MINUTES - General Committee - 20210406 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael 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, Interim Manager, Corporate Communications
Phillip Rose, Manager, Library Square
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 p.m.
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General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 9:08 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
General Committee consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Councillor Humfryes declared a pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict
of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50 respecting item 8.1 - CS21-033 -
Consolidated Fire Services Agreement with the Town of Newmarket, and item 8.2
- CS21-032 - Central York Fire Services - By-law to Regulate, as her spouse is
employed by Central York Fire Services; therefore, she did not take part in the
discussion of, or vote on, any question in respect of the matter.
4. Community Presentations
4.1 Jennifer Adams, Director of Development, Margaret Bahen Hospice and
Doane House Hospice; Re: Hike for Hospice 2021
Ms. Adams presented an overview of the services and supports provided
by the Margaret Bahen Residential Hospice and Doane House Community
Hospice. She requested that Council support and promote the Virtual Hike
for Hospice fundraising event taking place from May 21 to May 31, 2021,
noting that more information can be found at myhospice.ca.
General Committee received the presentation for information.
5. Delegations
None.
6. Consent Agenda
6.1 CS21-021 - Annual Report from the Integrity Commissioner - Additional
Information
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General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS21-021 be received for information.
Carried
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
7.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2021
General Committee recommends:
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March
10, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
8.1 CS21-033 - Consolidated Fire Services Agreement with the Town of
Newmarket
Fire Chief Ian Laing provided introductions and Deputy Chief Rocco Volpe,
Operations, Central York Fire Services, presented an update on the review
of the Consolidated Fire Services Agreement between the Town of Aurora
and the Town of Newmarket.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS21-033 be received for information; and
2. That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to renew the
Consolidated Fire Services Agreement with the Town of Newmarket.
Carried
8.2 CS21-032 - Central York Fire Services - By-law to Regulate
Deputy Chief Rocco Volpe, Operations, Central York Fire Services,
presented an overview of the proposed by-law to regulate the services and
programs delivered by Central York Fire Services.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS21-032 be received for information.
Carried
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8.3 PDS21-046 - Request for Amendment to Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS21-046 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be enacted to
prohibit parking on the south-east side of Kitimat Crescent from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30.
Carried
8.4 CMS21-014 - Canadian Achievements Diversity and Inclusion Mural
Guidelines
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS21-014 be received for information.
Carried
8.5 PDS21-045 - Traffic Calming Measures within the One-way Section of
Centre Street
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS21-045 be received; and
2. That the installation of speed cushions for traffic calming purposes on
Centre Street between Spruce Street and Wells Street be approved; and
3. That the installation of speed cushions be funded by Capital Project No.
34519 – Traffic Calming.
Carried as amended
8.6 CAO21-003 - Citizen Survey 2021
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CAO21-003 be received; and
2. That the 2021 citizen survey be postponed to the first half of 2022.
Carried
9. Notices of Motion
None.
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10. Regional Report
None.
11. New Business
Councillor Gaertner referred to a loud noise heard at 3:30 a.m. during the week of
March 29, 2021, and requested that the Mayor strongly object to any Regional
work being carried out at that time of morning.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the planned tree protection buffer along St.
John's Sideroad in relation to the Shining Hill development, and staff agreed to
investigate.
Councillor Gaertner referred to an email regarding Kitimat Crescent and Aurora
Heights, and suggested that the parking rules need to be enforced.
Councillor Gaertner commented on the January 20, 2021 Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes regarding the mural and budget.
Mayor Mrakas provided an update on the progress of the vaccination program in
York Region and the four vaccine clinics in Aurora.
12. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gaertner announced that Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance
Day would be observed on Thursday, April 8, 2021, to recognize victims of the
Holocaust.
Councillor Gaertner noted the capacity issues of hospitals in relation to COVID -19
and appealed to all to remain diligent in taking care of themselves and others
during the pandemic.
Councillor Humfryes referred to an email entitled Pink Cars related to helping
seniors get vaccinated and she suggested forwarding the information to the
Mayor's Office for further distribution, to which the Mayor agreed.
Councillor Humfryes expressed appreciation to the Mayor for his efforts and
approach in dealing with the pandemic.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Aurora Farmers' Market and Artisan Fair
is planning to open on Saturday, May 1, 2021, and she expressed appreciation to
staff for their efforts.
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Councillor Gilliland noted four pharmacy vaccine locations in Aurora and
addressed the issues with booking appointments.
Councillor Gallo encouraged everyone to reach out to anyone who may be
suffering with mental health issues during the pandemic.
Mayor Mrakas provided an update regarding the status of Town facilities and
programs as of April 3, 2021, for four weeks, as a result of the province-wide
emergency brake.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the Community Clean-up event scheduled on April
24-25, 2021, and the Aurora Art Show and Sale event scheduled on May 1-2,
2021, have been postponed.
Mayor Mrakas noted a popular free program providing community outreach to
seniors and adults via telephone and Zoom, and that details can be found on the
Seniors Centre Without Walls monthly schedule at aurora.ca/scww.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Dr. Kurji, York Region's medical officer of health,
has stated that York Region will not be closing its schools.
Mayor Mrakas encouraged everyone to support local businesses and continue to
follow the COVID-19 health protocols.
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:52 p.m.