Loading...
MINUTES - Council - 20100511 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 10-11 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, May 11, 2010 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, Director of Legal Services/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, Council/Committee Secretary and Youth Councillor Adrian Bulfon Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 Gallo THAT the agenda as circulated by the Customer and Legislative Services Department be approved. CARRIED III OPEN FORUM Mr. Geoffrey Dawe, President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, addressed Council with respect to the Official Plan Review process to provide input on behalf of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Dawe requested that the Town consider three elements during its Official Plan Review: (1) The Chamber encourages Council to actively investigate how to better accommodate the small business sector (professional or high-knowledge organizations with typically less than ten employees) with suitable office and parking space; (2) With respect to secondary suites and professionals/businesses working out of the home, the Chamber requests that Council consider the option of having a second entrance in the front of a house classified as a business entrance; and (3) Further to Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 2 of 8 comments made at the Council meeting of April 27 regarding the proliferation of business signs and complaints handled by staff, Mr. Dawe wanted to correct any misunderstanding that may exist and advised that the Chamber does not advocate for individual businesses on specific items such as potential sign infringement, but if the Chamber wished to comment on signs, it would do so through the proper channels. Mr. David Heard addressed Council to advise of his recent honour of receiving the Character Community “Change Our World” Award. Mr. Heard advised of his own personal experiences with distress and abuse in his past and described how he learned that he could overcome adversity by sharing a positive and healing message with the community. Mr. Heard explained that his goal is to facilitate positive changes in the lives of young people currently struggling with similar challenges, and he expressed that he believes that his award belongs to the entire community because community involvement and acceptance is what makes his goal possible. Mr. Heard concluded by thanking the contributors and participants of the Aurora Farmers’ Market for accepting him and giving him the opportunity to find his “voice” and begin the healing process. IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Council minutes of Tuesday, April 27, 2010 be revised to include two minor typographical revisions and carried as amended. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS (a) Mr. Steven D. Kemp, Director – Traffic Management and ITS Transportation Services – Regional Municipality of York Re: New Speed Limit Policy for York Region Mr. Kemp provided a brief presentation outlining the reasons for developing a new Speed Limit Policy for York Region, to address current inconsistencies in speed limits that have been causing confusion and frustration for drivers. He also indicated that the policy would take into account growth and urbanization throughout the Region. Mr. Kemp advised that the new policy will be based on consistent speed rates to be assigned based upon the various types of zones within the Region. Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the presentation be received; and THAT the Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services be directed to send a memorandum to the Region of York, summarizing Council’s input on this matter; and THAT the memorandum be copied to the Mayor, members of Council, the CAO and the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 3 of 8 VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Wilson advised that he and a number of Councillors as well as Town staff had attended the Veteran Appreciation Day Ceremony and Dinner on Saturday May 8, 2010. Councillor Wilson extended thanks to the Mayor and to the staff who organized the event. Mayor Morris added that, in particular, Mr. Neil Garbe, Kelly Gobbels, Jennifer Norton and Joanne Headley were deserving of recognition for their assistance and support in planning the Veteran Appreciation Day Ceremony and Dinner. Mayor Morris mentioned that the event was well attended and that participants included Mr. Frank Klees MPP, Ms. Lois Brown MP, and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Zdunich with The Queen’s York Rangers, and that greetings were sent from the Mayors of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Township of King, as well as from the Chief of York Regional Police among others. The Mayor also advised that the Veterans were very pleased to receive the signed photograph from the Town and to hear the reading of the Proclamation. Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Arboretum is holding its annual Community Tree Planting Event on Saturday, May 15, 2010 starting at 10:00 a.m. and encouraged volunteers to get involved and help out. Council Granger advised that the Aurora Farmers’ Market enjoyed its opening day on Saturday, May 8, 2010 and added that the Market will be open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. right into the Fall. Councillor Gaertner advised that the Nokiidaa Trail Association held its Walk for Southlake on Saturday, May 8, 2010, which raised $4,000. Councillor Gaertner advised that Yellow Brick House is planning to construct a second shelter and that any donation toward this cause would be greatly appreciated. Mayor Morris advised that the Building Department is once again holding its “Residential Express Permit” program this year and the Director of Building and By-law Services explained that the program allows simple permit applications, with the correct documentation, to be processed within a three-day turnaround. The Director also advised of the extension of business hours for the convenience of residents who are unable to apply for permits during regular business hours. Further details on the dates for extended hours can be found on the Town’s Website www.e-aurora.ca. Mayor Morris advised that the Parks and Recreation Services Department has initiated a new program called Backyard Splash where swimming instructors can be booked to provide one-on-one swimming lessons at residents’ homes in their own swimming pools. VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1(2), 1(7), 2, 5 and By-law 5239-10 were identified for discussion. VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 3 and 4 were identified as items not requiring separate discussion. Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 4 of 8 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger 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: 3. Memorandum from Mayor Morris Re: Letter from Aurora Seniors Association Regarding 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Evening THAT the memorandum and letter from the Aurora Seniors Association be received for information. 4. CFS10-015 – Aurora Miler Run Event Update THAT Council grant final approval to the Aurora Miler Run event to take place immediately preceding the Canada Day Parade; and THAT the comments from staff herein be provided to the organizers of both the Parade and the Aurora Miler Run to ensure all concerns have been properly addressed and a coordinated event takes place successfully. CARRIED IX DELEGATIONS None X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 4, 2010 (2) IES10-018 – Award of Tenders: • IES2010-06 – Reconstruction of Nisbet Drive and Sandusky Crescent Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT Tender IES2010-06 – Reconstruction of Nisbet Drive and Sandusky Crescent be awarded to C. Valley Paving Ltd. at its tendered price of $799,477.90, excluding taxes. On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED. YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 5 of 8 • IES2010-07 – Reconstruction of Kemano Road, Sioux Gate and Foreht Crescent; and • IES2010-08 – Reconstruction of Davis Road and Jones Court Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT the Treasurer be directed to amend the budgets and funding sources for the three projects as set out in Table H of IES10-018; and THAT Tender IES2010-07 – Reconstruction of Kemano Road, Sioux Gate and Foreht Crescent be awarded to 614128 Ontario Ltd. O/A Trisan Construction at its tendered price of $1,480,557.80, excluding taxes; and THAT Tender IES2010-08 – Reconstruction of Davis Road and Jones Court be awarded to Tubro Contracting Ltd. at its tendered price of $1,164,085.80, excluding taxes; and THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the necessary Agreements for the reconstruction of the projects. On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson, and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: None (7) LSAC10-02 – Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting, April 15, 2010 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting minutes from the April 15, 2010 meeting be received for information and the recommendations contained therein be approved; and THAT the consultants consult with the Youth Councillors for their input during the review process. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee meeting of May 4, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. CARRIED 2. Special General Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 20, 2010 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the minutes of the Special General Committee meeting of April 20, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 6 of 8 5. General Committee Closed Session, May 4, 2010 Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; • Westhill Redevelopment Company Limited, Ontario Municipal Board Appeal Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT Council not direct the Town Solicitor to finalize the retainer of the hydrogeologist, geoscientist and planner on the terms set out in his confidential report dated May 4, 2010. On a recorded vote the motion was DEFEATED. YEAS: 3 NAYS: 6 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas and McRoberts VOTING NAYS: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson, and Mayor Morris Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT Council direct the Town Solicitor to finalize the retainer of the hydrogeologist, geoscientist and planner on the terms set out in his confidential report dated May 4, 2010. On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED. YEAS: 6 NAYS: 3 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, Wilson, and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, and McRoberts XI REGIONAL REPORT York Regional Council Highlights – April 22, Mayor’s Report Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Regional Report be received for information. CARRIED XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Buck advised that residents are finding that their green bins are wearing out and asked what residents can do when a green bin or its latch is broken. The Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services advised that residents can contact the Town to request a replacement if required. Councillor Wilson advised that there is a property on the south side of Wellington Street, along the Gateway into Aurora, which is unsightly and he requested that the owners be contacted and asked to clean it up. Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 7 of 8 Councillor Wilson asked whether the portable sign at the SARC is in contravention with the Town’s sign by-law and inquired if the Town of Aurora is exempt from that by-law. Staff confirmed that there are exemption clauses in the permanent and temporary sign by-laws which exempt the Town of Aurora from the provisions of said by-laws. Councillor Granger asked the Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services where the pilot project for LED traffic lights is taking place, to which the Director advised that the project is currently taking place on Murray Drive between Golflinks Drive and Kennedy Street West. Councillor MacEachern asked whether the vendors at the Farmers’ Market have received operating permits as yet, to which the CAO advised that most of the permits have been issued and that the process is being reviewed with an aim to improve efficiency and timelines with regard to this type of function. Councillor Gaertner advised that she has received positive feedback from several residents regarding the LED traffic lights pilot project. Councillor Gaertner asked what residents can do in cases where hedges have grown to heights that obstruct traffic sightlines, to which staff responded that By- law Services would investigate to determine if action should be taken and contact the hedge owner if necessary. Councillor Gaertner asked if the new Backyard Splash Program will generate revenue for the Town, to which the Director of Parks and Recreation Services confirmed that it would. Mayor Morris presented the Town of Aurora’s newest “art acquisition” which was purchased by the Town at the 48th Annual Juried Art Show & Sale which took place April 30 to May 2, 2010. Mayor Morris advised that the piece she was showing, a black and white photograph of an historic barn which formerly resided at the north side of Vandorf Road at Bayview Avenue, was taken by Aurora photographer Rob Schwartz. The Mayor also advised that this piece would join the Town’s collection entitled “Preserve Aurora in Paint” which is permanently on display on the second floor at the Town Hall just outside the Mayor’s Office. Councillor Gallo advised that the LED traffic lights pilot project had been recommended to staff by Councillor Wilson who learned of this new environmental initiative through a workshop he had held. Councillor Granger extended thanks to the By-law Services staff for assisting Mr. André Flys, Chair, Aurora Farmers’ Market Association, with the preparation and issuing of permits for the Farmers’ Market vendors. XIII CLOSED SESSION AGENDA None XIV READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT By-law 5239-10 be deferred to a future meeting of Council. CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Page 8 of 8 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT By-law 5234-10 be amended in table 1, by revising the hours of operation on October 16, 2010 to be shown as 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted as amended: 5234-10 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for advance voting prior to voting day in the Town of Aurora. (report CLS10-010 – May 4 GC) CARRIED Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 5235-10 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for reduced hours of voting in nursing and retirement Homes. (report CLS10-010 – May 4 GC) 5241-10 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council Meeting 10-11 on May 11, 2010 CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Buck THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:33 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR JOHN D. LEACH, TOWN CLERK THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 10-11 WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010.