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MINUTES - Council - 20150310 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, March 10, 2015 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner (arrived 7:06 p.m.), Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law Services, 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, Town Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretary Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following addition, be approved.  Presentation (a) David Tomlinson, representing Ivy Jay Farm Woodland and Wetlands Community Nature Reserve Re: Purchasing Grassland for Park Preservation CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 2 of 14 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2015 Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2015 Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT the Council meeting minutes of February 24, 2015 and Special Council – Public Planning meeting minutes of February 25, 2015 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED 4. PRESENTATIONS Council consented to consider Presentations following Public Service Announcements. (a) David Tomlinson, representing Ivy Jay Farm Woodland and Wetlands Community Nature Reserve Re: Purchasing Grassland for Park Preservation Mr. Tomlinson presented an overview of the importance of preserving habitats at the Ivy Jay Farm Woodland and Wetlands Community Nature Reserve and recommended that Council consider purchasing 1.97 acres of developable grassland for preservation. Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the presentation by David Tomlinson regarding Purchasing Grassland for Park Preservation be received and referred to staff; and THAT staff arrange a site visit to the Ivy Jay Farm Woodland and Wetlands Community Nature Reserve. CARRIED 5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Thom extended congratulations to the Aurora Tigers for winning their first round of playoff games and noted that the next playoff game will take place at the Aurora Community Centre on March 13, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Councillor Thom noted that a worldwide celebration of Commonwealth Day took place on February 9, 2015. Councillor Humfryes announced that the Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora Bocce team will be competing in a Bocce Tournament in Richmond Hill on March 28 and 29, 2015. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 3 of 14 Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that a pizza, pop, and pledge lunch would be held on March 26, 2015 at Town Hall for the 2015 Run or Walk for Southlake. Councillor Abel extended congratulations to the organizers of the Snowflake Father & Daughter Ball for raising $17,000 in support of Big Brother Big Sisters of York. Councillor Abel announced that the Aurora Haunted Forest and Aurora Winter Blues Festival were recognized as being among 2015 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario. He extended congratulations to Shelley Ware and Jamie MacDonald for successfully hosting these events. Councillor Abel noted that the Doane House Hospice will be hosting a trivia pub night at the Wild Wing in Newmarket on March 11, 2015. Councillor Thompson extended a reminder about the 2015 Run or Walk for Southlake which will take place on April 26, 2015. Councillor Gaertner noted her attendance at the Aurora Cultural Centre for the Great Artist Music Series, as well as her attendance at the Aurora Public Library for a women’s rights forum. She extended congratulations to the Town’s cultural service providers. Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that the Community Recognition and Citizen of the Year Award nomination process is still underway and further information may be accessed at www.aurora.ca/cra. Mayor Dawe noted that registration is open for Aurora’s March Break and Summer Camps. Mayor Dawe noted that the 53rd Annual Juried Art Show and Sale, which will take place on May 2 and 3, 2015, is accepting entries and further information may be accessed on the Town website. Mayor Dawe thanked the York Regional Police for agreeing to cover the costs of security and policing for the Pan Am Games Torch Relay on June 25, 2015. Mayor Dawe announced the grand opening of the new LCBO store in Aurora. Mayor Dawe extended a reminder to residents that tickets are still on sale for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, 2015 and may be purchased at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex for $5 per child. Mayor Dawe extended congratulations to the Aurora Marquee Theatrical Productions for successfully attaining a charitable status and noted that donations are being accepted at www.marqueetp.com. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 4 of 14 6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1 (sub-items 5, 6, and 7), 4, and 5 were identified for discussion. 7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 5, 6, and 7), 2, 3, and 6 were identified as items not requiring separate discussion. Moved by Councillor Humfryes 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 March 3, 2015 THAT the General Committee meeting report of March 3, 2015 be received and the following recommendations carried by the Committee be approved (with the exception of sub-item 5, 6, and 7): (1) BBS15-004 – Request for Sign Variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P for the McDonald’s Restaurant at 2 Allaura Blvd. THAT Report No. BBS15-004 be received; and THAT a variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P be approved to permit two (2) menu board signs for the McDonald’s drive thru facility located at 2 Allaura Blvd.; and THAT a second variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P be approved to permit each menu board sign to have a sign area of 5.2m2. (2) IES15-011 – Northern Six Waste Collection Contract, Tender Preparation Update THAT Report No. IES15-011 be received; and THAT the principle of renewing a waste contract as a partnership with the Northern Six Municipalities be endorsed; and THAT staff be directed to update the Memorandum of Understanding between the Northern Six Municipalities to provide governance and direction during the next Waste Collection Contract period; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 5 of 14 THAT staff report back with opportunities to harmonize all Waste Collection By-laws in the Northern Six Municipalities with the aim to improve efficiencies in the Contract Administration and customer service; and THAT staff report back to Council for direction with respect to opportunities for improvements in the service level(s) provided, range of services provided, opportunities for further waste diversion and cost efficiencies. (3) IES15-012 – Speeding Concerns on Cousins Drive and Multi-Way Stop Control Request at the Wells Street and Cousins Drive Intersection THAT Report No. IES15-012 be received; and THAT three-way stop sign control at the intersection of Wells Street and Cousins Drive be approved; and THAT a by-law to implement three-way stop sign control at the intersection of the Wells Street and Cousins Drive be introduced; and THAT “Pedestrians Must Yield to Traffic” caution signs be removed upon implementation of three-way stop sign control at the intersection of Wells Street and Cousins Drive; and THAT notice of Council’s decision be sent to area residents. (4) IES15-013 – Durham York Energy Centre Status Report THAT Report No. IES15-013 be received for information. (8) Memorandum from Mayor Dawe Re: Finance Advisory Committee Member Appointments THAT the memorandum regarding Finance Advisory Committee Member Appointments be received; and THAT the following Members of Council be appointed to the Finance Advisory Committee: Mayor Geoffrey Dawe Councillor Harold Kim Councillor Michael Thompson Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 6 of 14 (9) Memorandum from Mayor Dawe Re: Proposed Revision to the Council Meeting Calendar THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed Revision to the Council Meeting Calendar be received; and THAT the Council meeting currently scheduled on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 be rescheduled to Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate the 2015 York Regional Police Appreciation Night. 2. Special General Committee – Water and Wastewater Budget Introduction Meeting Report of February 24, 2015 THAT the Special General Committee – Water and Wastewater Budget Introduction meeting report of February 24, 2015 be received for information. 3. LLS15-024 – General Committee Closed Session Meeting Report of March 3, 2015 THAT Report No. LLS15-024 be received; and THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Closed Session meeting of March 3, 2015: 1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local Board employee; Re: LLS15-022 – Appointments to the Aurora Appeal Tribunal THAT Closed Session Report No. LLS15-022 be received; and THAT the following citizen members be appointed to the Aurora Appeal Tribunal for the 2014-2018 Term of Council: Carl Barrett Roy J. Harrington David H. Z. Mhango Grace Marsh; and Tom Plamondon. 2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town or Local Board; Re: PR15-007 – Purchase of Lands at 100 Vandorf Sideroad, Formerly Hallmark Cards THAT Closed Session Report No. PR15-007 be received; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 7 of 14 THAT the confidential recommendations of General Committee on March 3, 2015 regarding the Purchase of Lands at 100 Vandorf Sideroad, Formerly Hallmark Cards, be approved. 6. Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2015 THAT the Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee meeting minutes of February 3, 2015 be received for information. CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS None 9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 3, 2015 (5) IES15-014 – Clear Bag Program for Waste Collection, Follow-up Report Council consented to separate the clauses of Amendment #1 for voting purposes. Main motion Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Kim THAT Report No. IES15-014 be received for information. Amendment #1 Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the following clauses be added to the main motion: “THAT Council endorses the implementation of a voluntary Clear Bag Program for waste collection; and THAT staff be directed to provide members of the public with information on the benefits of a Clear Bag Program; and THAT staff be directed to report back on any feedback received in respect to the voluntary Clear Bag Program.” Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 8 of 14 On a recorded vote the first clause of the amendment was DEFEATED YEAS: 3 NAYS: 6 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, and Mayor Dawe VOTING NAYS: Councillors Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson On a recorded vote the second clause of the amendment was DEFEATED YEAS: 4 NAYS: 5 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Thom, and Mayor Dawe VOTING NAYS: Councillors Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, and Thompson On a recorded vote the third clause of the amendment was DEFEATED YEAS: 2 NAYS: 7 VOTING YEAS: Councillor Gaertner and Mayor Dawe VOTING NAYS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson The main motion CARRIED 1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 3, 2015 (6) LLS15-011 – Questions on the Ballot – 2014 Municipal Election Results Main motion Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Mrakas THAT Report No. LLS15-011 be received for information. Amendment #1 Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Kim THAT the following clauses be added to the main motion: Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 9 of 14 “THAT the composition of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora be changed from nine (9) members to seven (7) members, comprised of one (1) Mayor, who shall be the Head of Council, and six (6) Councillors; and THAT the change in the composition of Council come into force following the next regular municipal election in accordance with the provisions of subsection 217(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001; and THAT the necessary by-law be brought forward at the March 31, 2015 meeting of Council for enactment to change the composition of Council for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora from nine (9) members to seven (7) members, comprised of one (1) Mayor, who shall be the Head of Council, and six (6) Councillors.” On a recorded vote the amendment was DEFEATED YEAS: 2 NAYS: 7 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel and Pirri VOTING NAYS: Councillors Gaertner, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Thom, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe The main motion CARRIED 1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 3, 2015 (7) LLS15-012 – Civil Marriage Solemnization Services Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT Report No. LLS15-012 be received; and THAT the Town’s services be enhanced to include civil marriage solemnization services; and THAT a by-law to authorize the Town Clerk to provide civil marriage solemnization services be enacted; and THAT the fees for civil marriage solemnization services as set out in Report No. LLS15-012 be approved; and THAT a by-law be enacted to amend Schedule “C” of By-law Number 5680-15 (being the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law) to include fees for civil marriage solemnization services. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 10 of 14 4. Memorandum from Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town Solicitor Re: Appointment of Members of Council to the Environmental Advisory Committee Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the memorandum regarding Appointment of Members of Council to the Environmental Advisory Committee be received; and THAT Councillors Mrakas and Pirri be appointed to the Environmental Advisory Committee effective April 1, 2015. CARRIED 5. Memorandum from Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town Solicitor Re: Appointment of Members of Council to the Trails and Active Transportation Committee Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the memorandum regarding Appointment of Members of Council to the Trails and Active Transportation Committee be received; and THAT the Terms of Reference for the Trails and Active Transportation Committee be amended to change the Committee composition to read as follows: “2. MEMBERSHIP The Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) voting members and four (4) non-voting members, as follows: Voting Members:  Three (3) members of the public;  Two (2) members of Council;  One (1) citizen member from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; and  One (1) citizen member from the Environmental Advisory Committee Non-voting Members:  One (1) member from the Planning & Development Services Department;  Two (2) members from the Parks & Recreation Services Department; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 11 of 14  One (1) member from the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Department.”; and THAT Councillors Humfryes and Mrakas be appointed to the Trails and Active Transportation Committee effective April 1, 2015. 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 Mrakas Re: Increased Traffic Volume on Industrial Parkway North Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Humfryes WHEREAS it is expected that Industrial Parkway North and South will begin to see an increase in traffic volume due to diversion of traffic and truck traffic; and WHEREAS the issue of the management of increased traffic volume has been partially addressed by the recent approval of the reconstruction of Industrial Parkway South. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to review traffic counts and investigate options to alleviate southbound traffic congestion on Industrial Parkway North from Scanlon Road to Wellington Street East; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to bring back a report on the findings and recommended actions. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 12 of 14 (b) Councillor Kim Re: Multicultural Festival Moved by Councillor Kim Seconded by Councillor Humfryes WHEREAS the Town of Aurora was recently ranked the best place to live in York Region and one of the top 25 places to live in Canada; and WHEREAS Aurora is striving to be one of the healthiest communities in Canada; and WHEREAS Aurora is quickly becoming a multicultural town; and WHEREAS new homes in the 2C lands in the north-east section of Town are quickly selling out and bringing in up to 12,000 people from diverse backgrounds; and WHEREAS it is critical that we welcome and engage new residents and share with them the rich culture and history of Aurora, along with its spirit of volunteerism in which Aurora was built; and WHEREAS Aurora has validated its enjoyment and appreciation of history, culture, and food by the successful events sponsored by the Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Historical Society, and the Town of Aurora events such as: Ribfest, Aurora Chamber Street Festival, Magna Wild Wild West Hoedown, and Jazz Festival, which have been roaring successes; and WHEREAS supporting food, culture, and diversity in itself supports Aurora’s Strategic Plan objectives of “Supporting an exceptional quality of life for all,” which in turn attracts people and businesses; and WHEREAS the Town of Richmond Hill has held the highly successful multicultural festival “Tastes of the Hill” for the past eight (8) years and counting; celebrating the rich cultural diversity of its community via the many international foods, arts and crafts, sports and entertainment showcased at the event; and generating funds for local charities; and WHEREAS understanding our neighbours’ food and culture is an excellent way to get to know one another and bring the community closer together. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to investigate and report back to Council on the potential for Aurora to hold a multicultural festival similar to those of other York Region Municipalities with a timeline of an inaugural event to be held sometime in 2016. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 13 of 14 11. REGIONAL REPORT Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Regional Report of February 26, 2015 be received for information. CARRIED 12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION Councillor Thom inquired about the timeframe for implementing the parking strategy. Mayor Dawe requested that a meeting of the Audit Committee be scheduled on March 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. to receive a presentation regarding an audit plan. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT a meeting of the Audit Committee be scheduled on March 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. CARRIED Mayor Dawe recommended that the Special General Committee – Operating & Capital Budgets meeting scheduled on March 23, 2015 be cancelled. Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT the Special General Committee – Operating & Capital Budgets meeting on March 23, 2015 be cancelled. DEFEATED 13. READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Mrakas THAT the following by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted: 5690-15 BEING A BY-LAW to define the accountability and transparency policies and procedures for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora. CARRIED Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Page 14 of 14 Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted: 5694-15 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council Meeting on March 10, 2015. CARRIED 14. CLOSED SESSION None 15. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:24 p.m. CARRIED GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 10, 2015 RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON MARCH 31, 2015.