MINUTES - Council - 20210223 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 23, 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
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 7:04 p.m.
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The Mayor relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 8:41 p.m. during
consideration of Motion 9.4, Re: Promenade Secondary Plan Review, and re-
assumed the chair at 9:01 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 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 Kelly Broome, Run for Southlake Committee Member; Re: 2021 Nature's
Emporium Run for Southlake
Ms. Broome presented an overview of the growth of Southlake Regional
Health Centre and services provided to the community, and invited
everyone to participate in the 2021 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake
Virtual Challenge to help raise funds for the tools and equipment needed
to serve a growing community. She reviewed details of the four-week
virtual event to take place from April 12 to May 9, 2021, and noted that
registration is open at runforsouthlake.ca. Ms. Broome encouraged Mayor
Mrakas and Council members to start their team to help raise funds for
the hospital and keep the Mayor's Challenge Cup in Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
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5. Delegations
5.1 Written Delegation from Marc Mantha, former resident of Newmarket; Re:
Proposed pilot project regarding egg-laying hens in the Town of Aurora
Re: Motion 9.3 - Councillor Gilliland; Re: Backyard Urban Hens
5.2 Written Delegation from Miriam Klein Leiher, resident representing Chickens
in Motion; Re: Backyard hen project
Re: Motion 9.3 - Councillor Gilliland; Re: Backyard Urban Hens
5.3 Written Delegation from Antonio Masongsong, resident; Re: Vibration Study
for Intensification Projects
Re: Motion 9.5 - Councillor Gilliland; Re: Vibration Study for Intensification
Projects in Aurora Promenade
The Town Clerk read aloud each of the written delegations.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the comments of the Delegations, items 5.1 to 5.3 inclusive, be received and
referred to their respective items.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
6. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following Consent Agenda items, 6.1 to 6.6 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
6.1 Council Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2021
1. That the Council meeting minutes of January 26, 2021, be adopted as
circulated.
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Carried
6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of January 26, 2021 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 26, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of January
26, 2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.4 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of January 19, 2021
1. That the Special Meeting of Council minutes of January 19, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.5 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2021
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of February 9, 2021,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.6 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of December 18, 2020
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of December 18, 2020, be received
for information.
Carried
7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 7.1 and 7.2, be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items 7.2.6, 7.2.7, and 7.2.8, which were discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 General Committee Meeting Report of February 2, 2021
7.1.1 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 19, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
January 19, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.2 CMS21-003 - Community Services Pricing Policy and Ability to Pay -
Project Update and Presentation
Report Attachment Presentation
1. That Report No. CMS21-003 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with the completion of the
policies related to Community Services program and service
pricing and Access to Recreation.
Carried
7.1.3 OPS21-004 - Encroachments onto Municipal Lands at 50 Pineneedle
Drive and 2 Gowan Lane, Aurora
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. OPS21-004 be received; and
2. That the provisions relating to encroachments in the By-law to
regulate occupancy, fouling, construction and encroachments
on highways be waived to allow the hedges at 50 Pineneedle
Drive and 2 Gowan Lane to remain; and
3. That staff be authorized to execute encroachment agreements
with the property owners of 50 Pineneedle Drive and 2 Gowan
Lane.
Carried
7.1.4 CMS21-004 - Public Art Policy and Public Art Master Plan
Report
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1. That Report No. CMS21-004 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to develop a Public Art Policy and Public
Art Master Plan following the process laid out in this report.
Carried
7.1.5 PDS21-002 - Town-Initiated Housekeeping Amendment to
Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 6000-17
Report Figure 1 Figure 2
1. That Report No. PDS21-002 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with a public planning meeting
to present a Zoning By-Law amendment to the Town’s
Comprehensive Zoning By-Law No. 6000-17 for general
housekeeping purposes, as described herein.
Carried
7.1.6 PDS21-006 - Request for Traffic Calming Measures at Kennedy
Street West Between Temperance Street and George Street
Report Attachment
1. That Report No. PDS21-006 be received; and
2. That traffic calming in the form of speed cushions be installed
on the section of Kennedy Street West between Temperance
Street and George Street.
Carried
7.2 General Committee Meeting Report of February 16, 2021
7.2.1 PDS21-013 - Servicing Allocation Update
Report
1. That Report No. PDS21-013 be received for information.
Carried
7.2.2 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
January 20, 2021
Minutes
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1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
meeting minutes of January 20, 2021, be received for
information.
Carried
7.2.3 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 25,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of January 25, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.4 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of February 1, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
meeting minutes of February 1, 2021, be received for
information.
Carried
7.2.5 OPS21-006 - Green Fleet Action Plan
Report Attachment
1. That Report No. OPS21-006 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the Green Fleet Action Plan subject to
budgetary implications.
Carried
7.2.6 OPS21-007 - Winter Roads Maintenance
Report
Council consented to vote on the fourth clause of the motion
separately.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. OPS21-007 be received; and
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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
5. That contracted vehicles do not exceed eight (8) model years of
age at any time during the life of the contract.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
First, second, third, and fifth clauses
Carried (7 to 0)
Motion to refer fourth clause
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following clause be referred back to staff for a report to
Council when the additional route becomes necessary:
4. That when one (1) additional winter roads maintenance route is
implemented, it be conducted in-house by the Operational
Services Department.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Motion to refer fourth clause
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2.7 FIN21-007 - Debt Financing for Projects with 2021 Debt Authority
Report Attachment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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
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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.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes,
Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (2): Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (5 to 2)
7.2.8 CS21-014 - Capital Project No. 14047 - Computer and Related
Infrastructure Renewal
Report Attachment
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. CS21-014 be received for information.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
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That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clauses:
That the condition on the approval of Capital Project No. 14047
– Computer and Related Infrastructure Renewal in the amount
of $660,361 be lifted and the project proceed; and
That staff report back to Council regarding the lifecycle
management strategy for laptops and desktops purchased from
2018 moving forward.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. CS21-014 be received; and
2. That the condition on the approval of Capital Project No. 14047 –
Computer and Related Infrastructure Renewal in the amount of
$660,361 be lifted and the project proceed; and
3. That staff report back to Council regarding the lifecycle
management strategy for laptops and desktops purchased from
2018 moving forward.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2.9 CS21-015 - Corporate Technology Strategic Plan Update
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. CS21-015 be received for information.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
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9. Motions
9.1 Councillor Humfryes; Re: Dangerous One-Way Street - Centre Street
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the Town has created one-way streets in the northeast area of
Aurora; and
Whereas the one-way streets and traffic calming measures within those
streets have created a safer neighbourhood; and
Whereas Centre Street was created as a one-way street from Spruce
Street to the north section of Wells Street; and
Whereas this small stretch of street has created an unsafe condition
where vehicles drive the wrong way on a one-way street; and
Whereas this situation needs to be addressed before a serious accident
occurs;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review
this issue and determine the best traffic calming measures and traffic
deterrent to prevent vehicles driving the wrong way on a one-way
street and report back to Council before the end of April 2021.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9.2 Mayor Mrakas and Councillor Kim; Re: Garbage Bag Tag Policy
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the Town has begun to enforce the three-bag limit for garbage;
and
Whereas residents from time to time may need to exceed three bags of
garbage; and
Whereas a bag tag is available in many municipalities that have garbage
bag limits;
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1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to report
back to Council with a garbage bag tag policy to be implemented as
soon as possible.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Backyard Urban Hens
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas residents have approached the Town of Aurora requesting a pilot
project to allow a backyard chicken coop for the purpose of laying eggs;
and
Whereas residents feel that this opportunity may benefit their health and
well-being; and
Whereas other municipalities, including Newmarket, have either explored a
pilot project, are in stages of amending by-laws, or have amended by-laws
to allow it;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back to Council
by the end of April 2021 on the feasibility of a pilot program to allow
backyard chicken coops for the purposes of egg production, and on
the implications of such a pilot program.
Yeas (3): Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Gilliland
Nays (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Defeated (3 to 4)
9.4 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Promenade Secondary Plan Review
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Whereas the Promenade Secondary Plan guides and manages growth for
the Yonge and Wellington corridors, which was approved in 2010 and is
now more than ten years old; and
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Whereas the success for Downtown revitalization is dependent on a clear
vision for the area and one that is developed in cooperation with the
Town’s Official Plan review; and
Whereas currently the Town has commenced a review of its Official Plan;
and
Whereas an update of the Promenade Secondary Plan would implement a
new forward-thinking vision for the Yonge and Wellington corridors that
would protect our heritage while appropriately and effectively revitalizing
the Downtown core; and
Whereas an update would help further stimulate economic development,
and enhance our Downtown area as a focal point for retail, service, and
special events, by building upon the Library Square redevelopment;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council authorize staff to
initiate a review of the “Promenade Secondary Plan” in combination
with the Official Plan update and to utilize the approved Official Plan
capital project for funding.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9.5 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Vibration Study for Intensification Projects in Aurora
Promenade
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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
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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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
10. Regional Report
10.1 York Regional Council Highlights - January 28, 2021
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Regional Report of January 28, 2021, be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
11. New Business
Councillor Gaertner referred to Consent Agenda item 6.6 - Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of December 18, 2020, and
noted that the Asset Management Plan update reported a significant
infrastructure gap over a 25-year period and mitigation strategies being
considered include the possible disposition of certain properties, including
Sheppard's Bush.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to Mayor Mrakas and Councillor
Gallo for wearing pink in support of anti-bullying and Pink Shirt Day on February
24, 2021.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the February 11, 2021 Regional Committee of the
Whole meeting discussion on the proposed GTA West Highway (413) and
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thanked Mayor Mrakas for supporting the environmental assessment to be done
by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. She noted that a binding
environmental assessment with an independent expert to ensure sustainable
transportation solutions is necessary. The Mayor provided a response noting his
involvement in ongoing discussions on this matter.
Councillor Gilliland advised that Metrolinx has completed the addendum to the
GO Rail Network Electrification Environmental Project Report, which has been
posted on the Metrolinx website for a 30-day public review period from February
23 to March 24, 2021, and she encouraged residents to view the document at
www.metrolinxengage.com and provide feedback.
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on the Tesla EV (electric vehicle)
charging station project and the issue of incompatibility with other vehicle
brands. Staff provided a response and committed to providing further
information.
Councillor Gallo inquired about the plan for continued security guard hours at
outdoor ice rinks, and staff provided a response noting the upcoming end dates
at several parks.
Councillor Gallo noted that February 24, 2021, is Anti-Bullying Day and he
encouraged everyone to wear pink and support the stand against bullying in any
way possible.
Councillor Kim requested an update on the matter of beavers, at St. John's
Sideroad east of Bayview Avenue, and confirmation that beaver trapping was no
longer occurring in the Town. Staff provided a response noting a report to
Council is forthcoming once feedback has been received from the Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority.
Councillor Gilliland noted that Monday, February 22, 2021, was National Cupcake
Day, which the OSPCA will continue to celebrate through its fundraising activities
and events throughout the week to support animals in their local communities.
Mayor Mrakas highlighted the importance of supporting anti-bullying and he
encouraged all to wear pink on February 24, 2021, and make use of social media
to spread the word.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the Aurora Black Community group would be hosting
a discussion entitled Racialized Stigmas and Mindset on February 26, 2021, at 6
p.m. with guest speaker Karen Carrington, and a Black History Month wrap-up
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event on February 27 at 6 p.m. that will be streamed from the group’s Facebook
page via YouTube, and more information is available on the Facebook page.
Mayor Mrakas noted that York Region was placed in the Red-Control zone
effective February 22, 2021, and he reminded everyone to remain cautious and
vigilant with the health protocols in place respecting hand washing, physical
distancing, mask wearing, and capacity limits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6312-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, with respect to No Parking on various highways in the
Town of Aurora.
12.2 By-law Number 6313-21 - Being a By-law to approve the expropriation of
certain lands for the purpose of road widening and other road
improvements.
12.3 By-law Number 6314-21 - Being a By-law to establish lands on Plan 65M-
4433 as highways – TACC Developments (Aurora) Inc. – Phase 2.
12.4 By-law Number 6315-21 - Being a By-law to assume highways on Plan 65M-
4462 for public use – TACC Developments (Aurora) Inc. – Phase 2.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 12.1 to 12.4 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law No. 6316-21 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting
from a Council meeting on February 23, 2021
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Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk