MINUTES - Council - 20090512 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 09-14
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-
Mrakas, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts and
Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Gaertner was absent.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, 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 7:04 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor McRoberts declared an interest in item 1(14) - FS09-020 –
Amendment to Storm Sewer Charge for Commercial and/or Industrial
Businesses Occupying More Than One Unit at the Same Property Address, due
to the employment of his spouse in one of the identified businesses, and did not
take part in any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to influence the
voting on such questions.
Councillor Collins-Mrakas declared an interest in item 1-b of the closed session
agenda, due to a family member’s contractual relationship with an identified
employer, and did not take part in any questions in this regard or attempt in any
way to influence the voting on such questions.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional item, be approved:
New Item 2 - Correspondence from Mr. Sean Ramsaran
Re: Item 1(2) - General Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, May
5, 2009 (Item 2) - TSAC09-04 - Multi-Way Stop Control Request at
Timpson Drive and Dinsmore Terrace Intersection
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 2 of 7
III OPEN FORUM
Ms Sher St. Kitts, volunteer and Chair of the Canada Day Parade Sub-
Committee addressed Council to advise of her intent to lodge a formal undirected
harassment complaint on behalf of the Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee and
the Aurora Dream Team pertaining to Councillor Evelyn Buck and advised that
she would provide a written submission when it has been formally prepared.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the provisions within the Procedural By-law be waived to allow the
comments to be introduced as part of the record.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT Ms St. Kitts submit a copy of the comments to the Chief
Administrative Officer and the Town Solicitor.
On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern,
McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
Councillor Gaertner was absent.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of April 22, 2009
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the Public Planning minutes of April 22, 2009 be adopted as printed
and circulated.
CARRIED
Council Minutes of April 28, 2009
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the Council minutes of April 28, 2009 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 3 of 7
V PRESENTATIONS
a) Presentation of Plaques to the Anti-Litter Poster Contest Finalists
Mayor Morris advised that this was the 7th annual Anti-Litter Poster Contest with
entries from 145 grade 4 students representing 7 elementary schools. Mayor
Morris introduced Ms Catherine Marshall, organizer and judge of the event.
Ms Catherine Marshall thanked the Mayor and staff for helping with this contest
which encourages creativity, originality and environmental awareness in Children
at the grade 4 level. Ms Marshall recognized her fellow judges; Mr. Andy
McClure, Mr. Bud Switzer and Mayor Phyllis Morris.
Mayor Morris, Ms Marshall and Mr. Switzer announced and presented plaques to
the winner and finalists, of the 2009 Anti-Litter Poster Contest, as follows:
Winner:
Ms Brooklyn Barberio, Holy Spirit Catholic School (Ms Lalonde)
Finalists:
Mr. Rohan Adiyodi, Aurora Senior Public School (Mrs. Baskin)
Ms Cierra Bird, Lester B. Pearson Public School (Mme Franklin)
Ms Haley Buck, Regency Acres Public School (Mrs. Judges)
Ms Erin Cross, Holy Spirit School (Ms Lalonde)
Ms Ashley Deckert, Regency Acres Public School (Mrs. Judges)
Mr. Marcus Dietz, Regency Acres Public School (Mrs. Judges)
Ms Britney Looije, Holy Spirit School (Ms Lalonde)
Mr. Daniel Sominski, Highview Public School (Mrs. Saxena)
Mr. Kyle Wulle, Highview Public School (Mrs. Saxena)
b) York Catholic District School Board Presentation of the Environment
Award to the Town of Aurora
Ms Francis Bagley, Superintendent of Education for the York Catholic
District School Board, addressed Council to present the Town of Aurora
with the first “York Catholic District School Board Municipal Environmental
Award”. Ms Bagley advised that the Town of Aurora was chosen the
winner of this award, being the first of its kind, because of the Towns
leadership role in municipal waste management and environmental best
practices.
Ms Bagley introduced Ms Cassandra Brennan and Susie Turner, Students
at Cardinal Carter Catholic High School and Co -Chairs of “Activists for a
Cleaner Tomorrow” (ACT), who presented a video featuring the efforts
and activities of students throughout the York Catholic District School
Board, to foster environmental awareness, accountability and
responsibility in their communities.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 4 of 7
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Wilson advised that Fire Chief John Molyneaux has announced his
retirement, which will be effective as of December 31, 2009. Councillor Wilson
expressed his congratulations and thanks to Chief Molyneaux for his 35 years of
exemplary service and many contributions to the Fire Departments of both the
Towns of Newmarket and Aurora. Councillor Wilson noted, in particular, the
leadership and dedication that was shown during the amalgamation of the
Newmarket and Aurora Fire Departments six years ago.
Mayor Morris advised that, on April 26, 2009, the Town of Aurora won the
Hartwell Challenge - Mayor’s challenge, which was issued by Newmarket Mayor,
Tony Van Bynen, to see which municipality could raise the most money in
donations toward the Southlake Regional Health Centre. Mayor Morris advised
that the Town of Aurora raised the higher amount of $925.00 meaning that Mayor
Van Bynen is obligated to wear an Aurora t-shirt displaying the words “Aurora
“RUNS” a Better Town Than Newmarket” to an upcoming Council meeting.
Mayor Morris advised that the Mayor’s Challenge raised a total of $1,645 for the
Hartwell Challenge and thanked Mayor Van Bynen for issuing the challenge and
for being a good sport.
Mayor Morris advised that on Saturday, May 9, 2009, there will be a Police Week
Open House at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, giving residents of York Region
the opportunity to meet the officers and learn about policing in their community.
Mayor Morris advised that May 17, 2009 to May 23, 2009 is Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) week, a celebration dedicated to the achievements of the men
and women on the front lines within the EMS community.
Mayor Morris advised that May 17, 2009 to May 23, 2009 is “Energy
Conservation Week” and encouraged residents to find out what events are
happening in their community and to do their part to conserve energy.
Mayor Morris advised that Southlake Regional Health Centre is selling raffle
tickets for $25 each to help build the new Regional Cancer Program. Mayor
Morris advised that the Grand Prize of the raffle is a new car and she
encouraged residents to purchase tickets for this worthy cause.
Mayor Morris advised that the Building Department will be open for business on
May 28, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to allow residents who are unable to be
at the Town Hall during regular business hours to come in the evening and apply
for building permits in anticipation of summer projects such as decks, garden
sheds and pools.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(3) and 1(14) were identified for discussion.
IIX DELEGATIONS
None
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 5 of 7
IX CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING OF TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2009
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 1(14), did not take
part in any discussion in this regard.
(14) FS09-020 – Amendment to Storm Sewer Charge for Commercial and/or
Industrial Businesses Occupying More Than One Unit at the
Same Property Address
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the policy for storm sewer charges be updated to reflect that, upon
application to the Town of Aurora’s Financial Services Department by a
business occupying more than one commercial and/or Industrial unit at the
same property address, the Storm Sewer Charge be waived for all meters
in excess of the first meter.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee meeting of
Tuesday, May 5, 2009, be received and the recommendations carried by
the committee be approved.
CARRIED
X ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor MacEachern 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:
2. Correspondence from Mr. Sean Ramsaran
Re: Item 1(2) - General Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, May 5,
2009 (Item 2) - TSAC09-04 - Multi-Way Stop Control Request
at Timpson Drive and Dinsmore Terrace Intersection
(Added Item)
THAT the correspondence from Mr. Sean Ramsaran be received for
information.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 6 of 7
XI REGIONAL REPORT
York Region Council Highlights - March 26, 2009
Mayor’s Report
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the York Region Council Highlights - March 26, 2009 - Mayor’s
Report be received for information.
CARRIED
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Buck advised that she was in the Chair at the General Committee
meeting of May 5, 2009, and therefore was unable to express her concerns at
that time, regarding the Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 16, 2009, specifically regarding the two reports from the Canada Day
Parade Sub-Committee. Councillor Buck advised that she would draft a notice of
motion pertaining to this matter to be brought to a future meeting.
Councillor Buck expressed concern regarding the proposed park and playground
to be built at the former York Region water tower site, suggesting that the
location and visibility from homes and the street might be too remote for children
to play safely.
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:
5142-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from Council Meeting 09-14 on May 12, 2009
CARRIED
XIV CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Councillor Collins-Mrakas, having previously declared an interest in item 1-b of the
closed session agenda, did not take part in any discussion in this regard.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council recess to go into a closed session to consider:
• a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal
or local board; and
• litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative
tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Page 7 of 7
Moved by Collins-Mrakas Seconded by McRoberts
THAT Council reconvene from closed session at 9:40 p.m.
CARRIED
Closed Session item 1c
Re: litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative
tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the Town direct Legal Council to retain Roger Beaman to represent
the Town and authorized Town staff to attend the Ontario Municipal Board
hearing in support of the Committee of Adjustment’s decision regarding
minor variance application D13-11-07.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5143-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council, as reported
out from closed session, resulting from Council Meeting 09-
14 on May 12, 2009
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR LUCILLE KING, TOWN CLERK