MINUTES - Council - 20150414
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes
(departed 7:49 p.m./returned 7:59 p.m.), Kim, Mrakas, Pirri,
Thom, and Thompson (arrived 7:07 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Parks and Recreation Services (Acting 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 Planning and Development Services, Town
Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretary
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Mayor Dawe relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Abel at 9:09 p.m. during consideration
of Motion (a) and resumed the Chair at 9:15 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Councillor Humfryes declared a pecuniary interest regarding Item 4, Memorandum
from Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Re: Recommendations from April 7, 2015
Joint Council Committee Meeting, as a family member is employed by Central York
Fire Services.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 2 of 14
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of March 31, 2015
Special Council Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2015
Closed Session Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2015
Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2015
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the Council meeting minutes of March 31, 2015, the Special Council meeting
minutes of April 7, 2015, the Closed Session meeting minutes of April 7, 2015, and the
Special Council – Public Planning meeting minutes of April 8, 2015, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
None
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Kim noted that several schools including Aurora High School were raising
funds for Relay for Life, and acknowledged that Jakob Isreal, a student of Lester B.
Pearson Public School, would be cutting his hair to raise funds for cancer research.
Councillor Thom announced that April 22, 2015, would mark the 100th anniversary of
the Second Battle of Ypres during the First World War, which was the first large-scale
engagement of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and also the battle about which
Colonel John McCrae wrote in his poem “In Flanders Fields”.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that the Special Olympics Ontario-
Aurora team would be playing in an International Bocce Tournament on April 30
through May 2, 2015.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder regarding the 2015 Run or Walk for
Southlake on April 26, 2015, at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Councillor Abel announced that the Optimist Club of Aurora is accepting old bicycles to
be refurbished for donation, and further information is available on their website at
www.auroraoptimist.com.
Councillor Abel extended congratulations to the Parks and Recreation Services staff
for another successful Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, 2015, where 1,200 children and
their parents enjoyed a great day.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 3 of 14
Councillor Abel extended congratulations to the organizers of the Aurora Chamber
Show held on April 10-12, 2015 for a successful event held at its new location in the
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Councillor Abel noted that a group of Highland Gate residents would be meeting with
Geranium Homes representatives on April 15, 2015, at Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary
School.
Councillor Abel stated that more than 40 teams of students would be participating in
the upcoming Relay for Life event. He noted that Aurora has teamed up with
Newmarket for this event, formerly held on the Magna lands, which will be held at
Pickering College in Newmarket on June 19, 2015, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Councillor Thompson encouraged residents to participate in the 2015 Run or Walk for
Southlake on April 26, 2015, or otherwise support the event by donating, sponsoring,
or cheering on participants through the new route.
Councillor Thompson noted that he received positive feedback from vendors and
visitors of the Aurora Chamber Home Show and extended his congratulations to the
organizers.
Councillor Gaertner extended congratulations to the Queen’s York Rangers cadets for
their recent fundraising efforts and noted that they would also be selling chocolates and
pins to raise funds for a future trip to Vimy Ridge.
Councillor Gaertner announced that April 12-18, 2015, is National Volunteer Week and
extended her appreciation to all volunteers of the Town of Aurora.
Councillor Gaertner extended her congratulations to staff regarding the recent Easter
Egg Hunt.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Town is accepting applications from food vendors until
April 17, 2015, for this year’s Ribfest event.
Mayor Dawe extended congratulations to everyone involved with the Aurora Chamber
Home Show and noted that it was one of the better-attended Shows.
Mayor Dawe encouraged everyone to donate to Team Aurora for the 2015 Run or
Walk for Southlake event on April 26, 2015.
Mayor Dawe noted that the Town is accepting entries for the 53rd Annual Juried Art
Show and Sale to be held on May 2-3, 2015, and encouraged all to visit.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that registration is open for Town of Aurora Summer
Camps and information may be accessed through the Town website and the
PingStreet mobile app, or by contacting Parks and Recreation Services.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 4 of 14
Mayor Dawe announced that, as part of the Torch Relay coming to Aurora, the Town is
looking for present and former Pan Am and Parapan Am athletes, coaches, and
officials to participate in an exhibition at the Aurora Cultural Centre, titled A Legacy of
Sport, which will run from June 25 to mid-September, 2015, and those interested may
contact Parks and Recreation Services at extension 4753.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Aurora Seniors’ Centre would be holding its Spring
Sale on Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Pine Tree Potters’ Guild would be holding their
Spring Pottery Show and Sale on April 30 through May 3, 2015, at the Aurora Cultural
Centre, and further information may be found at www.pinetreepotters.ca.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that Aurora’s Annual Clean-up Day will take place
on Saturday, April 25, 2015, and encouraged everyone to participate.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (sub-items 1, 5, and 10), 3, and 4 were identified for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 1, 5, and 10), 2, and 5 were identified as items
not requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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 7, 2015
THAT the General Committee meeting report of April 7, 2015 be received and the
following recommendations carried by the Committee be approved:
(2) BBS15-005 – Request for Sign Variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P
for the LCBO Store at 94 First Commerce Drive
THAT Report No. BBS15-005 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 5 of 14
THAT a request for variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P to allow five (5)
signs on the west elevation and three (3) signs on the east elevation at 94
First Commerce Drive, whereas Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P permits only
one (1) sign on each of these elevations, be approved; and
THAT a request for variance to Sign By-law No. 4898-07.P to allow internal
illumination of all signs for the LCBO store at 94 First Commerce Drive be
approved.
(3) IES15-025 – Award of Tender IES2015-02 – For the Reconstruction of
Elderberry Trail, Springmaple Chase and Houdini Way
THAT Report No. IES15-025 be received; and
THAT Tender IES2015-02 – For the reconstruction of Elderberry Trail, from
Yonge Street to 516m west of Springmaple Chase, Springmaple Chase and
Houdini Way be awarded to C. Valley Paving Ltd. in the amount of
$1,103,362.50, excluding taxes; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements
required to give effect to same.
(4) IES15-026 – Award of Tender IES2015-03 – For the Reconstruction of
Steeplechase Avenue, Bluegrass Drive, Skyview Lane
and Woodsend Crescent
THAT Report No. IES15-026 be received; and
THAT Tender IES2015-03 – For the reconstruction of Steeplechase
Avenue, Bluegrass Drive, Skyview Lane and Woodsend Crescent be
awarded to C. Valley Paving Ltd. in the amount of $1,381,353.70, excluding
taxes; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements
required to give effect to same.
(6) IES15-028 – Assumption of Municipal Services and Amendment to
Subdivision Agreement – Whitwell Developments Limited
and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
THAT Report No. IES15-028 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 6 of 14
THAT the Town assume ownership, operation and maintenance of the
works within the roads, rights-of-way, and other lands dedicated to the Town
contained within Plan 65M-3819, being the Whitwell Developments Limited
and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company subdivision as
detailed in Report No. IES15-028; and
THAT the necessary by-law be brought forward for enactment to assume for
public use the highways within Plan 65M-3819 and to establish as public
highway any applicable reserves.
(7) CFS15-006 – Creation of Three Additional Reserve Fund Accounts
THAT Report No. CFS15-006 be received; and
THAT By-law Number 5689-15, a by-law to amend the Reserve Fund By-
law Number 5553-13 to add the Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding
reserve fund, the Recreation Sponsorship reserve fund, and the John West
Memorial Scholarship reserve fund, be presented to Council at a future
meeting for adoption.
(8) CFS15-015 – Confirmation of One-Third Tax-Free Council
Compensation
THAT Report No. CFS15-015 be received; and
THAT By-law Number 5253-10 (Attachment #1) be deemed to have been
reviewed and confirmed to continue the one-third tax-free “deemed
expenses” portion of the remuneration of members of Council.
(9) PL15-027 – Application for Exemption from Part Lot Control, Mattamy
Aurora (Aurora) Limited, Blocks 100, 102, 104, 106, 109,
111, and 112, Plan 65M-4423, File No.: PLC-2015-01
THAT Report No. PL15-027 be received; and
THAT Council approve the Application for Exemption from Part Lot Control
submitted by Mattamy (Aurora) Limited to divide Blocks 100, 102, 104, 106,
109, 111 and 112 on Plan 65M-4423 into 36 separate lots for townhouse
units; and
THAT the necessary Part Lot Control Exemption By-law, as referred to in
Report No. PL15-027, be enacted at the next available Council meeting.
(11) CFS15-016 – 2015 Central York Fire Services Budget for Aurora
Comment
THAT Report No. CFS15-016 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 7 of 14
THAT Council provide its comments by way of resolution(s) to be conveyed
to Newmarket Council for consideration during their final budget reviews and
approvals in respect of the 2015 budget for Central York Fire Services.
2. Memorandum from Director of Building & Bylaw Services
Re: Request for Exemption to Noise By-law for Taste of Gratitude Event on
June 18, 2015
THAT the memorandum regarding Request for Exemption to Noise By-law for
Taste of Gratitude Event on June 18, 2015, be received; and
THAT an exemption to Noise By-law Number 4787-06.P for the Taste of
Gratitude Event to be held on June 18, 2015, be approved.
5. Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
March 3, 2015
THAT the Central York Fire Services – Joint Council meeting minutes of March 3,
2015 be received for information.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
None
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 7, 2015
(1) PR15-006 – Aurora King Baseball Association Request for Waiving of User
Fees
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT Report No. PR15-006 be received; and
THAT the user fees payable by the Aurora King Baseball Association (AKBA) for
the use of the Stewart Burnett Park Baseball Diamond during the 2015 playing
season be partially reduced in consideration of the Town and the AKBA entering
into a Facility Maintenance Agreement on terms acceptable to the Town Solicitor
and the Director of Parks and Recreation Services; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements required
to give effect to same.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 8 of 14
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 7, 2015
(5) IES15-027 – Speed Cushions on Roads Prone to Speeders
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT Report No. IES15-027 be received for information.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 7, 2015
(10) CAO15-005 – Town of Aurora Strategic Plan (2015) Update
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT Report No. CAO15-005 be referred back to staff and staff be directed to
come forward with a report card on the implementation of the Strategic Plan in its
current form prior to consideration of any update.
CARRIED
3. Memorandum from Councillor Pirri
Re: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Report to Council, Summary of
the Meeting of the Board of Directors, March 4-7, 2015
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the memorandum regarding Federation of Canadian Municipalities Report
to Council, Summary of the Meeting of the Board of Directors, March 4-7, 2015,
be received for information.
CARRIED
4. Memorandum from Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Recommendations from April 7, 2015 Joint Council Committee
Meeting
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the memorandum regarding Recommendations from April 7, 2015 Joint
Council Committee Meeting and the Central York Fire Services – Joint Council
Committee Meeting minutes of April 7, 2015 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 9 of 14
THAT Council approve the following recommendations from the April 7, 2015
Joint Council Committee Meeting:
THAT Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee recommend to
both Councils approval of the 2014 Fire Department Master Plan Update;
and
THAT Joint Council Committee make a recommendation to the Councils of
the two municipalities to proceed with a land securement, subject to a report
for final approval in 2015 for the construction of a new fire facility to include
Administration, Training, and Suppression Crew, and provide for possible
inclusion of Fire Prevention Division; and
THAT Development Charges funds to an upset limit of $25,000 be approved
to hire, by RFP, an architectural consultant to assist in the land securement
and, upon approval of land purchase and approval of further funding, to
undertake the facility design.
CARRIED
On a motion of Councillor Mrakas seconded by Councillor Kim, Council consented, on a
two-thirds motion, to waive the requirements of section 3.13 of the Procedural By-law to
allow Item 10 “(i) Notice of Motion (b) Training and Development Budget” to be moved
forward for consideration.
On a motion of Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Mrakas, Council consented, on a
two-thirds motion, to waive the requirements of section 3.13 of the Procedural By-law to
allow Item 10 “(i) Notice of Motion (a) Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of
Directors” to be moved forward for consideration.
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors
This motion was considered under “(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been
Given” as Motion (a).
(b) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Training and Development Budget
This motion was considered under “(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been
Given” as Motion (b) prior to consideration of Motion (a).
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 10 of 14
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors
Moved by Mayor Dawe
Seconded by Councillor Thom
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 78th Annual Conference and Trade Show will take place
June 5 – June 8 2015, 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 re-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 for the FCM Board of Directors term.
CARRIED
(b) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Training and Development Budget
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
WHEREAS the General Committee of March 23, 2015 recommended that
the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by reducing the “Training &
Development” budget by $100,000; and
WHEREAS by reducing the Training and Development budget from
$196,000 to $96,000, as recommended by General Committee, it would
have the effect of reducing the Aurora portion of the proposed tax levy
without affecting service levels of Aurora taxpayers; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 11 of 14
WHEREAS in response to said General Committee recommendation it was
noted that there may be negative implications of the proposed reduction of
the “Training and Development” budget; and
WHEREAS as a consequence, General Committee directed staff to provide
information on or a report to Council on potential implications of the
proposed $100,000 reduction ($196,000 to $96,000) of the “Training and
Development” budget; and
WHEREAS a memorandum from the CAO dated March 30, 2015 was
provided to Council as said response wherein it was indicated that, “…the
proposed reduction of $100,000 would severely limit the Town’s ability to
offer training and development opportunities beyond the mandatory training
level.”; and
WHEREAS the memorandum from the CAO dated March 30, 2015 did not
provide specific metrics, data, and/or relevant information that speak to the
potential implications of the proposed reduction in the Training and
Development budget; and
WHEREAS in order that Council may make an informed decision as it
speaks to the proposed reduction of the “Training and Development budget”
specific metrics, data, and/or relevant information that speak to the potential
implications of the proposed reduction in the Training and Development
budget are necessary.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff provide a
report, for Council consideration at the next Budget meeting, that includes
the following information: for the year 2014, an itemized list of all
conferences and/or training and/or development courses attended by all
members of staff, the cost of each conference and/or training and/or
development course attended and the KT (Knowledge Transfer) provided
and/or certifications achieved as a result of attendance at same.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the main motion be amended by deleting the following words from
the operative clause: “and the KT (Knowledge Transfer) provided and/or
certifications achieved as a result of attendance at same”.
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 12 of 14
WHEREAS the General Committee of March 23, 2015 recommended that
the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by reducing the “Training &
Development” budget by $100,000; and
WHEREAS by reducing the Training and Development budget from
$196,000 to $96,000, as recommended by General Committee, it would
have the effect of reducing the Aurora portion of the proposed tax levy
without affecting service levels of Aurora taxpayers; and
WHEREAS in response to said General Committee recommendation it was
noted that there may be negative implications of the proposed reduction of
the “Training and Development” budget; and
WHEREAS as a consequence, General Committee directed staff to provide
information on or a report to Council on potential implications of the
proposed $100,000 reduction ($196,000 to $96,000) of the “Training and
Development” budget; and
WHEREAS a memorandum from the CAO dated March 30th, 2015 was
provided to Council as said response wherein it was indicated that, “…the
proposed reduction of $100,000 would severely limit the Town’s ability to
offer training and development opportunities beyond the mandatory training
level.”; and
WHEREAS the memorandum from the CAO dated March 30th, 2015 did
not provide specific metrics, data, and/or relevant information that speak to
the potential implications of the proposed reduction in the Training and
Development budget; and
WHEREAS in order that Council may make an informed decision as it
speaks to the proposed reduction of the “Training and Development budget”
specific metrics, data, and/or relevant information that speak to the potential
implications of the proposed reduction in the Training and Development
budget are necessary;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff provide a
report, for Council consideration at the next Budget meeting, that includes
the following information: for the year 2014, an itemized list of all
conferences and/or training and/or development courses attended by all
members of staff, the cost of each conference and/or training and/or
development course attended.
On a recorded vote the main motion
CARRIED AS AMENDED
YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes,
Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, and Thompson
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Thom and Mayor Dawe
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 13 of 14
11. REGIONAL REPORT
None
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Pirri expressed interest in receiving a report from the Director of Corporate
and Financial Services/Treasurer regarding an overview of the benefits of the new
Human Resources information system.
Mayor Dawe announced that Councillors Abel, Humfryes, and Thompson have been
appointed as the Council representatives to participate on an AFLC liaison committee.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the following by-laws be given first, second, and third readings and enacted:
5704-15 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Blocks 100, 102, 104, 106, 109, 111 and
112 on Plan 65M-4423 from Part-Lot Control (Mattamy (Aurora) Limited).
5707-15 BEING A BY-LAW to appoint Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers and
Property Standards Officers for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5715-15 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council
Meeting on April 14, 2015.
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Page 14 of 14
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
CARRIED
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2015 RECEIVED FINAL
APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON APRIL 28, 2015.