Loading...
MINUTES - Council - 20080527 TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO. 08-15 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, May 27, 2008 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, McRoberts and Wilson. MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor MacEachern was absent. OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Corporate Services/Town Clerk, Director of Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Director of Public Works, Director of Financial Services/ Treasurer and Council/Committee Secretary. Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Bob Panizza, Town Clerk administered the Declaration of Office to Mr. John Gallo, Member of Council. II DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. III APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following additional items, be approved:  Delegation (d) Ms Lee Cudlip Re: Item 2(19) - Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options for Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy  Item 7 - Memorandum from the Director of Public Works Re: Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 2 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 IV OPEN FORUM Miss Alice Sandiford advised that she is 7 years old and for the past two years she has run a lemonade stand in front of Shoppers Drug Mart in Aurora to raise money to fight breast cancer. Alice advised that this year she will be running her lemonade stand at the Aurora Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 31, 2008 and she invited Mayor Morris, Members of Council and residents to come and support her by buying fresh lemonade and Girl Guide Cookies. Mr. John Clement and Mr. David Tomlinson both addressed Council with regard to the proposed by-law to prohibit the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes in Aurora. Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Clement advised that they oppose the general use of pesticides and herbicides for cosmetic purposes as they can be harmful to people’s health and the environment. Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Clement explained, however, that they are in support of careful, responsible and controlled use of pesticides and herbicides in certain circumstances to preserve and protect the environment. Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Clement explained that, if used in a practical and controlled fashion, these substances can be useful in habitat establishment and management to attract and preserve native wildlife and to protect natural lands from infestation of invasive species. Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Clement requested that Council give consideration to amending the by-law to allow the Town to issue permits for practical controlled use in cases where it would be considered useful and appropriate. Ms Gloria Marsh spoke in support of the proposed by-law to prohibit the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes in Aurora, however, she expressed concern that the infestation clause may allow businesses to misuse the option of claiming infestation to use pesticides when they could alternatively use organic lawn care strategies with better results. Ms Marsh advised that the Town of Markham practices a permit process for infestations and she fully supports the suggestion posed by Mr. Clement and Mr. Tomlinson, to include a permit provision in the Town of Aurora’s pesticide by-law. Ms Marsh also advised that the City of Vaughan’s pesticide by-law does not contain an infestation clause, and she advised that she would also support the removal of the clause from Aurora’s proposed pesticide by-law, leaving organic strategies as the only option. V ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of May 13, 2008, Meeting Number 08-14 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Council minutes of May 13, 2008, meeting number 08-14, be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED VI PRESENTATIONS None Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 3 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 VII PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Wilson advised that flags are on display around the Council Chambers this evening representing the Aurora Royal Canadian Air Cadets - 140th Aurora Squadron, to commemorate their 19th annual ceremonial review which will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Councillor Wilson extended his congratulations to them. Councillor Granger announced that the official Grand Opening of the Aurora Farmers’ Market will be taking place on Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wells Street between Mosley Street and Metcalf Street. Councillor Granger advised that there will be many fun events happening on this date including a customized tote-bag give-away, as a result of the kind support of Dymin Steel Inc., the first corporate sponsor of the Aurora Farmers’ Market. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that the Optimists Club Street Dance will be taking place on Yonge Street at Henderson Drive on the evening of Saturday, May 31, 2008. Mayor Morris advised that the Canada Day Parade organizers are still looking for participants in the 2008 parade, and the Mayor suggested that interested parties contact Ms Kristen Yemm, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator at 905- 727-3123 Ext 4228. Mayor Morris advised that Aurora Idol 2008 will be taking place at the Town Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on June 30, 2008. Mayor Morris advised that the deadline for registration is June 20, 2008 and that interested parties should call the Special Events Hot-Line at 905-726-4762. VIII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 2(3), 2(15), 2(19), 3, 4, 5 and 7 were identified for discussion. IX ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following recommendations respecting 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. Special General Committee– Audit Committee Meeting Report No. 08-23, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 THAT the report of the Special General Committee – Audit Committee Meeting No. 08-23, held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 be adopted. 6. Resolution R5-2008 from the Town of Newmarket Re: Environmental Assessment Study – Bathurst Street from Green Lane – Yonge Street THAT Resolution R5-2008 from the Town of Newmarket regarding an Environmental Assessment Study along Bathurst Street from Green Lane to Yonge Street be received and endorsed. CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 4 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 X DELEGATIONS a) Ms Tracey McLean Carrigan, Acting Manager, Technical Support, Environmental Services, Region of York Re: 2008 Water Conservation Initiatives Ms McLean Carrigan, Acting Manager, Technical Support, Environmental Services for the Region of York, provided a detailed overview of the Regional initiatives for conservation and management of water consumption for 2008, which include water conservation messages in local media, high-efficiency and low-flush toilet rebates in partnership with Home Depot, rain barrel sales and the 10th Anniversary of the York Region Children’s Water Festival, as well as public education programs. Ms McLean Carrigan concluded by advising that over the next ten years the Region aims to reduce water consumption by 23.4 million litres per average day through residential and industrial rebates, leak detection, industrial, commercial and institutional capacity buy-back programs and education. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED b) Mr. Dino J. Basso, Director, Capital Delivery – Roads Transportation Services Department, Region of York Re: York Region Road Program Update Mr. Dino J. Basso, Director, Capital Delivery – Roads Transportation Services Department for the Region of York provided a comprehensive Roads Capital Construction Program Update, outlining major projects which are under construction or recently completed in Aurora. Mr. Basso also reviewed several major road projects, upcoming tenders & design projects and upcoming Class EA projects which will be taking place over the next few years. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information. CARRIED c) Ms Veronika Presman, Veronika’s Music Studio Re: Singing Marathon Ms Verionika Presman advised that she has taught music to children for 27 years with an emphasis on vocal training. Ms Presman requested that Council consider her proposal to conduct a singing marathon in Aurora for children between 6 and 15 years old who would benefit from having the opportunity to participate in this proposed annual singing 12 hour marathon/contest which would be a fundraising event for charity, and she suggested that the funds raised from this event be donated to the Autism Society. Ms Presman concluded by requesting that the Town of Aurora facilitate this event and provide financial support in the amount of approximately $7,000 to cover various basic costs and to ensure that the event is a success. Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 5 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT comments of the delegate be received for information. AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was: Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to staff, in order to liaise with Ms Veronika Presman about the details of her proposal, and report back. CARRIED The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED d) Ms Lee Cudlip (ADDED ITEM) Re: Item 2(19) - Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options for Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy Ms Lee Cudlip advised that she is in support of the revised wording for the Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options for Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy, which is presented on this agenda as added item 7 for Council’s consideration. Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 2(19). CARRIED Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT added item 7 be brought forward for consideration at this time. CARRIED 7. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works Re: Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy (ADDED ITEM) Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the memorandum from the Director of Public Works, regarding approval of public input advertisement for investigating options for implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy, be received and referred to item 2(19). CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 6 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 XI CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 2. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-24 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-24, TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008 (15) FS08-015 – Pre-Audit 2007 Surplus Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT report FS08-015 be referred back to staff. CARRIED (19) Memorandum from the Director of Public Works Re: Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options for Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy and 7. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works Re: Approval of Public Input Advertisement for Investigating Options Implementing a Train Anti-Whistle Policy (ADDED ITEM) and Delegation d) - Ms Lee Cudlip Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the item be referred back to staff for a further report on incremental costing analysis. CARRIED (3) Memo from the By-law Services Co-ordinator Re: Pesticide By-law Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT proposed Pesticide By-law 5033-08.P be deferred for further review and that staff report back addressing the issues discussed at this meeting. CARRIED AMENDMENT: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was: Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT this matter be referred to the Environmental Advisory Committee prior to being considered by Council. CARRIED The main motion was CARRIED AS AMENDED. Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 7 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Buck THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 08- 24 held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 be received and the recommendations carried by the committee be approved. CARRIED 3. Recommendation from Closed Session Re: Westhill Redevelopment Company Limited Part Lot 12, Conc. EYS and Part Lots 11 and 12, Conc. 3, EYS Files D09-04-00, D14-12-00 and D07-03-00A OMB Case File PL030997 OMB File No. O030373, Z030149 and S030085 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Council directs its Solicitor to support the Leave to Appeal application brought by McCutcheon et al to the Divisional Court, and should leave be granted, to support the resulting appeal seeking a Consolidated Hearing before the Joint Board. On a recorded vote the motion was CARRIED YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAYS: Councillor Buck, Councillor Gallo abstained from participating in the vote as he was not a member of Council at the time that this matter was discussed in closed session, therefore this constitutes a negative vote. Councillor MacEachern was absent. 4. Resolution R4-2008 from the Town of Newmarket Re: Northern York Region Electricity Needs Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins Mrakas THAT Council receive the resolution from the Town of Newmarket regarding Northern York Region electricity needs. REFERRAL: Upon the question of the adoption of the resolution, it was: Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT this item be referred to staff to contact the Town of Newmarket in order to clarify the meaning of the resolution. CARRIED Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 8 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 5. Correspondence from Mr. Frank Klees, MPP Newmarket - Aurora Re: MPP Enters Power Plant Debate Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the correspondence from Mr. Frank Klees, MPP Newmarket be received and referred to a future General Committee meeting for further discussion when all pertinent information is in place. CARRIED XII REGIONAL REPORT Mayor Morris advised that the 2008 Regional Roads Capital Plan has been approved and that Regional Council has stated the importance of protecting strategic employment corridors along the 400 series highways outside of the current urban areas for future planning. XIII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS Councillor Collins-Mrakas gave Notice of Motion pertaining to privacy issues and regulation as it pertains to communications to, between and among Council members. Councillor Collins-Mrakas advised that she will be consulting with Ms Tracey McLean of York Region, who was a delegate at this meeting, as well as the Ministry in preparation for drafting her pending motion regarding sustainable landscaping provisions in site plans and Town owned lands. Councillor Collins- Mrakas advised that her motion will be brought forward shortly. Councillor Gaertner requested that staff look into the feasibility of rescheduling the upcoming Special General Committee - Audit Committee meeting from June 3, 2008 to June 24, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. coinciding with a televised Council meeting, to allow the public an opportunity to view the meeting. Councillor Gaertner inquired as to the status of her request for information pertaining to the Heritage Centre Floor Plans. The Director of Leisure Services advised that the information was provided. Councillor McRoberts advised of the Bike and Board Rodeo taking place at Hickson Park on Friday, May 30, 2008. Councillor McRoberts advised that the Annual Chamber of Commerce Yonge Street Festival will be taking place on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Councillor Granger suggested that a memo circulated to Members of Council regarding Gateway Signage be placed on the next General Committee agenda. Mayor Morris advised that a request for this action has already been made. Minutes of Council Meeting No. 08-15 Page 9 of 9 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 XIV READING OF BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 5032-08.T BEING A BY-LAW to amend Parking By-law 4574-04.T as amended, with respect to parking on Walton Drive CARRIED Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 5034-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from the meeting of May 27, 2008. CARRIED Please note: By-law 5033-08.P, being a by-law for the prohibition of the application of cosmetic pesticides in the Town of Aurora, was deferred. XV CLOSED SESSION Personal and Legal Matters (deferred from May 13, 2008 Closed Session meeting) Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Granger THAT Council resolve into a Closed Session to consider legal matters relating to the Dical property, telephone logs, solicitor/client privilege opinions and personal matters regarding identifiable individuals. CARRIED XVI ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Buck THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:15 p.m. CARRIED _______________________________ ________________________________ PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR BOB PANIZZA, TOWN CLERK