MINUTES - Council - 20090324 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 09-07
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-
Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern,
McRoberts and Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Manager of Legislative
Services/Deputy Clerk, Director of Building, Director
of Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Public Works, Director of Financial Services/
Treasurer, Town Solicitor and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 6:00 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 Gaertner
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the addition of the following item, be approved:
New Closed Session item regarding a personal matter about an
identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
CARRIED
III CLOSED SESSION – LEKSAND ROOM
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session in the Leksand Room to
consider:
Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal
or local board employees; and
Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before
administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 2 of 10
IV OPEN FORUM
No one spoke at Open Forum.
V ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of February 24, 2009, Meeting Number 09-04
Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of February 25, 2009,
Meeting Number 09-05
Special Council Minutes of March 3, 2009, Meeting Number 09-06
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council minutes of February 24, 2009, meeting number 09-04,
the Special Council - Public Planning minutes of February 25, 2009
number 09-05 and the Special Council minutes of March 3, 2009, meeting
number 09-06 be adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
VI PRESENTATIONS
None
VII PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that the Lion’s Club will be holding its annual Pancake
Breakfast at the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area, on the weekends of March
21, 22, 2009 and March 28, 29, 2009, from 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Mayor Morris advised that Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority will be
holding Maple Syrup Tours on the weekends of March 21, 22, 2009 and March
28, 29, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day at the
Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.
Mayor Morris advised that there will be a fundraising event for the Canada Day
Parade, entitled We’re Canadian Ay?, on March 27, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the
Royal Canadian Legion at 105 Industrial Parkway North.
Mayor Morris advised that Earth Hour will be taking place on March 28, 2009
between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and she encouraged all residents to participate
in this environmental initiative by turning off lights and any unnecessary source of
energy consumption during that hour.
Councillor Granger advised that the Farmers’ Market is returning this year and
the organizers are currently looking for more vendors. Councillor Granger
encouraged interested parties to visit the website at www.e-
aurora.ca/farmersmarket.
Mayor Morris advised that the Public Works Department will be holding several
public open houses regarding Environmental Initiatives starting in April, as part of
its 2009 Business Plan.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 3 of 10
Dynamite Weekend Wishes was a fundraising event held on February 21, 2009,
in the Bigwin Drive community, featuring a Giant Snow Dinosaur which was
erected to help raise over $3,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation. Mayor
Morris extended thanks on behalf of that event to Mr. Stu Curtis of the Public
Works Department, Ms Michelle Outar, Communications Specialist and the Parks
and Recreation and Leisure Services Departments for all of their help and
support.
Mayor Morris congratulated the Aurora Tigers, Atom Division Team, for winning
the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championships with 15 wins and no
losses.
Mayor Morris introduced Mr. Christopher Cooper, the newly appointed Town
Solicitor, and welcomed Mr. Cooper to his first meeting of Council.
VIII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14 were identified for discussion.
IX ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Gallo
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. 09-08
Saturday, February 21, 2009
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Budget Meeting No.
09-08 be received and referred to the final approval of the 2009 Operating
and Capital Budget.
2. Special General Committee Budget Meeting Report No. 09-09
Monday, February 23, 2009
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Budget Meeting No.
09-09 be received and referred to the final approval of the 2009 Operating
and Capital Budget.
3. Special General Committee Budget Meeting Report No. 09-10
Monday, March 2, 2009
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Budget Meeting No.
09-10 be received and referred to the final approval of the 2009 Operating
and Capital Budget.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 4 of 10
4. Special General Committee Budget Meeting Report No. 09-11
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Budget Meeting No.
09-11 be received and referred to the final approval of the 2009 Operating
and Capital Budget.
8. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Clarification Regarding Aurora Community Centre #2, Safety Concerns
over Surface Rust on Girders
THAT the memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris, pertaining to
clarification regarding Aurora Community Centre #2 safety concerns over
surface rust on girders, be received for information.
11. Memorandum from the Director of Corporate Services
Re: Procedural Error - Closed Session Meeting March 10, 2009
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Corporate Services be
received for information.
12. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting
February 17, 2009
THAT the recommendation from the Closed Session Meeting held on
February 17, 2009 regarding the following matter be approved:
1. Personal Matter about an identifiable individual – Town Solicitor
Recruitment
Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting
February 24, 2009
THAT the recommendation from the Closed Session Meeting held on
February 24, 2009 regarding the following matter be approved:
1. Proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal
or local board
CARRIED
X DELEGATIONS
a) Mr. Steve Hinder, Co-Chair of 2009 Hartwell Challenge
Re: 2009 Hartwell Challenge
Related to Item 7 - (General Committee Meeting 09-12, Item 18)
Mr. Steve Hinder, Co-Chair of the Hartwell Challenge and Ms Sarah
Sterling, Run Co-ordinator, addressed Council to advise of the details and
goals associated with this year’s Challenge, which will be taking a new
route via Bathurst Street. Mr. Hinder invited members of Council and
Town staff to strike up a team or teams and participate in this worthwhile
event. Mr. Hinder advised that the focus of the fundraising endeavours will
be directed to the South Lake Regional Health Centre.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 5 of 10
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the delegation be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Professor Robert MacDermid
Re: Item 9 - Ajax Council Resolution – Authority to Prohibit
Corporate and Trade Union Contributions to Municipal
Election Campaigns
Professor Robert MacDermid addressed Council to express his support
for the recommendation in item 9 - Ajax Council Resolution – Authority to
Prohibit Corporate and Trade Union Contributions to Municipal Election
Campaigns, and provided several reasons to back up his support,
resulting from his research report entitled “Funding City Politics”.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the delegation be received and referred to item 9.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT item 9 be brought forward for consideration.
CARRIED
9. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Ajax Council Resolution – Authority to Prohibit Corporate
and Trade Union Contributions to Municipal Election Campaigns
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris be deferred to a future
General Committee meeting; and
THAT it be accompanied by the full report from Professor Robert
MacDermid, entitled “Funding City Politics” along with the related motions
from the Town of Ajax and the Town of Pickering for consideration.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
c) L. Douglas Hubley, Interim Chair and Dr. Leslie Oliver, Interim
Member of the Church Street Cultural Centre Board
Re: Item 14 - FS09-014 - Church St. School Cultural Services
Agreement
Mr. Douglas Hubley and Dr. Leslie Oliver addressed Council to express
their support in favour of the approval of item 14 - FS09-014 - Church St.
School Cultural Services Agreement, and to express thanks to staff,
volunteers and the committee for all of the hard work and time that went
into the creation of the Church Street School Cultural Centre.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 6 of 10
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comment of the delegation be received and referred to item 14.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT item 14 be brought forward for consideration.
CARRIED
14. FS09-014 - Church St. School Cultural Services Agreement
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT Council Report No. FS09-014 be received; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a Lease for the use of
Church Street School with Church Street School Cultural Centre Inc.; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a Contract for the
provision of Cultural Services with the Church Street School Cultural
Centre Inc.; and
THAT $113,000 of the 2009 budget of $226,666 be paid to Church Street
School Cultural Centre Inc. upon the signing of these agreements and
approval of the 2009 budget; and
THAT the balance of 2009 budget, when approved, in the amount of
$113,666 be paid to the Church Street School Cultural Centre Inc. in two
equal instalments on July 1, 2009 and October 1, 2009; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement for the
provision of the 2008 One Time Special Grant of $50,000 payable upon
proof of matching funding to the Church Street School Cultural Centre Inc.
AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it
was:
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the agreements, subject
to a review by the Town Solicitor, Christopher Cooper; and
THAT, should the Solicitor find any areas of concern or the need of
substansive revision, Council be notified and the matter be brought back
to a Special Council meeting, if called for, prior to execution of the
agreements; and
THAT a definition of the word “permit” be added to the definitions section
of the Lease Agreement.
CARRIED
On a recorded vote the main motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, AS
AMENDED.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 7 of 10
XI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
5. Correspondence from Ms Sher St. Kitts
Re: Santa Parade and Canada Day Parade Budget
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the correspondence from Ms Sher St. Kitts, regarding the Santa
Parade and Canada Day Parade budgets, be received and referred to the
final approval of the 2009 Operating and Capital Budget.
CARRIED
Council recessed at 9:30 p.m.
Council reconvened at 9:35 p.m.
6. 2009 Final Operating and Capital Budget
The Director of Financial Services provided a brief overview of the 2009 Final
Operating and Capital Budget for consideration by Council.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the overview of the 2009 Final Operating and Capital Budget, from
the Director of Financial Services, be received for information.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT an additional $2,000 be allocated to the Canada Day Parade
Budget raising the amount to $10, 000; and
THAT the float cost revenue goes back into the Canada Day Parade
budget; and
THAT the CAO ensure financial controls are in place through the
appropriate departments, including authorization to raise funds, and that
they are properly directed.
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 MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the 2009 Final Operating and Capital Budget for the Town of Aurora
be adopted.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 8 of 10
VOTING YEAS: Councillors, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT this meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m. in order to address the
remaining items on the agenda.
CARRIED
7. General Committee Meeting Report No. 09-12, Tuesday, March 10, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 09-12, TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009-ITEM 30
30. Correspondence from the City of Hamilton
Re: Bill 138 – Protection of Public Participation Act, 2008
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora support the efforts of MPP Andrea
Horwath with respect to the current Bill 138 – Protection of Public
Participation Act, 2008; and
THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to MPP Andrea Horwath.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 09-
12 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be
approved.
CARRIED
Councillor Buck left the meeting at 10:50 p.m.
10. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Digest of Municipal and Planning Law
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the comments contained in the Digest of Municipal and Planning
Law related to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy Act judgement be referred to Mr. Christopher Cooper, Town
Solicitor, for his review and to provide a report to Council with his
advice/recommendations, if any; and
THAT the Town Solicitor be requested to provide an opinion on
whether the use of confidential disclaimers by members of Council,
on e-mails to all members of Council, can be used to prohibit
members of Council from public discussion or debate of such e-
mails, if they do not contain confidential information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 9 of 10
13. Memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Dove 2009 (Determined to Oppose Violence Everywhere)
Lacrosse Tournament - June 2009
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Council waive facility permitting fees for a Special Event Lacrosse
Tournament hosted by DOVE in the amount of $2,754.00.
CARRIED
XII REGIONAL REPORT
The next meeting of Regional Council will take place on Thursday, March 26,
2009 - Regional Report to follow.
XIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gaertner confirmed that certain requirements for the Canada Day
Parade celebration will be in place, as requested at the February 19, 2009
Leisure Services Advisory Committee meeting, to which staff confirmed that they
are fully aware of the requests.
Mayor Morris expressed her thanks to Councillor Gallo and Mr. Marco Ramunno
for their involvement with the Wells Street School Accommodation Committee.
XIV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5117-09 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Lots 1, 2,
119, 120 and 121, 65M-4075, from the
Part Lot Control provisions as provided in
subsection 50(5) of the Planning Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13 (as amended).
(Report PL09-028, considered at
GC 09-12, March 10, 2009)
5119-09 BEING A BY-LAW to close Park Street
on Plan 231 and to declare as surplus
and sell Park Street, Part of Lots 3, 4, 5,
8, 9, 10 and 11, Part Reserve and Part of
Closed Centre Street on Plan 231, Town
of Aurora
(Report ADM09-002, considered at
GC 09-12, March 10, 2009)
5123-09 BEING A BY-LAW to appoint a Town
Solicitor (Christopher Cooper)
5121-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by
Council Resulting from Council Meeting
09-07 on March 24, 2009
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-07
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Page 10 of 10
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR CINDY JANZEN, DEPUTY CLERK