MINUTES - Council - 20100608
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 10-13
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, June 8, 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, Youth
Councillor Chelsea Campbell, and Council/Committee
Secretary
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Collins-Mrakas restated her declaration on the Council Minutes of May
25, 2010 as her husband is a member of the Aurora Optimist Club; and a declaration
regarding New Business on the June 1, 2010 General Committee minutes.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Customer and Legislative Services
Department be approved as presented.
CARRIED
III OPEN FORUM
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 2 of 8
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council minutes of Tuesday, May 25, 2010 be adopted as printed
and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
(a) Presentation of Plaques to Grade 4 Anti-Litter Poster Contest Judges
Mayor Morris thanked the judges, teachers and parents for their hard work and
contribution in promoting and participating in the Mayor’s Anti-Litter Program 2010.
Their support and extra hands in the Spring clean-up were appreciated and through
the dedication of the teachers and parents there were over 400 people assisting in
the clean-up of litter on April 24, 2010. Mayor Morris and the Director of
Infrastructure & Environmental Services presented the judges with plaques in
honour of the Town of Aurora’s appreciation. Plaques were presented to:
Ms. Catherine Marshall, Mr. Bud Switzer, Ms. Dorothy Clark-McClure, Mr. Andy
McClure, Pastor Ian Ardill of the Community Bible Church, and Mr. Greg Foster of
M & M Meats.
Mayor Morris thanked the Community Bible Church for providing activities such as
face painting and a bouncy castle that contributed to making it a very special day.
Mayor Morris also thanked Mr. Greg Foster of M & M Meats for bringing a wonderful
supply of food for all.
Mayor Morris also presented the Chief Innovation Officer of Turtle Island Recycling
with a plaque in recognition of their efforts and contribution to the Mayor’s Anti-Litter
Program 2010.
(b) Ms. Irene Clement, Chair, Aurora Community Arboretum
Re: Update on the Arboretum’s Activities to date in 2010
Ms. Irene Clement, Chair of the Aurora Community Arboretum, provided an update
on the Arboretum’s activities and growth over the last three years. She informed
Council that the Arboretum is a living gallery of trees on 100 acres of parkland that
was initially set in 1996. It provides a passive recreation area as well as a place to
learn about nature. The Town of Aurora’s staff and the Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority partner with the Aurora Community Arboretum in
coordinating many events. The Master Plan for the Arboretum encompasses four
areas that include meadowland to the north with an upland forest; a bottomlands
area that will eventually be heavily treed; a specimen tree area with over 1,000 trees
and shrubs planned; and a native species area which is in the early development
stages.
Further, Ms. Clement advised that the members of the Arboretum plant, weed,
mulch, collect garbage, and provide information and organize many community
activities. They have put in over 1,817 volunteer hours and through this hard work
they have established over 147 different species of trees and shrubs with community
planting events. They have planted over 1,500 trees that have either been nurtured
in their nursery or purchased at off-season sales. They have partnered with Home
Depot for a new entranceway at the north end; received a $3,500 grant from the TD
Bank; and have also received grants from the Ministry of the Environment and
Evergreen Community Planting Grant that have helped to purchase plants and erect
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 3 of 8
signage. This year they have also developed new brochures to promote the
Arboretum. Information on the Arboretum can be found on their website at
www.auroraarboretum.ca.
An exciting vision over the next few years will be the development of the Flora
Aurora phases. Eventually an annual Flora Aurora Spring Festival would highlight
the Arboretum’s efforts.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council receive the presentation by the Aurora Community Arboretum.
CARRIED
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Wilson commented that after the Chamber of Commerce came to Council
regarding the lack of commercial office space, many property owners contacted him
and that he has referred them to the Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Wilson
noted that many properties currently have commercial office space available. This
was also noted by Mayor Morris who stated that the downtown revitalization
committee, on which the Chamber does have an appointee, has made many efforts
with charettes, open houses and information sessions to provide the community with
information, and that a provision has been made for space in the plans. The Town of
Aurora has been working towards improving the availability of office space and is
doing its best effort to help small business, along with the Economic Development
Advisory Committee. Mayor Morris also stated that the Chamber of Commerce had
been asked to formalize their comments to Council.
Councillor Gaertner congratulated Aurora and the Chamber for a wonderful Street
Festival that was held on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Mayor Morris agreed and
commented that there were many booths including two Town booths manned by
Town staff that provided information and fun for the community. Mayor Morris
thanked staff for their great effort.
Mayor Morris stated that she was thrilled to inform and congratulate the community
regarding the recognition received by the GTA CleanAir Council. The Town of
Aurora was presented with a Certificate of Achievement for their efforts in 2008 and
2009 in meeting targets on environmental issues. Mayor Morris commented on other
areas where the Town can meet some other environmental targets through the
Official Plan Review, Secondary Plan Review and environmental initiatives.
Mayor Morris thanked Mr. Garbe and Town staff for their efforts and participation in
the National Awareness Week to Promote Accessibility and noted that Staff
participated in a Sledge Hockey game.
Mayor Morris recognized the Youth Councillors, Chelsea Campbell and Adrian
Bulfon (who was not in attendance), for their efforts and diligence in serving on the
Town of Aurora Council. Mayor Morris thanked them and advised that she looks
forward to their feedback and observations.
Mayor Morris asked the Director of Planning & Development Services about the
Public Information session planned for June 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers. The Director responded that the Downtown Aurora Study (Yonge
Wellington Corridor Steering Committee) would be holding an Open House inviting
the public to provide their feedback.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(2), 1(6), 1(8), 3 and 5 were identified as items requiring separate discussion.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 4 of 8
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Granger
Items 1 (with the exception of 1-2, 1-6, and 1-8), 2, 4, 6 and 7 were identified as
items not requiring separate discussion.
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.
1. General Committee Minutes of Tuesday, June 1, 2010
THAT the minutes of the General Committee meeting of June 1, 2010 be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved with
the exception of Items 2, 6, and 8.
2. Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Minutes of Tuesday, April
27, 2010
THAT the minutes of the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee
meeting of April 27, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the
Committee be approved.
4. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session General Committee
Meeting held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010
THAT the recommendations from the Closed Session meeting of General
Committee held on June 1, 2010 regarding the following matter be approved:
1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or
local board employees; Re: CLS10-015 – Appointments to the Joint Compliance Audit Committee
THAT Daniel Murack be appointed as a member of the Joint Compliance
Audit Committee; and
THAT Maria Schmidt be appointed as a first alternate member; and
THAT Ada Leung be appointed as a second alternate member.
6. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Aurora Recognized for Green Initiatives by GTA CleanAir Council
THAT Council receive the memorandum regarding “Aurora Recognized for
Green Initiatives by GTA CleanAir Council.”
7. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Aurora Jazz Festival July 30 & 31, 2010 – Beer and Wine Garden
THAT Council receive the memorandum regarding the Aurora Jazz Festival
July 30 & 31, 2010 - Beer and Wine Garden.
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 5 of 8
(a) Mr. Alex Reil, Manager, Canadian Cancer Society
Re: Request to use Town Equipment on June 11 & 12 for the
Aurora Relay for Life
Mr. Alex Reil requested that The Town of Aurora provide the use of a staging
platform, eight picnic tables and field marking equipment for the Canadian Cancer
Society event, Aurora Relay for Life. Mr. Reil advised that this event helps to provide
funding for world class research as well as local support required within the
community. Support is provided in the form of access to cancer information
specialists, partnerships with other cancer agencies (i.e. POGO), coordinating and
centralizing services with other agencies, transportation services, peer support, and
many other resources for patients and their families.
Mr. Reil advised that to date there are 23 teams registered with $47,000 pledged
toward a goal of $60,000. This event starts at 5:00 p.m. with a Survivor and
Caregiver Banquet and the official opening ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. with the
survivors and caregivers starting the first lap around 7:30 p.m. and the teams
continuing on in the Relay for Life until 7:00 a.m.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT Council receive the comments of the delegate; and
THAT the request be complied with.
CARRIED
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Minutes of June 1, 2010
(2) IES10-022 – Train Anti-Whistle in the Town of Aurora
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT Council authorize proceeding with pedestrian gates at the Regional
crossings at the following locations in accordance with the Regional Policy:
• Wellington Street East – Mileage 29.99 – Metrolinx, Newmarket
Subdivision;
• St. John’s Sideroad – Mileage 31.28 – Metrolinx, Newmarket Subdivision;
and
THAT Council approve Capital Project No. 31090 (Regional Road Pedestrian
Gates) with a capital budget of $260,000 for the installation of the above
gates for which the Region of York commits to reimburse the entire cost upon
completion of the works; and
THAT Council request that York Region commit to advance the necessary
funds based on results of the tendering process for costs related to the
pedestrian crossing located at the regional roads; and
THAT Council authorize Capital Project No. 73127 to proceed with pedestrian
gates at the Town crossing at the following locations and approve a capital
budget of $180,000 from the Municipal Road Infrastructure Investment fund:
• Engelhard Drive – Mileage 29.17 – Metrolinx, Newmarket Subdivision;
• Centre Street – Mileage 30.04 – Metrolinx, Newmarket Subdivision; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 6 of 8
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
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT Council authorize Capital Project No. 73127 to proceed with a
pedestrian gate for a new pedestrian crossing at the Cousins Drive location
and provide additional funding of $110,000 from the Municipal Road
Infrastructure Investment Fund, to provide a total budget of $160,000 for this
initiative.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo,
Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson, and Mayor
Morris
VOTING NAYS: None
1. General Committee Minutes of June 1, 2010
(6) IES10-028 – Inflow & Infiltration Program Participation
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council endorse Town of Aurora’s participation on the Inflow and
Infiltration Reduction Task Force sponsored by York Region for the purposes
of:
• Continuing to identify sources of inflow and infiltration;
• Developing standards and guidelines to reduce inflow and infiltration
within the system;
• Develop funding and cost sharing principles to implement future
remediation projects.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Minutes of June 1, 2010
(8) PR10-009 – Follow -up to Relocation of Light Pole at Stewart Burnett
Park Baseball Diamond
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT Council receive staff report PR10-009.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 7 of 8
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 5 NAYS: 4
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gallo, McRoberts, and
Wilson
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Gaertner, Granger, MacEachern, and Mayor
Morris
3. Correspondence from Ms. Sara Sterling, Race Director of Run for Southlake
Foundation
Re: Request to Waive Fee for the use of the Aurora Community Centre
for the 2010 Run For Southlake, that was held on April 25, 2010
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT Council receive the correspondence from Ms. Sara Sterling; and
THAT this request be complied with; and
THAT funding for all three items, namely: Seniors Hockey Fees (GC Minutes
June 1, Item 10), Relay for Life request, delegation (a), and Run for Southlake
Foundation (Item 3) to be allocated from the Community Grant funds.
CARRIED
5. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris
Re: Ontario Medal For Good Citizenship
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council receive the correspondence regarding “Ontario Medal for
Good Citizenship”.
CAR RIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
None
XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION - COUNCILLORS
Councillor Collins-Mrakas asked for an update on the development of a corporate
green procurement policy from June 2008. The Chief Administrative Officer informed
Council that the Environmental Advisory Committee would be submitting their
recommendations for the Corporate Environmental Action Plan in the near future
and subsequently green initiatives will be put in place upon the Plan’s approval.
Councillor Wilson provided a Notice of Motion for a cost study to be provided for
washroom facilities in Town parks.
Councillor Gaertner provided a Notice of Motion concerning a Utilities Grant for
Seniors receiving the guaranteed income supplement and living in their own homes.
Councillor Buck requested information regarding the re-establishment of the
Museum Collection at the Cultural Centre. The Chief Administrative Officer informed
Council that he would contact the Aurora Cultural Centre and the Director of
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Page 8 of 8
Corporate & Financial Services for an update as a report should be forthcoming in
this regard.
Mayor Morris requested clarification from the Director of Planning & Development
Services regarding the Town’s policy on the scheduling of Planning Meetings. The
Director stated that the meetings are planned in advance along with the annual
calendar of Council and Committee meetings; and should there be no applications
received prior to a scheduled meeting, then the meeting is not required and would
be cancelled.
XIII CLOSED SESSION
None
XIV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5247-10 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Lots 45
and 46 on Plan 65M-4079
from Part-Lot Control
(Country Wide Homes Inc.)
(Report PL10-041-June 1 GC)
5256-10 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by
Council Resulting from Council Meeting
10-13 on June 8, 2010
CARRIED
XV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Wilson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR JOHN D. LEACH, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 10-13 WERE APPROVED AT COUNCIL ON
TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2010.