MINUTES - General Committee - 20190917
Town of Aurora
General Committee Meeting Report
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Councillor Kim in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Thompson, and Mayor Mrakas
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Clayton Pereira, Acting Director of Finance,
Sara Tienkamp, Acting Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications, Patricia
De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, and Linda
Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services
with the following additional items, including the addition of Delegations (e), (f),
and (g), on a two-thirds majority vote:
• Delegation (a) Ariana Dalie, Resident representing Straw Free Aurora
Re: Item R3 – PDS19-070 – Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Straws
• Delegation (b) Lynn Pearson, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 2 of 10
• Delegation (c) Cathy Henry, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
• Delegation (d) Carol and Paul Ellis, Residents
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
• Delegation (e) Rebecca Beaton, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
• Delegation (f) Judy Saabas, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
• Delegation (g) Sarah Carcone, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent
and Baldwin Road
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
3. Community Presentations
None
4. Delegations
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 3 of 10
(a) Ariana Dalie, Resident representing Straw Free Aurora
Re: Item R3 – PDS19-070 – Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Plastic
Straws
Ms. Dalie spoke in support of the staff report recommendation to implement an
Offer-First policy at Town facilities. She inquired about whether the policy
would offer any alternatives to plastic straws and whether the Town would
consider a second phase by completing a study showing the results of the first
initiative to encourage the participation of local eateries in Aurora.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R3.
(b) Lynn Pearson, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Ms. Pearson, representing the residents of Browning Court, spoke in
opposition to the planned sidewalk construction and expressed concerns
regarding the lack of space, snow removal, safety, and accessibility. She
noted that every resident of Browning Court has signed a petition requesting
Council to reconsider the Town’s plan to add sidewalks to their street.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
(c) Cathy Henry, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Ms. Henry, representing her neighbourhood, spoke in opposition to the
planned sidewalk construction, noting that more than 92 per cent of the
residents are not in favour of sidewalks. She requested that Council consider
the feedback from residents when making its decision.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 4 of 10
(d) Carol and Paul Ellis, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Mr. and Ms. Ellis spoke in opposition to the planned sidewalk construction,
expressed concern regarding the potential loss of mature trees, and indicated
support for curbs.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
(e) Rebecca Beaton, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Ms. Beaton, representing residents of Holman Crescent, Johnson Road,
Browning Court, and Baldwin Road, provided background and spoke in
opposition to the planned sidewalk construction. She expressed concerns
regarding the resident input process and potential loss of mature trees, and
indicated support for curbs.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
(f) Judy Saabas, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Ms. Saabas spoke in opposition to the planned sidewalk construction on
Johnson Road and expressed concerns regarding snow removal, the elderly
and clearing of sidewalks, and the potential loss of parking space.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 5 of 10
(g) Sarah Carcone, Resident
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
Ms. Carcone spoke in opposition to the planned sidewalk construction on
Bailey Crescent and expressed concerns regarding snow removal and the
potential loss of parking space.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R1.
5. Consent Agenda
None
6. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
None
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey Crescent,
Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman
Crescent and Baldwin Road
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-085 be received; and
2. That the Town's Sidewalk Installation Policy be waived to permit the
reconstructions of Adair Drive, Bailey Crescent, Davidson Road,
Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent and Baldwin
Road without sidewalks; and
3. That sidewalks be removed from the scope of Capital Project Nos.
31118 and 31119; and
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 6 of 10
4. That the curb and gutter design of the reconstructions remain.
Carried as amended
R2. CS19-034 – Noise Exemption Request – 25 Butternut Ridge Trail
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS19-034 be received; and
2. That an exemption to the Town’s Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P to allow for
the construction of a five-storey apartment building between 6 a.m. and 8
p.m. Monday to Friday, which requires cast-in-place concrete slabs at 25
Butternut Ridge Trail, be approved; and
3. That a by-law to amend Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P be brought forward
to a future Council meeting providing delegated authority to staff for the
approval of noise exemptions for continuous pouring of concrete that
cannot be interrupted once the operations have commenced.
Carried
R3. PDS19-070 – Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Straws
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-070 be received; and
2. That an Offer-First policy be implemented at all Town facilities and Town-
run special events, offering plastic straws to customers rather than
serving them automatically; and
3. That Council support the Federal and Provincial Governments’ waste
initiatives regarding single-use plastics and packaging and that this
report be forwarded to them for information; and
4. That staff be directed to report back to Council with an update on
the results of the Offer-First policy initiative after one year.
Carried as amended
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 7 of 10
R4. PDS19-073 – Approval for Capital Project No. 31133 – Photometric
Analysis and Lighting Gap Study
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-073 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for Capital
Project No. 31133 – Photometric Analysis and Lighting Gap Study in the
amount of $100,000.
Carried
R5. PDS19-075 – Approval for Capital Project No. 31175 – Municipal
Parking Lot Rehabilitation Study
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-075 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for Capital
Project No. 31175 – Municipal Parking Lot Rehabilitation Study in the
amount of $200,000.
Carried
R6. PDS19-077 – Additional Information Regarding the Feasibility of
Implementing a Train Whistle Cessation Program for
Aurora GO Train Crossings
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-077 be received; and
2. That the Town not proceed with the implementation of a Train Whistle
Cessation Program.
Carried
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 8 of 10
R7. PDS19-080 – Application for Removal of (H) Holding Provision
Highland Gate Developments Inc. (HGDI)
167, 171 and 175 Timberline Trail, Lots 42, 43 and 44, Plan
65M-4644, File Number: ZBA(H)-2019-01, Related File
Numbers: OPA-2015-01, ZBA-2015-02, and SUB-2015-01
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS19-080 be received; and
2. That the Application to Remove the (H) Holding Provision (File ZBA(H)-
2019-01 from Lots 42 to 44 on the Draft Plan of Subdivision (SUB-2015-
01) be approved; and
3. That the amending By-law to remove the (H) Holding Provision be
presented for enactment at a future Council meeting; and
4. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all
agreements, documents and ancillary agreements required to give effect
to the development.
Carried
8. Notices of Motion
(a) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Canopy of Lights
Whereas Goal 3 of the Town’s ”Economic Strategic Plan” identifies
establishing downtown Aurora as a destination and focal point for the
community; and
Whereas creating a unique atmosphere, that would at the same time promote
the Town’s built heritage, would advance this goal; and
Whereas economically vibrant downtowns are the heart and soul of the
community, provide an identity for the Town, and are a point of pride for the
community;
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 9 of 10
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to work with
the Aurora BIA (Business Improvement Area) to install a “canopy of lights”
on Yonge Street from Wellington Street to Mosley Street in time for the
Santa Under the Stars Parade on November 23, 2019.
9. New Business
Mayor Mrakas advised that the street lights installed in the Highland Gate
development have been turned on and are too bright for the surrounding residents.
He requested that staff contact Geranium Homes regarding adding blockers, and
staff agreed to follow up.
Mayor Mrakas advised of the plan to proceed with establishing a committee
comprised of ratepayer associations, Town staff, and the developer Geranium
Homes, to facilitate communication, resolution, and monitoring of any issues
related to the Highland Gate development.
Councillor Gaertner announced that the Aurora Legion would be holding its Raise
the Roof fundraiser event on Saturday, September 21, 2019, toward repair of the
roof, noting that tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the timing of three upcoming stormwater
management reports regarding the Stream Management Master Plan, Tannery
Creek Flood Relief Study, and State of Maturity Report. Staff provided a response
noting that the report on the Stream Management Master Plan and Tannery Creek
Flood Relief Study would be submitted to Council in November 2019.
Councillor Kim referred to a request from a public school teacher and students
who wish to grow milkweed to attract butterflies and inquired about any potential
locations on Town property. Staff provided a response and agreed to discuss this
matter further with the Councillor. Councillor Gaertner indicated that she would be
submitting a motion on this topic in the next meeting cycle. Mayor Mrakas advised
that he has extended an invitation to the grade five class to visit Town Hall.
10. Closed Session
None
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Page 10 of 10
11. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.