SWANSEA AREA  RATEPAYER’S ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF MEETING, TUESDAY MAY 17, 2005

 

 

 

 

Present:           Louis Gris, Merle Hudson, Pat Reavy Bill Roberts, Ed Gaigalas Nicholas Singh, Sybil Wilkinson,

 

Regrets:         Ron Braun, Ritvars Bregzis, George Dubauskas, , Peter Keefe, Frances Labelle, John Meijer,

 

Guests:           Mr. Michael Corda & Mrs Chris Corda of 53 Worthington Cres.

 

1. Called to Order  Tuesday, May 17 , 2005 7:05 PM

 

2. Agenda Amendments:  

                        Massage parlours

                        South Kingsway redevelopment

                        Adopt-A-Block/Clean Air Program

 

Motion to add the cited items moved by Bill Roberts, seconded by Frances Labelle. Motion carried

 

 

3. Approval of Minutes:

There were several amendments for the April minutes

 

Motion to amend the cited items moved by Bill Roberts, seconded by Frances Labelle. Motion carried

 

4. Executive Reports:

 

Membership: – Louis Gris reported that there were 9 new memberships since March:

                                    3 Single

                                    3 Senior Single

                                    3 Family

the current total to date is 64 paid and 3 honorary.

 

Motion to accept the report as read moved by Merle Hudson and seconded by Frances Labelle. Motion Carried

 

 

 

Fundraising: April 19, ’05:: Motion to book another play as a SARA fundraiser moved by Bill Roberts, seconded by George Dubauskas. Motion carried

            May 17, ‘05: Louis Gris reported that there were no new funds and the date for the fundraiser play will be in November and tickets will be made available as soon as possible.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  The report was received and expenses for Louis Gris for envelopes, stamps and labels were tabled.  Motion to accept the report and accept the expenses moved by Ed Gaigalas and seconded by Merle Hudson. Motion carried.

 

President’s Report. April 19, ’05: The newsletter is ready to go

 

5. Current Matters:

 

Annual General Meeting:

April 19 ‘05: It was agreed that the AGM will be held on May 24, 2005. there has been no further notice of confirmation from Sarmite Bulte, but it is on her calendar. Louis Gris will provide the President’s Address and Nick Singh will provide the minutes from the last AGM.

May 17 ’05: Ed Gaigalas will canvas for an independent person to conduct the election. There are three vacancies and two committed new candidates. There are also four other potential candidates. The Agenda items were discussed including a verbal confirmation from MP Sarmite Bulte’s office.

A motion to hold an all candidates meeting on June 8, should the federal government fall and one become necessary, to be chaired by Bill Roberts was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Ed Gaigalas. Motion Passed.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Corda: The Cordas introduce themselves saying that they came into contact with SARA through work that SARA was doing regarding a construction that was near to their home. They are now considering helping SARA as members of the Board of Directors and so they were attending to find out about duties and responsibilities.

 

Meeting with Councillor Saundercook:

April 19, ’05: We agreed on Monday May 9th at 7:30 at the Swansea Town Hall

May 17, ’05: the meeting with Councillor Bill Saundercook took place and will be covered under its own minutes. Since then some information has been sent from C. Saundercook’s office.

A lunch meeting planed between the Councillor and Louis Gris for June first has been postponed by the Councillor.

Adopt a Block:

April 19, ’05: John Meijer contacted the Board of Trade, then met with several groups, the City and Scouts Canada. A meeting is scheduled for May 19th. The organizers are looking for a pilot area.

It was reported that garbage pick-up is messy and a supervisor has to pick up after the truck. Mike Gibbs will report this to Councillor Saundercook for action.

May 17, ‘05

 

Massage Parlours:

April 19, ’05: Motion to support Councillor Saundercook’s efforts against a massage parlour moved by Bill Roberts and seconded by George Dubauskas. Motion Carried.

May 17, ’05: Bill Roberts reports that the letter of support was sent.

 

South Kingsway Redevelopment Meeting;

April 19, ’05: It was reported that Councillor Saundercook was hosting a meeting on April 26th to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the South Kingsway. Mike Gibbs reported that the plans can be viewed at Councillor Saundercook’s office. It was reported that the notices of the meeting had not been distributed to the homes closest to the proposed area of redevelopment.

May 17, ’05: Bill Roberts reported that there is a second meeting planned for June 1st, ‘05

Motion that SARA and SARG support the establishment of a Community Liaison Group to monitor and review any existing or ongoing data and to provide input regarding the South Kingsway project moved by______________? And seconded by ____________? carried

 

Hydro Poles:

April 19, ’05: It was reported that the city is selling its utility poles to Hydro and the City will be charged for servicing them. George Dubauskas agreed to follow up and report. Motion for George Dubauskas, Bill Roberts and Louis Gris to form a subcommittee for this issue moved by Nick Singh and seconded by Sybil Wilkinson. Motion Carried

May 17, ’05: A discussion about the Hydro poles tool place during the meeting with Councillor Bill Saundercook and a presentation was made by a representative opposed to the sale.

Motion for Louis Gris to write the city pposing the sale of the poles moved by Bill Roberts and seconded by Merle Hudson carried

 

Community Involvement in Proceses and Practices of the City:

April 19, ’05: Louis Gris has received a response from Mayor Miller – an invitation to participate and be involved. A more detailed response will not be ready until practicality has been established. Motion by Bill Roberts and seconded by George Dubauskas for Louis to follow up with a letter to Mr. Filion requesting participation.  Motion Carried

May 17, ‘05 Louis Gris reported that the letter to Mr. Filion is in preparation and will go this week

 

Storage for SARA at the Town Hall

April 19, ’05: Louis sent the letter regarding storage at the Town Hall.

May 17, ‘05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vision Studies:

April 19, ’05: It was reported that the BIA and OfficeforUrbanism had not replied to messages regarding the sign-off letter for the Bloor West Urban Design Study and things were at a standstill.

A meeting regarding Humbergate was cancelled

May 17, ’05: Nick Singh reported that a response to questions about he sing-off letter had just been received but no action taken yet.

There was no news about the Humbergate study (Mimico to High Park)

 

Land Use Items:

 

Committee of Adjustment – Processes and Practices

April 19, ’05: There has been no response to Louis’ letter.

May 17, ’05: There was still n response to Louis’ letter he will follow up.
·        Regarding the waiver form that the city is issuing for contractors to avoid having their projects reviewed and which the Committee of Adjustment refused to give to us; Councillor Saundercook has sent a copy to Louis Gris.

inquires as the need arises moved by Ed Gaigalas seconded by Pat Reavy. Motion carried.

 

Toronto Official Plan and Swansea Part II Plan:

April 19, ’05: OMB Hearing for discussion of New Official Plan is scheduled for 13th – 16th  June.  There were no objections to Swansea Phase II, looking for approval on the 20th of June.

May 17, ’05: No news

 

Humber Cinema:

April 19, ’05: Mike Gibbs reported that the owners have put in their official proposal for the cite with few changes to the last presentation.  Councillor Saundercook is going to communicate with the community.  The building will be 10 stories / 42 units.  Plans are available at the Councillor’s office.  It will go to planning then 4-5 months before a public meeting then it will go to council.

May 17, ’05: No news. Louis will enquire about a meeting date.

 

286 Ellis Ave

April 19, ’05: No news we are still looking for the OMB decision.

May 17, ’05: No news we are still looking for the OMB decision.

 

100 Durie:

April 19, ’05: The Commmittee of Adjustment approved the varieance with conditions proposed by SARA

May 17, ’05: No news

 

9 Worthinton

April 19, ’05: No Report

May 17, ’05: The original survey that was submitted was wrong and would have allowed for extra GFA. The COA allowed the variance based on negotiations.

 

169 South Kingsway:

April 19, ’05: The Committee of Adjustment did not approve the variance, we don’t know if it has been appealed

May 17, ’05: No news

 

29 Beresford:

April 19, ’05: The Committee of Adjustment had approved the variances we do not know of an appeal

May 17, ’05: No news

 

7 Harcourt:

April 19, ’05: The Committee of Adjustment had approved the variances we do not know of an appeal

May 17, ’05: No news

 

47 St. Olaves:

April 19, ’05: Mike Gibbs reported that Councillor Saundercook will go to the OMB for the neighbours

The neighbours are holding back because of money for the survey. Motion to offer $500 towards the survey if they provide an invoice and are still going to OMB if the height is greater than approved by the COA (9.64m)  moved by Bill Roberts and seconded by Pat Reavy. Motion carried

May 17, ’05: No news

 

16 Dacre Cress:

April 19, ’05: Mike Gibbs reported that Councillor Saundercook met with residents who are opposed to the variance. There are 11 properties opposed. The architect had said he had the support of the neighbours.  We sent a letter to the CoA with the understanding that there were no objections and that there be conditions.  We have now received a letter from neighbours complaining of our letter to the CoA.  Nick is to find out the details of last night’s meeting with Councillor Saundercook.  Motion for Nick Singh to respond to the neighbours letter moved by  Bill Roberts seconded by Sybil Wilkinson. Motion carried.

May 17, ’05: The COA discounted the residents’ petition because it was done before a meeting with the developer and therefore did not reflect any possible but unlikely changed in opinion. The severance of the property was granted. It is not known if the residents will appeal.

 


35 Beresford:

April 19, ’05: David Fleming:  House received CoA approval after building.  It makes the chimney at 37 too low.  Legally this is now a civil matter between 35 and 37 not a regulatory matter.  A promissory note from the builder to cover the chimney had been given but now they are stalling.  Motion to support 37 in pursuing the issue moved by ?. 

May 17, ’05: A letter has been sent to Councillor Saundercook.

 

22 Willard Gardens:

April 19, ’05: This project is turning a bungalow into a 3-story home that extends beyond the current footprint. Councillor Bill Saundercook has asked for an inspection as to whether the building permit allows for a porch but not an addition. Motion to investigate and support the residents if there are improprieties moved by George Dubauskas and seconded by Pat Reavy.

May 17, ’05: No news

 

51 Worthington:

May 17, ’05: Information for this application was contradictory however the variance was passed with a contition.

 

Community Organizations:

 

Community Police Liaison Committee

May 17, ’05: Appointment of Representative: Merle Hudson continues to report on this item. The community phone alert system is being moved to an e-mail system.

 

High Park Community Advisory Council

May 17, ’05: The Shakespeare In The Park program will get a permanent stage in the park. High Park has received an award of excellence.

 

Swansea Community Recreation Centre & Rennie Park

May 17, ’05: the centre is holding a Big Garage Sale on Saturday April 28th and tables are $30. The Village Pillage is also on Saturday April 28th.

 

Swansea Memorial Library and Friends of the Library

May 17, ’05: No news

 

Swansea Public School

May 17, ’05: The school awards are scheduled for June 27. Bill Roberts will represent the Ratepayers.

Motion made to spend up to $100 for plaques by Frances Labelle and seconded by Ed Gaigalas. Motion carried.

 

Swansea Town Hall Board of Management and J.T. Bonham Residences

May 17, ’05: Problems with the contractor are causing delay in finishing the project

 


CORRA

May 17, ’05: No news

 

Items being monitored:

 

Windermere by the Lake:

May 17, ’05: Frances Labelle reports that 3 Windermere requires a variance that was overlooked during planning regarding windows. It is agreed not to oppose the application.

 

Southport Plaza:  

April 19, ’05: Bill Roberts gave a report.

May 17, ’05: It is reported that the development is no hold after some problems with Section 37 and controls regarding water monitoring. There may be some problems with soil stability and the watertable.

Motion made for Bill Roberts to write the City Solicitor on behalf of SARA and SARG regarding this project by Frances Labelle and seconded by Pat Reavy. Motion carried.

 

Fred Victor Centre and Former Joyco Station

May 17, ’05: Bill Roberts reported that he has received a response to his ancient letter which advises that there will be an consultation process to start in the summer or fall.

Motion for Bill Roberts to ask for dates for the meetings by Frances Labelle and seconded by Pat Reavy carried

 

258 Windermere:

April 19, ’05: There has been no support from city in perusing this inquiry. Motion to inquire with other groups and Associations about city planning problems to see if there are common problems with the City Building Department moved by Pat Reavy seconded by ?. Motion Carried

May 17, ’05: Pat Reavy reported that she called the Mayor’s Office regarding administration and accountability but no answers were forth coming. Mr. Filion is looking at improving planning and will consider, on the side, some issues about the building department.

 

Context Development:

April 19, ’05: Context Development Corp. was fined $25,000 for putting polyurethane into Wendigo Creek.

May 17, ’05: No news

 

Dark Horse:

April 19, ’05: A report claiming that the condition for the patio had been approved by Michael Booth was given to Mr. Richard Kulis and forwarded to SARA. The accuracy of the report is in question for several reasons and has been forwarded to Michael Booth for comment before Richard Kulis is contacted again

May 17, ’05: No news. Nick Singh is to enquire

 

Expose:

April 19, ’05: Councillor Saundercook was at LCBO Board meeting in opposition. The Judge asked for written submissions – decision is pending.

May 17, ‘05 No news

 

Next Meeting: June 21, 2005

 

Adjoured: 9:50 PM