MINUTES - General Committee - 20030902
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 03-12
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Kean in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Griffith, MacEachern, Pedersen Timpson,
Vrancic, Wallace and West.
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Manager of
Engineering Services, Fire Chief - Central York Fire
Services, Treasurer and Council/ Committee
Secretary.
Councillor Kean 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 Wallace Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented with the following additional item:
Delegation requests from Carrie Racine of 144 Ridge Road, and
Tom Vagenas Re: (Item 2) - PW03-036 – Reconstruction of Ridge
Road
CARRIED
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 were identified for discussion.
General Committee Report No. 03-12 Page 2
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
IV ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Timpson Seconded by Councillor West
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:
5. Correspondence from Reverend John Irving
Re: Request to Erect one Alpha Banner
THAT approval be given to erect one banner on the property of Howard
Johnson, located at 15520 Yonge Street for the period of September 5 to
17, 2003.
6. Request from Klaus Wagener, President of German Canadian Club - Newmarket
Re: The Erection of 10 Signs for Octoberfest 2003 September 26 and 27, 2003
THAT approval be granted for the erection of ten signs in accordance with
the Town of Aurora’s Policy.
CARRIED
V DELEGATIONS
John Molyneaux, Fire Chief, Central York Fire Services
Re: (Item 1) Thermal Imaging Cameras
John Molyneaux, Fire Chief, Central York Fire Services, provided a
demonstration and overview of the capabilities and benefits of thermal imaging
technology. Chief Molyneaux advised that the thermal imaging camera allows
firefighters to enter a room filled with dense smoke, and locate people at zero
visibility, by detecting their body temperature. The technology also allows
firefighters to determine exactly where fire is located behind walls, floors, ceilings
and through other obstructions in the same manner. Chief Molyneaux advised
that this device enables firefighting staff to enter and assess a fire site far more
quickly, safely, thoroughly and effectively than ever before, allowing them to
extinguish the fire, reduce or eliminate any threat of danger and ultimately save
lives.
Chief Molyneaux advised that Central York Fire Services have pre-ordered 2
thermal imaging cameras which are on delay due to high demand, and are
hoping to order an additional three units, to ensure that all first run vehicles have
one of these cameras on board and ready to use in the field.
In closing, Chief Molyneaux requested that the Town of Aurora join the Town of
Newmarket in approving the purchase of three additional thermal imaging
cameras, to allow for the order to be placed.
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that Item #1 be
brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 03-12 Page 3
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
1. Report from Central York Fire Services Re: Thermal Imaging Cameras
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT the purchase of 3 additional thermal imaging cameras for all first
run vehicles be approved in principal; and
THAT any surplus funds from the 2003 Central York Fire Services
operating budget be allocated to the purchase of this equipment, and
if need be, any financial shortfall be addressed through the 2004
budget allocation process.
CARRIED
Mr. James Beesley resident of 231 Ridge Road
Re: (Item 2) - PW03-036 - Reconstruction of Ridge Road
Mr. James Beesley of 231 Ridge Road provided the General Committee with an
overview of past requests from residents, for the approval of the reconstruction of
Ridge Road which has been in poor condition for many years, and continues to
decline through each season.
Mr. Beesley requested that “Option A – Full Reconstruction” be approved, as
outlined within report PW03-036, and that the project span over a two year period
to diffuse impact on the yearly capital budget. Mr. Beesley also recommended
that the work should begin at the west end of Ridge Road, where the road ends,
so that the contractors would not have to travel over completed portions to
continue the project.
Mr. Beesley advised that poor drainage and pooling of water along the sides of
the road are a major factor contributing to the persistent erosion of the road
surface, and strongly urged members of the Committee to factor costs for the
installation of an adequate drainage system into the project, to ensure that any
restoration process implemented by the Town, will last.
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #2
on the agenda.
CARRIED
Carrie Racine resident of 144 Ridge Road,
Re: (Item 2) - PW03-036 – Reconstruction of Ridge Road
Carrie Racine of 144 Ridge Road advised that there are 30 dwellings on Ridge
Road, and that tax rates for these residents are similar to the rest of Aurora,
however, she indicated that most residents of Ridge Road are minimally
serviced, providing their own water and having no street lighting or sidewalks.
Ms Racine advised that the east end of Ridge Road has become dangerously
narrow and is in need of widening, paving and new line painting and asked that
this portion of the road be addressed first.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #2
on the agenda.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 03-12 Page 4
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
Tom Vagenas, resident of Ridge Road
Re: (Item 2) - PW03-036 – Reconstruction of Ridge Road
Mr. Tom Vagenas, resident on Ridge Road advised that there is an ongoing
problem of gravel and debris piling in front of residents homes as a result of the
surface erosion, forcing residents to remove this debris with shovels and
wheelbarrows each spring. Mr. Vagenas advised that the road is composed of
sand and crumbling asphalt and needs to undergo more than resurfacing to
become stable and durable. Mr. Vagenas also advised that the issue of drainage
is serious and must be addressed within the reconstruction of Ridge Road. Mr.
Vagenas also advised that there is a culvert in front of 134 Ridge Road, which
fills up to 4-5 feet of standing water every spring and after any significant rain fall,
and that it can remain full for weeks at a time causing a safety concern for
children and residents in that area.
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item #2
on the agenda.
CARRIED
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Item #2 - be brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
2. PW03-036 – Reconstruction of Ridge Road
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Timpson
THAT Council receive Report PW03-036 regarding the reconstruction of
Ridge Road for information, and
THAT Option B (Sub-Grade Stabilization) for the repairs of Ridge
Road be supported in principal as a phased in project for 2004 and
2005 and included in the 2004 capital budget review; and
THAT the proposal be referred for consideration to staff in order to
prioritize this project in conjunction with other identified road
reconstruction projects for 2004.
CARRIED
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
3. LS03-037 – Café Provision – Aurora Public Library
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Mayor Jones
THAT report LS03-037 - Café Provision - Aurora Public Library
regarding the revised agreement with On the Bean Inc., be referred
back to staff to further investigate the financial impact of entering
into this agreement, including other options; and
THAT staff be requested to investigate the feasibility of setting a flat
rate in addition to a percentage of the business’ profits.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 03-12 Page 5
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
4. PL03-085 – Loukras Ontario Municipal Board Hearing
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT Council take no position on the appeal by Christopher and Carrie
Loukras from the failure of the Region of York to make a decision
respecting the deferred portions of the Town of Aurora Official Plan
Amendment # 20.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT staff be directed to appear at the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing
scheduled for September 12, 2003 only to provide such information and
clarification as may assist the Board in coming to a conclusion respecting
this appeal.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor Griffith advised of a letter from the Attorney General’s Office, which
had been distributed to Members of Council, regarding grant opportunities for
businesses. Councillor Griffith inquired as to whether this letter could be
circulated to local businesses that would benefit from such a grant, if this hasn’t
already been done.
Councillor Vrancic advised of an ongoing problem with newspapers being
delivered to homes around the Town, which are being left at the bottom ends of
resident’s driveways and walkways. Councillor Vrancic requested that any
businesses who produce these publications be encouraged to ensure that all
deliveries are brought to residents’ doorways or personal mail boxes wherever
possible, to avoid littering and cluttering streets within the Town of Aurora.
Councillor Kean requested that the Region be urged to approve the installation of
traffic lights at the intersection of St. John’s Sideroad and Old Yonge Street.
Councillor MacEachern advised that the Region has already been notified on the
issue of lights at St. John’s Sideroad and Old Yonge Street, and the Town is
currently awaiting a response from them.
VIII IN CAMERA
Legal Matter
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the Committee proceed In Camera to address a legal matter.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 03-12 Page 6
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
IX ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Griffith
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
CARRIED
(THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 03-12 WAS
CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM NO. 2 WHICH WAS
DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED AS AMENDED)
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK