Agenda - Council - 20060627COUNCIL
AGENDAso
N0.06-19
TUESDAY, TUNE 271 2006
FOLLOWING SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE
SITTING AS THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
AT 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AURORA TOWN HALL
PUBLIC RELEASE
23/06/06
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
NO. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M. - OPEN FORUM — COUNCIL MEETING TO FOLLOW
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
11 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented.
III ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of June 13, 2006, Meeting Number 06-18
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Council Minutes from Meeting Number 06-18 be adopted as
printed and circulated.
IV PRESENTATIONS
(a) Mr. Chris Catania, Youth & Community Development Co-ordinator to
present certificates to Aurora Community Groups regarding the
Character Community Initiative
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 2 of 29
Tuesday, June 27,2006
V DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
VI ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
VIl DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Dave Weldon, President, CivicSolutions + Inc.
Re: Item 1 — Management of Hydro Sale Proceeds
(b) Mr. Ronald K. Webb
Re: Item 2(9) - PL06-077 - Elderberry Hill - Schickedanz (pg. D-1)
Bros. Ltd., 13990 and 14028 Yonge Street
(c) Mr. Geoffrey Dawe, Chair, Library Board (pg. D-2)
Re: Item 2(3) - Determination of Use for Library Square
Facilities
(d) Ms Helen Roberts, President, Aurora Historical Society (pg. D-3)
Re: Item 2(3) - Determination of Use for Library Square
Facilities
VIII CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
IX REGIONAL REPORT
X OTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILLORS
X1 READING OF BY-LAWS
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4810-06.D BEING A BY-LAW to (pg. B-1)
amend By-law No. 2213-
78, as amended, being the
Zoning By-law of the Town
of Aurora
(15059 Leslie Street, D14-
05-04)
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
4813-06.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend
By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning
By-law of the Town of Aurora.
(File:D14-13-05. Part of Lot
80, Concession 1, E.Y.S.)
4814-06.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend
By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning
By-law of the Town of Aurora.
(File D14-04-06, Part of Lot
77, Concession 1, W.Y.S.)
4815-063 BEING A BY-LAW to
amend By-law 4574-04.T
as amended, with respect
to turning movements on
Murray Drive
4816-06.T BEING A BY-LAW to
amend Parking By-law
4574-04.T as amended,
with respect to Aurora
Heights Drive, Devins
Drive, Odin Crescent,
Stone Road, Tecumseh
Drive, Walton Drive and
Wells Street
4817.06.0 BEING A BY-LAW to
confirm actions by Council
resulting from meeting 06-19 on
June 27, 2006.
Xll IN -CAMERA
Legal & Property Matters
Page 3 of 29
(pg• B-5)
(pg. B-11)
(pg. B-13)
(pg. B-15)
(pg. B-18)
THAT Council proceed In -Camera to address legal and property matters.
Xlll ADJOURNMENT
Page 4 of 29
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Report from CivicSolutions + Inc. (pg. 1)
Re: Management of the Aurora Hydro Sale Proceeds
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the state of good repair for the Water and Sanitary Sewage Assets
of the Town of Aurora continue to be funded through rates paid by its
users; and
THAT Aurora Council establish a Municipal Infrastructure Repair and
Replacement Reserve and transfer 80% to 90% of the Aurora Hydro Sale
Investment Fund to that Reserve, and that an affordable and sustainable
plan be developed to keep Aurora's municipal infrastructure in a state of
good repair using this Reserve as well as funds from other sources; and
THAT Aurora Council adopt a plan to be implemented during its 2006 —
2010 term to, by the end of that term, eliminate its reliance on using
interest from the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund to mitigate property
tax rates; and
THAT 10% to 20% of the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund be
transferred to a Reserve created to fund new capital projects not eligible
for funding from Development Charge revenues; and
THAT, to ensure compliance with the Municipal Act, 2001, Aurora Council
rescind the provisions of its motion of June 28, 2005 requiring that any
transfers from the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund be authorized only
if not less than 2/3 of Council approve of them in a meeting with all
Members of Council present; and
THAT whenever Aurora Council allocates funding to a project from the
Reserves established from the Hydro Sale proceeds, it specifically
indicate that it is doing so and identify the amount of funding being
allocated from those sources.
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 5 of 29
2. General Committee Meeting Report No. 06-12 (pg. 54)
Tuesday, June 20,2006
(1) ADM06-005 — Amendments to the Town of Aurora By-law 4280-01.0
(as amended), being a By-law to govern the procedure
of the Council of the Town of Aurora and its Committees
and Boards
General Committee Recommends:
THAT Council endorse the following recommendations made by General
Committee on the proposed amendments to the Procedural By-law:
1. Adjournment of Meetings
That Section 3.2 and Section 13.2 set out under Order of Business that In -
Camera (closed) sessions be held prior to the adjournment of the meeting.
The practice has developed that if nothing is to be reported out of the In -
Camera session then the meeting is adjourned and the In -Camera
meeting is then held. This practice means that the In -Camera session has
no formal status or record of decisions. It is therefore suggested that the
Order of Business be rigorously followed and that the meeting not adjourn
until after the In -Camera session is completed (whether or not anything is
to be reported out of the In -Camera session).
CARRIED
2. Procedural Orientation
That at the beginning of each term of Council the Town sponsor a formal
seminar for all Councillors and members of the public who may be
members of Council appointed Committees, on the general rules of
meeting procedures and practices to emphasize the value of a
knowledgeable chair in the conduct of meetings in a fair and consistent
manner. Two orientation meetings should be convened, one for
Members of Council and a second for members of committees.
CARRIED as amended
3. Formal Procedures
That it be recommended that all references to meeting procedures within
the By-law as "informal' be removed from the text of the By-law as all
aspects of the procedures to be followed by the Council or any of its
Committees in the governance of its meetings must be formal.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 6 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
4. Governance
Separate and apart from the recommendations of this report, the Town of
Aurora should seriously consider undertaking a comprehensive
governance study of its Council/Committee structure in 2007, to ensure
that the structure being used is the very best that can be developed to
serve both the short and long term needs of a growing contemporary
municipality and the residents and businesses it serves.
CARRIED as amended
5. Attendance of Staff
A general issue that arose during the review of the By-law was the
mandatory attendance of senior staff (other than the Chief Administrative
Officer and the Clerk) at Council meetings where they have no items on
the agenda to address and where they are not aware of any other
requirements for their presence. This matter is not an issue for the
Procedural By-law but rather a matter of administrative procedure and
practice based predominately on individual meeting requirements. When
deemed appropriate to the circumstances, the Chief Administrative Officer
in consultation with Council, could arrive at some alternative procedures
whereby Members of Council could obtain any information and advice in
advance of each Council Meeting thus eliminating the necessity for some
senior staff members to attend all evening meetings. Please note that the
above suggestion does not cover General Commit tc Council Meetings
as senior staff members should be in attendance at all Gomm :tee
Council Meetings or at least be available to attend the meeting on a
moments notice. That this practice be implemented on a trial basis for
the balance of the year.
CARRIED as amended
6. Time of General Committee Meetings
It is recommended that General Committee meetings should, after December 1,
2006, commence at 2:00 p.m. in order to allow Staff to be available to assist in
the deliberations of Committee. The General Committee meetings are meant to
be an opportunity for Members of Council to spend time in discussing the items
on the Agenda and depending on the topic there are times when staff members
other than Senior Staff could assist in the deliberations. If the meetings were to
start in the afternoon it would be easier to call the staff member into the meeting
if necessary. The afternoon time would also allow those residents who are not
able to attend evening meetings the opportunity to attend at least the General
Committee meetings.
Page 7 of 29
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Further, there are recommendations in this report that would see Advisory
Committee Minutes coming to General Committee before going to Council and
the expectation is that the General Committee meetings could become lengthier
and the earlier start time would ensure that the discussions would not take place
too late into the night. Council would also have the option to defer a particular
matter to a Council meeting or special meeting if there was a concern that the
matter needed to be heard at an evening time. If Council is not comfortable with
the 2:00 p.m. time it is suggested that the start time be 4:30 p.m.
DEFEATED
7. Calling of Meetings
That it is recommended that clause 2.8 be amended to mirror specifically the
wording and provisions of section 239 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 with respect
to the wording of the stated exemptions to Open Meetings of Council.
CARRIED
8. Order of Business
(a) The terminology entitled "In -Camera" in the order of business should be
amended to read "Closed Session"
WIRTUrEns
(b) The terminology entitled "Other Business — Councillors" in the order of
business should be amended to read "New Business/General Information —
Councillors and-- Chief Administrative Officer"
CARRIED as amended
A new provision should be added to the By-law stating that any new
business and general information considerations that result in a direction to
staff requires a Notice of Motion by a Member of Council. A resolution
shall then be presented at the next Council or Committee to give such
direction effect.
CARRIED as amended
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 8 of 29
The New Business/General Information — Councillors section shall be
moved near the beginning of the agenda.
(c) Open Forum should become a part of the formal order of business of
Council in that the provision would read "Any ratepayer of the Town of
Aurora is entitled to make a deputation to Council on matters that are not on
the Agenda of Council provided the maximum time allotted is five minutes
for each delegate and the total time of all delegates for this portion of the
Agenda be restricted to twenty minutes.
CARRIED
9. Deputy Mayor — Acting Head of Council
That this section remain intact as written, until the conclusion of the
existing term of Council; and that effective with the term of Council
commencing December 1, 2006, the clause be amended to mirror section
242 of the Municipal Act, 2001 respecting the appointment of a member of
Council "to act in the place of the Head of Council when the Head of
Council is absent or refuses to act or the office is vacant and while so
acting such member has all the powers and duties of the Head of
Council". Council may wish to consider the option of rather than having the
Councillor with the highest number of votes being the Acting Head of
Council that there be a regular (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly etc.)
rotation of the role of Acting Head of Council, similar to the way the
General Committee meetings are chaired.
DEFEATED
10. Rules of Order
That Section 4.8 be amended by deleting reference to Robert's Rules of
Order and be replaced with Bourinot's Rules of Order. The new wording of
section 4.8 would read "Rules of Order for 4.8 - The provisions of this By-law
shall govern the proceeding of the Council/Committee(s) and except as
provided herein, the rules of Parliamentary Procedure as contained in
Bourinot's Rules of Order shall be followed.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27,2006
11. Suspension of Rules
Page 9 of 29
;.
._ -
-
THAT the proposed recommendation not be supported and that staff
report back with a revised amendment to this section to reflect that
the suspension of the procedural by-law shall not apply to any item
for reconsideration.
CARRIED as amended
In response to the aforementioned direction, staff have reviewed the
provisions of sections 4.6 and 5.13 and suggest the following be
implemented as the new section 4.6:
4.6 Suspension of Rules
a) The provisions of this by-law shall be observed in all proceedings of
Council and its Committees, except that the rules and regulations
contained herein may be suspended by a two-thirds majority vote of
the Members present.
b) A motion to suspend the rules of procedure shall not be debatable or
amendable.
c) A motion to suspend the rules of _procedure shall not applicable to
section 5.21, Reconsideration.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 10 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
12. Standing Committees — Audit Committee
That a new clause be inserted into the By-law recognizing that Council
has formally delegated the role and responsibilities of an audit committee
to the General Committee of Council.
CARRIED
13. Section 13.2 — Other Business
That section 13.2 be changed from "Other Business' to read "New
Business/General Information — Councillors and Chief Adm;^istrat;v
9##ieer.
CARRIED as amended
14. Closed Session
That all terminology throughout the By-law stating "In -Camera" should be
amended to read "Closed Session".
CARRIED
15. Advisory, Ad Hoc Committees - Chair
That a provision be added to the By-law such that members of the public
who have been appointed by Council to any Advisory, Ad Hoc Committee
of Council may be elected by a member of that Advisory, Ad Hoc
Committee to the position of Chair.
CARRIED
16. Reporting Mechanism for Advisory, Ad Hoc Committees
That the By-law be amended to reflect that all Advisory, Ad Hoc
Committees appointed by Council should report to Council through
General Committee as of December 1, 2006.
d:: 1
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
17. Review of By-law
Pagel 1 of 29
That a provision be inserted into the By-law that would require the By-law
to be reviewed within the first six months of the second year of each term
of Council.
CARRIED as amended
18. Review Code of Ethics and Confr..f of interest PeliGy Statp„.p„f
That similarly there should be a provision within the By-law that requires
the Council Code of Ethics and r „AGt of i„f r 6t o r,.., state„ eRt f
Seuncil be reviewed within the first six months of the term of Council
CARRIED as amended
19. Attachments to the By-law
That the following should be appended to the By-law:
I. Schedule A —Audit Committee Terms of Reference
II. Schedule B — Council Code of Ethics
III
Schpaale o--Genf1,st-ef'Rt8rest-P-o;OsyzStatement
CARRIED as amended
20. Procedure for Determination and Consideration of Items Requiring
Separate Discussion
That a provision be placed in the By-law that requires Council to indicate
the reason for requesting an item to be considered for separate discussion
and when the item is reached for separate discussion the CAO or their
designate would be requested to provide comment to Committee or
Council prior to the discussion taking place.
DEFEATED
21. Conduct of Members
That Clause 4.4(a) be amended to read "use offensive words,
inappropriate actions or un-parliamentary language in or against the
Council or against any member of Council, any Staff or member of the
public".
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
22. Improper Conduct
Page 12 of 29
That Clause 4.5(a) be amended to make it clear that improper conduct
includes a member of the public or staff using improper language or
offensive words or actions.
DEFEATED
23. Electronic Distribution of Material
That in this age of electronic technology it would make sense to allow
Councillors to decide whether they wish to receive their materials
electronically or in print form. Clause 2.6 should be amended to allow
Councillors to decide the format of the materials they are to receive.
CARRIED
24. Electronic Recording of Meetings
That Clause 43.1 be amended to say electronic recordings of meetings
rather than just audio as the Council Chambers is now equipped with DVD
recording equipment to allow for visual as well as audio recording.
CARRIED
25. Agenda Preparation
That Clauses 18.3 and 27.3 deal, in part, with the preparation of Agendas
for the meeting of Ad Hoc Committees and Advisory Committees. These
clauses should be amended so that the Agendas are prepared by staff
and reviewed and approved by the Chair being a more accurate
reflection of what does normally happen.
CARRIED as amended
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 13 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
(3) LS06-024 — Determination of Use for Library Square Facilities
THAT Council approve option 2 in the Library Square Report Summary
which proposes the demolition of the former Seniors' Centre building to
create 15 parking spaces; and
THAT staff investigate the potential of connecting the parking in this
location with the private parking lot abutting to the west, and report back
with the pros and cons of pursuing this action; and
THAT staff be requested to provide a detailed map of the existing
available parking spaces in the entire Library Square area; and
THAT staff provide the approximate value of the former library and the
former Seniors' Centre buildings
(7) PW06-031 — Tender Award No. PW2006-01 - Reconstruction of
Stormwater Management Facilities NW-1 & NC-2
1. THAT Tender PW2006-01 - Reconstruction of Stormwater
Management Facilities NW-1 & NC-2, be awarded to S & F
Excavating Limited at its tendered price of $402,685.50; and
2. THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute
the attached Form of Agreement between the Town of Aurora and
S & F Excavating Limited for the reconstruction of Stormwater
Management Facilities NW-1 & NC-2; and
3. THAT Council acknowledge the assistance of the Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority in the undertaking of this project;
and
4. THAT, with regard to the potential future upgrades of other
stormwater management facilities in the Town of Aurora, Council
authorize staff:
• to issue a Request for Proposal for the Class Environmental
Assessment and Detail Design for the retrofit of two stormwater
management facilities, one located immediately south of
Wellington Street East, adjacent to Ab Cox auto dealership,
(facility C-1) and the other located immediately east McCartney
of Bathurst Street, north of McClellan Way (facility SW-2);
• to expend funds in the amount of $100,000 from the Storm
Sewer Reserve for the environmental assessment and design
work for the upgrades of facilities C-1 and SW-2 with such funds
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 14 of 29
Tuesday, June 27,2006
to be provided as described in Report PW06-031;
• to contact the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
regarding possible financial assistance for these projects;
• to report to Council with the results of the Class Environmental
Assessment and Detail Design.
(9) PL06-077 — Release for Registration
Elderberry Hill
Schickedanz Bros. Ltd.
13990 and 14028 Yonge Street
D12-01-3A
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Subdivision
Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Aurora and
Schickedanz Bros. Limited in accordance with the draft approved
conditions subject to the provision of financial payments and securities as
set out on Schedules "K" and "L" of the Agreement; and
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all documents
necessary to give effect to same.
(10) PLO6-079 —Applications to Amend the Zoning By-law
and Application for Site Plan Approval
Chapman Court (Kylemore Homes)
Part of Lot 80, Concession 1, E.Y.S
Files: D14-13-05A & D11-10-05
THAT Council enact implementing Zoning By-law Amendment being By-
law 4813.06.D; and
THAT Report PL06-079 be received as information and that, subject to the
resolution of all outstanding issues and the submission of all fees and
securities, Council authorize the Director of Planning and Development
Services to execute a Site Plan Agreement between the Owner and the
Town of Aurora to permit the construction of 48 residential townhouses.
(11) PL06-084 —Applications to Amend the Zoning By-law and
for Site Plan Approval
The Merkur Group, 14800 Yonge Street
Pt Lot 77, Concession 1 W.Y.S.
Files D14-04-06 & D11-12-05
THAT report PL06-084 be received as information; and
Page 15 of 29
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
THAT Council enact implementing Zoning By-law Amendment 4814-06.D;
and
THAT subject to the resolution of all outstanding issues and the
submission of all fees and securities, Council authorize the Director of
Planning and Development Services to execute a Site Plan Agreement
between the Owner and the Town of Aurora to permit the 693m2 (7450ft2)
expansion of the grocery store, as well as to conduct other site works.
DEFEATED
THAT the Site Plan be brought back to Council for approval.
DEFEATED
(15) PL06-082 —Proposed Official Plan Updates pertaining to
Industrial/Commercial designations and Economic
Development
File Number D09-03-06
THAT report PL06-082 be received as information; and
THAT staff finalize the Official Plan Updates and bring the completed
Official Plan Amendment document to Council on July 11, 2006 for their
review and on August 15, 2006 for adoption.
(18) PL06-080 —Servicing Allocation Matrix
THAT the attached Matrix for the Allocation of Servicing Capacity,
Appendix 1, be adopted by Council to be used to determine applications
that may be considered for allocation.
(19) PW06-030 —Region 10-Year Roads Capital Program —Criteria
for Prioritizing Projects
THAT Report PW2006-30, "Region 10-Year Roads Capital Program —
Criteria for Prioritizing Projects", be received for information; and
THAT the Region of York be advised that the Town of Aurora is in favour
of the revised Priority Setting Model Criteria as detailed in the April 5,
2006 Report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works to the
Regional Transportation and Works Committee.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 16 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
(20) PW06-033 — Anti -train Whistle Update
THAT Transport Canada be encouraged to expedite their review of the
use of wayside horns at level crossings; and
THAT the Regional Municipality of York be encouraged to review the
matter of elimination of train whistles at level crossings under their purview
within the Town of Aurora as soon as possible, following the decision by
Transport Canada as described in Recommendation No. 1.
(22) PL06-083 — Planning Applications Status List
THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received as information.
Balance of General Committee Meeting Report No. 16-12, Tuesday, June 20, 2006
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 06-
12 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be
adopted.
3. Memo from the Director of Leisure Services (pg. 67)
Re: Community Use of Facilities
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT memo be received for information.
4. LS06-023 — Alternative Uses of the Former Hydro Building (pg. 69)
at 215 Industrial Parkway South
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council provide staff with direction on the preferred alternative as
presented in Report No. LS06-023.
5. CS06-022— Regulate the Sale and Possession of Replica Firearms (pg. 82)
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT staff report CS06-022 be received; and
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 17 of 29
THAT the report and draft by-law be circulated to the other municipalities
within York Region and the York Regional Police Department requesting
their support for this initiative.
6. CS06-026— Newspaper Distribution Boxes & Waste Containers (pg. 100)
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT staff report CS06-026 be received; and
THAT the Town place a notice in the Notice Board and advise all
newspaper distribution box companies of the proposal to enact a by-law to
regulate and permit newspaper boxes in the Town of Aurora; and
THAT the Town enter into discussions with Creative Outdoor Advertising
for the provision of Blvd Waste Containers and Newspaper Distribution
Boxes Corals; and
THAT a further staff report be submitted to Council once all of the details
with the distribution companies and Creative Outdoor Advertising have
been addressed.
7. LS06-025 — Tri- Party Property Use Agreement between YRDSB, (pg. 122)
YCDSB and the Town of Aurora
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Tri- Party
Property Use Agreement between the Town of Aurora, the York Region
Catholic District School Board and the York Region District School Board
to facilitate the ongoing use and operation of various public outdoor
facilities located on School Board property at Regency Acres Public
School, St. Josephs Catholic School and on Town property at
Confederation Park.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 18 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
8. PL06-085 — Servicing Allocation Matrix (pg. 132)
Application for Site Plan Approval
Preserve Homes — Aspen Ridge (Aurora) Ltd.
Block 26 — 31 & Block 33 — 36, 65M-3850
File D11-08-06
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Report PL06-085 be received as information and that, subject to the
resolution of all outstanding issues and the submission of all fees and
securities, Council authorize the Director of Planning and Development
Services to execute a Site Plan Agreement between the Owner and the
Town of Aurora to permit the construction of 62 row house units on the
subject lands.
PL06-075 — St. John's Road Development Corp. (pg. 152)
East Aurora Wetland Complex Swale Buffer
Part of Lots 24 and 25, Concession 2, E.Y.S.
East side of Bayview Avenue
Files: D08-10-96, D12-00-1Aand D14-05-00
OMB Case No. PL000902
OMB File Nos. 0000160, S000085 and Z000137
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council receive Staff Report PL06-075 — St. John's Road
Development Corp. related to a proposed buffer adjacent to the East
Aurora Wetland Swale. Files: D08-10-96, D12-00-1A and D14-05-00; and
THAT the Ontario Municipal Board be notified that, based on the technical
reports provided, Council supports a minimum 20m (65 ft,) buffer adjacent
to the East Aurora Wetland Swale.
10. Memo From Director of Planning & Development Services (pg. 161)
Re: Revised Implementing Zoning By-law - Town of Aurora
Part of Lot 19, Concession III -15059 Leslie Street
File: D14-05-04
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memo be received for information
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 19 of 29
11. PW06-032 — Joint Municipal Waste Diversion Strategy (pg. 166)
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council approve, in principle, the joint municipal waste diversion
strategy as described in Report PW06-032 subject to the outcome of the
public consultation planned for this summer; and
THAT staff report back to Council in the fall of 2006 on recommended
amendments to the strategy as a result of input from the public
consultation process; and
THAT Report No. PW06-032 be referred to the Environmental Advisory
Committee for their information.
12. PL06-081 — Update of Studies in Support of Regional Official Plan (pg. 174)
Amendment for the 2C Planning Area
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT, based on the completed supporting studies, Council request that
the Region of York initiate a Regional Official Plan Amendment to include
the 2C lands within the "Urban Area" designation of the Regional Official
Plan; and
THAT, the Region of York be requested to include a policy, within the
amendment, to require a phasing strategy at the secondary planning
stage to ensure that employment land development is concurrent with or
precedes residential development in the 2C lands.
13. PLO6-076 — Issues Related to New Over Sized Housing (pg. 321)
Developments in Existing Neighbourhoods
(deferred from June 20, 2006 General Committee)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Report PL06-076 regarding the construction of over sized infill
housing in existing neighbourhoods be received as information; and
THAT Council direct Planning Staff to initiate a working group with the
Building Administration Department, in order to determine which infill
zoning provisions used in other municipalities can be successfully applied
in the Town of Aurora; and
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 20 of 29
THAT Staff be further directed to identify a preferred zoning option and
determine the geographic area or areas where the infill zoning provisions
would apply; and
THAT Staff be directed to seek public involvement in the process by
hosting a Public Open House; and
THAT Staff report back on the matter in September 2006.
14. TSAB06-014 — June 14, 2006 Traffic Safety Advisory Board (pg. 350)
Meeting
RECOMMENDED:
1. THAT the Committee Record of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board meeting,
held on June 14, 2006, be received for information and Council endorse the
following recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board:
2. Report No. TSAB06-010 — Parking Concerns on Rush Road
THAT parking be prohibited on the east side of Rush Road from a point 18
meters north of the Canada Post mailboxes to a point 4 meters west of the
driveway to house #105; and
THAT a yellow centreline be installed on Rush Road around the bend; and
THAT the necessary by-law be implemented to approve the above
recommendation; and
THAT staff be requested to notify all affected residents of the TSAB's
recommendations including those homes east of the proposed parking
prohibition.
3. May 18, 2006 memorandum from the Traffic/Transportation Analyst
regarding Fairway Drive — Traffic Calming Update
THAT the May 18, 2006 memorandum from the Traffic/Transportation
Analyst regarding Fairway Drive — Traffic Calming Update be deferred to the
next TSAB for consideration; and
THAT staff be requested to determine if the traffic count data collected on
Fairway Drive is accurate; and
THAT once the reconstruction of Fairway Drive is complete the York
Regional Police be requested to conduct speeding enforcement.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 21 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
4. Report No. TSAB06-008 — Proposed No Stopping and No Parking School
Zone Prohibitions
THAT stopping be prohibited from 8:OOa.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday to Friday,
September 1 to June 30:
On the west side of Stone Road from a point 38.5 meters south of
Crow's Nest Gate to a point 144 meters west of Primeau Drive;
On the south side of Glass Drive from Murray Drive to Child Drive;
On the east side of Bridgenorth Drive from Hollandview Trail to a
Earl Stewart Drive;
On the west side of George Street from a point 82 meters south of
Hawthorne Lane to a point 37.7 meters north of Hawthorne Lane;
• THAT parking be prohibited from 8:OOa.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday to
Friday, September 1 to June 30;
• On the west side of Bridgenorth Drive from Hollandview Trail to Earl
Stewart Drive; and
THAT the existing no parking anytime prohibition on the north side of Glass
Drive from a point 84.5 meters west of Murray Drive to a point 56 meters
east of Child Drive be repealed; and
THAT the existing no parking anytime prohibition on the west side of Murray
Drive from a point 69 meters north of Glass Drive to a point 90 meters south
of Seaton Drive be repealed; and
THAT the existing no parking prohibition from 8:OOam to 4:30pm, Monday -
Friday on the west side of Murray Drive from a point 69 meters north of
Glass Drive to a point 90 meters south of Seaton Drive be repealed; and
THAT the necessary by-laws be created to implement the above
recommendations; and
THAT a letter be sent to the York Region District and the York Catholic
District School Board's with the TSAB's recommendations.
5. Report No. TSAB06-009 — Intersection of Dunning Avenue and Cameron
Avenue — Multi -Way Stop Sign Control
THAT multi -way stop sign control be implemented at the intersection of
Dunning Avenue and Cameron Avenue; and
THAT the traffic calming request for Dunning Avenue be denied; and
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 22 of 29
THAT funds in the amount of $10,000 be provided in the 2007 Capital
Budget to modify the Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School bus loop; and
THAT the Clerks Department be requested to introduce the necessary by-
law to implement the above recommendation.
6. Report No. TSAB06-011 — School Crossing Guards During the Noon Lunch
Hours — Follow -Up Report
THAT Council receive Report No. TSAB06-011 — School Crossing Guards
During the Noon Lunch Hours — Follow -Up Report for information.
7. Report No. TSAB06-012 — Stop Sign Control at the Intersection of
Ballymore Drive and Downey Circle
THAT the existing 2-way stop sign control at the Ballymore Drive and
Downey Circle intersection be retained.
8. Report No. TSAB06-013 — Three -Hour Parking Limit
THAT Report No. TSAB06-013 — Three -Hour Parking Limit be deferred to
the next TSAB meeting for consideration.
9. May 17, 2006 memorandum from the Traffic/Transportation Analyst
regarding Golf Links Drive —Traffic Calming Update
THAT the current speed hump design be retained; and
THAT the optional 6th speed hump be installed on Golf Links Drive in the
vicinity of House #98.
15. AHC06-07 —June 20, 2006 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting (pg. 360)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council receive the no quorum report from the Heritage Advisory
Committee Meeting of June 20, 2006.
16. Correspondence from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (pg. 362)
Re: Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council provide direction on this matter.
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 23 of 29
17. Correspondence from the York Region Food Network (pg. 366)
Re: Food Bank Use in York Region
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council receive the correspondence from the York Region Food
Network regarding food bank use in York Region for information.
18. Correspondence from the Town of Georgina (pg. 375)
Re: The WAVE Healthy Waters Healthy Yards Project
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council provide direction on this matter.
19. EDAC06-06 — June 21, 2006 Economic Development (pg. 377)
Advisory Committee
RECOMMENDED:
1. THAT the Committee Record of the Economic Development Advisory
Committee Meeting 06-06 held on June 21, 2006 be received as
information and the following recommendations of the Economic
Development Advisory Committee be endorsed:
2. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Report No. 06-05
held on Wednesday May 17 2006
THAT Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Report No.
06-05 held on Wednesday May 17, 2006 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
3. EDAC06-003 - Gateway Entry Feature
(distributed at the meeting)
THAT Report EDAC06-003 - Gateway Entry Feature be received; and
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee endorse, in
principle, location #3 as indicated on Attachment B of Report EDAC06-
003; and
THAT the Economic Development Officer be directed to pursue the
development of the Gateway Entry Feature Option 5 as described in
Report EDAC06-003 - Attachment A, and report back to the September
20, 2006 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 24 of 29
Tuesday, June 27,2006
4. NEW ITEM Yonge Street Commercial Area Sub -Committee
Minutes of June 1, 2006
THAT the Yonge Street Commercial Area Sub -Committee Minutes of June
1, 2006 be received and the recommendations of the Yonge Street
Commercial Area Sub -Committee be endorsed:
1. THAT Leisure Services be requested to provide additional plantings
for the Temperance Street Parking Lot and that the Aurora
Horticultural Society do the planting prior to August 12, 2006.
2. THAT Mayor Jones, on behalf of Council, send a letter
commending the Aurora Horticultural Society for cleaning up the
public area surrounding the vacant lot at Yonge and Tyler Streets.
3. THAT By-law Services be requested to inspect, on a weekly basis,
all vacant properties along Yonge Street to ensure compliance with
municipal by-laws and further report the number of violations
pertaining to the inspections to the Yonge Street Commercial Area
Sub -Committee; and
THAT Richard Wizemann meet with the By-law Services Co-
ordinator to address the concerns of the Yonge Street Commercial
Area Sub -Committee with respect to this matter.
4. THAT the Aurora Horticultural Society be allowed to provide
adequate signage indicating that they have provided the planting
and/or done the planting and/or clean up at all locations along
Yonge Street.
5. THAT Council recognize the contributions that the Aurora
Horticultural Society has contributed to the beautification of Yonge
Street.
6. THAT the matter of adequate and substantial signage on Yonge
Street and Industrial Parkway indicating that Industrial Parkway is a
by-pass route be referred to the Director of Public Works for a
report including cost estimates for the installation of the signage.
7. THAT Council recognize Councillor Wallace for initiating the yearly
"World's Longest Street Festival".
8. THAT "Downtown Commercial District Signage" (Capital Budget
Item 13003, approved December 2005) be immediately installed at
the appropriate locations along Yonge Street, with the district
names previously endorsed by the Economic Development
Advisory Committee.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 25 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
9. THAT the approved 2006 capital expenditure of $10,000 for
garbage receptacles along Yonge Street be immediately initiated.
10. THAT the composition of the Yonge Street Commercial Area Sub -
Committee be reduced, for the remainder of this term only, by
removing the requirement of representatives from the Aurora
Chamber of Commerce and the Aurora Historical Society.
5. EDAC06-004 — An Economic and Employment Overview for Aurora 2005
THAT EDAC06-004 — An Economic and Employment Overview for Aurora
dated June 21, 2006 be received for information.
6. EDAC06-005 — Participation in the GTMA's 2006/07 GTA Advanced
Manufacturing Initiative
THAT Report EDAC06-005 dated June 21, 2006 prepared by the
Economic Development Officer be received; and
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee endorse the
Town's participation in the GTMA's 2006/07 GTA Advanced
Manufacturing Initiative.
7. Business 'Bright Lights' Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2006 Edition
THAT Business 'Bright Lights' Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2006 Edition
be received for information; and
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee Members are
requested to forward any news items that may be included in future
editions of the Business 'Bright Lights' Newsletter, to the Economic
Development Officer.
20. FS06-019 — Annual Debt Repayment Limit
RECOMMENDED:
(pg. 387)
THAT Report FS06-019 on Annual Debt Repayment Limit be received.
Page 26 of 29
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
21. EAC06-06 — June 12, 2006 Environmental Advisory Committee (pg. 396)
RECOMMENDED:
1. THAT the Committee Record of the Environmental Advisory Committee
meeting, held June 12, 2006 be received for information and Council
endorse the following recommendations of the Environmental Advisory
Committee:
2. THAT Meeting Record No. 06-05 dated Monday, May 8, 2006 be adopted
as printed and circulated by Corporate Services.
3. Mr. Mike Birett Manager of Programs and Policy and Mr. Andy Campbell,
Director of Solid Waste Management Branch - Region of York Waste
Management Branch
Re: Waste Diversion Strategy and Durham/York Residual Waste Study
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
4. Mr. Mark Hadden
Re: Item 7 - Tree Cutting Permit Application
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
5. General Committee Extract from June 6, 2006 LS06-022 — Tree Cutting
Permit Application
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee has no objection to the
application to remove 18 trees from the property at 8 Williamson Terrace;
and
THAT staff be requested to confirm that there are no restrictive covenants
registered within the Subdivision Agreement regarding tree removal, and
no negative comments from residents pertaining to this application; and
THAT, providing that staff find no restrictive covenants and no negative
comments on record, Council approve the application in accordance with
By-law 4474-03.D (Tree Permit By-law).
6. Council Extract from March 28, 2006
BA06-005 — Eco-friendly Housing Developments
(referred to EAC from March 21, 2006 General Committee)
(deferred from May 8, 2006 meeting)
THAT report BA06-005 — Eco-friendly Housing Developments be received
for information.
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27,2006
Page 27 of 29
7. Environmental Advisory Committees of York Region Comments on
'Growing York'
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee forward the following
comments regarding the York Region "Towards a Sustainable Region" to
be included into the Regional Official Plan Review, Infrastructure Master
Plan Updates and a Sustainability Strategy for York Region:
• Planning should start with the environment and land bearing capacity
and work backwards to establish acceptable growth numbers. All
necessary tools are available; Natural Heritage Mapping, ("The Bigger
Picture" by MNR), ORM, Green Belt, Hydrogeological Mapping
(available from Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition) Farmland
Mapping and rating, transportation and employable data ... etc.;
• The built environment does not support human existence. Balance
between the man-made and natural has to be maintained if the target
is a SUSTAINABLE region; and
THAT these comments be distributed back to all other EAC Chairs on the
distribution list.
8. Public Enquiries from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Home Show;
and
Correspondence from Councillor Morris - Feedback from the Aurora Chamber
of Commerce Home Show
THAT Items 3 and 4 be received; and
THAT staff be encouraged to look at securing a larger space for the 2007
Home Show to allow for the Environmental Advisory Committee to provide
a display and have representatives present; and
THAT an invitation be extended to other Advisory Committees to be
present at the Home Show if they wish to.
9. Durham/York Residual Waste Study
THAT the Durham/York Residual Waste Study be received for information.
10. Correspondence from Mary -Frances Turner
Environmental Committee Deliberations on Pesticide use in Aurora
THAT the Correspondence from Mary -Frances Turner Environmental
Committee Deliberations on Pesticide use in Aurora be received for
information.
Council Meeting No. 06-19 Page 28 of 29
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
11. Public Awareness/Education
THAT Council authorize the Environmental Advisory Committee to utilize
$500 to purchase presentation materials for upcoming events; and
THAT Council authorize the Environmental Advisory Committee to utilize
$750 to $1000 to pay for advertising for upcoming events.
12. Memo from Director of Public Works - Cost of Installing Anti -Idling
Information Signs
THAT Council approve in principle the installation of anti -idling information
signage; and
THAT Council authorize the Director of Public Works to work with the
Environmental Advisory Committee to look at using a portion of the Public
Awareness Initiatives budget toward this project; and
THAT the Town logo and the Environmental Advisory Committee logo be
included in the signage.
13. Extract from Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meeting - May 17, 2006 Smart Commute - Central York
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee receive and endorse the
following recommendation from the Economic Development Advisory
Committee meeting of May 17, 2006 regarding Smart Commute - Central
York:
1. THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
endorse the Smart Commute — Central York and Smart Commute
Aurora concepts as generally described in Report No. EDAC06-
003; and
2. THAT Report No. EDAC06-003 be referred to the Environmental
Advisory Committee (EAC) for endorsement of the Smart Commute
— Central York and Smart Commute Aurora concepts; and
3. THAT upon endorsement by Economic Development Advisory
Committee and Environmental Advisory Committee, Report No.
EDAC06-003 be referred to Town Council with a request for
Council's approval in principle of the participation of the Town of
Aurora in the Smart Commute — Central York Transportation
Management Association as generally described in Report No.
EDAC06-003; and
Council Meeting No. 06-19
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Page 29 of 29
4. THAT staff be requested to submit further financial details related to
Recommendation No. 3 as part of the 2007 budget deliberations;
and
5. THAT staff be requested to develop and implement a Smart
Commute Aurora initiative for Town Employees as generally
described in Report No. EDAC06-003; and
6. THAT the Smart Commute — Central York Transportation
Management Association be notified of Council's decision on this
matter.
14. Informational Items
THAT Items 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23 be received
for information; and
THAT Items 11, 21 and 25 be referred to the next Environmental Advisory
Committee meeting.
15. ADDED ITEM 24 - East Gwillimbury - Press Release - East Gwillimbury's
Energy Star Standards Showcased at 2006 Smog Summit
THAT the Press Release - East Gwillimbury's Energy Star Standards
Showcased at 2006 Smog Summit be received for information; and
THAT a representative of the Environmental Advisory Committee attend
this event on June 16, 2006.
DAVIS WEBB LLF
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
Delegation (b)
JUN 22 2006
Corporate Services Dept.
Mr. Bob Panizza, Clerk,
Town of Aurora.
Dear Sir:
Re: Schickedanz Bros. Limited
Elderberry Hill Subdivision Aurora
Davis Webb UP 9arriclera & Solicitam
24 Queen Street Eaat
Established In 191e
Suite 000
A. Grenville Davie QC (1916-1973)
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
L6V 1A3
Ronald K. Webb Or
Nail G- Davis
Christopher Moon
Internet: DavlsWebb,com
Ronald Sleightholm
Fax: 905.454,1876
Ellen Pefhany
Telephone: 905.431.6714
Barbara Skupien
James S.G. Macdonald
June 22, 2006,
BY FAX
1 905 726 4732
Please arrange for us to appear as a deputation at the Council meeting scheduled to take
place on June 27, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. We are attending to support the recommendation of
the General Committee from its meeting of June 20, 2006, and to answer questions or
address issues as may be necessary.
Yours truly,
DAVIS WEBS LLP
R. /�. GJ /
RKW:ht Ronald K. Webb, Q.C.
C.C. Mr. Richard Thomas, Schickedanz Bros. 416 223 0924
Ms. Angela Sciberras, Sciberras Consulting 1905 868 8501
Mr. Tonny Johansen, MGM Consulting 905 567 3047
D-1
COUNCIL — JUNE 27, 2006
Delegation (c)
Panizza, Bob
From: Colleen Abbott [colleen.abbott@library.aurora.on.ca]
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 8:34 AM
To: Panizza, Bob
Subject: Delegation at June 27th Council Meeting
Dear Mr. Panizza:
The Library Board wishes to appear as a delegate at the Council Meeting of June 27,
2006, with respect to the June 20th General Committee Meeting, specifically Report No.
LS06-024, Determination of Use for Library Square Facilities. The Board will be
represented by its Chair, Geoffrey Dawe.
Colleen Abbott, Secretary
Aurora Public Library Board
Colleen Abbott - Chief Executive Officer
Aurora Public Library 15145 Yonge Street Aurora ON L4G 1M1
colleen.abbott@library.aurora.on. ca
let: (905) 727-9494 ext 221 fox:(905) 727-3454
The information contained In this message is directed in confidence solely to the person(s) named above and may not be otherwise
distributed, copied or disclosed. The message may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure
under the Municipal F-oedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act. if you have received this message in error, please notify
the sender Immediately advising of the error and delete the message without making a copy. Thank you.
6/23/2006 D - 2
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
Delegation (d)
Panizza, Bob
From: Helen Roberts
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 11:13 AM
To: Panizza, Bob
Subject: delegation status
To: Bob Panizza, Director, Corporate Services
I would like to request delegation status at the Council Meeting of June 27 to address the Library Square issue on
behalf of the Aurora Historical Society.
Helen Roberts
President, Aurora Historical Society
6/23/2006 D - 3
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
AGENDA IT! 4
Memo
To: Mayor Jones and Members of Council
From: John S. Rogers, Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Management of the Aurora Hydro Sale Proceeds
Date: June 23, 2006
Attached to this memorandum is the report of our consultant David Weldon of
CivicSolutions +. The Director of Financial Services and I have reviewed the
report and are recommending adoption of the recommendation set out in the
report of Mr. Weldon at page 14 of his report.
John S. Rogers, Chief Administrative Officer
-1-
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
FISCAL PANNING FOR THE FUTURE:
AURORA HYDRO SALE PROCEEDS
FINAL REPORT
Presented by.
CivicSolutions+ Inc.
June 29, 2006
-2-
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
2
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Aurora realized approximately $35.2 million as the proceeds from
the sale of its Hydro distribution company: Aurora Hydro Connections Inc. The
proceeds represent a once in a lifetime infusion of significant funds for the
municipality.
In keeping with its demonstrated record of leading edge governance principles,
Aurora Council determined to seek input from its constituents to assist in
determining criteria for the management and use of the funds that are in the best
interests of the Town. In order to determine the residents' views on the criteria
that should be used by Council, CivicSolutions+ Inc. was engaged to undertake a
public consultation process to collect views and opinions and to explore and
present options for the best use of the money.
At its meeting held on March 28, 2006, Aurora Council approved a public
consultation process to solicit input from residents and businesses of Aurora with
the following objectives for that process:
❑ An open and inclusive consultation process;
❑ To obtain input from residents and businesses of Aurora regarding the
management of the sale proceeds;
❑ To inform residents, in layman's terms, of the options available to the
municipality for the investment of the funds;
❑ To solicit criteria to determine how best to make use of the proceeds of
the sale;
❑ To identify areas of agreement;
❑ To highlight areas of divergent opinions;
❑ To provide a mechanism for residents and businesses to suggest specific
ways and means to use the proceeds as well the criteria for weighing
various options; and
❑ To utilize input received to compile an analytical report for the Town of
Aurora Council.
At the same meeting, Council also approved the following goals for the
management of the sale proceeds:
❑ To ensure the prudent investment of funds in accordance with the
Municipal Act, 2001;
❑ To support and enhance Aurora's financial position;
❑ To assess short and long term advantages of all options; and
❑ To assure residents and businesses enjoy long term benefits.
-3-
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
3
METHODOLOGY
To ensure that the consultation captured a broad range of Aurora residents'
opinions, the process included direct contact with resident and business groups,
facilitated consultation, and two open Town Hall meetings. There were four
distinct elements to the consultation process:
Preparation and distribution of Discussion Document in layman's terms
The document, FISCAL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: Aurora Hydro Sale
Proceeds, dated May 1, 2006 (included in the attachments), was the starting
block for the consultation process. It identified a number of options for the
management of the funds and served as a reference point to commence
discussions and interaction with interested parties. It was intended to outline
potential choices in a fashion that was easy to understand.
The document was available in the Town Hall, at the Aurora Public Library and
on the Town's website.
Initiatives with community leaders
Direct communication was mailed to known ratepayer and community groups
advising them of the two Public Consultation meetings. They were also advised
that they could submit comments directly to Town staff or to CivicSolutions+ Inc.
General community communications initiatives
Notice of the two public consultation sessions was posted on the Aurora Council
page in the Era Banner as well as on the Town's website. The notice invited
interested parties to attend the meetings to provide input or to send their
comments directly to the Town or to CivicSolutions+ Inc. In all cases, written
comments and suggestions were requested by May 31, 2006.
-4-
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
4
Facilitated public consultation sessions
Two facilitated public consultations sessions were held on May 16, 2006 at the
Aurora Legion Hall and on May 18, 2006 at the Aurora Public Library. Both
sessions began at 7:00 pm. and were about two hours long. Participants were
asked to sign in; registering their name and any affiliation with interest groups as
well as to list their municipal address and other contact information. The goal of
each session was to outline some options that Aurora Council might consider for
the management of the sale proceeds, to hear opinions from those present on
the options outlined and to solicit any other suggestions that participants wished
to advance.
-5-
COUNCIL — JUNE 27, 2006
5
FINDINGS
May 16, 2006 Meeting
Six residents were in attendance. Most attended with the intention of advocating
for a particular project or process that they support and want the Town to initiate.
Three people present indicated that they were representing the McClenny Drive
Association and referenced their desire to see certain lands on Henderson Ave.
acquired by the Town. One resident proposed setting up a revolving fund to buy
lands from developers who would not meet certain criteria desired by the Town,
and then reselling the lands after assuring that those criteria would be met.
Discussion also centred on proposed criteria for managing the funds.
For purposes of clarity and brevity hereafter, the property purchase addressed by
the McClenny Drive Association representatives will be referred to as the
'Salamander Pond Lands'. These lands are about 7.8 acres and are located on
the north side of Henderson Avenue east of McClenny Drive. The properties are
currently for sale, are located within the Oak Ridges Moraine and are north of the
Case Woodlot. The acquisition of these lands was referred to at both public
meetings, and in a number of written responses received by the consultants. All
of the persons who attended the public meetings who raised this matter as well
as those who sent letters or emails urging the acquisition signed the petition of
80 households requesting same.
There was general consensus that the funds should be spent on projects that will
make a long term difference for residents. Those present did not want to see the
funds `frittered away' on a myriad of smaller projects, nor did they wish to see the
money spent on a single type of project.
A key message received was that future Council's should respect the decisions
made by those who determine how to manage the funds even if those decisions
are not legally binding on them.
While most present felt that the funds should be used for capital expenditures
only, one individual felt that some should be used to offset operating expenses
and limit, not freeze, annual tax rate increases. The comments recorded at the
May 16, 2006 meeting and the list of those present are contained in the
attachments.
We
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
R
May 18, 2006 Meeting
Seven residents were in attendance, one of whom had attended the May 16,
2006 meeting as well. One resident raised the Salamander Pond Lands matter.
The resident who raised the revolving land acquisition fund on May 16th brought
it to the attention of those present again.
There was considerable focus on the desire to ensure that whatever Council
decides to do is done in an open, public fashion. It was suggested that whenever
Council uses part of the proceeds for any purpose, it should specifically indicate
that it is doing so and should let the public know the amount of money that is
involved.
One resident suggested that the debt the Town currently has for the construction
of the Leisure Complex should be paid down. The suggestion was later
withdrawn.
Two residents from a rental apartment complex suggested that some of the funds
could be used for subsidizing high utility costs in rental buildings and for
incorporating wind or solar power into building projects.
One young Aurora resident, when asked what he would do if he was the boss
and had a lot of money to spend said that "Aurora needs more forests to keep
the air clean". He would plant significantly more trees in town.
The comments recorded at the May 18, 2006 meeting and the list of those
present are contained in the attachments.
Written Submissions
As part of the process, residents were invited to submit written comments on how
best to manage the proceeds from the hydro sale. This was done to allow input
from residents without requiring them to attend one of the public consultation
sessions in the event that they were unable to do so. The invitation to send
submissions was included in the material on the Town's website and in the 150
copies of material circulated from the Town Hall and the Aurora Public Library.
-7-
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
7
As indicated earlier, a petition signed by representatives of 80 households in the
McClenny Drive area was received. It requests that the Town purchase the
Salamander Pond Lands.
Nine other written responses were received. One of them was presented at the
May 16th public consultation session and proposes the revolving land acquisition
fund referred to earlier. A second, from another individual supports that proposal.
Three responses support the acquisition of the Salamander Pond Lands.
One respondent proposes that the majority of the proceeds be used for the repair
and replacement of infrastructure with the reminder (approximately 10%) made
available for worthy community project(s) that enhance the quality of life in
Aurora.
The findings from the balance of the written responses are varied. The use of the
funds for new capital projects appears to be favoured by slightly more than those
who prefer to see the money used for the upkeep of existing infrastructure.
Several prefer spending only the interest and not touching the principal. A
movement away from subsidizing the tax rate is preferred. One submission
suggested that the principal not be touched and that the interest be spent on both
new capital and capital replacement with neither falling below 25% of the annual
interest.
Specific projects that garnered support are completion of the Arboretum Master
Plan, a youth centre through the completion of the Library Square refurbishment
and a museum historical centre.
The written responses received are all listed and contained in the attachments .
Those who indicated a priority for the ranking of criteria for capital projects (4
respondents) did so in varied ways. Some listed their priorities from 1 to 8.
Others ranked several areas as high priority, some as medium and others as low
priorities. Some residents listed several categories as their 1gt 2Id, or 3`d etc.
choice.
Given the disparities in how residents responded to the questionnaire, we have a
ranked their choices in a uniform fashion by assigning 3 points to a 1st or 2nd
choice or to categories ranked as high priority; 2 points to those ranked 3rd or 4th
or medium priority; and, 1 point to those ranked 5th, 6th, 7th, or low priority. This
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
leads to a ranking where the options with the highest number of points represent
those identified as the highest priorities overall.
The ranking with total points for each category is as follows:
Greening Initiatives 12
Environmental Improvements 9
Cultural Facilities 9
Water Supply 8
Transportation System Improvements 6
SidewalksMalking/Biking Trails 6
Recreation Facilities 4
COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
6
CONCLUSIONS
The public consultation process succeeded in gathering opinions on the criteria
to be used to decide how to manage the proceeds from the sale of Aurora Hydro
Connections Inc. It demonstrated openness and inclusiveness and uncovered
views and divergent opinion on the criteria that residents feel Council should
consider. It gave those who participated an opportunity to suggest specific ways
to use the proceeds as well as the criteria for weighing the decisions among the
many options facing Council. Unfortunately, the number of people who took
advantage of the process was disappointingly low.
It was anticipated that a number of special interest groups would take advantage
of the process to advance specific causes. The main group that did so
represented a large number of residents who want to see the 'Salamander Pond
Lands' acquired by the Town. This group views the acquisition of the property as
the priority and the use of the Hydro Sale Funds as a possible means to achieve
their objective. In facilitating discussion, despite specific special interests of those
present, reference to the need to focus on the criteria for managing the funds
was rarely required.
The Aurora residents who attended the public consultation sessions should be
commended for not only taking the time to attend and contribute, but also for the
constructive way in which they made their presentations and discussed them with
others in attendance. The written submissions received were reasoned and
articulate.
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DISCUSSION
The funds from the sale of Aurora Hydro Connectoins Inc. represent the largest
infusion of cash in the Town's history.
As outlined in the Capital Asset ManagementlReserve and Reserve Fund Report
dated March 21, 2006, ("the Report"). Aurora will face significant cost pressures
as it strives to establish a long term plan for the rehabilitation and/or replacement
of its capital assets. It indicates that Aurora's ultimate objective should be to
maintain and replace its assets without utilizing debt as an option. The Report
attempts to value the Assets currently owned by the municipality and to develop
an awareness of the need to fund their repair and replacement on an ongoing
and enhanced basis. The Report concludes that an additional $10.8 million per
year is needed from 2007 to 2013 to raise the money required for the Asset
Management Program. The Report was received by Council on March 21st and
referred back to staff for further review.
Our preliminary review of the Report indicates that about $30 million, or 35%, of
the estimated $85.5 million requirement is for Water and Sewer purposes. In
keeping with the provincial government's policy directions supporting the
movement towards full cost pricing for water, we recommend that Aurora Council
continue to fund the Water and Sewer Capital Replacement Requirements from
water rates. We endorse your adopted policy that, the state of good repair for
Aurora's water and sewage systems should be funded for through rates paid by
its users, not from property tax or other revenues
It has been demonstrated that full costing for utilities promotes conservation and
as such prolongs the useable life of existing infrastructure while at the same time
deferring the need for its costly expansion. By raising funds for the repair and
replacement of this portion of the municipality's assets through water rates,
pressure on municipal tax rates for this purpose will be eliminated.
Even with water rates assuming the responsibility for funding 35% of the Town's
Asset Management requirements, the Report identifies a requirement to raise
$10.8 million annually until 2013 from tax rate supported or other revenue
sources. Taxpayers can not sustain the increase necessary to fund the amounts
outlined in the March 21 st report. Nor can they do so even if all of the Hydro
Proceeds funds are used for that purpose. However, the infrastructure deficit
facing Aurora is the largest single financial matter with which it must wrestle in
the foreseeable future.
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We recommend that the majority of the funds (80% to 90%) be placed in an
Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Reserve. A sustainable and affordable
plan needs to be developed to keep Aurora's assets in a state of good repair
using funds from the Reserve and from other sources. Those other sources will
include the tax rate, focal improvement charges and surcharges on user fees in
addition to grants or subsidies from provincial and possibly federal infrastructure
investment programs from time to time.
One of the options suggested is to use the funds to freeze tax rates so existing
residents and businesses enjoy an immediate return. This option is akin to selling
one's home to pay for the bread on the table. When the proceeds run out, there's
nothing left to pay for food. Our estimate is that with an annual 4% increase in tax
rate pressure and with interest earned on the Reserves at 4% per annum, the tax
rate could remain frozen until 2014, to be followed by a 9.8% increase in 2015
and a further 34% increase in 2016. We do not recommend its consideration.
Taxpayers expect the efficient delivery of services by Town staff and contractors
and Aurora Council and staff are ensuring that this indeed is happening.
Municipal governments are not immune to the cost pressures facing individuals
and businesses in Canada. Aurora's costs for petroleum, electricity, construction
materials and other commodities, for example, are increasing. As those
increases are incurred, the tax rate should be the funding source used to pay for
them. To subsidize tax rates with interest revenues or by dipping into the
principal from the Hydro Sale is not a sustainable financing plan for the operating
costs facing the municipality.
There will continue to be pressures affecting the costs of operating the various
services provided by the Town. Such operating costs are normally funded
through the property tax rate. For the last several years, the Town has utilized
interest, initially from a promissory note and laterally from the proceeds of the
Hydro sale to mitigate the impact of increasing operating costs on the tax rate. In
2006, the $920,000 used for this purpose represented a reduction of about 4.5%
in the tax rate. In effect, the amount paid by taxpayers this year has been
subsidized with interest on the sale proceeds. If the Town decides to utilize any
of the principal from the sale for purposes other than generating income, this
subsidization is not sustainable.
The amount of interest used to subsidize the tax rate can be reduced over time
so the funds can be used for capital purposes. The surplus generated from
operations at the end of 2005 was greater than the amount of the subsidy from
Hydro interest. Accordingly, it appears eliminating the draw on Hydro Reserve
interest is feasible over the next term of Council. We recommend that the fiscal
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plans of the 2006 - 2010 Council include eliminating reliance on interest from the
Hydro Sale proceeds to mitigate municipal property tax rates.
A number of worthwhile new capital projects are currently being discussed by
Aurora Council. Individually and collectively, they will serve to enhance the
quality of life in Aurora. Some of them are not able to be funded by Development
Charges levied on new development. Utilizing some of the Hydro Sale Proceeds
to provide new capital legacy facilities to Aurora residents was suggested by a
number of the respondents during the consultation process. Aurora Council
should consider business cases for each of them so it understands both their
operating and capital cost implications before determining which, if any, it wishes
to pursue.
Aurora Council utilizes the provisions of the Development Charges Act to fund
new capital facilities required to serve new residential and non-residential
development planned in the community. Development Charges are levied on all
new construction to fund those facilities. It has been suggested that part of the
Hydro Sale proceeds could be used to fund such projects or to pay off financing
used to pre -build them before all of the requisite Development Charges have
been received. In the end, this would only serve to reduce the Development
Charges to be paid to the Town of Aurora by an amount equivalent to that paid
for from the Hydro Sale Proceeds. Doing so would replace one of the few funding
sources available to the Town as opposed to augmenting them. There would be
no net gain to Aurora residents. We do not recommend this option.
A number of the capital needs of the municipality can not be funded through
Development Charges. Arts and Cultural Centres, Municipal Offices, certain
rolling stock and the non -growth share of growth related Development Charge
funded projects are some examples. We recommend that the balance of the
Hydro Sale Proceeds (10% to 20%) be utilized for new capital projects not
currently eligible for funding from Development Charge proceeds.
We were not retained to comment on specific proposals made by respondents.
We were, however, particularly impressed that one young Aurora resident took
the time to come to an 'adult' meeting to present his case for more forests to
provide cleaner air for the future. An enhanced tree planting program is
something that Aurora Council could consider funding from the Sale Proceeds
As indicated earlier, one of the goals approved by Council on March 28, 2006
was to ensure the prudent investment of funds in accordance with the Municipal
Act, 2001. At its June 28, 2005 meeting, Council, when dealing with the
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COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
13
establishment of the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund, amongst other things
resolved that monies could be allocated from the Fund 'by a vote of not less than
2/3 vote of the entire Council, meaning that all members of Council be present in
Council Chambers at the time of the vote or the vote is to be deferred until the
Council is sitting in its entirety". We are of the view that the above motion is
contrary to both the intent and wording of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Our democratic process is founded on the basis that the will of the majority of
voters on an issue determines its outcome. Individuals are not provided with the
right or ability to veto matters that the majority determines are appropriate.
Municipal Councils approve an entire year's operating expenses or capital
spending plans, for instance, by adopting a budget in a process where a majority
of the Councilors present at the Council meeting approve it. Similarly, the right to
develop large tracts of land receives approval by a simple majority of those
Councilors present.
The Municipal Act, 2001, does not provide for a Member of Council to have a
veto over the decisions of a majority of Councilors present at a meeting. The
defacto effect of the above referenced motion is to provide a veto to any Council
Member who disagrees with what a majority of those present wish to do. To veto
a motion pertaining to the Fund, given the reference to the requirement for all
Councilors to be present, a Councilor simply has to leave the meeting if he/she
disagrees and Council is rendered ineffective in its attempts to deal with the
issue. We are of the view that if challenged in court, the above section of
Council's motion would be determined to be contrary to the Municipal Act, 2001.
We recommend that Council rescind the relevant sections of its June 28th
motion.
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DATIONS
1. That the state of good repair for the Water and Sanitary Sewage Assets of the
Town of Aurora continue to be funded through rates paid by its users.
2. That Aurora Council establish a Municipal Infrastructure Repair and
Replacement Reserve and transfer 80% to 90% of the Aurora Hydro Sale
Investment Fund to that Reserve, and that an affordable and sustainable plan be
developed to keep Aurora's municipal infrastructure in a state of good repair
using this Reserve as well as funds from other sources.
3. That Aurora Council adopt a plan to be implemented during its 2006 - 2010
term to, by the end of that term, eliminate its reliance on using interest from the
Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund to mitigate property tax rates.
4. That 10% to 20% of the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund be transferred to
a Reserve created to fund new capital projects not eligible for funding from
Development Charge revenues.
5. That, to ensure compliance with the Municipal Act, 2001, Aurora Council
rescind the provisions of its motion of June 28, 2005 requiring that any transfers
from the Aurora Hydro Sale Investment Fund be authorized only if not less than
2/3 of Council approve of them in a meeting with all Members of Council present.
6. That whenever Aurora Council allocates funding to a project from the
Reserves established from the Hydro Sale proceeds, it specifically indicate that it
is doing so and identify the amount of funding being allocated from those
sources.
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ATTACHMENTS
Appendix'A': Summary, May 16, 2006 Public Meeting comments
Appendix 'B': May 16, 2006 Public Meeting Attendees
Appendix'C': Summary, May 18, 2006 Public Meeting comments
Appendix'D': May 18, 2006 Public Meeting Attendees
Appendix'E': Petition from McLenny Drive Association representatives
Appendix'F'; Survey response from S. Grainger
Appendix 'G': Survey response from G. Barnes
Appendix'H': Correspondence from B. McRoberts
Appendix 'I': Correspondence from G. Skoulikas
Appendix V: Correspondence from L. Kizovski
Appendix 'K': Correspondence from B. Niro and J. Flinn
Appendix 'L': Correspondence from A. Kluge
Appendix'M': Correspondence from K. Wehrenberg
Appendix'N': Survey response from I. Clement
Appendix'O': Unsigned survey response
Appendix'P': Discussion Document
Fiscal Planning for the Future: Aurora Hydro Sale Proceeds
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COUNCIL — JUNE 27, 2006 ,
Fiscal planning for the future: Aurora Hydro sale proceeds
Summary of May 16, 2006 Public Meeting Comments
1. Through negotiations during the development process, Council should
acquire (at no cost) wetlands, forests, environmentally sensitive lands,
buildings of historical significance, etc,; OR
If developers not prepared to do so, buy all of their property using
Hydro $, protect or remove the sensitive features through severances and
retaining them or by putting binding restrictions on title; then re -sell the
property, putting the proceeds back into the Hydro Reserve to allow the
process to be repeated over and over again on other properties when
necessary.
2. Funds should be used for long term projects (Capital not operating).
Balance the types of projects funded i.e. not all for similar purposes.
3. All citizens and taxpayers should benefit, not specific interest groups.
4. Limit annual tax increases, but don't freeze the rate.
5. Whatever decisions are made by Council should be binding on (respected
by) future Councils.
6. Acquire lots currently subject to a development application on N. Side of
Henderson near Salamander Pond (lands back onto the McLenny Dr.
Association area, next to the Dinning property).
7. Spend on projects that will make a long term difference for residents, not
on 150 small projects
8. Don't spend it all at once or on one specific type of project.
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COUNCIL — JUNE 27, 2006
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COUNCIL - JUNE 27, 2006
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Fiscal planning for the future: Aurora Hydro sale proceeds
Summary of May 18, 2006 Public Meeting comments
1, Openly publicize how/where Hydro $ get spent.
2. Make sure consultation not just a formality. Listen to what is said.
3. Aurora needs more forests to keep the air clean. Plant more trees
(This comment came from the only young Auroran at the meeting)
4. Pay down the Rec. Centre Debt.
5. Purchase and protect the vacant lands, 7.84 acres, near the
Salamander Pond. Partner with others like Oak Ridges Moraine Land
Trust etc. to do so.
6. Subsidize utilities in high cost rental buildings.
7. Incorporate wind or solar power into buildings.
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COUNCIL — JUNE 27, 2006
May 18, 2006
To: The Town of Aurora
In Care of: CivcSolutions+ Inc.
RE: Aurora Hydro Sale Consultations
I would like to propose, on behalf of currently 80 households or 160 residents (and
growing), that the Town of Aurora use the proceeds from the sale of Aurora Hydro
Connections Inc. to PowerStream Inc., for the purchase and protection of 7.84 acres of
forested property.
The property is currently for sale on the north side of Henderson Drive, adjacent to the
Case Woodlot, and surrounded by McClenny Drive, Willis Drive and Watts Meadow (see
attached map). This forested property is privately owned and is currently for sale by
Royal Lepage, through their agent Jack Spiers.
The property is located within the boundaries of the Oak Ridges Moraine and contains
the only stream which is fed by the pond in the Case Woodlot. This pond is the most
southerly body of water which flows into Lake Simcoe. The property is home to, and
provides food for, a wide variety of wildlife including fox, grouse, song birds, pileated
woodpeckers, snakes, salamanders and much, much more. There are also a wide variety
of trees and native forest ground cover.
The Town of Aurora has already declared that the Case Woodlot is a Conservation Area.
The 7.84 acre piece of property in question is an extension of the Case Woodlot as it is a
wildlife corridor for the area and contains significant wetland. Any development on this
property would obviously have further reaching effects than the property itself and may
have adverse consequences for the Case Woodlot.
100% of the people I spoke to agreed that the property must be protected asa forested
conservation lot in perpetuity. (see 4 petition pages attached)
The Town of Aurora has been developing the east end of town far too quickly. There are
too many houses and not nearly enough green space. They are taking away the charm
that made Aurora an attractive place to live, which is why we all moved here in the first
place. All agreed that we must preserve the final remaining forested properties before it
is too late.
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We propose that the Town of Aurora purchase this property only under the aMct
stipulation that it is mot to be touched in any way, shape or form, and that it be purchased
to protect it as conservation land only. The residents also request that the Town clearly
stipulates it's intentions for the property, to the residents, before the purchase is finalized.
In the past, some residents were told that previous lots in the area were `protected', and
then developers stepped in. No-one wants anything like that to happen to this property,
Towniresident trust is vital with this proposal.
Also, the Town could mitigate the cost of the property by uniting with a group or groups
such as The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, The
Lake Simone Region Conservation Authority, York Region, The Nature Conservancy of
Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation and others. This way, the Town would only pay a
Portion of the cost for the purchase, therefore freeing up proceeds for other projects. The
property is divided into two lots (5 acres and 2.84 acres) and the approximate asking
price is $800,000. Divided among two or three groups, the price is not as daunting, and
we, as residents of Aurora, are assured permanently protected land for future generations.
Sincerely,
Carolin Orandin
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