MINUTES - Council - 20180227
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Dawe in the Chair; Councillors Abel, Gaertner, Humfryes,
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
Development Services, Al Downey, Director of Operations, Lisa
Warth, Acting Director of Community Services, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
and Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:02 p.m. and reconvened at 9:12 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Service, with the following additions,
be approved:
• Delegation (b) Javed Khan representing Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Re: Motion (b) Councillor Abel; Re: Sign By-law Review
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 2 of 18
• Delegation (c) Dr. Brian Moore representing Canadian Disc Institute,
Re: Motion (b) Councillor Abel; Re: Sign By-law Review
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
None
4. Delegations
Council consented to allow an extension to time for Delegation (a).
(a) Dennis Hirst, Owner of The Yonge Street Winery
Re: Motion (a) Councillor Kim; Re: Road Construction
Mr. Hirst spoke in support of the motion and expressed concerns regarding the
timeline and impacts of the road reconstruction on Brookland Avenue. He
further suggested various communication strategies to keep residents and
businesses informed of the impacts and timelines of construction in the Town.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (a).
Carried
(b) Javed Khan representing Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Re: Motion (b) Councillor Abel; Re: Sign By-law Review
Mr. Khan spoke in support of the motion, and noted that the Sign By-law
should be reviewed to include A-frame signage regulations.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 3 of 18
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (b).
Carried
(c) Dr. Brian Moore representing Canadian Disc Institute
Re: Motion (b) Councillor Abel; Re: Sign By-law Review
Dr. Moore spoke in support of the motion, and requested that the Sign by-law
be reviewed to include regulations for A-frame signs.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (b).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Council consented to consider Item C1 (sub-items R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and
R14) under Section 6, Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
as Items R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 respectively.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thom
That the following Consent Agenda items—C1 (with the exception of sub-items
R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R14) to C3 inclusive—be approved:
C1. General Committee Meeting Report of February 20, 2018
1. That the General Committee meeting report of February 20, 2018, be
received and the following recommendations carried by the Committee
approved:
(C3) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 11,
2017
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 4 of 18
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
December 11, 2017, be received for information.
(C5) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12,
2018
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 12, 2018, be received for information.
(C6) Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of January 26, 2018
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 26,
2018, be received for information.
(R3) PDS18-018 – Proposal for Zoning By-law Amendment Application
1. That Report No. PDS18-018 be received.
(R9) PDS18-015 – Transfer of Review (TOR) Program
1. That Report No. PDS18-015 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to initiate the process of becoming a
participating municipality in the Transfer of Review (TOR)
Program; and
3. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to enter into a
Transfer of Review Agreement with Ontario’s Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) including any and all
documents and ancillary agreements required to give effect to
same; and
4. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to enter into an
Agreement with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
(LSRCA) including any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 5 of 18
(R10) PDS18-019 – Application for Site Plan, York Region Christian
Seniors Home Inc., 440 & 460 William Graham
Drive, Plan 65M-4442, Block 4, File Number: SP-
2017-11, Related Files: OPA-2017-04, ZBA-2016-12
1. That Report No. PDS18-019 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2017-11 (York Region Christian
Seniors Homes Inc.), to permit the development of Phase 2
(subject lands) for the construction of a seven (7) storey building
with one level of underground parking, 110 independent living
units and 80 assisted living units for a total of 190 units, be
approved; and
3. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the Site
Plan Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same.
(R11) PDS18-024 – Province of Ontario Development Charges Rebate
Program
1. That Report No. PDS18-024 be received; and
2. That Aurora’s participation in the Province of Ontario’s
Development Charges Rebate Program be endorsed, authorizing
staff to proceed with the application.
(R12) CS18-001 – Pending List
1. That Report No. CS18-001 be deferred to the General Committee
meeting of March 20, 2018.
(R13) Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2018-02
1. That Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2018-
02 be received; and
2. That the Committee recommendations contained within this report
be approved.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 6 of 18
(R16) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 10,
2018
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
January 10, 2018, be received for information.
C2. Council Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2018
1. That the Council meeting minutes of February 13, 2018, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C3. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2018
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting minutes of January 24, 2018,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Council consented to consider items in the following order: R1, R2, R4, R6, R5, R3, R7,
R8, R9, and R10.
R1. FS18-002 – Streetlighting LED Conversion Project: Status and
Outcomes
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
1. That Report No. FS18-002 be received for information.
Carried
R2. Correspondence from Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO),
dated February 2, 2018
Re: Call to Action – Fire Medic Protection Needed for Municipal
Governments
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 7 of 18
1. That the Correspondence from Association of Municipalities of Ontario
(AMO), dated February 2, 2018, Re: Call to Action – Fire Medic
Protection Needed for Municipal Governments, be received; and
2. That the Town of Aurora calls on the Government of Ontario to act
immediately so that legislative amendments, that will protect unwilling
municipalities from being forced by arbitrators to have a fire medic pilot or
program, are placed within the upcoming Budget Bill before the Ontario
Legislature rises for the provincial election; and
3. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Kathleen Wynne,
Office of the Premier; Hon. Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Health and
Long Term Care; Hon. Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community
Safety and Correctional Services; Hon. Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour,
Hon. Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs; Hon. Chris Ballard, MPP,
Newmarket-Aurora; and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Carried
R3. CS18-004 – Power of Entry
(Formerly Item C1(R1))
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
1. That Report No. CS18-004 be referred back to staff for further
information.
Carried
R4. PDS18-017 – Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Joe Stewart,
304 Kennedy Street West, File Number: ZBA-2017-05
(Formerly Item C1(R2))
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
1. That Report No. PDS18-017 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 8 of 18
2. That Zoning By-law Amendment Application File Number ZBA-2017-05
(Joe Stewart), to amend the site specific ‘R2(207)’ and ‘R3(208)’
exception zones applying to portions of the subject lands to a ‘Detached
Third Density Residential Zone ‘R3(XX1)’, be approved; and
3. That the front yard setback be amended to 12.0 metres, rather than 7.5
metres; and
4. That the Zoning By-law Amendment be presented at a future Council
meeting.
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
Absent: None
R5. PDS18-022 – Proposal for Zoning By-law Amendment Application
(Formerly Item C1(R4))
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Abel
1. That Report No. PDS18-022 be received; and
2. That the Zoning By-law Proposal from the following applicant be
accepted as a Zoning By-law Amendment Application:
(a) 2419059 Ontario Inc. (103,107 & 111 Metcalfe Street)
Defeated
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 9 of 18
R6. CMS18-003 – Request for Proposals for Vending and Concession
Operations
(Formerly Item C1(R5))
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Pirri
1. That Report No. CMS18-003 and the amendment be referred back to
staff for further information, and be brought back to the General
Committee meeting of March 20, 2018.
Carried
R7. CMS18-004 – Room/Hall Permitting Policy
(Formerly Item C1(R6))
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
1. That Report No. CMS18-004 be received; and
2. That the revised Room/Hall Permitting Policy be approved.
Carried
R8. CS18-002 – Alternate Member of Regional Council for the Town of
Aurora
(Formerly Item C1(R7))
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
1. That Report No. CS18-002 be received.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by restoring the following clauses:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 10 of 18
“That the Deputy Mayor, as defined by the Procedure By-law, be
appointed as the Mayor’s alternate on Regional Council; and
That, commencing March 1, 2018, the Deputy Mayor receives an
additional $100.00 per month that includes at least one scheduled
Regional Council Meeting as the alternate Member of Regional
Council; and
That the Deputy Mayor receives an additional $100.00 for each
Regional Council meeting that he/she attends; and
That a By-law be brought forward at a future Council Meeting to
amend By-law No. 6040-17, being a By-law to provide for Council
remuneration.”
Defeated
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“That a rotating alternate member to Regional Council be appointed
for the remainder of the term, with no additional pay.”
Defeated
On a recorded vote the main motion
Carried
Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Abel, Humfryes, Gaertner,
Kim, Mrakas, Pirri, Thom, Thompson,
and Mayor Dawe
Voting Nays: None
Absent: None
R9. CS18-003 – Sign By-law Update: Election Signs
(Formerly Item C1(R8))
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 11 of 18
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. CS18-003 be received; and
2. That Sign By-law No. 5840-16 be amended to reflect recent changes to
the Municipal Elections Act respecting Third Party Advertisers; and
3. That a temporary part-time Bylaw Officer, for the purposes of education
and enforcement efforts related to election signs and the provisions of
the Sign By-law, be approved; and
4. That amendments to Sign By-law No. 5840-16 be brought forward to a
future Council meeting for enactment.
Carried
R10. PDS18-020 – Request for Street Name Approval, BG Properties Aurora
Inc., 14222, 14314, 14358, and 14378 Yonge Street, File
Number: SUB-2012-03, Related File Numbers: ZBA-2012-16
(Formerly Item C1(R14))
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. PDS18-020 be received; and
2. That the following street names be approved for the proposed roads
within the approved Plan of Subdivision, SUB-2012-03:
Street “D” Woodhaven Avenue
Street “E” Pine Hill Crescent
Street “F” Sunset Vista Court
Street “G” Maple Fields Circle
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 12 of 18
That Report No. PDS18-020 be referred back to staff.
Defeated
Main motion
Carried
7. Notices of Motion
None
8. Motions
On a motion by Councillor Pirri seconded by Councillor Humfryes, Council consented to
consider Motion (b) after Item R2 and prior to Item R4.
(a) Councillor Kim
Re: Road Construction
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
Whereas the Town of Aurora has a Ten-Year Road Construction Program, and
each year there are road projects impacting residents and businesses alike;
and
Whereas recent road improvement project(s) have had its challenges; and
Whereas in 2018 the Town is anticipating road projects including, but not
limited to, Yonge Street stretching from Brookland Avenue to St. John’s
Sideroad; and
Whereas staff in large part has already analyzed the challenges and
successes in the case of the Brookland Avenue road project, and plans to
leverage the information for future projects; and
Whereas the Town has a Business Concierge team to partner with local
businesses to mediate potential business impacts due to adjacent road
construction;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 13 of 18
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff bring a detailed report to
Council which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) Challenges encountered (including incidents in the Brookland Avenue
road improvement project);
(b) Successes;
(c) What was learned;
(d) Recommendations to be included for future road projects, including
how the Business Concierge team can get involved; and
(e) Business owner participation.
Carried
(b) Councillor Abel
Re: Sign By-law Review
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas Sign By-law No. 5840, being a by-law respecting signs within the
Town of Aurora, was enacted in March of 2016 repealing By-law Nos. 4897-
07.P and 4898-07.P; and
Whereas the new Sign By-law removed the permission to allow temporary A-
Frame signs which has had an impact on the business community; and
Whereas the business community has responded with concerns and
complaints regarding the changes, namely with respect to A-Frame signs;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review best
practices in other municipalities, engage the business community, the
public and Councillors for comments and suggestions; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to consider and report back
to Council on regulatory provisions that may be included in the Sign By-
law that would allow for A-frame signs and a nominal fee to offset
enforcement efforts.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 14 of 18
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the first clause be amended by removing the word “Councillor”
“Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review
best practices in other municipalities, engage the business community,
and the public Councillors for comments and suggestions”
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review best
practices in other municipalities, engage the business community, and the
public for comments and suggestions; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to consider and report back
to Council on regulatory provisions that may be included in the Sign By-
law that would allow for A-frame signs and a nominal fee to offset
enforcement efforts
Carried
(c) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Petch House
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Kim
Whereas the future use of the Petch House has been discussed for many
years with no resolution to date; and
Whereas the building as a result remains empty and under-utilized; and
Whereas the Town has begun to provide chapel services for marriages, which
have been very successful;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 15 of 18
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff investigate the feasibility
and costs for the Petch House to be used for marriage services and/or as
a wedding chapel; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff bring a report to the May 2018 meeting
cycle for Council to make a decision on the future use of the Petch House.
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – February 15, 2018
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Regional Report of February 15, 2018, be received for information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Mrakas inquired about the ongoing culvert repairs on Brookland
Avenue, and staff provided clarification.
Councillor Mrakas expressed concern regarding the flashing walkway lights at the
Town Park, and staff noted that investigation is ongoing.
Councillor Gaertner noted that the Open House regarding Zoning By-law for Stable
Neighbourhoods will be held on February 28, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, and encouraged members of the public to attend.
Councillor Thompson requested that the Street Naming Policy be brought to a
future Council meeting for discussion, and staff agreed to follow up.
Councillor Kim inquired about the format of the Open House regarding Zoning By-
law for Stable Neighbourhoods, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Pirri inquired on the status of the appointment of Director of Community
Services. Staff informed that Robin McDougall has been appointed as the new
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 16 of 18
Director of Community Services, and extended their regards to Lisa Warth in her
role as Acting Director of Community Services during the interim.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Big Brothers Big Sisters of York will be
holding the Rock N Bowl event in Newmarket at Stellar Lanes, on March 3, 2018,
at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Councillor Abel extended his regards to Aurora native, Derek Livingston, who
participated in the snowboarding half-pipe event at the 2018 PyeongChang
Olympics.
Councillor Abel expressed appreciation to St. Andrew’s College, the Aurora Tigers,
and all those involved for organizing a successful Aurora Winter Blues Festival.
Councillor Mrakas extended his regards to the Aurora Tigers for a successful
season, and noted that Jake Bricknell, Captain, scored 99 points during the
season.
Mayor Dawe expressed appreciation to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for
hosting the Mayor’s Luncheon on February 21, 2018.
Mayor Dawe noted that Aurora’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Aurora
Senior’s Centre on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and details
of the event is available at aurora.ca/easteregghunt.
Mayor Dawe advised that the Town is looking for youth candidates for the John
West Memorial Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Award and information is
available at aurora.ca/leadersoftomorrow.
Mayor Dawe announced that registration for Spring and Summer programs is now
open, along with summer camps, and further information is available in the
recreation guide at aurora.ca/recguide,
Mayor Dawe noted that the Town will be holding various activities and programs
during the March Break, from March 12 to 16, 2018, and further information is
available at aurora.ca/marchbreak.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 17 of 18
Mayor Dawe announced that the Town is accepting nominations for the 2018
Community Recognition Awards and the deadline to apply is April 6, 2018, and
further information is available at aurora.ca/CRA.
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thom
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6052-18 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended (440-460 and 480-500 William Graham Drive – York Christian
Seniors Home Inc.)
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 6053-18 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council Resulting
from a Council Meeting on February 27, 2018.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thom
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:24 p.m.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Page 18 of 18
_________________________________ _________________________________
Geoffrey Dawe, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk