MINUTES - Council - 20150915 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim
Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Gaertner
OTHER ATTENDEES Interim 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,
Deputy Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretaries
Mayor Dawe called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. following Open Forum.
Council consented to recess at 8:53 p.m. to resolve into a Closed Session meeting and
reconvened into open session at 9:30 p.m.
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
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
changes, be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 2 of 18
Withdrawn: Presentation (a) Stephen Kimmerer, Sport Aurora; Re: Sport Plan
Item 5 – PR15-026 – Award of Request for Proposal PRS 2015-77 – Cultural
Precinct Plan
Item 6 – Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/
Treasurer; Re: Updated 2016 Budget Meeting Schedule
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following item:
Closed Session Item 1 – Personal matters about an identifiable
individual, including a Town or Local Board employee (section
239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re: Staff Performance
CARRIED
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
changes, be approved:
Withdrawn: Presentation (a) Stephen Kimmerer, Sport Aurora; Re: Sport Plan
Item 5 – PR15-026 – Award of Request for Proposal PRS 2015-77 – Cultural
Precinct Plan
Item 6 – Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial
Services/Treasurer; Re: Updated 2016 Budget Meeting Schedule
Closed Session Item 1 – Personal matters about an identifiable individual,
including a Town or Local Board employee (section 239(2)(b) of the
Municipal Act, 2001); Re: Staff Performance
CARRIED AS AMENDED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes of August 25, 2015
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 3 of 18
THAT the Council meeting minutes of August 25, 2015, be adopted as printed and
circulated.
CARRIED
4. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Stephen Kimmerer, Sport Aurora
Re: Sport Plan
This presentation request was withdrawn.
5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Thompson noted today’s Community Launch event of Aurora’s Sport Plan
and the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and he encouraged residents and
organizations to participate in the online survey to provide feedback on the future of
sports, parks and recreation in the Town at www.surveymonkey.com/r/auroraprs.
Councillor Abel noted that the Magna Hoedown event would be hosting about 800
students from York Region for lunch on Friday, September 18, 2015. He added that
the Friday night performances would include the Hoedown Showdown Finals and The
Jim Cuddy Band.
Councillor Abel announced that the Breakfast of Champions would be celebrated on
the morning of Saturday, September 19, 2015, and that Rod Black would be the
keynote speaker.
Councillor Abel extended congratulations to Town staff for another successful Ribfest
event. He extended appreciation to everyone involved, including the Rotary Club for
providing volunteer hours for the community.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Aurora Cultural Centre would be hosting a
VoteSmart session on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, to provide an opportunity for
residents to get to know their federal candidates for the upcoming election, and an
opportunity for youth to become more involved at all levels of government.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder about the Easter Seals fundraiser event,
“Dancing With the Stars” being held on October 1, 2015, which will include eight
individuals from York Region. She noted that further information may be found on the
website, easterseals.org/events/.
Councillor Humfryes commended the talent of the Hoedown Showdown participants at
the Aurora Ribfest. She noted that the final ten performers were selected to compete
on Friday night at the Magna Hoedown where the winner will be chosen and open for
the Saturday night acts.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 4 of 18
Councillor Thom noted the celebration of The Queen’s Reign held on September 9,
2015, and extended appreciation to the Town’s Special Events team for a great job.
He also thanked the Aurora Seniors’ Centre, Evergreen Choir, White Heather Pipes
and Drums, Aurora Legion, and Brock Weir. Councillor Thom extended birthday
wishes to Brock Weir for his thirtieth birthday on September 17, 2015.
Councillor Kim announced that the Aurora Seniors’ Centre would be celebrating its 10th
Anniversary on Sunday, September 20, 2015, and encouraged everyone to join the
celebrations from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Councillor Pirri noted that a “Policy Tracker” was available at hometownproud.fcm.ca
for anyone interested in seeing where the federal parties stand on communities across
Canada with respect to issues such as jobs, the economy, environmental sustainability,
and affordable housing.
Mayor Dawe announced the receipt of $21,600 from the RBC Learn-to-Play Grant,
which was recently awarded to the Town to promote healthy and active lifestyles as
part of the “Activate Aurora” project. He noted that the Town applied for the grant on
behalf of a working group comprising the Town, Sport Aurora, York Region, York
Region District School Board, and Seneca College.
Mayor Dawe encouraged residents to complete the Citizen Budget online survey at
www.aurora.citizenbudget.com, which is active until October 30, 2015, and qualify to
win a $250 Cineplex Gift Card.
Mayor Dawe extended appreciation to Town staff for this summer’s successful
Concerts in the Park series and the Movies in the Park series.
Mayor Dawe announced that extended hours would be available on September 17,
2015, for permit applications, and anyone interested may send an email to
building@aurora.ca to book a time.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Aurora Legion would be hosting a candlelight vigil at
the Aurora Cemetery to honour the passing of our veterans. He noted that the
Candlelight Service would be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 6 p.m. and the
Drum Head Service would take place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 2 p.m.
Mayor Dawe announced that the 35th Annual Terry Fox Run would be held on
Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area, with registration
at 8:30 a.m. and the run starting at 10 a.m.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder about the Youth Volunteer Fair to be hosted by the
Town on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex from 4
p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mayor Dawe announced that communities across Canada would be celebrating
Culture Days on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He noted that the Aurora Public
Library, Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair, Hillary House, Theatre Aurora, and the
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 5 of 18
Aurora Cultural Centre would all be participating with family-style events, and that a
Culture Days passport is available in The Auroran newspaper.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Aurora Tigers would be kicking off their home season
at the Aurora Community Centre on Friday, September 18, 2015.
Mayor Dawe extended appreciation to the Town staff of Parks and Recreation Services
and Infrastructure and Environmental Services for their dedication and efforts in
working to stabilize the Aurora Ribfest grounds after the rain by laying wood chips in
time for the Sunday morning opening at 11 a.m.
6. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (sub-items 6, 7, 8, and 9) and 5 were identified as items for discussion.
7. ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 6, 7, 8, and 9), 2, 3, 4, and 6 were identified as
items not requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
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 September 8, 2015
THAT the General Committee meeting report of September 8, 2015, be received
and the following recommendations carried by the Committee be approved:
1. PL15-060 – Hotel Development Charges
THAT staff be authorized to enter into Development Charge Deferral
Agreements for hotel or motel developments which defer the excess
amounts that the hotel is required to pay over the amount an office building
of similar size would be required to pay, and that such surcharge be
deferred until the use of the building changes; and
THAT any deferral of Development Charges be subject to a developer
completing construction within a specified time frame as determined by staff,
and the deferral be non-transferrable; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 6 of 18
THAT staff be directed to return to a rate calculation based upon the non-
residential rate for the gross square footage in calculating the Development
Charges for hotels and motels in the next update of the Development
Charges By-law; and
THAT York Region be requested to consider the deferral of development
charges and amendment of the Regional Development Charges By-law as
described above; and
THAT this resolution and Report No. PL15-060 be forwarded to the
municipalities of York Region and to the members of York Regional Council.
2. BBS15-009 – Parking Permit Management Solution
THAT Report No. BBS15-009 be received; and
THAT the Automated Issuance Management System (AIMS), a
comprehensive Parking Permit Management Solution, be referred to the
2016 Capital Budget for consideration.
3. CAO15 -011 – Town of Aurora Strategic Plan (2015) Update
THAT Report No. CAO15-011 be received; and
THAT an update to the Town of Aurora Strategic Plan, based on the work
plan outlined in this report, be authorized; and
THAT a Strategic Plan Steering Committee, to guide the 2015 Strategic
Plan Update process as outlined in this report, be established.
4. CFS15-032 – Interim Operating Budget Forecast – as at May 31, 2015
THAT Report No. CFS15-032 be received for information.
5. CFS15-034 – Updated Investment Policy and ONE Fund Approval
THAT Report No. CFS15-034 be received; and
THAT the revised Investment Policy – Policy No. 61 as recommended in
this report and attached as Attachment #1 be approved; and
THAT the enactment of a by-law to enable participation in the ONE
Investment Fund Program be approved; and
THAT the Treasurer be authorized to execute any necessary One
Investment Fund Program documentation, as required for enrollment, and
for transactions.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 7 of 18
10. IES15-050 – Purchase of Portable Four Post Hoist
THAT Report No. IES15-050 be received; and
THAT notwithstanding the Procurement By-law, the purchase of a portable
four post electric/hydraulic vehicle hoist as supplied by B&B Dixon be
approved in the amount of $51,345.00 excluding taxes; and
THAT funding be provided from the Fleet Repair and Replacement
Reserve.
11. IES15-051 – 2014 Annual Solid Waste Program Performance Report
THAT Report No. IES15-051 be received for information.
12. LLS15-045 – Accessing Neighbouring Property – Right-of-Entry By-law
THAT Report No. LLS15-045 be received; and
THAT staff bring forward for enactment a “non-permit system” right-of-entry
by-law which would allow and regulate the access onto adjoining property
by a Town resident for purposes of making repairs to the resident’s property.
13. LLS15-052 – Municipal Legislation Review
THAT Report No. LLS15-052 be received; and
THAT Council members provide any feedback or comments on the draft
submission letter directly to the Town Solicitor by no later than September
25, 2015; and
THAT the Town Solicitor prepare a final version of the submission letter,
taking into account any feedback or comments from Council members, and
present the final version of the submission letter at the October 6, 2015
General Committee meeting for Council’s endorsement.
14. PR15-027 – Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club Rink Board Agreement
THAT Report No. PR15-027 be received; and
THAT the execution of an amended agreement for the Aurora Tigers Junior
“A” Hockey Club Incorporated (Tigers) rights to sell advertising space on the
rink boards at the Aurora Community Centre Arena #1 be approved; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the attached
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements
required to give effect to same.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 8 of 18
15. PR15-028 – Facility Sponsorship Program – McAlpine Ford
THAT Report No. PR15-028 be received for information.
16. Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Highlights – July 24, 2015 – Meeting of the Board
THAT the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Highlights – July 24, 2015 – Meeting of the Board be received for
information.
17. Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Correspondence from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton
Request for a Financial Contribution
THAT the memorandum regarding Correspondence from Mayor Fred
Eisenberger, City of Hamilton – Request for a Financial Contribution be
received for information.
18. Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2015
THAT the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of July 15,
2015, be received for information.
19. Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2015
THAT the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of August 11,
2015, be received for information.
2. LLS15-055 – General Committee Closed Session Report of September 8,
2015
THAT Report No. LLS15-055 be received; and
THAT the following recommendation from the General Committee Closed
Session meeting of September 8, 2015, be adopted:
1. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town
or Local Board (section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re:
Closed Session Report No. CFS15-038 – Sale of Centre Street
Remnant Parcel of Land
THAT the confidential recommendations of General Committee in respect to
the Sale of Centre Street Remnant Parcel of Land be approved.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 9 of 18
3. Memorandum from Director of Planning & Development Services
Re: Applications for Exemption from Part Lot Control
Mattamy (Aurora) Limited
Blocks 113, 116, 117, 118 and 119, Plan 65M-4423
File No.: PLC-2015-04
Arista Homes (Aurora Trails) Inc.
Blocks 153, 154, 156, 160 and 161, Plan 65M-4424
File No.: PLC-2015-05
Opus Homes (Aurora Trails) Inc.
Lots 150 and 151, Blocks 152 and 163, Plan 65M-4424
File No.: PLC-2015-06
THAT the memorandum regarding Applications for Exemption from Part Lot
Control, Mattamy (Aurora) Limited, Blocks 113, 116, 117, 118 and 119, Plan
65M-4423, File No.: PLC-2015-04; and Arista Homes (Aurora Trails) Inc., Blocks
153, 154, 156, 160 and 161, Plan 65M-4424, File No.: PLC-2015-05; and Opus
Homes (Aurora Trails) Inc., Lots 150 and 151, Blocks 152 and 163, Plan 65M-
4424, File No.: PLC-2015-06, be received for information.
4. Memorandum from Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
Re: Additional Information to Item 8, Report No. IES15-042 – Aurora Yonge
Street Sign, of the September 8, 2015 General Committee Meeting
THAT the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item 8, Report No.
IES15-042 – Aurora Yonge Street Sign, of the September 8, 2015 General
Committee Meeting, be received.
6. Memorandum from Director of Corporate & Financial Services/Treasurer
Re: Updated 2016 Budget Meeting Schedule
(Added Item)
THAT the memorandum regarding Updated 2016 Budget Meeting Schedule be
received; and
THAT the 2015 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar be amended as set
out in this memorandum.
CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 10 of 18
9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 8, 2015
(1) PL15-060 – Hotel Development Charges
On a motion of Councillor Kim seconded by Councillor Humfryes, Council consented on a
two-thirds vote to waive the requirements of section 8.14 of the Procedural By-law to allow
reconsideration of Item 1(1), PL15-060, Hotel Development Charges, previously adopted
under “Adoption of Items Not Requiring Separate Discussion.”
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT staff be authorized to enter into Development Charge Deferral Agreements
for hotel or motel developments which defer the excess amounts that the hotel is
required to pay over the amount an office building of similar size would be
required to pay, and that such surcharge be deferred until the use of the building
changes; and
THAT any deferral of Development Charges be subject to a developer completing
construction within a specified time frame as determined by staff, and the deferral
be non-transferrable; and
THAT staff be directed to return to a rate calculation based upon the non-
residential rate for the gross square footage in calculating the Development
Charges for hotels and motels in the next update of the Development Charges
By-law; and
THAT York Region be requested to consider the deferral of development charges
and amendment of the Regional Development Charges By-law as described
above; and
THAT this resolution and Report No. PL15-060 be forwarded to the municipalities
of York Region and to the members of York Regional Council.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 8, 2015
(6) CFS15-035 – 2016 Budget Outlook and Preparation Directives to Staff
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT Report No. CFS15-035 be received; and
THAT staff be directed to prepare the 2016 Operating Budget in accordance with
the following directives:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 11 of 18
1. The Base Operating Budget reflects an overall tax increase pressure of 1.8%,
including:
a. A reduction in hydro interest reliance of $100,000; and
b. A reduction of supplementary tax reliance of $75,000; and
c. Maintain current contributions to infrastructure sustainability reserves; and
d. An overall increase in CYFS funding of 1.3% of the total tax levy
(contributing 1.03% to the overall tax increase pressure); and
e. Partial absorption of inflationary pressures; and
f. Maintain current service levels.
2. All rates, fees and unit charges for non-tax revenues be indexed individually
by a minimum of 1.1%, unless set by contract or statutes; and
THAT the Aurora Public Library Board be directed to prepare a budget based on
an anticipated Town of Aurora tax-based operating funding grant of $3,659,000;
and
THAT the Aurora Cultural Board be requested to prepare their 2016 Operating
and Capital Budgets based upon the current Town funding in the amount of
$377,000.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 8, 2015
(7) CFS15-037 – Council Budget Process, Policies and Directives
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Report No. CFS15-037 be received; and
THAT Report No. CFS15-037 and the following recommendation be referred to
the General Committee meeting of September 22, 2015, for consideration:
THAT General Committee comments and discussion be referred to staff for
preparation of an updated Council Budget Process, Policies and Directives
report for adoption and recommendation at a future General Committee
meeting.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 8, 2015
(8) IES15-042 – Aurora Yonge Street Sign
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Report No. IES15-042 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 12 of 18
THAT additional funding in the amount of $10,000 from the Facilities Repair and
Replacement Reserve for Capital Project 72244 “New Signboard Yonge Street
and Aurora Heights” be approved.
CARRIED
1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 8, 2015
(9) IES15-049 – AFLC Liaison Committee Summary Report
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT Report No. IES15-049 be received for information.
CARRIED
5. PR15-026 – Award of Request for Proposal PRS 2015-77 – Cultural Precinct
Plan
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
THAT Report No. PR15-026 be received; and
THAT the 2015 Capital Budget be increased by $58,815.00 to be funded from the
Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund; and
THAT Request for Proposal PRS 2015-77 – Cultural Precinct Plan be awarded to
Fotenn Consultants Inc. in the amount of $57,797.50, excluding HST.
On a recorded vote the motion
CARRIED
YEAS: 8 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas,
Pirri, Thom, Thompson, and Mayor Dawe
VOTING NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councillor Gaertner
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(i) Notices of Motion
(a) Councillor Thom
Re: Council and Committee Meeting Agendas
WHEREAS Members of Council are the elected representatives of the
people of Aurora; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 13 of 18
WHEREAS it is the responsibility of Council to make informed decisions on
behalf of our constituents; and
WHEREAS it is fundamental to a healthy, democratic society, and is of the
upmost importance that Members of Council and the public have adequate
time to carefully review Council and Committee agendas prior to a meeting;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to
report to Council on implementing the following process changes:
1. Agendas for Council and Committee meetings are to be made
available to Members of Council and the public no later than seven (7)
days prior to the respective meeting; and
2. Additional Items, also known as addendums to an agenda, are to be
made available to Members of Council and the public no later than
twenty-four (24) hours prior to the respective meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this report be brought forward no later
than the General Committee meeting of December 1, 2015.
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(a) Councillor Kim
Re: Mavrinac Boulevard Land – Block 208
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
WHEREAS the York Catholic District School Board decided in 2013 that
the six-acre undeveloped lot reserved for a potential school on Mavrinac
Boulevard, known as Block 208, was no longer needed for a school
building; and
WHEREAS the Subdivision Agreement between the Town and Minto
Communities Inc. stated that the Town had the opportunity to acquire
Block 208 for municipal purposes at the equivalent price offered to the
York Catholic District School Board; and
WHEREAS the Town has recently completed its purchase of Block 208;
and
WHEREAS the adjacent and nearby residents had the understanding
that Block 208 would be used for a school building, green space, or
recreational land, and that the school building is no longer an option;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 14 of 18
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed
to investigate and report back to Council on options for the use of Block
208 on Mavrinac Boulevard as green space and/or other recreational
usage in accordance with the Town's Parks and Recreation Master Plan
and any updates to the Master Plan.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following operative
clause:
“THAT staff be directed to remove the fence around Lot 208 on
Mavrinac Boulevard, clean up the lot, place mulch paths across
the lot where possible, and provide notice to the public advising
that the Town is considering options for future use of the land.”
Amendment to Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT Amendment No. 1 be amended by inserting the words
“investigate and report back to Council on options to” following
the words “staff be directed to”.
CARRIED
Amendment No. 1 as amended
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
THAT staff be directed to investigate and report back to Council on
options to remove the fence around Lot 208 on Mavrinac Boulevard,
clean up the lot, place mulch paths across the lot where possible, and
provide notice to the public advising that the Town is considering
options for future use of the land.
CARRIED
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the first operative clause of the main motion be amended by
inserting the words “including but not limited to” following the words
“Mavrinac Boulevard”.
DEFEATED
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 15 of 18
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
WHEREAS the York Catholic District School Board decided in 2013 that
the six-acre undeveloped lot reserved for a potential school on Mavrinac
Boulevard, known as Block 208, was no longer needed for a school
building; and
WHEREAS the Subdivision Agreement between the Town and Minto
Communities Inc. stated that the Town had the opportunity to acquire
Block 208 for municipal purposes at the equivalent price offered to the
York Catholic District School Board; and
WHEREAS the Town has recently completed its purchase of Block 208;
and
WHEREAS the adjacent and nearby residents had the understanding
that Block 208 would be used for a school building, green space, or
recreational land, and that the school building is no longer an option;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT staff be directed
to investigate and report back to Council on options for the use of Block
208 on Mavrinac Boulevard as green space and/or other recreational
usage in accordance with the Town's Parks and Recreation Master Plan
and any updates to the Master Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to investigate
and report back to Council on options to remove the fence around
Lot 208 on Mavrinac Boulevard, clean up the lot, place mulch paths
across the lot where possible, and provide notice to the public
advising that the Town is considering options for future use of the
land.
On a recorded vote the main motion as amended
CARRIED
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Kim, Mrakas,
Thom, and Thompson
VOTING NAYS: Councillor Pirri and Mayor Dawe
ABSENT: Councillor Gaertner
11. REGIONAL REPORT
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 16 of 18
12. NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION
Councillor Mrakas inquired about parking issues on James Henry Drive within the
Charles Darrow Housing Co-operative. Staff agreed to investigate and report back.
Councillor Thompson referred to this year’s change in policy for the Aurora Ribfest
respecting the wristband fees and inquired about whether any feedback and impact
information would be collected and reported back to Council. Staff agreed to bring
forward a report as part of the 2016 Budget Review process.
Councillor Thompson inquired about the status of the new audio-visual equipment to
be installed in the Council Chambers, funds for which had been allocated in the 2015
Budget. Staff agreed to investigate and report back.
Councillor Abel, on behalf of Councillor Gaertner, suggested that a general washroom
be installed near the front entrance of the Aurora Family Leisure Complex to prevent
visitors who are not attending programming from wondering into the facility’s change
rooms.
Councillor Abel inquired about the timing of the next steps regarding utilization of the
Aurora Armoury property. Staff indicated that a report would be brought forward to the
next General Committee meeting to seek Council’s direction respecting the RFP
contract for a consultant to look at the repurposing of five buildings in the Town,
including the Armoury, as it relates to the design of the Cultural Precinct, which would
include four of the five buildings.
Councillor Mrakas inquired about the Canada 150 grant funds earmarked for the
remediation of the Armoury. Staff indicated that ongoing repairs and remediation of the
Armoury were being done through the Facilities crew, but any modifications that would
require removal of asbestos from the attic would depend on the final decided use of the
facility.
Mayor Dawe referred to the request of the Open Forum speaker and noted that he
would be working with Mr. MacEachern and the Aurora ministries toward a response to
the Syrian refugee crisis.
Mayor Dawe advised that he had been asked to appear on Breakfast Television on
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, to talk about the Magna Hoedown.
The Town Clerk introduced Samantha Yew, Council/Committee Secretary, as a new
member of the Legal and Legislative Services team.
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 17 of 18
THAT the following by-laws be given first, second, and third readings and enacted:
5755-15 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Blocks 113, 116, 117, 118 and 119 on Plan
65M-4423 from Part-Lot Control (Mattamy (Aurora) Limited).
5756-15 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Blocks 153, 154, 156, 160 and 161 on Plan
65M-4424 from Part-Lot Control (Arista Homes (Aurora Trails) Inc.).
5757-15 BEING A BY-LAW to exempt Lots 150 and 151, and Blocks 152 and
163 on Plan 65M-4424 from Part-Lot Control (Opus Homes (Aurora
Trails) Inc.).
5759-15 BEING A BY-LAW to declare as surplus and sell municipal lands (63
and 75 Eric T. Smith Way).
5760-15 BEING A BY-LAW to declare as surplus and sell municipal lands (45
Eric T. Smith Way).
CARRIED
14. CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
THAT Council resolve into Closed Session to consider the following matter:
1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local
Board employee (section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re: Staff
Performance
(Added Item)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
THAT the Council meeting be reconvened into open session to rise and report from
Closed Session.
CARRIED
1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a Town or Local
Board employee (section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re: Staff
Performance
(Added Item)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Page 18 of 18
THAT the confidential recommendations in respect to personal matters about an
identifiable individual, including a Town or Local Board employee; Re: Staff
Performance, be approved and staff be authorized to proceed as directed by
Council in Closed Session on September 15, 2015.
CARRIED
13. READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
THAT the following confirming by-law be given first, second, and third readings and
enacted:
5762-15 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting from Council
Meeting on September 15, 2015.
CARRIED
15. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
GEOFFREY DAWE, MAYOR STEPHEN M. A. HUYCKE, TOWN CLERK
THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2015, ARE SUBJECT
TO FINAL APPROVAL BY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2015.