MINUTES - Council - 20171010
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Kim,
Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, and Thompson
Members Absent Councillor Humfryes
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, Al Downey, Director of Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Services, Stephanie Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of
Corporate Communications, 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.
Mayor Dawe relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Abel at 7:28 p.m., during the
consideration of Motion (a), and resumed the Chair at 7:39 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 2 of 12
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
None
4. Delegations
None
5. Consent Agenda
Council consented to consider Items C1(C3), C1(R1), C1(R3), C1(R5), and C4 under
Section 6, Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) as Items R1,
R2, R3, R4, and R5, respectively.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
That the following Consent Agenda items—C1 (with the exception of sub-items
C3, R1, R3, and R5), C2, C3, and C5—be approved:
C1. General Committee Meeting Report of October 3, 2017
1. That the General Committee meeting report of October 3, 2017, be
received and the following recommendations carried by the Committee
be approved:
(C4) Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 21, 2017
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
meeting minutes of August 21, 2017, be received for information.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 3 of 12
(C5) Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of July 28, 2017
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 28, 2017, be received for
information.
(R2) FS17-043 – Capital Projects Status and Closures as of July 31, 2017
1. That Report No. FS17-043 be received; and
2. That the Capital Project closures and Capital funding adjustments
outlined in Attachments #1 and #2 be approved.
(R4) PRCS17-032 – Canada 150 Art Installation at Church Street School
at 22 Church Street
1. That Report No. PRCS17-032 be received; and
2. That the installation of the Canada 150 Milestones Mural: A
Community Art Project art installation on the southwest lawn of
Church Street School at 22 Church Street be approved in the
amount of $2,700, funded from the Property Improvement
Operating Account 1-4-07302-5037; and
3. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the
funding Agreement between the Town of Aurora and the Ontario
Heritage Trust, including any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same.
(R6) CS17-030 – Implications of the Provincial Government’s Proposed
Changes to Employment Standards Legislation on the
Town
1. That Report No. CS17-030 be received for information.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 4 of 12
(R7) Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA) dated September 29, 2017, Re: Appointments to the TRCA
Regional Watershed Alliance 2017-2021
1. That the correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) dated September 29, 2017, regarding
Appointments to the TRCA Watershed Alliance 2017-2021, be
received for information.
(R8) FS17-020 – 2016 Year End Development Charges Statement
1. That Report No. FS17-020 be received for information.
(R9) FS17-039 – Interim Operating Budget Forecast – as at July 31, 2017
1. That Report No. FS17-039 be received for information.
C2. Council Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2017
1. That the Council meeting minutes of September 26, 2017, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of September 19 and September 26
(Continued on October 3), 2017
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of September 19 and
September 26 (Continued on October 3), 2017, be adopted as printed
and circulated.
C5. Budget Committee Meeting Report of May 31, 2017
1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report of May 31, 2017, be
received for information.
Carried
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. PBS17-067 – Planning Applications Status List
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(C3))
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 5 of 12
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
1. That Report No. PBS17-067 be received for information.
Carried
R2. CAO17-006 – Engagement of Review of Joint Operations Centre (JOC)
Project and Costs
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R1))
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thom
1. That Report No. CAO17-006 be received; and
2. That Internal Audit Services of the Region of York be engaged to review
and report on the JOC Project and Costs using Brook Laker & Associates
as outlined in Report No. CAO17-006, for a total fee of $29,000 excluding
HST, to be funded from within expected 2017 operating surplus.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That staff be directed to provide a cost for a qualitative audit report
on the effectiveness of the project management processes of the
JOC Project.
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Thom
1. That Report No. CAO17-006 be received; and
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 6 of 12
2. That Internal Audit Services of the Region of York be engaged to review
and report on the JOC Project and Costs using Brook Laker & Associates
as outlined in Report No. CAO17-006, for a total fee of $29,000 excluding
HST, to be funded from within expected 2017 operating surplus; and
3. That staff be directed to provide a cost for a qualitative audit report
on the effectiveness of the project management processes of the
JOC Project.
Carried as amended
R3. FS17-044 – 2018 Fees and Charges Update
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R3))
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
1. That Report No. FS17-044 be received; and
2. That the 2018 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 – Planning and Building Services
Schedule C – Corporate Services
Schedule D – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Schedule E – Infrastructure and Environmental Services
Schedule F – Financial Services; and
3. That the necessary by-law be enacted at a future Council meeting.
Carried
R4. PBS17-076 – Proposal for Zoning By-law Amendment Applications
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C1(R5))
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Abel
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 7 of 12
1. That Report No. PBS17-076 be received; and
2. That Council accept the Zoning By-law Amendment Application related to
the following Zoning By-law Proposal:
(a) Shimvest Investments Limited (271 Holladay Drive)
Carried
R5. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of September 19 and
September 26 (Continued October 3), 2017
(Formerly Consent Agenda Item C4)
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thom
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of September 19 and
September 26 (Continued October 3), 2017, be adopted as printed and
circulated.
Carried
7. Notices of Motion
None
8. Motions
(a) Mayor Dawe
Re: Federal Legalization of Recreational Cannabis
Moved by Mayor Dawe
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the federal government is legalizing the use of recreational cannabis;
and
Whereas the provincial government is working towards a regulatory approach
that will align with the federal government’s legislative framework; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 8 of 12
Whereas the provincial government has indicated that cannabis and cannabis-
related products will be sold by new standalone stores and an online order
service operated by a new Crown Corporation subsidiary to the LCBO; and
Whereas the provincial government has indicated that there will be
approximately 40 stores by July 2018, 80 stores by July 2019, and 150 stores
by 2020; and
Whereas the provincial Ministry of the Attorney General has indicated that
there may be an “opt out” provision for municipalities;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to investigate
this “opt out” provision with the Province.
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – September 21, 2017
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Regional Report of September 21, 2017, be received for information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Pirri inquired, on behalf of the Environmental Advisory Committee,
about the status of the planned nature reserve/wildlife park in the 2C lands. Staff
provided an update and agreed to arrange for the proposed design to be
presented to the Environmental Advisory Committee.
Councillor Pirri inquired about the Town’s grant application submissions in relation
to invasive plant species, and staff agreed to forward the information to Council.
Councillor Kim inquired about the coordination of upcoming meetings with The
Planning Partnership and various stakeholders regarding the design of Library
Square, and staff provided clarification. Councillor Abel requested further
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 9 of 12
clarification about the Library Square envisioning and outreach, and staff provided
a response.
Councillor Thompson inquired about the possibility of utilizing the Town website to
share information with residents respecting a minor variance application for
property on Henderson Drive, and staff confirmed that the information would soon
be available on the website.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gaertner extended a reminder about the Textile Collection Project
which takes place one day per month, and noted that residents may also drop off
items any time at local bins at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, Aurora
Community Centre, Aurora Family Leisure Complex, and Aurora Public Library.
Councillor Mrakas noted his attendance at the Dancing with Easter Seals Stars –
Newmarket/Aurora fundraising event held on October 5, 2017, where more than
$97,000 was raised to help send kids with disabilities to camp. He congratulated
Melanie Bell, of snapd Aurora, who won best dancer; and he expressed
appreciation to Artistica Ballroom Dance Studio for their efforts.
Councillor Mrakas noted his attendance at the PJ’s and Pancakes in the Park
fundraising event held on October 7, 2017, an initiative organized by three local
children—Kate, Meghan and Jack Beswick—in support of the Pediatric Oncology
Group of Ontario.
Councillor Mrakas announced that two students—Amanda and Maya Bishop—
have organized an event, Why Code Aurora: A Night of Women Empowering Girls
to Code, to be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the
Aurora High School, where an expert panel will speak about the opportunities in
technology as a career path for women.
Councillor Mrakas extended congratulations to Aurora resident Andrew Nembhard
who will be attending the University of Florida next year as a starting point guard
and is ranked in the top 30 basketball players in North America from the class of
2018.
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 10 of 12
Councillor Gaertner encouraged everyone to visit the Making Peace international
photo exhibition in Town Park. Councillor Abel noted that this exhibition will be on
display in Aurora until November 19, 2017. He noted that more than 600 students
have signed up, and expressed appreciation to Barb and Robin, granddaughters of
Lester P. Pearson, and Council members for attending the opening ceremony on
October 4, 2017.
Councillor Abel announced that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be holding
its 2nd Annual Aurora Chamber Tech Expo on Thursday, October 19, 2017.
Councillor Abel announced that Sport Aurora will be hosting the Mayor’s Breakfast
of Champions 2017 on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
Councillor Thom extended a reminder that the 6th annual Hillary House Ball will be
held on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the King Valley Golf Club, presented by the
Aurora Historical Society in support of the Hillary House National Historic Site. He
noted that more information and tickets are available by calling 905-727-8991 or
by email to community@aurorahs.com.
Councillor Kim extended a reminder that the 2018 Capital Budget will be reviewed
by the Budget Committee from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017.
Councillor Kim announced that Ontario Public Library Week will take place from
Sunday, October 15 to Saturday, October 21, 2017, and the Aurora Public Library
will be holding a kick-off event from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017.
Mayor Dawe noted that the official opening of Aurora’s first fully-accessible park,
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park, took place earlier today.
Mayor Dawe encouraged residents to participate in the Town’s online 2018 Citizen
Budget Survey at aurora.citizenbudget.com by October 31, 2017, which includes
an opportunity to win a $250 credit toward their municipal tax account.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that a new local artist is on display each month
in the Skylight Gallery at Town Hall.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder about the Access Aurora extended hours at
Town Hall each Tuesday until 8:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 11 of 12
Mayor Dawe announced that the Aurora Museum and Archives will be presenting
The Plow in the Crest, a history of the Joseph Fleury family in Aurora, starting on
Saturday, October 21, 2017.
Mayor Dawe extended a reminder that Aurora’s Haunted Forest, one of the Top
100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, will take place on Saturday, October 28,
2017, and wristbands for the event are available for purchase in advance.
Mayor Dawe advised that the registration deadline is November 1, 2017, for
Aurora’s Youth Innovation Fair to be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017,
and more information is available at aurora.ca.
Mayor Dawe noted that a Prayer Breakfast will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe
Catholic High School from 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.
12. By-laws
None
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6012-17 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting
from a Council Meeting on October 10, 2017.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Page 12 of 12
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Geoffrey Dawe, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
The minutes of the Council meeting of October 10, 2017, are subject to final approval by
Council on October 24, 2017.