MINUTES - Council - 20190226
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes (arrived 7:04 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,
Lawrence Kuk, Acting Director of Planning and Development
Services, Michelle Outar, Communications Specialist, Patricia De
Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, and Linda
Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
9:15 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the Chair to Deputy Mayor Kim at 8:39 p.m. during the
consideration of Motions (a) and (b) and resumed the Chair at 9:04 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, as amended with the
following additional items, be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 2 of 16
• Delegation (b) Anton Muzychka, representing Owner of 203 St. John’s
Sideroad West; Re: GC Item R4 – Report No. CS19-011 – Fence By-law
Exemption Request – 203 St. John’s Sideroad West
• Delegation (c) George Skoulikas, representing Henderson Forest Aurora
Ratepayer Association; Re: Motion (c) Information Regarding 672 and 684
Henderson Drive
• By-law (b) By-law Number XXXX-19 Being a By-law to appoint Municipal By-
law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for The Corporation
of the Town of Aurora.
On a two-thirds vote the motion
Carried
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
(a) Brian North, Chair, Run for Southlake Committee, Southlake Regional
Health Centre Foundation
Re: 2019 Run for Southlake
Mr. North presented an update regarding the services of Southlake Regional
Health Centre and the impact of funds raised for the most urgent needs across
the hospital. He encouraged the citizens of Aurora to register and participate
in the Run for Southlake fundraising event being held on Sunday, April 28,
2019. Mr. North extended a challenge to Mayor Mrakas and members of
Council to register a team for the Mayor’s Team Challenge and bring the
trophy back to Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 3 of 16
4. Delegations
(a) Sandra Manherz, Sport Aurora
Re: GC Item R3 – Report No. CMS19-004 – Sport Plan – Update
Ms. Manherz, Vice President of Sport Aurora, stated that she wished to correct
some misconceptions and inaccuracies that have been reported regarding the
Sport Plan and provided clarification to: the Town’s leadership role; the value
provided to taxpayers by Sport Aurora; the creation of a Sport Board versus
Sport Council; sport representation; and funding. She requested that Council
consider her comments when deliberating the future of the Sport Plan and,
specifically, deliverable #3 (Goal 1: Sport Leadership) as it pertains to a Sport
Council.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to GC Item R3.
Carried
(b) Philipp Parkhomenko, representing Owner of 203 St. John’s Sideroad
West
Re: GC Item R4 – Report No. CS19-011 – Fence By-law Exemption
Request – 203 St. John’s Sideroad West
Mr. Parkhomenko spoke in support of the property owner’s request for an
exemption to the Town’s Fence By-law.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to GC Item R4.
Carried
(c) George Skoulikas, representing Henderson Forest Aurora Ratepayer
Association
Re: Motion (c) Information Regarding 672 and 684 Henderson Drive
Mr. Skoulikas spoke in support of Councillor Gaertner’s Motion (c).
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 4 of 16
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (c).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the following Consent Agenda Items, C1 to C11 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2019
1. That the Council Meeting minutes of January 22, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Council Closed Session Minutes of February 12, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of February 12, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of February 12, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of February 12, 2019,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. Council Closed Session Minutes of January 22, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 22, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of January 22, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of January 22, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 5 of 16
C6. Special Meeting of Council Minutes of January 21, 2019
1. That the Special Meeting of Council minutes of January 21, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C7. Council Closed Session Minutes of January 15, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 15, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C8. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of January 15, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of January 15, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C9. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of January 30, 2019
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting minutes of January 30, 2019,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C10. Council Closed Session Minutes of January 11 and 12, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 11 and 12, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C11. Council Orientation, Education and Training Session Minutes of
January 11 and 12, 2019
1. That the Council Orientation, Education and Training Session minutes of
January 11 and 12, 2019, be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following Standing Committee Report, Item S1, be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items R4 and R5, which were discussed and voted on separately as recorded
below:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 6 of 16
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of February 12, 2019
(C1) OPS19-001 – Winter Maintenance Report No. 1 Revised Provincial
Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) and
Windrow Clearing Program
1. That Report No. OPS19-001 be received; and
2. That the recommendations and service levels contained in Table 1
associated with the Revised Provincial Municipal Maintenance
Standards (MMS) be approved; and
3. That staff report back with options to meet standards for winter pre-
treatment of roads with the intent of finalizing any additional
requirements for the 2020 Capital and Operating Budgets; and
4. That the Director of Operations, or their designate, be appointed as
the designated Official for the purposes of declaring a “Significant
Weather Event”; and
5. That the Town of Aurora not proceed with a Windrow Clearing
Program.
Carried
(C2) Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of November 30 and December 14, 2018
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 30
and December 14, 2018, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) CMS19-005 – Library Square Project – Update
1. That Report No. CMS19-005 be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 7 of 16
(R2) CS19-013 – Council Code of Conduct and Local Boards Code of
Conduct
1. That Report No. CS19-013 be received; and
2. That the Council Code of Conduct be approved; and
3. That the Local Boards Code of Conduct be approved; and
4. That the necessary by-law to implement the Council Code of
Conduct and the Local Boards Code of Conduct be enacted at the
February 26, 2019 Council meeting.
Carried
(R3) CMS19-004 – Sport Plan – Update
1. That Report No. CMS19-004 be received; and
2. That the budgeted amount of $103,400 that has been allocated in
the draft 2019 Operating Budget be preserved until such time a final
delivery option is agreed upon.
Carried
(R4) CS19-011 – Fence By-law Exemption Request – 203 St. John’s
Sideroad West
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That Report No. CS19-011 – Fence By-law Exemption Request – 203
St. John’s Sideroad West be referred back to staff.
Motion to refer
Carried
(R5) PDS19-013 – Proposal for Interim Control By-law Exemption
29 Church Street
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 8 of 16
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-013 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to amend the Interim Control By-law to
remove the lands municipally known as 29 Church Street from the
provisions of the By-law.
Carried
(R6) FS19-004 – Major Capital Investments Funding Strategy
1. That Report No. FS19-004 be received for information.
Carried
(R7) PDS19-008 – Amendment to the Site Plan Control By-law
1. That Report No. PDS19-008 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to amend By-law No. 6108-18, to include
delegated approval authority for select site plan applications within
the Business Park zone.
Carried
(R8) PDS19-012 – Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan for the
Greater Golden Horseshoe
1. That Report No. PDS19-012 be received; and
2. That this Report be forwarded to the Ontario Growth Secretariat and
the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
3. That a letter be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
to request an extension of the commenting deadline for “Proposed
Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden
Horseshoe” from 45 days (February 28, 2019) to 90 days (April 14,
2019) to allow Council the opportunity to consider a subsequent
report with further comments on the proposed amendments.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 9 of 16
(R9) FS19-002 – 2019 Operating Budget
1. That Report No. FS19-002 be received; and
2. That the 2019 draft Operating Budget be referred to Budget
Committee for review at its scheduled meetings commencing
February 21, 2019.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. PDS19-017 – Comments on Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan
for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-017 be received; and
2. That this Report and the relevant comments contained therein be
forwarded to the Director, Ontario Growth Secretariat and Minister of
Municipal Affairs Ontario.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clauses:
That any change in terminology that reflects a reduction in standards
is not supported, specifically that the language in the Growth Plan
that reads "a clean and healthy environment" not be changed to "a
cleaner environment"; and
That the terminology of "social equity" not be changed to “an
approach that puts people first".
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 10 of 16
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-017 be received; and
2. That this Report and the relevant comments contained therein be
forwarded to the Director, Ontario Growth Secretariat and Minister of
Municipal Affairs Ontario; and
3. That any change in terminology that reflects a reduction in
standards is not supported, specifically that the language in the
Growth Plan that reads "a clean and healthy environment" not be
changed to "a cleaner environment"; and
4. That the terminology of "social equity" not be changed to “an
approach that puts people first".
Main motion as amended
Carried
8. Motions
(a) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Backyard Swimming Instruction on Private Property
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas swimming is a life skill that all people should acquire and residents
who have backyard swimming pools offer lessons and instruction in their
private pools providing a community service within their neighbourhood; and
Whereas often these instructors are young adults and students seeking
summer employment; and
Whereas the Town’s Zoning By-law permits home occupation for similar types
of activities such as dance or music instruction provided that all home
occupation activities be conducted entirely within the dwelling or permitted
accessory buildings;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 11 of 16
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to report back
regarding the changes needed for a Zoning By-law amendment to amend
the Home Occupation provisions to allow for backyard swimming
instruction on private property.
Carried
(b) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Cannabis Public Use By-law
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas, as of October 17, 2018, the sale and recreational use of cannabis is
now legal in Canada; and
Whereas the Provincial government has enacted legislation that “…aligns the
laws surrounding the consumption of cannabis with the Smoke-Free Ontario
Act”; and
Whereas, as cannabis use will fall under the same regulations as the Smoke-
Free Ontario Act, 2017, it will therefore be prohibited to consume cannabis
within 20 metres of a children’s playground, publicly-owned sport field or sport
surface, such as a basketball court, baseball field, soccer pitch, ice rink, splash
pad or beach volleyball court; and it is illegal to smoke or hold lighted tobacco
or cannabis on public or private school property as well as in any common
areas of condos, apartment buildings, or college and university residences;
and
Whereas, as per recent amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001, municipalities
can pass by-laws respecting the smoking and vaping of cannabis that are
more restrictive than the rules under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017; and
Whereas residents are concerned about the use of cannabis in public spaces;
and
Whereas there is a lack of understanding as to what is or is not permitted
regarding the use of cannabis in public spaces; and
Whereas consistency and clarity of regulation of use of cannabis in public
spaces across municipalities in York Region is in the public interest;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 12 of 16
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora request
York Region to work with Regional municipalities to create a Regional
public cannabis usage by-law that addresses and reflects community
concerns regarding use of cannabis in public spaces; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That, upon approval of said by-law, staff be
directed to create a cannabis education/resource guide and awareness
campaign, to ensure residents and businesses are aware of the
regulations as they speak to the use of cannabis in public spaces; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That this motion be sent to all York Region
municipalities for their endorsement.
Carried
(c) Councillor Gaertner
Re: Information Regarding 672 and 684 Henderson Drive
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas there is a significant public interest in the proposed development of
the properties located at 672 and 684 Henderson Drive; and
Whereas the community is requesting more information with respect to the
history of the property and any contact between the owners and the Town; and
Whereas it is important to recognize the public expectation of open and
accessible information;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That any and all Town information
regarding the properties located at 672 and 684 Henderson Drive,
including but not limited to prior correspondence and Closed Session
Reports and Minutes, excluding anything currently being considered by
Council in Closed Session, be released to the general public and the
Committee of Adjustment before a Meeting is held regarding these
properties.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 13 of 16
Motion to defer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That Motion (c) Councillor Gaertner; Re: Information Regarding 672 and 684
Henderson Drive be deferred to the next Council meeting on March 26, 2019;
and
That a Council Closed Session regarding this matter be held prior to the next
Council meeting.
Motion to defer
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – January 31, 2019
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Regional Report of January 31, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the status of a previous motion regarding the
Sewer Use By-law respecting hot tub and pool drainage, and staff agreed to follow
up and provide a response.
Mayor Mrakas referred to the Ontario government’s announcement of February
26, 2019, respecting planned changes to the health care system and noted that
Aurora would be pursuing any opportunities to participate in the provision of
coordinated patient services.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder about the winter overnight parking
restrictions that continue to be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. until April 15, 2019.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 14 of 16
Councillor Humfryes announced that the 2nd Annual Paws in the SARC event will
be held in the Spring and noted that details, including vendor and sponsorship
opportunities, are available at aurora.ca/pawsinthesarc.
Councillor Humfryes shared her experiences of participating in an afternoon ride-
along with By-law Services staff, noting that their primary goal is to protect
residents and keep the community safe through enforcement, education and
proactive approaches. She expressed her appreciation to staff for their time and
efforts, and encouraged other Council members to participate in a ride-along to
gain a better understanding of the role of By-law Services.
Councillor Kim announced that the Town is accepting applications for the John
West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award until May 1, 2019, and
noted that details are available at aurora.ca/leadersoftomorrow.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the Town is seeking feedback and suggestions
regarding the future direction of areas designated as Stable Neighbourhoods,
which will be discussed at a Public Planning meeting at 7 p.m. on March 27, 2019,
at Town Hall. She noted that feedback can be submitted online at
placespeak.com/stableneighbourhoods.
Councillor Thompson advised that the Town is working on an Economic
Development Strategy and seeking resident input through an online survey by
clicking on the Have Your Say Banner at aurora.ca.
Councillor Thompson encouraged everyone to register and participate in the 2019
Run for Southlake fundraising event being held on Sunday, April 28, 2019.
Councillor Thompson invited residents to be a part of the Town’s 2019 Budget
process by attending and providing input at Budget meetings, details of which can
be found at aurora.ca/budget.
Councillor Gallo announced that the Spring & Summer Community Services
Program Guide has been delivered, noting that online or in-person registration for
residents began on February 25, 2019, for Recreation and Summer Camp
programs, and Aquatics registration will start on Monday, March 4, 2019. He
further noted that registrations from February 25 to March 8, 2019, for select
Summer Camps would receive a 10% discount and details are available at
aurora.ca/summercamps.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 15 of 16
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town is again recognizing its volunteer citizens
and organizations who have made a positive impact in the community, noting that
nominations will be accepted until April 5, 2019, and the nomination form and
details are available at any Town facility reception desk or aurora.ca/cra.
Mayor Mrakas acknowledged that the Family Day events held on February 18,
2019, including Aurora’s Arctic Adventure, were a great success, and he
expressed appreciation to the Special Events team and all staff involved.
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6155-19 Being a By-law to establish a Council Code of
Conduct and a Local Boards Code of Conduct.
(b) By-law Number 6156-19 Being a By-law to appoint Municipal By-law
Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for The Corporation of
the Town of Aurora.
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6157-19 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on February 26, 2019.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Page 16 of 16
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk