MINUTES - General Committee - 20030520
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
NO. 03-09
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor MacEachern in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Kean, Pedersen Timpson, Vrancic,
Wallace and West.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Public Works, Treasurer and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Councillor MacEachern called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Kean Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented with the following additions:
Memo from Director of Corporate Services Re: Correction to the
May 20, 2003, General Committee Meeting Agenda.
Delegation request from Mr. Mike Larkin of Big Brothers of York
Region Re: Item #1 - LS03-022 - Future Disposition of the
Structures Within Library Square (Former Aurora Public Library and
Seniors’ Centre)
Delegation request from Ms Linda Kenny, Vice Chair of the 140 Air
Cadet Squadron, Re: Item #1 - LS03-022 - Future Disposition of the
Structures Within Library Square (Former Aurora Public Library and
Seniors’ Centre)
CARRIED
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 were identified for discussion.
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 2
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
IV ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
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:
7. PW03-017 – Street Banner Policy
THAT the Department of Public Works Policy No. 63 - Street Banners as
detailed in Report No. PW03-017 be adopted; and
THAT staff be requested to report on the activity and effectiveness of the
Street Banner policy prior to the 2004 Budget discussions.
CARRIED
V DELEGATIONS
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Director of Leisure Services be permitted to present a brief
summary of Report LS03-022 - Future Disposition of the Structures within
Library Square.
CARRIED
The Director of Leisure Services provided an outline of the history of the
development of Library Square and described the process which led up to the
content and recommendations within this Report LS03-022. The Director
advised that the Committee may choose from 3 options as outlined within the
report:
Option 1 - to proceed with the renovation of the former Aurora Public Library to
allow for the first and second floors to become the new Seniors’ Centre and the
basement would be used as space for another user group.
Option 2 - to further investigate the option to replace 52 and 56 Victoria Street
with a new facility providing both the Aurora Seniors’ Centre and new residential
housing through a Public/Private Partnership; or
Option 3 - to investigate potential alternative locations for a new Seniors’ Centre
and report back.
Mr. Downey advised that within Options 1 and 2, the issue of insufficient parking
is very prominent and advised that staff are trying to address this issue effectively
and creatively. The Seniors have clearly stated that they want their new facility to
remain within the downtown core.
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Mayor Jones
THAT the procedural By-law be waived to permit members of the public to
speak to the Committee, if they wish to, with regard to Item #1, Report LS03-
022 - Future Disposition of the Structures within Library Square.
CARRIED
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 3
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Mr. Charles Sequeira, representative of the Seniors’ Centre
Re: Item #1 - LS03-022 – Future Disposition of the
Structures within Library Square
Mr. Charles Sequeira, representative of the Seniors’ Centre and member of the
Redevelopment Steering Committee, advised that the Steering Committee is in
favour of option #2, as outlined in Report LS03-022, which involves the
temporary relocation of the Seniors’ Centre for an extended period of time while
the existing Seniors’ Centre is demolished and a new facility is built in its place.
Mr. Sequeira indicated that the Steering Committee has several outlying
concerns with regard to parking, disruption that may be caused by relocating the
Seniors to a temporary facility during the preparation and construction of the new
facility and local restrictions which might impede some of the events and
activities put on by the Seniors. Mr. Sequeira requested that the Redevelopment
Steering Committee be kept fully informed of all progress and any new
developments with regard to funding of the project.
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #1.
CARRIED
Ms Debra Wilson of Big Brothers of York Region
Re: Item #1 - LS03-022 - Future Disposition of the Structures Within Library
Square (Former Aurora Public Library and Seniors’ Centre (Added Item)
Ms Debra Wilson, President of Big Brothers of York Region, spoke on behalf of
Mr. Larkin, to thank the Town of Aurora for their ongoing support over the years
for providing a space for the group to conduct their business. Ms Wilson
requested that the Town continue to provide a home for the Big Brothers of York
in the lower level of the renovated library building, should the Town chose that
option. Ms Wilson also requested that, if the Committee decides to investigate
the construction of a new Seniors’ Centre, that the Town consider providing an
alternative location for the Big Brothers of York Region to occupy.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #1.
CARRIED
Linda Kenny, Vice Chair of the 140 Air Cadet Squadron,
Re: Item #1 - LS03-022 - Future Disposition of the Structures Within Library
Square (Former Aurora Public Library and Seniors’ Centre (Added Item)
Ms Linda Kenney, Vice Chair of the 140 Air Cadet Squadron, thanked the Town
of Aurora for their ongoing support over the years requested that the Squadron
be considered for tenancy in the lower level of the renovated library building,
should the Town chose that option. The Squadron also requested that, should
the Committee decide to investigate the construction of a new Seniors’ Centre,
that the Town consider providing an alternative location for the Squadron to
occupy.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #1.
CARRIED
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 4
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
At this point in the meeting the floor was opened for public comments:
Mr. Cliff Davies, advised that it is his understanding that the Seniors would be
satisfied moving into the former Library upon completion of the renovation. Mr.
Davies suggested that the Town consider an alternative option of allowing the
140 Air Cadet Squadron and the Big Brothers move into the former Library, such
as the construction of a new Bingo Hall or Bowling Alley, renovate the existing
Bingo Hall or Bowling Alley and allow the Seniors to lease the space from the
owners. Mr. Davies suggested that this would allow the Town to demolish the
existing Seniors’ Centre to create enough parking for all the downtown needs.
Mr. Daryl Fisler, former member of the Redevelopment Steering Committee,
expressed concern with regard to the cost of the proposal outlined in Option #2
and as to possible sources of funding for a project of this magnitude. Mr. Fisler
indicated that he is in support of the concept, however is sceptical that this
project could be accomplished with the limited funds available to the Town of
Aurora at this time.
Other residents advised that the location of the new Seniors’ Centre must be kept
within the downtown core, or the seniors will be unable to travel to the centre and
overall use will drastically diminish. The residents further advised that the
programs should be interesting and diverse, and that more space is required to
allow for programs and events to be successful.
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Item #1 be brought forward for discussion at this point in the meeting.
CARRIED
1. LS03-022 – Future Disposition of the Structures within Library
Square (former Aurora Public Library and Seniors’ Centre)
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council direct staff to proceed to further investigate the option to
replace 52 and 56 Victoria Street with a new facility providing both the
Aurora Seniors’ Centre and new residential housing through a
Public/Private Partnership.
CARRIED
Sharon Nisbet of the Aurora Historical Society
Re: The Church Street School Building
Ms Sharon Nisbet of the Aurora Historical Society, advised that the Society is
very pleased and excited that the Town is giving consideration to permitting the
Society to occupy the Church Street School Building and she described the
Society’s future plans for the Old Church Street School to become a Heritage
Museum. Ms Nisbet outlined the general aspects of the Aurora Historical
Society’s proposal, which had been previously provided to the Mayor and
Councillors, and thanked the Town and all those involved in making the
realization of this project possible.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #2.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT Item #2 be brought forward for discussion at this point in the meeting.
CARRIED
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 5
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
2. LS03-023 – Aurora Historical Society Offer to Lease
Church Street School
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council endorse the request of the Aurora Historical Society to
become the sole tenant of Church Street School; and
THAT staff be directed to prepare a draft Lease Agreement for
consideration by Council in keeping with the spirit of the proposal dated
May 14, 2003.
CARRIED
Louise K. Foster of ClubLink Corporation
Re: Proposal to construct a new clubhouse at the
Existing Aurora Golf Club
Ms Louise K. Foster of Clublink Corporation provided a brief summary of the
Corporation’s plans to privatize the Aurora Golf Club and to build a new
clubhouse. Ms Foster provided drawings of the proposed revisions to the Golf
Course and of the new Clubhouse and advised that a site plan will be brought
forward to a future Council meeting for consideration.
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
3. PW03-021 – Installation of Bikeways and Additional Streetlights
on Henderson Drive as part of the reconstruction of
Henderson Drive between Yonge Street and Lee Gate
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT Report No. PW03-021 regulating bike lanes or bike paths on
Henderson Drive from Yonge Street to Bathurst Street be received for
information only.
CARRIED
4. PW03-023 - Drainage By-law
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT Council receive Report No. PW03-023 related to a drainage by-law
as information; and
THAT staff investigate and report back on the feasibility of establishing
easements where the swales are located in new housing developments,
and erecting fences on either side of the swales, to prevent property
owners from tampering with the drainage flow; and
THAT staff investigate similar By-laws from other municipalities to obtain
appropriate wording to ensure that developers are obligated to place catch
basins in all swales, for new housing developments; and
THAT staff examine whether the proposed By-law can be grandfathered
for a period of ten years; and
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 6
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
THAT the Drainage By-law 4418-03.L, being a by-law to prohibit the
obstruction of any drain or watercourse by any person and for requiring
the person causing the obstruction to remove it and for the laying of
charges against the person, be approved.
CARRIED
5. CS03-024 – Leash-free Park Proposal
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Council endorse in principle, the establishment of a leash-free park
for dogs in the Town owned Holland River Valley Lands on Industrial
Parkway North subject to the following conditions:
1. THAT the Volunteer Committee enters into an agreement with the
Town for the operation of the Park; and
2. THAT the Volunteer Committee provides the appropriate insurance to
indemnify the Town of Aurora against claims involving the operation of
the Park; and
3. THAT the Volunteer Committee and its membership be financially
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Park; and
THAT upon the execution of the agreement with the Volunteer Committee,
Council approve the transfer of $50,000 from the Development Charge
Reserve to permit the construction of the parking lot in 2003.
CARRIED
6. PL03-056 – Smart Growth
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT, Report No. PL03-056 dealing with “Smart Growth” be received for
information purposes; and
THAT Council indicate to the smart growth panel that it generally supports
the recommendations of the “Shape the Future” Final Report with the
following comments:
THAT the suggested terms of reference for the establishment of a “Central
Ontario Co-ordinating Body” be forwarded to all municipalities prior to
completion and that the terms of reference ensure that all municipalities
are adequately consulted with during all steps associated with the
implementation of the smart growth strategy.
THAT the recommended fiscal tools such as dedicated revenue sharing
and changes to the Development Charges Act ensure that growth pays for
growth.
THAT the proposed changes to the Provincial Policy Statement pertaining
to extending the requirements for designated lands to 15 years and for
draft or registered plans to 5 years not be supported.
THAT the implementation of the smart growth recommendations focus on
unlocking gridlock in the short term as well as in the longer terms and that
work from home incentive programs and the infrastructure/technologies to
support such programs be supported.
CARRIED
General Committee Meeting No. 03-09 Page 7
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
8. PL03-058 – Planning Applications Status List
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received as information.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor Kean advised that illegal dumping of waste material has been
identified in Jack Wood Park located at the corner of Edward Street and Dunning
Avenue and asked that staff follow up on this issue.
Councillor Timpson advised that it has come to his attention that there is a large
accumulation of tires and other waste items scattered along the CN Railway
tracks within Aurora, and asked that this be followed up by staff.
VIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Mayor Jones
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
CARRIED
(THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 03-09 WAS
CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY,
MAY 27, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM NO. 1 WHICH WAS DEFERRED)
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK