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MINUTES - Public Planning - 20130123 TOWN OF AURORA SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Wednesday, January 23, 2013 ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Ballard, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes, Pirri, and Thompson MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Planning and Development Services, Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk, Manager of Development Planning, Planner, Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning, Policy Planner, and Council/Committee Secretary Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. II APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the agenda as circulated by the Customer and Legislative Services Department, with the following addition, be approved:  Additional information to Item 2 – PL13-003 – Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Development Services Re: Additional Information Revised Section 5.0 Implementation Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information, Revised Section 5.0 Implementation, Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan be received; and THAT Council endorse the revised version of Section 5.0 Implementation of the Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan as part of the Plan. CARRIED Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 2 of 8 III PLANNING APPLICATIONS Mayor Dawe outlined the procedures that would be followed in the conduct of the public meeting. The Deputy Clerk confirmed that the appropriate notice had been given and that signs had been posted on the subject properties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act. 1. PL13-004 – Proposed Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Application within the Block F – Yonge Street South Secondary Plan OPA 34 Area Rod Coutts and Brian Coutts, Part of Lots 74 & 75 Concession 1, Municipally known as 222 Ridge Road and 14222, 14314, 14358 & 14378 Yonge Street Files: D12-03-12 and D14-16-12 Planning Staff The Planner, Mr. Drew MacMartin, provided a brief overview of the application and staff report, stating that the Draft Plan of Subdivision proposes the development of blocks including Cluster Residential (195 residential units), Institutional (private school), Environmental Protection, Lands to be Retained, Future Access, 0.3m Reserve, and a Yonge Street Trail Block. He advised the applicant also proposes to rezone the subject lands from Rural Oak Ridges Moraine (RU-ORM) to Second Density Residential (R2), Row Dwelling Residential (R6), Rural Residential Oak Ridges Moraine (RR-ORM), Major Open Space (O), Private Open Space (O), and Environmental Protection Exception Zones. Mr. MacMartin reviewed the surrounding land uses, current designations, and zoning of the subject lands located within the Yonge Street South Secondary Plan (OPA 34) area, noting the lands are also subject to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Policies contained within the Official Plan (OPA 48). He indicated the key natural heritage features in relation to the subject lands and the proposed future trail routes. Mr. MacMartin noted that staff will undertake a technical review of the applications to address the matters outlined in the staff report, as well as any comments received from the public and Council at the Public Planning meeting. He stated that a staff report with recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration and direction at a future General Committee meeting. Applicant/Agent Mr. Claudio Brutto, of Brutto Consulting, and representing the Coutts family, referred to the recently approved Master Environmental Servicing Plan and Addendum and noted that the reports outlined by staff in terms of ongoing review are related to some of the Addendum items to be addressed in the next few weeks. He stated there have been many discussions and meetings with members of RAYS (Ratepayers Association of Yonge Street South) and the Planning Commissioner, and he was assured that many of the issues have been satisfactorily addressed. Mr. Brutto further noted that additional fine-tuning of the Plan is ongoing and continued open dialogue is encouraged. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with Council, exceptional staff, and members of the public. Public Comments Mr. James Beesley, resident of 231 Ridge Road, referred to the proposed emergency access from Ridge Road and inquired about what would be in place when the access is not in use and about how snow removal would be handled. Mr. Ted Szwec, resident of 21 Underhill Crescent, expressed concerns regarding the environment, public planning notification, traffic congestion, traffic controls and who would pay for them, a potential GO railroad barrier wall, overall construction time frame and by-law enforcement of working hours, noise pollution Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 3 of 8 during construction and compensation for disruption of quality of life, the responsibilities of the builder and Town respecting safety measures and procedures in place to protect the workers and the public, and the application of a fair wage policy to ensure the work is performed by qualified people. Mr. Rob Strmota, owner of 14476 Yonge Street, inquired about the servicing and road access through to north of the subject lands in relation to the possible future development of his site. Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg, resident of 16 Cedar Crescent, inquired whether the proposal would include the opening of an underpass, formerly a cattle crawl under the railroad track which was blocked by the construction of a stormwater retention area on the northwest side of the railroad, in order to accommodate future students walking to school on the other side of the railroad tracks. He further inquired whether the public could utilize any trails that would go through private open space and if the developer would be expected to install grade separation across railroad tracks. Ms Carmela Brinias, owner of 14452 Yonge Street, inquired about how her property would be affected respecting future sewer hook-ups and development. Ms Judy Gilchrist, resident of 70 Milloy Place, expressed her concerns with the exemption status that has been requested in relation to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, stating that the Plan is not meant to encourage exemptions, but to encourage and facilitate protection of natural spaces. She noted that Aurora does not have many unbroken, open wooded spaces, but they harbour a number of species that cannot live on streetscapes and the reduction in biodiversity is a great concern. Ms Gilchrist referred to the Town’s draft document about ecological goods and services that are provided by the natural heritage features throughout Aurora and the Oak Ridges Moraine and asked that Council apply a higher level of standard in protecting them. Applicant/Agent Mr. Brutto responded to the concerns regarding access control and snow removal at the proposed emergency access from Ridge Road, servicing and access for development of lands to the north, trail locations and grade separations, and conformity to the Oak Ridges Moraine guidelines. The Director of Planning and Development Services responded to the concerns regarding the timing and control of construction activities, the control of traffic, noise and dust during the construction period, traffic congestion, traffic signals, high standards respecting compliance with the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan policies, public meeting notification and advertising, and construction safety requirements. He noted they were not aware of a future barrier wall adjacent to the railroad track, but the matter would be investigated. Public Comments Mr. Tom Vagenas, resident of 3006–13035 Yonge Street, inquired about the size of block 22, which is being retained by the owner, and whether density transfer was still applicable on this block, and expressed concern regarding the potential for future development of the block. The Director of Planning and Development Services addressed the resident’s questions and concerns and clarified the status of block 22, assuring that the block will have an environmental protection-type zoning and there will be no development in that area. Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 4 of 8 Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow further public input. CARRIED (two-thirds majority) Mr. Vagenas further stated his concerns regarding density transfer in relation to block 22 and the original Ontario Municipal Board decision regarding lands used for density transfer. He expressed his opposition to the process regarding block 22, which is being retained, and the institutional use, which is future density. The Director of Planning and Development Services responded by stating that the subject plan has maxed out on density, therefore, there would be no future density transfer to block 22. Main Motion Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT report PL13-004 regarding the Proposed Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Application by Rod Coutts and Brian Coutts, Files: D12-03-12 and D14-16-12, be received; and THAT comments presented at the Public Planning meeting be addressed by the Planning and Development Services department in a comprehensive report outlining recommendations and options at a future General Committee meeting. Amendment Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT comments presented at the Public Planning meeting be addressed by the Planning and Development Services department in a comprehensive report outlining recommendations and options at a future Public Planning meeting; and THAT staff engage internal legal counsel to identify whether the densities conform to the Ontario Municipal Board ruling. On a recorded vote the amendment CARRIED. YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2 VOTING YEAS: Councillors Ballard, Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe VOTING NAYS: Councillors Abel and Pirri Main Motion as Amended Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT report PL13-004 regarding the Proposed Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Application by Rod Coutts and Brian Coutts, Files: D12-03-12 and D14-16-12, be received; and THAT comments presented at the Public Planning meeting be addressed by the Planning and Development Services department in a comprehensive report outlining recommendations and options at a future Public Planning meeting; and Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 5 of 8 THAT staff engage internal legal counsel to identify whether the densities conform to the Ontario Municipal Board ruling. CARRIED Council recessed at 9:04 p.m. and reconvened at 9:08 p.m. 2. PL13-003 – Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan Main Motion Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT report PL13-003 regarding the Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan be received; and THAT Council endorse the attached Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan. Consultant Mr. David Leinster, Partner of The Planning Partnership, presented an overview of the Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan, including an introduction to the study area with a focus on boulevards, village streets and main streets, public feedback, streetscape and signage recommendations, and the implementation strategy. Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the presentation by David Leinster be received for information. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Thompson THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow public input. CARRIED (two-thirds majority) Public Comments Mr. Gordon Barnes, resident of 11 Catherine Avenue, acknowledged the useful information in the report and said he was encouraged to see so many trees and plantings being proposed and the references to permeable pavement, but expressed concern regarding the linear planting boxes still being proposed for the streets which could impede the opening of vehicle doors. Mr. Barnes provided further comments and suggestions in writing and encouraged Council to adopt the Plan and implement something substantial for future generations to enjoy. Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg, resident of 16 Cedar Crescent, suggested that something quite exceptional and creative would be required to rejuvenate the life of the downtown area. He said he was pleased with the references to pedestrian traffic and other details, but would like to see it in the larger context of competing with commercial spaces at the edges of Town and Newmarket. Mr. Wehrenberg further suggested that public space, with appealing architecture and functional art incorporated into buildings, is needed and that high standards should be set as conditions for future development and intensification. He expressed concern with the amount of traffic passing through downtown and recommended widening Industrial Parkway and designating Bathurst Street as a bypass, allowing only smaller vehicles to pass through downtown. Mr. Wehrenberg proposed that the Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 6 of 8 trails network be connected to the downtown area with greater emphasis on crossing railroads to encourage the eastern part of Town to come downtown. Mr. Michael Evans, resident of 15236 Yonge Street, expressed concerns regarding the vacant storefronts and lots that remain in the downtown area and the assessment increases that have been levied on businesses. Mr. Orlando Ieraci, owner of property and business at 15504 Yonge Street, offered suggestions including one-way northbound and southbound backstreets off of Yonge Street, more signage indicating available parking behind the stores on Yonge Street, and the removal of buildings on the southeast and southwest corners of Yonge and Wellington Streets to allow for lefthand and righthand turns and increased visibility of available parking. Amendment Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT staff report back with a multi-year capital project for some of the priority projects that staff will refine and bring forward to Council for further discussion. CARRIED Main Motion as Amended Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT report PL13-003 regarding the Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan be received; and THAT staff report back with a multi-year capital project for some of the priority projects that staff will further refine and bring forward to Council for further discussion. CARRIED Council recessed at 10:13 p.m. and reconvened at 10:21 p.m. 3. PL13-005 – Urban & Architectural Design Guidelines 2C West Secondary Plan Area Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Ballard THAT this item be deferred to the General Committee meeting of February 5, 2013. DEFEATED Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to extend the hour. CARRIED (two-thirds majority) Planning Staff Mr. Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services, presented an overview of the purpose and recommendations of the staff report, which requests Council’s approval of the Urban and Architectural Design Guidelines, The Planning Partnership as the Control Architect, Alternative Development Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 7 of 8 Standards, and an exception to the 1999 Parking Standards Policy for the 2C West Secondary Plan Area. Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT this item be deferred to a special planning meeting on January 30, 2013. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT the Procedural By-law be waived to allow public input. CARRIED (two-thirds majority) Public Comments Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg, resident of 16 Cedar Crescent, referred to the Trails and Active Transportation meeting of January 18, 2013 where they discussed the subject proposal. He expressed their concerns regarding the three green corridors, from St. John’s Sideroad down into the subject land’s green spaces, and an additional grade-separated trail crossing of St. John’s Sideroad in the Marsh Creek area just east of Mavrinac Boulevard. Mr. Wehrenberg highlighted the importance of these two issues in respect of the future residential development north of St. John’s Sideroad and the increased daily traffic to and from schools. He maintained that the trail corridors need to be considered at this stage of the implementation of the Secondary Plan, not in the final configuration, and trail connections would be determined in meetings with the developers. Mr. David Tomlinson, resident of 181 Centre Crescent, expressed concerns regarding the buffer zone widths around the woodland, the wildlife park buffer zones, and the off-road trail system. Consultant Mr. Don Given, President of Malone Given Parsons Ltd., referred to his delegation at the Trails and Active Transportation Committee (TATC) meeting of January 18, 2013, which he attended in support of the recommendation of Town staff to not pursue the three green trail corridors with the Trails Master Plan and that the connections instead be allowed to take place on public roads. He explained that this issue stems back to the Secondary Plan process and resulted in a settlement approved by the Ontario Municipal Board reflected in OPA 73, 2C Secondary Plan, Schedule B – Greenlands and Trails, an official Town document that they have relied upon when preparing plans of subdivision. Mr. Given noted that the Trails Master Plan recognizes that off-road connections may not always be possible and he indicated, in this event, there would be an enhanced sidewalk system with extra plantings, signage and width. He expressed concern that if the Town persisted with the TATC recommendation to pursue the green corridors, the Town would then have to acquire these lands at a high cost and would be subject to ongoing maintenance and security issues with trails at the rear of private properties. Mr. Given requested that Council endorse the recommendations of the Urban & Architectural Design Guidelines, which he stated were well thought out, practical, and deliver a very robust trail system that the Committee should be proud of. Special Council – Public Planning Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Page 8 of 8 IV READING OF BY-LAW Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel THAT the following listed confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and enacted: 5483-13 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Special Council – Public Planning meeting on January 23, 2013 CARRIED V ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Pirri THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:58 p.m. CARRIED GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR CINDY JANZEN, DEPUTY CLERK THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2013 RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL AT COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 12, 2013.