MINUTES - Council - 20091208 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 09-33
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, December 8, 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, Director of Customer and
Legislative Services/Town Clerk, Assistant Town
Solicitor, Director of Building and By-law Services,
Director of Parks and Recreation Services, Director of
Planning and Development Services, Director of
Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of
Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer and
Council/ Committee Secretary
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:03 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 Customer and Legislative Services
Department, with the following additional item, be approved:
Presentation e) – Presentation of the 2009 Arts and Culture Grant
Awards by Mr. Lorne Merkur and Mayor Morris
CARRIED
III OPEN FORUM
Mr. John Crowell, representing Neighbourhood Network, addressed Council to
bring awareness to their 2nd Annual Volunteer Snow Removal Program. Mr.
Crowell advised that 30 residents in Newmarket/Aurora were assisted through
this program last year, and that volunteers are being sought again this year. Mr.
Crowell provided the following Neighbourhood Network contact information for
volunteers, as well as seniors or those with disabilities requiring assistance:
Address: 14988 Yonge Street, Aurora
Phone: 905-726-3737
Website: neighbourhoodnetwork.org
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 2 of 11
Mr. Nick Spensieri, Manager of Parking Infrastructure for GO, addressed Council
to provide an overview of the GO parking garage being constructed on
Wellington Street East. Mr. Spensieri advised that 150 spaces on the third level
will be open before Christmas and that final completion is targeted for February
15, 2010, at which time a total of 866 spaces will be available.
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Special Council Minutes of Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Council Minutes of Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT the Special Council minutes of Tuesday, November 24, 2009 and
the Council minutes of Tuesday, November 24, 2009 be adopted as
printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
a) Presentation by Mayor Morris
Re: Official Olympic Torch Relay Announcement for 2010 Winter
Olympics
Mayor Morris advised that the Town of Aurora has been selected as one of the
1,000 Canadian communities to host the Olympic Flame as it travels from coast
to coast in 100 days leading up to the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic
Games in Vancouver. Mayor Morris advised that it will start at 9:50 a.m. from the
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex and end at 10:26 a.m. at Highland
Chevrolet. Mayor Morris revealed the route of the Olympic Torch Relay through
Aurora, which will take place on Friday, December 18, 2009.
The Mayor indicated it would start at Bayview Avenue and Wellington Street
East, travel west to Wells Street, turn south on Wells Street, pass by the Town
Park to Metcalfe Street, then travel west to Church Street, pass the Church
Street School Cultural Centre, then travel north on Yonge Street to the final
destination at Highland Chevrolet. Mayor Morris invited everyone to join in the
celebration scheduled to take place at Town Park from 10:45 a.m. until 12:45
p.m., as well as free skating which will be available from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
at the Aurora Community Centre.
b) Presentation by Mayor Morris to Mr. Kenneth White, Royal Canadian
Legion
Mayor Morris presented Mr. Kenneth White with a certificate to recognize and
honour his receipt of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Royal Canadian
Legion.
c) Ms Wendy Kemp, Manager Water Resources, Region of York
Re: Source Water Protection
Ms Wendy Kemp addressed Council to provide an overview of Source Water
Protection and to advise that an assessment report is due to the Province on
June 29, 2010. Ms Kemp also advised that letters will be sent to land owners
pertaining to activities or conditions which have been assessed as threats to
water sources, and open houses and public events will also take place.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 3 of 11
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
e) Presentation of the 2009 Arts and Culture Grant Awards
by Mr. Lorne Merkur and Mayor Morris
Mayor Morris and Mr. Lorne Merkur presented the 2009 Arts and Culture
Grant Awards to the following recipients:
Mary-Frances Turner on behalf of the Aurora Heights Scottish Country
Dancers
Debra Weller on behalf of the York Region Media Group Celebration of
the Arts
Phyllis Mahon on behalf of the Aurora Writers Group
Flo Murray on behalf of the Aurora Seniors Book Club
Sheila Ghazarian on behalf of the Aurora Seniors Art Group
Janette Todd on behalf of the Aurora Scottish Country Dancers
Susan Walmer on behalf of the Aurora Community Heritage Fair
Andrew Kipfer and Jennifer Steen on behalf of the Aurora Historical
Society
Marco Ramunno on behalf of Doors Open Aurora
Rand Houghton on behalf of Playwrights of Spring
Susan Laird on behalf of the Aurora Bantam Jays
Sheryl Thomas on behalf of Marquee Theatrical Productions
Toni Robinson and Sarah Bradley of the Aurora Nursery School
d) Mr. Daniele Zanotti, CEO, United Way of York Region
Re: 2009 United Way Campaign
Mr. Daniele Zanotti addressed Council to thank the Town of Aurora for its
ongoing support of the United Way Campaign. Mr. Zanotti advised that York
Region residents are very aware of the challenges that the Region faces, such as
the lack of affordable housing, an increasing number of residents living on low
incomes and increasing single parent families. However, Mr. Zanotti stated, in
the face of these challenges, York Region residents are requesting that the
United Way focus on the following strengths: helping the youth grow up strong,
economic independence for all residents and improving the well being of
individuals and communities, specifically those moving into the Region or those
who are isolated. Mr. Zanotti advised that the United Way has reached 80% of
its goal to raise $7.6 million.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Morris advised that the Town of Aurora’s Economic Development
Department has launched a website, which may be accessed from the Town of
Aurora’s website, www.e-aurora.ca.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 4 of 11
Mayor Morris advised that the 2010 Budget has been finalized and is scheduled
for final adoption at the Council meeting on January 26, 2010. Mayor Morris
provided the following highlights from the budget deliberation process:
capital budget of $15.4 million
operating budget of $42.5 million
5.5% increase in financial support for Aurora Public Library
improving maintenance to the parks
corporate realignment of departments and services
customer service strategy
study regarding level of service required for sidewalks and bikeways
illumination on Bloomington Sideroad between Yonge Street and Bayview
Avenue
installation of entrance feature on outside of CN Railway overpass
formalized, safe pedestrian railway crossing at Cousins Drive
increasing trail opportunities
maintenance and refurbishment of existing infrastructure
retrofitting of Town facilities to improve energy efficiency and conserve
energy
increased contribution to the Arboretum
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora portion represents a 2.8% tax increase,
and there is an expectation of a zero tax rate from the Province with respect to
education.
Mayor Morris indicated that the Town is looking for volunteers for the Salvation
Army Kettle Drive for the following dates: December 11, 12, 18, 19 and 24,
2009.
Councillor McRoberts advised that there are 883 time slots of 2 hours available
for those who would like to volunteer for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive.
Councillor McRoberts provided the following contact information:
Info Aurora 905-727-8214
Neighbourhood Network 905-726-3737
Salvation Army 905-895-6276
Councillor McRoberts also advised that on-line donations are being accepted at:
iKettle www.e-aurora.ca (under Announcements)
The Chief Administrative Officer introduced and welcomed Mr. John Leach, the
new Director of Customer and Legislative Services/Town Clerk, who brings with
him extensive experience from the City of Etobicoke, the City of Vaughan and the
Town of Innisfil.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 5(2), 7, 10 and 12 were identified for discussion.
VIII 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:
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 5 of 11
2. Special General Committee - Operating Budget Meeting Minutes
Saturday, November 21, 2009
THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee - Operating Budget
Meeting of November 21, 2009 be received and the recommendations
carried by the Committee be approved.
3. Special General Committee - Operating Budget Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 23, 2009
THAT the minutes of the Special General - Operating Budget Committee
Meeting of November 23, 2009 be received and the recommendations
carried by the Committee be approved.
4. Special General Committee - Operating and Capital Budget Meeting
Minutes - Monday, November 30, 2009
THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee - Operating and
Capital Budget Meeting of November 30, 2009 be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee be approved.
6. Central York Fire Services - Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2009
THAT the minutes of the Central York Fire Services – Joint Council
Committee meeting on September 15, 2009 be received for information.
8. ADM09 -015 – Request for Professional Real Estate Services for the Sale of
the Town’s 15059 Leslie Street Property
THAT Council receive this report for information; and
THAT Council award ADM2009-101 to DTZ Barnicke – GTA Industrial
Team for professional real estate brokerage services for the sale of the
described lands located at 15059 Leslie Street; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Town Clerk to sign the required
agreements to execute this award.
9. CS09-019 – Corporate Insurance Renewal
THAT the insurance and risk management proposal submitted by BFL
Canada in the amount of $291,211 plus taxes be approved; and
THAT the Town of Aurora’s corporate insurance policy be renewed for a
one year period.
11. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday,
December 1, 2009
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session meeting held on
December 1, 2009 regarding the following matters be approved:
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 6 of 11
1. litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative
tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and
2. personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or
local board employees
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
a) Ms Wendy Martineau, Resident
Re: Item 1 – IES09-064 – Completion of Sidewalk on Nisbet Drive
Ms Wendy Martineau addressed Council in support of the completion of a
sidewalk on Nisbet Drive. Ms Martineau cited safety as the main reason for her
support.
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information and
referred to item 1.
CARRIED
Councillor Gaertner left the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
b) Mr. Don Roberts, Resident
Re: Item 1 – IES09-064 – Completion of Sidewalk on Nisbet Drive
Mr. Don Roberts addressed Council in support of the Town’s new concept for a
connectivity plan regarding the completion of a sidewalk on Nisbet Drive.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information and
referred to item 1.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. IES09-064 – Completion of Sidewalk on Nisbet Drive
(deferred from December 1, 2009 General Committee meeting)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT Capital Project No. 31075 for the reconstruction of Nisbet Drive
include the completion of a sidewalk along Nisbet Drive from Fairway
Drive south to the existing sidewalk near Sandusky Crescent; and
THAT, should any significant changes be required, a consultative
process take place.
On a recorded vote, the resolution was CARRIED.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 7 of 11
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEA: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern,
McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAY: Councillor Buck
Councillor Gaertner was absent for the vote.
5. General Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009
(2) PL09-085 – Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision
Amendment to the Zoning By-law and Site Plan Approval
Daniels LR Corporation
15933 Bayview Avenue
Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, E.Y.S.
Files D14-17-06, D12-03-06 and D11-09-09
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT Draft Plan of Subdivision D12-03-06 be approved for the creation of
a residential condominium block for 134 stacked and street townhouse
units; 20 semi-detached units; a commercial block; and, the completion of
Lewis Honey Drive, by the Town of Aurora subject to Conditions of
Approval attached as Appendix “A" being fulfilled prior to final approval;
and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a “No Pre-Sales”
Agreement between the Town and the Owner; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Subdivision
Agreement between the Town and the Owner; and
THAT a total of 154 units of sewage and water capacity be allocated to the
Daniels LR Corporation draft plan of subdivision lands from the Town’s
conditional allocation for 2011; and
THAT Council enact implementing Zoning By-law 5184-09; and
THAT, subject to any issues or comments raised by Council, Site Plan
Application D11-09-09 be approved to permit the development of the
residential condominium block for 134 street and stacked townhouse
units; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Site Plan
Agreement between the Town and the Owner to facilitate the
development of the residential condominium block; and
THAT clause 104 of the agreement be replaced with the following:
The Owner shall enter into an agreement with Enbridge prior
to the approval of the draft plan of subdivision providing that
the Owner acknowledges that noise mitigation measures
related to the pressure reduction station, including a noise
attenuation enclosure and other features, have been
implemented and are necessary to ensure satisfactory noise
mitigation as approved by Enbridge. Such agreement will
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 8 of 11
obligate the Owner to provide an indemnity in favour of
Enbridge with respect to any actions, causes of action, claims
or proceedings arising directly or indirectly from any noise
mitigation measures that have been installed, constructed or
otherwise provided and paid for in full or in part by other
landowners and/or the Owner.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting of
December 1, 2009 be received and the recommendations carried by the
Committee be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Central York Fire Services - Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2009
(3) Residential Fire Sprinkler Resolution
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the matter be referred to staff for comment.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the balance of the minutes of the Central York Fire Services – Joint
Council Committee meeting on October 20, 2009 be received for
information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
10. Memorandum from Councillor MacEachern
Re: Motion – Recorded Votes
(Notice of Motion provided at December 1, 2009 General Committee
Meeting)
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT staff be directed to provide a report listing all recorded votes taken
during this term of Council, to be included on a General Committee or
Council agenda.
On a recorded vote, the resolution was CARRIED.
YEAS: 5 NAYS: 3
VOTING YEA: Councillors Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson and Mayor
Morris
VOTING NAY: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas and McRoberts
Councillor Gaertner was absent for the vote.
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 9 of 11
12. Memorandum from Councillor Wilson
Re: Motion – Youth Councillor
(Notice of Motion provided at November 24, 2009 Council Meeting)
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora places high value on our youth of today;
and
WHEREAS the youth of today represent the voters of tomorrow for our
Town; and
WHEREAS participation in the local government is a critical component of
all citizens; and
WHEREAS we have just participated in and supported “Local Government
Week”; and
WHEREAS Council wishes to give youth the opportunity to participate in
and learn about the procedures of local government;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT Council appoint a “Youth Councillor” who would be nominated by
students in the local high schools from grades 11/12 to participate in
Council meetings for each of the remaining two semesters of the 2010
school year. The Youth Councillor for each semester would be assigned a
Councillor mentor each semester and would attend Council meetings by
taking a seat at the table, however, would not participate in discussions or
speak, unless called upon by a member of Council through the Chair, and
would have no voting privileges; and
THAT Councillor Wilson be directed to work with staff to establish Terms
of Reference and that these be brought back to the January 19, 2010
General Committee meeting to establish the role of an appointed Youth
Councillor.
On a recorded vote, the resolution was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEA: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern,
McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAY: None
Councillor Gaertner was absent for the vote.
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the Regional Report be received for information.
CARRIED
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 10 of 11
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Collins-Mrakas wished her 6 year old niece a Happy Birthday.
XIII CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session, following adjournment, to
consider:
Applications for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
personal matters about an identifiable individual, including
municipal or local board employees
CARRIED
XIV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5184-09 BEING A BY-LAW to amend the Zoning
By-law No. 2213-78, as amended
(15933 Bayview Avenue)
(related to report PL09-085 – Dec 1,
2009 General Committee meeting)
5187-09 BEING A BY-LAW to reallocate any
2009 Operating Surpluses
(related to report FS09-045 – Dec 1,
2009 General Committee meeting)
5191-09 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Lots 4, 55
and 66 on Plan 65M-4079 from Part-lot
Control (Country Wide Homes at Aurora Inc.)
(related to report PL09-090 – Dec 1,
2009 General Committee meeting)
5192-09 BEING A BY-LAW to levy interim property
taxes for the taxation year 2010
(related to report FS09-052 – Dec 1,
2009 General Committee meeting)
5194-09 BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law No.
5096-08.H to appoint an official responsible
for Town contact and staff direction in the
absence of the Chief Administrative Officer
5196-09 BEING A BY-LAW to allocate any 2009
Water and Wastewater Surplus or Deficit
(related to report FS09-045 – Dec 1,
2009 General Committee meeting)
Minutes of Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Page 11 of 11
5195-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by
Council Resulting from Council Meeting
09-33 on December 8, 2009
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
CARRIED
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING 09-33 WERE ADOPTED AT COUNCIL
ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010.
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR JOHN D. LEACH, TOWN CLERK