Present: Mayor - S. Parish. C. Jordan. - R. Ashby - J. Dies. P. Brown. 1. Call to Order. Mayor Parish called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Transcription

1 Minutes of the regular Meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Ajax Held in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor - S. Parish Regional Councillor - S. Collier - C. Jordan Councillors - M. Crawford Call to Order Mayor Parish called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Mayor Parish and Regional Councillor Jordan declared a conflict with respect to Item 4.1 of the General Government Committee Report, identified as Item 6.2 in these minutes and including Bylaw , noting that they are individually named in a related lawsuit. 3. Adoption of Minutes C. Jordan That the Minutes of the regular meeting of Council held on December 13, 2010 be adopted. 4. Delegation and Petitions/Public Hearings 4.1 Visit by 1 st Pickering Village Cubs, Ajax Mayor Parish welcomed the 1 st Pickering Village Cubs to Town Hall and the Council meeting. 4.2 Ajax Soccer Club Plaque Presentation Mayor Parish noted the various achievements of the Under 16 Ajax Strikers Soccer Team in 2010 which led to both a provincial and national championship. Team members and their coaches were awarded a plaque to commemorate their success.

2 4.3 Image is Everything: Bringing an MRI to Ajax Hospital Dr. R. Stas, Associate Chief of Staff, and Dr. M. Prieditis, Radiologist, Ajax-Pickering Hospital, delivered a presentation with respect to the Image is Everything Campaign which focused on the need for an MRI unit at Ajax-Pickering Hospital. Dr. Stas thanked Council for its continued support and provided an overview of the recent expansion to the hospital. Dr. Prieditis demonstrated the need for an MRI unit and discussed the various applications with which it could be used. Currently, patients are forced to travel elsewhere for any diagnostic procedure requiring the use of an MRI. It was noted that the Ministry of Health had agreed to grant an annual operating budget necessary to run the MRI if the initial cost to acquire the unit was met by other means. Council commended the efforts of the presenters and provided comments in support of the need for the MRI noting the unit would enhance important diagnostic services available to Ajax residents and patients of the Ajax-Pickering Hospital. S. Collier WHEREAS the Rouge Valley Health Services Ajax and Pickering Hospital, which has provided the local community with essential health care services since 1954, is completing a substantial redevelopment that includes a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Centre; and WHEREAS the hospital does not have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, resulting in local patients experiencing an MRI wait time four times longer than the provincial target of 28 days, and that such wait time will increase further due to the expected growth and aging of the local population; and WHEREAS the purchase of an MRI is long overdue and will enhance the quality of care for patients in Ajax by reducing the waiting list and residents need to travel out of our community to gain access to this necessary piece of medical equipment; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in order to assist the hospital s Image is Everything Campaign in reaching its MRI fundraising goal, the Town of Ajax shall commit $500,000, in equal installments of $125,000 per year over a four year period beginning in 2011, with such funding to be sourced from the Ajax Downs Slot revenues. 4.4 Celebrate Black History Month Ms. E. Enyolu, Women s Multicultural Resource & Counselling Centre of Durham (WRCCD), provided some historical context with respect to the inception of Black History Month. She noted that the month long celebration served to preserve the history of African-Canadians as well as celebrate the numerous achievements which have enriched the Canadian landscape. Ms. Enyolu commented that continued education was necessary to ensure that everyone understood the importance of cultural diversity as it related to the growth and development of local communities. She thanked staff and Council for their support and invited them to attend the various events held in conjunction with Black History Month as well as a gala to support the relocation of the WRCCD. Ms. E. Forde, Cultural Expressions Art Gallery, commended the efforts of Town staff for their assistance in promoting Black History Month. She provided an overview regarding the various events which would be held throughout the month of February, noting that several displays which would be available for viewing at various Town facilities. Ms. Forde noted that the theme for the 2011Black History Month celebration was Celebrate our Past and Present. The main event for the celebration would be held in the Council Chambers in Town Hall on February 12, 2011.

3 Council expressed appreciation for the partnerships and for the work involved in developing the various events to celebrate Black History Month. Mayor Parish presented Ms. Enyolu and Ms. Forde with a certificate to proclaim February 2011 as Black History Month in the Town of Ajax. 4.5 Delegation Residents Concerns Mr. R. Durrani, Resident, presented various concerns expressed to him during the 2010 election campaign. He identified several issues such as the need for a university in Ajax, the need to elevate local employment opportunities, traffic congestion, property taxes, Town staff working during weekends, the Town s investment with Veridian and revenue received from the OLG Slots at Ajax Downs. 4.6 Delegation Range Rd/Ontoro Blvd Servicing Request Ms. T. Mason, Range Road Resident, expressed several concerns, as noted within the correspondence attached to the meeting agenda as items x) and xi), with respect to the need for water servicing in the Range Road/Ontoro Boulevard area. She alleged that the water quality as it existed currently presented a health and safety issue for residents in the area. Ms. Mason suggested that the area be designated to be contained within the fixed urban area boundary in Ajax. She also recommended that the Town request that the province separate the subject lands from the Protected Countryside of the Provincial Greenbelt Plan. Ms. Mason also expressed safety concerns with respect to vehicular access into the subject area noting that the residential development of adjacent land would provide for an additional access point. Mayor Parish referenced a letter forwarded as a response to Ms. Mason which was attached to the meeting agenda as item x). He provided information with respect to the designation of the subject lands by way of the Ajax Official Plan review in He noted that the decision to maintain the current fixed urban area boundaries has received continued supported from the Ontario Municipal Board. As the Region was responsible for the assessment of water quality, a response from the Region was referenced in which it was suggested that deeper, drilled wells be constructed in the area so as to meet the specifications of the Region s Health Department. This response also recommended that residents use a private, in-home water treatment system. Mayor Parish provided comments relative to vehicular access into the subject area noting that an additional access point would significantly increase the traffic for residents on Range Road. 5. Correspondence The following items of correspondence were attached for Council s information and/or action: a) Region of Durham: Durham Environmental Advisory Committee Appointments That the following nominations to the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee be endorsed: Karen McDonald David Middleton Bryan Karney Ajax Representative Member at Large Member at Large b) Durham Region Transit: Advisory Committee Appointment That Caryn Antram be nominated for appointment by the Region of Durham Transit Executive Committee to the Durham Region Transit Advisory Committee

4 c) City of Kingston: Payments in Lieu of Taxes by Institutions That the Correspondence by the City of Kingston regarding Heads and Beds payments be referred to the Region of Durham Finance Department for consideration in the 2011 update of the Long Term Strategic Property Tax Plan. The following items of correspondence were attached for Council s information: i) Region of Durham: Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee Ajax Representative Needed ii) iii) iv) CH2MHill Consultants: Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant Environmental Assessment Mr. R. Gleeson: Air Ambulance Service Town of Uxbridge / City of Oshawa: Reorganization of Hospital Services in Durham v) Municipality of Clarington: Highway 407 East Extension vi) vii) viii) ix) Region of Durham: Appointments of Ajax Nominations to the Land Division, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Committees Region of Durham: Proposed Direct Election of the Regional Chair Region of Durham: 2010 Farm Tour Report Region of Durham: 2011 Durham Environmental Advisory Committee (DEAC) Awards x) T. Mason, Ajax Resident: Petition Regarding Range Road/Ontoro Boulevard Servicing Request xi) xii) xiii) Regional Councillor C. Jordan's and Councillor 's December 10, 2010 Response to T. Mason: Range Road/Ontoro Boulevard Servicing Request Town of Ajax: Proclamations Issued by the Mayor s Office Ministry of the Environment Great Lakes Office: Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem S. Collier That the report dated January 24, 2011 containing items of correspondence be adopted

5 6. Reports 6.1 Community Affairs & General Government Committee S. Collier That the Community Affairs & Planning Committee Report dated January 17, 2011 be adopted. 6.2 General Government Committee Reports S. Collier That the General Government Committee Report dated January 20, 2011, with the exception of item 4.1, be adopted. Item 4.1, January 20, 2011 General Government Committee Report Restating a conflict of interest with respect to Item 4.1 of the General Government Committee Report, Mayor Parish vacated the Chair and the Council Chambers. Regional Councillor Jordan also restated her conflict and vacated the Council Chambers. Regional Councillor Collier assumed the Chair (8:08 p.m.) Mr. P. Allore, Director of Planning & Development Services, provided an overview with respect to 3 proposed agreements with Index Energy which would facilitate the redevelopment of the Ajax Steam Plant ( Mills Road) into a clean, modern district energy facility within the downtown. The agreements were noted to be: An Agreement and Purchase of Sale with respect to land-locked surplus Town-owned land adjacent the Steam Plant property; a Steam Distribution System License Agreement that would allow Index Energy to distribute steam as well as hot and cold water within the Town s road system; and a Site Plan Agreement that would implement the redevelopment plan. Mr. Allore noted that in addition to the aforementioned agreements, there would be an amended Certificate of Approval issued by the Ministry of the Environment which would establish new emission standards as well as other various operational controls. It was noted that, subject to the approval of the agreements noted above, the Steam Plant would operate as a carbon neutral facility due to the burning of clean wood biomass as fuel. Council commended the efforts of staff in working with Index Energy in order to negotiate the agreements necessary to redevelop the Steam Plant site and operation. It was noted that having a modern district energy facility in the heart of downtown will lead to great benefits for the Town. That Item 4.1 of the General Government Committee Report dated January 20, 2011, be adopted.

6 That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to allow for the consideration at this time of By-law being a By-law to amend the designation of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of the property municipally known as 170 Mills Road enacted under By-law Number That By-law number be read a first and second time. That By-law number be read a third time and passed. Mayor Parish re-assumed the Chair (8:16 p.m.) 6.3 Advisory Committee Reports None 6.4 Departmental Reports M. Crawford That the Departmental Reports dated January 24, 2011 be adopted. 6.5 Ajax Public Library Board Report None 7. Regional Councillors Reports Regional Councillor Collier and Regional Councillor Jordan provided a summary of the Regional Councillor s Reports as attached to the meeting agenda. They provided an overview with respect to various issues contained therein including; the direct election of the Regional Chair, committee appointments, transit, finance and taxes, the incinerator project, polybutelene and the 2011Sanitary Sewage and Water Supply Budgets. Council discussed details concerning the proposed increase to the Regional Transit budget and the need for an increased service level for Ajax.

7 That the Regional Councillor s Reports dated January 24, 2011 be received for information. 8. Business Arising from Notice of Motion 8.1 Community Adjustment Fund Deadline M. Crawford WHEREAS the Government of Canada has responded to the needs of municipalities and is enabling the orderly completion of approved infrastructure stimulus projects under the Economic Action Plan by extending the funding deadline to October 31, 2011; and, WHEREAS Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) Intake Two infrastructure stimulus projects, approved only in June 2010, were not included in the funding deadline extension announcement; and, WHEREAS, despite the considerable efforts made by the Town of Ajax, winter conditions have made it impossible for the Town to complete one of its two CAF Intake Two projects (the Old Kingston Road Revitalization, CAF# 20079), by the existing March 31, 2011 deadline; and, WHEREAS these projects are true examples of works that will stimulate the economy and create jobs; and, WHEREAS the Town has already notified Prime Minister Harper that, if the CAF Intake Two funding deadline is not extended, the Town will be required to bear $500,000 of the project costs originally accepted as the responsibility of the Government of Canada, with such costs being an unfair burden on the Town during these difficult economic times; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in order to establish fairness in the completion and funding of all infrastructure stimulus programs and projects, the Government of Canada announce immediately that the funding deadline for CAF Intake Two projects will also extended to October 31, 2011; and, THAT notice of this resolution be circulated to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Premier of Ontario, Mark Holland, MP, Joe Dickson, MPP, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and all municipalities in the Region of Durham.

8 8.2 Bayly/Victoria (Regional Road 22) Widening C. Jordan S. Collier WHEREAS in 2009, the Region of Durham filed an Environmental Study Report (Bayly ESR) for the proposed reconstruction and widening of Bayly Street/ Victoria Street (Regional Road 22) from Shoal Point Road in the Town of Ajax to Seaboard Gate in the Town of Whitby in accordance with Schedule C of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment; and, WHEREAS the Bayly ESR identified that Bayly Street/Victoria Street as the only continuous eastwest arterial road located south of Highway 401, connecting the Towns of Ajax and Whitby and that this section of road is currently a bottleneck as it is only two lanes; and, WHEREAS the traffic analysis carried out as part of the Bayly ESR shows that traffic is already operating at or beyond capacity on Bayly Street/ Victoria Street despite recent capacity improvements on Highway 401; and, WHEREAS Bayly Street/ Victoria Street as a Type A Arterial Road is intended to accommodate the movement of large volumes of traffic, including truck traffic, as well as to accommodate high occupancy vehicles or bus lanes, it is important that constraints, primarily the limited number of lanes between Shoal Point Road in the Town of Ajax to Seaboard Gate in the Town of Whitby be addressed by the proposed widening, as soon as possible; and, WHEREAS the widening will provide opportunities to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities on Bayly Street from Shoal Point Road to Lake Ridge Road, which is presently limited to the presence of gravel shoulders; and WHEREAS the Region of Durham s 2009 Capital Road Program showed the widening of Bayly Street/ Victoria Street from Shoal Point Road in Ajax to Halls Road in Whitby to be constructed in 2010 but was subsequently revised in the 2010 Capital Road Program to 2012, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Region of Durham be requested to advance the reconstruction and widening of Bayly Street from Shoal Point Road in Ajax to Halls Road in Whitby to 2011, and the reconstruction and widening to Victoria Street from Hills Road to Seaboard Gate in Passing of By-laws C. Jordan That By-law numbers to be read a first and second time. That By-law numbers to be read a third time and passed.

9 10. Notice of Motion None 11. Other Business None 12. Question Period None 13. New Business - Notices & Announcements C. Jordan That Darrel Winter be nominated for appointment by the Council of the Region of Durham to the Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee CARREID That Richard Cooke be nominated for appointment by the Council of the Region of Durham to the Durham Trails Coordinating Committee 14. Confirming By-Law M. Crawford That By-law number being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Ajax at its regular meeting held on January 24, 2011 be read a first and second time. C. Jordan That By-law Number be read a third time and passed.

10 15. Adjournment M. Crawford That the January 24, 2011 meeting of the Council of the Town of Ajax be adjourned. (8:35 p.m.) Mayor D-Clerk