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MINUTES - Council Workshop - 20210222 1 Town of Aurora General Committee Meeting Report Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 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 Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications Michael Mulvenna, Manager, IT 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 7:05 p.m. 2 2. Approval of the Agenda General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services. 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. Community Presentations None. 5. Delegations None. 6. Consent Agenda 6.1 PDS21-013 - Servicing Allocation Update General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS21-013 be received for information. Carried 7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes General Committee recommends: That the Advisory Committee meeting minutes, items 7.1 to 7.3 inclusive, be received with the exception of item 7.2 which was discussed and voted on separately as recorded below: 7.1 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2021 1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes of January 20, 2021, be received for information. Carried 7.2 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2021 General Committee recommends: 3 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January 25, 2021, be received for information. Carried 7.3 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2021 1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 1, 2021, be received for information. Carried 8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) 8.1 OPS21-006 - Green Fleet Action Plan General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. OPS21-006 be received; and 2. That Council endorse the Green Fleet Action Plan subject to budgetary implications. Carried 8.2 OPS21-007 - Winter Roads Maintenance General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. OPS21-007 be received; and 2. That the current Winter Maintenance Service Level Standards remain unchanged; and 3. That upon the conclusion of the current winter roads maintenance contract in April of 2021 the Town enter into a new contract for the delivery of road winter maintenance for four (4) of the Town’s road plow routes; and 4. That when one (1) additional winter roads maintenance route is implemented, it be conducted in-house by the Operational Services Department; and 5. That contracted vehicles do not exceed eight (8) model years of age at any time during the life of the contract. Carried 4 8.3 FIN21-007 - Debt Financing for Projects with 2021 Debt Authority General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN21-007 be received; and 2. That the use of a construction line of credit up to a maximum value of $8.2 million to fund the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) Gymnasium project during its construction be approved; and 3. That up to a maximum of $8.2 million in long-term debt authority for the refinancing of the construction line of credit in the form of a 20- year debenture be issued upon the SARC Gymnasium project’s substantial completion; and 4. That $3.375 million in long-term debt authority for the financing of the construction of the Hallmark Baseball Diamonds in the form of a 20- year debenture be issued; and 5. That Council enact the SARC Gymnasium project’s interim/long-term debt financing by-law at a future Council meeting; and 6. That Council enact the Hallmark Baseball Diamonds project’s long- term debt financing by-law at a future Council meeting; and 7. That upon finalization of the SARC Gymnasium project’s long-term financing plan, an informational report be provided to Council which outlines the details of such, including interest rates and net cost of borrowing. Carried 8.4 CS21-014 - Capital Project No. 14047 - Computer and Related Infrastructure Renewal General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. CS21-014 be received for information. Carried 8.5 CS21-015 - Corporate Technology Strategic Plan Update General Committee recommends: 1. That Report No. CS21-015 be received for information. Carried 5 9. Notices of Motion 9.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Vibration Study for Intensification Projects in Aurora Promenade Whereas the Growth Plan is a provincial plan that provides a framework which guides land use planning and supports growth through intensification; and Whereas a primary goal of the York Region Official Plan is to enhance the Region's urban structure through city building, intensification and compact, complete vibrant communities; and Whereas a portion of the Aurora Promenade includes a proposed Major Transit Station Area that is planned for growth and includes a number of Heritage properties; and Whereas a vibration study should be requested as a part of a complete application for intensification projects, where applicable, to protect Heritage homes; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That, as part of the Town of Aurora Official Plan Review, consideration be given to adding a policy to require that a vibration study be identified as a requirement in the pre-consultation process for intensification projects located in the Aurora Promenade and the Major Transit Station Area where Heritage homes and a Heritage district are identified. 10. New Business Councillor Gaertner noted the great music and success of the skating party held in Town Park on Sunday, as well as the food drive held by Councillor Gilliland's family. Councillor Gilliland expressed appreciation to all those who made food bank donations on Sunday, including more than $300 in cash donations. Councillor Gilliland inquired about a Regional Council report regarding the proposed GTA West Highway (also known as Highway 413) and amended motion to have the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority do a voluntary project review. The Mayor noted this matter was discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting of February 11, 2021, and he would provide an update after Regional Council's vote next week. Councillor Gilliland noted the recorded 6 meeting can be viewed online and she encouraged the public to reach out to local politicians to voice their opinions on environmental matters. Councillor Humfryes inquired about a house and pending construction on Edward Street, and staff provided a response and committed to follow up further. Councillor Gaertner inquired about any opportunity for Council feedback on the matter of the 413 and the Mayor invited Council's comments, which would be shared with the Region. 11. Public Service Announcements Councillor Gallo emphasized the many organized events and activities of Black History Month and encouraged everyone to participate as much as possible. Councillor Humfryes expressed condolences regarding the recent passing of active community member Beverley Wood, who was 2014 Citizen of the Year, a member of the Aurora Cares Community Action Team, and founder and past chair of Welcoming Arms. Councillor Humfryes shared the loss of a family member due to COVID-19 and stressed the importance of continuing to wear masks. Councillor Humfryes noted the many events available on the Town's website for Black History Month. She further recommended watching a monthly feature film review event hosted by the Aurora Black Community with Nelia Pacheco, of Aurora Film Circuit which is affiliated with the Toronto International Film Festival, who also works closely with the Aurora Public Library. Councillor Humfryes expressed appreciation to staff for organizing the Family Day weekend events and to Councillor Gilliland's family for their food drive efforts. Councillor Gaertner extended congratulations to the Town and Aurora Public Library for their events and celebration of Black History Month. Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the recent passing of Beverley Wood, and previously Jan Freedman. Councillor Gaertner noted that the music provided at Town Park on Sunday was organized and delivered by David Heard. 7 Councillor Gilliland acknowledged the recent passing of Beverley Wood, Jan Freedman, and Evelyn Buck, and recognized their contributions to the community. Councillor Gilliland extended congratulations to the winners of the Cabin Fever Reliever photo contest and thanked staff for organizing the event. Councillor Gilliland reminded residents that many events and activities are available on the Town's website, as well as those offered by the Aurora Public Library, Aurora Cultural Centre, and local theatre groups. Mayor Mrakas acknowledged the recent passing of Beverley Wood, noting her commitment to the community and that she will be profoundly missed by everyone. Mayor Mrakas noted that Regional Council would be holding a special education session with York Region's medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, on February 18, 2021, regarding the Region's COVID-19 vaccination and recovery plan. 12. Closed Session None. 13. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.