MINUTES - Council - 20140610
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Buck, Gaertner,
Pirri, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Ballard, Gallo, and Humfryes
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, 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,
Manager of Code Review and Inspections, Deputy Clerk,
and Council/Committee Secretary
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
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 Abel Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the
following addition, be approved.
Notice of Motion (b) Councillor Buck; Re: Aurora United Church
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of May 27 , 2014
Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2014
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the Council meeting minutes of May 27, 2014 and the Special Council –
Public Planning meeting minutes of May 28, 2014 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 2 of 9
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Irene Clement, Chair, Aurora Community Arboretum (ACA)
Re: Update on ACA Progress and Plans for 2014
Ms. Clement presented an overview of the Arboretum’s achievements of 2013, noting
that it was the seventh year of the execution of the Master Plan, and of their ten-year
partnership with the Town to develop the Arboretum. She acknowledged that a
dedicated core of volunteers put in more than 2,700 hours in 2013, making a
tremendous contribution to the Town. Ms. Clement reviewed the plans and budget for
2014, elements of the continuing partnership with the Town through 2017, and future
plans beyond 2017. She also recognized their partnership with the Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority, and she expressed appreciation to the Town for its
ongoing support.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT this report from the Aurora Community Arboretum satisfy Council's
conditional budget approval; and
THAT staff be authorized to proceed with capital project #73085 – Arboretum
Development.
CARRIED
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Abel noted the success of the Relay for Life event held on June 6-7, 2014
and expressed appreciation to everyone involved, including Magna International for
allowing the use of their property. He also acknowledged that Somerville Dance
Academy was recognized during the event presentations for raising $100,000 for Relay
for Life over the past eight years.
Councillor Abel offered his congratulations to the participants and staff for the success of
the first Heritage Advisory Committee Youth Art Exhibition held on June 7, 2014 at the
Aurora Cultural Centre.
Councillor Abel extended his congratulations to the Aurora Legion where he attended a
ceremony held on June 8, 2014 to commemorate the 40th year anniversary of the
Aurora Legion and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Councillor Abel expressed appreciation to everyone involved in the Stop Gap Ramp
project that was completed on June 7, 2014, with supplies donated by Home Hardware,
noting that these ramps provide accessibility into some of the older businesses on
Yonge Street.
Councillor Abel invited the community to attend the Aurora Gospel Music Festival to be
held on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at Town Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., noting that the
event would be free of charge.
Mayor Dawe acknowledged the Relay for Life volunteers that were present, adding that
it was very energizing to see the number of young people who participated in the event.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 3 of 9
Mayor Dawe stated that he had the privilege, honour, and great pleasure of meeting His
Royal Highness The Duke of York, on June 5, 2014 at the fundraising event held for The
Queen’s York Rangers’ Regimental Assistance Program. He advised that His Royal
Highness awarded five new battle honours to the Regiment and also performed the
official unveiling of the plaque which will be placed in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park
in honour of the Aurora recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. The Mayor
extended his congratulations to the organizers and The Queen’s York Rangers for
hosting the event.
Mayor Dawe invited everyone to visit the new and improved Town website, aurora.ca,
and acknowledged the work done by Town of Aurora staff members.
Mayor Dawe announced that there were still a few spots open for Urban Art Aurora, an
opportunity to create canvasses for the new Youth Centre, and for Youth Engagement
Committee members, noting that interested parties may contact Franco DeMarco at
extension 3121 for further details.
Mayor Dawe encouraged the community to come and view the decorated picnic tables
and garbage cans on display outside Town Hall, noting that votes for the “People’s
Choice Award” may be registered at the front desk until Friday, June 13, 2014 at 4 p.m.
Mayor Dawe invited the community to attend the Commemoration Ceremony at the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 3 p.m. for the unveiling of
the plaque honouring those citizens who received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal,
and he requested that those who are interested in attending contact the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Dawe noted that Thursday, June 12, 2014 is Provincial Election Day and he
encouraged everyone to vote.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the recent Queen’s York Rangers fundraising event and
reminded the community that all of the funds raised at that luncheon were to benefit The
Queen’s York Rangers reservists so that they would not be in financial hardship or
lacking medical attention when they return home.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (sub-items 1, 3, and 10) and 2 were identified for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 1, 3, and 10) and 3 were identified as items not
requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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 June 3, 2014
THAT the General Committee meeting report of June 3, 2014 be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee, with the exception of sub-
items 1, 3, and 10, be approved.
3. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Reserve Fund By-law for Adoption Tonight
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 4 of 9
THAT the memorandum regarding Reserve Fund By-law for Adoption Tonight be
received for information.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
None
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of June 3, 2014
(1) PR14-022 – Cultural Master Plan
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT Council endorse the Cultural Master Plan and specifically approve Section
5 of the Plan being “Strategies and Actions”; and
THAT staff be authorized to initiate the Cultural Mapping components of the plan
prior to the completion of a detailed implementation plan.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 5 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Pirri, Thompson, and Mayor
Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck
ABSENT: Councillors Ballard, Gallo, and Humfryes
1. General Committee Meeting Report of June 3, 2014
(3) LLS14-018 – Pending List
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT report LLS14-018 be received for information.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of June 3, 2014
(10) PRAC14 -05 – Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Report,
May 15, 2014
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report PRAC14-05 be received; and
THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of May 15, 2014:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 5 of 9
NEW BUSINESS
THAT the following three items from New Business of the April 17, 2014
Committee meeting be added to the agenda for consideration at the June 19,
2014 Committee meeting:
(1) Update on budget and year-to-date costs for the Aurora Family Leisure
Complex renovations; and
(2) Status update regarding the Aurora Family Leisure Complex renovations;
and
(3) Opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to receive
information and provide advice to Council regarding the proposed tennis
bubble versus a multi-sports facility and the proposed sale of the Aurora
Sports Dome.
NEW BUSINESS
THAT staff be directed to provide a status update regarding the Hillary-McIntyre
Park proposal and its possible relationship to Parks and Recreation at the June
19, 2014 Committee meeting.
CARRIED
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the motion of the first New Business item be amended by deleting the
following portion:
(3) Opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to receive
information and provide advice to Council regarding the proposed tennis
bubble versus a multi-sports facility and the proposed sale of the Aurora
Sports Dome.
CARRIED
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the motion of the first New Business item be amended by replacing the
word “three” with the word “two”.
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report PRAC14-05 be received; and
THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of May 15, 2014:
NEW BUSINESS
THAT the following two items from New Business of the April 17, 2014
Committee meeting be added to the agenda for consideration at the June 19,
2014 Committee meeting:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 6 of 9
(1) Update on budget and year-to-date costs for the Aurora Family Leisure
Complex renovations; and
(2) Status update regarding the Aurora Family Leisure Complex renovations.
NEW BUSINESS
THAT staff be directed to provide a status update regarding the Hillary-McIntyre
Park proposal and its possible relationship to Parks and Recreation at the June
19, 2014 Committee meeting.
CARRIED
2. LLS14-021 – General Committee Closed Session Report of June 3, 2014
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report LLS14-021 be received; and
THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Closed Session
meeting of June 3, 2014:
1. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the
Town or Local Board; Re: Report PR14-026 – Purchase of Section of
100 Bloomington Road
THAT staff be authorized to proceed as recommended by General Committee in
Closed Session on June 3, 2014; and
THAT the cost of the property appraisal be funded from the Cash in Lieu of
Parkland Reserve Fund.
2. The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege,
including communications necessary for that purpose; Re: Report
LLS14-019 – Patent Rights Related to the Outdoor Natural Rink Cells
Project
THAT staff be authorized to proceed as recommended by General Committee in
Closed Session on June 3, 2014.
CARRIED
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
(a) Councillor Gaertner
Re: Town of Aurora Sesquicentennial Funding Report
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora celebrated its 150th Birthday in 2013; and
WHEREAS Council, by motion, approved the spending of $140,000 to celebrate this
event; and
WHEREAS there has not been a report back to Council on how this public money was
spent; and
WHEREAS financial transparency and accountability are a cornerstone of the
democratic process.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 7 of 9
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to prepare
a report detailing the use of these funds.
(b) Councillor Buck
Re: Aurora United Church
(Added Item)
WHEREAS the destruction of the Aurora United Church by fire could not have been
anticipated and plans for replacement must therefore be under consideration by the
Congregation; and
WHEREAS a Council decision is pending on the disposition of public properties in
Library Square; and
WHEREAS both are key sites within the historic core of the Town and both have
important institutional functions within the community.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Mayor be directed to
seek a meeting between Councillors and Church representatives to discover how
the Town and the Aurora United Church might work together for renewal of the
Church and municipal functions, for the benefit to both.
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(a) Councillor Buck
Re: Staff Vacation Entitlement Policy
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
WHEREAS it is not clear that full-time employees may be financially
compensated for unused vacation time; and
WHEREAS Clause 3.2 of the 2005 version of Administrative Policy No. 18
(Vacation Entitlement) states that vacation must be taken by an employee within
the schedule year or it will be relinquished by the employee; and
WHEREAS Clause 5 of the current version of Policy No. 18, approved in 2012,
states that vacation can be carried over but must be used by December in the
following year; and
WHEREAS financial compensation for unused vacation time is not stated as an
alternative to carry-over in the currently approved version of Policy No. 18.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the currently approved
version of Policy No. 18 and staff report CFS12-002 be re-presented to Council
for review and for clarification by staff.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the notice requirements of the Procedural By-law be waived to allow
consideration of added Item 10(i)(b) “Notice of Motion, Councillor Buck; Re:
Aurora United Church”, at this meeting of Council.
DEFEATED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 8 of 9
11. REGIONAL REPORT
None
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Thompson noted that there were still some challenges with accessing older
reports from the new website and inquired about when the new website would be fully
functional and issues resolved. The Director of Legal and Legislative Services stated
that the priority is to ensure access to the current Council archives by month-end and to
then address the previous Council archives. Councillor Thompson requested that a
report be presented to Council regarding the challenges surrounding the new website.
The Chief Administrative Officer noted that part of the issue was a vendor’s failure to
meet the targets and he confirmed that a report would be forthcoming to address those
issues as well as the website launch information.
Councillor Abel noted that members of the Heritage Advisory Committee had observed
that the Town of Newmarket’s website contained in-depth archives about the culture and
heritage of that area. He noted that heritage information could be shared on the Town
of Aurora website, which could perhaps be evaluated and discussed at the Heritage
Advisory Committee level.
Councillor Abel inquired regarding Council members receiving a tutorial from
Communications staff regarding navigation of the new Town website, and the Chief
Administrative Officer replied in the affirmative.
Councillor Buck requested a status update regarding the proposed all-season, multi-use
tennis facility at Stewart Burnett Park. The Director of Parks and Recreation Services
advised that the RFP results were presented to Council and staff was directed to provide
options for a non-air-supported facility. He noted that a report would be presented to
Council before the end of the current term of Council.
Councillor Buck requested a status update regarding the potential uses of the Petch
House. The Director of Parks and Recreation Services advised that staff has received
public input regarding future uses of the Petch House and he noted that the Director of
Building and By-law Services would be providing a report outlining the suggestions and
any impacts of the proposed uses and any upgrades that may be required to permit
those uses. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this report could be
presented on the next General Committee agenda.
Mayor Dawe, in response to a request from Councillor Abel, provided a brief update
regarding the Aurora United Church. He advised that the United Church has taken
residence in the Trinity Anglican Church, including services, offices, and phone lines.
The Mayor stated that they are working together and that the Town would continue
working with them. He noted that any matters that could affect the Town would be
brought before Council.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted:
5631-14 BEING A BY-LAW to set and levy the rates of taxation for the
taxation year 2014.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 9 of 9
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted:
5633-14 BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law Number 5553-13, to establish
various Reserve Funds for the Town of Aurora.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings
and enacted:
5636-14 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from
Council Meeting on June 10, 2014
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
None
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
CARRIED
________________________________ __________________________________
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR PATTY THOMA, DEPUTY CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 10, 2014 RECEIVED FINAL
APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON JUNE 24, 2014.