MINUTES - General Committee - 20070605
TOWN OF AURORA
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
NO. 07-26
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Gaertner in the Chair; Mayor Morris
(arrived at 10:45 p.m.) Councillors Buck (left at 10:50
p.m.), Collins-Mrakas, Granger, Marsh, MacEachern,
McRoberts and Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Corporate Services/Town Clerk, Director of
Building, Director of Leisure Services, Director of
Planning, Acting Director of Public Works, Director of
Financial Services/ Treasurer, Town Solicitor, and
Council/Committee Secretary.
Councillor Gaertner called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor McRoberts declared an interest in item 17 by virtue of his employer being the
York Region District School Board 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 agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
Delegation c – York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Re: North Yonge Street Corridor Public Transit and Associated
Road Improvements Environmental Assessment
Revised Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
May 14, 2007
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 2 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
III ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
General Committee Meeting Minutes, 07-24, May 15, 2007
General Committee recommends:
THAT the General Committee Meeting minutes 07-24, with an amendment
to the New Business section, be adopted.
CARRIED
IV DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1, 2(3), 3(6), 4(9), 5(4), 5(6), 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 20 were
identified for discussion.
V 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
General Committee and staff be authorized to take all necessary action
required to give effect to same:
8. PW07-015 – Acceptance of Municipal Services – Bayview Meadows
(St. John’s Development) – Phase I – Registered Plan
65M-3677
THAT Council accept the municipal services contained within Registered
Plan 65M-3677, being Phase I of the Bayview Meadows (St. John’s
Development) Subdivision; and
THAT Council enact By-law 4924-7.D for the assumption of the subject
municipal services; and
THAT the Director of Public Works be authorized to issue a Certificate of
Acceptance of Public Works for said lands as required under Section 3.10
of the Subdivision Agreement; and
THAT the Treasurer be directed to reduce the municipal servicing
securities held in relation to the Bayview Meadows Phase I subdivision to
$12,500.00; and
THAT notice to the homeowners be provided through the Notice Board
advising them that the subject development has been assumed by the
Town.
9. PW07-017 – Inspection of the Town of Aurora Drinking Water System by the
Ministry of Environment
THAT report PW07-017 regarding an inspection of the Town of Aurora’s
drinking water system, performed on March 15, 2007 by the Ministry of
Environment Inspector, be received for information.
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 3 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
10. PW07-018 – Award of Tender No. P.W.2007-01 - Reconstruction of Knowles
Crescent and Morning Crescent
THAT Tender No. P.W.2007-01 "Reconstruction of Knowles Crescent and
Morning Crescent” be awarded to the Barra Con Construction Ltd. at its
tendered price of $968,105.00; and
THAT the variance in the water/sewer portion of the project of $43,327.40
be funded from the Water/Sewer Reserve; and
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the
attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and Barra Con
Construction Ltd. for the reconstruction of Knowles Crescent and Morning
Crescent.
16. Municipal Proclamation
Re: June is Recreation and Parks Month
General Committee recommends:
THAT the following proclamation be received and declared:
WHEREAS, in the Town of Aurora, we are fortunate to have a
variety of recreation and parks systems providing countless
recreational opportunities for residents and visitors from around the
world; and
WHEREAS, recreation enhances quality of life, balanced living and
lifelong learning; helps people live happier and longer; develops
skills and positive self image in children and youth; develops
creativity; and builds healthy bodies and positive lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, recreational participation builds family unity;
strengthens volunteer and community development; enhances
social interaction; creates community pride and vitality; and
promotes sensitivity and understanding to cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, parks, open space and trails provide active and
passive outdoor recreation opportunities, help maintain clean air
and water; and promotes stewardship of the natural environment;
and
WHEREAS, the benefits provided by recreation programs, services
and parks, and open space, reduce healthcare and social service
costs; serve to boost the economy, economic renewal and
sustainability; enhance property values; attract new business;
increase tourism; and
WHEREAS, all levels of government, the voluntary sector and
private enterprise throughout the Province participate in the
planning, development and operation of recreation and parks
program, services and facilities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Ontario does hereby
proclaim that June, which witnesses the greening of Ontario and
serves as a significant gateway to family activities, has been
designated as Recreation and Parks Month, which will annually
recognize and celebrate the benefits derived year round from
quality public and private recreation and parks resources at the
local, regional and provincial levels.
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 4 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Therefore, I, Mayor Phyllis Morris, on behalf of Aurora Town
Council, in recognition of the benefits and values of Recreation and
Parks, do hereby designate the month of June as Recreation and
Parks Month.
19. FS07-025 – Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement (Annual Report)
THAT the Financial Services report FS07-025 – Development Charge
Reserve Fund Statement (Annual Report) be received for information; and
THAT the 2006 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement (Annual
Report) be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in
accordance with Section 43(3) of the Development Charges Act, 1997.
CARRIED
VI DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Grant Robinson, Senior Project Manager
Transportation and Works Department, Roads Branch, York Region
Re: Bathurst Street Noise Assessment Study Results
Mr. Grant Robinson addressed General Committee to provide a high level
overview of the results of the Bathurst Street Noise Assessment Study. Mr.
Robinson advised that a draft noise policy was presented to General Committee
on June 21, 2005 and that the final policy was endorsed by Regional Council in
March 2006, including $22 million in funding over 10 years. Mr. Robinson
reviewed the requirements for noise barriers along Bathurst Street, within the
study area, which was approximately between Wellington Street and St. John’s
Sideroad, indicating that about 1.2 km of noise barriers will be required. Mr.
Robinson advised that 36 homes will benefit from the noise barrier and 7 homes
will benefit from tree planting. In conclusion, Mr. Robinson advised that the
detailed design of the barrier will be completed in 2007 and that construction will
follow road construction in late 2008.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
(b) Mr. Johnathan Rodger, Zelinka Priamo Ltd.
Re: Item 15 - BA07-004 – Request for Sign Variance –
14800 Yonge Street - No Frills Grocery Store
Mr. Jonathan Rodger from Zelinka Priamo Ltd., addressed General Committee to
indicate his support of the recommendation within report BA07-004 regarding a
sign variance for the east elevation, and to request a deferral regarding the south
elevation to the June 19, 2007 General Committee meeting.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 5 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
General Committee recommends:
THAT item 15 be brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
15. BA07-004 – Request for Sign Variance – 14800 Yonge Street
No Frills Grocery Store
General Committee recommends:
THAT this matter be deferred to the June 19, 2007 General
Committee meeting.
CARRIED
(c) Mr. Lynton Erskine, York Consortium and
Mr. Steve Mota, Project Manager, Planning and Development Services,
York Region
Re: North Yonge Street Corridor Public Transit and Associated
Road Improvements Environmental Assessment
(Added Item)
Mr. Lynton Erskine and Mr. Steve Mota addressed General Committee to provide
an overview of the project which was to assess the effects of the construction of
the north Yonge Street public transit and associated road improvements and the
operation of rapid transit service within the study area. The study area was from
19th Avenue/Gamble Road to the south, Green Lane to the north, Bathurst Street
to the west and Highway 404 to the east, encompassing Richmond Hill, Aurora,
Newmarket and East Gwillimbury. Mr. Erskine advised that there would be
public consultations on June 20, 2007 at Aurora Town Hall from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00
p.m., on June 21, 2007 at Oak Ridges Community Centre from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00
p.m., and on June 23, 2007 at Upper Canada Mall from 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
VII PRESENTATIONS BY THE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
None
General Committee recommends:
THAT item 18 be brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 6 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
18. ADM07-007 – Green Bin Program: Collaborative Communications Plan
General Committee recommends:
THAT report ADM07-007 regarding the Collaborative Communications
Plan for the Green Bin Program be received; and
THAT Council endorse the Northern Six collaborative public education
plan.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT item 17 be brought forward for discussion.
CARRIED
Councillor McRoberts, having previously declared an interest in item 17, 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.
17. Resolution Tabled by Councillor Granger
Re: Dr. G.W. Williams High School
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council adopt the following resolution:
Notice of Motion: Concerning the best interest and responsibility of the
Town of Aurora in following the Sustainability Strategy and good growth
management policies associated in the Dr. G.W. Williams replacement
school feasibility study/decision by the YRDSB.
WHEREAS it is in the best interest and responsibility of the Town of
Aurora to follow and implement the Provincial policies and plans reflected
in the "Places to Grow Legislation Act”, 2005 and the York Region growth
management policy "Planning for Tomorrow "; and
WHEREAS under the York Region "Sustainability Strategy draft 2007”,
growth management and Municipal responsibilities are identified for input
to evaluate the community growth management decisions especially in the
case where major community social, cultural and economic impact will be
experienced affecting children, families and businesses; and
WHEREAS upon the release of the “Pupil Accommodation Review
Guidelines” by Nancy Naylor, Assistant Deputy Minister, Business and
Finance Division on October 31, 2006, under paragraph 26, subsection 8
(1) of the Education Act, the Minister of Education may issue
guidelines with respect to school boards’ school closure policies.
These guidelines are now in effect and reflect the principles outlined in the
February 17, 2005 document “Good Places to Learn: Renewing Ontario’s
Schools”; and
WHEREAS at a minimum, boards’ accommodation review policies are to
reflect the requirements of the ministry’s “Pupil Accommodation Review
Guidelines” and that school boards are responsible for establishing and
following their own accommodation review policies by March 31,
2007 or prior to the announcement of an accommodation review,
whichever is earlier; and
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 7 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
WHEREAS when school boards are not obligated to undertake an
accommodation review in accordance with these “Pupil Accommodation
Review Guidelines”, the board should provide appropriate notice of
decisions that would affect the accommodation situation of students
and respect the spirit of the guidelines outlined in the February 17,
2005 “ Good Places to Learn announcement”; and
WHEREAS the YRDSB Feasibility Study, issued May18th, does not allow
for a public engagement prior to a final formal delegation
meeting, thereby rapidly accelerating this process and precluding a proper
critical analysis of the YRDSB feasibility data and rational; and
WHEREAS the Town of Newmarket with a current population of 75,000
has 4 Public High Schools and in comparison to Aurora with an expected
future population growth projection of 70,000 is told it will only get 2 Public
High Schools as indicated in the present YRDSB Feasibility study; and
WHEREAS the YRDSB has failed to provide a fair and transparent
consultation process not allowing for the full involvement of an informed
local community where such process should be based on a broad range
of criteria as indicated in the “Places to Grow Act, 2005” and the York
Region “Planning for Tomorrow” with special attention towards the quality
and servicing of the learning experience for students with recognition of
the important role schools play in strengthening our communities, taking
into account other government initiatives aimed at strengthening
communities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Aurora
requests that the Provincial Ministry of Education review the process
undertaken by the York Region District School Board in the
“replacement/closure” of Dr G W Williams School in Aurora; and
ALSO THAT the Provincial Ministry of Education ensure that the York
Region District School Board demonstrates openly the justification and fair
consideration of all applicable Provincial and Regional Planning policies
and that the York Region District School Board is in compliance with the
spirit and intent of the public consultation policies set out in the February
17, 2005 “Good Places to Learn” document; and
THAT this resolution be circulated to the Minister of Education, the
Premier of Ontario and all MPPs in York Region; and
THAT, due to the timing of the decision by the York Region District
School Board of July 3, 2007, the Council of the Town of Aurora
requests that this be treated as an urgent request.
CARRIED
Councillor Gaertner relinquished the Chair to Councillor McRoberts at 9:12 p.m.
Councillor Gaertner resumed the Chair at 9:23 p.m.
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 8 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. EAC07-03 – May 3, 2007 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
(Delegation b – Re: Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Centre)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the recommendation on page 3 of the Environmental Advisory
Committee Meeting minutes of May 3, 2007 be revised to delete the
second paragraph, and that the following resolution be adopted:
THAT Council ask the Region of York to conduct two drop off
days, May/June and September/October, for hazardous waste
within Aurora.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Region of York be requested to investigate an alternative,
local, long term solution to hazardous waste management.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the balance of the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
minutes from the May 3, 2007 meeting be received and the
recommendations contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
2. HAC07-03 – May 7, 2007 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting
(3) PL07-041 – Consideration of Designation under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act – The Graham-Wood House, 95 Allaura Boulevard
General Committee recommends:
THAT the recommendation on page 3 of the Heritage Advisory
Committee Meeting minutes of May 7, 2007, to conduct a heritage
evaluation on the Graham-Wood House not be supported.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the recommendation on page 3 of the Heritage Advisory
Committee Meeting minutes of May 7, 2007, be approved as
amended:
THAT a working group comprised of J. McIntyre, S. Rycombel, J.
Stuart and M. Seaman be created to evaluate homes in accordance
with the document entitled Evaluation of Heritage Resources in
Aurora.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 9 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
General Committee recommends:
THAT the balance of the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting minutes
from the May 7, 2007 meeting be received and the recommendations
contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
3. EDAC07-03 – May 10, 2007 Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meeting
(6) Memorandum from the Special Project Co-ordinator
Re: Gateway Signage
General Committee recommends:
WHEREAS the gateway sign proposal, in its current configuration, is of no
economic development benefit to Aurora; and
WHEREAS the cost of gateway sign is in excess of the gift of $80,000
from SmartCentres; and
WHEREAS the Economic Development Advisory Committee should not
be approving the spending of taxpayers’ money, which is the domain of
Council, as they were elected by the residents and are accountable to
them;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the matter regarding gateway
signage for the Town of Aurora be forwarded to Council for a decision
pertaining to the amount of additional funds to be allocated beyond the
$80,000 provided by SmartCentres, as well as the final design of the sign.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the balance of the Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meeting minutes from the May 10, 2007 meeting be received and the
recommendations contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
4. LSAC07-02 – May 17, 2007 Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting
(9) Memorandum from the Director of Leisure Services
Re: Special Events Sub-Committee
General Committee recommends:
THAT the recommendation in the second paragraph on page 3 of the
Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting minutes of May 10,
2007, be approved as amended:
● To provide advice to the Leisure Services Department
through the Special Events Co-ordinator with respect to the
delivery of department operated annual events;
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 10 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
General Committee recommends:
THAT the second last paragraph on page 3 of the Leisure Services
Advisory Committee Meeting minutes of May 10, 2007, be approved
as amended:
THAT the Leisure Services Department and the Special Events
Co-ordinator create volunteer groups as necessary in support of
special events; and’
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the balance of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting
minutes from the May 17, 2007 meeting be received and the
recommendations contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
5. TSAC07-02 – May 14, 2007 Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
(4) Report TSAC07-007 – Volume Warrants in Town’s All-Way Stop
Warrant Policy
General Committee recommends:
THAT report TSAC07-007 - Volume Warrants in Town’s All-Way Stop
Warrant Policy be received for information; and
THAT the warrants in Public Works Department Policy no. 4 (Multi-way
Stop Sign Installation) for vehicle and pedestrian volumes be updated to
match the values in the Ontario Traffic Manual – Book 5; and
THAT staff review recent all-way stop installations to ascertain if they are
in accordance with the revised policy and provide a report on the history of
complaints and registered complaints currently on file.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m.
CARRIED
(6) TSAC07-003 - Safety Concerns on Vandorf Sideroad
General Committee recommends:
THAT the delegations related to report TSAC07-003 – Safety Concerns on
Vandorf Sideroad be received; and
THAT report TSAC07-003 - Safety Concerns on Vandorf Sideroad, be
received for information; and
THAT multi-way stop sign control not be implemented at the intersection
of Vandorf Sideroad and Engelhard Drive; and
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 11 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
THAT York Regional Police be requested to provide information relating to
past and recent infraction statistics in the subject area; and
THAT staff bring forward a report in September, 2007 to include the
following information:
Options for the consideration of load restrictions for heavy trucks;
Feedback related to results of contact with Van-Rob Inc. and Hallmark
Cards regarding a request for those companies to use Vandorf
Sideroad as right-in/right out ingress/egress for heavy vehicles;
Noise abatement options available;
York Regional Police to provide results and statistics of up-to-date
speed study carried out over a two-week period;
Investigation of a “No Stop Zone” on Vandorf Sideroad; and
THAT a letter be sent to all affected residents and businesses with the
TSAC recommendations.
CARRIED
Mayor Morris arrived at 10:45 p.m.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the balance of the revised Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting minutes from the May 14, 2007 meeting be received and the
recommendations contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
6. LS07-019 – York Region Demand Response Initiative
General Committee recommends:
THAT Council authorize staff to proceed with all necessary steps to
execute an agreement to participate in the York Region Demand
Response Program with Rodan Energy and Metering Solutions Inc.
CARRIED
Councillor Buck left the meeting at 10:50 p.m.
7. LS07-020 – 2007 Community Grant Requests
General Committee recommends:
THAT the 2007 grant requests, including Community Grants and Special
Events Grants totalling $68,343, be approved for distribution as outlined.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 12 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
11. FS07-022 – First Quarter Report Water/Wastewater Report
General Committee recommends:
THAT the water/wastewater budget report to the end of April 2007 be
received.
CARRIED
12. CS07-029 – Televised Meetings of Council
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Corporate Services Department report CS07-029 be received;
and
THAT Council maintain the current practice of televising only the
Council meetings.
AMENDMENT:
General Committee recommends:
THAT, in the future, presentations of general interest be placed on
the Council agenda where they are televised.
CARRIED
The main recommendation was CARRIED as amended.
13. CS07-028 – Corporate Group Benefits Package Renewal
General Committee recommends:
THAT Corporate Services report CS07-028 be received; and
THAT Council approve a six month contract with Sun Life Assurance
Company for the Employee Group Benefits Package; and
THAT staff proceed with an RFP for group benefits.
CARRIED
14. FS07-023 – Whitwell Donation
General Committee recommends:
THAT the money received from Whitwell Developments Limited be
deposited into the Whitwell Donation Discretionary Reserve Fund for
downtown initiatives.
CARRIED
General Committee Report No. 07-26 Page 13 of 13
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
20. Memorandum from Special Projects Co-ordinator
Re: Gateway Signage
General Committee recommends:
THAT the matter of gateway signage be deferred until the return of
the CAO.
CARRIED
IX NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS
Councillor Granger gave Notice of Motion regarding a donation from the Rotary
Club to the Town of Aurora.
Councillor McRoberts reminded everyone about the Cancer Society’s Relay for
Life event, which is taking place on Friday, June 8, 2007 at Lambert Willson Park
beginning at 7:00 p.m. and going through the night until 7: 00 a.m. on Saturday
morning.
Mayor Morris advised that she was delayed for this meeting because she was
attending an event at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
for Holocaust Studies to hear Mr. Al Gore speak. Mayor Morris indicated that Mr.
Gore was quite interested in the subject of “The Right to Dry” and that she gave
him her t-shirt with the “Right to Dry” logo on it.
Councillor Granger requested an update on the street lights at Mosaics Avenue,
to which the Town Solicitor responded that the historical information is currently
being reviewed by her, the Acting Director of Public Works and the Director of
Planning in order to provide a response.
X CLOSED SESSION
None
XI ADJOURNMENT
General Committee recommends:
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
CARRIED
THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 07-26 WAS CONSIDERED
AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 12,
2007, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM 17 WHICH WAS DISCUSSED AND
ADOPTED AS AMENDED.
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK