MINUTES - Council - 20210525 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Mayor Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Kim
Councillor Gaertner
Councillor Humfryes (arrived at 7:47 p.m.)
Councillor Thompson
Councillor Gilliland
Councillor Gallo
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
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Ishita Soneji, 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 p.m.
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Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:14 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:27 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the Chair to Councillor Kim at 8:40 p.m. during the
consideration of Motions 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7, and reassumed the Chair at 9:52
p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor
Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (2): Councillor Kim, and Councillor Humfryes
Carried (5 to 0)
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
4.1 Charles Banfield, Manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives, Region of
York; Re: York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC)
Mr. Banfield provided an overview of the York Small Business Enterprise
Centre (YSBEC) highlighting the services offered by the centre including
opportunities for consultations, business plan development and review,
seminar and webinar opportunities, and market research guidance. He
further provided details of the YSBEC Summer Company and Summer
Company Plus programs and mentioned that the centre also provides
various COVID-19 resources for the York Region Business community,
noting more information is available at yorklink.ca and
yorksmallbusiness.ca.
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Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried (6 to 0)
5. Delegations
None.
6. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the Consent Agenda Items, 6.1 to 6.6 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried (6 to 0)
6.1 Council Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2021
1. That the Council meeting minutes of April 27, 2021, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of April 20, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session meeting minutes of April 20, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
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6.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of April 20,
2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.4 Council Workshop/Education Session Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2021
1. That the Council Workshop/Education Session meeting minutes of
May 10, 2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.5 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2021
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of May 11, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.6 Special Meeting of Council Meeting Minutes of May 18, 2021
1. That the Special Meeting of Council minutes of May 18, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 7.1 to 7.2, be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items 7.2.4 and 7.2.6, which were discussed and voted on separately as recorded
below.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried (6 to 0)
7.1 General Committee Report of May 4, 2021
7.1.1 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2021
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Minutes
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of April
13, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 14,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
April 14, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.3 Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 15,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
April 15, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.4 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes
of April 21, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
meeting minutes of April 21, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.5 CS21-040 - 2022 Municipal Election - Voting Methods
Report
1. That Report No. CS21-040 be received; and
2. That the hybrid voting method, consisting of internet voting and
traditional paper ballot counted by optical scan voting
tabulators, be used for the 2022 municipal election; and
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3. That an extension of the single source contract with Dominion
Voting Systems to an 8th year be approved within the budget
available; and
4. That an alternate voting method by-law be enacted at a future
Council meeting.
Carried
7.1.6 PDS21-044 - Application for Site Plan Approval, Regional
Municipality of York, 14452 Yonge Street, File Number: SP-2020-
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Report Figures 1-9
1. That Report No. PSD21-044 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2020-14 to permit the
development of a Sewage Pumping Station, be approved in
principle, subject to the following conditions:
i. Resolution of all outstanding comments and requirements
from internal departments and external agencies including
the Region of York, the LSRCA and Central York Fire Services
to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning & Development
Services, prior to execution of a site plan agreement; and
ii. Execution of a site plan agreement between York Region and
the Town ensuring all Town and external agency
requirements are met.
Carried
7.1.7 CS21-039 - Electronic Advisory Committee Meetings
Report
1. That Report No. CS21-039 be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee continue to meet
electronically as required; and
3. That all other Committees of Council return to in-person
meetings when safe to do so; and
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4. That upon return to in-person meetings, all Advisory Committee
meetings continue to be live streamed to the public via
YouTube.
Carried
7.1.8 PDS21-050 - Application for Draft Plan of Condominium, Shimvest
Investments Limited, 6-32 Stubbs Lane
Report Figures 1-5 Schedule A
1. That Report No. PDS21-050 be received; and
2. That the Draft Plan of Condominium File Number CDM-2020-01
to establish a Standard Condominium tenure for nine (9)
townhouse dwelling units and two (2) semi-detached dwelling
units situated on a private road, be approved, subject to the
conditions attached hereto as Schedule “A” of this report.
Carried
7.2 General Committee Meeting Report of May 18, 2021
7.2.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 28,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of April 28, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.2 Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting Minutes of
April 13, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting
Minutes of April 13, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.3 PDS21-053 - Region of York MCR Update - Aurora 2051 Growth
Forecasts
Report Attachment 1 Presentation
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1. That Report No. PDS21-053 be received for information.
Carried
7.2.4 CS21-017 - Modernized Noise By-law
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That Report No. CS21-017 - Modernized Noise By-law, be referred
back to staff for further public consultation.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried (6 to 0)
7.2.5 CS21-049 - Single Source Technology Purchases - Ethernet
Switches/Cell Phones/Computers
Report
1. That Report No. CS21-049 be received; and
2. That a single source contract be awarded to Eclipse Technology
Solutions Inc. in the amount of $396,000 for the purchase of
ethernet switches; and
3. That a single source contract be awarded to Rogers in the
amount of $225,000 for the purchase of cell phones and cellular
plans; and
4. That a single source contract be awarded to Dell in the amount
of $1,000,000 for the purchase of computers.
Carried
7.2.6 FIN21-021 - Use of Safe Restart Grant Funding
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
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Council consented to vote on the fourth clause of the motion separately.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN21-021 be received; and
2. That project #73292 – Picnic Tables, Benches and Garbage
Receptacles have its total capital budget authority increased by
$25,000, to $55,000, funded by Safe Restart grant; and
3. That project # 72469 – COVID-19 Related Facility Improvements
be created with a total capital budget authority of $72,550,
funded from the Safe Restart grant.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and
Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
4. That the Treasurer be delegated the authority to amend the
funding source on Council approved projects to use Safe
Restart grant funding as appropriate.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and
Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2.7 PDS21-056 - Application for Site Plan Approval, 1623 Wellington
Street Developments Limited (Dilwari)
Part of Lot 20, Con. 3 Whitchurch, designated as Part 5 on Plan
65R39324 (formerly 1623 Wellington Street East), File Number: SP-
2021-03, Related File Number: C-2021-01, SP-2021-04
Report Figures 1-6
1. That Report No. PDS21-056 be received; and
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2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2021-03 to permit the
development of a Motor Vehicle Sales Establishment be
approved, in principle, subject to the following conditions:
i. That all outstanding comments and requirements from
Town and external agencies be addressed to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development
Services, prior to execution of a Site Plan agreement; and
ii. That the Owners enter into a Site Plan Agreement with the
Town to address requirements of the Town and external
agencies, including but not limited to, the provision for
payment by the Owner of all applicable fees, securities, and
any other financial obligations.
Carried
7.2.8 PDS21-052 - Application for Site Plan Approval, Aurora Self
Storage Inc. (and 1623 Wellington Street Developments Limited)
Part of Lot 20, Con. 3 Whitchurch, designated as Parts 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
and 10 on Plan 65R-39324 (formerly 1623 Wellington Street East),
File Number: SP-2021-04, Related File Number: C-2021-02, SP-2021-
03
Report Figures 1-5
1. That Report No. PDS21-052 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2021-04 to permit the
development of a Commercial Self Storage facility be approved,
in principle, subject to the following conditions:
i. That all outstanding comments and requirements from
Town and external agencies be addressed to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development
Services, prior to execution of a Site Plan agreement; and
ii. That the Owners enter into a Site Plan Agreement with the
Town to address requirements of the Town and external
agencies, including but not limited to, the provision for
payment by the Owner of all applicable fees, securities, and
any other financial obligations.
Carried
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7.2.9 York Regional Council Highlights of April 22, 2021
Regional Report
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 22, 2021, be
received for information.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
9. Motions
9.1 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Construction in Residential Areas
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas construction in the form of intensification and new builds in older
areas is likely to increase; and
Whereas residents living close to construction sites can be negatively
impacted by noise, debris, vibrations, dust, property standards, and
equipment parked on the street; and
Whereas many of these complaints are caused by infractions of existing
By-laws; and
Whereas this causes unnecessary work for staff and quality of life issues
for residents;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review
our existing By-laws and provide a report to Council on possible
improvements, including penalties, which would benefit affected
residents and staff workload.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
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9.2 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Project to Provide Off Leash Use of One Trail and
Park
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas it has been exceedingly difficult to find land in Aurora to
accommodate off leash dog parks; and
Whereas Aurora has been able to provide resident’s with only one such
park; and
Whereas it may be viable and effective to permit off leash use of some
trails and parks during dedicated times;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
investigate a pilot project using one trail and park as “Off Leash”
during dedicated times, and report findings back to Council as soon as
possible.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Open Private Space and Private Parkland
Designation
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the Town’s 2010 Official Plan designates certain Private Open
Space and Private Parkland lands that are located within the Natural
Heritage System; and
Whereas approximately 129 acres or 23% of the Private Parkland-Open
Space designations in the Official Plan are zoned for urban uses in the
Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-Law and have not been
comprehensively reassessed since 2010; and
Whereas if private open space and private parkland forms part of the
Natural Heritage System, it should be designated accordingly in the
Official Plan; and
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Whereas certain private open space lands and private parklands have
been the subject of recent development proposals that threaten the form
and function of environmental features, where an appropriate land use
designation would add clarity and add protection to our Natural Heritage
System notwithstanding ownership;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Official Plan review
determine which of the properties that are currently designated Private
Open Space and Private Parkland in the Town’s Official Plan that form
part of the Natural Heritage System irrespective of ownership be
considered for redesignation to an appropriate environmental land use
designation.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.4 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Town Wide Wi-Fi Access
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the pandemic has had a direct impact on virtually every aspect of
our lives – where we work, how our children receive their education, how
we access medical care; and
Whereas not all families/residents in our Town can afford home internet
access or have reliable internet access, negatively impacting their ability
to access important services – including emergency services and health
care; and
Whereas the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) has stated
that expanding reliable, high-speed, and affordable broadband and cellular
connectivity across Ontario is a necessity, not a luxury; and
Whereas Town wide wi-fi access would allow for the Town of Aurora to
enhance our information output and capabilities as we continue to move
towards becoming a ‘Smart Town’; and
Whereas Town wide wi-fi access would enable all residents to access
information, supports, schooling and the ability to stay connected with
friends and family;
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1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that Council direct staff to
investigate existing models of municipally implemented wi-fi services
to develop a proposed model for Aurora and report back to Council;
and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff investigate public-private partnership
models to consider for the potential implementation of such a wi-fi
service for the Town.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.5 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Review of Proclamations Policy
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas Proclamations are issued to acknowledge the efforts,
commitment and achievement of individuals and organizations that
enhance the community of Aurora, as well as to recognize public
awareness campaigns, charitable fundraising campaigns, and arts and
cultural celebrations of significance to the Town; and
Whereas the Town’s Proclamation Policy is one of the more restrictive
policies governing proclamations in the Region of York; and
Where the Proclamations Policy has not be reviewed since it was
approved by Council at the end of 2016;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that staff review the
Proclamations Policy and report back to Council with
recommendations for a less restrictive policy.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.6 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Beaver Dam Removal
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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Whereas beavers dam up the infrastructure of our stormwater
management ponds and streams, causing the flow to stop which can
result in extensive floods; and
Whereas the Town has a legislative responsibility to protect our
infrastructure from potential flooding due to damming; and
Whereas the Town currently uses existing humane methods of diverting
beavers away from our storm water management infrastructure – from
wrapping trees to specialized tree plantings; and
Whereas the Town has in past used the services of a licensed trapper
for beavers where no other solution is appropriate; and
Whereas the Town stopped trapping activities in December 2020 to
investigate water level control and flow devices used in a few other
municipalities such as London and Ottawa; and
Whereas Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) strongly
supports that storm water management systems are maintained and
operated in accordance with their respective Environmental Compliance
Approval (ECA) to ensure that people, property, and infrastructure are not
at risk from flooding;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
discontinue the return to trapping and instead implement dam removal
as it is the only humane option available to the municipality at this time
and explore alternative water level management controls, including but
not limited to a water flow device expert, that would ensure
compliance with the respective Environmental Compliance Approval
(ECA); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this motion be sent to Hon. John
Yakabuski Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Hon. Christine
Elliott, Deputy Premier, Michael Parsa, MPP, and all York Region
Municipalities.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
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9.7 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Reopening Outdoor Recreational Activities
The motion was withdrawn.
10. New Business
Mayor Mrakas advised that approximately 70% of the York Region adult
population has been vaccinated with a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mayor Mrakas announced that a pop-up vaccination clinic will be held on May 29
and May 30, 2021 at the Aurora Community Centre from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. noting
that the clinic is for anyone 12 years of age and older who live, work, or attend
school in the Town of Aurora.
Councillor Thompson referred to the Town's plan on return to in-person meetings
based on the Provincial color-coded system and inquired if the plan would
change as the Province's reopening plan has been revised. Staff informed that
the returning to in-person Council meetings is being reviewed, along with other
facets of the Province's new three-step reopening plan, and an update is
forthcoming.
Councillor Humfryes extended appreciation to the Bylaw department staff for
their quick response to a graffiti concern reported in Town.
Councillor Humfryes extended appreciation to the Parks department for their
quick response to mitigate concerns regarding garbage receptacles at the Aurora
Farmer's Market and Artisans Fair.
Councillor Gilliland referred to residents' concerns regarding unkempt yards and
properties in the Highland Gate development area and inquired about the
appropriate contact to report any future concerns, and staff provided the contact
details and agreed to follow up.
Councillor Gaertner referred to a resident's concern regarding cyclists speeding
in trails and inquired about the means to ensure pedestrian safety and the
possibility of installing signage, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the impact on York Region's 2021 budget due to
the public health response to the ongoing pandemic and inquired about the
means to offset the impact, and the Mayor provided clarification.
Mayor Mrakas advised that splash pads and park washrooms will open from
Friday, May 28, 2021.
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Mayor Mrakas expressed concern regarding unkempt lawns and boulevards
under the Metrolinx jurisdiction and inquired if Metrolinx could be notified, and
staff agreed to follow up.
11. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.4 inclusive, be enacted, with the exception of
By-laws item 11.2 which was voted on separately as recorded below.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
11.1 By-law Number 6349-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5611-
14, to establish a record classification structure and retention periods for
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
11.2 By-law Number 6350-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number
6228-19, as amended, to govern the proceedings of Council and
Committee meetings of the Town of Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-law item 11.2 be enacted.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Humfryes, and
Councillor Thompson
Nays (3): Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (4 to 3)
11.3 By-law Number 6351-21 - Being a By-law to levy a Special Charge upon
Rateable Property in the Aurora Business Improvement Area.
11.4 By-law Number 6352-21 - Being a By-law to set and levy the rates of
Taxation for the taxation year 2021.
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12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law No. 6353-21 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on May 25, 2021
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk