MINUTES - Council - 20140318
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Ballard (arrived
7:06 p.m.), Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Council & Committee
Coordinator/Deputy Clerk, Director of Corporate and
Financial Services/Treasurer, Director of Infrastructure
and Environmental Services, Director of Legal and
Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and
Development Services, and Council/Committee Secretary
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. following Open Forum.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest
Act.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the
following additions, be approved:
Additional Information to Item 5 – CFS14-014 – Statement of
Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council, Committees
and Local Boards
Re: Memorandum from the Director of Corporate and Financial
Services/Treasurer; Re: Mayor’s Expense Reporting Correction
Closed Session – Item 2
2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the
Town or Local Board; Re: Memorandum from Neil Garbe, Chief
Administrative Officer; Re: University Campus within Aurora.
CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2014
Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2014
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 2 of 10
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the Council meeting minutes of February 25, 2014 and the Special
Council – Public Planning meeting minutes of February 26, 2014 be adopted as
printed and circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Catherine Leighton, on behalf of the Recycling Council of Ontario,
and Mayor Dawe
Re: Presentation of Provincial Environmental Award and Plaque to Holy Spirit
Catholic Elementary School
Ms. Leighton, also on behalf of the Carton Council of Canada, expressed
congratulations to the students of Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School on their
impressive work during the Waste-Free Lunch Challenge during last October’s Waste
Reduction Week. She noted that the students successfully reduced their waste to zero.
Ms. Leighton and Mayor Dawe presented an award certificate and plaque to
representatives of Holy Spirit.
(b) Greg Baeker, Director, Cultural Development, Millier Dickinson Blais
Re: Aurora Cultural Master Plan
Mr. Baeker provided an overview of the mid-term status report on the Plan, noting that
progress was more than mid-way. He advised that an interim findings report had been
produced, which was reviewed and approved by the Working Group. Mr. Baeker
presented highlights of the report and elements of the work plan including integrated
planning, cultural mapping, community engagement, survey questions, strategic
directions and strategies. He noted that they are now in the process of preparing the
draft final Cultural Master Plan.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Abel offered congratulations to Kerry’s Place Autism Services for celebrating
their 40th anniversary, noting they are a leader and one of the largest service providers
for autism in the province.
Councillor Abel referred to the recently held Aurora Winter Blues Festival and extended
congratulations to Jamie MacDonald and his outstanding committee for putting together
a great festival for its third year.
Councillor Abel reminded all that the Aurora Home Show would be held on April 11-13
and noted that Wi-Fi service is now available at the Aurora Community Centre,
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, Aurora Family Leisure Complex, and Town Hall.
Councillor Abel announced that an open forum would be held at Town Hall on Monday,
March 24 to consider placing two questions on the ballot for the upcoming Municipal
Election.
Councillor Abel announced that World Autism Awareness Day is April 2.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 3 of 10
Councillor Humfryes reminded all that the Nature’s Emporium Run or Walk for
Southlake would be held on April 27 and she encouraged everyone to register as an
individual or team, or to join Mayor Dawe’s Team Aurora.
Councillor Gaertner noted that International Women’s Day was held on Saturday,
March 8 and she congratulated all of the amazing women who live in Aurora.
Mayor Dawe reported that the Town is still looking for venues for 2014 Doors Open
Aurora and invited anyone interested to contact the Planning department.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Town is accepting registrations for the Canada Day
Parade and more information is available on the Town’s website at
www.aurora.ca/canadaday.
Mayor Dawe announced that a YRT/Viva Public Information Centre would take place on
Tuesday, March 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Town is hosting a public meeting on March 26 at 7 p.m.
regarding proposed changes to the development charges and policies.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Aurora Community Arboretum would be hosting its
Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, noting that
new members and volunteers are always welcome.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Sports Hall of Fame is looking for nominations for its
annual induction ceremony and more information is available at www.sportaurora.ca.
Mayor Dawe referred to a MoneySense Magazine article wherein Aurora was ranked
as the 24th best place to live in Canada, the first in York Region, and sixth in Ontario,
and he read out a congratulatory note received from Frank Klees, MPP for Newmarket-
Aurora.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (sub-items 1, 6, and 14), 3, 4, and 6 were identified for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 1, 6, and 14), 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 were identified
as items not requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following recommendations with respect to 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 Meeting Report of March 4, 2014
THAT the General Committee meeting report of March 4, 2014 be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee, with the exception of sub-
items 1, 6, and 14, be approved.
2. Special General Committee – 2014 Budget Review Meeting Report of
January 11 (continued January 13, 20, and 27, February 10 and 24), 2014
THAT the Special General Committee – 2014 Budget Review meeting report of
January 11 (continued January 13, 20, and 27, February 10 and 24), 2014 be
received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 4 of 10
THAT the following recommendations regarding Item 24 – IES14-007 – Water,
Wastewater and Stormwater Budget be approved:
THAT report IES14-007 be received; and
THAT Council approve the 2014 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
budgets with a combined net recoverable expenditure of $16,767,050; and
THAT a one-time operating expense of $474,000 be added to 2014 to
complete Tender IES2013-72 – Remedial Works to Reduce Inflow and
Infiltration in the Wastewater Collection System within the Town of Aurora, to
be funded from reserves created from the 2013 surplus distribution; and
THAT Council approve the 2014 retail water rate of $1.8015 per cubic meter
and the retail wastewater rate of $1.5287 per cubic meter of water; and
THAT Council approve the 2014 flat rate stormwater charge of $4.78 per unit
per month for residential and condominium properties and $62.96 per unit
per month for metered non-residential commercial/industrial and multi-
residential properties; and
THAT the new approved rates become effective for all billings issued by the
Town on or after May 1, 2014, and be retroactive for all consumption newly
billed on such billings; and
THAT Council approve the 2014 bulk water purchase rate of $3.3301 per
cubic meter dispensed effective May 1, 2014; and
THAT Council adopt the necessary by-law to implement the above rate
changes recommendations effective May 1, 2014.
5. CFS14-014 – Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of
Council, Committees and Local Boards
THAT report CFS14-014 be received for information.
7. Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Highlights
January 24, 2014 – Meeting of the Board
THAT the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Highlights – January 24, 2014 – Meeting of the Board be received for
information.
8. Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Highlights
February 28, 2014 – Meeting of the Board
THAT the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Highlights – February 28, 2014 – Meeting of the Board be received for
information.
9. Memorandum from the Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Southeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District Study
Response from Bray Heritage to the comments raised in the letter
forwarded to General Committee meeting of March 4, 2014
THAT the memorandum regarding Southeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation
District Study Response from Bray Heritage to the comments raised in the letter
forwarded to General Committee meeting of March 4, 2014 be received for
information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 5 of 10
8. DELEGATIONS
(a) Erina Kelly, representing Town Park Area Residents
Re: Item 1(1) – HAC14-001 – Southeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation
District Study Phase 1 Report
Ms. Kelly expressed concerns regarding the misinformation that has been
communicated and shared her group’s findings regarding home values, home
insurance, and studies in relation to the proposed Heritage Conservation District. She
referred to the request from Councillor Abel, to the delegates of March 4 for information
to support their arguments on this matter, and she requested that this be followed up if
not received. Ms. Linda Stevens, of Main Street Realty and a Town Park area resident,
expressed her support and reasons for Heritage designation.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the comments of the delegation be received for information.
CARRIED
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 4, 2014
(1) HAC14-001 – Southeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District
Study Phase 1 Report
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT this item be referred to a Public Planning meeting.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 4, 2014
(6) IES14-015 – Submission of Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Ballard
THAT report IES14-015 be received; and
THAT staff be directed to post the report on the Town’s website.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 4, 2014
(14) PL14-017 – Application for Site Plan Approval
Yonge Developments Inc.
15217 Yonge Street, Part of Lot 2, EYS, Plan 68
File Number: D11-04-13
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report PL14-017 be received; and
THAT Site Plan Application File D11-04-13 (Yonge Developments Inc.) be
approved to permit the development of the subject lands for the construction of a
five (5) storey, 12-unit residential apartment and 195 m2 GFA of commercial
space subject to the following conditions:
• The applicant submit minor variance and consent applications to address
Zoning By-law deficiencies and access and servicing easements; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 6 of 10
• The applicant submit a Legal Survey and other information as requested
to Legal Services to confirm vehicular access from Victoria Street to the
subject lands; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the site plan
agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements required
to give effect to same.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Ballard, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and
Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Gaertner and Gallo
3. CFS14-013 – Expenses Excluded from the 2014 Budget
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report CFS14-013 be received for information.
CARRIED
4. CFS14-011 – 2014 Operating and Capital Budgets – Final Approval
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report CFS14-011 be received; and
THAT the 2014 Operating Budget summarized in Attachment 2 which reflects all
revisions recommended for approval by the Budget Committee, resulting in a
total tax levy of $34,822,700 and a total expenditure plan of $53,470,100, and an
estimated 1.99% residential tax bill increase when combined with the regional
and education shares of the tax bill, be approved; and
THAT the Town’s full-time staff complement be increased by two (2) to 207
(excluding Library Board and Central York Fire Services staff) as presented in
Attachment 5 and funded in the 2014 Operating Budget; and
THAT staff prepare the necessary bylaw for adoption by Council to set 2014 tax
rates and payment dates.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the second clause be amended to read:
THAT the 2014 Operating Budget summarized in Attachment 2 which reflects all
revisions recommended for approval by the Budget Committee, resulting in a
total tax levy of $34,822,700 and a total expenditure plan of $53,470,100,
generating a 3.75% Town of Aurora share tax increase, which results
in and an estimated 1.99% residential tax bill increase when combined with the
regional and education shares of the tax bill, be approved; and
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 7 of 10
Main Motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report CFS14-011 be received; and
THAT the 2014 Operating Budget summarized in Attachment 2 which reflects all
revisions recommended for approval by the Budget Committee, resulting in a
total tax levy of $34,822,700 and a total expenditure plan of $53,470,100,
generating a 3.75% Town of Aurora share tax increase, which results in an
estimated 1.99% residential tax bill increase when combined with the regional
and education shares of the tax bill, be approved; and
THAT the Town’s full-time staff complement be increased by two (2) to 207
(excluding Library Board and Central York Fire Services staff) as presented in
Attachment 5 and funded in the 2014 Operating Budget; and
THAT staff prepare the necessary bylaw for adoption by Council to set 2014 tax
rates and payment dates.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 5 NAYS: 3
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and Mayor
Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Ballard, Gaertner, and Gallo
6. PR14-015 – Docs on Ice Event – April 4 and 5, 2014
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT report PR14-015 be received; and
THAT Council waive the permit fees in the amount of $7,104 to be funded
from the Council Contingency Fund.
DEFEATED
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT report PR14-015 be received; and
THAT Council support an ice time sponsorship in the amount of $2,000 to
be funded from the Council Contingency Operating Account.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Ballard, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Pirri
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 8 of 10
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given be deferred to the
Council meeting of April 8, 2014:
(a) Councillor Buck
Re: Elimination of Director’s Position
(b) Councillor Buck
Re: Naming Rights of the Red Gallery in Church Street School
CARRIED
11. REGIONAL REPORT
York Regional Council Highlights – February 20, 2014
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the Regional Report of February 20, 2014 be received for information.
CARRIED
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Abel referred to the student group who spoke in Open Forum and expressed
his wish to move a motion forward to have staff come back with a Terms of Reference
respecting the intent of the students to establish a Youth Advisory Committee.
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow Council to provide direction to
staff.
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gallo
THAT staff be directed to report back to Council with a Terms of Reference for a
Youth Advisory Committee and, if necessary, to obtain communications and
suggestions from the students who spoke in Open Forum.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Ballard, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Pirri
Councillor Gaertner indicated that she had received complaints from residents about the
lack of parking at the Aurora GO Station and she inquired whether consideration could
be given to providing priority to Aurora residents. Mayor Dawe advised that it is a
provincial facility, and through discussions with GO Transit and Metrolinx, it was noted
that enforcement would be an issue. Councillor Gaertner stated that an alternative
would be to use the carpool parking lot at Highway 404 and Aurora Road where there is
ample space.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 9 of 10
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Councillor Gaertner requested that By-law 5598-14 be voted on separately.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5597-14 BEING A BY-LAW to designate a Community Improvement
Project Area (Aurora Promenade)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5598-14 BEING A BY-LAW to adopt a Community Improvement Plan
(Aurora Promenade)
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Ballard, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: None
14. CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT Council resolve into a General Committee Closed Session to consider:
1. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or
Local Board; Re: PR14-014 – Potential Land Purchase – Hallmark Cards
(100 Vandorf Sideroad).
2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or Local
Board; Re: Memorandum from Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer; Re:
University Campus within Aurora.
CARRIED
The meeting was recessed at 10:21 p.m. and reconvened into open session at 11:00 p.m.
1. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or
Local Board; Re: PR14-014 – Potential Land Purchase – Hallmark Cards
(100 Vandorf Sideroad)
and
2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or
Local Board; Re: Memorandum from Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative
Officer; Re: University Campus within Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Page 10 of 10
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT Council adopt the confidential recommendations of the General
Committee Closed Session of March 18, 2014.
CARRIED
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings
and enacted:
5588-14 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from
Council Meeting on March 18, 2014
CARRIED
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:01 p.m.
CARRIED
________________________________ _________________________________
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR PATTY THOMA, DEPUTY CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 18, 2014 RECEIVED FINAL
APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON APRIL 8, 2014.