MINUTES - Ad Hoc AFLC Liaison Committee - 20150527
TOWN OF AURORA
AURORA FAMILY LEISURE COMPLEX (AFLC)
LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Time and Location: 4 p.m., Program Room B, Aurora Family Leisure Complex
Committee Members: Councillor Sandra Humfryes (Chair), Councillor John Abel,
Deni Crescenzi, Juergen Daurer, Frans LeRoij, Janet
Matthews, and Jo-anne Spitzer
Member(s) Absent: Councillor Michael Thompson, Wendy Frappier, and Gene
Scherrer
Other Attendees: Councillor Wendy Gaertner, Councillor Tom Mrakas, Neil
Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer, Ilmar Simanovskis,
Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Al
Downey, Director of Parks and Recreation Services, Chris
Catania, Accessibility Advisor, and Linda Bottos,
Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
1. OPENING REMARKS
Councillor Humfryes welcomed the group and acknowledged the additional handout
provided by Frans LeRoij, which included questions and concerns regarding safety
and security, as well as general and program questions.
The Committee discussed the security concerns, including the advantages and
disadvantages of fob entry versus the current front desk control and wristband
system. Staff reviewed the past and present entry procedures and concerns, and
noted that Council had approved a motion directing staff to report on the feasibility of
rear door access. Staff reviewed the reporting process and delegation opportunities,
and advised that the report to Council would include options, costs and implications,
and the impact on programming. It was agreed that the Committee members would
be informed when the report is ready for General Committee and Council.
AFLC Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Page 2 of 3
The Committee inquired about staff training with respect to safety and security
including intruder and emergency procedures, the fire safety plan, and security and
monitoring of the skateboard park. Staff assured the Committee that all procedures
were in place and staff were fully trained. Staff noted that, while there is no dedicated
monitoring staff, the skateboard park is placed in a visible area and issues would be
addressed as they occur.
The Committee inquired about staff orientation with respect to the HVAC and other
systems. Staff indicated that the HVAC automated systems were under third-party
control, but Parks and Recreation Services staff and Infrastructure and Environmental
Services staff have received the appropriate training, including cross-training through
the various facilities.
It was noted that there were now nine accessible parking spaces at the front of the
building and staff have been directed to park at the back of the building.
2. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 7, 2015
The Aurora Family Leisure Complex Liaison Committee meeting minutes of May 7,
2015, were provided for information.
3. UPDATE AFLC OUTSTANDING DEFICIENCY LIST
The Committee was provided with an updated AFLC Outstanding Deficiency List,
dated May 27, 2015, for review. The Committee acknowledged that much had been
accomplished and many of the issues had been improved and resolved. The
Committee requested that the Deficiency List be reorganized by area/space for better
ease of reference and follow-up.
The Committee provided further comments including:
1. Family dressing room cubicle has gap that allows view to next cubicle;
2. Fitness centre bulletin board not in appropriate location;
3. Need more, better quality fans (health and safety issues);
4. Lack of stretching area (only small space available near fountain);
5. Fountain overshoots and spills on floor;
6. Lack of storage space for outdoor shoes, boots, coats; and
7. Fitness centre music source needs to be upgraded to improve clarity.
It was noted that the fitness centre ceiling fans would be installed in July 2015. The
Committee inquired about the budget process and funding for the facility and staff
provided a brief overview.
AFLC Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Page 3 of 3
4. PROGRAM DISCUSSION
The Committee inquired about the babysitting program and staff indicated that this
service would no longer be offered, and added that any programs not supporting
themselves have been or would be discontinued.
The Committee inquired about membership data and staff advised that membership
had increased based on the monthly count of paid members. Staff advised that the
dedicated space for youth after school is not dictated by use numbers from a
programming perspective, and suggested that there may be an opportunity to adjust
the time and use of the gym for programs during non-youth periods. Staff discussed
the challenges of both the drop-in philosophy and registered programming, noting that
the majority of aquafit participants are “drop-in” and 13-14 members are needed in
order to break even. The Committee inquired about the manner of counting members
at classes and noted that members who remain for a second class are not included in
the count and only new arrivals are counted. It was further noted that two wristbands
are required for two classes.
The Committee and staff discussed the pros and cons of various access and control
systems including wristbands, shoe tags, fobs, and programmable cards. The
Committee remarked that the previous fob system worked well, users are now
complaining about waiting too long at the front desk, and wristbands are being
discarded everywhere. The Committee also commented on the design of the front
desk and suggested that it is further from the public, less inviting, and there is less eye
contact because of the glass barrier. Staff indicated that staff had requested the glass
and believes it allows for more individualized contact with the AFLC members and the
public.
5. NEXT MEETING
The Committee agreed to meet next on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at 4 p.m. in
Program Room B of the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, subject to change.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING.