MINUTES - Council - 20181218
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes (arrived at 8:19 p.m.), Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Jason Gaertner, Acting Director of Financial
Services, Allan Downey, Director of Operational Services, Marco
Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
and Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Kim at 8:42 p.m. during the
consideration of Motion (a) Mayor Mrakas; Re: Provincial Bill 66, and resumed the Chair
at 9:13 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the provisions of the Procedure By-law be waived to permit the addition of
Motion (a) Mayor Mrakas, Re: Provincial Bill 66.
On a two-thirds vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 2 of 16
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved with the
following additions:
• Delegation (b) Susan Walmer, Resident; Re: Proposed Provincial Bill 66
• Motion (a) Mayor Mrakas; Re: Provincial Bill 66
Carried as amended
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
3. Community Presentations
None
4. Delegations
(a) Larry Dekkema, representing York Region Christian Seniors Homes Inc.
and Lisgar Construction
Re: General Committee Item R2 – CS18-031 – Noise Exemption Request
– 440 William Graham Drive
Mr. Dekkema provided details on the construction work requiring the noise
exemption, including the specific time required for the pouring and finishing of
cast-in-place concrete slabs, and requested that the noise exemption be
granted. It was mentioned that any other construction activities would be
carried out as per the regulations in the Noise By-law.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to General
Committee Item R2.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 3 of 16
(b) Susan Walmer, Resident
Re: Proposed Provincial Bill 66
Ms. Walmer expressed concerns on various aspects of the proposed
Provincial Bill 66, including critical impacts on environment and potential
oversight of existing planning regulations with the introduction of open-for-
business planning by-laws, and requested Members of Council to not support
the proposed Bill 66, specifically Schedule 10 of the Bill.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following Consent Agenda Items, C1 to C6 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of November 27, 2018
1. That the Council Meeting minutes of November 27, 2018, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Inaugural Council Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2018
1. That the Inaugural Council Meeting minutes of December 4, 2018, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of December 11, 2018
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of December 11, 2018, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of December 11, 2018
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 4 of 16
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting minutes of December
11, 2018, be adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. CS18-029 – Appointment of Members to the Joint Council Committee
1. That Report No. CS18-029 be received; and
2. That Council appoint the following members to the Joint Council
Committee:
• Mayor Tom Mrakas
• Councillor John Gallo
• Councillor Rachel Gilliland
C6. CS18-036 – Appointment to the Board of the Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority
1. That Report No. CS18-036 be received; and
2. That Councillor Wendy Gaertner be appointed to the Board of the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following Standing Committee Report, Item S1, be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committees approved, with the exception of sub-
items S1(R1), S1(R2), S1(R3), and S1(R8), which were discussed and voted on
separately as recorded below:
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of December 11, 2018
(C1) CS18-025 – Access Aurora, Customer Service Quarterly Report
1. That Report No. CS18-025 be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 5 of 16
(C2) PDS18-098 – Planning Application Status List
1. That Report No. PDS18-098 be received for information.
Carried
(C3) Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Board Meeting Highlights of October 26, 2018
1. That memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of October 26, 2018 be received
for information.
Carried
(R1) CS18-028 – Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local
Boards
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS18-028 be received; and
2. That Attachment 2, the policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and
Local Boards be approved; and
3. That the following Advisory Committees be established:
• Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
• Community Advisory Committee
• Heritage Advisory Committee
• Finance Advisory Committee (Council members only)
• Governance Review Ad Hoc Committee; and
4. That staff be directed to advertise for members of the
Committees listed above with the exception of the Finance
Advisory Committee; and
5. That the attached Terms of Reference for each Committee be
approved.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 6 of 16
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“That the membership of citizen members of the Community
Advisory Committee be increased to up to nine members.”
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS18-028 be received; and
2. That Attachment 2, the policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and
Local Boards be approved; and
3. That the following Advisory Committees be established:
• Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
• Community Advisory Committee
• Heritage Advisory Committee
• Finance Advisory Committee (Council members only)
• Governance Review Ad Hoc Committee; and
4. That staff be directed to advertise for members of the
Committees listed above with the exception of the Finance
Advisory Committee; and
5. That the attached Terms of Reference for each Committee be
approved; and
6. That the membership of citizen members of the Community
Advisory Committee be increased to up to nine members.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 7 of 16
(R2) CS18-031 – Noise Exemption Request – 440 William Graham Drive
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS18-031 be received; and
2. That an exemption to the Town’s Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P to
allow for the construction of cast-in-place concrete slabs at 440
William Graham Dr. be approved.
Carried
(R3) FS18-027 – 2019 Fees and Charges Update
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. FS18-027 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to set the 2019 Fees and Charges for
applications, permits, use of Town property, the sale of documents
and for the prescribed service charges for administrative matters as
itemized on the attached schedules, be approved.
Carried
(R4) CAO18 -007 – Town of Aurora Website Upgrade
1. That Report No. CAO18-007 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for
Capital Project No. 12037 – Town of Aurora Website in the amount
of $70,000.
Carried
(R5) CS18-030 – Approval of 2019 Meeting Schedule
1. That Report No. CS18-030 be received; and
2. That the 2019 Meeting Schedule (Attachment No. 1) be approved;
and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 8 of 16
3. That the Town Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the
Council and Committee Meeting Calendar as required
Carried
(R6) FS18-025 – 2018 Year End Surplus/Deficit Financial Control By-law
1. That That Report No. FS18-025 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to authorize the Treasurer and the Chief
Administrative Officer to make necessary year-end financial
adjustments:
(a) to allocate any 2018 Operating Fund surplus or deficit as set out
in Report No. FS18-025; and
(b) to allocate any 2018 surplus or alternatively fund any deficit in
the Water, Wastewater, or Stormwater budgets to or from the
appropriate related reserve accounts; and
3. That the Treasurer and Chief Administrative Officer report to
Council after the year end surplus/deficit control adjustments and
allocations have been completed.
Carried
(R7) FS18-026 – Annual Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Property
Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act
1. That Report No. FS18-026 be received; and
2. That a meeting be held in accordance with Sections 357 and 358
of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended (the Act) in respect of the
applications filed with the Treasurer by owners of property listed in
this report at which applicants may make representation; and
3. That total property taxes in the amount of $18,544.07 and
$30,118.58 be adjusted under Section 357 and 358 of the Act
respectively set out in Attachments #1 and #2; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 9 of 16
4. That any associated interest charged applicable to these
adjustments be cancelled in proportion to the total property taxes
adjusted.
Carried
(R8) CMS18-027 – Sport Aurora Funding Agreement Extension
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CMS18-027 be received; and
2. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to extend Sport
Aurora Agreement for three months, ending March 31, 2019 at an
upset limit of $10,000 (Sport Aurora Funding and Sport Plan
Implementation); and
3. That staff be directed to report on alternative delivery models for
Sport initiatives.
Defeated
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CMS18-027 be received; and
2. The staff be directed not to extend the Sport Aurora Funding
Agreement resulting in the agreement concluding as of December
31, 2018, and report on alternative delivery models for Sport
initiatives.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. FS18-028 – 2018 Interim Forecast Update – as at October 31, 2018
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. FS18-028 be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 10 of 16
8. Motions
(a) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Provincial Bill 66
Main motion
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the protection of the integrity of the Green Belt is a paramount
concern for our residents; and
Whereas the continued legislative protection of our water – groundwater,
surface water and waterways – is vitally important for the current and future
environmental health of our community; and
Whereas significant concerns have been raised by residents, community
leaders and environmental organizations such as the Canadian Environmental
Law Association (CELA), that provisions within Bill 66 will weaken
environmental protections as it “…will enable municipalities to pass “open-for-
business” zoning by-laws that do not have to comply with…” important
provincial environmental statutes; and
Whereas an “Open for Business” By-law may be approved without public
consultation; and
Whereas provisions within Bill 66 may allow exemptions from municipal Official
Plans; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora’s Official Plan represents not only a significant
investment of taxpayer resources but reflects our community’s collective vision
for current and future planning; and
Whereas our Official Plan clearly designates land that is environmentally
protected; and
Whereas our Official Plan also provides clearly designated land to meet future
employment land needs;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 11 of 16
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council opposes
planned changes to the Planning Act in the proposed Bill 66 that may
allow for an “open for business” planning by-law; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Government of Ontario be requested to
reconsider the proposed changes to the Planning Act included in Bill 66
which speak to the creation of the open-for- business planning by-law; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honourable Andrea Horwath, Leader of
the New Democratic Party, MPP Michael Parsa, MPP (Deputy Premier)
Christine Elliott, and all MPPs in the Province of Ontario; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all Ontario
municipalities for their consideration.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following operative
clause:
“Be It Further Resolved That notwithstanding the future adoption of Bill 66,
the Town of Aurora will not exercise the powers granted to it in Schedule
10 or any successor sections or schedules to pass open-for-business
planning by-laws.”
Carried
Council consented to vote on operative clauses 1-4 separately from operative clause 5.
Main motion as amended
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council opposes
planned changes to the Planning Act in the proposed Bill 66 that may
allow for an “open for business” planning by-law; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 12 of 16
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Government of Ontario be requested to
reconsider the proposed changes to the Planning Act included in Bill 66
which speak to the creation of the open-for- business planning by-law; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honourable Andrea Horwath, Leader of
the New Democratic Party, MPP Michael Parsa, MPP (Deputy Premier)
Christine Elliott, and all MPPs in the Province of Ontario; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all Ontario
municipalities for their consideration.
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
5. Be It Further Resolved That notwithstanding the future adoption of
Bill 66, the Town of Aurora will not exercise the powers granted to it
in Schedule 10 or any successor sections or schedules to pass open-
for-business planning by-laws.
Carried
9. Regional Report
None
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo referred to Item R1 – FS18-028 – 2018 Interim Forecast Update –
as at October 31, 2018, and inquired about the variances in water and wastewater
services, and staff provided clarification.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the letter circulated by Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority CAO, Mr. Walters, regarding potential funding cuts to the
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 13 of 16
Source Protection Plan by the Provincial government, and noted that Aurora Town
Council should provide input as requested.
Councillor Gaertner inquired on the status and the oversight process of the
construction of two baseball diamonds at Hallmark Lands. Staff provided a
response noting that process for acquiring an architect is in progress, and that the
oversight process is multi-departmental and would be conducted according to
standard project management guidelines.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder that winter overnight parking restrictions
will be in effect from November 15 to April 15, which restricts overnight parking
between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Councillor Humfryes noted that registration is open for winter recreation and
aquatic programs, and more information including the program guide can be found
at aurora.ca/recguide.
Councillor Kim announced that members of public could provide their feedback on
recreational cannabis outlets in Aurora by visiting
placespeak.com/AuroraCannabisRetail.
Councillor Gaertner noted that the Skylight Gallery artist for December is Claudine
Mueller, and the exhibit is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to to 4:30 p.m. at
Aurora Town Hall, 3rd floor.
Councillor Gaertner noted that Members of Council and staff wore purple at the
meeting in support and recognition of the Wrapped in Courage Campaign. A flag
raising hosted by Yellow Brick House was conducted on December 6, 2018, in
recognition of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against
Women.
Councillor Gaertner extended wishes to Girls Inc. on receiving the 2018 Ted
Rogers Community Grant of $15,000 at the Rogers Hometown Hockey event.
Councillor Thompson announced that the 2019 Waste Management Guide and
Recycling Calendars have been distributed to all residents, and an electronic
version is available at aurora.ca/wasteandrecycling.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 14 of 16
Councillor Gallo extended a reminder that registration is open for the Town’s
Winterfest Camp programs during the holiday season and program information is
available at aurora.ca/campprograms.
Councillor Gallo extended wishes to everyone for a safe and Happy Holiday.
Mayor Mrakas announced the appointment of citizen and Council members to the
Accessibility Advisory Committee, Aurora Public Library Board, and Committee of
Adjustment (including appointment to Property Standards Committee and Aurora
Appeal Tribunal) as follows:
Accessibility Advisory Committee: Matthew Abas, Gordon Barnes, Max Le
Moine, John Lenchak, Hailey Reiss, Jo-
anne Spitzer, and Councillor Gilliland
Aurora Public Library Board: John Clement, Tom Connor, Adam Mobbs, Marie
Rankel, Ken Turriff, and Councillors Humfryes and
Kim
Committee of Adjustment: Michele Boyer, Steven D’Angeli, Daniel Lajeunesse,
Clarence Lui, and Tom Plamondon
Mayor Mrakas further announced the appointment of Councillor Gaertner to the
Board of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that Aurora Town Hall will be closed from
Monday, December 24, 2018 to Friday, December 28, 2018, and will be open on
Monday, December 31, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular business hours will
resume on January 2, 2019.
Mayor Mrakas noted that Aurora’s Family First Night will be held on Monday,
December 31, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex,
and more information can be found at aurora.ca/firstnight.
Mayor Mrakas and other Members of Council extended their wishes to Mr. Marco
Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services for his 10 years of
service to the community, as he will be pursuing a new position at the Town of
East Gwillimbury.
Mayor Mrakas extended wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas, Happy
Hanukkah, and safe and Happy Holidays.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 15 of 16
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following by-law be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6135-18 Being a By-law to establish lands on Plan 65R-
36418 as a highway (Old Bloomington Road).
(b) By-law Number 6136-18 Being a By-law to permanently close portion of a
highway (Old Bloomington Road).
(c) By-law Number 6137-18 Being a By-law to allocate any 2018 Operating Fund
surplus and any 2018 Water and Wastewater Operating Fund surplus or
deficit.
(d) By-law Number 6138-18 Being a By-law to levy Interim Property Taxes for the
2019 taxation year.
(e) By-law Number 6139-18 Being a By-law to appoint Municipal By-law
Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for The Corporation of
The Town of Aurora.
(f) By-law Number 6140-18 Being a By-law to appoint an Integrity Commissioner
for the Town of Aurora.
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Page 16 of 16
By-law Number 6141-18 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on December 18, 2018.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk