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MINUTES - Council - 20100622 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 10-15 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, June 22, 2010 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, and Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Customer and Legislative Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building and By-law Services, Director of Parks and Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer, Associate Solicitor, Manager of Operation Services, Youth Councillor Adrian Bulfon, and Council/Committee Secretary Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None II APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT the agenda as circulated by the Customer and Legislative Services Department be approved with the following additions:  Correspondence from Mr. and Mrs. Rey-Reiter Re: Item 7 – TSAC 10-02 – (1) TSAC10-004 – Speeding Concerns on Conover Avenue and Request for a Three-Way Stop Sign Control at the Conover Avenue and Halldorson Avenue Intersection  Memorandum from Ivy Henriksen, Accessibility Advisor and Melodie McKay, Manager of Recreation Re: Funding for Summer Camp Integration Staff  Additional Information for Item 3 – CFS10-022 – Year-End Financial Statements Re: Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, pages 2, 3, and 4 (Please place between pages 62 and 63.)  Delegation (a) Mr. Barry Quinn, Vice President of Aurora Jr. A Tigers Hockey Club Re: Item 10 – 2010-2011 NCAA College Showcase CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 2 of 9 III OPEN FORUM Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg, representing the Trails Sub-Committee, addressed Council regarding three projects currently underway within the Town of Aurora, expressing concerns regarding the Region’s lack of support for the development of underpasses on Regional roads to accommodate trails within the municipality. He suggested that Council express to the Regional Municipality of York its support of grade separations across Regional roads and that Aurora wants its policies respected, and that Council should formally ask to receive specific information from the relevant Regional offices. Lastly, Mr. Wehrenberg requested that Council formally inform the Region that it is not prepared to allow any of the projects to proceed unless the requested information is provided in writing and the Town has the opportunity to assess the information and make informed decisions. Ms. Sher St. Kitts addressed Council with respect to two upcoming events in the Town of Aurora: the Multi-Cultural Celebration Day in the Town Park on Saturday, June 26, 2010; and the Canada Day Celebrations and parade being held on Thursday, July 1, 2010. She advised that both events have many volunteers, are offering fun activities for everyone to participate in, and urged residents to wear their red and white and be ready for surprises at the Canada Day Celebrations. Ms. St. Kitts stated that the theme will be the Olympics, with torch bearers and First Nations participating in the parade and other activities, and invited all of Aurora to come out in their ancestral clothing to participate in the Town Park from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Mr. Don Hill addressed Council regarding the controversy surrounding a light pole at the new baseball diamond being constructed in the Stewart Burnett Park. He was concerned about statements printed in the local newspaper and wanted to clarify some of the issues. Mr. Hill wanted it known that the Mayor, Council and staff were exemplary in their handling of the issue and in no way compromised their ethical commitment to serve the people in the Town of Aurora. He further stated that the light pole no longer presented a problem as the existing tree foliage has filled out and the light pole is less visible. Mr. Hill indicated that only one new tree may be required and perhaps even that may not be necessary. Ms. Sunny Reuter addressed Council regarding the lack of information and accountability on the part of the OSPCA with respect to the recent ringworm outbreak at the Newmarket facility. She stated that an independent investigator was to be appointed to investigate and report on this outbreak, however, this has not occurred and there has been no subsequent follow-up on the part of the OSPCA regarding the Newmarket shelter. Ms. Reuter stated that MPP Frank Klees will speak regarding the lack of provincial oversight of the OSPCA at a rally at Queen’s Park on July 10, 2010 and she requested that Council accept the information provided and follow up with an update to the residents of Aurora. The Director of Building and By-law Services will provide an update to Council on July 13, 2010. Ms. Flory Avgousti addressed Council regarding her daughter Thalia, who has Cerebral Palsy, and her need to seek treatment outside of Canada. She advised that her family is fundraising toward a goal of $40,000 to make the journey to Germany for stem cell treatment. The family held two successful events over the past few weeks and has raised almost $24,000. Ms. Avgousti thanked the community of Aurora for their support and asked for their continued support of her family’s upcoming fundraising efforts. Mr. David Heard addressed Council to ask why the Neighbourhood Network has not yet partnered with the Town; why the grant given by Council to the Farmers’ Market has a specific allocation to be used for special events; and why Rogers Cable TV is discontinuing their coverage of Council meetings through the summer months. Mr. Heard advised that he felt Rogers Cable TV should continue this coverage to ensure transparency for the community. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 3 of 9 Ms. Heidi Stoecklin addressed Council regarding human rights abuse toward the indigenous people of Canada and her quest for world peace. She requested that Council support and endorse her request for the G8 and G20 summits: to address global commitment to peace on earth; to commit all global military forces toward ecological disasters worldwide; and that each country or nation commit to peace talks with their indigenous people. Ms. Stoecklin advised that a peaceful rally is planned to be held in the Town Park. IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of Tuesday, June 8, 2010 and Special Council Minutes of Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the Council minutes of Tuesday, June 8, 2010 and Special Council Minutes of Tuesday, June 15, 2010 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS (a) Presentation of Accessibility Champion Awards to Ivy Henriksen and Ann Boden Mayor Morris, along with Councillor McRoberts, presented the Canadian Hearing Society Accessibility Champion Awards to Ivy Henriksen, Accessibility Advisor, and Ann Boden, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, recognizing them for their outstanding efforts. Ms. Henriksen mentioned that, at a recent Accessibility Expo in Durham Region, it was noted that the Town of Aurora’s Council and the Executive Leadership Team have helped to make Aurora known for its achievements on removing barriers and promoting accessibility. (b) Fire Chief Ian Laing of Central York Fire Services Re: Central York Fire Services 2009 Annual Report Fire Chief Ian Laing presented the Central York Fire Services 2009 Annual Report and updated Council on the organizational chart. Fire Chief Laing discussed the increase in the number of emergency responses, the types of emergency incidents, response times, and the trend in these areas over the last three years noting that the primary type of call is for medical emergencies and that these account for approximately 56% of all calls. Fire Chief Laing informed Council of the capital expenditures that have occurred over the last year and discussed officer training, certification, support services, the Master Fire Plan, strategic recommendations, the Fire Prevention Division, inspection and public education services, and the “Stay Fire Smart Campaign” that promotes maintenance and proper use of fire alarms. Fire Chief Laing further stated that Central York Fire Services is involved in special events, open houses, and promotions such as “Meet the CAO” and “Junior Firefighter for a Day”. Lastly, he mentioned that former Fire Chief John Molyneaux had recently retired on December 31, 2009 after serving local communities for over 33 years. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT Council receive the presentation from Fire Chief Ian Laing of Central York Fire Services. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 4 of 9 (c) Presentation from the Municipal Auditor, Grant Thornton, LLP Mr. Kirk VanBlarcom, Partner, and Mr. Irfan Ahmad, Senior Manager Mr. Kirk VanBlarcom presented the Auditor’s Report and noted that there has been an increased and significant workload on staff over the last year, and that Mr. Elliott and staff should be commended for their efforts. He also noted that the Town of Aurora is in a strong financial position with no new debt this year. Mr. VanBlarcom was pleased to state good financial controls are in place with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies noted. Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT Council receive the presentation from the Municipal Auditor, Grant Thornton, LLP. CARRIED VI DELEGATIONS (a) Mr. Barry Quinn, Vice President, Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club Re: 2010-2011 NCAA College Showcase Mr. Barry Quinn addressed Council regarding the opportunity for the Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club to host the 2010-2011 NCAA College Showcase, an event which provides local hockey players the opportunity to be scouted for potential scholarships. Mr. Quinn stated that the event would provide additional revenue that would economically benefit the Town and requested Council’s financial support to ease the financial burden of holding a tournament where registration fees may not be charged. Mr. Quinn stated that he has requested that registration fees be allowed but has not heard back to date from the JHL. Mr. Quinn requested that Council consider a $15,000 subsidy for this event. He noted that the dates for this event have been changed to consolidate ice times and reduce costs. Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Item 10 be brought forward for discussion. CARRIED 10. Letter from Mr. Barry Quinn, Vice President, Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club Re: 2010-2011 NCAA College Showcase Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Council receive the letter from Mr. Barry Quinn, Vice President, Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club; and THAT Council grant $1,000 from the Community Grant funds; and THAT Council allocate $6,500 from the Contingency fund; and THAT, should registration fees be approved, staff be directed to recover the user fees using the same formula as previously approved with the Atom AA Hockey Tournament in 2007. CARRIED (Item 10 was tabled at 10:14 p.m. When Item 10 was brought back, the motion carried as presented.) Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 5 of 9 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT Item 7 be brought forward for discussion. CARRIED 7. TSAC10-02 – Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2010 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the minutes of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting of June 9 2010 be received and the recommendations, with the exception of Item (1), carried by the Committee be approved. CARRIED (1) TSAC10-004 – Speeding Concerns on Conover Avenue and Request for a Three-Way Stop Sign Control at the Conover Avenue and Halldorson Avenue Intersection Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Item (1) from the June 9, 2010 Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting minutes be referred back to staff along with the resident’s comments. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to extend the hour. CARRIED VII PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Morris commented on a letter received from SmartCentres Inc. and that it would be tabled at The Aurora Promenade – Yonge & Wellington Corridor Study – Public Open House being held on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in the Council Chambers and stated that the draft plan would be presented to the public for their comment and input. Mayor Morris noted an allegation that the Town of Aurora had turned down an offer of $500,000 from SmartCentres and wanted to clarify that SmartCentres had donated funds including a $15,000 contribution toward the downtown area and donated $130,000 in total which will be utilized as part of the Clean-Up Aurora Campaign. Mayor Morris specified that the first instalment of $50,000 was paid upon the issuance of a building permit for the first anchor store; the second instalment of $50,000 was paid upon the opening of the anchor store; and the third instalment of $15,000 was paid upon the anniversary of the opening of the anchor store. Mayor Morris indicated that she hoped that this would clarify that the Town did not turn down $500,000. Mayor Morris informed Council and the public that Belinda Stronach’s BBQ will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Aurora Seniors Centre at a cost of $10 per person. Mayor Morris advised that this is an opportunity to meet Belinda Stronach and the Neighbourhood Network team. Mayor Morris advised that the Hillary House is looking for volunteers to help with the garden restoration and that they will be celebrating their 150th Birthday in 2012 and are starting to plan for it now. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 6 of 9 Mayor Morris congratulated Greg Knuth for participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer held on June 11-12 where he and other participants biked from Toronto to Niagara Falls, a total of 218 kilometres, to help benefit the Campbell Family Institute at the Princess Margaret Hospital which supports patients and their families throughout Ontario. Mayor Morris advised that she attended a reception at the Church Street School Cultural Centre on June 21, 2010 and that photographs of residents being honoured were on display. The project is called Portraits of Giving and is about businesses who care. Photographs were taken by Karen Murk of Richmond Hill and will be on display from June 21 to July 31, 2010, and they are currently seeking nominations for people to be photographed for next year’s event. The entrance fee is $10 and funds raised from this event will go toward the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Councillor Wilson expressed his thanks and delight in having the Youth Councillors involved in the Council meeting process and advised that they could not attend the full meeting this evening due to their exam schedules. Councillor Wilson stated that he, along with other Members of Council, would be meeting with the Youth Councillors’ Principal next week. Mayor Morris advised that plaques would be presented to the Youth Councillors. Councillor Wilson advised that the Community Partnership Council for the York Local Immigration Partnership initiative is a one-year project sponsored by the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration to improve newcomer settlement services and will conclude with a report in March 2011. Councillor Wilson advised that part of the project currently underway is to research, assess, and evaluate the services provided and how they have impacted newcomers to the community. Councillor Gaertner referenced the upcoming tax increases due to HST implementation and informed the public that rebates of up to $1,000 for eligible families, and up to $300 for eligible individuals, will be paid by the federal government over the next year. Councillor Gaertner advised that the Region of York has a financial support line, 1-888-256-1112, for those requiring further assistance. VIII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1(8), 2, and 9 were identified as items requiring separate discussion. IX ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Granger Items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 11, with the exception of 1(8), 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 June 15, 2010 THAT the minutes of the General Committee meeting of June 15, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 7 of 9 3. CFS10-022 – Year-End Audited Financial Statements THAT the 2009 Audit Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 be received and published in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O.2001, c25, Section 295 on the Town’s website. 4. Memorandum from the Cash Flow and Investment Coordinator, Corporate & Financial Services Department Re: 2010 Aurora Borealis – Sponsorship Opportunity (PR10-024) THAT Council receive the memorandum regarding 2010 Aurora Borealis – Sponsorship Opportunity (PR10-024). 5. CFS10-025 – Award of Tender CFS 2010-45 THAT Tender CFS 2010-45 for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of a Storage Area Network (SAN) and associated disaster recovery hardware be awarded to User Friendly Systems Inc. in the amount of $66,917.49 excluding taxes; and THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign any contracts or agreements as may be required. 6. AAC10-06 – Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2010 THAT the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting of June 9, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. 8. HAC10-05 – Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2010 THAT the minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting of June 14, 2010 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. 11. Adoption of Recommendations from Closed Session Meeting of June 15, 2010 THAT the recommendation from the Closed Session meeting of General Committee held on June 15, 2010 regarding the following matter be approved: 1. Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Re: Appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board Committee of Adjustment Variance Application Joseph and Judy Zver 87 Temperance Street File: D13-07-10 THAT the Town direct legal counsel to retain external experts to represent the Town at the OMB hearing in support of the Committee of Adjustment decision which refused the subject variance application. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 8 of 9 X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Minutes of June 15, 2010 (8) PR10-019 – Land Acquisition Strategy – Terms of Reference Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Council approve the proposed Land Acquisition Strategy Terms of Reference as detailed within this report; and THAT the lands outside Aurora or adjacent to its borders not be looked at, at this time. CARRIED 2. CFS10-020 – Pre-Audit 2009 Operating Budget Report as at December 31, 2009 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the overview of the results of tax rate supported operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, and disposition of surplus report be received. CARRIED 9. Letter from Mr. John Cartwright, President of Toronto and York Region Labour Council Re: Improved Retirement Security Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Council receive the letter from Mr. John Cartwright, President of Toronto and York Region Labour Council, regarding Improved Retirement Security. CARRIED XI REGIONAL REPORT None XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION - COUNCILLORS None XIII CLOSED SESSION None Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Page 9 of 9 XIV 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: 5230-10 BEING A BY-LAW to designate a property to be of cultural heritage value or interest (Bond’s Grocery Store – 15231 Yonge Street) 5252-10 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for establishing, maintaining, operating and regulating the Aurora Farmers Market and Artisans Fair. (Report BBS10-007 - June 15 GC) 5253-10 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for one-third of the annual remuneration paid to the Mayor and Members of Council to be paid as deemed expenses. (Report CFS10-018 - June 15 GC) 5255-10 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Lot 42 Plan 65M-4079 from Part-Lot Control (Royalcliff Homes Bayview Inc.) (Report PL10-044 - June 15 GC) 5258-10 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council Meeting 10-15 on June 22, 2010 CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Granger THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:11 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR JOHN D. LEACH, TOWN CLERK THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 10-15 WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2010.