MINUTES - Council - 20210713 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor John Gallo
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance
David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Anca Mihail, Manager, Engineering Services
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
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 7:04 p.m.
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2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
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 Courtney Paterson, Acting Youth Programmer; Re: John West Memorial
Scholarship Award
Courtney Paterson, Acting Youth Programmer, presented an overview of
the achievements and community involvement of the 2021 John West
Memorial "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship Award recipients Christian
Scolamiero, graduate of Aurora High School, and Sanjanaa Arunagiri,
graduate of Dr. GW Willams Secondary School. The Mayor and Members
of Council congratulated the recipients.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received.
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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5. Delegations
5.1 Margaret Burns, Resident; Re: Item 7.1.11 - PDS21-081 - Henderson Drive
Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Assessment
Margaret Burns expressed concerns regarding the existing crosswalk at
Henderson Drive at the intersection of Tamarac Drive/Lee Gate, noting
that the proposed retrofit solution is not feasible to mitigate the various
safety concerns such as increased speeding and lack of drivers stopping
for pedestrians. She further noted her preference for a pedestrian
controlled stop light at the subject intersection.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item
7.1.11.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
6. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Consent Agenda Items, 6.1 to 6.3 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
6.1 Council Meeting Minutes of June 22, 2021
1. That the Council meeting minutes of June 22, 2021, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 15, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session meeting minutes of June 15, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
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6.3 Council Closed Session Public Minutes of June 15, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of June 15,
2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 7.1 to 7.2 inclusive, be received and
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items 7.1.10 and 7.1.11, which were discussed and 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)
7.1 General Committee Meeting Report of July 6, 2021
7.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 28, 2021
Memo
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 28,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
7, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 8, 2021
Minutes
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1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting minutes of June
8, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.4 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
June 9, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.5 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
June 16, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
meeting minutes of June 16, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.6 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of June 24,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 24, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.7 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 23,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting minutes
of June 23, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.8 OPS21-010 - Residential Waste Bag Tag Program
Report
1. That Report No. OPS21-010 be received; and
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2. That the implementation of a user-pay Bag Tag program for the
disposal of additional residential waste be approved to
commence on January 1, 2022; and
3. That the implementation of a Bag Tag program, for single family
dwelling and secondary dwelling units, to allow three (3) bags
without tags and up to three (3) additional bags with tags,
maximum of a six (6) bag total, at a cost of $5 per tag be
approved; and
4. That a By-law to amend By-law No. 5590-14, being the Waste
Collection By-law, be enacted prior to January 1, 2022; and
5. That By-law No. 6293-20, being the Fees and Charges By-law, be
amended to include the new bag tag fee to be enacted a future
Council Meeting.
Carried
7.1.9 PDS21-086 - 2051 Growth Forecast and Service Allocation Updates
Report Attachment 1
1. That Report No. PDS21-086 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the Town of Aurora’s 2051 growth
forecast of 84,900 persons and 41,000 jobs assigned by York
Region, for inclusion in the Region of York Official Plan; and
3. That a copy of Report No. PDS21-086 and Council resolution be
forwarded to the York Regional Clerk.
Carried
7.1.10 PDS21-057 - Traffic Calming Measures within the One-way Section of
Centre Street – Supplementary Report
Report Figure 1
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. PDS21-057 be received; and
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2. That Council approve the installation of speed cushions for the
portion of Centre Street between Spruce Street and Wells Street.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (5 to 2)
7.1.11 PDS21-081 - Henderson Drive Pedestrian Crossing Treatment
Assessment
Report Figures 1-2
Main motion No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS21-081 be received; and
2. That the existing pedestrian crossover installed on the west
approach of Henderson Drive at the intersection of Tamarac
Trail/Lee Gate be retrofitted to further enhance safety for
pedestrian and vulnerable road users; and
3. That the associated cost to retrofit the existing pedestrian
crossover identified in Recommendation No. 2, be funded from
Capital Project No. 34518 – Pedestrian Crossings as per the
2014 Development Charges Study.
Yeas (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, and Councillor Thompson
Defeated (2 to 5)
Main motion No. 2
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. PDS21-081 be received; and
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2. That the existing pedestrian crossover installed on the west
approach of Henderson Drive at the intersection of Tamarac
Trail/Lee Gate be covered; and
3. That Council approve the installation of an Intersection
Pedestrian Signals on the west approach of Henderson Drive at
the intersection of Tamarac Trail/Lee Gate; and
4. That the associated cost to install the pedestrian signals
identified in Recommendation No. 3. be funded from the Roads
Repair and Replacement reserve.
Motion to reconsider
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the recommendation regarding retrofitting the existing
pedestrian crossover on the west approach of Henderson Drive at
the intersection of Tamarac Trail/Lee Gate, be reconsidered.
Carried
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That main motion no. 2 be amended by adding the following
clause:
"That the improvements identified in option A, retrofitting the
existing pedestrian crossover on the west approach of
Henderson Drive at the intersection of Tamarac Trail/Lee Gate,
be implemented immediately."
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland,
and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
On a friendly amendment, Council consented to remove the second clause
of the main motion no. 2.
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Main motion No. 2 as amended
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. PDS21-081 be received; and
2. That the improvements identified in option A, retrofitting the
existing pedestrian crossover on the west approach of
Henderson Drive at the intersection of Tamarac Trail/Lee Gate,
be implemented immediately; and
3. That Council approve the installation of an Intersection
Pedestrian Signals on the west approach of Henderson Drive at
the intersection of Tamarac Trail/Lee Gate; and
4. That the associated cost to install the pedestrian signals
identified in Recommendation No. 3. be funded from the Roads
Repair and Replacement reserve.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and
Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1.12 FIN21-033 - 2021 Interim Forecast Update - As of April 30, 2021
Report Attachments 1-3
1. That Report No. FIN21-033 be received for information.
Carried
7.1.13 PDS21-084 - Heritage Permit Application, Farani, 74 Centre Street,
File Number: HPA-2020-04
Report Figure 1 Figure 2
1. That Council consents to a 90-day extension of Heritage Permit
application HPA-2020-04; and
2. That Report No. PDS21-084 be deferred to the next General
Committee meeting in 2021.
Carried
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7.1.14 PDS21-087 - Heritage Permit Application, Bruno, 20 Spruce Street,
Lot 118 PLAN 246, File Number: HPA-2021-04
Report Attachments 1-2
1. That Report No. PDS21-087 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-04 be approved to
permit the construction of a single storey garage addition on
the south side of the existing dwelling at 20 Spruce Street.
Carried
7.1.15 PDS21-088 - Heritage Permit Application, Smale, 63 Catherine
Avenue, Lot 19 PLAN 116, File Number: HPA-2021-02
Report Attachments 1-2
1. That Report No. PDS21-088 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-02 be approved to
permit the partial demolition of the rear portion of the existing
dwelling at 63 Catherine Avenue.
Carried
7.1.16 PDS21-090 - Heritage Permit Application, HPA-2021-07, 28
Wellington Street West & 11 Machell Avenue, Town of Aurora
Report Attachments 1-7
1. That Report No. PDS21-090 be received; and
2. That a new capital project with total budget authority of
$200,000 be approved for the replacement of the existing
retaining wall and staircase that fronts 28 Wellington Street
West and 11 Machell Avenue to be funded from the Roads
Repair and Replacement reserve; and
3. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-07 be approved to
rehabilitate the existing retaining wall that fronts Wellington
Street West and 11 Machell Avenue using the existing natural
stones, replace concrete staircase and handrails.
Carried
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7.1.17 York Regional Council Highlights of June 24, 2021
Regional Report
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of June 24, 2021, be
received for information.
Carried
7.2 Audit Committee Meeting Report of June 22, 2021
7.2.1 FIN21-032 - 2020 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Report
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Presentation
1. That Report No. FIN21-032 be received; and
2. That the 2020 Audit Reports and Financial Statements for the
year ended December 31, 2020, be approved and published on
the Town’s website; and
3. That the 2021 year-end audit plan as proposed by BDO Canada
LLP be endorsed.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
9. Motions
9.1 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Increased Signage for the Arboretum
Whereas the Aurora Arboretum is a highly used urban oasis; and
Whereas families with small children on bicycles use the paths for
outings; and
Whereas seniors, some with mobility, hearing or other challenges stroll the
paths; and
Whereas those proficient on bicycles, with a desire for more intense
exercise and speed, also use the trails; and
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Whereas this has and will continue to create unsafe situations as their
approach from behind may not be heard and can catch people off guard;
and
Whereas creating a safe environment for all is critical to the enjoyment of
the Arboretum; and
Whereas fast moving bicycles were not envisioned as a use for the
Arboretum; and
Whereas those using speeds more in keeping with city streets, could be
reasonably expected to warn pedestrians or others of their approach;
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. Now therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that Aurora install large print or
graphic signs at all entrances of the Arboretum with the condition that,
“Bicyclists must slow down and yield to slower moving traffic; and are
required to call out a warning or use a bell when approaching other
users from behind”.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.2 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Development Plan – Adjoining Major Transit Station
Areas and Stable Neighbourhoods
Whereas the planning guidelines for the area west and south/west of the
GO Station are governed by the policies in the Aurora Promenade Plan;
and
Whereas these do not provide the specificity required to guide decisions
on appropriate development of this area; and
Whereas this became clear when the recently proposed Berczy planning
application was not acceptable to Council; and
Whereas valuable time was wasted by Staff, Council, and the Developer;
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Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council and Staff create a
development plan for area intensification with appropriate transition to
the adjacent Stable Neighbourhoods as part of the review of the
Aurora Promenade Plan.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9.3 Councillor Kim; Re: Stop Signs and Crosswalk Installation - Machell Ave and
Irwin Ave
Whereas the residents of Machell Ave have been living with speeding cars
for many years; and
Whereas many drivers believe that they can bypass the Wellington St and
Yonge St intersection by driving north on Machell Ave from Wellington St;
and
Whereas they believe that Machell Ave is a local straight-through or short
cut route to Aurora Heights; and
Whereas these vehicles speed through Machell Ave going north and
compromising the safety of pedestrians and other cars driving through the
three-way intersection; and
Whereas there is just one existing stop sign going west on Irwin Ave which
causes some confusion; and
Whereas a visible pedestrian cross walk would assist in deterring vehicles
going north from doing a rolling stop;
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff consider installing
stop signs going both north and south at the intersection of Machell
and Irwin Avenues to create a three-way stop; and
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2. Be It Further Resolved That a crosswalk be considered on the south
side of that intersection; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back in October with a
recommendation of these modifications.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired when 34 Berczy Street, former T. Sisman Shoe
Company, would be designated under the Aurora Register of Properties of
Cultural Value or Interest, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the significance of starting Council meetings with
Land Acknowledgements, and the Mayor noted that this will begin in September.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the recruitment process for vacancies on the
Anti-Black Racism Anti-Racism Task Force and Heritage Advisory Committee,
and staff noted that application information will be available on the Town
website, newspaper, and social media by the end of the week.
Councillor Gilliland inquired when the State of Emergency would be lifted in
Aurora and the next steps regarding transition into Stage 3, and the Mayor noted
that discussions are ongoing and further information is forthcoming.
Councillor Gilliland sought clarification on Council member appearance at
business grand opening events around Town during the COVID-19 situation, and
the Mayor provided clarification.
Councillor Gaertner extended appreciation to Neil Asselin for his contribution as
a citizen member on the Heritage Advisory Committee.
Mayor Mrakas announced that walk-ins for first dose only will be accepted at
majority of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics in York Region. He further noted that
as of today 80% of York Region's adult population have received their first dose,
63% of adults fully vaccinated, and emphasized the importance of following all
public health guidelines.
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11. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the By-laws, 11.1 to 11.5 inclusive be enacted, with the exception of By-laws
11.2 and 11.3 which were 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 6362-21- Being a By-law to Authorize the Use of Alternative
Voting and Vote-Counting Methods.
11.2 By-law Number 6363-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 460-480 William
Graham Drive, to remove a holding symbol “h” (York Region Christian Senior
Homes Inc.).
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That by-law 11.2 be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
11.3 By-law Number 6364-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 23.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That by-law 11.3 be enacted.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Gilliland
Nays (2): Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (5 to 2)
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11.4 By-law Number 6365-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, to make a number of housekeeping and technical corrections.
11.5 By-law Number 6366-21 - Being a By-law to appoint building inspectors for
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law 6367-21 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting from
a Council meeting on July 13, 2021
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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 Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk