MINUTES - Council - 20151013
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner,
Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Thom
OTHER ATTENDEES Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Acting 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,
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 Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
additions, be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 2 of 14
Presentation (c) Luis Rodrigues, Resident; Re: Town of Aurora L.E.D. Street
Lighting Program
Presentation (d) Warren Mar, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Town
Solicitor; Re: L.E.D. Street Lighting Procurement Information
Presentation (e) Scott Vokey, Manager of Energy Services, Local Authority
Services (LAS); Re: L.E.D. Street Lighting Procurement Information
CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of September 29, 2015
Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minute of September 30, 2015
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the Council meeting minutes of September 29, 2015, and the Special Council –
Public Planning meeting minutes of September 30, 2015, be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Tim Jones and Erin Cerenzia, representing Neighbourhood Network
Re: Neighbourhood Network Update
Mr. Jones and Ms. Cerenzia presented an update on the community activities of
Neighbourhood Network including a brief history, their mission and vision, the
promotion of Town and partner events, opportunity metrics and reporting, and
volunteer opportunities. They noted that the agency is supported by almost 8,000
volunteers and more than 300 partners, and highlighted aspects of their new
website and programs including the Fall Food Drive, Winter Snow Removal,
Holiday Gift Drive, Spring Tree Planting, and the Give Back Awards.
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the presentation by Tim Jones and Erin Cerenzia be received for
information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 3 of 14
(b) Anthony Ierullo, Acting Manager of Corporate Communications
Re: Town of Aurora School Safety Lawn Sign Program
Mr. Ierullo provided a brief overview of the Town of Aurora School Safety Lawn
Sign Program, which is to be launched on Thursday, October 15, 2015. He noted
that the campaign would provide residents with a lawn sign that reminds drivers
to control their speed and be aware of pedestrians, particularly children in school
zones. Mr. Ierullo noted that the lawn signs would be distributed from Access
Aurora at Town Hall, and invited Council members and residents to spread the
word and encourage participation in the Program.
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the presentation by Anthony Ierullo be received for information.
CARRIED
(c) Luis Rodrigues, Resident
Re: Town of Aurora L.E.D. Street Lighting Program
(Added Item)
Mr. Rodrigues expressed concerns regarding the procurement process and
selection of supplier for the Town’s L.E.D. Street Lighting program. He also
commended Town staff and Council for moving this initiative forward.
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the presentation by Luis Rodrigues be received for information.
CARRIED
(d) Warren Mar, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor
Re: L.E.D. Street Lighting Procurement Information
(Added Item)
Mr. Mar provided background information and confirmed to Council that the
Town’s procurement process was followed in this matter. He noted that the
Town’s Procurement By-law permits the Town to piggyback on the results of the
competitive procurement process of another government agency or public
authority such as Local Authority Services (LAS). Mr. Mar stated that LAS has
been very clear and transparent with their processes and the services that they
have provided to other municipalities, who have taken advantage of their
expertise, across Ontario.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 4 of 14
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the presentation by Warren Mar be received for information.
CARRIED
(e) Scott Vokey, Manager of Energy Services, Local Authority Services (LAS)
Re: L.E.D. Street Lighting Procurement Information
(Added Item)
Mr. Vokey provided an overview of the LAS L.E.D. Streetlight Service including
the background, rationale, supply and service procurement processes, and
evaluation criteria.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the presentation by Scott Vokey be received for information.
CARRIED
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Gaertner announced that Aurora’s Haunted Forest would be taking place on
Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sheppard’s Bush.
Councillor Thompson announced that the annual kick-off event in celebration of
Ontario Public Library Week would be held on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at the
Aurora Public Library from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Councillor Abel announced that Neighbourhood Network would be running their Fall
Food Drive at six stores in Aurora on Saturday, October 24, 2015, to help support local
food banks between the holiday seasons.
Councillor Abel commented on the Dancing with Easter Seals Stars event held on
October 1, 2015, and stated that Councillor Humfryes and the other participants were
phenomenal.
Councillor Humfryes noted that this was the inaugural event for the Dancing with
Easter Seals Stars – Newmarket/Aurora group, which raised more than $29,000. She
expressed thanks to everyone for their support, which helped her to raise almost
$2,500.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 5 of 14
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder about the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan
Fair, which continues to operate on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 31,
2015.
Councillor Humfryes noted her attendance at the Colours of Fall Concert at Town Park
on October 8, 2015, and extended her appreciation to the Parks and Recreation
Services team for a great job, activities, and entertainment.
Councillor Kim extended a reminder about the 2016 Budget process underway and
encouraged public participation by attending the Budget meetings or by completing the
online Citizen Budget Survey.
Mayor Dawe advised that $5 wristbands for the Haunted Forest event must be
purchased in advance and are available at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex,
Aurora Family Leisure Complex, and Town Hall. He noted that further information is
available at www.aurora.ca/hauntedforest and that road closures would be in effect
around the Sheppard’s Bush area.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Electronic Waste and Textile Recycling Event would
be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Aurora
Operations Yard at 9 Scanlon Court.
Mayor Dawe announced that a walking tour of Aurora’s Cultural Precinct would be held
on Sunday, October 25, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and more information is available
on the Town’s website.
Mayor Dawe advised that “Stretching 101”, part of the Club Aurora Seminar Series,
would be held at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex on Monday, October 19, 2015,
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the cost for non-members is $5.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Town is seeking community feedback on youth-
directed, play-based activities through an online survey geared toward youth between
the ages of 13 to 19 to assess the recreational needs of Aurora’s youth, and noted that
more information is available on the Town’s website.
Mayor Dawe announced that Building Services is offering extended hours for permits,
by appointment, on Thursday, October 22, 2015.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Lorraine Klaasen Group in Concert would be held at
the Aurora Cultural Centre on Friday, October 23, 2015, at 8 p.m., and tickets are
available at the Centre.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that residents who complete the online Citizen
Budget Survey would be eligible to win a $250 Cineplex gift card.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 6 of 14
Mayor Dawe announced that the 2015 Aurora Prayer Breakfast would be held at 7
a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (sub-item 4) and 3 were identified as items for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-item 4), 2, 4, 5, and 6 were identified as items not
requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
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 October 6, 2015
THAT the General Committee meeting report of October 6, 2015, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved:
(1) IES15-057 – Winter Maintenance Annual 2014/2015 Performance
Report
THAT Report No. IES15-057 be received for information.
(2) PR15-031 – Placement of Light Armoured Vehicle at the Aurora
Cenotaph
THAT Report No. PR15-031 be received; and
THAT the placement of a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) at the Aurora
Cenotaph Peace Park in 2016 be approved; and
THAT an expenditure, not to exceed $15,000.00, sourced from the Council
Discretionary Reserve Fund, be approved in the 2016 Capital Budget for the
purposes of site preparation and memorial signage that will be required to
accommodate the LAV.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 7 of 14
(3) PL15-074 – Application for Site Plan Amendment, 1525366 Ontario
Ltd., 67 Industrial Parkway North, File Number: SP-2015-05
THAT Report No. PL15-074 be received; and
THAT Site Plan Application File SP-2015-05 (1525366 Ontario Ltd.) be
approved to permit the development of the subject lands for the construction
of a 334 m2 GFA addition onto the existing building and a new 156 m2
storage building; 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.
(5) Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Municipal Council Support Resolution (Blanket) – Notice to
Proceed
THAT the memorandum regarding Municipal Council Support Resolution
(Blanket) – Notice to Proceed be received; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the form
attached to this memorandum.
(6) Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 10, 2015
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 10, 2015, be received for information.
(7) Community Recognition Review Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes
of September 15, 2015
THAT the Community Recognition Review Ad Hoc Committee meeting
minutes of September 15, 2015, be received for information.
(8) Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 17, 2015
THAT the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 17, 2015, be received for information.
2. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Timing of Council Approval re Capital Budget Items
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 8 of 14
THAT the memorandum regarding Timing of Council Approval re Capital Budget
Items be received for information.
4. Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Aurora Business Ambassadors Program Request
THAT the memorandum regarding Aurora Business Ambassadors Program
Request be received for information.
5. Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Additional Public Planning Meeting Date for November 30, 2015
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Public Planning Meeting Date for
November 30, 2015, be received; and
THAT the additional Public Planning meeting be scheduled for Monday,
November 30, 2015, to deal with future planning applications.
6. Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Highlights – September
25, 2015 – Meeting of the Board
THAT the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Highlights – September 25, 2015 – Meeting of the Board be received for
information.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
(a) Jill Foster, CEO, Aurora Public Library
Re: Motion for Which Notice Has Been Given (b); Re: Fair Pricing of e-
books for Public Libraries
On a motion of Councillor Thompson seconded by Councillor Humfryes, Council consented
on a two-thirds vote to waive the requirements of subsection 3.8(c) of the Procedural By-law
to permit the delegation of Jill Foster to speak for an additional five minutes.
Ms. Foster expressed, on behalf of the Aurora Public Library, her support of
Councillor Thompson’s motion regarding the need to push for fair pricing of e-
books for public libraries. She provided background information and noted that
this is a national issue and every public library in Canada is affected, as well as
authors and publishers. Ms. Foster requested that people visit
fairpricingforlibraries.org to learn about this issue and share the information
with communities and elected officials at all levels.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 9 of 14
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the comments of Ms. Foster be received and referred to Motion for Which
Notice Has Been Given (b).
CARRIED
(b) Bob McRoberts, Resident
Re: Motion for Which Notice Has Been Given (a); Re: Design Review Panel
On a motion of Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Humfryes, Council consented on a
two-thirds vote to waive the requirements of subsection 3.8(c) of the Procedural By-law to
permit the delegation of Bob McRoberts to speak for an additional five minutes.
Mr. McRoberts provided examples of why he is in support of Councillor Mrakas’
motion to establish a Design Review Panel to assist and provide advice toward
the preservation of local heritage neighbourhoods and heritage streetscapes.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the comments of Mr. McRoberts be received and referred to Motion for
Which Notice Has Been Given (a).
CARRIED
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of October 6, 2015
(4) LLS15-058 – Municipal Legislation Review – Town Submission
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT Report No. LLS15-058 be received; and
THAT the submission letter attached to Report No. LLS15-058 is hereby
endorsed as the Town’s formal submission regarding the Province of Ontario’s
Municipal Legislation Review; and
THAT the submission letter attached to Report No. LLS15-058 be sent to the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Municipal Legislation Review group)
and directly to Minister Ted McMeekin.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 10 of 14
3. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Updated Budget Meeting Schedule
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the memorandum regarding Updated Budget Meeting Schedule be
received; and
THAT the official meeting schedule of Council be updated to reflect the revised
schedule as presented herein.
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
On a motion of Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Thompson, Council consented to
consider Item 10.(ii) “Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given” prior to consideration of
Item 9 “Consideration of Items Requiring Separate Discussion.”
(a) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Design Review Panel
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS a Design Review Panel (“DRP”) is an independent body that
provides an objective expert professional view; and
WHEREAS Heritage is of the upmost importance to the community; and
WHEREAS a DRP advises Council in preserving the uniqueness of
properties and the compatibility of any new development to its surroundings;
and
WHEREAS the DRP advice is based on professional judgment,
understanding of good design principles, conformance with the Town’s
Official Plan and other related documents (design guidelines, secondary
plans, etc.);
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 11 of 14
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a Design Review
Panel be established for the Town to focus on providing advice on:
1. the Promenade area;
2. any properties within the Heritage Resources Area; and
3. any designated or listed properties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to develop Terms of
Reference for the Design Review Panel, including proposed qualifications
for the Design Review Panel Members, for Council approval.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(b) Councillor Thompson
Re: Fair Pricing of e-books for Public Libraries
Council consented to consider Motion for Which Notice Has Been Given (b) prior to
consideration of Motion for Which Notice Has Been Given (a).
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
WHEREAS public libraries provide residents with a community space where
they can freely access a wide variety of information in both print and digital
format; and
WHEREAS municipal governments are key funders of public libraries,
appoint public library boards and work in partnership with public library
boards to deliver library services that are responsive to community needs;
and
WHEREAS electronic books (e-books) are becoming an increasingly
preferred medium for library users to access content and information; and
WHEREAS major multi-national publishers are charging public libraries
significantly higher costs to purchase e-books for their collections than they
charge consumers; and
WHEREAS imposing unreasonably high costs on public libraries to
purchase e-books is not an appropriate solution to the publishing industry’s
concerns regarding the evolution of digital technology, including piracy;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora
requests that the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport work with the
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 12 of 14
federal and the other provincial and territorial governments to find a solution
that will allow public libraries to purchase e-books from publishers at a fair
and reasonable price; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and all municipalities within York Region.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the second operative clause of the main motion be amended by
directing that a copy of the resolution also be sent to the Accessibility
Directorate of Ontario.
Amendment No. 1 CARRIED
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the second operative clause of the main motion be further
amended by including a request that FCM endorse the resolution, and
that a copy of the resolution also be sent to all other provincial and
territorial associations across Canada.
Amendment No. 2 CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
WHEREAS public libraries provide residents with a community space where
they can freely access a wide variety of information in both print and digital
format; and
WHEREAS municipal governments are key funders of public libraries,
appoint public library boards and work in partnership with public library
boards to deliver library services that are responsive to community needs;
and
WHEREAS electronic books (e-books) are becoming an increasingly
preferred medium for library users to access content and information; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 13 of 14
WHEREAS major multi-national publishers are charging public libraries
significantly higher costs to purchase e-books for their collections than they
charge consumers; and
WHEREAS imposing unreasonably high costs on public libraries to
purchase e-books is not an appropriate solution to the publishing industry’s
concerns regarding the evolution of digital technology, including piracy;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Town of
Aurora requests that the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport work with
the federal and the other provincial and territorial governments to find a
solution that will allow public libraries to purchase e-books from publishers at
a fair and reasonable price; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) requesting its endorsement
of the resolution, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), all
other provincial and territorial associations across Canada, the
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, and all municipalities within York
Region.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED
11. REGIONAL REPORT
None
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Gaertner noted that a public planting ceremony to celebrate the 70th
anniversary Dutch-Canadian Friendship Tulip Garden would take place at the Aurora
Cenotaph on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 10 a.m.
Councillor Thompson noted that Local Authority Services (LAS) already has a
relationship with Aurora, as LAS serves as the Town’s Closed Session meeting
investigator.
Councillor Kim inquired about the completion date for the construction on Wellington
Street East at Highway 404. Staff indicated that they would check with the Region and
advise on the schedule.
Councillor Humfryes expressed further appreciation to staff for completing the sidewalk
on Golf Links Drive at Highland Green as residents have continued to provide positive
feedback.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Page 14 of 14
Councillor Mrakas inquired about whether there was an opportunity to look at snow
routes and the direction of plowing in relation to driveway windrows. Staff indicated
that the snow routes are reviewed each year, and requested that any specific concerns
be forwarded to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services department or to the
attention of the Director.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5771-15 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council
Meeting on October 13, 2015.
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
None
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:51 p.m.
CARRIED
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR PATTY THOMA, DEPUTY CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2015, RECEIVED FINAL
APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 27, 2015.