MINUTES - Council - 20190924
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes (arrived 7:03 p.m., departed 8:53 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, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 8:22 p.m., during
consideration of Motion (a) Canopy of Lights, and resumed the chair at 8:50 p.m..
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, as amended by waiver of
the Procedure By-law to include the following additional item, be approved:
• Delegation (a) Joanne Russo, Chair, Aurora Business Improvement Area (BIA)
Board of Management; Re: Motion (a) Canopy of Lights
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 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, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
3. Community Presentations
None
4. Delegations
(a) Joanne Russo, Chair, Aurora Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board of
Management
Re: Motion (a) Canopy of Lights
Ms. Russo, on behalf of the Aurora BIA Board of Management, spoke in
support of the Motion to install a canopy of lights in the downtown BIA area.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (a).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following Consent Agenda items C1 and C2 be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2019
1. That the Council meeting minutes of September 10, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of July 26 , 2019
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 3 of 12
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 26, 2019, be received for
information.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of September 17, 2019
1. That the General Committee meeting report of September 17, 2019, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved,
with the exception of sub-items R1, R2, R3, and R7, which were
discussed and voted on separately as recorded below:
(R1) PDS19-085 – Sidewalk Construction on Adair Drive, Bailey
Crescent, Davidson Road, Browning Court, Johnson
Road, Holman Crescent and Baldwin Road
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-085 be received; and
2. That the Town's Sidewalk Installation Policy be waived to permit the
reconstructions of Adair Drive, Bailey Crescent, Davidson Road,
Browning Court, Johnson Road, Holman Crescent and Baldwin
Road without sidewalks; and
3. That sidewalks be removed from the scope of Capital Project Nos.
31118 and 31119; and
4. That the curb and gutter design of the reconstructions remain.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 4 of 12
(R2) CS19-034 – Noise Exemption Request – 25 Butternut Ridge Trail
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS19-034 be received; and
2. That an exemption to the Town’s Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P to
allow for the construction of a five-storey apartment building
between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, which requires cast-
in-place concrete slabs at 25 Butternut Ridge Trail, be approved;
and
3. That a by-law to amend Noise By-law No. 4787-06.P be brought
forward to a future Council meeting providing delegated authority to
staff for the approval of noise exemptions for continuous pouring of
concrete that cannot be interrupted once the operations have
commenced.
Carried
(R3) PDS19-070 – Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Straws
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-070 be received; and
2. That an Offer-First policy be implemented at all Town facilities and
Town-run special events, offering plastic straws to customers when
required rather than serving them automatically; and
3. That Council support the Federal and Provincial Governments’
waste initiatives regarding single-use plastics and packaging and
that this report be forwarded to them for information; and
4. That staff be directed to report back to Council with an update on
the results of the Offer-First policy initiative after one year.
Carried
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 5 of 12
(R4) PDS19-073 – Approval for Capital Project No. 31133 – Photometric
Analysis and Lighting Gap Study
1. That Report No. PDS19-073 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for
Capital Project No. 31133 – Photometric Analysis and Lighting Gap
Study in the amount of $100,000.
Carried
(R5) PDS19-075 – Approval for Capital Project No. 31175 – Municipal
Parking Lot Rehabilitation Study
1. That Report No. PDS19-075 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for
Capital Project No. 31175 – Municipal Parking Lot Rehabilitation
Study in the amount of $200,000.
Carried
(R6) PDS19-077 – Additional Information Regarding the Feasibility of
Implementing a Train Whistle Cessation Program for
Aurora GO Train Crossings
1. Report No. PDS19-077 be received; and
2. That the Town not proceed with the implementation of a Train
Whistle Cessation Program.
Carried
(R7) PDS19-080 – Application for Removal of (H) Holding Provision
Highland Gate Developments Inc. (HGDI)
167, 171 and 175 Timberline Trail, Lots 42, 43 and 44,
Plan 65M-4644, File Number: ZBA(H)-2019-01, Related
File Numbers: OPA-2015-01, ZBA-2015-02, and SUB-
2015-01
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 6 of 12
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS19-080 be received; and
2. That the Application to Remove the (H) Holding Provision (File
ZBA(H)-2019-01 from Lots 42 to 44 on the Draft Plan of Subdivision
(SUB-2015-01) be approved; and
3. That the amending By-law to remove the (H) Holding Provision be
presented for enactment at a future Council meeting; and
4. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all
agreements, documents and ancillary agreements required to give
effect to the development.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. FS19-026 – 2020 Capital Investment Program, Strategic Asset
Management Policy and 10-Year Asset Management Plan
Overview
On a motion by Councillor Gilliland seconded by Councillor Kim, Council consented to
allow an extended presentation time of fifteen minutes.
Ms. Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance, presented an
overview of the 2020 Capital Budget process including capital investments,
reserves, financial sustainability, and next steps.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. FS19-026 be received; and
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 7 of 12
2. That the 2019 10-Year Capital Investment Plan and 2020 Draft Capital
Budget be received and referred to the Budget Committee.
Carried
8. Motions
(a) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Canopy of Lights
Main motion
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas Goal 3 of the Town’s ”Economic Strategic Plan” identifies
establishing downtown Aurora as a destination and focal point for the
community; and
Whereas creating a unique atmosphere, that would at the same time promote
the Town’s built heritage, would advance this goal; and
Whereas economically vibrant downtowns are the heart and soul of the
community, provide an identity for the Town, and are a point of pride for the
community;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to work with
the Aurora BIA (Business Improvement Area) to install a “canopy of lights”
on Yonge Street from Wellington Street to Mosley Street in time for the
Santa Under the Stars Parade on November 23, 2019.
Amendment
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That the scope of Capital Project No. 81016 – Aurora Promenade
Streetscape Design and Implementation be increased to include the
installation of the Canopy of Lights at an upset limit of $100,000.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 8 of 12
Amendment
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That the provisions of the Procurement By-law be waived to allow sole
sourcing.
Defeated
Main motion as amended
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas Goal 3 of the Town’s ”Economic Strategic Plan” identifies
establishing downtown Aurora as a destination and focal point for the
community; and
Whereas creating a unique atmosphere, that would at the same time promote
the Town’s built heritage, would advance this goal; and
Whereas economically vibrant downtowns are the heart and soul of the
community, provide an identity for the Town, and are a point of pride for the
community;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to work with
the Aurora BIA (Business Improvement Area) to install a “canopy of lights”
on Yonge Street from Wellington Street to Mosley Street; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the scope of Capital Project No. 81016 –
Aurora Promenade Streetscape Design and Implementation be
increased to include the installation of the Canopy of Lights at an
upset limit of $100,000.
Carried as amended
9. Regional Report
None
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 9 of 12
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo inquired about the delegation registration process for a group to
be included as a community presentation on the agenda of a General Committee
or Council meeting. Staff provided a response and agreed to provide greater clarity
to the process.
Councillor Gaertner referred to Item C2 regarding the Correspondence section and
agreed to obtain clarification regarding the funding approved for flood mitigation,
and she provided further comments on the LSRCA financial update.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the New Business section of Item S1 and
requested that her inquiry about stormwater management reports be amended for
clarity, and staff agreed to make the revision.
Councillor Kim referred to the noise barrier fencing of the Treasure Hill
development on the south side of Wellington Street East and inquired about the
planned landscaping to cover the fencing. Staff provided a response noting that
the combination of trees and shrubs will meet the intention as they mature over
time.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the Town’s pre-construction communication
process with residents who would be impacted by any infrastructure projects. Staff
provided a response and agreed to review the notice period requirements toward
improving the process.
Councillor Kim referred to the recently addressed issues involving the Sidewalk
Installation Policy and suggested that some existing policies may require review
and revision to better reflect the community’s needs.
Mayor Mrakas expressed ongoing concerns regarding the unacceptable conditions
of the Highland Gate redevelopment site and requested that staff contact Highland
Gate Developments Inc. toward resolving the issues and upholding the agreement.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland announced that registration is now open for the 2019 fall
recreation and aquatics programs, noting that a copy of the Community Services
Program Guide can be picked up at various Town facilities or viewed online at
aurora.ca/recguide.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 10 of 12
Councillor Gilliland advised that Graystones Restaurant would be holding A Tribute
to Elton John event on Friday, September 27, 2019, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
featuring pianist Christopher Rolko and local musicians, noting that partial
proceeds of ticket sales will support Music Aurora. She added that tickets are $20
through eventbrite.ca or by contacting Janet Marsh at mjanet.marsh@gmail.com.
Councillor Kim announced that the next Town of Aurora E-Waste event would be
held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the Joint Operations Centre from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m., and more details can be found at aurora.ca/ewaste.
Councillor Gaertner expressed gratitude to TD Bank and the Highland Gate
Ratepayers Association for sponsoring Concerts in the Park during the 2019
season.
Councillor Gaertner announced that the Town is developing a Community Energy
Plan and would like to hear from residents, noting that Town staff and LURA
Consulting will be holding a community engagement event at the Aurora Farmers’
Market and Artisan Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It was further noted that information and opportunities to provide comment can be
found at aurora.ca/communityenergyplan.
Councillor Thompson advised that the Central York Girls Hockey Association is
partnering with the Toronto Marlies to bring an AHL pre-season game to the Ray
Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 4
p.m., noting that tickets can be purchased at marlies.live/Newmarket.
Councillor Gallo announced that the Colours of the Fall Concert would be held on
Thursday, October 10, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Park, and more details
can be found at aurora.ca/fallconcert.
Councillor Gallo advised that the Aurora Adult Soccer Club is holding its first
Oktoberfest Beer Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 11:30
p.m. at 510 Industrial Parkway South, noting that tickets are $15 and more
information is available at auroraoktoberfest.com.
Mayor Mrakas expressed his appreciation of the Aurora Public Library’s first
lecture in a series, The York University Scholar’s Hub, regarding Responsibilities
to Wampums, Treaties, and Relationships given by Dr. Ruth Koleszar-Green,
Professor and Indigenous Researcher, which he and Councillor Gaertner attended
on September 23, 2019.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 11 of 12
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6203-19 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 14288 Yonge Street
(Cedartrail Developments Inc.).
(b) By-law Number 6204-19 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 167, 171 and 175
Timberline Trail, to remove a Holding “(H)” symbol (Aurora (HGD) Inc.).
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6205-19 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on September 24, 2019.
Carried
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Page 12 of 12
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk