MINUTES - General Committee - 20210216 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.