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MINUTES - Council - 20170228 Town of Aurora Council Meeting Minutes Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Attendance Council Members Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson Members Absent None Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services, Dan Elliott, Director of Financial Services, Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Building Services, Al Downey, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Jim Tree, Manager of Parks, Stephanie Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications, Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Samantha Yew, Deputy Clerk, and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The Chair relinquished the Chair to the Deputy Mayor at 10:30 p.m. during consideration of Motions (c) and (d), and resumed the Chair at 10:47 p.m. On a motion of Councillor Humfryes seconded by Councillor Thom the meeting was recessed at 8:57 p.m.; on a motion of Councillor Thompson seconded by Councillor Humfryes the meeting was reconvened at 9:09 p.m. On a motion of Councillor Thompson seconded by Councillor Gaertner, Council consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m. On a motion of Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Thompson, Council consented on a two-thirds vote to extend the hour to 11:15 p.m. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 2 of 18 1. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved. Carried 2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. 3. Presentations (a) David Heard, The Canadian Dance Party Committee Re: The Canadian Dance Party for Canada’s 150th Birthday Mr. Heard presented plans for The Canadian Dance Party for Canada’s 150th Birthday to be held on July 22, 2017, at the Aurora Community Centre, and featuring music on vinyl from the “The Great Canadian Songbook.” Mr. Heard noted that this accessible family event will also feature art displays, free public skating, food trucks, and a car show, and proceeds will be donated to Kerry’s Place Autism Services. He requested the Town’s partnership through for the provision of the venue, insurance, and departmental support. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Humfryes That the presentation be received for information. Carried (b) Gareth Sturrup, Pickering College and 102.7 CHOP FM Re: 102.7 CHOP FM Pickering College students presented background on the College and 102.7 CHOP FM, a CRTC-licensed, non-profit, campus and community radio station serving Aurora and Newmarket. The students provided an overview of the goals and activities of the radio station, and invited the Town to partner with Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 3 of 18 the station toward connecting with constituents, promoting events, and empowering groups and organizations. Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Kim That the presentation be received and referred to Communications staff. Carried 4. Delegations (a) Klaus Wehrenberg, Resident Re: Item C1(R4) IES17-008 – Metrolinx Barrie Corridor Expansion Project Mr. Wehrenberg spoke in support of the staff report, but also suggested that a stronger message be conveyed to Metrolinx regarding the Town’s priorities respecting trail linkages, non-vehicular traffic, and grade-separated foot and bicycle trail crossings. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Humfryes That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item C1(R4). Carried 5. Consent Agenda Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Thom That the following Consent Agenda Items, C1 to C4 inclusive, be approved: C1. General Committee Meeting Report of February 21, 2017 1. That the General Committee meeting report of February 21, 2017, be received and the following recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-items R1, R4, and R5, which Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 4 of 18 were pulled for discussion under Section 6, Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) as Item R2. (C1) Memorandum from Mayor Dawe Re: Correspondence from Mayor Régis Labeaume, Québec City 1. That the memorandum regarding Correspondence from Mayor Régis Labeaume, Québec City, be received for information. (R2) IES17-006 – Permission to Enter Private Property Agreement to Replace Culvert 1. That Report No. IES17-006 be received; and 2. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreements to facilitate the culvert replacement as part of the Brookland Avenue reconstruction project, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements required to give effect to same. (R3) IES17-007 – Award of Tender IES 2017-07 – Replacement of Seven Zero Turn Mowers 1. That Report No. IES17-007 be received; and 2. That Capital Budget for Projects 71093, 71094, 71095, 71096, 71101, 71102 be combined with Project No. 71105 and the total budget be increased by $7,100.00 funded from the Fleet Repair and Replacement (R&R) reserve; and 3. That Tender No. IES 2017-07 for the supply and delivery of seven (7) new 60” Zero Turn mowers be awarded to B.E. Larkin Equipment Ltd. in the amount of $110,103.00 excluding taxes; and 4. 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. (R6) PRCS17-004 – Redesign of Stewart Burnett Park and Sheppard’s Bush Artificial Turf Field Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 5 of 18 1. That Report No. PRCS17-004 be received; and 2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for Capital Project No. 73223 and that staff be authorized to proceed with Sheppard’s Bush Turf; and 3. That the substitution of Stewart Burnett Park Multi-Purpose field for a full-size regulation soccer field and, subject to the approval of the Ontario Heritage Trust, conversion of the Sheppard’s Bush Soccer field to a Multi-Purpose Sports field, be authorized; and 4. That the remaining funds of $686,800 be reallocated from Capital Project No. 73161 – Stewart Burnett Park Multi-Purpose Sports field to Capital Project No. 73223 – Sheppard’s Bush Turf Replacement and direct staff to commence with the detailed design and Tendering process for the Sheppard’s Bush Multi-Purpose Sports field; and 5. That, subject to approval of the Tender for Sheppard’s Bush Multi- Purpose Sports field, the project proceed in the spring of 2018. C2. Council Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2017 1. That the Council meeting minutes of February 14, 2017, be adopted as printed and circulated. C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of February 14, 2017 1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of February 14, 2017, be adopted as printed and circulated. C4. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of February 14, 2017 1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of February 14, 2017, be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 6 of 18 6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) Items were discussed in the following order: R2 (sub-items R1, R4, and R5), C5, C6, and R1. Items R5 and C5 were considered together. C5. Memorandum from Director of Planning and Building Services Re: Additional Information to Item R5 – PBS17-005, February 21, 2017 General Committee Meeting, Application for Site Plan Approval, Shimvest Investments Ltd., Block 161, Registered Plan 65M-4485, File Number: SP-2016-05, Related File Numbers: SUB-2012-02, ZBA- 2012-02 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item R5 – PBS17-005, February 21, 2017 General Committee Meeting, Application for Site Plan Approval, Shimvest Investments Ltd., be received for information. Carried C6. Memorandum from Mayor Dawe Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 27, 2017 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Thom 1. That Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 27, 2017, be received for information. Carried R1. Correspondence from the Town of Georgina Re: Resolution No. C-2017-0101 regarding Report No. AD-2017-0007 entitled ‘2017-2020 Property Tax Ratios’ Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 7 of 18 1. That the Correspondence from the Town of Georgina regarding Resolution No. C-2017-0101 regarding Report No. AD-2017-0007 entitled ‘2017-2020 Property Tax Ratios’ be received. Carried R2. General Committee Meeting Report of February 21, 2017 The following sub-items were pulled from Item C1 of the Consent Agenda for discussion: (R1) FS17-004 – Canada 150 Celebrations Grant and Budget Confirmation Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Pirri 1. That Report No. FS17-004 be received; and 2. That the Canada 150 Park Naming and Water Feature be removed from Capital Project No. 74012 and incorporated into the discussions regarding the development of Library Square; and 3. That Report No. FS17-004 satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for Capital Project No. 74012 – Canada 150 Celebrations, and that staff be authorized to proceed with the project at the reduced budget of $62,000. Carried (R4) IES17-008 – Metrolinx Barrie Corridor Expansion Project Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes 1. That Report No. IES17-008 be received; and 2. That Council’s comments and the staff comments as outlined in this report be endorsed; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 8 of 18 3. That the Town Clerk be directed to forward this report to Metrolinx as the Town’s comments to the Draft Environmental Project Report for the GO Rail Network Electrification Project. Carried (R5) PBS17-005 – Application for Site Plan Approval, Shimvest Investments Ltd., Block 161, Registered Plan 65M-4485, File Number: SP-2016-05, Related File Numbers: SUB-2012-02, SPA- 2012-02 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That Report No. PBS17-005 be received; and 2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2016-05 (Shimvest Investments Ltd.) to permit the development of the subject lands for nine (9) townhouse and two (2) semi-detached dwelling units be approved; and 3. That a total of eleven (11) units of sewage capacity be allocated to the subject lands; and 4. 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. Carried 7. Notices of Motion None 8. Motions (a) Councillor Abel Re: Downtown Revitalization Plan Motion (a) was carried forward from the Council meeting of February 14, 2017, as unfinished business for further consideration. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 9 of 18 Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Mrakas The question was called. Defeated Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gaertner Whereas the Town of Aurora has declared the old Library and the old Fire Hall, both on Victoria Street, as surplus properties; and Whereas these two properties are known as “Library Square”; and Whereas the development of Library Square is documented in the Aurora Promenade Study and the Cultural Master Plan as a recommended action to be undertaken; and Whereas, there are four overarching plans and studies, namely the Aurora Promenade Study, the Cultural Master Plan, the Strategic Plan, and the Community Tourism Plan, which all speak to the revitalization of the downtown core; and Whereas these plans and studies provide guidelines and recommendations on provisions to develop a Downtown Revitalization Plan, through engagement, collaboration, and communication; and Whereas many business, cultural, and community partners have expressed the need for the revitalization of the downtown core; and Whereas residents and Members of Council of past and present have expressed the need to revitalize the downtown core; and Whereas the Town of Aurora has recently resolved that a new Office of Economic Development be formed, with terms of reference to form a Board; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council endorse the concept of the development of a Downtown Revitalization Plan; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 10 of 18 2. Be It Further Resolved That the new Office of Economic Development be tasked to deliver a draft Downtown Revitalization Plan, in collaboration with the newly-formed Board, as one of the tasks going forward. On a motion of Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Mrakas, Council consented on a two-thirds vote to waive the requirements of the Procedure By-law to permit Councillor Pirri to speak further to the motion. On a recorded vote the first clause of the motion Carried Yeas: 5 Nays: 4 Voting Yeas: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes, Thom, and Mayor Dawe Voting Nays: Councillors Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, and Thompson On a recorded vote the second clause of the motion was Defeated Yeas: 4 Nays: 5 Voting Yeas: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes, and Thom Voting Nays: Councillors Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe (b) Councillor Mrakas Re: Property Tax Vacancy Rebates Main motion Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Humfryes Whereas the province of Ontario mandates under Section 364 of the Municipal Act, that every local municipality shall have a program to provide property tax rebates in respect to vacant portions of buildings that are in the commercial or industrial classes; and Whereas the 2016 Provincial Budget announced a legislative framework to facilitate increased municipal flexibility with providing municipalities broad Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 11 of 18 flexibility for 2017 and future years to tailor the vacant unit tax rebate to reflect community needs and circumstances; and Whereas this vacant unit tax rebate may encourage some property owners to keep commercial and industrial buildings empty; and Whereas unoccupied retail is not good for the overall health of the municipality; and Whereas boarded-up stores impact on the ability to revitalize main streets; and Whereas the repeal of the vacant unit tax rebate will contribute to the healthy development of the downtown core; and Whereas the repeal of the vacant unit tax rebate would support the varied efforts of the Town in bringing renewal to our downtown promenade and makes financial sense for the Town; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora seek to repeal the vacant unit tax rebate effective for the tax year 2017; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Honourable Minister of Finance to request the necessary regulatory authority using the flexibility provided in the legislative framework to repeal the vacancy tax rebate; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Council of The Regional Municipality of York and all area municipalities to advise of Council’s interest in seeking abolishment of the vacant unit rebates provisions. Amendment Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Thom 1. That the first clause of the main motion be amended by removing the words “effective for the tax year 2017”; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 12 of 18 2. That the main motion be further amended by adding the following clause: “Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to report back to Council after the matter of the vacant unit tax rebate has been addressed by the Region.” On a separate vote for each clause the amendment Carried Main motion as amended Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Humfryes 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora seek to repeal the vacant unit tax rebate; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to report back to Council after the matter of the vacant unit tax rebate has been addressed by the Region; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Honourable Minister of Finance to request the necessary regulatory authority using the flexibility provided in the legislative framework to repeal the vacancy tax rebate; and 4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Council of The Regional Municipality of York and all area municipalities to advise of Council’s interest in seeking abolishment of the vacant unit rebates provisions. On a recorded vote the main motion as amended Carried Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Voting Yeas: Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe Voting Nays: None (c) Mayor Dawe Re: Activate Aurora – Open Streets Event Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 13 of 18 Moved by Mayor Dawe Seconded by Councillor Thom Whereas Activate Aurora is an Ontario Trillium Foundation-funded, three-year, cross-sectorial program designed by Sport Aurora with the guidance of the Canadian Sport for Life Society; and Whereas the goal of this program is to make Aurora ‘Canada’s Most Active Community’ through education awareness, capacity building and sustainable programming activities; and Whereas some of the programs and activities held to date include walk-to- school events; play-day events, daily physical activity curriculum and delivery in local schools, Seniors’ Active Living Fair and continuing older adult engagement as well as the York Region Physical Literacy Summit; and Whereas the Activate Aurora Team includes representatives from the York Region District School Board, York Catholic School Board, Seneca College, Municipal Recreation Staff, Healthy Kids Community Challenge, York Region Public Health, Southlake Regional Health Centre, and the Aurora Seniors Association; and Whereas this “first-ever” cross and multi-sectorial approach will help engage and educate citizens of all ages in Aurora about the importance of incorporating daily physical activity and the benefits to their overall physical and mental well-being; and Whereas ‘Open Streets’ is a globally successful initiative that temporarily closes local streets to automobile traffic so that people can use them for walking, cycling, playing or socializing; and Whereas Activate Aurora is interested in hosting an Open Streets Event on Sunday, June 4, 2017, in conjunction with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce during their Annual Street Sale; and Whereas local streets in the vicinity of Town Park would be closed to vehicular traffic; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 14 of 18 Whereas different interactive physical activities would be hosted by Activate Aurora in Town Park for our citizens to engage in; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council endorse this initiative by resolution; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff be requested to support the proposed activities at Town Park and affected streets within existing Operating Budgets. Carried (d) Mayor Dawe Re: Amendment to Procedure By-law Number 5920-16 Main motion Moved by Mayor Dawe Seconded by Councillor Mrakas Whereas the Town of Aurora Procedure By-law Number 5920-16, Section 39.b), Adjournment, requires an amendment; and Whereas in its current form this particular section of the By-law states “If Council or General Committee is still in session at 11 p.m., it shall be adjourned unless all Members present concur in the extension of the Meeting.”; and Whereas if for whatever reason a Council member must leave the meeting that is in session by 11 p.m., the current By-law, as it stands, does not permit the extension; and Whereas this may negatively impact moving the business of the Town forward for the benefit of our community; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council amend By-law Number 5920-16, Section 39.b), Adjournment, to read “If Council or General Committee is still in session at 11 p.m., it shall be adjourned unless two-thirds of the Members present enact a resolution to extend the Meeting.” Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 15 of 18 Motion to defer Moved by Mayor Dawe Seconded by Councillor Pirri That Motion (d) Mayor Dawe, Re: Amendment to Procedure By-law Number 5920-16, be deferred to the first meeting cycle in June 2017. Motion to defer Defeated Main motion Carried 9. Regional Report York Regional Council Highlights – January 26, 2017, and February 16, 2017 Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the Regional Reports of January 26, 2017, and February 16, 2017, be received for information. Carried 10. New Business Councillor Mrakas advised that, in an effort to direct unnecessary traffic from the downtown area, the Town has installed new directional signage on southbound Yonge Street toward St. John’s Sideroad indicating the directions to Highway 404, the GO Transit station, and Highway 400. He noted that GO Transit has installed signs indicating Industrial Parkway North as an access to the GO Transit station. New Business Motion No. 1 Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the requirements of section 39(b) of the Procedure By-law be waived to permit that a motion to extend the meeting past 11 p.m. would be carried on a two-thirds vote. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 16 of 18 On a two-thirds vote the motion Carried Councillor Gaertner advised that a letter had been received from members of the Aurora Seniors’ Centre regarding the art classes that have been relocated to the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, which is not suitable for their needs. Staff indicated that the matter is being investigated and will be resolved. Councillor Gaertner inquired about an update on the Morris v. Town of Aurora file, and staff indicated that an update would be brought forward in April 2017. Councillor Thompson inquired about the Canadian Tire property on Yonge Street, and staff confirmed that the property is for sale and offers are being accepted until the end of February 2017. Councillor Thompson inquired about the frequent issues and repairs of the Town’s electronic sign at Aurora Heights and Yonge Street. Staff indicated that the matter is being investigated and an update will be provided to Council. Councillor Abel inquired about the Sign By-law revision respecting A-frame signs, and staff provided an overview of the reasons for the change. Councillor Abel inquired about an update on the planned new radio station, and the Mayor indicated that funding was still pending. Councillor Abel inquired about an update on the former hotel property on Yonge Street, and staff indicated that there is continued interest in the property and further information will be provided to Council in the near future. Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that the Big Brothers Big Sisters of York Bowl for Kids Sake fundraising event is being held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Stellar Lanes in Newmarket. Councillor Kim encouraged parents to check out the many activities available during March Break through the Aurora Public Library, Aurora Cultural Centre, and Sport Aurora member camps. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 17 of 18 11. Public Service Announcements Councillor Abel congratulated everyone involved with the Aurora Winter Blues Festival’s successful events of the past weekend at St. Andrew’s College. He noted that funds raised would be donated to CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors) and Blue Door Shelters. Councillor Gaertner extended a reminder that the next collection of textiles will take place on Monday, March 6, 2017, and Councillor Mrakas noted the success of this initiative. Councillor Mrakas announced that Neighbourhood Network is accepting applications until April 6, 2017, for its annual Give Back Awards program, which awards $1,000 to twenty graduating students. He noted that the application is available on the website at www.neighbourhoodnetwork.org. Mayor Dawe announced that open houses are scheduled for Thursday, March 2 and Wednesday, March 8, 2017, to seek input regarding the Multicultural Festival to be hosted by the Town in September 2017. Mayor Dawe announced that wristbands are now on sale for Aurora’s Easter Egg Hunt, which will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017. Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is seeking feedback respecting the Sheppard’s Bush Management Plan Review, and further information is available on their website at www.lsrca.on.ca. Mayor Dawe announced that the sale of 12 Industrial Parkway North to Metrolinx was completed and closed today, and the land will soon be put into use as additional parking space for the GO Transit station. 12. By-laws Moved by Councillor Thom Seconded by Councillor Abel That the following by-law be enacted: Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Page 18 of 18 (a) 5960-17 Being a By-law to appoint Building Inspectors for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora. Carried 13. Closed Session None 14. Confirming By-law Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Pirri That the following confirming by-law be enacted: 5961-17 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from a Council Meeting on February 28, 2017. Carried 15. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Thom Seconded by Councillor Humfryes That the meeting be adjourned at 11:09 p.m. Carried _________________________________ _________________________________ Geoffrey Dawe, Mayor Samantha Yew, Deputy Clerk The minutes of the Council meeting of February 28, 2017, are subject to final approval by Council on March 28, 2017.