MINUTES - Council - 20201215 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Mayor Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Gaertner
Councillor Gallo
Councillor Gilliland
Councillor Humfryes
Councillor Kim
Councillor Thompson
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance
David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Samantha Yew, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Procedural Notes
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:36 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:50 p.m.
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Council consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m.
The Mayor relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 11:05 p.m. during the
consideration of New Business Motion No. 1 and resumed the chair at 11:11 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
following added item, be approved:
• Item 6.11 - Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting Minutes of
November 3, 2020
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Councillor Humfryes declared a pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50 respecting the third clause of the motion for
item 8.1, Report No. FIN20-030 – 2021 Final Approved Budget, as her spouse is
employed by Central York Fire Services; therefore, she did not take part in the
discussion of, or vote on, any question in respect of the matter.
4. Community Presentations
4.1 Lori Hoyes, President, Aurora Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385, and Bill
Newman, Resident; Re: Proposed Korean War Memorial to Auroran
Soldiers
Bill Newman, accompanied by Lori Hoyes, presented a brief history of the
Korean War including Canada’s contribution and shared the names of
eleven Aurorans who served with the Canadian contingent of the United
Nations force seventy years ago, and who returned home safely. He
requested the involvement of the Town and its staff to design and locate a
memorial to the Town's Korean War veterans at the Aurora War Memorial
Peace Park, noting that funding may be available through Veterans Affairs
Canada's Commemorative Partnership Program for Community War
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Memorial Funding. Mr. Newman further expressed appreciation to staff
for their research assistance.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
5. Delegations
None.
6. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda items, 6.1 to 6.11 inclusive, be approved with the
exception of item 6.10, which was discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
6.1 Council Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2020
1. That the Council meeting minutes of November 24, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 17, 2020 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of November 17, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2020
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1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of November
17, 2020, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 24, 2020 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of November 24, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of November
24, 2020, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.6 Council Closed Session Minutes of December 1, 2020 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of December 1, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.7 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of December
1, 2020, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.8 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2020
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of December 8,
2020, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.9 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of October 30, 2020
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of October 30, 2020, be received
for information.
Carried
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6.10 Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas; Re: Committee Appointments
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Members of Council be appointed to the following Boards and
Committees effective January 2021:
• Accessibility Advisory Committee – Councillor John Gallo
• Aurora Economic Development Corporation – Mayor Mrakas,
Councillor Harold Kim
• Aurora Public Library Board – Councillors John Gallo and Sandra
Humfryes
• Aurora Cultural Centre Board – Councillors Wendy Gaertner and
Rachel Gilliland
• Community Advisory Committee – Councillor Sandra Humfryes
• Environmental Advisory Committee – Councillor Rachel Gilliland
• Finance Advisory Committee – Mayor Mrakas, Councillors Michael
Thompson and Harold Kim
• Heritage Advisory Committee – Councillor Sandra Humfryes
• Joint Council Committee – Councillors Michael Thompson, John
Gallo, and Rachel Gilliland
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – Councillor Wendy
Gaertner
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clauses:
“That Councillor Gaertner be appointed to the Environmental Advisory
Committee (EAC); and
That the EAC Terms of Reference be updated to include two Council
representatives on the Committee.”
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
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Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Members of Council be appointed to the following Boards and
Committees effective January 2021:
• Accessibility Advisory Committee – Councillor John Gallo
• Aurora Economic Development Corporation – Mayor Mrakas,
Councillor Harold Kim
• Aurora Public Library Board – Councillors John Gallo and Sandra
Humfryes
• Aurora Cultural Centre Board – Councillors Wendy Gaertner and
Rachel Gilliland
• Community Advisory Committee – Councillor Sandra Humfryes
• Environmental Advisory Committee – Councillor Rachel Gilliland
• Finance Advisory Committee – Mayor Mrakas, Councillors Michael
Thompson and Harold Kim
• Heritage Advisory Committee – Councillor Sandra Humfryes
• Joint Council Committee – Councillors Michael Thompson, John
Gallo, and Rachel Gilliland
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – Councillor Wendy
Gaertner; and
2. That Councillor Gaertner be appointed to the Environmental Advisory
Committee (EAC); and
3. That the EAC Terms of Reference be updated to include two Council
representatives on the Committee.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried as amended (7 to 0)
6.11 Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting Minutes of
November 3, 2020
1. That the Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force meeting
minutes of November 3, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
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7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Standing Committee Reports items, 7.1 and 7.2, be approved with the
exception of sub-items 7.1 (7.1.1 and 7.1.9), which were discussed and voted on
separately as recorded below.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 General Committee Meeting Report of December 1, 2020
7.1.1 FIN20-028 - Q3 2020 Sole and Single Source Report
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. FIN20-028 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 2,
2020
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
November 2, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.3 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November
11, 2020
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
November 11, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.4 Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November
19, 2020
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1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
November 19, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.5 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26,
2020
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
November 26, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.6 PDS20-075 - Heritage Permit Application, 23 Mark Street, HPA-
2020-02
1. That Report No. PDS20-075 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application File: HPA-2020-02 to permit
the replacement of twenty-seven windows on the existing
dwelling at 23 Mark Street be approved.
Carried
7.1.7 PDS20-076 - Heritage Permit Application, Elmwood Lodge: The
Reuben J. Kennedy House, 15032 Yonge Street, File Number:
HPA-2019-07
1. That Report No. PDS20-076 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application File: HPA-2019-07 to permit
the removal of twelve louvered window shutters on the Reuben
J. Kennedy House at 15032 Yonge Street be refused.
Carried
7.1.8 OPS20-018 - Tree Removal Permit Application - 17 Church Street
1. That Report No. OPS20-018 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Permit Application for the removal of
three trees (two Norway Maples, one Silver Maple) and
relocation of one tree 5 (Locust) at 17 Church Street be
approved as presented by the applicant.
Carried
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7.1.9 CS20-025 - Modernized Fence By-law
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS20-025 be received; and
2. That a new Fence By-law be brought forth and enacted at a
future Council meeting to repeal and replace the current Fence
By-law No. 4753.05.P; and
3. That an amendment to the Fees and Charges By-law be brought
forward to a future Council meeting to implement fees
associated with a fence variance process; and
4. That an amendment to the Aurora Appeal Tribunal By-law be
brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment.
Motion to defer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That Report No. CS20-025 be deferred to the next Council meeting.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Motion to defer
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1.10 CS20-026 - Pending List Update
1. That Report No. CS20-026 be received; and
2. That items marked “Completed” be removed from the Pending
List.
Carried
7.1.11 FIN20-029 - Annual Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Property
Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act
1. That Report No. FS20-029 be received; and
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2. That total property taxes in the amount of $4,072.20 due from
the property owners be adjusted pursuant to Section 357 of the
Municipal Act, 2001, as amended (the Act); and
3. That total property taxes in the amount of $10,923.45 due to the
property owners be adjusted pursuant to Section 358 of the Act;
and
4. That any associated interest charged applicable to these
adjustments be cancelled in proportion to the total property
taxes adjusted; and
5. That the Director of Finance, Treasurer be directed to remove
said property taxes from the collector’s roll reflecting these
property tax adjustments; and
6. That the Director of Finance, Treasurer be delegated the
authority, to process and remove property taxes from the
collector’s roll reflecting property tax adjustments throughout
the calendar year, as set out in sections 357 and 358 of the
Municipal Act, and with an information report presented to
Council at the end of each calendar year.
Carried
7.1.12 PDS20-071 - Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision, 15370
Leslie (Skale) Inc., 15370 Leslie Street, Part Lot 2, Concession 2,
File Number: SUB-2019-02, Related File Numbers: ZBA-2017-02
and SP-2017-02
1. That Report No. PDS20-071 be received; and
2. That the Draft Plan of Subdivision file No. SUB-2019-02 to
create one block on a plan of subdivision to facilitate the future
development of four common elements condominium
townhouse blocks be approved, subject to the conditions of
approval attached hereto as Schedule ‘A’.
Carried
7.2 Budget Committee Meeting Reports of November 2020
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7.2.1 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 9, 2020
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of November 9,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.2 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 16, 2020
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of November 16,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.3 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 21, 2020
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of November 21,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.4 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 23, 2020
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of November 23,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.5 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 30, 2020
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of November 30,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
8.1 FIN20-030 - 2021 Final Approved Budget
Council consented to vote separately on the third and sixth clauses of the main
motion as amended.
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN20-030 be received; and
2. That Council approve the operating budget as follows:
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a. The 2021 and 2022 operating budget as summarized in
Attachment 1; and
b. Up to a maximum of $69,200 in funding for 2021 from the Library
Square Operating budget to offset any core operating deficits
experienced by the Aurora Cultural Centre that it is unable to fund
through other funding sources; and
c. Up to a maximum of $151,100 in funding for 2021 from the Library
Square Operating budget to offset any relocation driven operating
deficits experienced by the Aurora Cultural Centre that it is unable
to fund through other funding sources; and
d. The previously approved $50,000 contribution to the Aurora
Cultural Centre in support of the Kaleidoscope in Schools Pilot
program be transferred to 2021; and
e. The water, wastewater and storm water rates that are required in
order to fully fund each of these services as summarized in Table
1; and
f. That the necessary tax and water billing by-laws be enacted at a
future Council meeting; and
3. That a total budget of $12,194,100 and $12,607,600 be approved for
2021 and 2022, respectively relating to the Town’s share for Fire
Services; and
4. That Council approve the capital budget as follows:
a. The 2021 capital budget authority and planned spending by project
as detailed in the budget binder tabled on October 27, 2020 and as
amended in this report and as summarized in Attachments 2 and 3;
and
b. The 2021 capital budget authority and planned spending for the
roads, facilities, fleet and storm sewer repair and replacement
capital programs as detailed in the budget binder tabled on October
27, 2020, as summarized in Table 2 and subject to the rules
detailed in this report; and
c. The funding sources for each capital project as reviewed and
recommended by Budget Committee on November 21, 2020; and
5. That to ensure the Town’s continued compliance with O. Reg 588/17:
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a. Staff be directed to apply for a grant opportunity from the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipal Asset
Management Program for the development of an updated Asset
Management Plan for the Town of Aurora; and
b. The Town of Aurora commit to the development of an O. Reg
588/17 compliant Asset Management Plan as per its submitted
proposed project to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’
Municipal Asset Management Program to advance its asset
management program; and
c. The Town of Aurora commit $20,000 of its capital budget toward
the costs of this initiative; and
6. That Council approve debt authority to support the capital plan as
follows:
a. Debt authority of up to $3,375,000 for the Hallmark Baseball
Diamonds project; and
b. Debt authority of up to $8,200,000 for the SARC Gymnasium capital
project; and
c. Treasurer be authorized to proceed with the next steps in the
acquisition of the approved debt authority; and
7. That the reconciliation of the 2021 to 2022 operating budgets to the
full accrual basis of accounting, as required under Ontario Regulation
284/09, as summarized in Attachment 4 be endorsed.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That clause 2.a. of the main motion be amended by adding the following
wording:
“That the net revenue from Supplementary taxes amount for 2021 be
increased from 200,000 to 275,000; and
That the increase to the Cash to Capital contribution for 2021 be
reduced by $200,000; and
That the Treasurer adjust the multi-year contingency in 2022 to
maintain the planned 2.9% tax levy in that year.”
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be amended by adding the following wording:
“That all additional FTE funded by the tax levy be removed; and
That the Sport and Community Development Specialist position remain
as a contract position until 2022; and
That the Financial Systems and Policy Advisor position remain as a
contract position until 2022.”
Yeas (2): Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Gilliland
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Humfryes,
Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Defeated (2 to 5)
Amendment No. 3
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended by adding the following wording:
“That the Library Square 2021 operating budget of $240,000 be
deferred to the 2022 budget.”
Yeas (2): Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Gilliland
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Humfryes,
Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Defeated (2 to 5)
Amendment No. 4
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That clause 2.a. of the main motion be amended by adding the following
wording:
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“That a pilot project to have the Tamarac Green Park walkway plowed
during the 2020/2021 winter season be approved and that staff report
back to Council on the results.”
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Humfryes,
Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (2): Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Gilliland
Carried (5 to 2)
Main motion as amended (excluding third and sixth clauses)
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN20-030 be received; and
2. That Council approve the operating budget as follows:
a. The 2021 and 2022 operating budget as summarized in
Attachment 1; and
That the net revenue from Supplementary taxes amount for 2021
be increased from 200,000 to 275,000; and
That the increase to the Cash to Capital contribution for 2021 be
reduced by $200,000; and
That the Treasurer adjust the multi-year contingency in 2022 to
maintain the planned 2.9% tax levy in that year; and
That a pilot project to have the Tamarac Green Park walkway
plowed during the 2020/2021 winter season be approved and that
staff report back to Council on the results; and
b. Up to a maximum of $69,200 in funding for 2021 from the Library
Square Operating budget to offset any core operating deficits
experienced by the Aurora Cultural Centre that it is unable to fund
through other funding sources; and
c. Up to a maximum of $151,100 in funding for 2021 from the Library
Square Operating budget to offset any relocation driven operating
deficits experienced by the Aurora Cultural Centre that it is unable
to fund through other funding sources; and
d. The previously approved $50,000 contribution to the Aurora
Cultural Centre in support of the Kaleidoscope in Schools Pilot
program be transferred to 2021; and
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e. The water, wastewater and storm water rates that are required in
order to fully fund each of these services as summarized in Table
1; and
f. That the necessary tax and water billing by-laws be enacted at a
future Council meeting; and
3. (voted on separately)
4. That Council approve the capital budget as follows:
a. The 2021 capital budget authority and planned spending by project
as detailed in the budget binder tabled on October 27, 2020 and as
amended in this report and as summarized in Attachments 2 and 3;
and
b. The 2021 capital budget authority and planned spending for the
roads, facilities, fleet and storm sewer repair and replacement
capital programs as detailed in the budget binder tabled on October
27, 2020, as summarized in Table 2 and subject to the rules
detailed in this report; and
c. The funding sources for each capital project as reviewed and
recommended by Budget Committee on November 21, 2020; and
5. That to ensure the Town’s continued compliance with O. Reg 588/17:
a. Staff be directed to apply for a grant opportunity from the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipal Asset
Management Program for the development of an updated Asset
Management Plan for the Town of Aurora; and
b. The Town of Aurora commit to the development of an O. Reg
588/17 compliant Asset Management Plan as per its submitted
proposed project to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’
Municipal Asset Management Program to advance its asset
management program; and
c. The Town of Aurora commit $20,000 of its capital budget toward
the costs of this initiative; and
6. (voted on separately)
7. That the reconciliation of the 2021 to 2022 operating budgets to the
full accrual basis of accounting, as required under Ontario Regulation
284/09, as summarized in Attachment 4 be endorsed.
17
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried as amended (7 to 0)
Third clause of main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
3. That a total budget of $12,194,100 and $12,607,600 be approved for
2021 and 2022, respectively relating to the Town’s share for Fire
Services.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried as amended (6 to 0)
Sixth clause of main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
6. That Council approve debt authority to support the capital plan as
follows:
a. Debt authority of up to $3,375,000 for the Hallmark Baseball
Diamonds project; and
b. Debt authority of up to $8,200,000 for the SARC Gymnasium capital
project; and
c. Treasurer be authorized to proceed with the next steps in the
acquisition of the approved debt authority.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (1): Councillor Gallo
Carried as amended (6 to 1)
8.2 FIN20-031 - 2020 Interim Forecast Update Report - as of October 31,
2020
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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1. That Report No. FIN20-031 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
8. Motions
None.
10. Regional Report
10.1 York Regional Council Highlights - November 19, 2020
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Regional Report of November 19, 2020, be received for
information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
11. New Business
Councillor Gilliland requested clarification on the criteria and interpretation of the
Request for Proposal released by the Town for fundraising initiatives for Library
Square, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the status of the Town's response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, and the Mayor confirmed that the Town remains in a state
of emergency.
Mayor Mrakas provided an update on the second meeting of the Small Urban
GTHA Mayors (formerly the GTA Countryside Mayors) held today and noted his
appointment as Chair of the group for the next year.
Mayor Mrakas advised that he would be supporting a motion this week at
Regional Council to request that the federal government amend the Canada
Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) program to include any restaurant or business
that opened at any time in 2020.
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Mayor Mrakas requested that Council take a leadership role and agree to not
receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the year 2021.
New Business Motion No. 1
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That Members of Council forgo the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the year
2021.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
Councillor Gaertner noted the current hospital capacity issues due to the COVID-
19 pandemic and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and stay safe.
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the great success of the recent Aurora
Christmas Market and Hanukkah celebrations.
Mayor Mrakas announced and congratulated the recently appointed citizen
members of the new Environmental Advisory Committee: Margaret Baker; Barry
Bridgeford; Colin Brown; Sam Cunningham; Ashley Gatto Casagrande; Ryan
Hamid; Alexander Hudson; and Crystal Robertson.
Mayor Mrakas announced and congratulated the recently appointed citizen
members of the Community Advisory Committee: Earl Cochrane; and Shivangi
Bagga.
12. By-laws
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-law be enacted:
12.1 By-law No. 6300-20 - Being a By-law to levy Interim Property Taxes for
the 2021 taxation year.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
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That By-law No. 6300-20 be amended by the addition of the following wording:
“That, at the discretion of the Director of Finance, accounts that were in
arrears in 2019 not be provided with relief and that the Treasurer be able to
provide relief for penalties on taxes to those demonstrating financial hardship
related to COVID-19.”
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-law, item 12.1, be enacted as amended by the addition of
the following wording: “That, at the discretion of the Director of Finance,
accounts that were in arrears in 2019 not be provided with relief and that the
Treasurer be able to provide relief for penalties on taxes to those demonstrating
financial hardship related to COVID-19.”
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
12.1 By-law No. 6300-20 - Being a By-law to levy Interim Property Taxes for
the 2021 taxation year.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following by-laws, items 12.2 and 12.3, be enacted:
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
12.2 By-law No. 6301-20 - Being a By-law to establish lands, forming part of
Centre Street, as a highway.
12.3 By-law No. 6302-20 - Being a By-law to authorize the expropriation of
certain lands for the purpose of road widening and other road
improvements, including the construction of a right-turn lane, at the
21
northwest corner of Yonge Street and Wellington Street West, to
accommodate The Corporation of the Town of Aurora’s road widening
project.
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law No. 6303-20 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on December 15, 2020
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
15. Adjournment
Mayor Mrakas, on behalf of Council, extended best wishes to all residents and
businesses for a happy and safe holiday season, and reminded everyone to
follow the public health safety guidelines and to support local businesses.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 11:22 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk