MINUTES - Council - 20140506
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Ballard, Buck,
Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Gaertner
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, Town Clerk,
and Council/Committee Secretary
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:07 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 Buck Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the
following addition, be approved:
Item 3 – Memorandum from the Director of Parks and Recreation Services
Re: Additional Information to General Committee Report PR14-011 – RFP
Results for Museum Services for the Aurora Collection
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT Council waive the date and time requirements of Section 3.13(a) of the
Procedural By-law to permit the addition of a Notice of Motion from Councillor
Ballard regarding Suspension of Councillor Ballard’s Remuneration.
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 2 of 11
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2014
Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2014
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the Council meeting minutes of April 22, 2014 and the Special Council –
Public Planning meeting minutes of April 23, 2014 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Lynn Pearson, Aurora Relay Chair, and Alex Reil, Manager, Canadian Cancer
Society, representing Aurora Relay for Life
Re: Relay for Life 2014
Ms. Pearson advised that this year marks the eighth annual Relay for Life event in
Aurora, to be held on the fields of Magna International from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 6
through to 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. She noted that activities would include DJs and
local bands that have donated their time to perform throughout the event, and she
requested that Council approve an exemption to the Noise By-law. Ms. Pearson also
requested that Council further support the event by providing $650 to help cover the
costs of materials including A-frames, recycling bins, pylons, picnic tables, and field-
marking equipment.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Ballard
THAT the presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the requirements of the Procedural By-law be waived to allow
consideration of this matter.
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT Council cover the cost, to an upset limit of $650 from the Council
Discretionary Fund, of providing materials including A-frames, recycling bins,
pylons, picnic tables, and field-marking equipment, and approve the exemption to
the Noise By-law, for the Aurora Relay for Life 2014 event.
CARRIED
(b) Bill Thompson, Subwatershed Implementation Specialist, Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority
Re: East Holland River Subwatershed Plan Implementation Report – 2013
Mr. Thompson presented an update on the progress achieved over the past year
toward implementing the East Holland River Subwatershed Plan, including
stormwater management, road salt management, construction phase erosion control,
and other accomplishments, in partnership with the Town of Aurora, the province, and
other municipalities and partners.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 3 of 11
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Ballard
THAT the presentation be received for information.
CARRIED
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Humfryes expressed her appreciation to everyone who participated in the
Nature’s Emporium Southlake Run or Walk on April 27 and to the Committee for putting
together a great fundraiser. She noted that there was still time to donate to Team
Aurora at www.runforsouthlake.ca.
Councillor Humfryes noted that May 3 was opening day for the 2014 outdoor season of
the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair and advised that information is available on
the Town website and on the Market’s website, www.theaurorafarmersmarket.com.
Councillor Thompson extended a reminder that the Aurora Historical Society would be
unveiling a new exhibit this weekend and everyone is invited to attend on Saturday, May
10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Councillor Abel announced that Wednesday, May 7 is McHappy Day and he
encouraged everyone to drop in to McDonald’s, noting that members of Council would
be participating and proceeds would go to charity.
Councillor Abel announced that Boston Pizza would be holding a fundraiser on
Thursday, May 8 where volunteers would be servers and ten per cent of all proceeds
would go to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Councillor Abel noted that many events had taken place over the past weekend
including the Aurora Community Arboretum tree planting, the Big Bike Ride fundraiser
for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the 52nd Annual Juried Art Show and Sale held at
Town Hall, and the Hike for Hospice fundraising walk for Hospice King-Aurora.
Councillor Buck noted that McDonald’s is singularly responsible for Ronald McDonald
House, a wonderful facility supported by McHappy Day, which provides accommodation
for families who travel from across Ontario for treatment for their children at The Hospital
for Sick Children.
Mayor Dawe noted that the Town-wide Anti-Litter Day was held on April 26 and more
than 300 volunteers collected two tonnes of garbage.
Mayor Dawe stated that he attended the 8th Annual York Region Character Awards last
week where a number of Aurorans received awards, including former mayor Tim Jones
and former CAO John Rogers.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that Neighbourhood Network would be hosting its
annual Spring Tree Planting on Saturday, May 10 at McClellan Way and Bathurst
Street.
Mayor Dawe announced that an Emerald Ash Borer information session would be held
at the York Region Administrative Centre in Newmarket on Wednesday, May 14.
Mayor Dawe advised that GO Transit’s seasonal weekend service would start soon.
Mayor Dawe announced that the federal government has declared Friday, May 9 as a
National Day of Honour for our returning veterans from Afghanistan, and he asked
everyone to join in a moment of silence in recognition of those Canadians who have
given their lives. Members of Council and those present at the meeting observed a
moment of silence in honour of our veterans.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 4 of 11
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Item 1 (sub-items 3, 10, and 13) were identified for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 3, 10, and 13), 2, and 3 were identified as items
not requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri
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 April 29, 2014
THAT the General Committee meeting report of April 29, 2014 be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee, with the exception of sub-
items 3, 10, and 13, be approved.
2. CFS14-021 – Authorization to Execute: Gas Tax Municipal Funding
Agreement
THAT report CFS14-021 be received; and
THAT draft By-law No. 5621-14 be adopted to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to
execute the new Gas Tax Municipal Funding Agreement between the Town and
the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for the ten-year period to March 31,
2024.
3. Memorandum from the Director of Parks & Recreation Services
Re: Additional Information to General Committee Report PR14-011 – RFP
Results for Museum Services for the Aurora Collection
(Added Item)
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to General Committee
Report PR14-011 – RFP Results for Museum Services for the Aurora Collection
be received for information.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
None
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 29, 2014
(3) PR14-011 – RFP Results for Museum Services for the Aurora Collection
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT report PR14-011 be received; and
THAT Council direct staff to cancel the RFP for Museum Services for the Aurora
Collection.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 5 of 11
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the Director of Parks and Recreation Services be authorized to prepare a
Terms of Reference with the objective of retaining the services of a curator to
organize a museum and heritage program in and from Church Street School;
and
THAT the Director examine resources currently being expended in the cultural
envelope, with a view to redirection to provide for museum and heritage
programming.
On a recorded vote the first clause of the motion to amend CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Buck, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and
Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Ballard and Gallo
On a recorded vote the second clause of the motion to amend was
DEFEATED.
YEAS: 1 NAYS: 7
VOTING YEAS: Councillor Buck
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Abel, Ballard, Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT report PR14-011 be received; and
THAT Council direct staff to cancel the RFP for Museum Services for the Aurora
Collection; and
THAT the Director of Parks and Recreation Services be authorized to
prepare a Terms of Reference with the objective of retaining the services
of a curator to organize a museum and heritage program in and from
Church Street School.
On a recorded vote the main motion as amended CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Buck, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and
Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Ballard and Gallo
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 29, 2014
(10) CFS14-020 – Amendment to Cheque Signing By-law
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report CFS14-020 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 6 of 11
THAT the Director of Parks and Recreation be added to the existing approved
list of non-Finance Division persons authorized to sign cheques and approve
electronic payments for the Town; and
THAT a replacement by-law reflecting the additional person and the minor
housekeeping amendments outlined in this report be brought forward for
adoption.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Buck, Humfryes, Pirri, Thompson, and
Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Ballard and Gallo
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 29, 2014
(13) LLS14-006 – Video Conferencing for Advisory Committee Members
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT report LLS14-006 be received for information.
CARRIED
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the following Notices of Motion be withdrawn:
(b) Councillor Buck
Re: Heritage and Museum Services RFP
(c) Councillor Buck
Re: Provision of Heritage and Museum Services
CARRIED
(a) Councillor Buck
Re: Change in Wording to Provide Clarity in Zoning By-law
WHEREAS wording in the Town's Zoning By-law pertaining to "repairs light" is irrelevant
to industrial use; it reads repairs to watches, cameras, toys, musical instruments,
jewellery, bicycles, orthopedic devices, wheelchairs, and musical instruments; and
WHEREAS repairs to small engines such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and weed-
eaters is described as "heavy"; and
WHEREAS utilizing exterior-owned property of an industrial unit as temporary holding of
lawn mowers and such has been deemed "storage" and a violation of the zoning and a
violation ticket has been issued; and
WHEREAS none of the above defined as "repairs light" would normally be expected to
be located in an industrial zoning; with little exception they would be expected in a
commercial retail zone; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 7 of 11
WHEREAS inappropriate wording in zoning has created confusion and hardship to a
small business operator in the Town; and
WHEREAS Aurora has adopted a logo as "a place where business thrives and
neighbors care."
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Planning department be
directed to correct incorrect and inappropriate wording of relevant sections of the Zoning
By-law, to provide clarity and allow a small engines repair shop to provide a service in a
location entirely suitable and purchased with a mortgage and legal advice for exactly
that purpose.
(d) Councillor Abel
Re: Code of Conduct
WHEREAS the last term of Council (2006-2010) resolved that a Code of Conduct be
enacted; and
WHEREAS Council employed an Integrity Commissioner to review and make decisions
on complaints brought forward under the Code of Conduct; and
WHEREAS a complaint last term was brought upon a sitting Councillor; and
WHEREAS external legal advice was employed to evaluate and advise on the
complaint; and
WHEREAS another Integrity Commissioner was employed to replace the original
Integrity Commissioner; and
WHEREAS when a decision was rendered by the Integrity Commissioner, a notice was
posted in the local papers; and
WHEREAS this term of Council (2010-2014) has repealed the Code of Conduct; and
WHEREAS the Code of Conduct, Integrity Commissioners, and the evaluation/advice
on complaints under the Code of Conduct have been a cost to the Taxpayers of Aurora.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to
consolidate all costs that have been borne by the Town since the decision to create a
Code of Conduct, including the drafting of the Code of Conduct, legal advice/fees, and
fees to the Integrity Commissioners; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the above information be reported to Council to
disclose to the public the full financial impact of the Code of Conduct to the Taxpayers of
Aurora.
(e) Councillor Abel
Re: Post-Secondary Institution
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora updated a Strategic Plan in 2012; and
WHEREAS the Strategic Plan, upon extensive public consultation, identified the desire
to attract a Post-Secondary Institution; and
WHEREAS a committee was struck, called the Post-Secondary Committee; and
WHEREAS a presentation was made to the University of Windsor in December 2013
for a satellite campus; and
WHEREAS a joint presentation with the Town of Newmarket was made in April 2014;
and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 8 of 11
WHEREAS resources and funds were drawn from the Town of Aurora.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to
summarize the expenses of these two initiatives, and report back to Council with the
financial impact to the Taxpayers of Aurora.
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
Mayor Dawe relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Abel at 9:15 p.m.
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – Election to Board of
Directors
Main motion
Moved by Mayor Dawe Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the
interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal
jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS FCM’s Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials
from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and
provide FCM with the prestige required to carry the municipal message to the
federal government; and
WHEREAS FCM’s 77th Annual Conference and Trade Show will take place May
30 – June 2, 2014, during which time the Annual General Meeting will be held
and followed by the election of FCM’s Board of Directors.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council of the Town of
Aurora endorse Councillor Paul Pirri to stand for election on FCM’s Board of
Directors for the duration of the Council term; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora assumes all costs
associated with Councillor Paul Pirri attending FCM’s Board of Directors
meetings.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Mayor Dawe
THAT the Town of Aurora assumes all costs associated with Councillor Paul Pirri
attending FCM’s Board of Directors meetings to a maximum of $8,000.
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Mayor Dawe Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the
interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal
jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS FCM’s Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials
from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and
provide FCM with the prestige required to carry the municipal message to the
federal government; and
WHEREAS FCM’s 77th Annual Conference and Trade Show will take place May
30 – June 2, 2014, during which time the Annual General Meeting will be held
and followed by the election of FCM’s Board of Directors.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 9 of 11
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council of the Town of
Aurora endorse Councillor Paul Pirri to stand for election on FCM’s Board of
Directors for the duration of the Council term; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora assumes all costs
associated with Councillor Paul Pirri attending FCM’s Board of Directors
meetings to a maximum of $8,000.
CARRIED
Mayor Dawe resumed the Chair at 9:24 p.m.
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT Council waive the requirements of the Procedural By-law to allow
consideration of Councillor Ballard’s Motion, for which no notice has been given.
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
(b) Councillor Ballard
Re: Suspension of Councillor Ballard’s Remuneration
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Gallo
WHEREAS Councillor Chris Ballard is a provincial election candidate in the
Ontario 2014 General Election; and
WHEREAS the Ontario 2014 General Election campaign period will run from
May 7, 2014 to June 12, 2014; and
WHEREAS the duties of a provincial election candidate are significant; and
WHEREAS Councillor Ballard will be absent from Council and Committee
meetings during the Ontario 2014 General Election campaign period; and
WHEREAS a Council resolution authorizing a Councillor to be absent from
meetings is only required when the absence from meetings of Council will be for
more than three successive months; and
WHEREAS Councillor Ballard has indicated his desire to ask Council to suspend
his remuneration during the Ontario 2014 General Election campaign period.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the request of
Councillor Ballard to suspend his remuneration for the period May 7, 2014 to
June 12, 2014 be received; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council consents to the suspension of
Councillor Ballard's remuneration for the period May 7, 2014 to June 12, 2014.
CARRIED
11. REGIONAL REPORT
York Regional Council Highlights – April 17, 2014
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the Regional Report of April 17, 2014 be received for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 10 of 11
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillors Abel and Buck referred to the matter raised in Open Forum regarding the
Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair and the Town Solicitor recommended that the
Councillors discuss their concerns with the Director of Building and By-law Services.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the following by-laws be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5604-14 BEING A BY-LAW to assume highways for public use and to
establish lands as highways (Ballymore Building (Bathurst) Corp.
and Ballymore Development (Bathurst) Corp. Phase 1)
5611-14 BEING A BY-LAW to establish a classification structure and
retention periods for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
5619-14 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Blocks 92 and 94 on Plan 65M-
4407 from Part-Lot Control (Mattamy (Aurora) Limited)
5621-14 BEING A BY-LAW to authorize the execution of the Municipal
Funding Agreement for the transfer of federal Gas Tax Funds
5623-14 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for the use of voting and vote-
counting equipment
5624-14 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for advance voting prior to voting
day in the Town of Aurora
5625-14 BEING A BY-LAW to provide for reduced opening hours of voting
in retirement/nursing homes
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Ballard
THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted:
5620-14 BEING A BY-LAW to amend Zoning By-law Number 2213-78, as
amended (Aurora Retail GP Limited, File D14-03-13)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Ballard
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings
and enacted:
5622-14 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from
Council Meeting on May 6, 2014
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Page 11 of 11
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Ballard Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
CARRIED
________________________________ __________________________________
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M.A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 6, 2014 RECEIVED FINAL
APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON MAY 27, 2014.