MINUTES - General Committee - 20051101
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 05-22
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Gaertner in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Buck, Kean, Vrancic, Wallace and West.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Hogg and Morris were absent on other
business.
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Leisure Services,
Director of Planning, Director of Public Works,
Director of Financial Services/ Treasurer, Town
Solicitor, and Council/Committee Secretary.
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:
Delegation request from Ms Rebecca Beaton
Re: Item 2 - TR05-028 - Management of Hydro Proceeds
Presentation from the CAO
Re: 2006 Business Plans
Replacement material for Item 4
Re: Item 4 - Correspondence from the Greater Toronto Area Clean
Air Council
Re: Proposal to establish the Greater Toronto Atmospheric
Fund (GTAF)
Memo from the CAO
Re: In-Camera Meeting to be held immediately after this evening’s
General Committee Meeting, to address a legal matter
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 2 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 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:
1. PW05-028 – Town of Aurora Roads – Condition Ratings and
Reconstruction Funding
THAT Report No. PW05-028 dealing with the condition rating and
reconstruction funding for Town of Aurora roads:
• be received; and
• referred to the 2006 Budget discussions for a determination of the
appropriate Pavement Condition Index (PCI) at which the Town’s
road network will be maintained; and
THAT staff be directed to prepare and submit the 10-Year Capital Road
Reconstruction Program (2006 – 2015) once Council has given direction
regarding the target PCI level at which it wishes to maintain the Town’s
road network.
4. Correspondence from the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Council
Re: Proposal to establish the Greater Toronto Atmospheric Fund (GTAF)
THAT correspondence be received as information.
7. PL05-102 – Site Plan Application
Suncor Energy Products Inc.
15612 Yonge Street
File D11-20-05-M
THAT Report PL05-102 be received as information.
9. LS05-058 – Wellington Street East Urban Design Features
THAT Council authorize an expenditure of up to $35,000.00 for
Engineering and Landscaping Consulting Services associated with Urban
Design enhancements proposed for Wellington Street East to Stantec
Consulting Ltd.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 3 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
V DELEGATIONS
(a) Ms Rebecca Beaton
Re: Item 2 - TR05-028 - Management of Hydro Proceeds
Ms Rebecca Beaton provided input regarding Item 10 - TR05-029 - Ontario
Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, Bill 206, advising that it is her
understanding that this is a petition from AMO.
Ms Beaton expressed concern regarding Item 2 - TR05-028 - Management of
Hydro Proceeds Report, and that one of the original recommendations (#9) was
not included within the recommendations. Ms Beaton suggested that the report
is incomplete and requested that she be provided with a timetable for the
completion of this transaction, information regarding the management of hydro
proceeds, and the actual dollar amounts to be transferred to the Special Reserve
Fund.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT Item 2 - TR05-028 - Management of Hydro Proceeds, be brought
forward for discussion.
CARRIED
2. TR05-028 - Management of Hydro Proceeds
General Committee recommends:
THAT, for the purpose of the 2006 Budget discussions, the first
$920,000.00 of investment earnings from the Aurora Hydro Sale
Investment Fund be applied as current revenue in the 2006 annual
budget; and
THAT a by-law be enacted, once the 2006 Budget is finalized, to
approve the utilization of $920,000.00 of earnings from investments in the
2006 budget.
CARRIED
Presentation from the CAO
Re: 2006 Business Plans (Added Item)
Mr. John Rogers, CAO, provided a summary of the first draft of the 2006
Business Plan for the Town of Aurora. Mr. Rogers advised that the Town is
developing a process for this new approach to identify key goals for each
department and develop a shared vision for the future of the corporation. Mr.
Rogers explained that, through the use of key performance indicators, growth
projections and the Strategic Plan, these Business Plans will provide direction for
the identification of core programs, enhance the delivery of quality service and
assist with the budget process.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate and the draft 2006 Business Plans be
received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 4 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC INPUT
Ms Rebecca Beaton expressed concern that the Draft Business Plans were not
circulated with the agenda for this meeting and were only provided as an add-on
this evening. Ms Beaton expressed the opinion that the public was not notified of
this matter and therefore are not present to provide input.
