MINUTES - General Committee - 20050517
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 05-14
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Gaertner in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Buck, Gaertner, Hogg, Kean, Morris,
Vrancic, W allace 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, Director of
Public Works, Deputy Treasurer, Town Solicitor,
Economic Development Officer, Manager of Policy
Planning and Administrative Co-ordinator/Deputy
Clerk.
Councillor Gaertner 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
General Committee recommends:
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department, with the following additional items, be approved:
Withdrawal of delegation
Mr. Brent Kopperson, Executive Director of Windfall Ecology Centre
Re: Introduction to the Community Work that the Windfall
Ecology Centre is doing in Aurora
Delegation request from Mr. Don Larke of Whitwell Developments
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 2 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Delegation request from Mrs. Betty Reid, resident
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Correspondence from the CAO of Richmond Hill
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Correspondence from Mr. Joel Farber of Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Correspondence from Ms Mary Bellows Hill
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Report from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Re: Comments on Acumen Engineered Solutions International Inc.
(AESI)’s Review of Options to the Southern York Region
Transmission Line Project
Memorandum from Interim Manager/Advisor - Finance Department
and Director of Corporate Services
Re: Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
CARRIED
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 were identified for discussion.
IV ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
General Committee recommends:
THAT the following recommendations respecting the matters listed as
“Items not Requiring Separate Discussion” be adopted as submitted to the
Committee and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to
give effect to same:
4. PW05-008 – Award of Tender No. PW-2005-02, Supply and
Delivery of Street and Regulatory Traffic Signs
THAT Tender No. PW-2005-02, Supply and Delivery of Street and
Regulatory traffic Signs be awarded to Scugog Signs at its tendered price
of $51,571.22 per year for three years; and
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 3 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the
attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and Scugog
Signs for the supply and delivery of various signs.
7. PW05-013 – Wellington Watermain – Bayview Avenue to Aurora East
Pumping Station
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the attached
Financing Agreement between the Town of Aurora and the Region of York
in relation to the design and construction of the Regional Watermain on
Wellington Street East between Bayview Avenue and the Aurora East
Pumping Station; and
THAT Council authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the
contract for the construction of this project on behalf of the Town.
10. PL05-044 – Subdivision Application
Town of Aurora
Part of Lot 19, Concession III
15059 Leslie Street
File D12-05-1A
Related Zoning By-law Amendment File: D14-05-04
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Subdivision
Application Number D12-05-1A, scheduled for the June 29, 2004 Public
Planning Meeting.
11. PL05-045 – Planning Applications Status List
THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received as information;
THAT notice be provided to Hannelore Lewis applications D09-04-02 and
D14-13-02 advising that servicing allocation associated with the inactive
development application will be removed; and
THAT staff report further respecting applications D14-04-96 (Sharp
Fashions) and D11-06-99 (McGrath) and means of ensuring that if
servicing allocation is not granted or removed from these developments
building permits can not be issued.
12. TR05-022 – Financial System Implementation Update
THAT the Financial Information System (FIS) Implementation Update
Report be received for information.
13. LS05-029 – Purchase of Turn Maintenance Equipment
R.F.Q. L.S2005-25
THAT Council accept the Quotation received from B.E. Larkin Equipment
Ltd. in the amount of $38,850.00 for supply and delivery of Three (3) 2005
Kubota Zero Turn Mowers.
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 4 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
14. Memo from the Deputy Treasurer/Tax Collector
Re: Deferral of Report TR05-011 - “New Recreation Complex
- Approval to Issue Debentures” to the General Committee
Meeting on May 17, 2005 for a staff report.
THAT the memo from the Deputy Treasurer/Tax Collector be received for
information.
CARRIED
V DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Brent Kopperson, Executive Director of Windfall Ecology Centre
Re: Introduction to the Community Work that the Windfall
Ecology Centre is doing in Aurora.
WITHDRAWN AT THE REQUEST OF THE DELEGATE
(b) Ms Mary-Frances Turner, York Region Rapid Transit
Re: York Region Rapid Transit Update
Ms Mary-Frances Turner of York Region Rapid Transit provided the Committee
with an update on the implementation of the new rapid transit system known as
VIVA. Ms Turner advised that the VIVA Program will compliment local transit
service, York Region Transit as well as the regional services of GO, and she
added that alterations to current local service routes will permit more access to
the VIVA service. Ms Turner advised that the intent of the VIVA Program is to
provide more frequent bus service along the Yonge Street and Hwy 7 corridors.
Ms Turner provided an overall phased in implementation plan with the installation
of VIVA shelters in Aurora to commence in June 2005 and informed the
Committee of a special service feature where the purchase of a VIVA ticket
which will include a 2 hour grace period for the rider. Ms Turner advised that this
feature will permit a user to make multiple stops with the purchase of one ticket.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
(c) Mr. Michael Evans, Owner of Aurora True Value Hardware
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Mr. Evans expressed his opposition to the proposed Whitwell Developments
Limited (First Professional) development. Mr. Evans indicated that the proposed
development would have an adverse effect on the Downtown Core. Mr. Evans
further implied that there may be insufficient hydro power available to the
municipality to host this type of development.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item 3 on
the agenda.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 5 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Delegation request from Mr. Don Larke of
Whitwell Developments - (ADDED ITEM)
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Mr. Larke of First Professional, spoke in support of the proposed Whitwell
Developments Limited (First Professional) development. Mr. Larke reiterated
that the applicant was working extensively with Town Staff, Regional Staff and
the peer review consultants and have undertaken various studies and reports, as
required, with respect to the application.
The Committee enquired about various issues including, but not limited to the
following:
urban design for the building exposure to Hwy 404 and Wellington Street
conceptual streetscape
financial contribution to downtown core
status of the Petch House, the heritage building that had been removed from
the site
internal and external traffic congestion
tax implications of the proposed development to the municipality
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item 3 on
the agenda.
CARRIED
Delegation request from Mrs. Betty Reid, resident - (ADDED ITEM)
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
Mrs. Reid expressed her concern regarding the land use ratio of the
proposed development. Mrs. Reid advised that as presented, the
proposal is to include 60% commercial/retail land use and only 40%
office/business land use which, in her opinion, did not comply with the
intent of OPA 30 to provide an integrated campus on the site. Mrs. Reid
also expressed her concerns with respect to traffic congestion.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to Item 3 on
the agenda.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 6 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
General Committee recommends:
THAT Item 3 be brought forward at this time.
CARRIED
3. PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited (First Professional)
Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
General Committee recommends:
THAT By-law 4668-05.D, being a by-law to adopt Official Plan
Amendment Number 58 be enacted, subject to Council being satisfied that
the issues identified at the September 29, 2004 Public Planning meeting
have been adequately addressed; and
THAT Council approve Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law
Amendment applications D09-10-03 and D14-28-03 respectively regarding
Whitwell developments Limited, and; (note: this recommendation may
change if traffic issue not resolved by May 5)
THAT no further notice is required to be given in respect of the
implementing Zoning By-law Amendment No. 4669-05.D in accordance
with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act; and
THAT Council is satisfied that proper Notice has been provided in respect
of the implementing Zoning By-law Amendment No. 4669-05.D, in
accordance with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, be enacted; and
THAT Mayor Jones, Councillor West, the Chair of the Economic
Development Advisory Committee and any other Members of Council
meet with representatives of Whitwell Developments Limited (First
Professional) to identify the amount offered by Whitwell Developments
Limited (First Professional) to the Town of Aurora for application as
Council deems appropriate; and
THAT additional information be provided to Council at the May 24, 2005
Council meeting, to address the concerns expressed by Council Members
including a presentation showing the details of the proposed development.
CARRIED
Correspondence from the CAO of Richmond Hill;
Correspondence from Mr. Joel Farber of Fogler, Rubinoff LLP; and
Correspondence from Ms Mary Bellows Hill, resident
(ADDED ITEMS)
Re: Item 3 - PL05-043 – Whitwell Developments Limited
(First Professional), Part of Lot 21, Concession 3
Wellington Street and Leslie Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment Applications
Files D09-10-03 & D14-28-03
General Committee recommends:
THAT the three letters listed as addendum items regarding Item 3 - PL05-
043 – Whitwell Developments Limited (First Professional), be received;
and
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 7 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
THAT staff respond back to the concerns expressed by Ms Mary Bellows
Hill.
CARRIED
(d) Mr. Dino Lombardi, Economic Development Officer
Re: 2004 - BMA Competitive Municipalities Study
The Economic Development Officer provided an overview to the Committee of
the 2004 – BMA Competitive Municipalities Study, which was a comprehensive
benchmarking study of 66 municipalities in Ontario. The Economic Development
Officer advised that the size of the municipalities ranged from 6,300 to over 2
million in population including lower and upper tier municipalities and that the
study confirmed that Aurora’s 2004 commercial tax rates were among the lowest
in Ontario. The Economic Development Officer advised that the residential class
tax rate was rated in the mid to high range of the study.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. City of Vaughan’s Tree Protection By-law
(Requested by Councillor Kean at General Committee-April 19, 2005)
(Deferred - May 3 , 2005 General Committee Meeting)
General Committee recommends:
THAT staff investigate to determine if the Town can enact similar
legislation to the City of Vaughan’s Tree Protection By-law, and report
back together with a presentation from the Parks Manager; and
THAT the proposed by-law be reviewed by the Environmental Advisory
Committee - By-law Sub-Committee.
CARRIED
2. ADM05-009– Acting Head of Council – Deputy Mayor (REVISED)
(Deferred - May 3 , 2005 General Committee Meeting)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the position of Deputy Mayor be maintained as identified in By-law
4490-03.C to act as Deputy Mayor only in the absence of the Mayor.
General Committee considered the following amendment to the
recommendation which was voted on and carried:
THAT the Acting Head of Council not be referred to as Deputy Mayor
unless that person is actually fulfilling the role of Acting Head of Council in
the absence of the Mayor.
CARRIED
The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED
General Committee recommends:
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 8 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
THAT Item 6 be brought forward at this time.
CARRIED
6. PW05-012 – Award of Tender No. PW2005-09 – Rehabilitation of the East
Section of Ridge Road
General Committee recommends:
THAT Tender No. PW2005-09 the “Rehabilitation of the East Section of
Ridge Road” be awarded to Miller Paving Limited at its tendered price of
$147,888.08; and
THAT additional funds in the amount of $34,899.72 be allocated for this
project as described in Report PW05-012; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the
attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and Miller
Paving Limited for the Rehabilitation of the east section of Ridge Road.
CARRIED
5. PW05-011 – Award of Tender No. PW2005-08 – Reconstruction of Bell
Drive, Parts of Hammond Drive and George Street from
Wellington Street West to Tyler Street
General Committee recommends:
THAT Tender No. PW2005-08 - "Reconstruction of Bell Drive, Parts of
Hammond Drive and George Street, from Wellington Street to Tyler
Street", be awarded to Direct Underground Inc. at its tendered price of
$440,231.94; and
THAT additional funds in the amount of $155,528.90 be allocated for this
project as described in Report PW05-011; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the
attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and Direct
Underground Inc. for the reconstruction of Bell Drive, Parts of Hammond
Drive and George Street, from Wellington Street West to Tyler Street.
CARRIED
8. CS05-016 – Proceeds From Disabled Parking Fines
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council not utilize the disabled parking fines to support mobility
initiatives; and
THAT any mobility initiative requests should be directed to the
Accessibility Advisory Committee for consideration with funding support
provided by the accessibility budget.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 9 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
9. PL05-041 – Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications, S&R
Hardware Ltd.
289 Wellington Street East
File D09-01-05, D14-03-05
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Official
Plan Amendment Application D09-01-05 and Zoning By-law Amendment
Application D14-03-05; and
THAT Council sponsor the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment
Applications (Files: D09-01-05 & D14-03-05) scheduled for the June 29,
2005 Public Planning Meeting.
CARRIED
Councillor West left the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the hour of the meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m.
CARRIED
Report from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (ADDED ITEM)
Re: Comments on Acumen Engineered Solutions International Inc. (AESI)’s
Review of Options to the Southern York Region Transmission Line
Project
and
Memorandum from Interim Manager/Advisor - Finance Department and
Director of Corporate Services (ADDED ITEM)
Re: Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
The Chief Administrative Officer advised the Committee that, with respect to the
Ontario Power Authority issue, Council may be required to appoint members to a
working group and a special meeting of the Aurora Hydro Connections Limited
Board of Directors, being Council, would be required to make such appointments.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the correspondence from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and the
Interim Manager/Advisor - Finance Department, be received for
information.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Mayor Jones reminded the Committee of the “Tennis Match of the Century”
between himself and Mr. Dino Lombardi, the Town of Aurora’s Economic
Development Officer, being held at Timberlane Athletic Club on Thursday, May
19th at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Jones advised that the proceeds from this event will go to
the Canadian Cancer Society.
General Committee Report No. 05-14 Page 10 of 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
VIII IN-CAMERA
None
IX ADJOURNMENT
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
CARRIED
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 05-14 WAS CONSIDERED
AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2005,
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM 2, WHICH WAS DEFERRED TO A FUTURE
MEETING AND ITEM 3, WHICH WAS DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED AS AMENDED.
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK