MINUTES - Council - 20141216 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner,
Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Building and By-law
Services, Director of Corporate and Financial Services/
Treasurer, Director of Infrastructure and Environmental
Services, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Town
Solicitor, Director of Parks and Recreation Services, Director of
Planning and Development Services, Town Clerk, and
Council/Committee Secretary
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. following Open Forum.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the
following additions, be approved:
Item 10 – Memorandum from the Director of Building and By-law Services
Re: 14476 Yonge Street – Prosecution Update
Notice of Motion (b) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Sign By-law Enforcement
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 2 of 19
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of November 25, 2014
Inaugural Council Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2014
Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the Council meeting minutes of November 25, 2014 and the Inaugural
Council meeting minutes of December 2, 2014 be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Anna Kroeplin, Chair, Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair
Re: History and Benefits of Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair
Ms. Kroeplin presented an overview of the mission, vision, and history of the
Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair, and highlighted the ways in which the
Market has contributed to various aspects of the community. She expressed
appreciation to the Town for its contributions to the Market.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the presentation of Anna Kroeplin regarding History and Benefits of
Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair be received for information.
CARRIED
(b) Adrian Kawun, Manager, Service Planning York Region Transit (YRT/Viva),
Transportation Services
Re: York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) 2015 Annual Service Plan for the Town
of Aurora
Mr. Kawun presented the York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) 2015 Annual Service
Plan for the Town of Aurora including an overview of the services, transit system
cycle, goals, customer service, 2015 projects, and AODA compliance.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the presentation of Adrian Kawun regarding York Region Transit
(YRT/Viva) 2015 Annual Service Plan for the Town of Aurora be received
for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 3 of 19
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Mrakas noted that he recently had the pleasure of sitting for the “Local
Colour” group of artists and he encouraged everyone to explore their excellent work by
contacting the group’s organizer, Judy Sherman.
Councillor Thompson encouraged everyone to enter a team and participate in the 2015
Run or Walk for Southlake to be held on April 26, 2015 in support of the Health Centre.
Councillor Abel noted that volunteers are needed to assist with the Salvation Army
Kettle Drive which is currently underway.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that the next indoor Aurora Farmers’ Market
& Artisan Fair would be held on January 17, 2015 at the Aurora Cultural Centre.
Mayor Dawe expressed appreciation to staff for another successful Tree Lighting
Ceremony and activities on December 3, 2014.
Mayor Dawe extended congratulations to the Aurora Cultural Centre for being named
as a finalist for the Voluntary Sector Reporting Awards.
Mayor Dawe encouraged everyone to view Aurora’s Borealis display at Town Park
until February 16, 2015.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Family First Night would take place on December 31,
2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Winterfest Camp would be running from December 22,
2014 to January 2, 2015 and anyone interested may call the Town to register.
Mayor Dawe announced that a new Where’s My Snow Plow application is available on
the Town’s website at www.aurora.ca.
Mayor Dawe advised that Central York Fire Services would be hosting a Public
Information Centre to receive input on the new Master Fire Plan at 7 p.m. on January
8, 2015 at the Art Ferguson Club House, 16195 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket.
Mayor Dawe noted that there would be changes to the Town’s curbside waste
collection effective January 1, 2015.
Councillor Gaertner announced that a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony would
be held on December 17, 2014 at the York Regional Police Headquarters at 47 Don
Hillock Drive, Aurora.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1(sub-items 5, 12, 13, and 14), 3, and 4 were identified for discussion.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 4 of 19
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 5, 12, 13, and 14), 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were
identified as items not requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the following recommendations with respect to the matters listed as “Items
Not Requiring Separate Discussion” be adopted as submitted to Council and staff
be authorized to take all necessary action required to give effect to same:
1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 9, 2014
THAT the General Committee meeting report of December 9, 2014 be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved (with the
exception of sub-items 5, 12, 13, and 14).
2. LLS14-042 – General Committee Closed Session Report of December 9, 2014
THAT report LLS14-042 be received; and
THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Closed Session
meeting of December 9, 2014:
1. Litigation or potential litigation including matters before administrative
tribunals, affecting the Town or a Local Board; Re: PL14-069 – Appeal
to the Ontario Municipal Board re Newell Committee of Adjustment
Variance Application – D13-(25A-B)-14, 8 Kennedy Street East
THAT report PL14-069 be received; and
THAT the confidential recommendations of General Committee on
December 9, 2014 in respect of an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board
(Newell) be approved.
2. Litigation or potential litigation including matters before administrative
tribunals, affecting the Town or a Local Board; Re: LLS14-041 –
Litigation Status Update – Bondfield/NORR Settlement
THAT report LLS14-041 be received; and
THAT the confidential recommendations of General Committee on
December 9, 2014 in respect of Litigation Status Update regarding
Bondfield/NORR Settlement be approved.
5. Memorandum from the Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Re: Additional Information to Item 1(10) – IES14-057 – Facility Projects
Status Report
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 5 of 19
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item 1(10) – IES14-
057 – Facility Projects Status Report be received for information.
6. Memorandum from the Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town
Solicitor
Re: Additional Information to Item 1(12) – LLS14-037 – 2015 Council and
Committee Meeting Calendar
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item 1(12) – LLS14-
037 – 2015 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar be received for
information.
7. Memorandum from the Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Town
Solicitor
Re: Additional Information to Item 1(14) – LLS14-040 – Discretionary
Advisory Committees for the 2014-2018 Term of Council
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item 1(14) – LLS14-
040 – Discretionary Advisory Committees for the 2014-2018 Term of Council be
received for information.
8. Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re: Correspondence from the Office of the Prime Minister – Buy American
THAT the memorandum regarding Correspondence from the Office of the Prime
Minister – Buy American be received for information.
9. Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re: Correspondence from the Ministry of Economic Development,
Employment and Infrastructure – Buy American
THAT the memorandum regarding Correspondence from the Ministry of
Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure – Buy American be
received for information.
10. Memorandum from the Director of Building & By-law Services
Re: 14476 Yonge Street – Prosecution Update
(Added Item)
THAT the memorandum regarding 14476 Yonge Street – Prosecution Update be
received for information.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 6 of 19
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 9, 2014
(5) CFS14-034 – 2015 Fees and Charges Update
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT report CFS14-034 be received; and
THAT the 2015 Fees and Charges for applications, permits, use of Town
property, the sale of Town publications and for the prescribed service
charges for administrative matters as itemized on the attached schedules be
approved:
Schedule A – General Fees and Charges
Schedule B – Building and Bylaw Services
Schedule C – Legal and Legislative Services
Schedule D – Planning and Development Services
Schedule E – Infrastructure and Environmental Services
Schedule F – Corporate and Financial Services
Schedule G – Parks and Recreation Services; and
THAT the necessary bylaw be enacted at the January 20, 2015 Council
meeting in accordance with the Town’s Notice Provision Policy.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“THAT any increase in the Senior Daily User Fees for the services of
the Fitness Centre, as referenced in Schedule G, be phased in over
the year 2015.”
CARRIED
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“THAT any increase in the Senior Daily User Fees for the services of
Squash, as referenced in Schedule G, be phased in over the year
2015.”
DEFEATED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 7 of 19
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT report CFS14-034 be received; and
THAT the 2015 Fees and Charges for applications, permits, use of Town
property, the sale of Town publications and for the prescribed service
charges for administrative matters as itemized on the attached schedules be
approved:
Schedule A – General Fees and Charges
Schedule B – Building and Bylaw Services
Schedule C – Legal and Legislative Services
Schedule D – Planning and Development Services
Schedule E – Infrastructure and Environmental Services
Schedule F – Corporate and Financial Services
Schedule G – Parks and Recreation Services; and
THAT any increase in the Senior Daily User Fees for the services of
the Fitness Centre, as referenced in Schedule G, be phased in over the
year 2015; and
THAT the necessary bylaw be enacted at the January 20, 2015 Council
meeting in accordance with the Town’s Notice Provision Policy.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 9, 2014
(12) LLS14-037 – 2015 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report LLS14-037 be received; and
THAT the requirements of sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the Procedural By-law be
waived to permit the adoption of the 2015 Council and Committee meeting
schedule attached to this report as Attachment #1; and
THAT the 2015 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar, attached to this
report as Attachment #1, be approved with the following amendments:
THAT additional regular Council meetings be scheduled for July 28,
2015 and August 25, 2015; and
THAT the November 9, 2015 Special General Committee Capital
Budget meeting be moved to November 7, 2015; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 8 of 19
THAT the Town Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the Council
and Committee Meeting Calendar as required.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Gaertner
1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 9, 2014
(13) LLS14-038 – Statutory and Mandatory Advisory Committees/Local Boards
for the 2014-2018 Term of Council
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT report LLS14-038 be received; and
THAT Council appoint Councillors John Abel, Tom Mrakas, and Michael
Thompson to sit on the Joint Council Committee, which oversees the
operation of the Central York Fire Services, as the Town of Aurora’s
representatives on the Committee; and
THAT staff be directed to advertise, in accordance with the provisions of the
“Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local Boards”, for applications
from members of the public for appointment to statutory boards and
committees, namely the Aurora Public Library Board, Committee of
Adjustment/Property Standards Committee, Aurora Appeal Tribunal, and the
Accessibility Advisory Committee; and
THAT the Terms of Reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee be
amended to change the Committee composition from five (5) Members to
seven (7) Members, encompassing such persons as required by the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 9, 2014
(14) LLS14-040 – Discretionary Advisory Committees for the 2014-2018 Term of
Council
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 9 of 19
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report LLS14-040 be received; and
THAT the following discretionary advisory committees be reconstituted for
the 2014-2018 Term of Office:
1. Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
2. Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
3. Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC)
4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC)
5. Trails and Active Transportation Committee (TATC); and
THAT the revised “Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local
Boards” (Attachment 2) be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the third clause of the main motion be amended by replacing
“(Attachment 2)” with “(Revised – Version 2)”; and
THAT the main motion be further amended by adding the following clauses:
“THAT meetings of all discretionary Advisory Committees, other
than the Heritage Advisory Committee, be scheduled to occur every
other month (except in July and August where no such
discretionary Advisory Committee meetings shall occur other than
for the Heritage Advisory Committee); and
THAT the Chair of a discretionary Advisory Committee be
authorized to call additional meetings of a Committee to address
urgent matters as required; and
THAT the Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the Terms
of Reference for the discretionary Advisory Committees required to
give effect to this resolution.”
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT report LLS14-040 be received; and
THAT the following discretionary advisory committees be reconstituted for
the 2014-2018 Term of Office:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 10 of 19
1. Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
2. Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
3. Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC)
4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC)
5. Trails and Active Transportation Committee (TATC); and
THAT the revised “Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local
Boards” (Revised – Version 2) be approved; and
THAT meetings of all discretionary Advisory Committees, other
than the Heritage Advisory Committee, be scheduled to occur
every other month (except in July and August where no such
discretionary Advisory Committee meetings shall occur other than
for the Heritage Advisory Committee); and
THAT the Chair of a discretionary Advisory Committee be
authorized to call additional meetings of a Committee to address
urgent matters as required; and
THAT the Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the Terms of
Reference for the discretionary Advisory Committees required to
give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
3. Memorandum from the Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Additional Information to Item 1(6) – CFS14-035 – Interim Operating
Budget Forecast – as at October 31, 2014
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item 1(6) –
CFS14-035 – Interim Operating Budget Forecast – as at October 31, 2014
be received for information.
CARRIED
4. Memorandum from the Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Status of Ice Storm Damages Claim
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the memorandum regarding Status of Ice Storm Damages Claim be
received for information.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 11 of 19
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
(a) Councillor Thompson
Re: Finance Advisory Committee
This item was considered under subsection (ii) Motions for Which Notice
Has Been Given as Motion (f).
(b) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Sign By-law Enforcement
(Added Item)
WHEREAS the placement, number, sizes, installation and removal dates
of municipal election signs are subject to the provisions of the
Temporary Sign By-law; and
WHEREAS compliance with the Temporary Sign By-law is enforced by
Town of Aurora By-law Services; and
WHEREAS By-law Services’ complements are increased periodically
and temporarily to address increased demands due to specific
enforcement issues such as winter parking restrictions; and
WHEREAS additional By-law Services are required during municipal
elections so as to ensure compliance with and enforcement of the
Temporary Sign By-law.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed
to bring forward a request during the 2018 Budget discussions to hire
additional By-law enforcement officer(s), on a temporary contractual
basis, for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the Temporary Sign
By-law pertaining to municipal election signs.
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(a) Councillor Abel
Re: Town Acquisition of Downtown Real Estate Properties
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora’s Strategic Plan Study identifies
revitalizing the downtown core; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 12 of 19
WHEREAS acquiring key properties in bulk maximizes the
development opportunities for the purpose of revitalization; and
WHEREAS when such a listing occurs Council should consider giving
staff direction to negotiate a purchase price and to report back for
Council’s consideration.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council direct
staff to negotiate a purchase price regarding the McIntyre property
(Horton Place) on Yonge Street, in combination with the Spragg
property to the north (Readman House), and report back to Council.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be authorized to
engage the services of a real estate agent if required.”
CARRIED
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to include
information about the liability and risks associated with any
acquisition related to those properties in the report back to
Council.”
CARRIED
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the first clause of the main motion be amended by adding the
words “and the vacant lot on Yonge Street at Irwin Avenue,
immediately south of the Horton Place and Readman House
properties” following “(Readman House)”.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 13 of 19
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora’s Strategic Plan Study identifies
revitalizing the downtown core; and
WHEREAS acquiring key properties in bulk maximizes the
development opportunities for the purpose of revitalization; and
WHEREAS when such a listing occurs Council should consider giving
staff direction to negotiate a purchase price and to report back for
Council’s consideration.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Council direct
staff to investigate a purchase price regarding the McIntyre property
(Horton Place) on Yonge Street, in combination with the Spragg
property to the north (Readman House) and the vacant lot on Yonge
Street at Irwin Avenue, immediately south of the Horton Place and
Readman House properties, and report back to Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to include
information about the liability and risks associated with any
acquisition related to those properties in the report back to
Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be authorized to engage
the services of a real estate agent if required.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED.
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 1
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom,
Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Gaertner
(b) Councillor Abel
Re: Snow Plowing of Machell Park Pathway
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora clears sidewalks of snow and ice and
sands sidewalks during the Winter Maintenance program period; and
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora encourages pedestrian traffic to
enhance health and mitigate vehicular traffic congestion; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 14 of 19
WHEREAS certain pathways with significant pedestrian traffic are not
assigned to any snow plowing route, thus causing difficulty for walking.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Machell
Park pathway, between Orchard Heights Boulevard and Aurora
Heights Drive, which is paved and lighted, and is in constant use by
walkers, commuters, and shoppers, be added to the Winter
Maintenance program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, if there are other pathways that
fit the same criteria, they too be brought before Council for
consideration for addition to the Winter Maintenance program.
CARRIED
(c) Councillor Abel
Re: Speed Cushions on Roads Prone to Speeders
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Kim
WHEREAS a number of roads within residential areas in the Town of
Aurora have certain criteria in common that put pedestrians at risk with
vehicular traffic; and
WHEREAS the overriding concern is the excessive and dangerous
speed of some vehicular traffic; and
WHEREAS the York Regional Police do not have adequate resources
to patrol all local streets all of the time; and
WHEREAS speed cushions, which are gentler and softer to navigate
in all vehicles including buses and fire trucks, but are also highly
effective in reducing speed in long, straight roads that are prone to
commuters speeding through our neighbourhoods; and
WHEREAS residents have identified a number of roads that have long,
straight stretches and high volumes of traffic, such as Laurentide
Avenue, Conover Avenue, Mavrinac Boulevard, and Kennedy Street
West, that could benefit from such an installation to reduce speeders
who disregard posted limits and endanger families.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be
directed to report back to Council on providing for the installation of
speed cushions at five (5) locations and to provide a one (1) year
follow-up evaluation.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 15 of 19
(d) Councillor Abel
Re: Strategy to Remove Excessive Road Signage
Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
WHEREAS road signs are an essential communication tool for
vehicular traffic; and
WHEREAS road signs identify streets and parking, direct tourists,
create pedestrian awareness, identify school zones, and serve many
other purposes; and
WHEREAS some signs pose an imposition to property owners; and
WHEREAS signs in some areas tend to clutter.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be
directed to formulate a strategy to combine signs on posts, and report
back to Council with options to mitigate the number of signs posted, to
give our neighbourhoods a cleaner look.
CARRIED
(e) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Amendment(s) to the Temporary Sign By-law
Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Kim
WHEREAS residents of, and business owners within, the Town of
Aurora have expressed significant concerns with regards to the
placement, number, sizes, installation and removal dates of municipal
election signs and enforcement of regulations which speak to same;
and
WHEREAS the current Town of Aurora By-law to regulate Temporary
Signs (“Temporary Sign By-law”) as it speaks to municipal election
signs is silent on and/or is unclear in regards to when, where or how
candidates for municipal office may erect municipal election signs and
any limits thereto; and
WHEREAS the provisions of the current Town of Aurora Temporary
Sign By-law as it speaks to municipal election signs are not in line with
those of the “Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw”, a by-law regulating
signs on Regional roads; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 16 of 19
WHEREAS the provisions of the current Town of Aurora Temporary
Sign By-law as it speaks to municipal election signs are not in line with
those of other municipalities within York Region; and
WHEREAS the creation and adoption of a municipal election sign by-
law is within the purview of a municipal Council.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be
directed to place a By-law to amend By-law number 4897-07.P, being a
By-law to regulate Temporary Signs, on a future Council Agenda that:
(a) Reduces the amount of time for which elections signs can be
erected, affixed or otherwise displayed on private property and/or
on municipal public property to thirty days immediately preceding
an election;
(b) Prohibits an election sign from being placed on municipal
property except for that municipal property that is within 50
meters of a road intersection;
(c) Prohibits a candidate from placing more than one (1) election
sign on any corner of a road intersection; and
(d) Prohibits a candidate from placing more than one (1) election
sign on each private property;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to provide
future candidates for municipal office with fact sheets, information
sessions and sign pre-placement tours so as to ensure that candidates
have the training and resources necessary to facilitate awareness of,
and compliance with, the Temporary Sign By-law, as amended.
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Humfryes Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT this item be referred back to staff to consider in the context of
the current Sign By-law Review and provide feedback to Council.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT the requirements of section 3.13 of the Procedural By-law be waived to
allow Item 10 “(i) Notice of Motion (a) Finance Advisory Committee” to be moved
forward for consideration.
CARRIED (two-thirds vote)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 17 of 19
(f) Councillor Thompson
Re: Finance Advisory Committee
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora previously had a Finance Advisory
Committee which provided advice to Council and the Corporation
on capital planning initiatives, fiscal responsibilities and advance
input into the annual budgeting processes.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a Finance
Advisory Committee be established for the current Term of Council
and that the draft Terms of Reference, which were developed in
consultation with the Director of Corporate and Financial
Services/Treasurer to reflect the current needs of the Corporation
and Council, be approved.
CARRIED
11. REGIONAL REPORT
None
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Abel suggested that the installation of two additional toilets in the former
Armoury building at Town Park would be helpful in relation to holding events, such as
the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair, in the building. He indicated that he would
discuss the matter with staff and possibly bring forward a Notice of Motion.
Councillor Abel stated that he received a phone call from a resident looking for
reimbursement for the days lost due to an emergency closure of the pool at the
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex and that he advised the resident to discuss this
with Town staff.
Councillor Thompson noted that the Council appointments to the Aurora Cultural
Centre Board were not included in the list of Statutory and Mandatory Advisory
Committees/Local Boards for the 2014-2018 Term of Council presented to Council.
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the Mayor appoint Members of Council to the Aurora Cultural Centre
Board.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 18 of 19
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the process for discussing the potential need for a
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. The Town Clerk advised that matters not already
on an agenda would best be brought forward by way of a Notice of Motion.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the following by-laws be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5637-14 BEING A BY-LAW to allocate any 2014 Operating Fund surplus
and any 2014 Water and Wastewater Operating Fund surplus or
deficit.
5645-14 BEING A BY-LAW to regulate cross connections and backflow
prevention in private plumbing systems as required to protect the
Town of Aurora drinking water system from contamination.
5674-14 BEING A BY-LAW to levy Interim Property Taxes for the 2015
taxation year.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Pirri Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings
and enacted:
5676-14 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from
Council Meeting on December 16, 2014.
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
None
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
CARRIED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Page 19 of 19
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2014 RECEIVED
FINAL APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20, 2015.