MINUTES - Council - 20170912
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes
(arrived 7:44 p.m.), Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Techa van
Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services, Dan Elliott, Director of
Financial Services, Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and
Building Services, Alan Downey, Director of Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Services, Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de
Rond, Town Clerk, and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:54 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
9:05 p.m.
Mayor Dawe relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Abel at 9:15 p.m., during the
consideration of Motion (a), and resumed the Chair at 9:22 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, with the following additions,
be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 2 of 16
• Item R3 – PBS17-073 – Sign Variance Appeal to Council – 330 McClellan Way
(Additional Information)
Carried
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
3. Presentations
(a) Kristen Dajia, Chair, Education Committee, Karen Merk, Project Manager,
Sports History Alive, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
Re: Sports History Alive Program
Ms. Dajia and Ms. Merk presented a brief overview of the Sports History Alive
Program and accomplishments, including a video and presentation of a plaque
to the Mayor in appreciation of the Town’s support.
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
None
5. Consent Agenda
Mayor Dawe announced that, at the Council Closed Session of September 5,
2017, Council appointed new members Hank Gosar to the Committee of
Adjustment and Ken Turriff to the Heritage Advisory Committee, effective
September 12, 2017.
Council consented to consider Item C1 (sub-items R1, R3, R5, R6, and R7) under
Section 6, Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) as Item R4.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 3 of 16
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 (with the exception of sub-items R1,
R3, R5, R6, and R7) to C6 inclusive, be approved:
C1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
1. That the General Committee meeting report of September 5, 2017, be
received and the following recommendations carried by the Committee
be approved:
(C1) FS17-037 – Award of Contract – External Auditors
1. That Report No. FS17-037 be received; and
2. That BDO Canada be awarded the contract to provide external
audit services for the Town and the Library Board for a three-year
period commencing for the 2017 fiscal year-end for an annual fee of
$33,788 per year, plus an option to extend these services for an
additional two years; and
3. That the Treasurer be authorized to approve invoices for the base
services audit, plus any reasonable additional billings related to
audit assistance, additional audit work or services related to audit
issues or consultations in the context of preparing and auditing the
annual financial statements of the Corporation, to a total combined
amount not to exceed the provisions made for such in each budget
year; and
4. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the
necessary Agreement, including any and all documents and
ancillary agreements required to give effect to same.
(C2) PBS17-059 – Request for Street Name Approval, Coppervalley
Estates Inc., 1756 St. John’s Sideroad, File Number:
SUB-2015-05, Related File Number: ZBA-2015-09
1. That Report No. PBS17-059 be received; and
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 4 of 16
2. That Street “A” within approved Site Plan SP-2015-05 be named
Sikura Circle:
Street “A” Sikura Circle
(C3) PBS17-060 – Request for Street Name Approval, Shimvest
Investments Ltd., Block 161, Registered Plan 65M-
4485, File Number: SP-2016-05, Related File
Numbers: SUB-2012-02, SPA-2012-02
1. That Report No. PBS17-060 be received; and
2. That street “A’ within approved Site Plan SP-2016-05 be named
Stubbs Lane:
Street “A” Stubbs Lane
(C4) Strategic Plan Steering Committee Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2017
1. That the Strategic Plan Steering Committee meeting minutes of
May 4, 2017, be received for information.
(C5) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2017
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
7, 2017, be received for information.
(C6) Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 13, 2017
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 13,
2017, be received for information.
(C7) Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 15,
2017
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
June 15, 2017, be received for information.
(C8) Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
June 26, 2017
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 5 of 16
1. That the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
minutes of June 26, 2017, be received for information.
(C9) Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 10 and February 7, 2017
1. That the Central York Fire Services – Joint Council Committee
meeting minutes of January 10 and February 7, 2017, be received
for information.
(C10) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2017
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of July 17,
2017, be received for information.
(R2) IES17-037 – Winter Maintenance 2017/18 Report
1. That Report No. IES17-037 be received; and
2. That the proposed operational changes for the 2017/18 winter
maintenance season as outlined in Table 2 be endorsed; and
3. That Capital Project No. 34413 – Specialized Snow Removal
Attachments, with a budget of $80,000 to be funded from the Roads
and Related Development Charges Fund, be approved; and
4. That winter roads and sidewalk maintenance standards remain
unchanged from the previous 2013/14 standards.
(R4) FS17-034 – Changes to the Practice and Processes of the
Assessment Review Board
1. That Report No. FS17-034 be received; and
2. That the Treasurer be delegated authority to appoint an Appeals
Representative and a Complaints Representative from time to time,
and as appropriate on a case by case basis, to represent the Town
of Aurora in property assessment appeal matters, as set out under
the recently amended Rules of Practice and Procedure of the
Assessment Review Board (ARB); and
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 6 of 16
3. That, as required by the ARB, the Appeals Representative as
appointed by the Treasurer be delegated full binding authority of the
Town to choose to initiate appeals, participate in appeals, discuss,
negotiate and settle assessment appeal cases, including the power
to execute binding minutes of settlement on behalf of the Town, all
in the context of a formal ARB assessment appeals proceeding.
(R8) PBS17-066 – Award of Contract for Library Square Site Plan
1. That Report No. PBS17-066 be received; and
2. That the contract for Request for Proposal No. 2017-96-PBS
regarding the preparation of a site plan for Library Square be
awarded to The Planning Partnership.
(R9) Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-08
1. That Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2017-
08 be received; and
2. That the Committee recommendations contained within this report
be approved.
(R10) Memorandum from Director of Planning and Building Services
Re: Additional Information to Item R8 – PBS17-066 – Award of
Contract for Library Square Site Plan
1. That the memorandum regarding Additional Information to Item R8
– PBS17-066 – Award of Contract for Library Square Site Plan be
received for information.
C2. Council Meeting Minutes of July 11, 2017
1. That the Council meeting minutes of July 11, 2017, be adopted as printed
and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of September 5, 2017
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of September 5, 2017, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 7 of 16
C4. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of September 5, 2017
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of September 5, 2017,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. Audit Committee Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2017
1. That the Audit Committee meeting minutes of June 27, 2017, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved.
C6. Memorandum from Mayor Dawe, Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 23, 2017
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 23, 2017, be received for
information.
Carried
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Items were considered in the following order: R4(R1), R4(R3), R4(R5) and R3 together,
R4(R6), R4(R7), R1, and R2.
R1. FS17-045 – Additional Information to GC Item R4 – FS17-034 – Changes
to the Practice and Processes of the Assessment Review
Board
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. FS17-045 be received for information.
Carried
R2. PRCS17-033 – Award of Tender 2017-103-PRCS – Removal and
Disposal of Topsoil from 95 Eric T. Smith Way
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
1. That Report No. PRCS17-033 be received; and
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 8 of 16
2. That the allocation of $1,109,348 from the proceeds of Land Sales
Reserve be approved; and
3. That Tender 2017-103-PRCS Removal and Disposal of Topsoil from 95
Eric T. Smith Way be awarded to 1124760 Ontario Inc. o/a Tricon
Contracting Ltd. at $1,057,040, excluding taxes; and
4. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements
required to give effect to same.
Carried
R3. PBS17-073 – Sign Variance Appeal to Council – 330 McClellan Way
(Additional Information)
and
R4. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
(R5) PBS17-061 – Sign Variance Appeal to Council – 330 McClellan Way
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R5))
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PBS17-061 and Report No. PBS17-073 be received;
and
2. That Council authorize the revised request for a variance to Sign By-law
No. 5840-16 as amended to allow one internally illuminated ground sign
with sign area of 8.0 m2 and height of 6.0 m subject to no illumination
after 11:30 p.m. on the property located at 330 McClellan Way where the
Sign By-law does not allow ground signs in any C1 zones.
On a separate vote the first clause of the motion
Carried
On a separate vote the second clause of the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 9 of 16
R4. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
(R1) FS17-038 – Intent to Consider Accessing Hydro Reserve Funds
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R1))
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
1. That Report No. FS17-038 be received; and
2. That staff publish a public notice of Council’s intent to consider allocating
funding from the principal component of the Aurora Hydro Sale
Investment Reserve Fund as required of By-law No. 5439-12.
Carried
R4. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
(R3) CS17-018 – Power of Entry
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R3))
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
1. That Report No. CS17-018 – Power of Entry be referred back to staff for
further clarification and report back to Council.
Motion to refer
Carried
R4. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
(R6) PBS17-064 – Sign Variance Request – 676 Wellington Street East, Unit B1
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R6))
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PBS17-064 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 10 of 16
2. That the request for a variance to Sign By-law No. 5840-16, as amended,
to allow 9.34 m2 wall sign on the south elevation of the premises located
at 676 Wellington Street East, Unit B1, whereas the Sign By-law allows
for a maximum 4.91 m2 wall sign on that elevation, be approved.
Carried
R4. General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2017
(R7) PBS17-065 – Proposals for Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R7))
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PBS17-065 be received; and
2. That the Zoning By-law Amendment Proposal for 46 St. John’s Sideroad
(Biddington Homes Aurora Inc.) be received as a Zoning By-law
Amendment Application.
Carried
7. Notices of Motion
None
8. Motions
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Protecting the Automotive Sector
Moved by Mayor Dawe
Seconded by Councillor Thom
Whereas the auto sector directly employs more than 101,000 people in
Ontario, and indirectly supports the creation of more than 300,000 good jobs in
communities nationwide; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 11 of 16
Whereas the automotive industry represents Canada’s largest manufacturing
sector, Ontario’s chief export, and the economic lifeblood of hundreds of
Canadian communities; and
Whereas a thriving auto sector is an essential part of Aurora’s local economy,
stimulating growth, innovation, and good, high-paying jobs; and
Whereas Canada’s auto sector has been deeply integrated with that of the
United States since the early-20th century, as indicated by the 1965 Canada-
US Auto Pact; and
Whereas the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) governs nearly
every aspect of Canada and the United States’ economic relationship,
including the import and export of auto parts and vehicles; and
Whereas even minor changes to the established trade relationship between
Canada and the United States could have enormous consequences for
workers and consumers on both sides of the border; and
Whereas in 2016 the governments of Ontario and Michigan signed a
Memorandum of Understanding calling for increased cooperation and
partnership between their two automotive sectors; and
Whereas the United States has announced its intent to renegotiate NAFTA;
and
Whereas Canada’s economic future and the continued well-being of Aurora’s
local economy depend on a thriving automotive sector.
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council join with Councils
across Ontario in calling on the federal government to make the protection
and growth of Canada’s automotive sector a key priority in the upcoming
NAFTA negotiations; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Mayor be requested to write a letter to
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Aurora’s local Members of Parliament
reinforcing these concerns; and
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 12 of 16
3. Be It Further Resolved That those local Members of Parliament who have
not yet done so be urged to join the parliamentary auto caucus, advocating
for the well-being of Canada’s automotive sector; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That this motion be forwarded to the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM) for further support.
Carried
9. Regional Report
None
10. New Business
Councillor Mrakas expressed safety concerns, in relation to the Highland Gate
development, regarding the numerous trucks that have lined up along Bathurst
Street before 7 a.m. Staff advised that this matter has been discussed with the
developer and contractor to ensure that this activity does not continue.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the planned Town-wide parking study and
whether cul-de-sacs could be prioritized. Staff provided an update and agreed to
endeavour to address cul-de-sacs first and provide information to Council.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the plans for more informative signage with
regard to off-leash dogs, and staff provided an update. Councillor Gaertner
suggested that this matter be included on the next meeting agenda of the Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee. Councillor Gaertner further
inquired about available budget funds for education, and staff provided an update.
Councillor Gaertner noted that an invasive species specialist from York Region will
be holding a workshop for municipal staff and suggested that staff attend.
Councillor Abel presented information regarding the “Making Peace” international
photo exhibit, currently on view in Toronto, and requested to bring forward a
motion to bring this exhibit to Aurora from October 29 to November 19, 2017.
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 13 of 16
Council consented on a motion by Councillor Abel and seconded by Councillor
Humfryes on a two-thirds vote to waive the requirements of the Procedure By-law to
permit a motion from Councillor Abel regarding the Making Peace Exhibit.
New Business Motion No. 1
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That the Town contribute up to $7,000 to the Making Peace Exhibit; and
2. That the funding source be the Council operating contingency account;
and
3. That this funding be conditional on the exhibit receiving at least $5,000 in
additional funding from outside sources; and
4. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary
Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary agreements
required to give effect to same.
Carried
Councillor Humfryes referred to a memo received from David Tomlinson regarding
the Ivy Jay Community Nature Reserve, and staff provided an update.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Kim expressed appreciation to staff and volunteers for the successful
Multi-Cultural Festival held on September 9, 2017, in Town Park. Councillor
Gaertner thanked Councillor Kim for bringing forward the idea of a Multi-Cultural
Festival to Aurora, and thanked Council for its support of the event.
Councillor Thom announced that the 6th annual Hillary House Ball will be held on
Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the King Valley Golf Club with doors opening at 6
p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. He noted that the Aurora Historical Society is presenting
the Ball, which will have a theme of Aurora in 1867 in celebration of Canada 150,
and that the event benefits the Hillary House National Historic Site.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 14 of 16
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder about the Aurora Farmers’ Market and
Artisan Fair held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Town Park.
Councillor Abel acknowledged the successes of various Town events including the
Concerts in the Park series, Ribfest, Aurora Farmers’ Market, Music Festival, and
Multi-Cultural Festival, and expressed appreciation to staff and volunteers.
Councillor Thompson extended a reminder regarding the Joint Operations Centre
open house, to which the public is invited, is being held from 10 a.m. to noon on
Saturday, September 16, 2017.
Councillor Thompson noted that the Aurora Tigers will be playing their home
opener game on Friday, September 15, 2017.
Councillor Mrakas announced that the Queen’s York Rangers Army Cadet Corps
will be holding its 50th anniversary reunion at the Aurora Legion starting at 6 p.m.
on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
Councillor Mrakas announced that a mobile scavenger hunt called “Hidden Aurora”
will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017, starting at the Armoury in Town
Park at 10:15 a.m., noting that this free event is open to all ages.
Councillor Mrakas announced that a Trailblazer Music Festival will be held on
Saturday, September 30, 2017, as part of Culture Days, at the Armoury in Town
Park, with open mic from noon to 2 p.m. and live bands from 3 to 10 p.m.
Councillor Mrakas extended a reminder about the Magna Hoedown event being
held on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16, 2017.
Mayor Dawe noted that the Town’s Architectural Salvage Program has collected
more than 70 heritage doors and a door giveaway will be held at the Old Library,
56 Victoria Street, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.
Mayor Dawe announced that the Town and Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be
co-hosting a Town Hall regarding Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017,
from 7 to 9 p.m. in Council Chambers on Monday, September 25, 2017.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 15 of 16
Councillor Humfryes advised that a candlelight vigil will be held by the Cadets at
the Aurora Cemetery starting on the night of Saturday, September 16, 2017,
followed by a service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2017.
Councillor Thompson announced that the Aurora Soccer Club will be hosting the
Royal Artillery Football Club at the Highland field on Saturday, September 16,
2017, with games at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6005-17 Being a By-law to exempt Blocks 249 and 250 on
Plan 65M-4461 from Part-Lot Control (Mattamy (Aurora) Limited).
(b) By-law Number 6006-17 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5691-15,
to establish a Committee of Adjustment and appoint members to the
Committee of Adjustment.
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6007-17 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting
from a Council Meeting on September 12, 2017.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Page 16 of 16
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Geoffrey Dawe, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
The minutes of the Council meeting of September 12, 2017, are subject to final approval
by Council on September 26, 2017.