MINUTES - Council - 20081110 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 08-29
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, November 10, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-
Mrakas, 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
Councillor McRoberts declared an interest in item 2(5) - PW08-043 – Northeast
Quadrant Traffic Calming - Post-Implementation Monitoring Report due to his
residence being within the northeast quadrant, 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.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas declared an interest in items 7, 8(1), 8(4) and Closed
session item 1 - pertaining to the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre due to her
spouse’s business affiliation.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be
approved.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 2 of 10
The Director of Corporate Services advised that a request for deferral of By-law 5080-
08.R has been submitted and should therefore be deferred.
Bob Panizza, Director of Corporate Services, introduced Ms Lucille King, the new
Director of Corporate Services/Town Clerk who was in attendance for her first time at
this meeting, to the Members of Council.
III OPEN FORUM
No one spoke during Open Forum.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2008 Meeting Number 08-28
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the Council minutes of October 28, 2008, meeting number 08-28 be
adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
None
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor McRoberts advised that Aurora’s “Santa Under the Stars” Parade will
be taking place on November 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
Councillor McRoberts advised that the Annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle
Drive is starting up for this season and people who are interested in volunteering
their time to assist with the Kettles may contact the Info Aurora Desk at the Town
Hall.
Councillor Granger announced that the Aurora Christmas Dream Kick-off Party
will be taking place at Jonathon’s Restaurant on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
Councillor Granger advised that the party will be featuring the live music of
George St. Kitts and the Motown Boys, and funds raised will be put toward the
Aurora Christmas Dream as well as the Aurora Food Pantry, Welcoming Arms
and the Salvation Army.
Mayor Morris advised that there will be a flu-shot clinic taking place on Thursday,
November 13, 2008 at the Seniors’ Centre beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Mayor Morris advised that The Aurora Seniors’ Centre will be holding their
annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 29, 2008.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 2(4), 2(5), 4, 7 and 8 were identified for discussion.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 3 of 10
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
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 Report No. 08-36 Monday, October 27,
2008
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Meeting No. 08-36 be
received and the recommendations carried by the committee be approved.
3. PL08-119 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Vinder Holdings Inc.
15195 Leslie Street
Part of Lot 20, Concession 3, E.Y.S.
File D14-04-08
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Zoning By-
law Amendment application D14-04-08 scheduled for a Public Planning
Meeting to be held on December 17, 2008.
5. Correspondence from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
Re: Natural Gas Fired Power Generating Facility
THAT the correspondence from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury,
regarding Natural Gas Fired Power Generating Facility, be received for
information.
6. Correspondence from the Town of East Gwillimbury
Re: Request to the Provincial and Federal Governments for
Increased Funding for Municipal Roads and Bridges
THAT the correspondence from the Town of East Gwillimbury, regarding
Request to the Provincial and Federal Governments for Increased
Funding for Municipal Roads and Bridges, be received and endorsed.
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Two Students from Lester B. Pearson Public School
and Two Students from Regency Acres Public School
Re: Winning Essays from Local Government Week
Mayor Morris, on behalf of Aurora Town Council, thanked Ms Norma Moffitt,
teacher at Regency Acres Public School and Ms Brigid Duggan, teacher at
Lester B. Pearson Public School, for their participation in the Town of
Aurora’s 2008 Local Government Week Essay Contest. Each of the
teachers was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation from the
Mayor and Town Council.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 4 of 10
Mayor Morris advised that there were many entries submitted and it was a
genuine challenge for the judges to determine winners among so many
superb essays. Mayor Morris announced and congratulated the four winning
students, Sarah Carmosino and Graham Wilson of Regency Acres Public
School and Megan Howe and Marley Delmas of Lester B. Pearson. Each of
the students read their essay to Members of Council, and were presented
with a gift bag from the Mayor and Council.
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the delegates’ speeches be received for information.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
2. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-37 Tuesday, November 4, 2008
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-37, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008
(4) FS08-049 – Church Street School Cultural Centre Payment to Aurora
Historical Society
THAT report FS08-049 be received; and
THAT Council approve the payment of $10,000 to the Aurora Historical
Society for services performed by the Aurora Historical Society staff.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 2(5), did not take
part in the discussion or the vote called for in this regard.
(5) PW08-043 – Northeast Quadrant Traffic Calming Post-Implementation
Monitoring Report
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT pages 23 to 27 from report PW08-043 - Appendix “A” - Northeast
Quadrant Post-Implementation Monitoring Report, Dillon Consulting
limited, October 2008, be posted on the Town’s website.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 5 of 10
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Councillor McRoberts abstained from voting.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT report PW08-043 be received; and
THAT the recommendations of the Post-Implementation Monitoring Report
be referred to a Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Councillor McRoberts abstained from voting.
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT staff be directed to proceed with the installation of speed cushions
on Mark Street, as recommended in the report.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson
and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck and Collins-Mrakas
Councillor McRoberts abstained from voting.
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 08-
37 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 6 of 10
4. Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Development
Re: Additional Information Pertaining to Report
PL08-116 - Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Removal of (H) Holding Provision
Ridgewood Developments Inc.
180 John West Way
Part Lot 82, Concession 1 EYS, Parts 1 and 2, 65R-28582
File Number: D14-17-08
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Council enact By-law 5088-08.D to remove the Holding (H)
provision to allow the subject lands to be developed for a residential
apartment building.
CARRIED
Councillor Collins-Mrakas, having previously declared an interest in item 7, did not take
part in the discussion or the vote called for in this regard.
7. Memorandum from the Director of Corporate Services
Re: Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre Authorization of Payment for
Bulkhead Repairs
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Corporate Services,
regarding authorization of payment for bulkhead repairs at the Stronach
Aurora Recreation Centre, be received for information.
CARRIED
Councillor Collins-Mrakas, having previously declared an interest in item 8(1) and 8(4),
did not take part in the discussion or the vote called for in this regard.
8. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting of October
28, 2008
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
October 28, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
Property Matter – Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre Payment of
Bulkhead Repairs
THAT the Director of Corporate Services be directed to place the
memo regarding the payment of bulkhead repairs at the Stronach
Aurora Recreation Centre on the next Council agenda.
Property Matter – Memo from Councillor Collins-Mrakas Regarding
Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre Payment of
Bulkhead Repairs
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 7 of 10
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the recommendation from the Closed Session Meeting held on
October 28, 2008 regarding the following matter be approved:
Labour Relations Matter – Job Evaluation Process
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
October 28, 2008 regarding the following matter be approved:
Legal Matter – Solicitor Opinion Regarding Telephone Logs
THAT the Director of Corporate Services be requested to place the
following statement on the next Council agenda:
During this term of Council it was discovered that the former Mayor
monitored the telephone logs that listed all incoming and outgoing
calls made to/from each member of Council for the period from
September 2004 to October 31, 2006;
Since that time however, a policy has been adopted by Council to
ensure such occurrence is not repeated.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the recommendation from the Closed Session Meeting held on
October 28, 2008 regarding the following matter be approved:
Personal Matter – Regarding an Identifiable Individual
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 8 of 10
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that there has been some public concern that the Town of
Aurora may have refused the Region of York from providing an information
meeting in Aurora regarding the Planning for Tomorrow - Places to Grow
initiative. Mayor Morris advised that she had spoken to Regional staff who
confirmed that the Town of Aurora was simply not one of the four “Regional
Growth Centres” as identified by the Region and therefore was not among the
four municipalities where these public information sessions were held, and that a
letter which was requested by Mayor Morris was by the Region to that effect.
Mayor Morris advised that the Region has begun its budget process for 2009.
Mayor Morris advised that the Region has planned an upcoming Education
Workshop to address the issue of municipal representation at the Regional
Council meetings.
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Collins-Mrakas expressed her thanks to the families who have
donated 3 bags full of hats, scarves and mittens for the “Warm Hearts Warming
Hands” initiative and she advised that the kits are made up and will be donated to
Aurora’s elementary schools in late November and early December. Councillor
Collins-Mrakas invited her fellow Councillors to join in and help distribute the kits
to the schools.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas thanked Shelley Ware, Special Events Coordinator for
all of her assistance with the collection of donations for the “Warm Hearts
Warming Hands” initiative.
Mayor Morris provided an update of the current status of the Ontario Power
Authority’s power plant project. Mayor Morris advised that there are six sites
currently being considered by the Ontario Power Authority, for a natural gas fired
power peaking plant. Mayor Morris advised that none of the six sites under
consideration are located within the Town of Aurora.
Mayor Morris advised that the Town of Aurora has received a response from the
Region with regard to the Town’s position on the power generation issue, and
suggested that this letter be placed on the next General Committee Agenda.
Councillor Granger inquired about the file closure process for the Northland
Power application regarding the Ontario Hydro - power peaking plant proposal.
The Director of Planning and Development advised that, in light of the fact that
Northland Power Inc. has not submitted a proposal for a peaking generation
facility to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for the Bloomington site in Aurora
for consideration, the planning applications would likely be withdrawn by the
applicant and closed.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 9 of 10
XIII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5050-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The De
La Haye House”, 40 Wells Street.
5051-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Eleanor and Ernest Robinson House”, 96 Wells Street.
5052-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
George Russell House”, 42 Temperance Street.
5053-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Blacksmith’s Tree”, 15260 Yonge Street.
5078-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Benjamin Willis House”, 80 George Street.
5079-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Morley Andrews House”, 92 Wells Street.
5081-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “Victoria
Hall” also known as “The Disciples of Christ Church” 27
Mosley Street
5082-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “Alloa
Lea”, 100 Old Yonge Street.
5088-08.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora.
(Part of Lot 82, Con 1, E.Y.S., Parts 1 and 2, 65R-28582)
D14-17-08 (Ridgewood)
5089-08.H BEING A BY-LAW to appoint Lucille King as the Town Clerk
and to establish the duties and responsibilities of the Town
Clerk
5091-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from meeting 08-29 on Monday, November 10, 2008
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-29
Monday, November 10, 2008
Page 10 of 10
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the following by-law be deferred to the next meeting of Council.
5080-08.R BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Babcock House”, 144 Wellington Street.
CARRIED
XIV CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider:
1. Property Matter – Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre Town –
Bondfield - NORR Claim
2. Personal Matter – Appointment of Accessibility Committee Member
3. Legal Matter – Solicitor Opinion Regarding Code of Conduct
4. Legal Matter – Mediation Hearing Regarding Identifiable Individual
5. Labour Relations Matter – Regarding Identifiable Individuals
6. Legal Matter – Bluegrass - Application for Judicial Review
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Wilson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK