MINUTES - Council - 20081125 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 08-30
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck (arrived
at 6:45 p.m.), 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 Planning and Development,
Director of Public Works, Director of Financial
Services/Treasurer and Council/Committee Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Collins-Mrakas declared an interest in Item 5(1) - pertaining to the
Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre due to her spouse’s business affiliation.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
CLOSED SESSION - NEW ITEM
Re: Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege involving an
identifiable individual.
NEW ITEM 8 - BA08 -010 - Building Permit Fee - Aurora Sports Dome
(New material resulting from General Committee meeting 08-38,
November 18, 2008 - Item 8)
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 2 of 11
III CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider the following
matters:
• Labour Relations matter regarding identifiable individuals
• Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege involving an identifiable
individual. (ADDED ITEM)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council re-convene into public session at 7:07 p.m.
CARRIED
IV OPEN FORUM
Mr. James Wood addressed Council to advise of his concern regarding the
recent revisions to the driveway at 32 and 34 Wellington Street. Mr. Wood
advised that the garage and trees have been taken down and now the driveway
is being used as a drive-through to get from Centre Street over to Victoria Street.
Mr. Wood expressed concern that this is disruptive to traffic and could be
dangerous. The Director of Planning and Development advised that staff are
currently processing an application for that property and that it is currently
undergoing a site plan review. The Director advised that the applicant is
expanding the existing business on that site and will be reconfiguring the parking
area as well as the access points, any such time the owner is putting up chains
to deter through traffic.
Mr. Don Zecchino addressed Council to express his opposition to the proposed
$70 fee for participants in the Windrow Clearing Pilot Project. Mr. Zecchino
suggested that there should be no fees charged for this service and that the
Town should absorb all costs.
V ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2008 Meeting Number 08-29
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the Council Meeting Minutes from meeting 08-29 be revised by
amending the “Declarations of Pecuniary Interest” section to read as
follows:
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.
AND THAT the revised Council Meeting Minutes from meeting 08-29 be
adopted as amended.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 3 of 11
VI PRESENTATIONS
(a) Presentation of the Arts & Culture Awards
Mayor Morris introduced Ms Shauna Tepperman representing her father, the late
Mr. David Merkur of the Aurora Shopping Centre, who originally founded the Arts
and Culture Fund in 1973.
Ms Shauna Tepperman advised that when her father established this fund, which
provides invaluable financial assistance to citizens or organizations in the Town
of Aurora to promote and enrich cultural and artistic activities in the community, it
was his wish to promote and showcase the importance of the arts within the
framework of society.
Ms Tepperman announced each of the recipients of this year’s Arts and Culture
Awards and, upon receipt of their grants, they each provided a brief description
of their programs and activities and what the grant will be used for.
1. Sarah Faulkner on behalf of the Aurora Historical Society
(accompanied by Jennifer Steen)
2. Councillor Alison Collins-Mrakas on behalf of the Heritage Advisory
Committee of Aurora
3. Members of Council on behalf of Doors Open Aurora
4. Ray Matsalla on behalf of the Aurora Garden & Horticultural Society
5. Ms Mary Louise Icely on behalf Mr Bill Van Oorschot on behalf of
the Society of York Region Artists
6. Dierdre Tomlinson on behalf of the Aurora Writers Group
7. Sheila Ghazarian and Dorothy Clark-McClure on behalf of the
Aurora Seniors’ Art Group
8. Susan Walmer on behalf of the Aurora Community Historical
Heritage Fair
9. Marisa Schembri on behalf of the York Region Media Group
Celebration of the Arts
10. Ralf Mundinger and band members on behalf of Mammoth Band
11. Alex Savides on behalf of Penny Sedore and the Dr. G.W. Williams
Music Department
12. Rabbi Yosef Hecht on behalf of Chabad Lubavitch of Aurora
Unable to attend:
Janette Todd on behalf of the St. Andrews & Aurora Scottish Country
Dancers
Shawn Rochileau on behalf of the Dr. G.W. Williams “Theatre Williams”
Flo Murray on behalf of Aurora’s Seniors Book Club
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 4 of 11
VII PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that a formal celebration took place at the Town Hall on
Monday, November 24, 2008 in honour of the Town of Aurora being the proud
recipient of the Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership for its
preservation of built and natural heritage. Mayor Morris advised that among the
honoured guests at this celebration were representatives from Heritage Canada
who formally presented the award. Mayor Morris read a letter from His Majesty
Prince Charles of Wales, and she displayed the Prince of Wales flag which was
awarded to the Town of Aurora and advised that an honorary crest will be
proudly displayed at the Town Hall.
Mayor Morris advised that letters of congratulations were also sent in from the
Honourable James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance; Stephen Harper, Prime
Minister of Canada; Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario; Mr. Frank Klees, MPP
for Aurora-Newmarket; Lois Brown, MP for Aurora-Newmarket; The Honourable
Lincoln M. Alexander, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust and Bill Fisch, Regional
Chair-Regional Municipality of York. The Mayor recognized the efforts of former
Mayors Dick Illingworth, John West and Tim Jones, as well as staff, past and
present who helped preserve and enhance the heritage of Aurora. The Mayor
also thanked residents and heritage home owners who have taken the time to
plaque their homes, as well as the many key residents who volunteer their time
and are involved in the historical community and culture of this town.
Councillor Gallo advised that the Wells Street Public School Forum will be taking
place on December 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and will be located at the Aurora High
School.
Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Writers Group has released its
second anthology of creative writing and that it can be purchased through the
website at aurorawriters@gmail.com.
Councillor Granger advised that the annual Optimists Book Sale will be taking
place this weekend, November 29 and 30, 2008, at the Aurora Public Library.
Councillor McRoberts advised that the organizers of the Salvation Army
Christmas Kettle Drive are organizing their 2008 campaign and he encouraged
anyone interested in volunteering their time, to please call Info Aurora at 905-
727-8214.
Mayor Morris advised that, in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the
ceremonial Olympic Torch Relay will be passing through Aurora on Friday,
December 18, 2009. Mayor Morris also advised that she will be bringing a notice
of motion, in the near future, about forming a Mayors’ Steering Committee to
begin the process of planning for this event.
The Town of Aurora has received the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Conservation and Sustainability Award among their Business Awards.
VIII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(3), 1(7), 2, 5, 7 and 8 were identified for discussion.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 5 of 11
IX ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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:
3. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services
Re: Investing in Ontario Act 2008
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Financial Services, regarding
the Investing in Ontario Act 2008, be received for information.
4. Correspondence from the City of St. John’s, Newfoundland His Worship
Mayor Dennis O’Keefe
Re: Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership 2008
Awarded by the Heritage Canada Foundation
THAT the correspondence from His Worship Mayor Dennis O’Keefe of
The City of St. John’s, Newfoundland, be received for information.
6. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting November 18,
2008
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
November 18, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
1. Labour Relations Matter - CAO Recruitment
2. Labour Relations Matter - Integrity Commissioner Appointment
THAT the Town retain the services of David Nitkin as the Town’s
Integrity Commissioner.
CARRIED
X DELEGATIONS
a) Ms Melissa Spellen and Ms Ingrid LeClaire,
Board Members - York Region Children’s Aid Society
Re: Information about the York Region Children’s Aid Society
Ms Melissa Spellen and Ms Ingrid LeClaire, volunteer Board Members for
the York Region Children’s Aid Society, appeared before Council to
provide an overview of the important work and services that the Children’s
Aid Society provides for this community and the new strategies and
approaches they are implementing to better address the needs of their
clients, focussing primarily on the safety, happiness and well-being of the
children in need of their services. Ms Spellen and Ms LeClaire advised of
the importance of outreach in the community to educate people to
recognize the signs of neglect and abuse, and to help identify situations
which the Children’s Aid Society could assist with.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 6 of 11
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegates be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Ms Leslie Woo, General Manager, Transportation Policy and
Planning, Metrolinx
Re: Update on the Draft Regional Transportation Plan and
Draft Investment Strategy
Related to Item 2 - PW08-046
Ms Leslie Woo, General Manager of Transportation Policy and Planning
for Metrolinx provided a thorough overview of the Regional Transportation
Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area which is entitled “The Big
Move”. Ms Woo outlined the factors which have led to the need to
develop a new and enhanced regional transportation plan and she
reviewed the eight major moves which will be implemented over the first
15 years of this 25 year plan. Ms Woo reviewed the proposed cost
structure and outlined the three step investment strategy which is being
proposed. Ms Woo concluded by reviewing the next steps of the phasing
in process and she advised that she would be able to answer questions of
Council.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 2.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT item 2 be brought forward for consideration.
CARRIED
2. PW08-046 – Metrolinx Update on Draft Regional Transportation Plan
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council receive report PW08-046 regarding the status of the
Metrolinx Draft Regional Transportation Plan; and
THAT Council receive staff comments of the Draft Regional Plan as
submitted to Metrolinx on November 14, 2008.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 7 of 11
XI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Minutes No. 08-38 Tuesday, November 18, 2008
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-38, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008
(7) PW08-047 – Implementation of a Snow Windrow Clearing Program for
Seniors and Physically Challenged Residents
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the Town of Aurora provide the snow windrow clearing program at
full cost recovery for $70 per household; and
THAT Council direct staff to report back in the Spring of 2009 on the
programs successes and challenges; and
THAT, when the program is reviewed in the Spring of 2009, the options of
outsourcing the entire program to an external contractor with no Town
involvement, and delivering the program through a tendering process, be
considered; and
THAT staff be directed to review the 40 “hot spots” indentified; and
THAT windrow clearing requests from residents be referred to
Neighbourhood Network for volunteer services; and
THAT local high school students be encouraged to fulfil their volunteer
requirements through offering windrow clearing to seniors; and
THAT the Director of Public Works send a letter to all local high school
principals, requesting that a program be set up for students to offer
windrow clearing in order to fulfill volunteer requirements.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the
recommendation, it was:
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT, when the program is reviewed in the Spring of 2009, the options of
outsourcing the entire program to an external contractor with no Town
involvement, delivering the program through a tendering process, and
opportunities to deliver the program, at no cost to the recipients of
the service, in future years be considered,; and
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the following recommendation be deleted from the motion:
“THAT windrow clearing requests from residents be referred to
Neighbourhood Network for volunteer services; and”
CARRIED
On a recorded vote the main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 8 of 11
(3) EAC08-09 – Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2008
Delegation (a) Mr. Vino Jeyapalan, CEO and Founder of the Youth
Environmental Network of York Region – Ecological Action
Conference
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Geartner
THAT the matter pertaining to an Ecological Action Conference be
referred to staff to work with the delegate to identify the issues and
report back.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Geartner
THAT the balance of the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
minutes from the November 6, 2008 meeting be received and the
recommendations contained therein be approved.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting No.
08-38 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT added item 8 be brought forward for consideration.
CARRIED
8. BA08-010 - Building Permit Fee - Aurora Sports Dome
ADDED ITEM
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT report BA08-010 - Building Permit Fee - Aurora Sports Dome, be
received for information; and
THAT the funds for the building permit fee for the Aurora Sports Dome be
made available as a grant and be taken from the Capital Reserve Fund.
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
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 9 of 11
Councillor Collins-Mrakas, having previously declared an interest in item 5(1) did not
take part in the discussion or the vote called for in this regard.
5. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting November 10,
2008
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
November 10, 2008 regarding the following matters be approved:
1. Property Matter – Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre Town –
Bondfield - NORR Claim
2. Personal Matter – Appointment of Accessibility Committee Member
THAT Mr. Tim Savage be appointed to fill the vacancy on the
Accessibility Advisory Committee.
3. Legal Matter – Solicitor Opinion, Re: Code of Conduct
4. Legal Matter – Mediation Hearing, Re: Identifiable Individual
5. Labour Relations Matter – Re: Identifiable Individuals
6. Legal Matter – Bluegrass - Application for Judicial Review
CARRIED
7. Memorandum from the Acting Town Solicitor
Re: Refusal by a Member of Council to Sign the Code of Conduct
Governing Council Members
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the memorandum be received for information.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Gaertner, Gallo, MacEachern, McRoberts,
Collins-Mrakas, Granger, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: None
XII REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that there will soon be a new procedure for providing the
Regional Report. Mayor Morris explained that, for the purpose of better
information and communication, the Regional Report will be provided in advance
as part of the agenda. Mayor Morris advised that this practice will allow staff and
Council to review the Regional Highlights in advance and that they may raise any
questions of comments at the meeting under this section.
Mayor Morris further advised that the Region of York has appointed a new
Deputy Clerk, Mr. Chris Rayner, and she extended her congratulations to him.
Mayor Morris advised that the York Region United Way has exceeded their
fundraising goal for this year.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 10 of 11
Mayor Morris advised that the Region is the proud recipient of the Gold
Sustainability Award, in our population bracket, at the 2008 National Awards for
Liveable Communities.
Mayor Morris advised that the Ontario Power Authority has released the
remaining three possible locations under consideration for the proposed power
generation station. Mayor Morris advised that the sites are located in the Town
of East Gwillimbury, Township of King and the Town of Bradford West
Gwillimbury and that the final location should be announced in December of
2008.
The Mayor concluded her report by advising that the Minister of Energy and
Infrastructure met with her and the rest of the Northern Six Municipal Mayors and
she advised that the Town of Aurora’s position on power generation in York
Region was presented and acknowledged by the Minister.
XIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gaertner advised that the number of parking spaces at Thompson’s
Funeral Home is insufficient and that, during large funerals, there are cars parked
along Vandorf Sideroad. Councillor Gaertner expressed concern that residents
attending a funeral are in danger of being ticketed, and she suggested that By-
law staff refrain from issuing tickets in these cases and further, that warning signs
or markers be put out during large funerals so that there are less chances of
accidents resulting from the overflow of parking.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that the Provincial Government held public
hearings on Bill 99 respecting the Lake Simcoe Protection Act on November 17,
2008 and November 19, 2008. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that, as former
environmental consultant, she made a presentation at those hearings in her own
capacity. Councillor Collins-Mrakas offered to provide the handouts of the
proceedings to anyone who would like them.
Mayor Morris advised that, in a recent publication of the Auroran, Mr. Dick
Illingworth published a very informative column with respect to the history and
process required for Aurora to address the need for an additional seat on
Regional Council. She advised that she is considering following some of the
strategies Mr. Illingworth suggested and she expressed her appreciation to him
for the helpful information.
XIV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5090-08.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora.
(268 Kennedy Street West - File: D14-05-07)
5091-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from Council Meeting 08-30 on November 25, 2008.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-30
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Page 11 of 11
III CLOSED SESSION - Continued
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider the following
matter:
• Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege involving an identifiable
individual. (ADDED ITEM)
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR LUCILLE KING, TOWN CLERK