MINUTES - General Committee - 20040324
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 04-10
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Wallace in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Buck, Gaertner, Hogg, Kean, Vrancic and
West.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Morris was absent due to vacation.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Acting
Manager of Planning/Environment, Director of Public
Works, Acting Treasurer, Acting Town Solicitor and
Council/Committee Secretary.
Councillor Wallace called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Vrancic declared an interest with respect to an item in the budget
pertaining to Info Aurora by virtue of a solicitor-client relationship and did not take
part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to influence
the voting on such questions.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Mayor Jones
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented with the following additional item:
Central York Fire Services 2003 Annual Report
CARRIED
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 were identified for discussion.
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 2 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
IV ADOPTION OF ITEM NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Kean Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the following recommendations respecting the matter 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. PL04-038 - Site Plan Application, Van-Rob Realty Investments,
200 Vandorf Road, Lots 6 to 14, Part of Lots 1 to 5,
15, 19 and 20, and Part of Blocks 36 and 46,
Registered Plan M 2012
File: D11-14-03
THAT Report PL04-038 be received as information; and
THAT, subject to the resolution all outstanding issues and the submission
of all fees and securities, Council authorize the Director of Planning to
enter into a site plan agreement between Van-Rob Realty Investments
and the Town of Aurora respecting the construction of an addition to the
existing industrial building.
CARRIED
V DELEGATIONS
Mr. Ron Weese, President, Aurora Youth Soccer Club
Re: Support of Indoor Soccer Facility at the Legion Field
Mr. Ron Weese appeared before the Committee to advise that the Aurora Youth
Soccer Club supports the construction of a soccer/multi-purpose air supported
structure on the Legion's field.
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the delegation be referred to staff to develop an appropriate
agreement and report back to Council.
CARRIED
Mr. John Molyneaux, Fire Chief, Central York Fire Services
Re: Item 2 - Fire Services Report 2004-01
Chief John Molyneaux presented the Central York Fire Services 2003 Annual
Report to the Committee. Some key points of the presentation included that,
during the second full year of operation of Central York Fire Services: the total
staff complement was 117; total calls handled were 3,872; fire occurrences
decreased; false alarms increased; medical calls increased and emergency calls
increased. The average response time was 6 minutes and 16 seconds for
emergency calls, which the Fire Chief indicated may be reduced with the creation
of a new fire station, planned for 2005.
Councillor Vrancic requested statistics from Chief Molyneaux indicating response
times in 2003 by the other York Region municipalities.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the presentation of the Fire Chief be received.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 3 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT Item 2 be brought forward for consideration at this time.
CARRIED
2. Fire Services Report 2004-01
Re: Central Fire Dispatch - Supplementary Report
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT Fire Services Report 2004-01 dated January 27, 2004 be endorsed
and the recommendations contained in the report be adopted; and
THAT the Joint Council Committee recommend to the Councils of the
Towns of Aurora and Newmarket endorsement of the “Single Cost Sharing
Formula” and the creation of a “Special Area Levy”; and
THAT staff from Central York Fire Services and the Towns of Aurora and
Newmarket be authorized to continue discussions with the Region of York
regarding this matter, and report back to the Joint Council Committee as
issues are resolved.
CARRIED
Ms Jane Taylor, Chair, Library Board and Ms Colleen Abbott, CEO,
Aurora Public Library
Re: 2004 Municipal Budget
Ms Jane Taylor, Library Board Chair and Ms Colleen Abbott, CEO of the Aurora
Public Library, presented the Aurora Public Library's 2004 Budget to the
Committee.
Councillor Hogg requested that Ms Abbott provide information on the percentage
increase in staffing related to the 7.5% increase in operating costs resulting in a
22% increase in services.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Mayor Jones
THAT the presentation of the Library Board Chair be received.
CARRIED
Presentation by the Chief Administrative Officer on the Proposed
2004 Operating and Capital Budget.
Mr. Larry Allison presented draft #2 of the 2004 Operating and Capital Budget to
the Committee.
Opportunity for general public input on the proposed budgets.
Ms Rebecca Beaton, 6 Holman Crescent, Aurora
Ms Beaton addressed the Committee and raised a number of questions. Ms
Beaton asked whether an existing fire station design could be used for the new
fire station, in order to save on architectural fees. Chief Molyneaux responded
that this was done previously and that this strategy would be followed again.
Ms Beaton asked when the garbage tag system would be put into place. The
Director of Public Works responded that the $49,000 for garbage tags was
removed from the second draft of the budget and is expected to be implemented
in conjunction with the three stream process in the future.
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 4 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Ms Beaton asked the Committee to reconsider the offer of $50,000 from CHATS.
The Director of Leisure Services responded that Council directed staff not to
pursue this option, however he advised that other options are being considered
for CHATS at an alternative location.
Ms Beaton asked whether the school boards have been approached regarding
partnering on the Recreation Centre. The Director of Leisure Services
responded that he would be happy to meet with both school boards on this issue.
Ms Beaton asked whether the total cost of the Seniors' Centre includes
furnishings, to which the Director of Leisure Services responded that it does.
Ms Beaton requested that road resurfacing on Murray Drive, Henderson Drive
and Stoddart Drive be combined with the Yonge Street resurfacing in attempt at
cost savings. The Director of Public Works responded that Henderson Drive and
Yonge Street have already been tendered as one project. The Stoddart Drive
project would incur additional costs if one contractor is moved off and another
contractor is moved onto the project.
Ms Rosemary Park, Aurora Family Connections
Ms Rosemary Park addressed the Committee to again request support for
$25,000 for Info Aurora, as part of the budget for 2004.
