MINUTES - General Committee - 20150223
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE – 2015 BUDGET REVIEW
MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, February 23, 2015
(continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4, 2015)
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Humfryes (departed
2:06 p.m./returned 2:43 p.m.), Mrakas, Pirri (arrived 12:06 p.m.),
Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Abel and Kim
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer,
Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of
Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Council & Committee
Coordinator/Deputy Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 11:01 a.m. and reconvene the meeting
at 11:22 a.m.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 12:18 p.m. and reconvene the meeting
at 1:46 p.m.
General Committee consented to extending the hour at 10:30 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest
Act.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 2 of 20
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services
with the following additions:
Delegation (a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Update on York Region Budget Progress
Replacement Pages 6-49 to 6-52 for Tab 6 of 2015 Operating Budget Binder
Re: 2015 Business Plans and Budget – Building & By-law Services
Item 4 – Memorandum from Project Manager – Special Projects
Re: Business Improvement Area (BIA) Update
3. DELEGATIONS
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Update on York Region Budget Progress
(Added Item)
Mayor Dawe provided an update on York Region’s budget numbers including the
four-year outlook through to 2018.
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
General Committee consented, on a two-thirds vote, to waive the requirements of section
3.1(b) of the Procedural By-law to permit Mr. Klaus Wehrenberg to speak for more than five
(5) minutes.
Mr. Wehrenberg suggested that the Hydro Funds should remain in place and that these
funds presented an opportunity to continually invest in property in Town and attach public
goods, such as trail easements/connections, to the property, which would then be sold. He
proposed that trails are an asset, adding value to lands, and that the Town could profit in
the process.
Mr. Wehrenberg displayed and recommended the book Happy City: Transforming Our
Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery, which he said examines
development and town planning in depth. He stated that the north end of Town is divided
by a river and railroad system, and offered suggestions to bridge this east-west division,
add a trails corridor, and promote non-motorized traffic.
General Committee received the comments of Klaus Wehrenberg for information.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 3 of 20
The Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer presented a summary of email
comments received from the public to date including suggestions regarding implementation
of a responsible pet ownership program and concerns regarding tax increases in excess of
inflation rates.
5. CLOSED SESSION
General Committee consented to resolve into a Closed Session Educational and Training
Session, for the purpose of touring the Joint Operations Centre building site and the Aurora
Family Leisure Complex, during the lunch recess.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
1. 2015 Operating Budget – Departmental Business Plans
Presentations by Department
(a) Administrative Services
Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Garbe presented an overview of services delivered by the department, the
achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Chief
Administrative Officer to the 2015 Operating Budget discussions.
(b) Legal & Legislative Services
Warren Mar, Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town Solicitor
Mr. Mar presented an overview of services delivered by the department, the
achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Legal & Legislative Services/Town Solicitor to the 2015 Operating Budget
discussions.
(c) Corporate & Financial Services
Dan Elliott, Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Mr. Elliott presented an overview of services delivered by the department, the
achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Corporate & Financial Services/ Treasurer to the 2015 Operating Budget
discussions.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 4 of 20
(d) Planning & Development Services
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning & Development Services
Mr. Ramunno presented an overview of services delivered by the department,
the achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Planning & Development Services to the 2015 Operating Budget discussions.
(e) Building & By-law Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Building & By-law Services
Ms. van Leeuwen presented an overview of services delivered by the
department, the achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Building & By-law Services to the 2015 Operating Budget discussions.
(f) Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Ilmar Simanovskis, Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Mr. Simanovskis presented an overview of services delivered by the
department, the achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Infrastructure & Environmental Services to the 2015 Operating Budget
discussions.
(g) Parks & Recreation Services
Al Downey, Director of Parks & Recreation Services
Mr. Downey presented an overview of services delivered by the department, the
achievements of 2014, and the advancements for 2015.
General Committee received and referred the presentation by the Director of
Parks & Recreation Services to the 2015 Operating Budget discussions.
2. 2015 Operating Budget – Overview Presentation
Dan Elliott, Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Mr. Elliott presented an overview of the 2015 Draft Business Plan and Operating
Budget including: planning and constraint efforts to date; efficiency gains; budget
development process and objectives; tax rate pressures and forecast; impact to
overall residential tax bill; areas of focused budget review; and an update on the
Central York Fire Services budget.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 5 of 20
General Committee received the presentation by the Director of Corporate & Financial
Services/Treasurer for information.
3. 2015 Operating Budget – General Discussion
General Committee recommends:
THAT Tab 2 of the 2015 Operating Budget binder be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT Tab 3 of the 2015 Operating Budget binder be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT Tab 4 of the 2015 Operating Budget binder be received for information.
CARRIED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Parks & Recreation Services new staff requests, as detailed in Tab 5 of the
2015 Operating Budget binder as Budget Decision Unit #1.5 – Youth Room/Climbing
Wall Staff and #1.6 – Full-Time Youth Programmer, be referred to the Council
meeting of February 24, 2015 for pre-approval.
CARRIED
4. Memorandum from Project Manager – Special Projects
Re: Business Improvement Area (BIA) Update
(Added Item)
Item 4 was considered prior to Item 3.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding Business Improvement Area (BIA) Update be
received for information.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
General Committee consented to recess the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 4:06 p.m. until Monday, March 2, 2015, at 7 p.m.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 6 of 20
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, March 2, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner (arrived 7:04
p.m.), Humfryes (departed 8:25 p.m.), Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and
Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
General Committee consented to reconvene the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 7:03 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services
with the following additions:
Item 5 – 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Public Library Board (Budget Binder Tab 7)
Presentation by Jill Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-Treasurer,
Aurora Public Library Board; and Discussion
Item 6 – 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Historical Society 2015 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by John McIntyre, President, Board of Directors,
Aurora Historical Society; and Discussion
Item 7 – 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Cultural Centre 2015 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bonnie Kraft, President, and Frank Pulumbarit,
Director and Past President, Board of Directors, Aurora Cultural Centre; and
Discussion
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 7 of 20
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
No members of the public came forward.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
5. 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Public Library Board (Budget Binder Tab 7)
Presentation by Jill Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-Treasurer,
Aurora Public Library Board; and Discussion
(Added Item)
Ms. Foster presented an overview of the Aurora Public Library’s 2015 Operating
Budget including the Library’s: mission and services; key achievements; business
plan; budget development process and framework; budget highlights and pressures;
and value as a community asset.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the presentation from the Aurora Public Library Board be received; and
THAT the 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Public Library Board be approved as
presented.
CARRIED
6. 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Historical Society 2015 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by John McIntyre, President, Board of Directors,
Aurora Historical Society; and Discussion
(Added Item)
Mr. McIntyre presented an overview of the Aurora Historical Society’s mission
statement, request for support, background, Hillary House National Historic Site,
highlights from 2014, planned activities in 2015, performance measures and metrics.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the report and presentation from the Aurora Historical Society be received; and
THAT the 2015 Operating Grant to the Aurora Historical Society be set at $60,000
plus $10,000 for educational services and referred to final approval of the entire 2015
Operating Budget by Council.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 8 of 20
7. 2015 Operating Budget – Aurora Cultural Centre 2015 Operating Grant; Report
and Presentation by Bonnie Kraft, President, and Frank Pulumbarit, Director
and Past President, Board of Directors, Aurora Cultural Centre; and Discussion
(Added Item)
Ms. Kraft noted that Laura Schembri, Executive Director, and Heidi Franken,
Treasurer, were also present to assist in answering questions. She thanked Council
for the opportunity to share the highlights of 2014 and present the plans and budget
for 2015. Ms. Kraft noted that the Centre, in its fifth year, continues to provide cultural
services and programs in response to the community, continues to develop and
maintain relationships and partnerships with community groups, organizations and
individuals, and enjoys a strong working relationship with the Town. She thanked
Town staff, Mayor Dawe, and Councillor Abel, and welcomed Councillors Humfryes
and Thom. Ms. Kraft noted the Centre’s continued accreditation with Imagine Canada
and its recognition by the Voluntary Sector Reporting Awards for the second year.
Mr. Pulumbarit presented an overview of the Aurora Cultural Centre including: vision
and mission; programming and services offered; 2014 achievements and key
performance indicators; 2015 new initiatives and budget; trend highlights; and the
Centre’s contribution to the quality of life in Aurora.
General Committee recommends:
THAT THAT the report and presentation from the Aurora Cultural Centre be received;
and
THAT the 2015 Operating Grant to the Aurora Cultural Centre be set at $387,000 and
referred to final approval of the entire 2015 Operating Budget by Council.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
General Committee consented to recess the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 9:54 p.m. until Monday, March 9, 2015 at 7 p.m.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 9 of 20
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, March 9, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes,
Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer,
Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of
Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Council & Committee
Coordinator/Deputy Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretary
General Committee consented to reconvene the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 7 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Councillor Humfryes declared a pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest
Act, respecting Item 8 – CFS15-012 – Central York Fire Services Budget Update and
Funding Strategy, as a family member is employed by Central York Fire Services, and did
not participate in the discussion or voting thereof.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services
with the following additions:
Item 8 – Report No. CFS15-012
Re: Central York Fire Services Budget Update and Funding Strategy
Item 9 – Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: 2014 Business Plan Report Card
Item 10 – Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Potential Budget Reductions
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 10 of 20
Item 11 – Memorandum from Financial Analyst
Re: 2015 Operating Budget Binder Documents
Item 12 – 2015 Operating Budget – Water & Sewer Budget
Presentation by Ilmar Simanovskis, Director of Infrastructure &
Environmental Services
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
No members of the public came forward.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
3. 2015 Operating Budget – General Discussion (continued from February 23, 2015)
Item 3 was considered following Item 11.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Waste Management Advertising budget be reduced from $22,000 to
$12,000.
CARRIED
8. CFS15-012 – Central York Fire Services Budget Update and Funding Strategy
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT Report No. CFS15-012 be received; and
THAT the six-year strategy for funding Aurora’s share of the Central York Fire
Services budget be approved as outlined in Report No. CFS15-012.
CARRIED
9. Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: 2014 Business Plan Report Card
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding 2014 Business Plan Report Card be received for
information.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 11 of 20
10. Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Potential Budget Reductions
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding Potential Budget Reductions be received; and
THAT the potential budget reductions outlined in Attachment No. 1, with the
exception of “Adjustment to dependence on Hydro Interest” and “Waste
Management Advertising”, be approved.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
11. Memorandum from Financial Analyst
Re: 2015 Operating Budget Binder Documents
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding 2015 Operating Budget Binder Documents be
received for information.
CARRIED
12. 2015 Operating Budget – Water & Sewer Budget (Budget Binder Tab 8)
Presentation by Ilmar Simanovskis, Director of Infrastructure & Environmental
Services
(Added Item)
Item 12 was considered following Item 3.
Mr. Simanovskis presented an overview of the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater
systems and 2015 Budget including: cost recovery; objectives; budget to actual
variances; Region charges; program costs; and impact of rates on residential users.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the presentation by the Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services be
received for information.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
General Committee consented to recess the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 9:50 p.m. until Monday, March 23, 2015 at 7 p.m.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 12 of 20
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, March 23, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Deputy Mayor Abel in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Humfryes
(arrived 8:25 p.m.), Kim, Mrakas, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Mayor Dawe and Councillor Pirri
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer,
Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of
Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
General Committee consented to reconvene the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 7:02 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as amended and circulated by Legal and
Legislative Services with the following additions:
Item 13 – Memorandum from Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Re: Additional Information on Budget Decision Unit #2.4 – Sidewalk Snow
Removal Services
Item 14 – CFS15-011 – Update on Supplementary Tax Revenue Budget Strategy
Item 15 – Additional Information to 2015 Draft Operating Budget – Update from the
Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
No members of the public came forward.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 13 of 20
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
13. Memorandum from Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Re: Additional Information on Budget Decision Unit #2.4 – Sidewalk Snow
Removal Services
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information on Budget Decision Unit
#2.4 – Sidewalk Snow Removal Services be received for information.
CARRIED
14. CFS15-011 – Update on Supplementary Tax Revenue Budget Strategy
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT Report No. CFS15-011 be received for information.
CARRIED
15. Additional Information to 2015 Draft Operating Budget – Update from the
Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the Additional Information to 2015 Draft Operating Budget – Update from the
Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer be received; and
THAT the following adjustments to the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be
approved; and
1. Creation of Community Rebound Fitness Class $18,000.00
2. Receipt of Federal Grant in Support of Community Rebound
Fitness Class ($18,000.00)
THAT the request for a contribution of $40,000 toward bleachers at St.
Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School be denied; and
THAT consideration of a contribution to the Canadian Sesquicentennial Aurora
Events 2017 be deferred; and
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 14 of 20
THAT the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by increasing Total
Departmental Revenue by $100,000; and
THAT the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by reducing the “Training &
Development” budget by $100,000; and
THAT the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by reducing the
“Advertising” and “All Other – Printing–Advertising Related” budgets by a total
of $30,000.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
7. ADJOURNMENT
General Committee consented to recess the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 9:42 p.m. until Monday, March 30, 2015 at 7 p.m.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 15 of 20
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, March 30, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Kim, Pirri,
Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Humfryes and Mrakas
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer,
Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of
Parks and Recreation Services, Director of Planning and
Development Services, Financial Analyst – Cashflow, Town Clerk,
and Council/Committee Secretary
General Committee consented to reconvene the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 7:01 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as amended and circulated by Legal and
Legislative Services with the following additions:
Item 16 – Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Proposed Budget Adjustment Impacts – Training & Development,
Printing & Advertising, Telecommunications
Item 17 – Verbal Update from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: 2015 Operating Budget – Schedule 1 – Budget Review Committee
Changes
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
No members of the public came forward.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 16 of 20
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
16. Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: Proposed Budget Adjustment Impacts – Training & Development, Printing
& Advertising, Telecommunications
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed Budget Adjustment Impacts – Training
& Development, Printing & Advertising, Telecommunications be received; and
THAT the General Committee recommendations of March 23, 2015, being: (a) THAT
the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by increasing Total Departmental
Revenue by $100,000; (b) THAT the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by
reducing the “Training & Development” budget by $100,000; and (c) THAT the 2015
Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by reducing the “Advertising” and “All Other –
Printing–Advertising Related” budgets by a total of $30,000, be combined and
amended to read as follows:
THAT the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be adjusted by increasing Total
Departmental Revenues by $100,000 and decreasing Total Departmental
Expenses by $300,000; and
THAT staff report back to Council throughout the 2015 fiscal year regarding the
opportunities to meet this target.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
17. Verbal Update from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: 2015 Operating Budget – Schedule 1 – Budget Review Committee
Changes
(Added Item)
Item 17 was heard prior to consideration of Item 16.
General Committee recommends:
THAT the verbal update from the Director of Corporate & Financial
Services/Treasurer regarding the 2015 Operating Budget – Schedule 1 – Budget
Review Committee Changes be received for information.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
General Committee consented to recess the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 8:29 p.m. until such date and time as determined at the call of the Chair.
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 17 of 20
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, May 4, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner (arrived 7:02
p.m.), Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer,
Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Director of
Legal and Legislative Services/Town Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
General Committee consented to reconvene the Special General Committee – 2015 Budget
Review meeting at 7:00 p.m.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 7:03 p.m. and reconvene the meeting at
7:44 p.m. following Closed Session. Councillor Kim returned to the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Councillors Abel and Humfryes returned to the meeting at 7:46 p.m. Councillor Pirri returned to
the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest
Act.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
General Committee approved the agenda as amended and circulated by Legal and
Legislative Services, with the following additions:
Item 18 – Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: 2014 Training and Development Expenditure Details
Item 19 – Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: 2015 Proposed Budget Reductions
Item 20 – Consideration of Motion to Move 2015 Budget to Council for Adoption
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 18 of 20
Closed Session Item 1 – Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a
Town or Local Board employee; Re: Elimination of One Full-time Position
Closed Session Item 2 – Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a
Town or Local Board employee; Re: Staff Performance
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET
No members of the public came forward.
5. CLOSED SESSION
General Committee consented to resolve into a Closed Session to consider the following
items:
1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local Board
employee; Re: Elimination of One Full-time Position
2. Closed Session Item 2 – Personal matters about an identifiable individual,
including a Town or Local Board employee; Re: Staff Performance
Following Closed Session, the Clerk reported out that Closed Session Item 1 was received
for information only, and that General Committee decided against considering Closed
Session Item 2 at this time.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
18. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: 2014 Training and Development Expenditure Details
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding 2014 Training and Development Expenditure
Details be received for information.
CARRIED
19. Memorandum from Chief Administrative Officer
Re: 2015 Proposed Budget Reductions
(Added Item)
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 19 of 20
General Committee recommends:
THAT the memorandum regarding 2015 Proposed Budget Reductions be received;
and
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee budget be reduced by
$8,000; and
THAT the Community Grants budget be reduced by $15,000; and
THAT the Training and Development budget be reduced by $100,000; and
THAT the Legal Advocacy budget be reduced by $30,000; and
THAT all vacancies be held vacant for four months, unless approved by
Council, resulting in an estimated budget reduction of $50,000; and
THAT the Parks and Recreation Programs budget be reduced by $10,000; and
THAT the elimination of one full-time position, as detailed in Closed Session
Item 1, for a budget reduction of $108,000, be approved; and
THAT the Council Training budget be reduced by $6,750.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
General Committee recommends:
THAT the request from the Aurora King Baseball Association for financing
assistance from the Town of Aurora to purchase a pitching machine be declined;
and
THAT the following adjustments to the 2015 Draft Operating Budget be approved:
1. Creation of Elderly Persons Centre Operating Grant $15,000
2. Receipt of Federal Grant in Support of Elderly Persons Centre
Operating Grant ($15,000)
CARRIED
20. Consideration of Motion to Move 2015 Budget to Council for Adoption
(Added Item)
General Committee recommends:
THAT the draft 2015 Operating Budget, with approved changes, be referred back
to staff for preparation of a final Budget report and presentation to Council.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2015 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
February 23 (continued March 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 4), 2015 Page 20 of 20
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:43 p.m.
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
PATTY THOMA, DEPUTY CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE – 2015 BUDGET REVIEW
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23 (CONTINUED MARCH 2, MARCH 9, MARCH 23, MARCH 30,
AND MAY 4), 2015, ARE SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON MAY 26, 2015.