MINUTES - Council - 20200428
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Video Conference
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, 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, Michelle Outar,
Acting Manager of Corporate Communications, Patricia De Sario,
Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Ishita Soneji,
Council/Committee Coordinator
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 20.1 of the Town's Procedure By-
law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of National Day of Mourning.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
8:33 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the chair to Deputy Mayor Kim at 9:56 p.m. during the
consideration of Motion (a) and resumed the chair at 10:02 p.m.
Council consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 2 of 15
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item, be approved:
• Delegation (a) Mitch McGuire, Resident; Re: Item R2 – PDS20-012 –
Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Starlight Investments, 145 and 147
Wellington Street West, Part of Lot 28, Plan 264, File Number: ZBA-2018-01
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
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. Delegations
(a) Mitch McGuire, Resident
Re: Item R2 – PDS20-012 – Application for Zoning By-law Amendment,
Starlight Investments, 145 and 147 Wellington Street West, Part of
Lot 28, Plan 264, File Number: ZBA-2018-01
Mr. McGuire provided a summary of parking concerns and spoke to the
proposed on-site parking supply for tenants and visitors based on the parking
survey from the developer. He expressed concern regarding the proposed
parking ratio noting that either retaining the current parking ratio or decreasing
the number of townhouses would alleviate the concerns regarding sufficient
parking.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 3 of 15
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item R2.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C5 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020
1. That the Council meeting minutes of February 25, 2020, be adopted as
circulated.
C2. Special Meeting of Council Minutes of March 31, 2020
1. That the Special Meeting of Council meeting minutes of March 31, 2020,
be adopted as circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of March 3, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of March 3, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
C4. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2020
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of February 11, 2020,
be adopted as circulated.
C5. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2020
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of March 10, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 4 of 15
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
5. Standing Committee Reports
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of April 14, 2020
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That the General Committee meeting report of April 14, 2020, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-item R1, which was discussed and voted on separately
as recorded below.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(A1) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12,
2020
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 12, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
(A2) Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 20,
2020
1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 20, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
(A3) Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2020
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March 10,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 5 of 15
(A4) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 11,
2020
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March
11, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) OPS20-006 – 276 and 310 Hartwell Way – Non-Programmed Park
Design
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. OPS20-006 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to go out for public consultation on the two
proposed park concept plans prior to approval.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor
Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(R2) CMS20-011 – Request for Information Re: Construction and
Operation of an Indoor Baseball Training Facility on
the Hallmark Lands
1. That Report No. CMS20-011 be received; and
2. That Director of Community Services be authorized to issue a
Request for Information regarding the construction and operation of
an indoor multipurpose facility on the Hallmark Lands.
Carried
(R3) PDS20-021 – Application for Site Plan Approval, Whitwell
Developments Ltd., 157 First Commerce Drive, Part of
Block 2, Plan 65M3819, Parts 1-9, RP 65R31257, File
Number: SP-2019-04
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 6 of 15
1. That Report No. PDS20-021 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2019-04 (Whitwell Developments
Ltd.), to permit a one-storey daycare facility, be approved in principle.
Carried
(R4) CS20-005 – Regional Council Composition Review
1. That Report No. CS20-005 be received; and
2. That the Town of Aurora Council does not consent to an additional
member of the Regional Municipality of York Council for the City of
Vaughan; and
3. That the Town Clerk be directed to circulate the Town’s decision to
York Region and all York Region Municipalities.
Carried
(R5) FIN20-009 – 2021 Budget Process and Timeline
1. That Report No. FIN20-009 be received; and
2. That the changes to the budget process and format be approved; and
3. That the proposed budget timeline as detailed in Table 1, be
approved.
Carried
(R6) FIN20-005 – Administrative Changes to Development Charges
under Bill 108 and Bill 138
1. That Report No. FIN20-005 be received; and
2. That authority be delegated to the Treasurer to administer the
charging of interest and setting of the rate pursuant to sections 26.1
and 26.2 of the Development Charges Act, 1997; and
3. That a new development charge Administration Fee be approved for
the processing and management of the requirements of Bills 108 and
138 to date.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 7 of 15
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Council consented to consider Item R2 prior to the consideration of Item S1(R1).
R1. FIN20-011 – COVID-19 Financial Impact Forecast
Ms. Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel presented an overview of the financial
impacts on the Town due to the COVID-19 pandemic including a month-by-
month breakdown of the estimated tax levy operating deficit, impact from
deferring the 2020 water, wastewater and storm water rate increases, and
outlined the effects on capital asset management. She provided details on the
financial measures put in place thus far and noted that staff will continue to
monitor the ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and report back to
Council on a regular basis.
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN20-011 be received for information.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clauses:
“That a copy of this report be sent to the Aurora Public Library, Aurora
Historical Society, Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
and the Joint Council Committee for Central York Fire Services; and
That a request be made to these organizations to do what they can to
reduce expenditures and engage in discussions with the Town on how
they may be able to assist in balancing the Town’s potential operating
budget deficit."
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor
Mrakas
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 8 of 15
Voting Nays: None
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“That the retail water rate, retail wastewater rate, storm flat rate –
residential, and storm flat rate – non-residential, be reverted back to
the revised break-even rate until the end of June 2020.”
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor
Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN20-011 be received; and
2. That a copy of this report be sent to the Aurora Public Library,
Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Sports Hall
of Fame and the Joint Council Committee for Central York Fire
Services; and
3. That a request be made to these organizations to do what they can to
reduce expenditures and engage in discussions with the Town on
how they may be able to assist in balancing the Town’s potential
operating budget deficit; and
4. That the retail water rate, retail wastewater rate, storm flat rate –
residential, and storm flat rate – non-residential, be reverted back to
the revised break-even rate until the end of June 2020.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 9 of 15
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
R2. PDS20-012 – Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Starlight
Investments, 145 and 147 Wellington Street West, Part of
Lot 28, Plan 264, File Number: ZBA-2018-01
Main motion No. 1
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS20-012 be received; and
2. That the Zoning By-law Amendment file ZBA-2018-01 (Starlight
Investments) be approved to rezone the subject lands from “Second
Density Apartment Residential (RA2) Zone”, to “Second Density
Apartment Residential [RA2(XX)] Exception Zone”; and
3. That an implementing Zoning By-law be brought forward to a future
Council meeting.
On a recorded vote the motion was
Defeated
Yeas: 3 Nays: 4
Voting Yeas: Councillors Kim, Gilliland, and Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillors Gallo, Gaertner, Humfryes, and
Thompson
Main motion No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS20-012 be received; and
2. That the application for Zoning By-law Amendment for 145 and 147
Wellington Street West be denied for the following reasons: the application
does not meet the zoning requirement for RA2 zone, the development
already meets intensification requirements under the York Region Official
Plan and already follows the Town and Regional planning policies to
support affordable housing; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 10 of 15
3. That the application does not maintain current parking rate standard and
nor does it address the concerns raised by Council.
On a recorded vote the motion was
Defeated
Yeas: 3 Nays: 4
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Humfryes, and
Thompson
Voting Nays: Councillors Gilliland, Gallo, Kim, and Mayor
Mrakas
Motion to waive procedure and reconsider
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That the timing and notice provisions in Section 45 of the Procedure By-
law 6228-19, as amended, be waived to permit a motion to reconsider;
and
2. That the Zoning By-law Amendment application for 145 and 147
Wellington Street West be reconsidered (Main motion No. 1), requiring a
vote in the affirmative of two-thirds majority of the members present.
On a recorded vote the motion was
Defeated (did not receive two-thirds majority vote)
Yeas: 4 Nays: 3
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gallo, Gaertner, Humfryes, and
Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillors Gilliland, Kim, and Thompson
Main motion No. 3
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS20-012 be received.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 11 of 15
7. Motions
(a) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Financial Support of the Aurora Cares Community Action Team
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant impact on the most
vulnerable and at risk in our community; and
Whereas the Aurora Cares Community Action Team has recently been
created to assess the needs of the most vulnerable and at risk in our
community and help fill in the gaps where needed; and
Whereas the Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic fund’s balance of $59,286
is sufficient to accommodate a $25,000 contribution to the Aurora Cares
Community Action Team;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That $25,000 be transferred from
the Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic Fund to the Aurora Cares
Community Action Team in support of its identified initiatives; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Aurora Cares Community Action Team
report back to Council on its results achieved from these transferred
monies.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
8. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – February 27, 2020 and April 2, 2020
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Regional Report of February 27, 2020 and April 2, 2020 be received for
information.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 12 of 15
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
9. New Business
New Business Motion No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the timing and notice provisions in Section 45 of the Procedure By-law
6228-19, as amended, be waived to permit a motion to reconsider, requiring a
vote in the affirmative of two-thirds majority of the members present.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
New Business Motion No. 2
Motion to reconsider
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the motion to deny the Zoning By-law Amendment application for 145 and
147 Wellington Street West be reconsidered (Main motion No. 2), requiring a
vote in the affirmative of two-thirds majority of the members present.
On a recorded vote the motion was
Defeated (did not receive two-thirds majority vote)
Yeas: 3 Nays: 4
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gallo, Gaertner, and Humfryes
Voting Nays: Councillors Gilliland, Kim, Thompson, and
Mayor Mrakas
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 13 of 15
Councillor Gilliland announced the formation of an Arts and Culture working group
noting that its first meeting is forthcoming.
Councillor Gilliland extended her appreciation to staff for partnering with
earthday.ca to promote Earth Day 2020.
Councillor Gilliland expressed concerns regarding excessive litter around Town
and inquired about the possibility of exploring more options beyond community
cleanup, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland offered her condolences to the families of those deceased due
to COVID-19.
Councillor Gallo referred to Town of Georgina’s Emergency Response Benefit to
support local businesses and inquired about the possibility of offering similar
options for local businesses in Aurora, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gallo offered his condolences to the family of Jan Freedman who
recently passed away. Jan was the Vice President of the Aurora Seniors Centre
and a board member of the Aurora Public Library and Aurora Farmers Market.
Councillor Gaertner noted that in honour of National Day of Mourning, a worker
memorial is permanently displayed in the main mezzanine at the York Mills
subway station.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder to all members of public to follow the
social distancing guidelines and adhere to the municipal regulations with respect to
public space closures around Town due to the COOVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Humfryes requested that information regarding closures and all COVID
related updates from Town be refreshed and re-circulated, and staff agreed to
follow up.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Aurora Farmers Market and Artisan Fair
opening day will be on May 23, 2020 and further information regarding the event
will be forthcoming.
Councillor Gallo inquired about decisions made under delegated authority since
declaring a state of emergency, and staff provided a response noting a report
would be brought forward in May 2020.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 14 of 15
Councillor Gilliland sought clarification on which trails are open during the state of
emergency and requested that the information be updated on the Town’s website.
Mayor Mrakas offered his condolences to the families of those deceased due to
COVID-19.
Mayor Mrakas extended his appreciation to all essential workers, volunteers, and
local businesses providing support to the Aurora community during the pandemic.
10. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-laws be enacted, with the amendment that all rates in
Schedule A of By-law (a) be reverted to the revised break-even rate until the end
of June 2020:
(a) By-law Number 6250-20 Being a By-law to amend Municipal Waterworks
Distribution By-law Number 3305-91, as amended.
(b) By-law Number 6251-20 Being a By-law to amend Parking and Traffic Control
By-law Number 4574.04T, as amended and erect stop signs at the intersection
John West Way and Amberhill Way.
(c) By-law Number 6252-20 Being a By-law to establish lands on Plan 65M-4424
as highways – TACC Developments (Aurora) Inc. – Phase 1.
(d) By-law Number 6253-20 Being a By-law to assume highways on Plan 65M-
4424 for public use – TACC Developments (Aurora) Inc. – Phase 1.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
11. Closed Session
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Page 15 of 15
12. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6254-20 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on April 28, 2020.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
13. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:46 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk