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MINUTES - Special Council - 20081126 TOWN OF AURORA SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING MINUTES NO. 08-31 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Wednesday, November 26, 2008 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Deputy Mayor McRoberts in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, and Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT Mayor Morris and Councillor MacEachern were absent. OTHER ATTENDEES Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development, Fausto Filipetto, Policy Planner, Andrew Harper, Planner, Deborah Giannetta, Planner, Cindy Janzen, Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk and Carol Clark, Council/Committee Secretary The Deputy Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be approved as presented. CARRIED Deputy Mayor McRoberts advised that Mayor Morris is attending the Regional Council meeting this evening. III PLANNING APPLICATIONS Deputy Mayor McRoberts outlined the procedures that would be followed in the conduct of the public meeting. The Deputy Clerk confirmed that appropriate notice had been given and that signs had been posted on the subject properties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act. Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-31 Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Page 2 of 6 1. PL08-126 – Proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendments for Second Suites (Two-Unit Houses/ Basement Apartments) Files D09-04-08 and D14-18-08 Planning Staff The Policy Planner, Fausto Filipetto, addressed Council to provide an overview of the matter of second suites, advising that there is a potential for the creation of Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law provisions stemming from this issue. The Policy Planner provided a definition of second suites and advised that the study of this began in 2004 via a Secondary Dwelling Unit Task Force, which was later dissolved, and that the matter was referred to this term of Council. The Policy Planner advised that in 1994, the New Democratic Party (NDP) government passed Bill 120 requiring all municipalities to permit second suites in all single, semi & town homes. Further, in 1996 the Conservative government passed Bill 20, which again restored the power to permit second suites back to municipalities. The Policy Planner indicated that, prior to November 16, 1995, second suites were considered legal, non-conforming in Aurora and that the legalization of second suites is encouraged by provincial policy, taking into consideration intensification strategies and affordable housing, as well as Regional policy. The Policy Planner outlined some benefits of legalized second suites as follows: - Provides assistance in achieving intensification targets - Makes efficient use of existing housing stock & infrastructure - Provides affordable rental housing options - Ensures that health and safety standards of the Building and Fire Codes are being met The Policy Planner outlined some barriers of legalized second suites as follows: - Public reaction regarding property standards and parking - Impacts of increased density on hard and soft surfaces - Cost of construction upgrades to meet the current Building and Fire Codes The Policy Planner advised that many second suites are already in existence and that there is little evidence to show that legalizing them would result in a dramatic increase. The Policy Planner indicated that legalization would give the municipality a greater ability to account and plan for them and that water and wastewater services could be sized to accommodate them and schools and other human services could be properly planned. As well, the Policy Planner advised that they would be inspected and regulated. Public Comments Mr. Eric McCartney addressed Council to comment on the following matters: - That the City of Barrie be considered when reviewing this matter - That, if a home is sold, the new owner should re-apply - Concern about multiple second suites per dwelling - Concern about second suites that are already existing - That findings from the Secondary Dwelling Unit Task Force be taken into consideration - That matters such as safety within unit, schools, garbage, water, parking and hydro be considered - That another public meeting be held Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-31 Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Page 3 of 6 Ms Lydia Ingles, who is a real estate agent residing in Newmarket, addressed Council to advise that there are many illegal apartments in Aurora and that, if apartments are legal, they must have insurance, therefore, the illegal ones must be brought up to standard. Mr. Gordon Barnes addressed Council to request that consideration be given to the Region’s report entitled “Places to Grow”, and therefore where the additional 20,000 residents within the next 20 years are going to live. Mr. Barnes also indicated that a new transit plan will be coming forward and that parking spots may be decreased in areas near public transportation. The public portion of the meeting closed at 7:26 p.m. and Council’s deliberations began. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT report PL08-126 be received as information; and THAT any comments received be addressed by the Planning and Development Services Department in a future report; and THAT staff be authorized to schedule at least one (1) additional public meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2. PL08-125 - Zoning By-law Amendment Application Dr. Dean McClelland and Caroline McClelland 65 Wellington Street East Lot 6, Plan 68 File D14-15-08 Planning Staff The Planner, Andrew Harper, provided a description of the application and reviewed the contents of the report, outlining the location of the property as being on the south side of Wellington Street between Wells Street and Larmont Street. The Planner advised that a Zoning By-law Amendment is being requested for the property in order to permit a chiropractic office, having a maximum of two (2) practitioners on the main floor. The Planner indicated that the second floor would continue to be a residence and that an eight (8) space parking lot would be constructed at the rear of the property. Applicant/Agent Mr. Gary Templeton addressed Council and reiterated that the applicant, Dr. Dean McClelland is a chiropractor and would have his practise on the main floor and that he and his family would reside on the second floor. Mr. Templeton suggested that such an application is an excellent way to preserve and enhance an old structure and that parking can be facilitated without impact on the neighbourhood. Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-31 Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Page 4 of 6 Public Comments Mr. Mark Warburton addressed Council to raise concerns pertaining to the following matters: - The status of the maple tree on the property which is being proposed to be removed, as it provides shade for his property - The required fence height to screen the parking lot Mr. Warburton also addressed Council on behalf of his neighbour, Mr. Brent Smith, and raised the following issues: - Where the privacy fence will terminate - Emissions from idling cars in the proposed parking lot, as Mr. Smith’s property abuts this proposed parking lot - Light casting over into the neighbour’s yard from the proposed parking lot - Whether the proposed parking will be sufficient In response to public comments, Mr. Gary Templeton made the following comments: - The maple tree, to be removed, has been identified as being in poor condition in the Landscape Architect’s report - The parking lot fence would be 1.5 meters high, but could be increased to 1.8 meters - An extra buffer, as well as a fence, is being proposed - If preferred, vegetation only could be installed instead of a fence on the south side - Only one tree is being removed in an effort to balance parking versus tree preservation - Parking would be on the east side of the parking lot, furthest from Mr. Smith’s property - Headlights would be directed away from Mr. Smith’s property - Lighting would be directed downward and contained within the parking lot, which would not be heavily lit - The practise, in general, would be open no later than 6:30 p.m., with occasional clients remaining until 8:00 p.m. - The by-law would be met with the proposed eight (8) parking spots The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:28 p.m. and Council’s deliberations began. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the application be approved in principle; and THAT staff prepare a site plan, taking into consideration the comments received. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-31 Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Page 5 of 6 3. PL08-124 – Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications Daniels LR Corporation 15933 Bayview Avenue Files D12-03-06 and D14-17-06 Planning Staff The Planner, Deborah Giannetta, provided a description of the application and reviewed the contents of the report, outlining the location of the property as being on the south-east corner of Bayview Avenue and St. John’s Sideroad. The Planner indicated that the draft plan of subdivision includes 27 freehold street townhouses, a residential condominium block comprised of 151 townhouse units and a commercial block. The Planner advised that a number of technical issues should be addressed by the applicant prior to requesting approval of the draft plan of subdivision conditions and therefore, staff would be reporting back to a future General Committee meeting. Applicant/Agent Mr. Remo Agostino, Daniels Corporation, addressed Council to provide an overview of the proposed subdivision, detailing the layout, as was described in the Planner’s report. Mr. Agostino indicated that the residential portion would be high density, low-rise and directed at first time home buyers or the buy-down market. Further, Mr. Agostino advised that three (3) of the units would be Habitat for Humanity. Public Comments Mr. Eric McCartney addressed Council to suggest that the commercial block should have a similar exterior frontage as the St. Andrew’s plaza, in order to twin both sides of the Town. Mr. McCartney inquired about where the snow would be stored, once plowed and where the mail pick-up would be. Further, Mr. McCartney applauded the provision of affordable housing. Mr. Agostino replied to Mr. McCartney’s comments by indicating that the Daniels Corporation would prefer a distinctive look but would review the St. Andrew’s plaza. Mr. Agostino advised that the snow removal would be handled by their property management company and would either be stored in designated areas or carted off-site and that a central location would be identified for mail pick-up. Ms Lydia Ingles inquired as to what the condominium fees would cover, where visitor parking would be located and what is considered “affordable housing”. Mr. Agostino responded to Ms Ingles inquiries by responding that the Daniels Corporation attempts to minimize condominium fees and that they would cover things such as snow removal and landscaping. Mr. Agostino further advised that visitor parking would be located in designated visitors parking areas which meet by-law requirements and that the prices are market condominium housing prices. The public portion of the meeting closed at 9:56 p.m. and Council’s deliberations began. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the application be approved in principle, subject to the resolution of outstanding issues. CARRIED Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-31 Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Page 6 of 6 IV READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 5092-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting From Special Council Public Planning Meeting 08-31 on November 26, 2008 CARRIED V ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Wilson THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:20 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ BOB McROBERTS, DEPUTY MAYOR CINDY JANZEN, DEPUTY CLERK