MINUTES - General Committee - 20051206
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
REPORT
NO. 05-27
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor West in the Chair; Mayor Jones,
Councillors Buck, Gaertner, Hogg, Morris, Vrancic
and Wallace
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Kean was absent.
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 West called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Wallace declared an interest in Item 3 during a discussion and vote
pertaining to newspaper advertising, by virtue of his affiliation with a local news
publication.
The Chair advised that the following Items were addressed at the Special
General Committee - Budget meeting of Monday December 5, 2005 and would
not be considered at this meeting:
11 - PW05-033 - Funding for 10-Year Capital Plan; and
12 - PW05-034 - Staffing Considerations – 2006 Pubic Works Budget; and
13 - PW05-035 - Waste Management 2006 Budget and 14 - Consideration of Bi-
Weekly Waste Collection
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 Shelly Hawley-Yan, Director,
Project Jessie
Re: Item 3 – CS05-035 – Provision of Future Animal Control
Services
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 2 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Delegation requests from:
Mr. Charles Gilbert, Resident, Ridge Road
Mr. Henry Captain, Resident, Ridge Road
Mr. David Breedon, Resident, Ridge Road
Mr. Bryan Moir, Resident, Springmaple Chase
Mr. Walter Mestrinaro, Resident, Springmaple Chase
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing
321 Ridge Road, Jim Irvine (ACI)
Delegation request from Mr. Peter Scott and Mr. Tom Cleland
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing
321 Ridge Road, Jim Irvine (ACI)
Memo from Administrative Assistant to Mayor & Council
Re: Resignation of Councillor Hogg from the Finance Advisory
Committee
Additional item to the In-Camera agenda to discuss the disposition
of a portion of Town owned land
CARRIED
III DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 14, 16 and 17 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:
2. TR05-035 – Annual Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Property Taxes
under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act
THAT the property taxes in the amount of $14,974.37 per Section 357 of
the Municipal Act, as amended, be adjusted; the Town of Aurora’s portion
is $3,866.74; and
THAT the associated penalty/interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax
adjustment; and
THAT the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be directed to adjust
the Collector’s Roll as described in Report TR05-035.
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 3 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
5. PL05-108 – Application for Site Plan Approval
Luc Dionne, 136 Centre Street, Lot 1 and Part of Lot 2, Plan 107
File D11-15-05
THAT report PL05-108 be received as information; and
THAT, subject to the resolution of all outstanding issues and the
submission of all fees and securities, Council authorize the Director of
Planning and Development Services to execute a Site Plan Agreement
between Luc Dionne and the Town of Aurora to permit the construction of
a 266.2m2 (2863 ft2) addition to the existing building.
6. PL05-111 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Hollandview Professional Building Corporation
Part of Lot 23, 24 & 25, Part of Block 42 and Part of
Earl Stewart Drive, Plan 65M-2873, Part of Block 1,
Plan 65M-3193, 372 Hollandview Trail
File D14-18-05
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of Zoning By-
law Amendment Application D14-18-05, scheduled for the January 25th,
2006 Public Planning Meeting.
7. PL05-113 – Applications to Amend the Zoning By-law and Draft Plan of
Subdivision, Brookvalley Developments (Aurora)
14425 Bayview Avenue, Aurora
Part of Lot 15, Concession 2, E.Y.S
Files D14-06-05 & D12-05-02A
THAT Council receive as information the following overview of the
proposed Application to Amend the Zoning By-law and Draft Plan of
Subdivision Application (Files D14-06-05 and D12-05-02A), and schedule
these applications for the Public Planning Meeting of January 25th, 2006.
8. PL05-114 – Site Plan Application, Preserve Homes Corporation
Block 32, 65M-3850 (95-101 Zokol Drive)
File D11-16-05
THAT report PL05-114 be received as information; and
THAT, subject to the resolution of all outstanding issues and the
submission of all fees and securities, Council authorize the Director of
Planning and Development Services to enter into a site plan agreement
between Preserve Homes Corporation and the Town of Aurora respecting
the construction of four (4) row house units on the subject lands.
15. CS05-038– Council Pending List - Status Report
THAT report CS05-038 be received for information purposes
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 4 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
V DELEGATIONS
(b) Ms Nathalie Karvonen, Executive Director of the Toronto Wildlife Centre
Re: Toronto Wildlife Centre - Request for Support for Services Provided
in Aurora and York Region
Ms Nathalie Karvonen appeared before the Committee to outline the various
services provided by the Toronto Wildlife Centre within the Region of York
and the Greater Toronto Area since 1993. Ms Karvonen provided various
examples of the ways that wildlife can become a nuisance or a danger to
people in day to day life, as well as the many ways that people can
unknowingly endanger wildlife. Ms Karvonen advised that the Toronto Wildlife
Centre provides a service to address the need for knowledgeable and
experienced personnel to assist the public in these types of matters
effectively and with sensitivity. Ms Karvonen advised that great measures are
taken to ensure that animals are not harmed, but rather, relocated and/or
rehabilitated to live healthy lives in an appropriate natural environment.
Ms Karvonen advised that the Centre is a not for profit organization and relies
primarily on donations and volunteers who provide invaluable assistance. Ms
Karvonen concluded by encouraging the Committee to consider pursuing an
agreement with a specialized provider for wildlife services with experienced
and highly trained personnel, such as the Toronto Wildlife Centre.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information
CARRIED
(c) Ms Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance of Canada
Re: Item 3 - CS05-035 - Provision of Future Animal Control Services
Ms Liz White appeared before the Committee to provide comments and input
on behalf of the Animal Alliance of Canada, pertaining to report CS05-035 -
Provision of Future Animal Control Services. Ms White advised that the
Animal Alliance of Canada has reviewed the report and supports the
recommendations, however she suggested that the Committee consider
amending the report to add the word “Interim” in regard to the Georgina and
Wayne Jones service agreements. Ms White advised that this suggestion is
to encourage the Town of Aurora to honour these agreements on a temporary
basis with an aim to build an animal shelter in Aurora. Ms White advised that
there are many benefits to running a publicly owned shelter, such as stability,
reliability and control over the quality and variety of services provided. Ms
White also urged the Committee to ensure that any Animal Control Service
provider used by the Town be restricted from sending any animals for
research or scientific testing, as this is inhumane and profoundly invasive to
the lives of the animals.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 5 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Ms Shelly Hawley-Yan, Director, Project Jessie
Re: Item 3 – CS05-035 – Provision of Future Animal Control Services
(Added Item)
Ms. Shelly Hawley-Yan appeared before the Committee to advised that
project Jessie, an animal rescue organization, encourages the Committee
to consider the well being of the animals first. Ms. Hawley-Yan advised
that Project Jessie strongly encourages the Committee to consider moving
toward building a public animal shelter in Aurora.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT Item 3 - CS05-036– Provision of Future Animal Control Services be
brought forward for discussion at this time.
CARRIED
3. CS05-036– Provision of Future Animal Control Services
AMENDMENT - General Committee considered the following amendment to
the recommendation:
THAT the last paragraph be amended to read as follows:
THAT staff continue to review options with municipalities in York
Region, Kennel Inn, or any other interested parties on a new
animal shelter to service the Town of Aurora.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the report Provision of Future Animal Control Services CS05-036 be
received; and
THAT the Town of Aurora enter into service agreements with the Town of
Georgina for the provision of animal shelter services at a cost of $60,490
and with Wayne Jones Animal Control Services for the provision of
animal control enforcement at a cost of $93,000, for a total contract of
$153,490; and
THAT staff bring back a report recommending amendments to the Animal
Control By-law for an adjustment in the licensing fees for cats and dogs;
and
THAT staff continue to review options with municipalities in York Region,
Kennel Inn, or any other interested parties on a new animal shelter to
service the Town of Aurora.
The main recommendation, as amended, was DEFEATED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 6 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
General Committee recommends:
THAT report CS05-036 - Provision of Future Animal Control Services, be
deferred to January 24, 2006 General Committee meeting.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT a notice be placed in the newspaper to advise residents that the
Town will be considering the temporary relocation of Aurora’s animal
shelter services to Georgina.
CARRIED
Councillor Wallace declared an interest in the recommendation pertaining to
advertising in a local newspaper, by virtue of his affiliation with a local publication,
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.
(d) Mr. Wayne Bando, Resident
Re: Repairs to driveways at 38 and 42 Collins Crescent
Mr. Bando expressed concern regarding the condition of his driveway which
had been replaced after reconstructive work was done on Collins Crescent by
the Town of Aurora. Mr. Bando requested that staff advise when repairs will
be made to his driveway.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
Ms Kelly Breedon on behalf of Mr David Breedon, Resident, Ridge Road
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing, 321 Ridge Road
Jim Irvine (ACI)
(Added Item)
Ms Kelly Breedon expressed her concerns about the proposed wind turbines on
Ridge Road and about the Committee of Adjustment process. Ms Breedon
asked Council to support the residents in their appeal to the Ontario Municipal
Board regarding this matter.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 7 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Mr. Charles Gilbert, Resident, Ridge Road
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing, 321 Ridge Road
Jim Irvine (ACI)
(Added Item)
Mr. Charles Gilbert advised that his property would be negatively effected by the
installation of the proposed wind turbines at 321 Ridge Road. Mr. Gilbert advised
that the Ridge Road area is a remote, natural and tranquil setting and suggested
that the wind turbines are a positive initiative, however they would be better
placed in an area zoned for this activity and use. Mr. Gilbert encouraged the
Town to carefully plan the placement of wind turbines as applications continue to
be submitted.
Mr. Walter Mestrinaro, Resident, Springmaple Chase
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing, 321 Ridge Road
Jim Irvine (ACI)
(Added Item)
Mr. Mestrinaro advised that the subject lands are within the Oak Ridges Moraine
and he suggested that noise issues have not been fully addressed by the
applicant. Mr. Mestrinaro also expressed concern that the applicant thoroughly
outlined the benefits for the applicant, at the Committee of Adjustment meeting,
however the negative effects on residents were not properly addressed.
Mr. Henry Captain and Mr. Bryan Moir withdrew their delegation requests, to
permit time for other residents to delegate.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegates be received for information.
CARRIED
Delegation from Mr. Peter Scott and Mr. Tom Cleland, Aurora Cable Internet
Re: Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing 321 Ridge Road,
Jim Irvine (ACI)
Mr. Thom Cleland, President of Hybridyne Power Systems Canada Inc. advised
that the process has been properly followed by the applicant to receive proper
approvals for the proposed wind turbines at 321 Ridge Road. Mr. Cleland
advised that the facts were presented at the Committee of Adjustment meeting of
September 8, 2005, and concerns were addressed at that time. Mr. Cleland
encouraged the Committee to support Town staff recommendations to not
participate in this application at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT Item 14 - PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing, 321 Jim
Irvine (ACI) Ridge Road be brought forward for discussion at this time.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 8 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
14. PL05-110 – Ontario Municipal Board Hearing, 321 Ridge Road
Jim Irvine (ACI), Committee of Adjustment File D13-66-05
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council take no position pertaining to the appeal of minor variance
application D13-66-05 (Irvine – ACI).
CARRIED
VI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. Correspondence from York Region Food Network
Re: Hunger in York Region Neighbourhoods
General Committee recommends:
THAT the correspondence be received for information.
CARRIED
10. LS05-065 – Recommendation for Concession and Snack Food Vending at
the New Aurora Recreation Complex
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council approve the recommendation to proceed with Mr. Vending
for concession and snack food vending service at the new Aurora
Recreation Complex; and
THAT staff be directed to prepare an Agreement for Council approval.
AMENDMENT - General Committee considered the following amendment to
the recommendation:
THAT staff be given the flexibility to amend the terms of the contract
to allow for an extension to take into consideration that the pool will
not be opening on the originally proposed date.
CARRIED
The main recommendation was CARRIED AS AMENDED
4. Correspondence from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal
Re: Planning for Growth and Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater
Golden Horseshoe - Better Choices, Brighter Future
General Committee recommends:
THAT the correspondence from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure
Renewal be referred to staff for a report.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 9 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
9. PL05-115 – Proposed Amendments to Adena Meadows Limited Vacant
Land Condominium
Part of Lots 18, 19 and 20, Concession 2 EYS
File D07-02-1A and
MI Developments Inc. Pt of Lot 20 Concession 2EYS
File D07-03-03A
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an amendment to the
Vacant Land Condominium Agreement for Adena Meadows Limited, File
D07-02-1A that will have the effect of reducing the number of units in the
development from 43 to 36; and
THAT seven units of servicing allocation be removed from File D07-02-1A;
and
THAT ten units of servicing allocation be granted to D07-03-03A (127309
and 690346 Ontario Inc.); and
THAT the Ontario Municipal Board be advised that the Town of Aurora
has no objection to the proposed amendment to vacant land condominium
D07-03-03A to create two units in place of Block 1 subject to the proposed
lots being brought into conformity with the zoning by-law.
CARRIED
16. Correspondence from the Town of Newmarket
Re: Town of Newmarket Council Challenge
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Challenge from the Town of Newmarket be accepted and that
members of Council, staff and Aurora residents be encouraged to attend
the Newmarket Hurricanes vs. Aurora Tigers game on Thursday, January
19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. to cheer on the Tigers.
CARRIED
Councillor Hogg left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
At 9:15 p.m. the Committee recessed. The meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
Councillor West left the meeting at 9:20 and Mayor Jones assumed the Chair for the
duration of the meeting.
17. TR05-036 – Audited Statements
Delegation (a) from Mr. Allister Byrne and Ms. Regina Baezner, Grant
Thornton, Town Auditors
Re: 2004 Audited Statements
Mr. Allister Byrne provided an overview of the process followed and the obstacles
and challenges of the past year which had contributed to the late arrival of the
2004 Audited Statements. Mr. Byrne thoroughly reviewed the content and
rationale behind the final Auditors report. Mr. Byrne concluded by advising that
staff at the Town have been very helpful and co-perative during the process and
he assured the Committee that the 2005 Audited statements will be provided in
the Summer of 2006.
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 10 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the financial statement for the year 2004 be received and be
published in accordance with Section 295 of the Ontario Municipal Act as
amended
THAT Council approve a contribution of $869,800. representing the 2004
general (operating) fund accumulated surplus to the Municipal Capital
Reserve.
CARRIED
Memo from Administrative Assistant to Mayor & Council
Re: Resignation of Councillor Hogg from Finance Committee
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Councillor Hogg’s resignation from the Finance Committee be
received; and
THAT the matter of the Finance Committee be deferred a future meeting
of Council, to allow Staff time to provide options pertaining to the future of
the Finance Committee.
CARRIED
Additional Item to the In-Camera agenda to discuss the disposition of a
portion of Town owned land
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Additional item be added to the In-Camera agenda to discuss
the disposition of a portion of Town owned land.
CARRIED
VII OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
General Committee recommends:
THAT the delegation from the Toronto Wildlife Centre be referred to staff
to report back to a future meeting.
CARRIED
Councillor Morris advised that the Women’s Centre of York Region is holding an
open house on Monday December 12, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and all
are welcome participate in this festive fundraising event.
General Committee Report No. 05-027 Page 11 of 11
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Councillor Morris advised that Mr. Alex Ansel, Aurora resident and member of the
Aurora Optimist Club and the Old Timers Hockey Association, is scheduled to be
presented with an honorary award at a banquet at the Legion in Newmarket on
Friday, December 16th. Councillor Morris advised that the tickets for this event
are $30.
Councillor Morris advised that she hopes to present an overview of her visit to
the Federation of Canadian Municipalities/National Board of Directors Meeting,
which took place in Ottawa from November 30, 2005 to December 3, 2005 at the
next Council meeting or a future General Committee meeting.
Councillor Gaertner requested clarification regarding a matter which was dealt
with at the budget meeting on December 5, 2005 pertaining to fire issue, and the
Director of Financial Services provided clarification.
VIII IN-CAMERA
Personnel and Security of Property/Corporation
General Committee recommends:
THAT this Committee proceed In-Camera to address Personnel and
Security of Property/Corporation matters.
CARRIED
IX ADJOURNMENT
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
CARRIED
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 05-27 WAS CONSIDERED
AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER
13, 2005.
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR B. PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK