MINUTES - Council - 20170509
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, May 9, 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, Stephanie Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of
Corporate Communications, Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor,
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Linda Bottos, Council/Committee
Secretary, and Sarah Murray, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:01 p.m. and reconvene the meeting at
9:11 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, with the following additions,
be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 2 of 16
Delegation (a) Troy Hourie, representing Aurora Village Ratepayers Group; Re:
Item C1(R6) – Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-04,
re Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2017, Item 3 –
HAC17-009 – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
Applications, Aurora United Church, 15186 Yonge Street, 12 and 16 Tyler
Street, 55, 57 and 57A Temperance Street, File: OPA-2016-05, ZBA-2016-13
Delegation (b) Hans Hoyer, representing Aurora Village Ratepayers Group; Re:
Item C1(R6) – Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-04,
re Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2017, Item 3 –
HAC17-009 – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
Applications, Aurora United Church, 15186 Yonge Street, 12 and 16 Tyler
Street, 55, 57 and 57A Temperance Street, File: OPA-2016-05, ZBA-2016-13
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
None
4. Delegations
(a) Troy Hourie, representing Aurora Village Ratepayers Group
Re: Item C1(R6) – Summary of Committee Recommendations Report
No. 2017-04, re Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 10, 2017, Item 3 – HAC17-009 – Official Plan Amendment and
Zoning By-law Amendment Applications, Aurora United Church,
15186 Yonge Street, 12 and 16 Tyler Street, 55, 57 and 57A
Temperance Street, File: OPA-2016-05, ZBA-2016-13
Mr. Hourie spoke in opposition of delisting the heritage buildings on the subject
lands and made requests to Council including consideration of an alternative
to the peer review of the heritage report, amendments to the Heritage Advisory
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 3 of 16
Committee recommendation (c) of Report No. HAC17-009, and a final
Community Cultural Precinct Plan for the development of the entire block
bounded by Yonge, Temperance, Tyler and Wellington Streets. He suggested
that the delisting of the four homes be revisited during review of the final
Official Plan Amendment, and that any decision to demolish the five subject
homes be deferred until the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments
have been approved.
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item C1(R6).
Carried
(b) Hans Hoyer, representing Aurora Village Ratepayers Group
Re: Item C1(R6) – Summary of Committee Recommendations Report
No. 2017-04, re Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 10, 2017, Item 3 – HAC17-009 – Official Plan Amendment and
Zoning By-law Amendment Applications, Aurora United Church,
15186 Yonge Street, 12 and 16 Tyler Street, 55, 57 and 57A
Temperance Street, File: OPA-2016-05, ZBA-2016-13
Mr. Hoyer expressed concerns regarding the zoning issues, the proposed
streetscape on Tyler and Temperance Streets, setbacks and buffering, and the
height and massing of the development. He requested that Council not
approve this project and that the decision to delist the residential properties be
deferred until all approvals for the project have been given.
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item C1(R6).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Council consented to consider Item C1(sub-items R6 and R7) under Section 6,
Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) as Item R1.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 4 of 16
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 (with the exception of sub-items R6
and R7) to C4 inclusive, be approved:
C1. General Committee Meeting Report of May 2, 2017
1. That the General Committee meeting report of May 2, 2017, be received
and the following recommendations carried by the Committee approved:
(C1) IES17-022 – Drinking Water Quality Management Standard –
Management Review
1. That Report No. IES17-022 be received; and
2. That the meeting minutes of the Annual Management Review by
Top Management be received.
(C2) IES17-023 – Award of Tender 2017-27-IES, Structural Watermain
Relining, Tamarac Trail, Milgate Place and Albery
Crescent
1. That Report No. IES17-023 be received; and
2. That Tender 2017-27-IES under Capital Project No. 43054 for
Structural Watermain Relining on Tamarac Trail, Milgate Place and
Albery Crescent be awarded to Fer-Pal Construction Limited in the
amount of $692,355 excluding taxes; and
3. That the budget variance in the amount of $220,605 be returned to
source; 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.
(C4) Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
March 9, 2017
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 5 of 16
1. That the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
minutes of March 9, 2017, be received for information.
(C5) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2017
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of April 10,
2017, be received for information.
(R1) PRCS17-020 – Property Use Agreement: York Catholic District
School Board Soccer Fields
1. That Report No. PRCS17-020 be received; and
2. That the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services be
authorized to execute the 2017 License Agreement, including any
and all documents and ancillary agreements required to give effect
to same; and
3. That the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services be
authorized to renew the License Agreement on an on-going, annual
basis, with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
being authorized to execute the necessary renewal Agreements,
including any and all documents and ancillary agreements required
to give effect to same.
(R2) PRCS17-019 – Award of Tender 2017-33-PRCS – Treatment of
Trees for Emerald Ash Borer
1. That Report No. PRCS17-019 be received; and
2. That Tender 2017-33-PRCS be awarded to Green Lawn Ltd.,
Capital Project 73160, for the treatment of ash trees for the Emerald
Ash Borer for a one-year period with an option to renew the
agreement for four additional years based on contractor
performance and future budget approval; and
3. That Option #1, the use of TreeAzin in the amount of $215,400 for
2017, be approved; and
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Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 6 of 16
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.
(R3) CS17-013 – Proposed Taxi Licensing By-law Amendments
1. That Report No. CS17-013 be received; and
2. That amendments to Schedule 13 of Licensing By-law No. 5630-14,
being a by-law to regulate licensing of business establishments, be
enacted at a future Council meeting.
(R4) IES17-021 – Award of Tender 2017-24-IES – Supply and Delivery of
One (1) 5000lb Capacity Forklift
1. That Report No. IES17-021 be received; and
2. That Tender No. 2017-24-IES for the supply and delivery of one (1)
new 5000lb capacity forklift be awarded to Liftow Limited, in the
amount of $30,550 excluding taxes; and
3. That additional funding in the amount of $11,088 for Capital Project
No. 34408 be provided from Fleet R&R reserve; 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.
(R5) PBS17-030 – Application for Site Plan Approval, 458021 Ontario
Inc. (Tilemaster), Lots 8 and 9, Registered Plan 65M-
4324, 21 and 33 Eric T. Smith Way, File Number: SP -
2016-08, Related Files: D14-05-04 and D12-05-1A
1. That Report No. PBS17-030 be received; and
2. That site plan application number SP-2016-08 (458021 Ontario Inc.)
to permit the development of the subject lands for a warehouse and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 7 of 16
office be approved subject to the resolution of any outstanding
issues; and
3. 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.
C2. Council Meeting Minutes of April 25, 2017
1. That the Council meeting minutes of April 25, 2017, be adopted as printed
and circulated.
C3. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2017
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of March 22, 2017, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. PBS17-038 – Administrative Zoning By-law Amendment to the 2C West,
Zoning By-law Number 5526-13, Shimvest Investments
Limited, File No. ZBA-2012-02
1. That Report No. PBS17-038 be received for information.
Carried
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Items were considered in the following order: R1(R7) and R1(R6).
R1. General Committee Meeting Report of May 2, 2017
(R6) Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-04
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-
04 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 8 of 16
2. That the Committee recommendations contained within this report
be approved.
Motion to defer
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Abel
1. That Item (R6) Summary of Committee Recommendations Report
No. 2017-04 be deferred.
Motion to defer
Defeated
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause to
Item 3 – HAC17-009 of the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting
minutes of April 10, 2017:
That the Heritage Advisory Committee provide comments on
the Zoning By-law Amendment Application and the Cultural
Heritage Impact Statement.
Defeated
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by amending clause (c) of Item 3
– HAC17-009 of the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of April 10, 2017, to read:
(c) That residential-style architecture be incorporated in the
design of the façade and streetscape on Tyler Street and
Temperance Street.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 9 of 16
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-
04 be received; and
2. That the Committee recommendations contained within this report
be approved, as amended.
Carried as amended
R1. General Committee Meeting Report of May 2, 2017
(R7) PBS17-027 – Long-Term Development Activity Projections
(formerly General Committee Consent Agenda Item C3)
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PBS17-027 be received for information.
Carried
7. Notices of Motion
None
8. Motions
(a) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Vacant Property Tax
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas housing prices have seen a significant increase in the past couple of
years; and
Whereas residents—especially young residents—are experiencing difficulty
entering the housing market due to a lack of affordable homes; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 10 of 16
Whereas there has been an increase in buyers purchasing properties and,
upon closing, many of these homes remain unoccupied; and
Whereas some buyers are not living or working in Aurora and may or may not
be properly reporting and paying income tax on their investment capital gains;
and
Whereas the Province of Ontario has announced a new tax authority on
vacant homes that will give Toronto and other interested municipalities the
power to impose such a tax to encourage owners to sell or rent such spaces;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to investigate
options for imposing a vacant home tax under the new provincial initiative,
and report back with recommendations in Q3 for Council’s consideration.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
That the main motion be amended by adding the following operative
clauses:
Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora request the ability to
tax vacant homes in any upcoming legislation that the Province
introduces; and
Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
all municipalities within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario, for consideration; and
Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to all
members of the Provincial Legislature for consideration.
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 11 of 16
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to investigate
options for imposing a vacant home tax under the new provincial initiative,
and report back with recommendations in Q3 for Council’s consideration;
and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora request the ability to
tax vacant homes in any upcoming legislation that the Province
introduces; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
all municipalities within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario, for consideration; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to all
members of the Provincial Legislature for consideration.
Carried as amended
(b) Councillor Kim
Re: Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Statistics
Council consented to vote on each operative clause separately.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
Whereas the updated provincial Growth Plan has identified a population
forecast for York Region of 1.79 million people to the year 2041 and is
targeting infill intensification in Ontario municipalities; and
Whereas the province is proposing to increase the density and intensification
targets for the Growth Plan; and
Whereas more and more municipalities have disagreed with inf ill development
and intensification projects by builders as a result of neighbo urhood
mobilization; and
Whereas developers, large and small, have appealed municipal decisions to
the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB); and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 12 of 16
Whereas there is information available from disclosing the characteristics of
past OMB appeals and results; and
Whereas residents, builders and municipal Council would benefit from
historical information, current information, and statistics from past OMB
appeals to make more-informed decisions in current and future appeals; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora has information regarding the results of its own
OMB hearings, characteristics, and the financial outlays involved in each;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to prepare a
report to Council that would provide OMB appeals information from
December 2006 to present for the Town of Aurora.
Carried
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff is not limited to but includes the following
characteristics:
• Number of units involved;
• Infill or large scale open field;
• Low, mid and high rise (number of floors);
• Total financial outlay of the municipality.
Defeated
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to return the report back to
Council within a reasonable time frame.
Carried
(c) Councillor Mrakas and Councillor Thom
Re: Commemorative Sesquicentennial Plaques
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
Whereas the Town of Aurora takes pride in preserving and promoting Heritage
properties; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora provides commemorative plaques to recognize
properties with Heritage significance; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 13 of 16
Whereas the Town of Aurora has many buildings that were constructed in
1867; and
Whereas 2017 is Canada’s Sesquicentennial;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora create a
commemorative plaque celebrating Canada’s 150 and the Town of Aurora
buildings constructed in 1867; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff identify the buildings that were
constructed in 1867 to be so plaqued; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That funding for Aurora’s Canadian
Sesquicentennial Plaque program be funded from the Heritage Reserve
Fund; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That the plaques be presented during Canada Day
Festivities to the properties identified by staff.
Carried
9. Regional Report
None
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner expressed satisfaction with last week’s General Committee
discussion regarding the Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan and the decision to not
use neonicotinoids.
Councillor Abel congratulated the Aurora Winter Blues Festival (AWBF)
organization on its donation and cheque presentation of $8,000 to Blue Door
Shelters. He noted that AWBF has donated a total of $40,000 over five years to
Blue Door Shelters, and that AWBF also recently presented a cheque to CHATS.
Councillor Abel extended congratulations to Jamie MacDonald who was
recognized at the Region’s 2017 Character Community Awards.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 14 of 16
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Thom announced that the Devins Drive Public School will be holding its
fifth Annual Spring Fair on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring
games, family activities, and a barbecue run by the Optimist Club of Aurora.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder about the Aurora Farmers’ Market and
Artisan Fair takes place each Saturday in Town Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Councillor Mrakas congratulated the following Aurora residents who were award
recipients at the 11th Annual York Region 2017 Character Community Awards:
Jason Scott received the Character Community Collaboration Award; Ron Weese
received the Character Community Innovator Award; and Sergeant Anthony
Torresan (Badge No. 651) received the Character Community Colleague Award.
Councillor Mrakas expressed appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations
and the Award recipients for their excellent volunteer work in the community.
Councillor Humfryes added that Aurora resident Heather Hamilton also received
an award for her volunteerism.
Councillor Pirri expressed appreciation to the Environmental Advisory Committee
members who organized and participated in Aurora’s second annual Eco Festival,
which was held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, and he thanked all members of
Council who dropped by in support of the event.
Mayor Dawe announced that an Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held on
Friday, May 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the York Region Administration Centre.
Mayor Dawe announced that a Summer Camp Information Session will be held on
Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Canadian Blood Services will be holding a blood
donor clinic at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Yonge Street on Monday, May
15, 2017.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that the Town is still seeking participating sites for
Doors Open Aurora, which will take place on Saturday August 19, 2017. He
encouraged interested parties to contact Planning and Building Services by
Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 15 of 16
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that the Town is still seeking nominations for the
John West Memorial Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Award, and applications
will be accepted until Thursday, June 1, 2017.
Mayor Dawe announced that anyone interested in being Aurora’s Next Teen Idol
may register by Friday, June 9, 2017.
Councillor Thom acknowledged the contributions to the community of Mr. Dave
Franklin, past president of the Aurora Royal Canadian Legion, who recently
passed away. He expressed condolences to Mr. Franklin’s family on behalf of
Council.
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 5982-17 Being a By-law to amend Zoning By-law Number
2213-78, as amended (Shimvest Investments Limited).
(b) By-law Number 5983-17 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5900-16,
to establish a schedule of fees and charges for municipal services, activities
and the use of property within the Town of Aurora (Fees and Charges By-law).
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thom
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Page 16 of 16
By-law Number 5984-17 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on May 9, 2017.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Geoffrey Dawe, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
The minutes of the Council meeting of May 9, 2017, are subject to final approval by
Council on May 23, 2017.