MINUTES - Council Special - 20200331
Town of Aurora
Special Meeting of Council Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 (via video conference)
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, Michelle Outar,
Acting Manager of Corporate Communications, Patricia De Sario,
Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Linda Bottos,
Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. and outlined the procedures that
would be followed in the conduct of the electronic meeting.
1. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the following by-law be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6246-20 Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 6228-19, to
govern the proceedings of Council and Committee meetings of the Town of
Aurora.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Special Meeting of Council Minutes
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 2 of 9
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item and the inclusion of the New Business section, be approved:
• Section 5, Standing Committee Reports, Item S1 – General Committee Meeting
Report of March 3, 2020
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 5 Nays: 2
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gallo, Humfryes, Kim, and
Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillors Gaertner and Gilliland
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
4. Delegations
None
5. Standing Committee Reports
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of March 3, 2020
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 3 of 9
1. That the General Committee meeting report of March 3, 2020, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-item R5, which was discussed and voted on separately
as recorded below.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(A1) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2020
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February
3, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) CMS20-008 – Library Square – Governance Review
1. That Report No. CMS20-008 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to continue to explore the feasibility of the
Direct Delivery and Not-for-profit/Municipal Hybrid governance
models and report back with further recommendations regarding the
most appropriate model for the operation of Library Square.
Carried
(R2) CMS20-009 – Sport Plan – Progress Report
1. That Report No. CMS20-009 be received for information.
Carried
(R3) CAO20-001 – Pending List Update
1. That Report No. CAO20-001 be received; and
2. That items marked “Completed – To be Removed” and “Pending –
To be Removed” be taken off future Pending List updates.
Carried
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 4 of 9
(R4) CMS20-007 – Local Sport Organization License Agreements
1. That Report No. CMS20-007 be received; and
2. That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute
license agreements, including any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same, for:
(a) Aurora Minor Hockey Association
(b) Central York Girls Hockey Association
(c) Aurora Tigers Junior A Hockey Club
(d) Aurora Skating Club
(e) Aurora Community Tennis Club
(f) Aurora Lawn Bowling Club
(g) St. Andrew’s College; and
3. That the license agreements be for a period of ten years with a
renewal option for a further ten years; and
4. That the Director be delegated the authority to execute similar license
agreements with other community sport organizations, where the
agreements are of similar value and for the purpose of supporting
sport in the community.
Carried
(R5) PDS20-012 – Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Starlight
Investments, 145 and 147 Wellington Street West, Part
of Lot 28, Plan 264, File Number: ZBA-2018-01
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS20-012 be received; and
2. That the Zoning By-law Amendment file ZBA-2018-01 (Starlight
Investments) be approved to rezone the subject lands from “Second
Density Apartment Residential (RA2) Zone” to “Second Density
Apartment Residential [RA2(XX)] Exception Zone”; and
3. That an implementing Zoning By-law be brought forward to a future
Council meeting.
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Motion to defer
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That Report No. PDS20-012 – Application for Zoning By-law
Amendment, Starlight Investments, 145 and 147 Wellington Street West,
Part of Lot 28, Plan 264, File Number: ZBA-2018-01 be deferred to the
next Council meeting.
On a recorded vote the motion to defer
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(R6) PDS20-018 – Terms of Reference for the Review of the Town’s
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest
1. That Report No. PDS20-018 be received; and
2. That the attached Terms of Reference for the Review of Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest be
endorsed.
Carried
(R7) PDS20-006 – Servicing Allocation Update
1. That Report No. PDS20-006 be received for information.
Carried
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion
R1. CS20-006 – COVID-19 Staffing Implications; and Verbal Update from
Chief Administrative Officer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. CS20-006 be received; and
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 6 of 9
2. That the Verbal Update from Chief Administrative Officer be received for
information.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
7. New Business
Councillor Gaertner noted that some municipalities are covering up their
intersection pedestrian signal push buttons to protect the public from the spread of
COVID-19, and inquired about whether the Town could explore this option. Staff
agreed to investigate with the Region and report back.
Councillor Gaertner further noted that some municipalities, including Calgary, are
temporarily reducing traffic lanes on their main streets to provide more room for
pedestrians and facilitate the two-metre physical distancing requirement.
Councillor Humfryes referred to a resident’s request and inquired about whether
resources are available for residents, especially seniors, who need to self-isolate
but have nowhere to go. The Mayor advised that Regional staff are exploring
options to house residents that need to be isolated and would be providing an
update. The Mayor noted that, in addition to the recently formed business task
force, the creation of a Mayor’s task force for vulnerable residents, including
seniors and those experiencing homelessness, is being considered, and more
information will be provided when available.
Councillor Gallo inquired about the Town’s decision-making process under the
current Declared Emergency status, and staff provided a response regarding
delegated authority and the list of decisions made to be shared with Council, as
well as the plan to bring normal business before Council for consideration.
Councillor Kim inquired about whether staff would be replacing the vandalized
yellow caution tape around the boundaries of the Town’s closed parks, and staff
provided a response regarding tape replacement and ongoing park inspections.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 7 of 9
Councillor Kim inquired about the Town’s position on non-essential business
violations, and staff provided a response regarding the authority of Town By-law
Enforcement Officers, the response process, and the cooperation with York
Regional Police concerning non-essential business closures and public gatherings.
Councillor Gilliland, on behalf of residents, inquired about signage and walk-
through access of Town parks. The Mayor stressed the responsibility of everyone
to respect the required physical distancing protocols during this time, and staff
provided a response regarding the Town’s closed parks, signage, and open trails.
Councillor Thompson inquired about available resources for residents who need
assistance in picking up their prescriptions, groceries or other essentials. Staff
provided a response regarding a community resource list to be published shortly
on the Town’s website and the ability of the Access Aurora customer service
representatives to direct residents to the appropriate resources.
Councillor Thompson inquired about the plan for returning to a regular Council
meeting cycle now that electronic meetings can be held. Staff provided a response
regarding agenda content and the public participation process, and indicated that
an updated meeting schedule would be confirmed.
Councillor Gaertner mentioned that a local facebook group of residents is offering
a volunteer shopping service for seniors, and more information would be confirmed.
Mayor Mrakas reported on a partnership between the Town and the Aurora
Chamber of Commerce to develop a new website, ShopFromHomeAurora.ca, to
provide information on local businesses and the services they continue to offer to
local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Mrakas referred to the large amount of feedback received from tenants and
noted that, while many landlords are working with tenants and providing rent relief,
some landlords are not responding to their tenants. He extended an appeal to
landlords to communicate and work with their tenants during this difficult time.
8. By-laws
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 8 of 9
That the following by-law be enacted:
(b) By-law Number 6247-20 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6212-19,
to define the delegation policies and procedures for The Corporation of the
Town of Aurora.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That By-law No. 6247-20 be amended by the removal of Delegated Authority
Nos. 2, 4, and 5 from new Schedule “G”, Matters during an Emergency.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-law be enacted, as amended by the removal of Delegated
Authority Nos. 2, 4, and 5 from new Schedule “G”, Matters during an Emergency:
(b) By-law Number 6247-20 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6212-19,
to define the delegation policies and procedures for The Corporation of the
Town of Aurora.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Motion to defer
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Page 9 of 9
That the following by-law be deferred to the next Council meeting:
(c) By-law Number XXXX-20 Being a By-law to amend Municipal Waterworks
Distribution By-law Number 3305-91, as amended.
On a recorded vote the motion to defer
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
9. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6248-20 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on March 31, 2020.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
10. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk