MINUTES - Council - 20210928 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor 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*
David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services*
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications*
Jason Gaertner, Acting Director of Finance*
Demetre Rigakos, Manager, Human Resources*
Phillip Rose, Manager, Aurora Town Square*
Alex Wray, Manager, By-law Services*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor*
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk and Acting Director of Corporate
Services
Samantha Yew, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Procedural Notes
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This meeting was held in person and 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.
The Mayor relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 7:26 p.m. during
consideration of Motion 9.1, Re: LDD Moth Infestation, and reassumed the chair
at 7:37 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Notice of Motion provisions in the Procedure By-law be waived to
permit the addition of a motion regarding amending the Mandatory
Vaccination Policy to include the option for frequent rapid antigen testing.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved with
the following addition:
Motion 9.4 - Councillor Gallo; Re: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
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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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
None.
5. Delegations
5.1 Todd and Keltie Stewart, Residents and Dave Doran, Doran Custom Designs;
Re: Item 8.1 - PDS21-104 - Heritage Permit Application, File: HPA-2021-11,
65 Spruce Street
Keltie and Todd Stewart provided background and a brief overview of their
application and requested Council's consideration to expedite the heritage
permit application approval process to allow their immediate application
for a building permit.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 8.1.
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 Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Consent Agenda items, 6.1 to 6.9 inclusive, be approved.
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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6.1 Council Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2021
1. That the Council meeting minutes of July 13, 2021, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
6.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of July 6, 2021 (confidential attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of July 6, 2021, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
6.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of July 6,
2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of July 13, 2021 (confidential attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of July 13, 2021, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
6.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of July 13,
2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.6 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of August 17, 2021
1. That the Special Meeting of Council minutes of August 17, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.7 Council Closed Session Minutes of September 7, 2021 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of September 7, 2021, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
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6.8 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2021
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of September
7, 2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
6.9 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2021
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of September 14,
2021, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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 7.1.3 and 7.2.3, which were discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
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 September 7, 2021
7.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 25, 2021
Memo
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 25,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.2 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of July 20,
2021
Minutes
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1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of July 20, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.1.3 CS21-067 - Proposed Noise By-law Update
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3 Attachment 4
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CS21-067 be received; and
2. That the proposed Noise By-law be brought forward to a future
Council meeting for enactment, repealing and replacing the
current Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
7.1.4 PDS21-091 - Request for a Parking By-law Amendment on Benville
Crescent
Report Figure 1
1. That Report No. PDS21-091 be received; and
2. That staff monitor the on-street parking activity on Benville
Crescent around Evans Park, survey the residents, and report
back to a future General Committee meeting with the results
and recommendations before the end of 2021.
Carried
7.1.5 PDS21-098 - Incorporating a Climate Lens in Town Governance and
Operations
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. PDS21-098 be received; and
2. That climate change considerations be incorporated into staff
reports starting in January 2022; and
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3. That climate change considerations be incorporated as part of
the 2023 budget approval process.
Carried
7.1.6 PDS21-083 - Assessment of a Proposed Sidewalk on Metcalfe Street
Between Aurora Town Square and Town Park
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. PDS21-083 be received; and
2. That the Town not proceed with the construction of a new
sidewalk on the north side of Metcalfe Street, between Victoria
Street and Wells Street.
Carried
7.1.7 FIN21-035 - 2021 Year End Surplus/Deficit Management By-law and
Reserve Management Adjustments
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. FIN21-035 be received; and
2. That the 2021 yearend surplus/deficit management by-law to
manage the operating budget surplus or deficit through the use
of reserves, as detailed in this report, be brought forward to a
future Council meeting for approval; and
3. That the deletion of the six reserves identified in this report as
no longer being required be approved; and
4. That the Treasurer be delegated the authority to delete reserves
that are no longer required; and
5. That the Treasurer report to Council annually on reserves that
have been added or deleted.
Carried
7.2 General Committee Meeting Report of September 21, 2021
7.2.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 23, 2021
Memo
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1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 23,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.2 Aurora Town Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting Minutes
of July 13, 2021
Minutes
1. That the Aurora Town Square Project Monitoring Task Force
Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2.3 CMS21-027 - Canadian Achievements Diversity and Inclusion Mural -
Design Approval
Report Attachment 1
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. CMS21-027 be received; and
2. That the mural design titled Community Builds Community by
Moonlight Murals Collective be approved for the Canadian
Achievements Diversity and Inclusion Mural as selected by the
Mural Selection Committee; and
3. That staff be directed to work with the artists to finalize the
mural design, to be superimposed on the building, and be
brought back to Council for final approval; and
4. That the northern wall of 15242 Yonge Street be approved as
the location for the Canadian Achievements Diversity and
Inclusion Mural.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Nays (3): Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor
Gilliland
Carried (4 to 3)
7.2.4 CMS21-029 - Aurora Town Square Governance Update
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Report
1. That Report No. CMS21-029 be received; and
2. That the Fees and Charges By-law be updated to accommodate
all Aurora Town Square services, activities, and use of property
as necessary.
Carried
7.2.5 FIN21-037 - Second Generation Asset Management Plan
Report Attachment 1 Staff Presentation Consultant Presentation
That Report No. FIN21-037 be referred to the Council meeting of
October 26, 2021.
Carried
7.2.6 PDS21-100 - Revision to Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval to
Include a Three-year Lapsing Provision - Edenbrook (Aurora) Inc.
929 St. John’s Sideroad, Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, Town of
Aurora, File Number: D12-06-12
Report Figures 1-4 Schedule A
1. That Report No. PDS21-100 be received; and
2. That the Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision Conditions for
Edenbrook (Aurora) Inc. at 929 St. John’s Sideroad, File D12-06-
12, be revised to include a new condition that Draft Subdivision
approval will expire three (3) years following the date of this
revision; and
3. That this revision to the Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision
conditions is considered minor and does not require notice in
accordance with Section 51(47) of the Planning Act, R.S.O.
1990, c. P.13.
Carried
7.2.7 PDS21-108 - Aurora Promenade Community Improvement Plan
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. PDS21-108 be received; and
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2. That staff be authorized to initiate the process to update the
Aurora Promenade Community Improvement Plan.
Carried
8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Council consented to consider item 8.1 prior to consideration of section 7,
Standing Committee Reports.
8.1 PDS21-104 - Heritage Permit Application, File: HPA-2021-11, 65 Spruce
Street
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS21-104 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2021-11 be approved to permit
a second storey rear addition, proposed canopy over the existing
porch, relocate existing skylight to the north façade of the rear
addition, and one (1) new window opening for the existing dwelling at
65 Spruce Street.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9. Motions
9.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: LDD Moth Infestation
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas areas of the Town of Aurora are experiencing an infestation of
the caterpillar stage of the of Lymantria dispar dispar, commonly known
as LDD moths; and
Whereas, according to the LSRCA, the LDD moth is “an invasive insect
(that) goes through cycles in which the population increases for several
years and then declines”. This year is predicted to be an outbreak year,
based on observations and monitoring in 2020 and through the winter of
2021; and
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Whereas the LDD moth population tends to peak every 10 years, and each
outbreak can last a few years; and
Whereas we are currently in year two of a boom; and
Whereas the LDD moth can have serious, negative impacts on the forest
canopy, defoliating a significant volume of trees during an infestation; and
Whereas healthy trees can generally survive, back-to-back years of LDD
moth feeding can weaken a tree, making it susceptible to disease and
damage from other insects and even death for some trees; and
Whereas the Town has provided information for residents on how to
protect the trees on their property and was the first municipality in York
Region to provide burlap wraps to homeowners;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That staff review and report
back on all options to control the LDD moth infestation and manage
future years of this cycle, including: burlap banding, removal of eggs,
pheromone traps in areas with moderate to severe infestation, and
consider targeted spraying of BTK (Bacterium Spray Treatment) within
the appropriate timeframe in all severely infested areas of public lands
and Town trees within the Town’s right of way on severely infested
streets; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora adopt the same
practice as neighbouring municipalities, taking a “good neighbour”
approach and spraying buffer strips on the borders of publicly owned
Town of Aurora lands and private lands where there is known to be a
severe infestation of LDD moths.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9.2 Councillor Humfryes; Re: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its final
report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the
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legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian
reconciliation; and
Whereas the recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across
Canada have led to increased calls for all levels of government to address
the recommendations in the TRC’s Calls to Action; and
Whereas all Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play in
reconciliation; and
Whereas Recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission called upon the federal government, in collaboration with
Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for
Truth and Reconciliation to ensure that public commemoration of the
history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the
reconciliation process; and
Whereas the Federal Government has announced September 30, 2021, as
the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt
Day) and a statutory holiday;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Council of the Town of
Aurora does hereby commit to recognizing September 30, 2021, as the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day)
by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and
communities.
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: Outdoor Fitness Park
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas active fitness contributes to overall physical health and mental
health wellbeing; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora currently has outdoor fitness equipment that
is rather spaced out in a run style circuit format, which may need
upgrading and/or an assessment of functionality; and
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Whereas the Town may have alternate opportunities to create an outdoor
fitness park in new or existing park locations, such as in the underserviced
southwest Aurora area; and
Whereas current viral infections have prevented residents from indoor
activities due to pandemic closures of various indoor facilities; and
Whereas an outdoor fitness park will give opportunities for residents to
freely exercise safely outdoors, create possible Town programming, and
possible rental opportunities to generate revenue, such as ParkFitTO
programming and Trekfit parks in Toronto;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back with
possible new fitness park locations or potential upgrades to current
parks, including information on costing.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
9.4 Councillor Gallo; Re: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the Town of Aurora through the CAO’s authority has
implemented a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy effective
September 13, 2021; and
Whereas the policy does not explicitly allow for employees the option of
undergoing frequent rapid antigen testing similar to other municipalities
and large organizations; and
Whereas the Federal Government is providing free rapid test kits and
states: “Rapid tests are important screening tools to help you protect your
employees, customers, their families and the community where they live.
Not everyone who has COVID-19 will show symptoms. Studies suggest
that people without symptoms may cause up to 50% of COVID-19
transmission. You can help reduce the risk of outbreaks by regularly
testing and screening your employees.
Regular rapid tests provide an extra layer of defence against the spread of
the virus. Along with public health measures such as frequent
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handwashing, physical distancing, wearing a mask and vaccination,
workplace screening will help to:
slow the spread of COVID-19
keep your employees, their families and your community safe
safely reopen the economy
To ensure workers have quick and easy access to COVID-19 rapid tests,
the Government of Canada, some provincial and territorial governments,
and distribution partners are providing free rapid tests to organizations for
use in their workplace screening initiatives.
Rapid tests are fast, easy and safe. They provide results in 15 minutes.”;
and
Whereas allowing employees the option of undergoing frequent rapid
antigen testing maintains the health and safety of workers from the
hazard of COVID-19 and provides employees a level of privacy;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora include
in the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy the option of
undergoing frequent rapid antigen testing for all Town of Aurora
employees, volunteers and students.
Yeas (3): Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Gilliland
Nays (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and
Councillor Thompson
Defeated (3 to 4)
10. Regional Report
None.
11. New Business
Councillor Thompson inquired about the Town of Aurora’s plans for recognizing
September 30, 2021, and staff provided a response noting the Town will be
supporting and actively participating in the National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation through the provision of learning opportunities and special
community events. Mayor Mrakas added that there will be an Every Child Matters
flag raising while all other flags are lowered.
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Councillor Gilliland requested an update on the St. Andrews boardwalk
construction at St. John's Sideroad and Yonge Street, and staff provided a
response.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the opportunity for an electric vehicle (EV)
supercharger station in Aurora's downtown core, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to staff for the new safety-related
signs installed at the Arboretum and the new playground equipment to be
installed at the trailhead park of the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve (Wildlife
Park).
Councillor Gaertner remarked on the Moonlight Murals Collective website
content changes made prior to Council's discussion regarding the Town's
Canadian Achievements Diversity and Inclusion Mural design.
Mayor Mrakas inquired about whether liquidated damages are included in the
contract for the boardwalk construction project, and staff agreed to investigate
and provide a response.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6372-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, to regulate parking and traffic in the Town of Aurora
(Electric Vehicle Charging Stations).
12.2 By-law Number 6373-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, to regulate parking and traffic in the Town of Aurora (No
Parking Restricted Periods - Kitimat Crescent).
12.3 By-law Number 6374-21 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 20 and 25
Mavrinac Boulevard (TFP Aurora Inc.).
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the By-laws items, 12.1 to 12.3 inclusive, be enacted.
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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13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law No. 6375-21 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting
from a Council meeting on September 28, 2021
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 9 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk