MINUTES - General Committee - 20151123
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE – 2016 BUDGET
REVIEW MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, November 2, 2015
(continued on November 16 and 23, 2015)
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner (arrived
5:34 p.m.), Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Humfryes
OTHER ATTENDEES Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Acting 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
The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:32 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
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Abel
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 2 of 16
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
changes, be approved:
Agenda Items 1 and 2 to be considered prior to “Public Consultation – Open
Session – Opportunity for Members of the Public to Provide Input Regarding the
2016 Budget”; and
Agenda Item 3 to be considered after “Public Consultation – Open Session –
Opportunity for Members of the Public to Provide Input Regarding the 2016 Budget”.
CARRIED
3. DELEGATIONS
General Committee consented, on a two-thirds vote, that the requirements of section 3.8(c)
of the Procedural By-law be waived to permit the delegation of Patrick Moyle, Interim Chief
Administrative Officer, and Dan Elliott, Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer,
to speak for more than five (5) minutes.
(a) Patrick Moyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, and Dan Elliott, Director
of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Item 1 – CFS15-045 – 2016 Operating Budget
Mr. Moyle gave a brief overview of the 2016 Operating Budget process, outlining
changes and improvements that have been made to the Budget process from
previous years, as well as the inclusion of the 10-year Capital Investment Plan,
the Asset Management Plan, and the Development Charges By-law. He also
noted the outcomes that have resulted from changes to the Budget process.
Mr. Elliott presented an overview of the 2016 Draft Operating Budget process,
including: factors affecting the 2016 Operating Budget; achievements in financial
planning; the 2016 Property Tax increase; the 2016 Net Operating Budget; and
the 2016 Gross Revenues.
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 1.
CARRIED
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS
OF THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2016 BUDGET
Mr. Terry Jones inquired about the treatment of supplemental assessment
information and staff noted the differences between the 2015 and 2016 Budgets.
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 3 of 16
The Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer presented a summary of
the forty-three emailed submissions of comments from the public, the majority of
which were concerning indoor tennis facilities.
5. CLOSED SESSION
None
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
1. CFS15-045 – 2016 Operating Budget
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Report No. CFS15-045 be received; and
THAT the 2016 draft Operating Budget be approved; and
THAT the necessary bylaw establishing tax rates and due dates for 2016
property taxation be presented for adoption at a future Council meeting.
Motion to table
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the question be laid on the table.
CARRIED
2. 2016 Operating Budget – Departmental Business Plans
Presentations by Department
(a) Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Ilmar Simanovskis, Director of Infrastructure & Environmental
Services
Mr. Simanovskis gave a brief presentation outlining the services delivered
by the department, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for
2016.
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 4 of 16
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the presentation by the Director of Infrastructure & Environmental
Services be received and referred to the 2016 Operating Budget
discussions.
CARRIED
(b) Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services
Al Downey, Director of Parks & Recreation Services
Mr. Downey gave a brief presentation outlining the services delivered by
the department, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for
2016.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the presentation by the Director of Parks & Recreation Services be
received and referred to the 2016 Operating Budget discussions.
CARRIED
(c) Corporate & Financial Services, Administrative Services
Dan Elliott, Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Mr. Elliott gave brief presentations outlining the services delivered by the
departments, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for 2016.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the presentations by the Director of Corporate & Financial
Services/Treasurer be received and referred to the 2016 Operating Budget
discussions.
CARRIED
(d) Legal & Legislative Services
Warren Mar, Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town Solicitor
Mr. Mar gave a brief presentation outlining the services delivered by the
department, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for 2016.
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 5 of 16
THAT the presentation by the Director of Legal & Legislative
Services/Town Solicitor be received and referred to the 2016 Operating
Budget discussions.
CARRIED
(e) Building & By-law Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Building & By-law Services
Ms. van Leeuwen gave a brief presentation outlining the services delivered
by the department, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for
2016.
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the presentation by the Director of Building & By-law Services be
received and referred to the 2016 Operating Budget discussions.
CARRIED
(f) Planning & Development Services
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning & Development Services
Mr. Ramunno gave a brief presentation outlining the services delivered by
the department, the achievements of 2015, and the advancements for
2016.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the presentation by the Director of Planning & Development Services
be received and referred to the 2016 Operating Budget discussions.
CARRIED
3. 2016 Operating Budget – General Discussion
None
7. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the meeting be recessed at 8:30 p.m., until November 16, 2015 at 7 p.m.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 6 of 16
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, November 16, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel (arrived 7:40 p.m.),
Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Gaertner and Pirri
OTHER ATTENDEES Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate and
Financial Services/Treasurer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review meeting, which recessed on
November 2, 2015, be reconvened at 7:01 p.m.
CARRIED
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
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
additions, be approved:
Item 4 – 2016 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
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 7 of 16
Item 5 – 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Cultural Centre 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bonnie Kraft, President, Board of Directors, and Laura
Schembri, Executive Director, Aurora Cultural Centre; and Discussion
Item 6 – 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Historical Society 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bill Albino, President, Board of Directors, Aurora
Historical Society; and Discussion
CARRIED
3. DELEGATIONS
None
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS
OF THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2016 BUDGET
None
5. CLOSED SESSION
None
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
3. 2016 Operating Budget – General Discussion
General Committee considered Item 3 following consideration of Item 5.
Councillor Abel requested additional information on the on the Operating Budget
for the Aurora Museum at the Aurora Cultural Centre.
Councillor Thom requested additional information on revenue respecting ice time
for the Aurora Tigers Junior A hockey team.
Councillor Mrakas inquired about the distribution of detailed expenditure listings
and staff advised on the timing.
4. 2016 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)
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 8 of 16
Ms. Foster presented an overview of the Aurora Public Library’s 2016 Operating
Budget including: the Library’s mission and value to the community; activities and
growth; 2015 key achievements; 2016 business plan; and elements of the 2016
Budget development process including framework, highlights, pressures, and
assessment growth.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the presentation from the Aurora Public Library Board be received; and
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Public Library Board in the amount
of $3,659,000 be approved.
CARRIED
5. 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Cultural Centre 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bonnie Kraft, President, Board of Directors,
and Laura Schembri, Executive Director, Aurora Cultural Centre; and
Discussion
(Added Item)
Ms. Kraft and Ms. Schembri presented an overview of the Aurora Cultural
Centre’s 2016 Operating Budget including: elements of the Centre’s activities
including programming, fundraising, and community facility rentals; governance
and awards; partnership with the Town; volunteer contribution; 2016 new
initiatives; 2016 pressures; and details of the 2016 Operating Budget.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the report and presentation from the Aurora Cultural Centre Board be
received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Cultural Centre in the amount of
$420,000 be approved.
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 9 of 16
Motion to table
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the question be laid on the table.
CARRIED
6. 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Historical Society 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bill Albino, President, Board of Directors,
Aurora Historical Society; and Discussion
(Added Item)
Mr. Albino presented an overview of the Aurora Historical Society’s 2016
Operating Budget including: mission statement; request for Town support;
background; Hillary House National Historic Site; 2015 highlights including
exhibitions, programs, and fundraising; 2015 key performance and financial
metrics; plans and special projects for 2016; and plans for 2017.
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the report and presentation from the Aurora Historical Society Board be
received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Historical Society in the amount of
$67,500 be approved.
Motion to table
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the question be laid on the table.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the meeting be recessed at 9:40 p.m., until November 23, 2015 at 7 p.m.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 10 of 16
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, November 23, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel (arrived 7:32 p.m.),
Gaertner, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-
law Services, Director of Corporate and Financial
Services/Treasurer, Director of Infrastructure and
Environmental Services, Acting Director of Legal and
Legislative Services/Associate Solicitor, Director of Parks and
Recreation Services, Director of Planning and Development
Services, Manager of Financial Planning, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review meeting, which recessed on
November 16, 2015, be reconvened at 7 p.m.
CARRIED
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
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
additions, be approved:
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 11 of 16
Item 7 – Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Zoning By-law Review and Update
Item 8 – Memorandum from Director of Parks & Recreation Services
Re: 2016 Operating Budget – Response to Committee Inquiries
Item 9 – Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Aurora Cultural Centre and Aurora Historical Society Budget
Funding Requests
CARRIED
3. DELEGATIONS
None
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – OPEN SESSION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS
OF THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INPUT REGARDING THE 2016 BUDGET
Mr. Stephen Kimmerer, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Sport Aurora and the
member sport organizations, presented an overview of Sport Aurora’s activities
and contributions to the quality of life in Aurora. He noted that the Sport Aurora
Sport Plan Advisory Committee had presented a white paper, which made 47
recommendations, many directed towards cooperative solutions, within the seven
pillars identified by Town staff. Mr. Kimmerer requested that Council consider the
appropriate financial support for the Sport Plan being proposed, and that Sport
Aurora be considered for a service agreement with a set of deliverables
established to assure success for the mutual benefit of the Town and sport.
Mr. David Heard, resident, expressed his appreciation of the positive work
accomplished by Shawna White, Curator of the Aurora Museum and Archives, and
spoke in support of additional space being provided for the Museum and Archives
within the Church Street School.
Mr. Bob McRoberts, resident, expressed concerns regarding accessibility and
space for the maintenance, storage, display, and exhibitions of the Aurora Museum
and Archives, and spoke in support of additional space being provided for the
Museum and Archives within the Church Street School.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the comments of the public be received for information.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 12 of 16
5. CLOSED SESSION
None
6. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS
1. CFS15-045 – 2016 Operating Budget
General Committee considered Item 1 following consideration of Item 3.
Motion to take from the table
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the question be taken from the table.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Report No. CFS15-045 be received; and
THAT the 2016 draft Operating Budget be approved; and
THAT the necessary bylaw establishing tax rates and due dates for 2016
property taxation be presented for adoption at a future Council meeting.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the main motion be amended by replacing the second clause with the
following clause:
THAT the 2016 draft Operating Budget, including any amendments
previously adopted by Special General Committee – Budget, be
approved; and
THAT the main motion be further amended by adding the following clause:
THAT the Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer
present the 2016 Operating Budget, as recommended by Special
General Committee – Budget, for Council approval.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 13 of 16
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Report No. CFS15-045 be received; and
THAT the 2016 draft Operating Budget, including any amendments
previously adopted by Special General Committee – Budget, be approved;
and
THAT the Director of Corporate and Financial Services/Treasurer present
the 2016 Operating Budget, as recommended by Special General
Committee – Budget, for Council approval; and
THAT the necessary bylaw establishing tax rates and due dates for 2016
property taxation be presented for adoption at a future Council meeting.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
3. 2016 Operating Budget – General Discussion
General Committee considered Item 3 following consideration of Item 6.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT $100,000 be set aside for implementation of the Sport Plan, pending
Council approval of a detailed 2016 implementation budget, to be funded from the
Council Discretionary Reserve Fund.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the 2016 Budget be amended to set aside $20,000 for the implementation
of a Community Multicultural Event, to be funded from the Council Discretionary
Reserve Fund.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT $50,000 be set aside as a placeholder for the implementation of a Live
Music Strategy, to be funded from the Council Discretionary Reserve Fund.
CARRIED
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 14 of 16
5. 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Cultural Centre 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bonnie Kraft, President, Board of Directors,
and Laura Schembri, Executive Director, Aurora Cultural Centre; and
Discussion
(Added Item)
Motion to take from the table
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the question be taken from the table.
CARRIED
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Cultural Centre in the amount of
$420,000 be approved.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the main motion be amended by replacing “$420,000” with
“$393,900”.
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Cultural Centre in the amount of
$393,900 be approved.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
6. 2016 Operating Budget – Aurora Historical Society 2016 Operating Grant;
Report and Presentation by Bill Albino, President, Board of Directors,
Aurora Historical Society; and Discussion
(Added Item)
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 15 of 16
Motion to take from the table
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the question be taken from the table.
CARRIED
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Historical Society in the amount of
$67,500 be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the main motion be amended by replacing “$67,500” with “$70,500”.
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the 2016 Operating Grant to the Aurora Historical Society in the amount of
$70,500 be approved.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
General Committee considered Items 7, 8, and 9 prior to consideration of Items 5 and 6.
7. Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Zoning By-law Review and Update
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the memorandum regarding Zoning By-law Review and Update be
received for information.
CARRIED
8. Memorandum from Director of Parks & Recreation Services
Re: 2016 Operating Budget – Response to Committee Inquiries
(Added Item)
Special General Committee – 2016 Budget Review Meeting Minutes
November 2, 16, and 23, 2015 Page 16 of 16
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the memorandum regarding 2016 Operating Budget – Response to
Committee Inquiries be received for information.
CARRIED
9. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Aurora Cultural Centre and Aurora Historical Society Budget Funding
Requests
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the memorandum regarding Aurora Cultural Centre and Aurora Historical
Society Budget Funding Requests be received for information.
CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
CARRIED
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE – 2016 BUDGET REVIEW
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 16, AND 23, 2015, ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY
COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 8, 2015.