MINUTES - Council - 20090224`
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 09-04
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Collins-Mrakas,
Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts
and Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck was absent.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, 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 Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional item, be approved:
Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: 2009 Proclaimed as the Year of Business Initiative in Aurora
CARRIED
III OPEN FORUM
Ms Sher St. Kitts addressed Council to advise of an awareness raising event
entitled “We’re Canadian Ay” which is taking place on March 27, 2009, at the
Royal Canadian Legion in Aurora. Ms St. Kitts requested an exemption from the
Town of Aurora Temporary Sign By-law in order to permit her to erect a mobile
sign promoting this event from March 2, 2009 until the event commences.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 2 of 10
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of February 10, 2009, Meeting Number 09-03
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council minutes of February 10, 2009, meeting number 09-03
be adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
a) Ontario Heritage Trust Award Presentations:
Mayor Morris and Mr. Bill Newman, of the Aurora Historical Society presented
the following Ontario Heritage Trust Awards on behalf of the Town of Aurora:
• The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement
was presented to Dr. G. Leslie Oliver.
• The Certificate of Lifetime Achievement was presented to Mr. David
Tomlinson.
• The Certificate of Achievement, Natural Heritage was presented to Mr. Klaus
Wehrenberg.
• The Certificate of Achievement, Culture was presented to Ms Helen Roberts.
• The Certificate of Achievement, Build Heritage Conservation was presented
to the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage District Advisory Sub-Committee:
• Mr. Dan Revington
• Councillor Bob McRoberts
• Ms Valerie Fleck
• Ms. Margaret Berevik (deceased)
• Mr. John McIntyre
• Mr. David Walker
• Mr. Ron Wallace
• Mr. Nigel Kean
• The 2008 Young Heritage Leaders Certificate of Achievement was presented
to Queen’s York Rangers, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp 2799: First
Afghanistan Vigil Group:
• Mr. Brendan Williams
• Ms Brenda Dickenson
• Mr. Jonathan Cole
• Mr. Sebastian Kuchma
• Mr. Zackary Stork
• Ms Crystal Cameron
• Ms Stephanie Lusk
• Mr. Corey Duke
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 3 of 10
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that the Town held a very successful Arctic Adventure
event which took place on Family Day and featured the first Chilli Cook-off as
well as igloo construction, live music, outdoor skating, bonfire, food and many
other family activities.
Mayor Morris advised that the 2009 budget timetable is available to residents and
interested parties on the Town’s website.
Councillor Gallo advised that the budget meeting scheduled for March 9, 2009
conflicts with the Wells Street School public meeting, and he suggested that the
meeting be rescheduled.
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., be
changed from a Council meeting to a Special General Committee - Budget
meeting.
CARRIED
Mayor Morris advised that she, and other Council members, had attended the
Annual Mardi Gras Festival, a fundraising even to benefit the Southlake Regional
Health Centre, at DiNardo’s Mansion on Saturday, February 21, 2009.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the Canadian Tire Gas Station at Yonge Street
and Edward Street is now providing full-service at the gas pumps to assist
customers with different abilities. Councillor Gaertner advised that this service
has not been available anywhere in Aurora for an extended period of time and
she thanked the manager of the Canadian Tire Gas Station.
Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Christmas Dream 2008, officially
raised $12,300, which has gone toward the Welcoming Arms Ministry, Aurora
Food Pantry and the Salvation Army. Councillor Granger thanked Jonathan’s
Restaurant for hosting this event as well as the many people who volunteered
their time and efforts on Christmas day in support of this special celebration.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Item 3 and added item 8 were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
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. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 4 of 10
1. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 09-06
Monday, February 9, 2008
THAT the report of the Special General Committee Meeting No. 09-06 be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
approved.
2. General Committee Meeting Report No. 09-07
Tuesday, February 17, 2008
THAT the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 09-07 be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved.
4. Memorandum from the Director of Financial Services
Re: Further Information Pertaining to Item 1 - Special General
Committee Meeting Report No. 09-06 Monday, February 9, 2009
With Respect to Closed Capital Projects
THAT the memorandum from the Director of Financial Services regarding
Closed Capital Projects be received for information.
5. Letter from the Town of Newmarket
Re: Resolution R2-2009 - Request to Province via Ministry of Culture
To Close Funding Gap for Museums in the Community Museum
Operating Grant Program
THAT the resolution from the Town of Newmarket, regarding a request to
the Province, via the Ministry of Culture, to close the funding gap for
museums in the Community Museum Operating Grant Program, be
received for information.
6. Letter from the Lions Club of Aurora Inc.
Re: Collected Donations
THAT the letter from the Lions Club of Aurora Inc. regarding collected
donations, be received for information.
7. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting
February 10, 2009
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session Meeting held on
February 10, 2009 regarding the following matters be approved:
• A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 5 of 10
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Ms Brenda McGowan, Manager, Tourism Development York Region
Re: Long Term Tourism Destination Development Strategy Draft for
Consultation
Ms McGowan provided an overview of the Long Term Tourism Destination
Development Strategy Draft, advising that the previous tourism strategy
was completed in 1997. Ms McGowan explained that through a thorough
consultation and research process and based upon premier ranked
tourism destination research, Regional & Provincial planning strategies
and “Vision 2026”, a new Draft Long Term Tourism Destination
Development Strategy is submitted for Council’s review.
Ms McGowan requested that Council ask municipal staff to provide a
cross departmental joint submission on the strategy recommendations by
May 1, 2009, to identify major tourism sector growth opportunities critical
to building capacity and recognition for the Town of Aurora. Ms McGowan
added that this submission should also identify priority lands for tourism
development and provide a summary of proposed future development i.e.
hotels, attractions, recreational facilities.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the delegation be received and referred to the Chief Administrative
Officer.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
3. PW09-010 – Ridgewood Condominium - Tieback Encroachment Agreement
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT this report be referred to staff and that staff be requested to contact
the consultant who handled the report, Shaheen and Peaker; and
THAT the consultant be requested to provide comment to the Town on
this proposal; and
THAT, if the information is available in time, a Special Council meeting be
called prior to the Special General Committee Budget meeting on March
3, 2009 to address this matter.
CARRIED
(added motion pertaining to item 3 - passed in “New Business” section of
these minutes)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT staff be requested to communicate with the applicant to see if they
are agreeable to covering the Town’s related consultant costs with respect
to this matter.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 6 of 10
Mayor Morris relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor McRoberts to move item 8.
Upon conclusion of this matter, Mayor Morris resumed the Chair.
8. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: 2009 Proclaimed as the Year of Business Initiative in Aurora
(ADDED ITEM)
Moved by Mayor Morris Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
WHEREAS Aurora is a community known for its innovative, diverse and
world class businesses that contribute to the Town’s appeal, sustainability
and quality of life, and provide jobs for Aurora residents and revenue for
the Town; and
WHEREAS the sustainability of the Town of Aurora is based on the
foundations of a strong Business sector, a vibrant Arts, Culture and
Heritage sector, and an active Sports and Leisure sector; and
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora believes it is important to the quality of life
for Aurora residents to be able to work where they live, and it is also an
environmentally responsible objective; and
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora believes it can help create and retain local
jobs by providing a supportive business environment with a focus on local
businesses and economic development; and
WHEREAS members of Council of the Town of Aurora recognize the
benefits and contributions provided by Aurora businesses; and
WHEREAS Goal A of the Town of Aurora’s Strategic Plan is to “Foster
and enhance a strong and stable economy consistent with the attributes of
a sustainable community”; and
WHEREAS the objectives of Goal A of the Town of Aurora’s Strategic
Plan include developing economic opportunities to aid the growth and
progress of Aurora as a desirable place in which to do business;
supporting the growth of a variety of businesses; increasing the quantity
and diversity of employment opportunities in Aurora to enhance the ability
of Aurora residents to work in their community; and to promote efforts to
reduce commuting through local economic initiatives; and
WHEREAS Aurora’s business community is represented by a strong and
vibrant Aurora Chamber of Commerce, established in 1910, and now with
nearly 900 individual members, that advocates on behalf of members, and
supports the community through its numerous public events such as the
annual Home Show, the Yonge Street Festival, and Business Awards
Dinner; and
WHEREAS Aurora business leaders have demonstrated philanthropic
leadership through their participation in, and leadership of, many service
and sports organizations; and
WHEREAS Aurora today is home to approximately 1,200 companies
employing more than 13,635 people; and
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 7 of 10
WHEREAS Aurora’s business has deep roots in the community and can
trace its heritage to the initiative of merchants such as Richard Machell
and Charles Doan who established stores in the mid-1800s; and in the
1850s when creeks and mill pond and newly-established railway line
ensured the community’s prosperity and local industries included a flour
mill, a potash works, a planning mill, a tannery, a carriage factory and a
rope factory; and
WHEREAS Aurora’s industry continued to grow and included notable
firms such as Aurora Flouring Mills, producing “Canada’s Finest Pastry
Flour;” J. Fleury’s Sons, a manufacturer of innovative ploughs and
agricultural implements that helped open Canada’s west to agriculture and
Aurora’s largest employer at the beginning of the last century; and T.
Sisman Shoe Factory which moved to Town in 1910; and Collis Leather
Company located on Tannery Creek; and notable retail merchants
including Caruso & Company (Mary’s Flower Shop), which has been
operated by the Caruso family since it opened in historic downtown Aurora
in 1913; Thompson’s Fine Furniture and Interiors (1921); Vic’s Shoe
Repair (1972); and Westview Golf Club (1957); and
WHEREAS business initiatives today have built on the tradition of
innovation and adaptation to operate world class businesses, including the
head offices and production plants of Magna International and Van-Rob,
the Canadian head office of State Farm Insurance, printer Quebecor,
Canada Law Book, GenPak LP, Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, Piramal
Health Care Canada, Hallmark Cards, Avant Imaging and Information
Management; and
WHEREAS business is drawn to Aurora in part by our talented residents
who are eager to work where they live; and
WHEREAS many Aurora residents have shown individual initiative to start
businesses in the Town because of its positive business climate and other
important attributes; and
WHEREAS Aurora’s success as a Town is closely linked to the success of
its businesses; and
WHEREAS Aurora businesses are not immune to global economic
challenges and require the support of all levels of government; and
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora is committed to working with the
established business community to help ensure the retention and success
of Aurora business to the extent that it can; and
WHEREAS Aurora Town Council is committed to bringing quality
businesses to Aurora in order to help create quality jobs for Aurora
residents and seeks to address the needs of entrepreneurs who want to
start a business here; and
WHEREAS Council’s Economic Development Advisory Committee has
made recommendations to Mayor and Council about revitalizing the
downtown core, attracting new business and retaining the businesses the
Town is home to.
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 8 of 10
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on behalf of the Members of
Council of the Corporation of the Town of Aurora, I, Mayor Phyllis M.
Morris, do hereby proclaim 2009 as The Year of Business Initiative, to
celebrate business success and innovation in Aurora, and urge our
Citizens, Town Staff, Council and Visitors to learn about and support local
business; work to encourage local entrepreneurs and quality businesses
to locate in our Town, and work to retain the quality businesses we have;
thus ensuring Aurora continues to enjoy a world class community
supported by world class business.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as part of The Year of Business
Initiative the Town is focusing its economic development activities on
revitalizing the downtown core, beginning with the Yonge/Wellington
Corridor Study; continue to work with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
to support local business; provide a series of Education Initiatives to
support small and medium sized business in cooperation with the York
Small Business Enterprise Centre; undertake a Mayor’s Roundtable on
Business, and create a Business Retention Strategy, as well as other
initiatives to be announced throughout the year.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: None
Councillor Buck was absent.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the applicable provisions within the Procedural By-law be waived to
allow Council to revisit item 3 - PW09-010 – Ridgewood Condominium -
Tieback Encroachment Agreement, at this time.
CARRIED
3. PW09-010 – Ridgewood Condominium - Tieback Encroachment Agreement
(for the full motion pertaining to item 3, including the following added
motion, please see page 5 of these minutes)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT staff inquire whether the applicant is agreeable to covering the
Town’s related consultant costs with respect to this matter.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 9 of 10
XI REGIONAL REPORT
York Region Council Highlights - February 19, 2009 - Mayor’s Report
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the York Region Council Highlights - February 19, 2009 - Mayor’s
Report, be received for information.
CARRIED
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Mayor Morris introduced Julie Vassileyeva a student from Dr. G. W. Williams
High School, who is working in the Mayor’s and Councillor’s Offices as a co-op
student.
Mayor Morris asked that the times at which Rogers Cable airs the Council
meetings, be confirmed and asked whether it would be possible to air them on
Wednesday evenings.
Councillor Wilson expressed concern regarding the flagpole at the Aurora Family
Leisure Complex, due to a resident advising that there are two flags on one pole
and that this has been seen by some as a breech of etiquette.
Councillor Gallo advised that there will be a public meeting addressing the issue
of Wells Street Public School, taking place on March 9, 2009 at Dr. G.W.
Williams High School.
Councillor Granger asked if staff can assist Ms Sher St. Kitts with respect to her
request for exemption from the Temporary Sign By-law, to promote an event
called “We’re Canadian Ay”.
Councillor Granger inquired about a huge vibration which he felt at the Town Hall
on Friday February 20, 2009.
Councillor McRoberts inquired about the date of a Wells Street School public
meeting where all Board Trustees will be in attendance. Councillor Gallo advised
that he would provide that information to Councillor McRoberts when available.
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:
5109-09.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend parking By-law 4574-
04.T as amended, with respect to southbound left turn
from Yonge Street to Catherine Avenue
5115-09.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend parking By-law 4574-
04.T as amended, with respect to parking on Centre
Street
Minutes of Council Meeting No. 09-04
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Page 10 of 10
5116-09.C BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from Council Meeting 09-04 on February
24, 2009.
CARRIED
XIV CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider:
• a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal
or local board
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Wilson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR LUCILLE KING, TOWN CLERK