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MINUTES - Budget Committee - 20211115 1 Town of Aurora Budget Committee Meeting Report Date: Time: Location: Monday, November 15, 2021 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas 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 Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services* Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance* Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management* Mohamedali Kamalia, Advisor, Financial Management* Sandeep Dhillon, Senior Advisor, Financial Management* Michael de Rond, Town Clerk Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator *Attended electronically _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Mayor Mrakas acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples whose presence here continues to this day. He further noted that Aurora is part of the 2 treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations and thanked them for sharing the land. 3. Approval of the Agenda Budget Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services. 4. 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 6.1.1, Central York Fire Services 2022 Operating Grant, as her spouse is employed by Central York Fire Services. She did not take part in the discussion of, or vote on, any question in respect of the matter. 5. Delegations None. 6. Consideration of Items 6.1 2022 Operating Budget - Community Partner Business Plans and Presentations 6.1.1 Central York Fire Services 2022 Operating Grant (Binder Tab 14) Fire Chief Ian Laing presented an overview of the 2022 budget submission for Central York Fire Services, noting aspects of the 2022 operating budget including analysis of wages and benefits, other operating budget expenses, capital budget, budgeting in a COVID world, and the 2022 budget highlights. Mike Mayes, Treasurer, Newmarket, was also present to answer questions. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the presentation from Central York Fire Services be received; and 2. That the request for the 2022 operating grant to the Central York Fire Services in the amount of $12,294,900 be tentatively approved. Carried 3 6.1.2 Aurora Public Library Board 2022 Operating Grant (Binder Tab 15) Tom Connor, Board Chair, Aurora Public Library Board, introduced the 2022 budget for the Aurora Public Library and spoke about Library's 2021 accomplishments, including response to the COVID- 19 pandemic. He noted that no changes were being requested for the 2022 budget year. Bruce Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, presented an overview of the Library's activities and budget plans including key performance indicators, status of online resources and virtual programs, community partnerships, impacts due to COVID-19 and Town Square construction project, health and safety procedures, operating pressures, and a financial summary. Julie Rocca, Business Manager, was also present to answer questions. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the presentation and business plan from the Aurora Public Library Board be received; and 2. That the request for the 2022 operating grant to the Aurora Public Library Board in the amount of $3,934,100 be tentatively approved. Carried 6.1.3 Aurora Historical Society Board 2022 Operating Grant (Binder Tab 15) Patricia Wallace, President, Aurora Historical Society Board, presented a brief overview of the accomplishments and ongoing roles of the Society in serving the community of Aurora since 1963. She spoke about the preservation plans for the Hillary House National Historic Site and noted the priority projects. Kathleen Vahey, Curator, presented an overview of the 2021 programming and events highlights, 2021 COVID-19 impacts and 2022-2023 impact projections, ongoing partnerships, key performance indicators, and 2022 goals and partnership goals. 4 Geoffrey Dawe, Treasurer, presented an overview of the 2021 funding supports and activities, emergency funding supports, key financial metrics, 2022 steps moving forward, and the budget impact due to current temporary storage of the Godfrey Collection. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the presentation and business plan from the Aurora Historical Society Board be received; and 2. That the request for the 2022 operating grant to the Aurora Historical Society Board in the amount of $84,600 tentatively approved. Carried 6.1.4 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame 2022 Operating Grant (Binder Tab 15) Javed S. Khan, President, presented background and key highlights of the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame activities and programming, COVID-19 impacts on 2021 operations, new initiative including "Life Adventures from 0 - 140 km/h" in conjunction with the Aurora Historical Society, and the 2021 accomplishments. He further noted that the 2022 Hall of Fame nominations are now open, and the 2021 Induction Celebration Dinner will be held in person. Brian Roberts, Treasurer, reviewed the 2022 funding requirements, financial summary, and the budgetary impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the presentation from the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame be received; and 2. That the request for the 2022 operating grant to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame in the amount of $29,900 be tentatively approved. Carried 5 6.1.5 Aurora Business Improvement Area (BIA) 2022 Operating Budget Joanne Russo, Aurora BIA President, presented a brief overview of the 2021 objectives and accomplishments of the Aurora BIA, success and response to the Saturday Night Fever on Yonge Street event, COVID-19 impacts, and details of the 2022 operating budget grant. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the presentation from the Aurora Business Improvement Area be received; and 2. That a maximum 2022 special area tax levy of $40,400 be tentatively approved. Carried 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.