MINUTES - Council - 20080909 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 08-24
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck (left at
10:15 p.m.), Collins-Mrakas (left at 10:15 p.m.),
Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts
and Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Corporate Services/Town Clerk, Director of
Building, Director of Leisure Services, Director of
Planning, Director of Public Works, 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
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
New Item 6 - Memorandum from Director of Financial Services
Re: 2009 Budget Timetable & 2009 Capital Priority Setting Matrix
New Item 7 - Memorandum from the Manager of Administration
Re: Request to Waive Permit Fee for the Use of Shelter Behind
Regency Acres Public School
New Item 8 - Correspondence from Mayor Robert Grossi of Georgina
Re: Invitation to the Mayor’s Forum - September 17, 2008
New Item 9 - Correspondence from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
Re: Appointing a Designate for Aurora to the Municipal Energy
Conservation Officer (MECO) Working Program
New By-law 5071-08.H - to amend By-law 5019-08.H to appoint
Building Inspectors; and
THAT By-law 5068-08.H be moved to the Closed Session Agenda for
discussion.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 2 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
III OPEN FORUM
Mr. Robert Ryan, President of the Board of Directors for the Mosaics
Condominium Community, addressed Council in support of the decision at the
General Committee meeting of September 2, 2008, to approve staff
recommendations in report PW08-034 regarding a Parking Lot Lighting
Agreement between the Mosaics Condominium and Canadian Tire Corporation.
Ms Sher St. Kitts advised of an event entitled “Lighting up the Legion”, taking
place on Friday, September 19, 2008 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at a cost of $55 per
ticket or $45 for legion members. Ms St. Kitts advised that this evening consisting
of food music and dancing will raise funds and awareness for the “Operation
Renovation” an initiative to update and redecorate the Royal Canadian Legion
Colonel Fred Tilson V.C Branch (Ont. No. 385) Aurora to better serve the
community.
V PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Morris advised that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has
presented the Peter J. Marshall Certificate of Merit Award for excellence and
innovation to the Northern 6 Municipalities, including the Town of Aurora, in
recognition of the implementation of the new waste management strategy, the
Green Bin Program. Mayor Morris congratulated the Director of Public Works
and all staff and participants who collaborated on initiating, promoting and
maintaining this program which is expected to save $11 million over the next ten
years.
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor McRoberts extended thanks and congratulations, on behalf of the
Mayor and members of Council, to the two Aurora Citizens who represented
Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Councillor McRoberts recognized Ms
Nicole Forrester who competed in the women’s high-jump event and Mr. Stephen
Jorens, who competed in the K2 -1,000 m kayak event.
Councillor McRoberts advised of an event taking place on September 10, 2008 at
the Seniors’ Centre entitled “A Celebration of Culture” which offers fine foods
from around the world as well as cultural activities and entertainment, running
from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at a cost of $8 for a passport and $1 per food
sample provided by various local ethnic gourmet restaurants.
Councillor Wilson advised that York Central Fire Services Deputy Chief Ken
Bone retired from service this past August, and that the Fire Department has
appointed Mr. Robert Comeau as the new Deputy Fire Chief. Councillor Wilson
extended his congratulations to Deputy Chief Comeau.
Councillor Granger announced that the Farmers Market will be featuring the
second annual “Apple & Honey Festival” on Saturday September 27, 2008 from
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring exciting events like the charity pie eating
contest, which will necessitate a $3 donation per participant toward Welcoming
Arms in Aurora. Councillor Granger advised that there will also be live music and
an apple pie and apple crumble competition and he invited all bakers in town to
step up and enter their creations.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that a Spin-a-thon fundraiser will be going
around the clock from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday September 26, at
Timberlane Athletics Club to support the Southlake Regional Cancer Centre.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas suggested that interested spinners may contact her at
the Aurora Town Hall 727-3123 Ext. 4268.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 3 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Councillor Buck extended her congratulations to the staff members who were
instrumental in the implementation of the new waste management strategy, the
Green Bin Program, which received the Peter J. Marshall Certificate of Merit
Award for excellence and innovation from the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO), and she recognized former CAO, John Rogers and former
Director of Public Works, Wayne Jackson who were integral in the establishment
of this initiative.
Mayor Morris advised that Aurora Rib-Fest took place over the weekend of
September 5 to 7, 2008. Mayor Morris congratulated Shelley Ware, Special
Events Co-ordinator and staff, as well as the Rotary Club, who made this event a
terrific success.
Mayor Morris also advised that the Mayors’ Blood Clinic will be taking place at
the Town Hall on Friday September 12, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and
suggested that anyone interested in donating may call Canadian Blood Services
at 1-888-2-DONATE.
Mayor Morris advised that Lieutenant Colonel Andre Zdunich will be taking over
command of the Armouries for former Lieutenant Colonel Bruce McCullough of
the Queens York Rangers of Aurora, and she extended her congratulations to
Lieutenant Colonel Zdunich.
Mayor Morris advised that the Magna Wild West Hoedown will be taking place on
Saturday, September 13, 2008.
Mayor Morris extended her congratulations to the Director of Leisure Services, Al
Downey and Special Events Co-ordinator, Shelley Ware and all staff involved, for
the tremendous success of the Concerts in the Park this year.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of August 12, 2008, Meeting Number 08-22
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council Meeting Minutes from meeting 08-22 be adopted as
printed and circulated.
CARRIED
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(8), 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson 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:
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 4 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
2. Correspondence from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), P.J. Marshall
Certificate of Merit Award
THAT correspondence be received for information.
5. Reporting out from Closed Session Agenda
THAT Council provide direction resulting from Closed Session.
6. Memorandum from Director of Financial Services
Re: 2009 Budget Timetable & 2009 Capital Priority Setting Matrix
THAT Memorandum from Director of Financial Services regarding 2009
Budget Timetable & 2009 Capital Priority Setting Matrix be received for
information.
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Ms Moragh Wolfe, Executive Director, Big Brothers and Sisters of York
Re: Proclamation of September 2008 as “Big Brother Big Sister Month”
Ms Moragh Wolfe of the Big Brothers and Sisters of York Region
addressed Council to express her appreciation on behalf of Big Brothers
and Sisters of York Region for proclaiming the month of September as
“Big Brothers and Sisters Month” and she provided an overview of the
tremendous work that is being done in the community and the positive
impact that this program has on the lives of its participants.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and endorsed.
CARRIED
b) Mr. John Waller, Director, Long Range and Strategic Planning
Branch, Region of York
Re: York Region’s “Planning for Tomorrow” Growth Management
Initiative (20 minute presentation)
Mr. John Waller of the Region of York provided a thorough summary of
York Region’s “Planning for Tomorrow” growth management initiative
entitled “Towards a Sustainable Region”.
Mr. Waller explained that studies have revealed that York Region will
experience significant growth over the next ten years and to address this
he advised that sustainable intensification is a key factor, which will create
the need to establish new communities in whitebelt areas of York Region
while maintaining a linked natural heritage system. Mr. Waller advised
that the Region has designed a sustainable approach which should
address the growth issue and maintain a well managed environment,
economy and the responsible delivery of human services. Mr. Waller
advised that public input is being sought through open houses and public
meetings around York Region, and upon the conclusion of this process a
Regional Official Plan Update will be presented to Council in the Fall of
2008.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 5 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-29 Tuesday, September 2, 2008
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-29, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
(8) PW08-034 – Parking Lot Lighting – Mosaics Condominium and Canadian
Tire Corporation
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT Council approve the recommendation to accept the maintenance
and operating costs for three (3) street lights in the Canadian Tire parking
lot to service residents of the Mosaics Community – York Region
Condominium Corporation No. 920; and
THAT Council direct staff to develop an agreement with Canadian Tire
Corporation to acknowledge the transfer of responsibility; and
THAT works not proceed until an agreement has been finalized.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 3
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson and
Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas and McRoberts
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the balance of report of the General Committee Meeting No. 08-29
be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
approved.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT added item 8 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 6 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
8. Correspondence from Mayor Robert Grossi of Georgina
Re: Invitation to the Mayor’s Forum - September 17, 2008 (ADDED ITEM)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the correspondence from Mayor Grossi of the City of Georgina,
regarding the Mayor’s Forum, be received for information.
CARRIED
3. Memorandum from Councillor MacEachern
Re: September 2008, Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee Appointments
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT Council endorse the appointment of the five individuals listed below
to serve on the 2009 Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee:
Sher St. Kitts Merilyn McCart
Sandra Humfreys Frank Mete
Carolyn Barclay
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to advertise in the Notice Board
up until October 7, 2008, for additional members to serve on the Canada
Day Parade Sub-Committee with the goal of increasing the committee
membership.
CARRIED
4. Recommendation from Closed Session September 2, 2008
Re: Personal Matter - Appointments to Committees
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Councillor Al Wilson be appointed to the Aurora Public Library
Board; and
THAT Councillor John Gallo be appointed to the Joint Council Committee
(Central York Fire Services) & the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee; and
THAT Council accept the resignation of Councillor Granger from the
Economic Development Advisory Committee; and
THAT Councillor Evelina MacEachern be appointed to the Economic
Development Advisory Committee; and
THAT the Terms of Reference for the Environmental Advisory Committee
be amended to appoint a third member of Council, and that Councillor
John Gallo be appointed accordingly.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 7 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
7. Memorandum from the Manager of Administration
Re: Request to Waive Permit Fee for the Use of Shelter Behind Regency
Acres Public School (ADDED ITEM)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the correspondence be referred to the Director of Leisure Services;
and
THAT the same process and principles be applied that were followed for
“Relay for Life”.
CARRIED
9. Correspondence from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
Re: Appointing a Designate for Aurora to the Municipal Energy
Conservation Officer (MECO) Working Program (ADDED ITEM)
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA),
regarding appointing a Designate for Aurora to the Municipal Energy
Conservation Officer (MECO) Working Program be referred to the
Environmental Advisory Committee.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that the Region is preparing a report pertaining to the full
enclosure of all backyard pools, which may result in the requirement that all sides
of any backyard pool are fenced.
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gallo inquired about the proposed infrastructure intensification and
what effect that will have on the supply of water in Aurora. The Director of Public
Works responded that the supply of water is not an immediate concern, however
the careful management of the available water supply is important.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas gave Notice of Motion regarding an education session
regarding the Code of Conduct.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas gave Notice of Motion regarding, subject to
permissibility under relevant and applicable legislation, that all future closed
session proceedings of Council be audio recorded.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas gave Notice of Motion regarding provision for
community gardens in future subdivision and or site plan agreements.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised of an ongoing medical condition which
requires her to leave the meeting to receive medication.
Councillor Granger advised of a recent article in the local newspaper regarding
tax increases and he reiterated Council’s position in opposition of the proposed
Regional increase of 3% for a hospital levy.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 8 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Mayor Morris requested that staff ensure full adherence to Council‘s direction to
close Yonge Street on November 11, 2008, to allow for Remembrance Day
Ceremonies to take place. The Mayor also encouraged the support of all citizens
to participate in the 2008 poppy campaign.
Councillor Gaertner requested an update on the re-locating of soil from the
current Community Gardens to the new site. The Director of Leisure Services
advised that staff are awaiting confirmation from Miller Waste as to whether they
will be moving it or not.
Councillor Gaertner requested an update regarding an old oak tree. The Director
of Leisure Services advised that the tree in question resides on private property
and that staff only provide maintenance for trees on public, Town owned
property. The Director further advised that every effort is being made to contact
the land owner(s) to encourage them to take measures to preserve the tree.
Mayor Morris advised of a letter from Mr. Stan Armstrong, CAO for the Town of
Georgina regarding a Mayor’s Forum. Mayor Morris read the letter and advised
that Aurora is being represented by Ms Susan Walmer.
Councillor McRoberts advised that the oak tree mentioned earlier has received
an historical designation.
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5070-08.H BEING A BY-LAW to appoint an Acting Chief
Administrative Officer for the Corporation of the Town
of Aurora. (Bob Panizza)
5071-08.H BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law 5019-08.H to
appoint Building Inspectors. (Added item)
CARRIED
XIV CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council recess into a Closed Session to consider the following
items:
1- Legal Matter - Reporting out from Closed Session
2- Legal Matter – Legal Opinion regarding Stronach Aurora Recreation
Centre
3 - Legal Matter – Bondfield, Aurora et al
4 - Personal/Legal Matter – Marketing Division former staff member
5 - Property Matter – Inquiry regarding Town Land
6 - Memo from Councillor Collins-Mrakas regarding Bulkhead Repairs
payment Authorization and Mayor’s response
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 9 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
7 - Labour Relations Matter – Administrative Procedure No. 13
Excess Hours and Overtime
8 - Property Matter – Recommendation from Trails Subcommittee
CARRIED
Council recessed at 10:15 p.m.
Councillor Buck left the meeting 10:15 p.m.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas Left the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council reconvene from Closed Session at 11:55 p.m.
CARRIED
Council reconvened at 11:55 p.m.
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Legal Matter – Reporting out of
Closed Session Meetings
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the Director of Corporate Services report out to Council the detail
titles of the items that were discussed following each Closed Session
meeting.
CARRIED
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Adoption of Recommendations from
Closed Session Meeting July 22, 2008
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
July 22, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
Legal Matter – Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre
Bondfield, Town of Aurora et al
Authorization of payment for bulkhead repairs
Legal Matter – Tax Registration of Properties
Legal Matter – Dical Property
Personal Matter – Correspondence from Special Events Committee
Personal Matter – Staff for Aurora Heritage Centre
Personal Matter – Staff modification Planning Department
Legal Matter – Disposition of Unopened Park Street
Property Matter – Leslie Street Lands
Legal Matter – Legal Opinion from J. Murray Davidson of PMLaw
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 10 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Adoption of Recommendations from
Closed Session Meeting August 12, 2008
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
August 12, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
Legal Matter – Legal Opinion from Gowlings LLP
• Bondfield , Town of Aurora et al
Legal/Personal Matter – Legal Opinion from Aird & Berlis LLP
• Authorization for payment of bulkhead repairs
Personal Matter – Building Department Sick Leave Policy
CARRIED
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Adoption of Recommendations from
Closed Session Meeting September 2, 2008
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
September 2, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
Personal Matter – Appointments to Committees
Labour Relations Matter – Recruitment of a Town Solicitor
Personal/Legal Matter – Personal Matter regarding former CAO
Labour Relations Matter – Recruitment of a new CAO
Personal/Legal Matter – Human Resources Dept. Staff
CARRIED
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Legal Matter – Legal Opinion
regarding the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT Council confirms the retention of Gowlings LLP to represent the
Town in the claims related to the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre
namely:
Bondfield v Aurora - Feb. 21/08
Aurora v Bondfield - April 15/08
Aurora v Zurich - July 3/08
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 11 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Resolution Resulting from Closed Session - Property Matter – Inquiry Regarding
Town Land
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the request to sell a portion of Town owned open space land not be
approved.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT Council recess into a Closed Session.
CARRIED
Council recessed at 12:00 a.m.
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council reconvene from Closed Session at 12:02 a.m.
CARRIED
Council reconvened at 12:02 a.m.
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5068-08.H BEING A BY-LAW to appoint a Deputy Clerk for the
Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
(Karen Ewart and Cindy Janzen)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5069-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council
resulting from the Council meeting of September 9,
2008.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-24 Page 12 of 12
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Wilson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 12:04 a.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK