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MINUTES - Council - 19591102: I i i ··~u11 1, r t.· .l •. r1IINUTES OF THE 22ND REGULAR !VIEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL OHA!VIBER ON MONDAY, NOVElVIBER 2ND, 1959 AT 8:00 P.M. PRESENT: MAYOR: REEVE: DEPUTY REEVE: COUNCILLORS: NISBET: PATRICK: CORRESPONDENCE D.J. MURRAY (IN THE OHAIR) ABSENT O.K. NISBET ADAIR, CORBETT, DAVIDSON, PATRIOl, AND STODDART. "That the minutes of the regular council mee,tings of October 5th and 19th, 1959 be accepted as printed and circulated." Carried. A letter from Golf Glen Terraces. Limited regarding an o.:fficial application to osubdivide Lot No. 82, Plan 246., Town of Aurora, containing 54 acres and known as the Abernetl:\YFarm was read. NISBET: "That this letter be acknowledged and filed." , STODDART: Carried. A letter from Councillor A~J. Child requesting that Mayor Murray follow the proceedure of not ruling on·any contentious item or items until such time as there is a full Council in attendance was read. Mayor !Vfurray stated that thiEI letter was amusing since the only time this had happened was when he was away. A letter from Consolidated Building Oorpqration Limited advising that a delegation from Consolidated Building Corporation Will be attending this·eyenings council meeting to discuss the ljlatter of reconsidering their propo.sed shopping centre. This matter .was held over. A letter from Consolidated Building Corporation Limited with reference to Town of Aurora by-law concerning side-yard restrictions as it appl:j,e,e to Regency Acres was read. This letter was held over for Unfinished Business. A letter from Consolidated Building Corporation with regard to the manhole'steps in Regency Acres was read. This letter was held over for Unfinished Business. Letters and cost figures from International Water Supply with regards to new well development at the. north end of the Town of Aurora . were read. These ,letteJtS were held over for Delegations •.. t ' il, ;····~12 ·' ·'' , •. 22ND REGULAR -2 -November 2, 1959 DELEGATIONS A Mrs. Shannon appeared before Council and inquired when Aurora Heights Subdivision will'have stores in which to shop. Mayor Murray stated that Council was apologetic in this matter but it was impossible to force the subdivider to build and that it was a matter of supply and demand, Mrs. Shannon stated that the demand was great now and that false advertising had been utilized with regards to this shOpping centre for Aurora Heights, Mayor Murray advised that the'By~law Committee'will study this matter and report thereon. · Anotlier gentleman from Aurora Heights Subdivision stated that only the main road had been paved now and that other roads in the Aurora·· Heights Subdivision are a disgrace, He further stated that a spring on his new ca,r had been broken and tel t that Mr. Marrese, the Subdivider, should be brought to bear to rectify this situation. Mayor Murray stated that Council agrees in this instance and will bring pressure to bear, Deputy Reeve Nisbet stated that'the best way is through complaints, that the Subdivider cannot stand publicity of a bad nature if. he still wishes to build houses. Mr. R. Hammond of Aurora Heights Subdivision appeared on behalf of a Mr. W. Smith, Aurora Heights Drive, with regard to the set.:..back required by :rown of .Aurora by-laws.· Mr •. Hammond stated that in Mr. Smith's instance it appears impossible :to comply with the by-r ,, law and build a garage and inquired if the Town of Aurora by-law · might be amended to revert back to the 3 .foot in light of recent ._! building developments. Mayor Murray advised tliat this matter be brought up later this evening. Mr. Kirk of International Water Developments appeared before Council with regards to a proposition of the construction of a new well 100 feet 'south of the present well and stated that the evidence he had received was not complete and requested permission to test this well on his own at no cost to the Town for this test data, a report of which would be available for Council. . Councillor Patrick stated he would go along with this test but suggested that Mr. w. Hoffman be present when the test is undertaken. Mn Kirk stated that he was not.willing to educate Mr. Hoffman in the manner of the undertaking of these tests. Deputy Reeve.Nisbet stated he was surprised a cost figure had come in, but thought the opportun- ities to test this well is too good' to pass u.p and let's take this opportunity to obtain this test. Councillor Stoddart inquired as to why it was so impo~tant for Mr. Hoffman to be there and Councillor Patrick stated that Mr. Hoffman should be since he is the gentleman ·' I . 'I November 2,. 1959 ~ 3 ~· ~.~ J :213 22ND REGULAR who has constructed and found our wells with a good deal of success. NISBET: ADAIR: "That we accept Mr. Kirk's offer and allow permission to darry out this test. 11 . Carried. It was decided that the test be undertaken by the end of this week. Mr. L. Shankman appeared before Council to discuss the motion with regards to Council approving of the shopping centre being constructed at Regency Acres. Mayor Murray stated that sevenal weeks ago we of C·ouncil passed· a ' motion that we are ready and willing to accept your'large shopping centre. Mr. Shankman stated that their position would be appreciated with regards to the decision of Qouncil previously, that. Consolidated Build:j.ng Corporation had to commence proceedings all overaga:j.n. Mr. Shankman st.ated we are working on it and intend to try for a large shopping.centre and must re-open negotia~ions for tenants~ Mr. Zeldin inquired if there were any planning or land use items to worry about before these negotiations were commenced and Mayor Murray advised that Council, in order to overrule the Town of Auroaa Planning Board, must receive a two-third majority and that was done the .other night when ·:the motion accepting· the shopping centre was carried·;. General discussion followed and the opinions of.Council with regards to the shopping centre were asce!rtained, thenthe following motion was proposed: NISBET: CORBETT: "That Council commence proceedings to rezone the land involved,to apply to the Department of Planning and Development for approval.." Carried. REPORTS OF COlVllVIITTEES Deputy Reeve Nisbet reported that this day Mayor Murray had sworn·in Harry Jones as the first full-time Fire Chief of the Town of Aurora. Deputy Reeve Nisbet further stated that Fire protection is very important to us all and felt this ·was a step in the right direction. Deputy Reeve Nisbet presented a report of the Police .Commi·ttee re- garding the .Police Chief• s requests for improving the fOJ;",qe and a talk oncrosswalks in which the Committee respectfully submit the following: ' A a meeting of this Committee, with Councillor Davidson in the Chair, together with the Mayor, Councillors Adair, Corbett, Patrick and Stoddart, the following items were discussed: 1. The promotion of Constables Andrews and Coombes to 1st Class to l:,)e effective October 15th, 1959 .• 2. The promotion of Constable Lewis to-2nd Class to be effective November 1st, 1959. 3. A request by the Chief that a Call box be installed at the corner of Wellington and Yonge Street. \ ....... ;:4.-~ ~l'l: J ,l ,· 22ND REGULAR - 4 - November 2, 1959 4. A request by the Chief for another phone. 5. A request for a Monitor Radio on Police frequency. 6. New furniture was requested for the Chief's office. After considerable discussion the committee agreed with the first four. requests. In discussing item:# 5, it was learned that this type of equipment is necessary if a continual contact is to be maintained on items as .they happen, and it would assist the . locating of our men whenaway from the office.. The Chief advised that he felt he could obtain this equipment at a co~t not exceeding $100.00. It was felt that this move would be a good one and the Committee agreed. · With regard to the furniture requested, it; was felt after some discussion that steps should be taken to replace the existing · ·furniture since it was not in co:nllri.on with the dignity of the office of the Chief. The committee agreed to mi:tke ;inquiries into the. obtaining of such furniture. The 'Chief :po·inted out that the men on the force were agreeable .to erecting new shelving on their ·own. time if the Town would supply the materiaL A meeting was held with Mr. Cowling of t'he .Department of Transport regarding the.adoption of· a By-law.governing Crosswalks in the Town of Aurora~ It was learned tha:t an extensive educating campaign is necessary· if the. system is.to succeed, He pointed out that due to the lack of it Toronto received adverse publicity due to the number of deaths•on the initial installation. He pointed out that the deaths in Toronto ar.e considerably less this year than last year, and it c,an all be attributed to the crosswalks •. He suggested that should. the Town adopt this by-law that a well-conducted c·ampaign be started this fall and carry the same through to the good weather, at which time the streets could be properly marked and the necessary lighting be installed. He stated that the cost per installation can run from·$200;oo·to $500.00 depending upon whether or. not .pole.s are necessary and wiring· available• It was also recomm.ended that the crosswalks be not closer than 700 feet apart. On .:closing .. Mr. Cowling emp::basized .the necessity of educating the publi.c to .the advantage of the system and to get them to be aware of the necessity of their using the crosswalks .• NISBET: DAVIDSON: I "That the report, of. the Police Committee re the Chief's request for improving the force and for the adoption of .crosswalks be adopted," Councillor Davidson stated that promotions areaut<imatically due the Police force and Mayor lVlurray stated that this is a routine matter but must b.e approved by CounciL Deputy Reeve Nisbet stated that it was not mentioned in the Police report·bu"l! the Police are moving to new quarters due to the requirement'of larger fapilities, The Motion was then Carried, Deputy Reeve Nisbet presented a report of the Police Committee in which the Committee respectfully subljlit thefollowing: " " 't ~-· t! 1:5 Novemoer 2, 1959 - 5 - 22ND REGULAR rehat the Committee consider the application of Charles Henry Southwood and recommend its approval. NISBET: DAVIDSON: "That the report of the Police Committee re taxi cab operator • s licence be approved, 11 Carried. Deputy Reeve Nisbet presented a report of the Police Committee in which the Committee respectfully suomi t the following.: That the Committee met and considered styles and prices of office furniture for the Police Chief's office and after examing the off~rs of three firl)ls recomme:p.d that we purchase the following from York 6ffice Equipment - 1 steel desk "Coles Windsor Style" 1 chair @ $165.00 @ 56.05 @ 79.92 2 side chairs Total Cost $300.97 and from Thompson's Furniture, 6 stacking chairs at $5.50 each, a/total of $33.00. · · NISBET: DAVIDSON: ·"That the report of the Police"committee re purchase of office furniture be approved and the Seal of the . Corporation be attached hereto. 11 Carried, Coun!iillor Stoddart presented a repor:t of the Planning Committee re- garding a County Planning Seminar in which the Committee respectfully suomi}; the following: The Planning Committee of Con,nty Council held a Planning Seminar on Tuesday evening October 27th, 1959 and all day Wednesday, Octooer 28th, 1959. Aurora Council was represented by the Mayor, Deputy Reeve Nisoet, Councillors Child, Patrick and Stoddart. Our local Planning Board was representad by the Chairman, Doug Richardson and several other members. The S~minar was presided over by the Department of Planning for the Province and was we·11 attended oy other Councils and Planning Boards and· was educational .. · for all. Everyone was given the opportunity to ask questions and to have them answered correctly., In due-course, a request will come from the County Council asking our Council whether or not we desire the formation of a County Planning Board. STODDART: CORBETT: "That the report of the Planning Committee be approved." · Deputy Reeve Nisbet and Mayor Murray outlined the program and activity of the County P-lanning Workshop that had taken place. The Motion was then Carried. Council then reverted oack to Delegations· in order that representatives of the Aurora Agricultural Society be heard. ~l, ~ ·f~''':l~ ~1 22ND REGULAR - 6 ...; November 2, 1959 Mr. Wood, on their behalf,asked Council if there was a chance of the Town considering the Abernethy property for, the purpose of holding their Horse Show in a larger park if the Town were able to obtain this land. Mr. Wood stated that this area contained sufficient grounds and buil~ings and it would be a shame to see the buildings torn down since they are,in good condition. Mr. Wood further stated that :the Town will be in need of a good park and this land deserves some consideration with regards to purchase thereof. Mayor Murray stated that whether the Town is abl.e to purchase this p:11operty as a park is a question that has not even been talked over as yet, there is a lot of merit furl this. proposal and unfortunately there is a lot of money involved too. Councillor Stoddart inquired if a Government grant might be forthcoming in this instance and Mr. Wood re~lied Yes, a certain percentage would be allowed for this purpose. Councillor Corbett inquired as to the gos~ of this p:11operty. Councillor Adair ~~!!ked what use could be mad\) of the front of the land and Mr. Wood replied that it could be us\ld as a park the way it is. Mayor rllurray ".summed up by saying that it would give us something to think about although nothing further co~ld be done in this matter this evening. Deputy Reeve Nisbet suggested that the Horse Show attempt to stir up some new interest outside of Council and come back at the first of the year and advise accordingly. Council then reverted back·to Reports of Committees. rllayor Murray asked if there was a Committee report this evening in connection with the proposed boarding house on Spruce Street. Councillor Corbett replied that there had been no Committee meeting held as yet and that they were waiting for the Chairman of that Committee to further this matter. Mayor rllurray stated that no permit for this enterprise will be issued until a full report is received on this matter and it was left that the Committee bring in a report. Mayor Murray stated that the representa,tives of the Presbyterian . Church had attended Council meeting with regards to an appl;i.cat,ion to extend the Church and this matter had been turned over to the Committee and asked where the Permits Committee report was this evening. Councillor Corbett replied that the Ch],l.rch had presented · plans to the Council and according to our by-laws it contravened distances required consisting of variations of approximately t{.tree feet, and that this .proposition had been turned down and the Church requested to submit alternative plans for $tudy and recommendation. The following motion· was then proposed: DAVIDSON: CORBETT: "That a copy of a Committee report be forwarded to the Presbyterian Church representatives, that the report of the Permits Committee be· accepted and the Church notified to bring in new plans. " · Discussion followed this motion and Councillor Corbett stated that when a proposal is handed to a Committee it is up to the Chairman to call a meeting and bring in the report and· fed t that other members of the Committee should not be blamed in t)lis instance. Councillor Stoddart and Deputy Reeve Nisbet advised they were in favour of granting permission for·::the Church to build this extension and Deputy Reeve Nisbet further felt that we should reconsider because ,, A 2\t1 ';t ' -4 • November 2, . 1959 ~ 7 -22ND REGULAR a three feet encroachment for such a large and worthy project does not warrent refusal. Councillor Stoddart agreed as did Mayor Murray. Councillor Davidsonfel t that if the Council kept breaking by-laws tnat possibly our by-laws should be reviewed and ascertain if tney r:equire changing. Councillor Adairsstated he was in sympathy with the Church but felt a sense of responsibility to our present by-laws and further that we were dealing with this matter whe4 the Chairman of the Permit Committee is absent. Councillor Patrick stated that in his opinion the motion is out of order and t4e full Committee report should be brought into Council. DAVIDSON: CORBETT: "That the for:egqing motion be withdrawn and,that Cquncil await for the presentation of a full Committee report." Carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Consolidated Building Corporation's letter with connection with set- backs as, it affects the building of garages and carports was brought forward. This letter was referred to.t]J.e Permits Committee for study and recommendation. The letter of Consmlidated Building Corporation regarding manhole steps.was referred to the Works Committee for study and recommendation. Mayor Murray then stated that in conmection with the minutes of a Special Council meeting held he would wish at this time to question these minutes. Deputy Reeve Nisbet asked Mayor Murray if he was qu~st;ioning. the accuracy of the .minutes as recorded or the correctness of their preparation, Mayor Murray answered that he was questi9ning both and, stated that with regards to the first reading of the by-law the motion was not in regard to the by-law at all since it stated re Bie;l)tni~:tl Elect.ions, Mayor :Mur:ray. further stated that on one other Po;\;nt he did not approve of the wording of the by-law and when the by:..j;awis retyped I do not intend to sign it since my signature is not going on this by-law for prosterity. Mayor lV!urray then reminded Council that Sunday is Memorial Service parage and the lineup will be at 1345 hours! NEW BUSINESS Deputy Reeve Nisbet stated that numerous requests from residents. in both subdivisions have been received with regard to their mail and suggested that possibly mail boxes should be obtained in these areas. Deputy Reeve Nisbet felt that Council should forward a letter to the Pqstmaster General to correct this situatiqn and possibly request the installation of pick up boxes in these.areas. NISBET: DAVIDSON: "That a request be made to the Postmaster General to alleviate the situation in these areas in Town. 11 Mayor Murray stated to this motion that he has requested the Post- maters' Department to allow the post office to remain open one- half hour later in the evening so that Commuters may reach the post office in time. ' ,--, t:' ~.,_ , ' "'-'1-.:t !). ~ f.· .; • 22ND REGULAR ... 8 -November 2, 1959 Councillor Corbett stated that as far as the subdivisions are ·concerned he has stressed this matter to the Inspector every time he visits Aurora, that group mail boxes are required to ease this situation so that people might pick up their mail at these outlets. Councillor Stoddart stated that it was his understanding the Board:· of Trade are working on this problem and that it would take a long time to accomplish. The Motion was then Carried. · Councillor Adair inquired :i!.s to the progress with regards to lVI:r. Kelner's services on Wellington St. W. and the Town Engineer provided an outline of the progress in this construction. · Mayor Murray then brought to Council's attention that 1~. Kelner of Sunnybrook Investments Limited has not paid the balance of the capital levy due. DAVIDSON: ADAIR: "That the capita1 levy due the Town of Aurora be paid in full by Thursday, November 5th, 1959 at5:00 p.m. or stop work orders will be issued for Sunnybrook Subdivision and·a copy of this motion be forwarded to lVI:r. S.J. Kelner." Carried. 1\l[ayor Murray brought to Council's attention that on the previous. Friday the Ontario Municipal Board held a Hearing with regar,ds to annexation of part of Whitc.hurch Township and that the· Ontar~o Municipal Board saw fit to grant annexation effective January 1st, 1960 •. Deputy Reeve Nisbet stated the Town should make an ed'ort to fix up the road leading to Choice Cut-Up Chicken Limited.', Councillor Davidson stated that 1~. J. Marrese was supposed to bring in a small shopping centre, this has not been commenced as yet and may we force him to start construction. Mayor Murray.stated that lVI:r. Marrese should be brought into a meeting lili th Council as soon as possible. Councillor Davidson then inquired about the Digestor Roof at the Sewage Treatment Plant and the Town Engineer outlined this matter at this date• NISBET: "That the meeting adjourn." The meeting then adjourned. 7J ·.w. . I , .'>i.