MINUTES - Council - 20211026 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
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: Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Allan Downey, Director of Operations*
David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services*
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services*
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor*
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications*
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Samantha Yew, Deputy Town Clerk
Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
That Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Land Acknowledgement
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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
treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First
Nations and thanked them for sharing the land.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the 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 Sandra Ferri, President and CEO, and Al Wilson, Chair, Board of Directors;
Re: Aurora Chamber of Commerce Updates
Sandra Ferri, President and CEO of Aurora Chambers of Commerce
presented an overview of the Chamber of Commerce initiatives to support
local businesses including those affected by the pandemic. She further
provided details on ongoing programs such as Explore Aurora and
Accelerate Business Recovery Hub, and details of upcoming programs
and events.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation be received.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
5. Delegations
5.1 Glen Payne, Resident; Re: Item 7.2.4 - PDS21-093 - Machell Avenue and
Irwin Avenue Traffic Control Assessment
Glen Payne emphasized the need of implementing traffic control
measures at the intersection of Machell Avenue and Irwin Avenue and
referred to the proposed solution and its benefits.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received.
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 Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Consent Agenda Items, 6.1 to 6.5 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 September 28, 2021
1. That the Council meeting minutes of September 28, 2021, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
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6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of September 21, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of September 21, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of September
21, 2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.4 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of October 12, 2021
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of October 12, 2021,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.5 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 24, 2021
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 24, 2021, be received
for information.
Carried
7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 7.1 to 7.2 inclusive, be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of
sub-items 7.1.4, 7.1.5, 7.2.3, 7.2.4 and 7.2.5, 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)
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7.1 General Committee Meeting Report of October 5, 2021
7.1.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 8,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 8, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 13,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 13, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.3 CS21-073 - Administrative Procedure No. 58: Insurance and Risk
Management
Report Attachment Presentation
1. That Report No. CS21-073 be referred back to staff to consider
the comments from around the Council table.
Carried
7.1.4 PDS21-101 - Servicing Allocation Update
Report
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS21-101 be received for information.
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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7.1.5 FIN21-038 - 2022 Fees and Charges Re-affirmation
Report Schedules A-J
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. FIN21-038 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to set the 2022 Fees and Charges for
applications, permits, use of Town property, the sale of
documents and for the prescribed service charges for
administrative matters as itemized on the attached schedules.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Humfryes,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
7.1.6 CS21-072 - 2022 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule
Report Attachment 1
1. That Report No. CS21-072 be received; and
2. That the 2022 Meeting Schedule (Attachment No. 1) be
approved; and
3. That the Town Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the
Council and Committee Meeting Schedule as required.
Carried
7.1.7 PDS21-102 - Request to Remove 103 Gurnett Street from the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. PDS21-102 be received; and
2. That the request to remove 103 Gurnett Street from the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest be
approved.
Carried
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7.1.8 PDS21-103 - Heritage Permit Application, File: HPA-2021-08, 124
Wellington Street East
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. PDS21-103 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-08 be approved to
permit the replacement of the existing windows, proposed new
window openings, and proposed exterior signage for the
existing building at 124 Wellington Street East.
Carried
7.1.9 PDS21-106 - Heritage Permit Application, File: HPA-2021-09, 80
George Street
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. PDS21-106 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-09 be approved to
replace the stucco and gables on the existing dwelling at 80
George Street.
Carried
7.1.10 York Regional Council Highlights of September 23, 2021
Regional Report
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of September 23,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 General Committee Meeting Report of October 19, 2021
7.2.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September
22, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of September 22, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
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7.2.2 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 27,
2021
Minutes
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 27, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.3 CS21-056 - Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan 2021-
2024
Report Attachment Presentation
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. CS21-056 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the
attached Town of Aurora Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Strategic Action Plan 2021-2024; and
3. That staff present the draft Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Strategic Action Plan 2021-2024 to the Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force for review and input; and
4. That staff report back on the progress of the strategy at a future
Council meeting.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and
Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2.4 PDS21-093 - Machell Avenue and Irwin Avenue Traffic Control
Assessment
Report Figure 1
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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1. That Report No. PDS21-093 be received; and
2. That staff continue to monitor the traffic operations at the
intersection of Machell Avenue and Irwin Avenue; and
3. That Council approve the installation of an all-way stop control
at the intersection of Machell Avenue and Irwin Avenue to be
funded from the Town’s Operations Department Operating
Budget; and
4. That Council approve the installation of a crosswalk (south side
of Machell Avenue) at the intersection of Machell Avenue and
Irwin Avenue to be funded from the Town’s Operations
Department Operating Budget.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (5 to 2)
7.2.5 FIN21-042 - 2021 Interim Forecast Update – As of August 31, 2021
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. FIN21-042 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and
Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2.6 OPS21-017 - Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Update
Report Attachment 1
1. That Report No. OPS21-017 be received; and
2. That the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan continue in
future years, including treatment of municipal trees on a
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biennial basis with TreeAzin, forestry health maintenance,
replanting initiatives and removals as required; and
3. That this program’s annual service costs be included in the
Town’s future operating budget commencing in 2023 for
Council’s consideration.
Carried
7.2.7 OPS21-018 - Tree Removal Permit Application - 55 Metcalfe Street
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. OPS21-018 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Permit Application for 55 Metcalfe Street
be approved.
Carried
7.2.8 New Business Motion No. 1
1. That the request from Delegation 5.1, Marco Di Girolamo, to
enter into an encroachment agreement with the Town be
referred to staff to report back to Council.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
8.1 FIN21-037 - Second Generation Asset Management Plan
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN21-037 be received; and
2. That the Second Generation Asset Management Plan be endorsed and
the service level measures therein be approved.
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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8.2 FIN21-044 - 2022 Budget Introduction
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance, introduced the 2022
Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan and the upcoming budget approval
process. She further provided an overview of the proposed 2022 operating
and capital budgets, reserve balances and debt management forecast and
plan, fiscal strategy in the budget, and the next steps.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. FIN21-044 be received; and
2. That the proposed 2022 budget be referred to Budget Committee for
review at its scheduled meetings starting on November 8, 2021.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Carried (7 to 0)
9. Motions
9.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Mental Health Resources
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to loss of income, loss
of life, uncertainty about the future, lack of education, supports, and
resources; and
Whereas mental health issues are on the rise in all age groups, including
students, adults, and the elderly, as a result of the aforementioned
impacts of the pandemic; and
Whereas information on mental health resources is not locally centralized
and the thought of searching for help can contribute to and cause further
anxiety to those who need help; and
Whereas Council members and the municipal staff are positioned to be
conduits for information for residents who may reach out for help; and
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Whereas it would be beneficial for Council members and staff to have
consistent and up to date information on local organizations and not-for-
profit resources on hand to be able to immediately support residents in
need or distress;
Council consented to vote on the operating clauses separately.
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
establish a page on the Town’s website to provide information on local
organizations and local not-for-profit resources that support and
promote mental and emotional health in response to the COVID-19
pandemic
Yeas (5): Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Kim
Carried (5 to 2)
2. Be It Further Resolved That the web page be regularly updated as
needed, and that it be shared with and promoted to the community
and with community partners through the Town’s social media
accounts and other appropriate communication and marketing
channels.
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 Gilliland referred to the benefits of using Thawrox treated salt on
roads during winter and inquired about the possibility of using the same on
sidewalks in the future, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner noted that October 27, 2021, is Dress Purple Day to raise
awareness about the role of individuals and communities in supporting
vulnerable children, youth, and families.
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11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6379-21 - Being a By-law to allocate any 2021 Operating
Fund surplus and any 2021 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Operating
Fund surplus or deficit.
11.2 By-law Number 6380-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5553-13,
as amended, to establish various Reserve Funds for the Town of Aurora.
11.3 By-law Number 6381-21 - Being a By-law to prohibit and regulate noise in
the Town of Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws 11.1 to 11.3 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Kim, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Humfryes
Carried (6 to 0)
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law No. 6382-21 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting
from a Council meeting on October 26, 2021
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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That the meeting be adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk