MINUTES - Council - 20090929 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 09-26
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 29, 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, Town Solicitor/Acting
Town Clerk, Director of Building & By-law Services,
Director of Leisure Services, Director of Planning &
Development Services, Director of Infrastructure
Services, Director of Financial & Corporate Services/
Treasurer and Council/Committee Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor MacEachern declared an interest in item 2, due to her involvement
with a related residents’ group and her participation in activities related the
subject lands.
(Item 2 was withdrawn from the agenda subsequent to this declaration)
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the withdrawal of the following items, be approved:
Presentation (c) Mr. Don Spence, Parks Department - Withdrawn
Item 2 - Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris - Withdrawn
CARRIED
III OPEN FORUM
Ms Sher St. Kitts addressed Council, representing the Aurora Farmer’s Market,
to thank Council, staff and volunteers for their support and assistance with the
Aurora Jazz + Festival which took place on Saturday, August 1, 2009 in the Town
Park. Ms St. Kitts advised that the community support was very positive and that
plans are being made to expand this event for next year into a two-day music
festival.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 2 of 7
Ms Jane Reeves of Community Action for Wells Street (CAWS) addressed
Council to advise that CAWS is saddened by the decision of the York Region
District School Board (YRDSB) to close Wells Street School despite efforts and
support from the community and the Town of Aurora to keep the school open.
Ms Reeves requested that Council send a letter to Mr. Bill Crothers, Trustee with
the YRDSB, requesting a public apology on behalf of himself and the Board of
Trustees, for negative comments which he sent to a member of CAWS via e-
mail. Ms Reeves submitted a copy of said e-mail to the Clerk for reference.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council minutes of Tuesday, September 15, 2009 be adopted
as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
a) Presentation to Ms Hélène Niesing for the President’s List,
Lifesaving Society – presented by the Director of Leisure Services
Mr. Al Downey, Director of Leisure Services, presented a Citation from the
Lifesaving Society to Ms Hélène Niesing, Deck Supervisor/Trainer/Lifeguard with
the Town of Aurora and volunteer for the Lifesaving Society, in honour of her
inclusion on the 2008 President’s List. Mr. Downey advised that the President’s
List acknowledges the efforts of a remarkable segment of the volunteer
examiners for the Lifesaving Society across Ontario, for their high level of skill,
tireless efforts and contribution to the drowning prevention mission of the Society.
b) Presentation to Mr. Raman Malhotra – Canadian Tire Petroleum In
Recognition of his Efforts in Creating a Full-Service Option for
Customers with Disabilities – presented by Mayor Morris and the
Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee
Mayor Phyllis Morris and Ms Ann Boden, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee, presented a Certificate of Appreciation, on behalf of the Town of
Aurora, to Mr. Raman Malhotra, Manager of the Canadian Tire Petroleum Station
in Aurora, for his initiative in changing his business practices to provide full
service gas service to customers with special needs at a time when this service
was unavailable in Aurora.
c) Mr. Don Spence, Parks Department
Withdrawn
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 3 of 7
d) Presentation by Mr. Loy Cheah & Mr. Jonathan P'ng, Region of York
Re: Draft Water/Wastewater and Transportation Master Plan Updates
Mr. Jonathan P'ng, Manager, Water & Wastewater Planning, provided an update
of the Draft Water/Wastewater Master Plan, outlining the projected water needs
over the next 40 to 50 years within York Region. Mr. P’ng reviewed the short and
long range water based projects planned to maintain the infrastructure necessary
to accommodate the forecasted growth and address regional servicing demands,
while also addressing funding challenges and providing solutions that will protect
the natural environment.
Mr. Loy Cheah, Manager of Transportation Planning, provided an update of the
Draft Transportation Master Plan, outlining the Region’s five year action plan as
well as the longer term goals and projects to facilitate ongoing sustainable
transportation in York Region. Mr. Cheah reviewed projects and improvements
relating to enhancement and expansion of the Rapid Transit System, highway
extensions with transit service and connections with GO, TTC and adjacent
municipalities.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the presentation be received for information
CARRIED
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that the Chamber of Commerce will be holding its
Business Achievement Awards Ceremony at the Country Day School in King City
on October 8, 2009, and that tickets are available for $75 plus GST; for more
information contact the Chamber at 905-727-7262.
Mayor Morris advised that the week of Sunday, October 4 to Saturday, October
10, 2009 is Fire Prevention Week.
Councillor Wilson advised that there will be an open house taking place at the
Aurora Fire Station #44 located at 220 Edward Street on October 3, 2009.
Councillor Wilson advised that York Region’s “Fill the Box” Campaign is in effect,
encouraging food donations to support local food banks, and he advised that
donation boxes are located at all York Region fire halls and grocery chain stores.
Councillor Wilson advised that he and the Mayor attended the recent grand
opening celebration for the new RBC Insurance branch located at Wellington
Street and the 404, at which they announced their donation of over $12,000
toward Blue Hills Academy in Aurora and their work in support of Big Brothers
and Sisters.
Councillor Wilson advised that on Saturday, September 26, 2009, he attended
the grand opening celebration of a Teen Challenge – GTA residential facility for
young women seeking freedom from drug and alcohol dependencies, located in
King City. Councillor Wilson encouraged interested parties to visit
www.teenchallenge.ca.
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Team has started the
new season with a new promotional campaign and under new management.
Mayor Morris encouraged the community to continue supporting the Tigers by
coming out for some exciting hockey games at the Aurora Community Centre.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 4 of 7
Mayor Morris advised that the Regional “Fill the Box” Campaign has announced
that each food bank in York Region will have the opportunity to apply to be part
of the challenge, with the goal to raise $10,000 worth of donations for each
participating food bank, including the Aurora Food Pantry.
Councillor Buck advised that she and Councillors McRoberts and Collins-Mrakas
were in attendance at a recent event held by the Neighbourhood Network in
recognition of its over 300 community based volunteers who are growing in
numbers and providing a great service for those in need within the Region of
York.
Councillor Buck advised that the Town of Aurora had previously been invited to
partner with the Neighbourhood Network and that she will be bringing a
recommendation forward in response to this request.
Councillor Gaertner advised that she and Councillor Wilson recently attended an
open house at the Aurora Retirement Centre to showcase their newly refurbished
facility. Mayor Morris was also in attendance at the event.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the plantings around town are beautiful and she
thanked the Parks Department staff and the Aurora Horticultural Society for their
good work.
Mayor Morris advised that the Ovarian Cancer Canada - Winners Walk of Hope
took place on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Regency Acres Public School.
Mayor Morris advised that she had invited Ovarian Cancer Canada to provide a
presentation to Council at a future meeting.
Mayor Morris advised of the recent opening of the paediatric oncology ward at
the Southlake Regional Health Centre.
Councillor MacEachern announced that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority has been awarded the “Thiess International Riverprize 2009”, the
world’s most prestigious award for excellence in watershed management, and
she extended congratulations on behalf of Council to the Conservation Authority.
Councillor Granger extended thanks to Aurora Home Depot, on behalf of Council,
for their partnership with the Aurora Arboretum Society in constructing a beautiful
arbour at the north entrance to the Arboretum at St. John’s Sideroad and
Industrial Parkway, and the future construction of a second arbour to be located
at the main entrance to the Arboretum.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(1) and 1(7) were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
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. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Anne Bartley Smith Lands
Withdrawn
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 5 of 7
3. Correspondence from Councillor Virginia Hackson, Chair
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Re: Thiess International Riverprize – 2009
THAT the correspondence from Councillor Virginia Hackson, Chair, Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority regarding the Thiess International
Riverprize 2009 be received; and
THAT Mayor Morris send a letter of congratulations, on behalf of the Town
of Aurora, to Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board and Staff.
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
None
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, September 22, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
(1) ADM09-011 – Petch Log House
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT staff be directed to pursue a detailed construction estimate for the
Petch Log House, not to exceed $5,000; and
THAT the funding options be clearly laid out; and
THAT the construction estimates reflect options #1 and #2 in report
ADM09-011; and
THAT staff be directed to discuss with the Leisure Services Department,
and any other appropriate departments, potential uses for the building;
and
THAT staff consult with user groups for potential uses.
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEA: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAY: Councillor Buck
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 6 of 7
(7) LS09-039 – Stewart Burnett Park Senior Baseball Diamond Facility -
Additional Expenditures
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council authorize an additional expenditure of up to $26,000.00 for
various professional and operational work items that have recently been
identified through the construction of the Stewart Burnett Park Baseball
Diamond.
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEA: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAY: None
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting of
September 22, 2009 be received and the recommendations carried by the
Committee be approved.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris advised that a full report will be provided at the next meeting of
Council.
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Mayor Morris gave Notice of Motion with respect to staff investigating the
potential for a custodial relationship agreement with the Ontario Heritage Trust
related to the Anne Bartley Smith Lands.
Councillor Buck expressed concern regarding the deterioration of several roads
which have been reconstructed in Aurora over the past four years or less.
Mayor Morris advised that a letter will be drafted on behalf of the Mayor’s Office
to the York Region District School Board with regard to the decision to close
Wells Street School.
XIII CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session, following adjournment, to
consider:
1. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the
municipality or local board.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Page 7 of 7
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEA: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger,
MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAY: None
XIV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Geartner Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5164-09 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt
Lots 12 to 33 inclusive on Plan
65M-4079 from Part-lot Control
(Santorio Holdings Inc.)
(related to PL09-072 – Sept 22/09 GC)
5172-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions
by Council resulting from Council
Meeting 09-26 on September 29, 2009
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Granger
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR CHRISTOPHER C. COOPER
ACTING TOWN CLERK