Mr. Al Wilson advised that he is in support of the Business Plans process and
believes that this is a positive initiative. Mr. Wilson advised that he shares Ms
Beaton’s concern regarding the absence of this item on the agenda for this
meeting.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments from the public be received for information.
CARRIED
Members of the Committee indicated that Mr. Rogers be requested to do a presentation
again at a future Council meeting and that proper notification be provided to the public
in advance of that meeting.
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
3. Correspondence from Mr. David Crombie of the Canadian Urban Institute
Re: Urban Leadership Awards
General Committee recommends:
THAT the correspondence from the Canadian Urban Institute, regarding
Urban Leadership Awards, be received for information.
CARRIED
5. Correspondence from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Re: Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism
General Committee recommends:
THAT correspondence be received as information; and
THAT the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in Ottawa be requested
to provide a copy of the Draft Declaration and Action Plan to Council.
CARRIED
6. CS05-032– RFP for Website Re-Design and Content Management System
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Request For Proposal submitted by Protocol IS be approved for
the provision of the re-design and purchase of a content management
system for the Town website at a total cost of $68,130.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 5 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
8. PL05-103 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Removal of (H) Holding Prefix
Preserve Homes Corporation (Metrus)
Part of Lot 21, Concession 2, E.Y.S.
65M-3850, 65M-3851 & 65M-3852
File D14-15-05
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council enact By-law 4715-05.D to remove the Holding (H) prefix
from Preserve Homes Corporation on the lands described as Plans 65M-
3850, 65M-3851 & 65M-3852 to allow the subject lands to be developed
for residential and business park purposes.
CARRIED
10. TR05-029 - Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, Bill 206
General Committee recommends:
WHEREAS the provincial Standing Committee on General Government is
currently debating Bill 206, An Act to revise the Ontario Municipal
Employees Retirement System Act; and
WHEREAS the OMERS pension fund is currently equal to approximately
8% of Ontario’s annual GDP; and
WHEREAS the OMERS pension fund serves approximately 900
employers and 355,000 diverse employee groups including: current and
former employees of municipal governments; school boards; libraries;
police and fire departments; children’s aid societies; and, electricity
distribution companies; and
WHEREAS Ontario’s municipalities and their employees depend on the
prudent management of the $36 Billion plan and to ensure that employees
and employers are paying for benefits they can afford; and
WHEREAS OMERS employer and employee members are facing an
increase in OMERS contributions in 2006 of approximately 9% as a result
of a significant deficit in the OMERS fund; and
WHEREAS the Bill includes significant, potentially costly and unnecessary
changes to the governance structure of OMERS including a Sponsors
Corporation structured to be governed by arbitration; and
WHEREAS the Bill would permit the creation of expensive supplementary
plans to provide optional enhanced benefits that will impose new collective
bargaining obligations on municipalities, the operating costs of which
cannot yet be fully assessed; and
WHEREAS the Province has a responsibility to study the potential impact
of the changes it is proposing and to share the results with employers and
employee groups; and
WHEREAS AMO and others have urged the government to consider the
potential implications of Bill 206 and to ensure the proposed policy
changes protect the interests of employers, employees and taxpayers;
and
WHEREAS the Government is moving in haste with a Bill, which in its
current form raises significant technical, public policy and economic
issues:
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 6 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Town of Aurora does not support
Bill 206, and requests the that the Government of Ontario reconsider the
advisability of proceeding with Bill 206 in its current form; and
FURTHER IT BE RESOLVED THAT MPP Greg Sorbara, Vaughn-King-
Aurora, the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing, the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario be advised that this Council does
not support proposed changes to the OMERS pension fund contained in
Bill 206; and
FURTHER THAT The Town of Newmarket and the Regional Municipality
of York be advised that this Council does not support proposed changes
to the OMERS pension fund contained in Bill 206.
CARRIED
11. Notice of Written Proceeding - York Region Electrical Supply
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Council support the location of the transformer station at the
Holland junction; and
THAT staff be authorized to take the appropriate steps to proceed as
deemed necessary.
CARRIED
12. LS05-059 – Recommendation for Installation of Exterior Signage at the
New Aurora Recreation Complex
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council grant exemption to Sign By-law 4622-04 Section 12.3 and
12.3 c); and
THAT Council approve the procurement of a new pylon road sign
complete with programmable LED display at the new Aurora Recreation
Complex as per the results of Tender LS2005-91.
CARRIED
13. Memo from the CAO’s Office
Re: In-Camera Assembly to Discuss Naming Rights of the New Recreation
Complex
General Committee recommends:
THAT, in accordance with Council’s direction, an In-Camera Assembly be
held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at 6:00 p.m., to discuss naming
rights for the New Recreation Complex.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 7 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
14. PL05-104 – Prehearing Conference of the Ontario Municipal Board
Respecting Appeals to OPA #17 & ROPA #3 Regarding the
Delineation of the Town’s Urban Settlement Area
OMB Case PL980166, OMB File No. 0980052
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Director of Planning request clarification from the Region of any
outstanding compliance requirements supporting the incorporation of Area
2C within the urban boundaries of the Town by Regional Official Plan
Amendment and the details of any outstanding requirements and that Staff
be authorized to take such action and proceed as required to achieve
compliance therewith; and
THAT the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Planning convene a
meeting with representatives of the appellants and parties respecting
outstanding appeals/referrals to Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 3
and Town of Aurora Official Plan Amendment No. 17 with a view to
narrowing or eliminating matters before the Ontario Municipal Board for
disposition; and
THAT the Director of Planning report back to Council on the foregoing,
forthwith following the final report of the Area 2C Natural Features Study
or by the end of March, 2006, whichever is the earlier.
CARRIED
15. ADM05-020 – Terms of Reference/Audit Committee
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Audit Committee function be added to the Terms of
Reference for the Finance Committee.
CARRIED
Memo from the CAO
Re: In-Camera Meeting to be held immediately after this evening’s General
Committee Meeting, to address a legal matter
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT an In-Camera Meeting to be held immediately after this evening’s
General Committee Meeting, to address a legal matter.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
Councillor Buck provided Notice of Motion regarding an investigation into the
feasibility of establishing a childcare centre.
Mayor Jones advised that in front of each Councillor’s desk, sits a pumpkin which
has been carved in their likeness as a result of a Halloween contest which was
held by the Town of Aurora Staff Together (TOAST) Committee involving the
town staff. Mayor Jones advised that this contest was well attended and
thoroughly enjoyed by staff. The Mayor congratulated the TOAST Committee for
their continued hard work and innovative events which bring the staff of the Town
together to have fun and raise money for local charities.
General Committee Report No. 05-22 Page 8 of 8
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Councillor Kean expressed concern regarding reports from a resident that there
have been incidents involving aggressive dogs in the Town’s Leash Free Dog
Park. The Director of Corporate Services provided a response on the
procedures in place when a complaint of this nature is submitted.
Councillor Vrancic expressed concern regarding a recent house fire in the area of
Steeplechase Avenue where there were no fire hydrants. Councillor Vrancic
requested that the Fire Chief provide a report outlining the areas in Aurora which
are not serviced with hydrants, the resources available and methods used to fight
fires in these areas.
VIII IN-CAMERA
Legal Matters
General Committee recommends:
THAT this Committee proceed In-Camera to address Legal matters.
CARRIED
IX ADJOURNMENT
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
CARRIED
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 05-22 WAS CONSIDERED
AND CORRECTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 8, 2005. ITEM 4 WAS REFERRED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ITEM 15 WAS AMENDED, ITEMS 11, 13 AND 14 WERE
DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED AS PRESENTED AND THE REMAINDER OF THE
REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 05-22 WAS ADOPTED.
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK