an interest in the closed session item pertaining
to the Town owned 404-Leslie Street lands, by virtue of an customer-client
relationship, 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 McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES FOR DELEGATION - a)
Mr. Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance
NEW ITEM 12 – Copy of Correspondence from Mr. Brian Bentz,
President & CEO of PowerStream– CONFIDENTIAL
Re: Northland Proposal for Generation at Bloomington Road
(Tabled by Mayor Morris)
NEW ITEM 13 - Correspondence from Mr. Steven Comisso of Lynch
& Comisso Architects, to the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Aurora Heritage Centre at 22 Church Street, Heating System
Alternates Pricing and Revised Expenditure Chart to be handed
out at meeting
(Requested at Special GC meeting of March 24, 2008)
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 2 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
III OPEN FORUM
None
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2008 Meeting Number 08-06
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the Council Meeting Minutes from March 4, 2008, meeting 08-06 be
adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
None
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that Bud Rodger, former CAO for the Town of Aurora and
past President of the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario
(AMCTO), passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Mayor Morris advised that
there will be a service to honour the life of Mr. Rodger on Sunday, March 30,
2008 at 3:00 p.m., with a visitation at 2:00 p.m., at Collier St. United Church, 112
Collier Street in Barrie. Mayor Morris provided details of this service and advised
that contributions in his honour can be donated to the Southlake Regional Health
Centre Cancer Clinic, through Stecky Gooderman at 705-721-9921. A moment of
silence was observed in the memory of Mr. Bud Rodger.
Councillor Wilson advised that the date of the next Joint Council Committee -
York Central Fire Services meeting was listed incorrectly in the Era Banner
Notice Board. Councillor Wilson advised that the meeting is actually taking place
on April 15, 2008.
Councillor Granger advised of the York Region Optimist Chess Tournament,
adding that the Aurora qualifying match will be taking place on Thursday,
February 28, 2008 at the Royal Canadian Legion of Aurora, 105 Industrial
Parkway North.
Mayor Morris advised that the Town’s Easter Egg Hunt was very successful and
she thanked Ms Shelley Ware, Special Events Co-ordinator and the Girl Guides
for volunteering to assist.
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Tigers are doing great and asked that the
Director of Leisure Services provide a brief update. The Director advised that the
Aurora Tigers have successfully completed the York Region divisional play-offs
and are now embarking upon the Eastern Regional conference starting with the
Town of Oakville.
Mayor Morris advised that the Town of Aurora will be participating in Earth Hour
on Saturday, March 29, 2008 between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Mayor Morris asked the Director of Public Works to provide some information
regarding York Region Water Efficiency program initiatives. The Director advised
that there is a Water Efficiency Toilet Sale on Saturday, April 5, 2008 and
Sunday, April 6, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Home Depot locations
across York Region, including Aurora. The Director advised that during this
promotion, rebates will be provided when water efficient toilets are purchased.
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 3 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Director of Public Works also advised that there is a one-day program on
May 24, 2008, when rain barrels, which are regularly priced at $90.00, can be
purchased for $30 cash at the following locations:
• The Georgina Ice Palace in Georgina
• Woodbridge Fairgrounds in Vaughan
• Markham Fairgrounds in Markham
Mayor Morris advised that there will be a pesticide awareness open house taking
place at the Town Hall on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Councillor Marsh advised that Mr. Dick Illingworth has recovered from a recent
illness and, on behalf of the Town Council, welcomed him back to his post at the
Council meetings and in his capacity at ACI as media correspondent for the
Town of Aurora.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 4(20), 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13 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 - Budget Meeting Report No. 08-11 Wednesday,
February 27, 2008
THAT the report of the Special General Committee - Budget Meeting No.
08-11 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
2. Special General Committee - Budget Meeting Report No. 08-12 Monday,
March 3, 2008
THAT the report of the Special General Committee - Budget Meeting No.
08-12 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
3. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-13 Thursday, March 6,
2008
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Meeting No. 08-13 be
received and the recommendations carried by the committee be approved.
10. FS08-013 - Discretionary and Obligatory Reserve Report to December 31, 2007
THAT report FS08-013 be received.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 4 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Mr. Tim Jones and Mr. Tom Taylor
Re: Neighbourhood Network of Newmarket and Aurora
Mr. Tim Jones and Mr. Tom Taylor addressed Council to advise of the
Neighbourhood Network of Newmarket and Aurora, a service which locates
caring people who wish to volunteer their time and abilities, and matches them
up with local organizations and individuals who are in need of specialized
volunteer assistance. Mr. Jones advised that people interested in signing up as
volunteers, or looking for volunteers, can sign up on the website
www.neighbourhoodnetwork.org or contact the program administrative assistant,
Linda Potter, for information 905-726-3737. Mr. Jones also advised that there
will be booths at the Aurora and the Newmarket Home Shows. Mr. Jones
requested that Council endorse a proclamation of April 27, 2008 to May 3, 2008
as “National Volunteer Week”, to allow the Neighbourhood Network to display
this proclamation proudly at their Home Show booths and on their website.
Councillor Gaertner arrived at 7:25 p.m.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the comments of the delegates and the request for proclamation of
April 27, 2008 to May 3, 2008 as “National Volunteer Week”, be received
and referred to the Mayor’s office to be handled through the normal
process.
CARRIED
b) Deputy Chief Paul Leslie, Central York Fire Services
Re: Item 6 - Fire Services Report 2008-03 - Open Air Burning
Deputy Fire Chief Paul Leslie of Central York Fire Services addressed
Council to provide the background for the proposal being put forward from
Fire Services Report 2008-03 regarding Open Air Burning. Deputy Fire
Chief Leslie outlined the two options which were presented for Council’s
consideration this evening regarding this matter, and he requested that
Council take a position on how to proceed in this regard.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 6.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT item 6 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
6. Fire Services Report - 2008-03 - Open Air Burning
(Deferred from March 18, 2008 General Committee)
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Council support option 1 in the drafting of a by-law that can be used
in both the towns of Aurora and Newmarket and that this draft by-law be
brought back to a public meeting.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 5 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT item 5 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
5. Correspondence from Ms Martine Payne
Re: Open Fires and the Use of Chimineas in Aurora
(Tabled by Councillor MacEachern)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the correspondence from Ms Martine Payne regarding open fires
and the use of chimineas in Aurora, be received for information.
CARRIED
c) Mr. Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance
Re: Ontario Power Authority’s Proposed 350 to 400 Megawatt
Simple-cycle Gas Plant for Northern York Region
Mr. Jack Gibbons of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance advised that, in his opinion,
the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has set its requirements too high with respect
to the proposed power plant, if it is built to service North York Region (NYR),
suggesting that the proposed minimum electricity supply capacity will be double
its peak day demand. Mr. Gibbons recommended that the Town of Aurora
consider looking into PowerStream’s peaksaver program, which cycles central air
conditioners on and off on peak demand days, which he suggested is an
excellent demand management program and should be very aggressively
promoted. Mr. Gibbons presented the following recommendations to Council for
consideration:
1) THAT Council request that the Minister of Energy, the Honourable Gerry
Phillips, amend his directive to permit the OPA to contract for a small 30 MW
simple-cycle power plant if such a power plant is in the best interests of North
York Region.
2) THAT Council should ask PowerStream to provide the following information:
a) how many residential and small business central air conditioners are
located in Aurora;
b) how many of these air conditioners have enrolled in the peaksaver
program; and
c) what are its peaksaver participation targets for 2008 and 2009?
3) The Town of Aurora should ask Minister Phillips to direct the OPA to remove
its cap on the quantity of demand reductions it will purchase in NYR; and to
pay the same price for demand reductions in NYR as it is paying for demand
reductions in downtown Toronto.
4) Aurora should create a list of its municipal buildings that could be cost-
effective hosts for small-scale combined heat and power plants.
In closing, Mr. Gibbons thanked the Town of Aurora for passing a resolution, in
February, 2008, requesting Minister Phillips to direct the OPA to re-constitute the
NYR Working Group to develop a better electricity plan for the region.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 11.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 6 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT items 4(20) and 11 be brought forward for discussion at this time.
CARRIED
11. Correspondence from Ms JoAnne Butler, Vice President, Electricity
Resources, Ontario Power Authority
Re: New Electricity Generation Requirements for Northern York Region
(Tabled by Mayor Morris);
12 – Copy of Correspondence from Mr. Brian Bentz, President & CEO of
PowerStream– CONFIDENTIAL
Re: Northland Proposal for Generation at Bloomington Road
(Tabled by Mayor Morris)
4. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-14 Tuesday, March 18, 2008
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-14, TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
(20) Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Review of Aurora Hosting a Power Generation Plant and a
Transforming Station
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Town go forward with an independently hosted meeting,
which would be open to the public, to allow members of Council and
the public to obtain more information on the issue regarding power
generation for North York Region.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT appropriate representatives from the Ontario Power Authority,
Ontario Clean Air Alliance, PowerStream and the Ontario Power
Generators Association (OPGA) be invited to participate in the special
meeting, as well as any other representatives deemed necessary; and
THAT the public meeting be held in a panel discussion format; and
THAT an appropriate independent moderator be invited to facilitate the
meeting; and
THAT there be an opportunity at the meeting for Council and the public to
ask specific questions during the discussion; and
THAT, prior to the meeting, a report be provided by the CAO that would
include but not be limited to questions and answers previously raised by
Council, to the best of the ability of staff resources and expertise; outline
the pros and cons of a 350 mw plant; where it would be constructed in
Aurora; the potential rippling effects if such a facility were to be
constructed in Aurora; and consider the issues of generation, distribution
and transmission; and
THAT the CAO provide the pros and cons of supporting Mr. Gibbons’
request that the generation be limited to 30 mw plant; and
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 7 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
THAT the report be made available to the public prior to the special
meeting.
AMENDMENT CARRIED
The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT items 4(20), 11 and 12 be received for information.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 08-
14 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
CARRIED
d) Mr. Chris Alexander, By-law Services Co-ordinator
Re: Graffiti Abatement Ad-hoc Committee - Final Report
Mr. Alexander advised that the Graffiti Abatement Ad-Hoc Committee has
completed its mandate and he provided a summarization of the work done
by the committee, outlining some possible next steps for the Town to take
along with associated costs. Mr. Alexander concluded by requesting that
the graffiti abatement strategies, as recommended by the Graffiti
Abatement Ad-hoc Committee in its final report, be endorsed by Council
and included in the 2009 budget process.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT a letter of thanks be sent out, from the Mayor on behalf of Council,
to each of the Graffiti Abatement Ad-hoc Committee members and to the
representatives of Crime Stoppers and the York Region Police for their
diligence and hard work on this issue.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT item 9 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
9. CS08-009 – Graffiti Abatement Ad-hoc Committee Final Report
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT staff follow up on the application already submitted for job funding
through Canada Summer Jobs 2008; and
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 8 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
THAT the Town of Aurora partner with Crime Stoppers and the York
Regional Police to establish a reporting protocol for residents to report
incidents of graffiti in Aurora via phone or e-mail; and
THAT the Town of Aurora maintain a graffiti site database/inventory; and
THAT the Town of Aurora partner with community groups, businesses and
other interested parties to organize a community beautification day during
the summer of 2008; and
THAT contingent upon staff being successful in obtaining the necessary
funding from outside sources, summer students be hired for the 2008
summer to work through the By-law Services Department on the removal
of graffiti from Town owned properties; and
THAT the costs associated with the hiring of summer students to work on
the removal of graffiti from Town owned properties, as well as an
educational program and package be included in the 2009 budget
discussions; and
THAT staff be directed to develop and implement a graffiti education/
awareness program with the assistance of the York Regional Police,
Crime Stoppers and Police and Community Together (P.A.C.T); and
THAT the Town of Aurora partner with local businesses, service and/or
community groups to sponsor an anti-graffiti poster design competition
among Aurora youth ages 14-19; and
THAT, in attempting to implement anti-graffiti strategies, staff be directed
to formalize partnerships with those partners identified by the committee
and pursue any other partnerships that may be presented; and
THAT staff bring forward a Graffiti By-law for private property for Council’s
consideration and implementation.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT paragraph 6 be amended to replace the word “included” with the
words “considered during”
CARRIED
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the last paragraph which reads as follows:
“THAT staff bring forward a Graffiti By-law for private property for
Council’s consideration and implementation.”
be removed from the main motion.
DEFEATED
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 9 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT staff be directed to contact the utility companies to seek their
support in partnering financially in the endeavours to clean up their utility
boxes.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT item 8 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
8. CS08-008 – Orchard Heights Reservoir Property
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT report CS08-008 entitled Orchard Heights Reservoir Property be
received for information; and
THAT the York Regional Police be requested to perform a Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design audit of the property; and
THAT, once the Audit Report is completed, a public meeting be arranged
with the residents to present the police’s report and the Town’s plan to
address the residents’ concerns for this coming summer.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT in the third paragraph the word “plan” be replaced with “proposed
strategy”
CARRIED
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT, if there are any specific costs associated with the proposed
strategy, staff report back to General Committee.
CARRIED
The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED.
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 10 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
7. Notice of Motion from Councillor Buck
Re: Presentations at Council Meetings
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT item 7 - Notice of Motion from Councillor Buck regarding
presentations at Council meetings, be deferred to the April 1, 2008, General
Committee meeting.
CARRIED
13. Correspondence from Mr. Steven Comisso of Lynch & Comisso Architects,
to the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Aurora Heritage Centre at 22 Church Street, Heating System Alternates
Pricing;
(Requested at Special GC meeting of March 24, 2008)
(Revised Expenditure Chart to be handed out at meeting)
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the correspondence and the revised expenditure chart be referred
to the March 31, 2008 Special General Committee - Budget meeting.
CARRIED
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5010-08.T BEING A BY-LAW to designate and erect stop signs at the
intersection of George Street and Tyler Street.
5011-08.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking By-law 4574-04.T as
amended, with respect to parking on Walton Drive
5012-08.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking By-aw 4574-04.T as
amended, with respect to parking on Birkshire Drive.
5017-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from meeting 08-08 on March 25, 2008.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that she will attend the Regional Council meeting on
Thursday, March 27, 2008 and that she will be meeting with staff on Wednesday,
March 26, 2008 to be updated on current Town matters and issues which might
be of relevance at the Regional Council meeting.
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 11 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor McRoberts confirmed that appropriate action has been taken with
regard to a letter, dated March 18, 2008, from the Government of Ontario
regarding Seniors’ Month and a related nomination for the 2008 Senior of the
Year award.
Councillor Granger requested that staff look into the possible plans for York
Region Police to increase their compliment of vehicles patrolling the vicinity
around the water reservoir lands in Aurora.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the Procedural By-law be waived in order to allow a document
entitled Aurora Storm Water Ponds, Vegetation and Wildlife Study,
prepared by Mr. David Tomlinson and volunteer task force, to be added to
Other Business for consideration.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the “Town of Aurora Storm Water Management Ponds, Vegetation
and Wildlife Study”, previously circulated to the Mayor and members of
Council, be received for information and referred to staff for comment with
respect to the recommendations included in the report.
CARRIED
Mayor Morris requested that the Town’s auditors be requested to meet with her
in relation to two letters that she has drafted in response to previous articles,
regarding Town budget matters, written in a local newspaper which may have
provided inaccurate information.
Mayor Morris advised that, in response to a letter to the editor in the Auroran on
March 25, 2008, regarding a recent photography display, the correct process was
followed to have this display shown at the Aurora Town Hall. Mayor Morris
asked staff to confirm this fact, which the Director of Leisure Services verified
that the process which was followed by the Mayors’ Office to have this temporary
photography display installed on the second floor of the Town Hall, was
appropriate.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT this meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. in
order to address the remaining items on the agenda, including the Closed
Session.
CARRIED
Councillor MacEachern, having previously declared at interest in the closed session
item pertaining to the Town owned 404-Leslie Street lands, 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.
Council Meeting No. 08-08 Page 12 of 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
XIV CLOSED SESSION
Property, Legal, Personal and Labour Relations Matters
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider personal matters
about identifiable individuals; a property matter regarding the Town owned
404-Leslie Street lands; labour relations matters regarding non-union staff
compensation, and a Legal matter regarding non-compliance use of land.
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR KAREN EWART, DEPUTY CLERK