S.A.R.A. Executive Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2004
Present: Ritvars Bregzis, George Dubauskas, Marianne
Fenner, Louis Gris, Ron Braun, Nick Singh, Bill Roberts, Merle Hudson, Sybil
Wilkinson, John Meijer, Frances Labelle
Absent: Peter Keefe, Vicki Vancas, Bill Haines
Guests: Pat
Reavy, Denis Beatty, 254 Windermere Ave.
Andre Cotic
Mark Macdonald,
Special Assistant to Councillor Saundercook
Present
for the latter part of the meeting:
Councillor
Bill Saundercook
Nancy MacDonald,
Executive Assistant to Councillor Saundercook
Bea Mozdzanowski,
Constituency Assistant to Councillor Saundercook
Call to Order and Declaration of
Conflicts of Interest:
The meeting began at
7:33 p.m. at the Swansea Town Hall.
There were no declared conflicts of interest.
Approval of Agenda:
The agenda was approved as amended upon motion by George Dubauskas, seconded by John Meijer and unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes:
Upon
a motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by John Meijer and carried, the amended minutes
of December 9, 2003 were approved.
1. Membership Report:
Louis Gris reported
that he has received 2 new memberships (1 single, 1 family) for 2004,and gave the
membership funds to the Treasurer. The
Membership report was approved upon a motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by
George Dubauskas and carried.
2. Treasurers
Report:
John Meijer presented the Treasurers Report as of January 20, 2004.
Upon motion made by
John Meijer, seconded by Frances Labelle and unanimously carried, the
Treasurers report was accepted.
Expenses - Upon a motion by George Dubauskas,
seconded by John Meijer, the Treasurer was authorized to reimburse Bill Roberts,
Frances Labelle, and Louis Gris for expenses.
Upon a motion by Louis Gris, seconded by Frances Labelle, and carried,
the Treasurer was authorized to provide a cheque for Louis Gris to submit to
the Village Players for the cost of the March 4th fundraising
event. Revenue from tickets sold will
be allocated to SARA.
3. Land Use
Matters:
a) 258
Windermere Pat
Reavy and Denis Beatty attended the meeting to advise SARA of their concerns
with respect to the renovations that have been done to 258 Windermere. They advised the meeting that they are
encountering difficulties in having a number of their concerns addressed and
requested SARA's assistance. Upon a motion by George Dubauskas, seconded
by Merle Hudson, and carried, Frances Labelle was authorized to send a letter
to Councillor Saundercook (with a copy to the mayor) outlining the residents'
concerns, and requesting that a thorough review of the matter be undertaken as expeditiously as possible.
b) 1947-1997
Bloor St. W. Context Development - Mark Macdonald reported on behalf of
Councillor Saundercook that a response is expected soon from the Ministry of
the Environment regarding contamination on the site. The public will be invited to participate in a future meeting.
c) Windermere by the Lake: Frances
Labelle reported that the Ontario Municipal Board hearing on the developer's
appeal of the Committee of Adjustment decision regarding the east site (3
Windermere) will be held on March 4, 2004.
Upon a motion by Merle Hudson,
seconded by John Meijer, and carried, Frances Labelle was authorized to retain
the services of a planner to assist SARA in its presentation at the OMB
hearing. Frances reported that she
and Ron Braun met with Councillor Saundercook, requesting that he make a motion
at City Council asking the city to support the Committee of Adjustment decision
at the OMB. She further reported that
the developer (John Davies) has requested a meeting with representatives from
SARA and RARG, and that Mr. Davies also wishes to invite members of the
community who are supportive of the application. Upon a motion by Bill Roberts,
seconded by Frances Labelle, and carried, it was agreed that George Dubauskas,
Merle Hudson and Nick Singh will
represent SARA at this meeting.
When Councillor Saundercook joined the meeting later in the evening, he
noted that he had discussed the idea of a meeting on this matter with Mr.
Davies and that he would be pleased to facilitate it.
Bill Roberts suggested that financial support needs to be raised from condominiums in the adjoining area. Louis Gris reported that information about this matter is included in the
January newsletter. It was agreed that extra copies of the newsletter would be distributed to the condominiums in the area.
Frances Labelle informed the meeting that the developer has applied to the Committee of Adjustment for 7 variances for 6 Windermere. Frances noted that, in total, the effect of the variances was not minor. A discussion ensued on the proposed variances, and SARA's position on each one. A motion was made by Bill Roberts, seconded by Ritvars Bregzis, and carried, authorizing Frances Labelle to write to the Committee of Adjustment stating that SARA opposes these variances, on the grounds that the total variances being proposed are inappropriate and, cumulatively, not minor. Upon a motion by Frances Labelle, seconded by Ritvars Bregzis, and carried, a Committee consisting of Ron Braun, George Dubauskas, Frances Labelle and Sybil Wilkinson will be formed to meet with the developer if necessary.
d) Southport Plaza Redevelopment Bill
Roberts reported the City undermined the community's case when the City Planner
took the stand and recommended 18 storeys as an acceptable compromise. In spite of this, the decision contained
many conditions that were a direct result of the evidence presented by the
community at the hearing. Bill noted
that an 18-storey building with two 16-storey shoulders was approved. A number of conditions were imposed relating
to the site plan and the construction of the development that will mitigate
hydrogeological problems and provide a measure of protection for surrounding
buildings. He reported that other
conditions include: commercial space
and traffic flow on the site to be redesigned, as well as a minimum requirement
for the amount of commercial space, with the development being phased so that
commercial space will be built before the residential. He also informed the meeting that revised
plans for the site have been produced.
Frances Labelle stated that she will ask a Traffic consultant to review
them.
e) 1900 Lake Shore Blvd. W. (former Meow Club
site) Bill Roberts reported that the OMB approved the developer's
plan. Ron Braun, Merle Hudson and
Victoria Masnyk spoke at the hearing, and Frances Labelle made a detailed
presentation. Frances Labelle noted
that in the decision the OMB chair's statements sent a message that in order
for the arguments of participants in the community to be given equal weight by
the OMB, those arguments should
be supported by professionals and expert witnesses. Frances reported that an article about the hearing will appear in the Gleaner.
f) Committee of Adjustment nothing of
concern to report.
g) Municipal Shelters continue to
monitor.
h) Gardiner Lakeshore Task Force Bill
Roberts reported that the mayor's office recommended the disestablishment of the
Task Force. He further noted that the
mayor has asked for a review of this decision.
Upon a motion by Ron Braun,
seconded by Frances Labelle, and carried, Bill Roberts was authorized to send a
letter to the Policy and Finance committee informing them of SARA's opposition
to the disestablishment of the Task Force.
i) Toronto Official Plan and Swansea Part II
Plan Bill Roberts reported that
Planning and Transportation has directed the Urban Development department to
meet with affected Ratepayer groups regarding the Official Plan. Bill also reported that a settlement was
reached regarding the Swansea Part II plan that was agreeable to SARA and RARG,
and is subject to Council approval.
j) Fred Victor Centre/Joyco Station
continue to monitor. Mark Macdonald
reported that Councillor Saundercook will meet with the Executive Director of
the Fred Victor Centre.
4. Liquor
Licenses:
a) Billy
Bob/The Fan Louis Gris asked Mark Macdonald to inform
Councillor Saundercook that he has received a letter from Ann Foy requesting
SARA's assistance in acquiring information regarding the City's appeal. Mark Macdonald noted that the councillor was
told by the City solicitor that the
appeal will be heard
soon, and that information will be sent to the councillor. Louis Gris requested a copy of information
regarding the appeal when it is available.
b) Dark
Horse Louis Gris reported that the Dark Horse is in
the process of getting a new roof. Nick
Singh stated that he would give the information he has on this matter to Councillor
Saundercook. Mark Macdonald informed
the meeting that Councillor Saundercook intends to meet with the owner.
c) Bloom
Restaurant (2315 Bloor St. W.) Louis Gris reported
that the owner informed him that the restaurant will be open in approximately 3
weeks.
5. Humber
River:
a) Humber Cycling/Pedestrian Trail No
report. Continue to monitor.
b) Humber Bay Treatment Facility: - No
report. Continue to monitor.
6. Neighbourhood
Issues:
a) Petro
Canada Station 8 South Kingsway Frances Labelle
reported that she and Ron Braun met with Councillor Saundercook to discuss
illegal left turns at the south entrance of the station.
b) Community
Council Nothing to report.
c) Traffic
calming Frances Labelle reported that she has asked
Councillor Saundercook to investigate the lack of uniformity in the heights for
speed humps throughout Swansea. Merle
Hudson reported that she engaged a civil engineering firm to measure the
distance between the speed humps on Kennedy Ave., and that their report appears
to indicate that the distances do not comply with the City's policy.
d) Queensway
Construction Construction is complete. Close item.
7. Other
Organizations:
a) Community
Police Liaison Committee Merle Hudson reported that she attended
the first meeting of this committee, and that the discussion primarily
addressed issues such as the objectives of the organization and the number of
meetings that would be held. She stated
that she was told she would receive the minutes. Upon a motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by Marianne Fenner, and
carried,
Merle Hudson was
appointed as SARA's representative, with Frances Labelle agreeing to serve as
alternate.
b) High
Park Citizen's Advisory Committee Merle Hudson
reported that a meeting will be held tomorrow (21/01/04). She also stated that according to the World
19 website the new name of this organization is the High Park Community
Advisory Council, and that a new corporation, High Park Initiatives, has been
established to raise funds.
c) Swansea
Historical Society David Crombie will be speaking on
February 4th, 2004.
d) Swansea
Memorial Library and Friends of the Swansea Memorial Library
George Dubauskas reported that he has provided Councillor Saundercook with
information, and that the Councillor will address the Toronto Public Library
Board regarding hours of operation for Swansea Library. He also reported that a pre-budget
consultation report was submitted at one of the Listening to Toronto
meetings. Upon a motion by George Dubauskas, seconded by Frances Labelle, and
carried, it was agreed that SARA will support Councillor Saundercook's
submission for an increase in hours of Swansea Memorial Library during the
renovations to Runnymede Library. Merle
Hudson stated that she might be available to attend a Toronto Public Library
budget meeting.
e) Swansea
Public School No report.
f)
Swansea Town Hall Board of Management
Louis Gris reported that the Annual General Meeting of the Town Hall board
will be held next month. Upon a motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by
George Dubauskas, and carried, Louis Gris was authorized to find a replacement
representative to the Town Hall Board of Management from among the Executive
members. Bill Roberts reported that
the construction permit for the Town Hall may be delayed for 6 weeks due to the
City's failure to secure a permit for street closure to allow the operation of
cranes.
g) Swansea
Community Recreation Centre & Rennie Park Merle Hudson
reported that the Special Needs program has been cancelled due to lack of
funding.
h) Confederation
of Resident & Ratepayer Associations (CORRA)
Bill Roberts reported that CORRA is dealing with issues relating to the
Toronto Official Plan. He further
reported that membership in CORRA is increasing.
i)
World 19
Louis Gris reported that a formal meeting will take place on February 16th
or 17th regarding the formation of a residents' association for the
area north of Bloor and asked if any of the Executive wished to attend. Merle Hudson noted that the World 19 website
has information regarding property assessment.
j)
Letter to the Mayor
Ritvars Bregzis reported that he is in the process of gathering feedback from
all committee members, and that a draft version will be given to SARA after all
the information has been received.
Frances Labelle noted that she has given Ritvars a summary of the
projects and issues with which RARG has been involved. Councillor Saundercook extended appreciation
to Frances Labelle, Ron Braun and SARA for all their work. He stated that he intends to co-ordinate
meaningful public meetings involving Ward 13 and city and provincial officials.
8. Other
Business:
a) Newsletter
Louis Gris reported that the newsletter is in the process of being mailed to
members. He gave copies to all
Executive members present at the meeting.
b) Website
John Meijer reported that the website is up to date with
regards to SARA newsletters. Marianne
Fenner stated that she will follow up to ensure that John is provided with
correctly revised Executive meeting minutes for the website. Councillor Saundercook gave the secretary
the contact names and telephone numbers regarding market value assessment (see
information following the minutes).
After discussion, it was decided not to post market value assessment
information on the website, since this information is available through World
19.
c) Marketing/Fundraising
Louis Gris provided 10 tickets and an advertising flyer to
each Executive member for the March 4th Village Players fundraising
performance "The Cocktail Hour" by A.R. Gurney. A flyer will be included with each newsletter. Upon a
motion by Sybil Wilkinson, seconded
by Merle Hudson, and
carried, it was decided that the Marketing Committee investigate the
possibility of including advertising in the SARA newsletter.
d) Annual
General Meeting Louis Gris was directed to contact
Mayor Miller regarding a possible date when he would able to attend and address
the meeting.
9. New
Business:
a) City
Budget Councillor Saundercook reported that he and
his Executive Assistant have contacted the Library Chief Officer regarding the
following compromise in hours for Swansea Memorial Library: Monday 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. 5
p.m. Councillor Saundercook reported
that the Listening to Toronto session was the best budget meeting he had ever
attended. Bill Roberts reported that he
had also attended the session and noted that while he agreed it was a good
meeting, the scheduling (Saturday, Sunday) might have made it difficult for
those of some religious faiths to attend.
b) Section 37 Funds
There was a brief discussion, raised by Sybil Wilkinson, regarding whether the
dollar amounts being offered in Section 37 monies in exchange for concessions
to developers are far too low.
c) Second
Suites In response to Merle Hudson's inquiry about
the rules and regulations, and SARA's position regarding second suites, Bill
Roberts stated that SARA's position is that the proposed inspection system is
weak. This item will be discussed at
the next meeting.
10. Next
Meeting/Adjournment:
The next meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th,
2004 at 7:30 p.m. Upon a motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by
George Dubauskas and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)
5255 Yonge St., Suite
400
Toronto, ON M2N 6P4
1-877-882-6584
www.mpac.ca
Carmelo Lipsi - Senior Manager,
Customer Service - GTA
(416) 250-2150 ext.
6007
1-877-882-6584
F# (416) 250-2141
C# (416) 407-8107
lipsica@mpac.ca
Debbie Armstrong Manager, Customer
Service
(416) 250-2150 ext.
7012
F# (416) 250-2143
armstrde@mpac.ca
Greg Martino Account Manager,
Municipal Relations
(416) 250-2150 ext.
7004
F# (416) 250-2142
C# (416) 275-1943
martingr@mpac.ca
Finance
Revenue Services
Rick Sullivan Manager, Customer
Service
North York Civic Ctr.
5100 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M2N 5V7
(416) 395-1099
F# (416) 395-6811
rsullivan@toronto.ca
Wendy Quaintance Supervisor,
Regional Customer Service
City
Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON M5H
2N2
(416) 392-7110 F# (416) 392-0799
wquainta@city.toronto.on.ca