Loading...
MINUTES - Council - 20131022 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, October 22, 2013 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Ballard, Buck, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri, and Thompson MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Customer and Legislative Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building and By-law Services, Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of Legal Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development Services, Manager of Financial Planning/Deputy Treasurer, and Council/Committee Secretary Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. following Open Forum. 1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the agenda as circulated by the Customer and Legislative Services Department be approved. CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES Council Minutes of October 8, 2013 Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT the Council minutes of October 8, 2013 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 2 of 8 4. PRESENTATIONS (a) Suzanne Reiner, President, Aurora Historical Society (AHS) Re: AHS: 50 Years in 5 Minutes Ms Reiner presented an overview of the history and achievements of the Aurora Historical Society through the past 50 years, as well as the current activities and plans for going forward. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT the presentation be received for information. CARRIED (b) Anthony Ierullo, Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning, Town of Aurora, and Chris Rickett, Manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives, York Region Re: The Aurora Innovation Centre: Supporting Innovation and Economic Development Through Community Collaboration Mr. Ierullo presented an overview of the Aurora Innovation Centre project including its description, vision and objectives, strategy drivers, and location best practices. Mr. Rickett provided an overview of the Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) concept and benefits, project development timeline, and next steps. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT the presentation be received and referred to the Economic Development Advisory Committee. CARRIED 5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Gallo announced that it had been a great morning today at the Aurora Prayer Breakfast where a huge crowd enjoyed a dynamic and impactful event. Councillor Buck advised that she attended the meeting held last Wednesday evening in Council Chambers, organized by Councillor Gallo, along with a large number of residents from the Mavrinac Boulevard neighbourhood, and she expressed concern that the neighbourhood is being under-informed and upset unnecessarily. Councillor Abel congratulated Jan Freedman, Co-Chair of the Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair, for winning 14 ribbons at the recent Markham Fair, and for all her work with the Farmers’ Market. Councillor Abel reported that he, as well as Councillors Humfryes and Pirri, attended the Hillary House Ball on October 18 and he congratulated the organizers for a fabulous evening. Councillor Abel advise that he, along with Mayor Dawe and Councillors Humfryes, Pirri, and Thompson, attended Sport Aurora’s 2nd Annual Breakfast of Champions on October 20, which he said was an inspiring morning hosted by three-time Olympian Mark Heese and Olympian Jessica Tudos. Councillor Abel also referred to the morning’s Aurora Prayer Breakfast and congratulated St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS and the organizers for an excellent event. Councillor Abel announced that the Aurora Cultural Centre is hosting some great events including the upcoming “A Tribute to Patsy Cline” concert on November 1. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 3 of 8 Councillor Abel congratulated Aurora’s Ryan Murphy, rookie defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, for his first National Hockey League (NHL) goal, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, and for his achievement in making it to the NHL. Councillor Abel advised that he enjoyed the artwork at the SOYRA (Society of York Region Artists) “Art in the Valley” event held at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Course last weekend. Councillor Thompson announced that this week is Ontario Public Library Week and October is Canadian Library Month. He advised that the Aurora Public Library held an event last night to celebrate the occasion and showcase some of the new things they are doing, and he encouraged everyone to stop in and explore further. Councillor Thompson announced that this week is also Small Business Week and the Town will be running a few ads over the next few weeks to celebrate its many long-standing businesses that have been in operation for more than 25 years, and he encouraged all residents to review the ads and visit the Town’s website to explore the many businesses that have a long-standing history in the Town. Councillor Humfryes congratulated the Hillary House Ball Committee for an incredible event and a wonderful fundraiser. Councillor Humfryes congratulated Aurora’s Jordan Moffitt who will be representing Canada at the World Powerlifting Congress Championships in Prague on October 31, competing in Bench Press, Deadlift, and Squat. She noted that Jordan currently holds two Canadian championship titles and she extended her best wishes to him for a successful competition. Councillor Humfryes announced that the Queen’s York Rangers will be holding a “Soldier’s Mess: Home for the Holidays” Fundraising Dinner on Thursday, November 21 at the Aurora Legion. She noted that tickets cost $50 per person and are available through Neighbourhood Network, Jonathan’s Restaurant, or at qyr tickets@gmail.com, website qyrappreciation.ca/events. Councillor Gaertner extended a reminder that the Haunted Forest event will be held on Saturday, October 26 at Sheppard’s Bush, for which tickets must be purchased in advance. Councillor Gaertner referred to the Mavrinac Boulevard community meeting held last Wednesday evening and advised that most of the meeting was recorded. Councillor Pirri announced that the Leadership Through Integration event, part of a conference series that travels around York Region, will be held in Aurora at The Mansion on Friday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. He noted there would be very dynamic speakers at this event and ticket prices are $95 until November 8 and $125 after that date, with registration at www.yrbizseries.ca. Mayor Dawe announced that the Town’s 2012 Audited Financial Statements are available on-line at aurora.ca/financialstatements. Mayor Dawe announced that the Town’s Draft Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan is available on-line on the Town’s business website at businessaurora.ca. Mayor Dawe announced that a Flu Shot Clinic will be held on October 29 at the Aurora Legion, 89 Industrial Parkway North, on Tuesday, October 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mayor Dawe noted that the last of this year’s Concert in the Park series, the “Colours of Fall Concert”, was held on October 10, which he said was a great event and a beautiful night. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 4 of 8 Mayor Dawe announced that Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill is sponsoring a contest, the Home Team Advantage Program, where local sports teams could win up to $20,000 which would go back into the community, and further details may be found at www.sholessjoes.ca. Mayor Dawe announced that the Town of Aurora had made the national short list for Canada’s Top 100 Employers 2014, the winners of which were announced by The Globe and Mail on October 21. He advised this was an incredible achievement for the Town’s first application and he thanked the Chief Administrative Officer and the Manager, Corporate Communications and team for preparing the entry. Mayor Dawe noted that two other opportunities for the Town to be selected are the competitions for Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers. He said he believes this is important as it sends the message that, as a top employer, the Town is serious about ensuring that it is as efficient and effective as possible, which makes a better Town for all Aurorans. Councillor Abel extended a reminder that the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame inaugural Induction Ceremony event will be held on November 6 and tickets may be purchased through the Town or Sport Aurora at a cost of $50 per person. 6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1(1) and 1(Section 6 – 1(4) and 3(2)) were identified for discussion. 7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 1 and Section 6 – 1(4) and 3(2)), 2, and 3 were identified as items not requiring separate discussion. Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the following recommendations respecting the matters listed as “Items Not Requiring Separate Discussion” be adopted as submitted to Council and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to give effect to same: 1. General Committee Report of October 15, 2013 THAT the General Committee report of October 15, 2013 be received and the recommendations, with the exception of sub-items 1 and Section 6 – 1(4) and 3(2), carried by the Committee be approved. 2. CLS13-028 – General Committee Closed Session Report Dated October 15, 2013 THAT report CLS13-028 be received; and THAT Council adopt the confidential recommendations of the General Committee Closed Session meeting of October 15, 2013, Re: 1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local Board employee; Re: CLS13-027 – Appointments to the Environmental Advisory Committee THAT Council receive report CLS13-027; and THAT Council appoint Larry M. Fedrec to the Environmental Advisory Committee. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 5 of 8 2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or Local Board; Re: PR13-045 – Acquisition of Land in 2B, Block 208 3. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local Board employee; Re: Staff Performance 3. Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – Highlights September 27, 2013 – Meeting of the Board THAT the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – Highlights – September 27, 2013 – Meeting of the Board be received for information. CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS None 9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Report of October 15, 2013 (1) CAO13-024 – Facility Projects Status Report Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT report CAO13-024 be received for information. CARRIED 1. General Committee Report of October 15, 2013 (S6-1) AAC13 -08 – Accessibility Committee Report, October 2, 2013 4. Memorandum from the Accessibility Advisor Re: Accessibility Advisory Committee Comments on Site Plan Applications Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Humfryes THAT, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, Chapter 11 under “Duty of Council” section 29(5), the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall provide comments at regular scheduled meetings or at the call of the Chair/Vice Chair. CARRIED 1. General Committee Report of October 15, 2013 (S6-3) HAC13-08 – Heritage Advisory Committee Report, October 7, 2013 2. HAC13 -023 – Notice of Demolition of a Structure on a Listed Heritage Property, 45 Tyler Street (Collis Leather) Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Humfryes THAT the Notice of Intention to demolish a structure on the property located at 45 Tyler Street be received; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 6 of 8 THAT Council support the demolition of the structure as it is not of cultural heritage value or interest worthy of designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06. CARRIED 10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN (i) Notices of Motion None (ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given (a) Councillor Buck Re: Process of Accountability of Administration to Council Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard WHEREAS Council was recently informed the Mayor cannot seek accounting from a Town department because of the perception of micro managing; and WHEREAS a secondary title of the Office of Mayor is Chief Executive Officer; and WHEREAS there is a need for a better public understanding of the function of the Mayor's office. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a report be provided to Council from the Mayor indicating how accountability of the administration to the elected body is accomplished. On a recorded vote the motion was DEFEATED. YEAS: 4 NAYS: 5 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Ballard, Buck, Gaertner, and Gallo VOTING NAYS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe (b) Councillor Buck Re: Termination of Accommodation Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Gallo WHEREAS Sport Aurora has been provided space in the Town Hall to achieve a certain objective; and WHEREAS that objective has been completed; and WHEREAS the Town is not in a position to accommodate private agencies within this public facility. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT space heretofore provided to Sport Aurora be withdrawn immediately. On a recorded vote the motion was DEFEATED. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 7 of 8 YEAS: 4 NAYS: 5 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Ballard, Buck, Gaertner, and Gallo VOTING NAYS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe (c) Councillor Buck Re: Petch House Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard WHEREAS the Petch House is restored and situated in a prime location; and WHEREAS a use befitting the Town's newest asset needs to be determined; and WHEREAS the Town of Aurora is steeped in Upper Canada history. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a request for proposals be issued with a view to potential use of the Petch House as a Tourist Information Centre and retail facility for souvenirs unique to Aurora and the surrounding area. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Humfryes THAT this item be referred to staff for a report back to Council regarding a change in use and the potential changes that may be required. CARRIED (d) Councillor Buck Re: Cost of Relocation Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard WHEREAS plans for renovation of the Town Hall are not proceeding; and WHEREAS relocation of staff to the former library on Victoria Street was finalized. Users were relocated or evicted and user fee revenue was lost; and WHEREAS a recent question on the cost of providing "swing-space" in the former library was answered by the Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer as $300,000 and immediately corrected by the C.A.O. as an inaccurate figure. An accurate figure was not provided; and WHEREAS it is reasonable to assume there were alterations made to the building to accommodate Director of Corporate and Financial Services department staff and costs would inevitably have been incurred. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a report providing full and accurate accounting of costs, including lost revenue, for the planned relocation of Town staff to the former library building be prepared and included on the agenda of the final Council meeting of October. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT the motion be withdrawn. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Page 8 of 8 11. REGIONAL REPORT York Regional Council Highlights – October 17, 2013 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT the Regional Report be received for information. CARRIED 12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION Councillor Buck inquired whether there was anything to report regarding the grading plan for 33 Longthorpe Court. The Director of Planning and Development Services reported that the builder understood Council’s direction from the October 8 Council meeting and would preserve the three trees and grade the lot within the existing approved grading plan. The Director advised that the builder expects to complete the grading this week and, once completed, engineering staff would inspect the site and report back to Council at the General Committee meeting of November 5. Councillor Abel stated that he looks forward to the report on November 5 and that it is important to communicate with the neighbourhood. Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that Saturday, October 26 would be the last day for the Aurora Farmers’ Market and the indoor markets will start in January. Councillor Gaertner noted that Council had received notice regarding an important upcoming workshop and Mayor Dawe confirmed that a Parliamentary Procedure Workshop is scheduled for October 30 and 31. 13. READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the following listed confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted: 5560-13 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council Meeting on October 22, 2013 CARRIED 14. CLOSED SESSION None 15. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:16 p.m. CARRIED ________________________________ ________________________________ GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR JOHN D. LEACH, TOWN CLERK THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 22, 2013 RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL AT COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 12, 2013.