MINUTES - General Committee - 20050906
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 05-18
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Buck in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Gaertner, Hogg, Morris, Vrancic and
West.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Kean was absent due to family matters.
Councillor Wallace was absent due to family matters.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Manager of
Operations Services, Treasurer, Town Solicitor, and
Council/Committee Secretary.
Councillor Buck called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Vrancic declared an interest in the In-Camera item - Property Matter,
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.
Councillor Gaertner declared an interest in the In-Camera item - Property Matter,
by virtue of a business 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
General Committee recommends:
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department, with the following additional item, be approved:
Revised Report No. LS05-052 - Award of Janitorial Services in
Town Facilities - Item 6
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 2 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
The Chair introduced Mr. John Gutteridge advising that he has been appointed as the
new Treasurer/Director of Finance for the Town of Aurora. Councillor Buck
congratulated Mr. Gutteridge and was joined by the Mayor, members of Council and
staff in welcoming him to the Town.
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 6, 7, 9 and 10 were identified for discussion.
2. CS05-022 – Sign By-law
(Deferred from August 16, 2005 Council Meeting)
General Committee recommends:
THAT Item 2 - CS05-022 – Sign By-law, be deferred to the September 20,
2005 General Committee Meeting.
CARRIED
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:
1. Correspondence from Fire Chief John Monyneaux
Re: Declaration of Fire Prevention Week by Aurora Council
THAT the week of October 9, 2005 through October 15, 2005 be declared
“Fire Prevention Week” with the theme being “Use Candles With Care”.
3. PL05-074 – Designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
The Wilton Barn
13831 Leslie Street
Tibor and Marjit Schuller
THAT The Wilton Barn at 13831 Leslie Street be approved for designation
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, as recommended by the
Heritage Advisory Committee of Aurora; and
THAT the Corporate Services Department be authorized to:
• Publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the
requirements of the Act; and
• Prepare the Designation By-law for the property.
4. PL05-078 – Planning Applications Status List
THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received as information.
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 3 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
5. PW05-024– Structural Watermain Re-lining on Centre Street; and
Application for Funding – Canada-Ontario Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund Program (COMRIF)
THAT Fer-Pal Construction Ltd. be awarded the contract to structural re-
line the Centre Street watermain from Yonge Street to Spruce Street as
described in Report No. PW05-024; and
THAT with respect to the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure
Fund Program:
• Staff be requested to prepare and submit an application for funding for
the structural re-lining of various cast iron watermains as described in
Report No. PW05-024; and
• The structural re-lining of cast iron watermains be declared as the
Town’s highest priority project; and
• The application for COMRIF funding for the reconstruction of Vandorf
Sideroad from Industrial Parkway South to Bayview Avenue be
withdrawn; and
• Funds totalling $350,000 for structural watermain re-lining be allocated
from the Water and Sewer Reserve Fund upon the successful receipt
of COMRIF funding; and
• The consulting firm of Totten Sims Hubicki Associates be engaged to
assist the Town in the preparation and submission of the COMRIF
application for funding; and
THAT staff report back on the success of the COMRIF funding application
and the structural re-lining of the watermain on Centre Street from Yonge
Street to Spruce Street with a view to presenting a long term watermain
rehabilitation program.
8. CS05-026 – Exemption to Noise By-law
THAT Council endorse the request from Mr. Liddell for an exemption from
the Town’s Noise By-law for the purpose of a birthday party on Saturday
September 17, 2005.
11. Memo from the CAO
Re: PowerStream and Aurora Hydro - Ontario Energy Board Decision
THAT the memo and attachments be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 4 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
V DELEGATIONS
(a) Fire Chief John Molyneaux
Re: Fire Services Annual Report to Council
Fire Chief John Molyneaux provided a detailed report on the general status
and various activities of the Central York Fire Services for the year 2004.
Chief Molyneaux summarized the many factors in and around the community,
such as the increase in population, increased focus on emergency
preparedness initiatives and hazardous materials management and their
effect on the delivery of fire services, including response time, training
programs, public awareness and education programs.
Councillor Vrancic requested that Central York Fire Services provide a report
to Council outlining the initial process for intake of 911 calls which are
handled through the Ministry of Health, and methods for distributing calls to
the various emergency response facilities, focusing on time taken to defer the
calls, with an aim to improve the communication process between the intake
office and the local emergency response facilities.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
(b) Mr. Harry Froussios, Senior Planner- Zelinka Priamo Ltd. on behalf of
David Merkur Holdings & Loblaw Properties Ltd.
Re: Site Plan Amendment Application for 14800 Yonge Street
Mr. Harry Froussios, Senior Planner for Zelinka Priamo Ltd. appeared on
behalf of David Merkur Holdings & Loblaw Properties Ltd. advising that his
client is currently in the process of securing all necessary approvals to satisfy
the Town in order to permit an expansion to the No Frills food store in the
plaza located at 14800 Yonge Street. Mr. Froussios requested that Council
grant his client an exemption from the Cash In Lieu for Parking policy, to allow
for any deficiency in parking which may result from Council’s request to
amend the proposed plan, which was presented to Council on July 12, 2005,
by leaving the north-south aisle open.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
(c) Ms Carol Viscusi, Resident
Re: Concern Regarding the Median at McMaster Avenue
and Hollidge Boulevard
The delegate was not in attendance at this meeting. Mayor Jones requested
that Ms Carol Viscusi be encouraged to present her concerns to the Traffic
Safety Advisory Board, where that Board will consider her position,
investigate the issue and provide its recommendations to Council for
consideration.
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 5 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
(d) Mr. Al Wilson, Resident
Re: Progress of the New Recreation Centre on Leslie St.
Mr. Al Wilson appeared before the Committee and requested that he be
provided with a verbal or written response regarding the following issues:
• Status of the naming rights issue in relation to Mr. Wilson’s previous
request that the fundraising campaign targets for the Recreation
Complex and the Seniors’ Centre not include the proceeds from
naming rights; and
• Status of a request to the Region of York for a debenture of funds for
the Recreation Complex.
The CAO advised that the naming rights issue is still being investigated and that
once it is resolved and a draft policy is prepared for consideration, Mr. Wilson will
be informed and provided with an opportunity to comment. The CAO also
advised that the request for the debenture will be finalized by the Region, who
issues the debentures, later this year. The CAO added that once all pertinent
information is obtained, a report should be presented to Council, at which time
Mr. Wilson will be informed and provided with an opportunity to comment.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received and that staff provide a
response to Mr. Al Wilson with regard to his inquiries at this meeting.
CARRIED
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
6. LS05-052 – Award of Janitorial Services in Town Facilities
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council award RFP 2005-64 to for the janitorial services for a 5 year
term to Royal Building Cleaning Limited in the following Town facilities: 1. Aurora Town Hall
2. Aurora Family Leisure Complex
3. Parks and Public Works Buildings
4. Aurora Public Library
5. New Seniors Centre
6. New Recreation Complex
7. Aurora Community Centre
and further THAT Council approve $25,600 from the anticipated 2005
Operating Budget surplus.
CARRIED
7. CS05-025 – Council Pending List - Status Report
General Committee recommends:
THAT CS05-025 be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 6 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
General Committee recommends:
THAT a report be provided from all departments to Council by the end of
October 2005, on all items on the Council Pending List, which have been
active for 6 months or more.
CARRIED
9. Memo from the Deputy Treasurer
Re: Financial Services Report TR05-024 - “2005 Financial Review as at
June 30, 200”, Additional Information
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memo be received for information.
CARRIED
Councillor Hogg left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
10. Memo from the CAO
Re: Special Council Meeting - Ontario Power Authority Comments
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council hold a Special Council meeting on September 20th,
following General Committee, to address the Ontario Power Authority
comments.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor West extended his thanks and compliments to the Leisure Services
Staff who were involved in the installation of the new sound system which is
experiencing its first trial run at this meeting.
Councillor Vrancic asked the Director of Leisure Services to clarify a memo which
was circulated on August 30, 2005, pertaining to a delay in the completion of the
new ice pads in the Recreation Complex. The Director of Leisure Services
advised that there was a delay in installation of the ice pads because it was
taking longer than expected to receive the necessary endorsements from various
governing bodies to allow the project to advance as scheduled. The Director
advised that the ice pads are targeted to be operational on September 15th,
2005.
Councillor Vrancic inquired about the status of a stop work order which was
issued to the owner of a building under renovation at the corner of Wellington
Street and Yonge Street. The Director of Building Administration advised that the
work on the property is encroaching on Town lands and that the owner has been
requested to enter into an encroachment agreement with the Town, adding that
this has not yet been acted upon.
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 7 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Councillor Vrancic requested that staff take the necessary measures to ensure
that the scaffolding on the subject property is removed or replaced so that the
sidewalk abutting the property is safe to use. He also requested that staff refine
the process for the issuing of scaffolding approvals to ensure that all necessary
departments are notified and prepared to address any potential safety hazards.
The Director of Building Administration assured the Councillor that the process
will be reviewed, that key staff have already looked into this issue and that it will
be addressed promptly.
Councillor Vrancic requested that Members of Council be provided with a brief
training session on the new sound system in the Council Chambers and an
opportunity to provide input to refine to system to facilitate the business of
Council to its maximum potential. The Director of Leisure Services advised that
staff will gladly provide a demonstration and welcome Council’s input.
Councillor Morris inquired about the nature of a recent complaint regarding a
landowner pouring concrete on his property located on Ridge Road, prior to
receiving the necessary permission to do so, as the lands are located within the
Oak Ridges Moraine. The Director of Building Administration advised that the
property owner had applied for minor variance which had not yet been approved,
and a stop work order has been placed on the property.
Councillor Morris requested an update on a recent complaint regarding a large
fence which has been installed at the McAlpine Ford Dealership on Yonge Street.
The Director of Corporate Services advised that the fence is in compliance with
all relative regulations, however he advised that the fence was fitted with barbed
wire at the top, over the Labour Day weekend, and staff are looking into the
matter.
Mayor Jones advised that he recently toured the new ice rinks, the new Seniors’
Centre and the new Fire Hall adding that all are coming along very nicely, looking
great and keeping on budget. Mayor Jones congratulated the Director of Leisure
Services and staff for all of the hard work that has been put into managing all of
these projects at the same time, which has required a tremendous amount of
careful planning and co-ordination.
Councillor Buck asked if any new information has come in from the Master Ducks
Swim Club with regard to the fundraising campaign they proposed in earlier
months to raise funds towards the new pool. The Director of Leisure Services
advised that they are actively working on a proposed fundraising program which
is anticipated to be presented to Council soon.
Councillor Morris asked if any follow up had been done with regard to her request
on May 10, 2005 for an update on the Transportation and Works Committee’s
discussion regarding the York/Durham Pipe Extension. Councillor Morris
advised that she had requested that an invitation be extended to the Region to
come and provide an update on this matter to Council, and asked if this invitation
has been sent. Mayor Jones advised that he did not know whether the invitation
had been extended, however he said he would be willing to follow up on the
matter at the Transportation and Works Committee Meeting taking place on
September 7, 2005.
Councillor Gaertner expressed concern with regard to the In-Camera item, and
whether a final decision will be made on that matter during the In-Camera
session. The Director of Corporate Services advised that final decisions cannot
be made In-Camera and that any decisions made by Council must be voted upon
in public session.
General Committee Report No. 05-18 Page 8 of 8
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Councillors Vrancic and Gaertner, having previously declared an interest in In-Camera
item - Property Matter, did not take part in the vote called for in this regard.
VIII IN-CAMERA
Property Matter
General Committee recommends:
THAT this Committee proceed In-Camera to address a property matter.
CARRIED
IX ADJOURNMENT
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
CARRIED
_________________________________ _______________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 05-18 WAS CONSIDERED
AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER
13, 2005.