Mr. Al Wilson, 132 Delayne Drive, Aurora
Mr. Al Wilson addressed the Committee to raise a number of issues relating to
the proposed 2004 Capital and Operating Budget, including Accessibility,
Protection Services, Building Administration, Public Works, Legal Services and
Marketing Services, indicating that the increases seem excessive. Mr. Wilson
made the following recommendations:
• Attempts should be continued to reduce the budget without impacting
services levels;
• Restraint should be demonstrated by reducing the budget amount of
$70,000 for training;
• The increase of $200,000 in the legal budget should be re-evaluated
and/or justification for such an increase should be provided;
• Details should be provided regarding the planned increase in marketing
expenses;
• Alternative approaches should be provided for service delivery in the
Building Department; and
• The Committee of Adjustment part-time employee expense of $30,000
should be re-evaluated.
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. TR04-008 - 2004 Operating and Capital Fund Budgets – Draft #2
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Accessibility budget be reduced by $30,000; and
THAT ice rental fees be increased by 10%; and
THAT staff provide details on the balance of items listed in
Appendix B on page 6 of the second draft of the 2004 Operating
Budget.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 5 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Councillor Vrancic declared an interest with respect to an item in the budget
pertaining to Info Aurora by virtue of a solicitor-client relationship and did not take
part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to influence
the voting on such questions.
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the Town of Aurora continue the agreement with Info Aurora; and
THAT $25,000 be added to the budget to address the grant request
submitted by Info Aurora.
CARRIED
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT a Special General Committee Meeting be scheduled for Saturday,
April 17, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the operating budget.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor West
THAT staff be directed to provide details justifying any increase in the
2004 budget of more than 10% over last year's actual budget; and
THAT staff be directed to identify any other areas to potentially reduce
costs by 5% and indicate the effect this would have on service levels.
CARRIED
3. CS04-007 - Advisory Committees – Terms of Reference
Councillor Vrancic requested that staff provide cost implications and options
regarding provision of secretarial support for the additional committees.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the "Purpose" of the Aurora Heritage Committee be amended as
follows:
"The Aurora Heritage Committee shall advise and assist Council on all
matters relating to the conservation of buildings of historic or architectural
value and on all matters relating to the designation and preservation of
heritage conservation districts in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act,
and not on new planning and development."
CARRIED
Councillor Kean suggested that all Members of Council should belong to the
Finance Committee.
Councillor Hogg indicated that the Finance Committee should not be an Audit
Committee. Councillor Hogg suggested that the Finance Committee should be
involved in the long range budget process and bring forward recommendations to
Council on the processes that should be incorporated. Councillor Hogg further
suggested that the Finance Committee should include citizen members with
specific qualifications, and that he would be willing to work with staff to further
refine the draft Terms of Reference.
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 6 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee be brought back
to the next General Committee Meeting in order to allow time for Council
and staff to revise the terms.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the wording in the Terms of Reference for the Youth Action Sub-
Committee "from other educational facilities" be removed from the
"Membership" requirements; and
THAT an addition be made to the Terms of Reference for the Youth Action
Sub-Committee to "include 2 representatives from St. Andrew's College".
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT all Advisory Committees be permitted to select their own Chair and
Vice-Chair.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Vrancic
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee be composed of 2 Members
of Council and 3 citizen members; and
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee meet at the call of the chair.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the Terms of Reference for the Yonge Street Commercial Area
Sub-Committee be amended to include a cultural component.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT this meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m. in order to address
additional items on the agenda; and
THAT the meeting not extend beyond 11:00 p.m.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the Advisory Committees' Terms of Reference, with the exception of
the Finance Committee, be adopted as amended.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 7 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
4. PL04-031 - Proposed Ministers Modifications to OPA 48
(Town of Aurora Oak Ridges Moraine Conformity
Amendment)
Councillor Kean requested clarification from Planning staff regarding 12 i) and
the difference between "minimum zone" and "minimum area".
Moved by Mayor Jones Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the Ministry of Municipal Affairs be advised that the Council of the
Town of Aurora supports the modifications to OPA 48 as proposed by the
Province with the following exceptions:
THAT Council not support modification #s 10g, 11d, 11f and 13a, as
identified within Appendix 1; and
THAT Council support the approval of modification #s 5, 6, 8d, 8e, 10e,
12b, 12h, 12i, 12k and 16d as identified within Appendix 1 with minor
rewording to improve clarity which may require further discussions with the
Province; and
THAT further discussion take place with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
respecting proposed modification #s 11c, 11e, and 11g as identified within
Appendix 1; and
THAT, with respect to the communication that the Town of Aurora has
received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Item 18 (Loukras) and Item
10b, Council accept the Ministry's proposed policy and the conditions of
compliance; and
THAT staff continue to work with Ministry staff to finalize the details of the
modifications and have Amendment 48 approved expeditiously as
possible.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Vrancic Seconded by Mayor Jones
THAT staff communicate to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that the Town
of Aurora would like to receive proposed wording for the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conformity by-law to allow properties built prior to November 17,
2001 to be exempt from the legislation with respect to minor construction
such as decks, pools, etc.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Kean
THAT the balance of the agenda, Items 5, 6, 8 and 9, be referred to the
Council meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 for consideration.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
None
General Committee Report No. 04-10 Page 8 of 8
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
VIII ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Kean
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:03 p.m.
CARRIED
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 04-10 WAS
CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY,
MARCH 30, 2004, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEMS 1 AND 7, WHICH WERE
DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED AS PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED AND ITEMS 3 AND 4,
WHICH WERE DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED AS AMENDED.
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK