MINUTES - Council - 20200128
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Humfryes,
Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent Councillor Gilliland
Other Attendees David Waters, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, 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, 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 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item, be approved:
• Item R1 – CMS20-004 – Additional Information Supporting Outdoor Sport Field
Development Strategy
Carried
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Page 2 of 14
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 and John Hartman, Consultants for Southlake Foundation
Re: 2020 Run for Southlake
Mr. North presented an update on the services and achievements of the
Southlake Regional Health Centre, noting that the Nature’s Emporium Run for
Southlake event helps to fund the tools and equipment needed to serve a
growing community. He invited the residents of Aurora to register and raise
funds for the event being held on Sunday, April 26, 2020, and extended a
further challenge to Mayor Mrakas and Council members to help raise funds
for the hospital and keep the Mayor’s Challenge Cup in Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
(a) Javed S. Khan, Director, Community Relations, and Ron Weese, Past
President, Sport Aurora
Re: General Committee Item R1 – CMS20-001 – Outdoor Field
Development Strategy
On a motion of Councillor Gallo seconded by Councillor Thompson, Council consented
to allow the delegation additional time as required.
Mr. Khan and Mr. Weese referred to a white paper report—that was shared
with Council and staff in advance—representing the collective views of Sport
Aurora and local sport organizations who gave input on the proposed outdoor
field development strategy, and highlighted the concerns regarding data
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Page 3 of 14
verification, trends, capacity, and inclusion. They requested that the 17
recommendations offered in the report be considered by Council and staff.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item S1(R1).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C11 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2019
1. That the Council meeting minutes of December 10, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Special Meeting of Council Minutes of December 17, 2019
1. That the Special Meeting of Council minutes of December 17, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of December 3, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of December 3, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of December 3, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of December 3, 2019,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. Council Closed Session Minutes of December 10, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of December 10, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Page 4 of 14
C6. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of December 10, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of December 10, 2019,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C7. Council Closed Session Minutes of December 17, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of December 17, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C8. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of December 17, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of December 17, 2019,
be adopted as printed and circulated.
C9. Council Closed Session Minutes of January 14, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 14, 2020, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C10. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of January 14, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of January 14, 2020, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C11. Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of September 27 and November 8, 2019
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 27 and November 8,
2019, be received for information.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Council consented to consider sub-item S1(R3) prior to consideration of sub-item
S1(R1).
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Page 5 of 14
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of January 14, 2020
1. That the General Committee meeting report of January 14, 2020, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved,
with the exception of sub-items R1 and R3, which were discussed and
voted on separately as recorded below:
(A1) Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 9,
2019
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
December 9, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(A2) Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 18,
2019
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
December 18, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(A3) Mayor’s Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
December 5, 2019
1. That the Mayor’s Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes of
December 5, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) CMS20-001 – Outdoor Field Development Strategy
and
R1. CMS20-004 – Additional Information Supporting Outdoor Sport
Field Development Strategy
Council consented to consider sub-item S1(R1) together with item R1 from Section 7,
Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda).
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Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CMS20-001 and Report No. CMS20-004 be
received; and
2. That the recommendations from Monteith Brown Planning
Consultants’ Sports Field Development Strategy be endorsed in
principle, subject to Council approval of budgetary implications.
Carried
(R2) OPS19-019 – Hallmark Baseball Diamonds – Additional Funding
1. That Report No. OPS19-019 be referred back to staff for more
information regarding an indoor baseball training facility on the
Hallmark lands.
Carried
(R3) PDS20-002 – Stream Management Master Plan and Flood Relief
Study
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS20-002 be received; and
2. That the Stream Management Master Plan and Flood Relief Study
dated September 30, 2019, be endorsed in principle, subject to
budget approval for the erosion and flood mitigation projects listed
herein; and
3. That Project No. E-3 Wellington Street West be included in the 2-10
year implementation plan and staff be directed to report back with
the financial implications; and
4. That Project No. F-7 Machell Park be included in the 2-10 year
implementation plan and staff be directed to report back with the
financial implications.
Carried
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(R4) PDS20-001 – Development Planning Fees and Charges Update
1. That Report No. PDS20-001 be received; and
2. That the recommended updates to the Town’s Development
Planning Fees and Charges be endorsed in principle, subject to
consultation with the development industry and the public; and
3. That staff be authorized to proceed with consultation with the
development industry and the public to obtain input on proposed
updates to the Town’s Development Planning Fees and Charges.
Carried
(R5) PDS20-008 – Application for Site Plan Approval
Dormer Hill Inc., 14029 Yonge Street, File Number:
SP-2018-01, Related File Numbers: OPA-2017-02,
ZBA-2017-01, SUB-2017-01 and CDM-2017-01
1. That Report No. PDS20-008 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2018-01 (Dormer Hill Inc.) to
permit the development of 27 single-detached dwellings on 27
single-detached lots be approved in principle, subject to the
following conditions:
(a) Execution of the outstanding subdivision agreement for 19T-
17A071 (SUB-2017-01); and
(b) Resolution of all outstanding comments from internal
department and divisions as described herein, to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development
Services; and
(c) Resolution of all outstanding comments from external agencies
including The Regional Municipality of York and the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, to the satisfaction of the
Director of Planning and Development Services; and
(d) Execution of a site plan agreement; and
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3. That, in accordance with By-law No. 6212-19, the Town’s Director
of Planning and Development Services be authorized to execute the
Site Plan Agreement, including any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same.
Carried
(R6) Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas
Re: Appointment to the Community Advisory Committee
1. That the memorandum regarding Appointment to the Community
Advisory Committee be received; and
2. That the Terms of Reference for the Community Advisory
Committee be amended to include two representatives from
Council; and
3. That Councillor Harold Kim be appointed to the Community
Advisory Committee.
Carried
(New Business) Motion No. 1
Re: Delegation (c) Trevor Hall and Krista Hall, Residents; Re: 94
Connaught Avenue (Exemption from Interim Control By-law)
1. That staff be directed to bring a report to a future General
Committee meeting regarding a proposed exemption to Interim
Control By-law No. 6148-19, as amended, to permit the construction
of a second-storey addition to the existing single-storey dwelling at
94 Connaught Avenue.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. CMS20-004 – Additional Information Supporting Outdoor Sport Field
Development Strategy
Council consented to consider item R1 together with sub-item S1(R1) under Section 6,
Standing Committee Reports.
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8. Motions
(a) Councillor Kim
Re: Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas diversity has always been an important characteristic in Canada’s
history and today Canada is one of the most diverse countries of the world;
and
Whereas one-fifth of Canada’s population was born outside Canada and
represents the highest foreign-born proportion of the population in the G7
countries; and
Whereas immigration accounts for two-thirds of Canada’s population growth
and by 2031 one-third of the population are expected to be visible minorities,
and in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) itself more than 50% are currently
considered in this group; and
Whereas, depending on which source is referenced, 5%-13% of the population
identifies themselves as LGBTQ; and
Whereas the indigenous population is growing naturally at a rate four times
that of the non-indigenous population; and
Whereas one in seven people consider themselves as having a disability and
approximately 26% of these people classify themselves as having a severe
disability; and
Whereas women are still challenged in equitable representation in the senior
ranks and on public company boards; and
Whereas the most successful organizations in the world recognize that
diversity and inclusion: 1) spur innovation; 2) increase productivity; and 3)
create a healthy, respectful workplace; and
Whereas public organizations embrace opportunities to foster a more inclusive
organizational culture that engage, develop and celebrate its people, and
attract a diverse workforce; and
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Whereas employees of the Town of Aurora and indeed other York Region
municipalities come from all over the GTA and not just from the home
community; and
Whereas, based on the 2016 Census, 22.3% of the Canadian population are
visible minorities and the federal government employment of visible minorities
makes up 15.7%; and 29.3% of Ontarians are visible minorities and the
provincial government employment of visible minorities makes up 22.6%;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff investigate municipal
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Strategies and Work Plans as well as
other similar strategies across Ontario (public, private and non-for-profit
organizations) and report to Council on the state of diversity and inclusion
in the Town of Aurora and any current initiatives underway; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff in its report provide recommendations on
how to enhance the Town’s current workplace diversity and inclusion
strategy; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That this motion be forwarded to the Premier of
Ontario and all York Region municipalities for their consideration.
Carried
(b) Councillor Kim
Re: Tennis Court Permitting
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas tennis is a fast-growing sport; and
Whereas the last Parks and Recreation Master Plan called for 14 courts by
2021 and we currently have 15 courts, and staff believe that we will likely need
to update the numbers to update the projected population; and
Whereas the Town has generated minimum permit revenues over the last
three years: $334 in 2019, $943 in 2018, and $936 in 2017; and
Whereas residents have experienced going to our public courts and being
denied by “tennis instructors” who claim they have a permit but are unwilling to
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Page 11 of 14
disclose the permit (as no permit was in fact issued in those instances) and
creating an adversarial environment, and many of these instructors and
students are not from Aurora; and
Whereas, based on Town permit records, there have not been any individual
permit requests from residents for recreational play in the past three years; all
permit requests have come from various tennis instructors, the Aurora Tennis
Club, and public schools;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff investigate a tennis
usage strategy not limited to:
(a) Allowing no permits;
(b) Limited permits to certain entities;
(c) Limiting permits to certain tennis facility;
(d) Limiting permits to certain times;
(e) Creating signs on every Town tennis court facility that will create clarity
on order of play and overall fairness to the public; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff recommendations come back to Council
by the February cycle in order to implement for the 2020 tennis season.
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – December 19, 2019
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Regional Report of December 19, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo inquired about Town communications regarding the recent novel
coronavirus outbreak. Mayor Mrakas noted that York Region has advised that the
health risk for York Region residents remains very low and any further updates
would be disseminated through the Mayor’s office.
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Councillor Gaertner inquired about the Town’s enforcement of the three-bag
garbage limit, and staff provided a response noting that an update report to
Council is forthcoming.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Humfryes announced that the 2020 Winter Recreation Program is open
for residents and further information can be found at aurora.ca/recguide.
Councillor Humfryes announced that Aurora’s Arctic Adventure will be held on
Monday, February 17, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Town Park and more
information is available at aurora.ca/arcticadventure.
Councillor Kim advised that the Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts will be held on
Wednesday, February 19, 2020, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Brevik Hall at the Aurora
Cultural Centre, and more information can be found at auroraculturalcentre.ca.
Councillor Gaertner extended a reminder that winter overnight parking restrictions
are in effect until April 15, 2020, and more information regarding parking and snow
plowing can be found at aurora.ca/snow.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to the residents who have offered their
condolences on the passing of her husband.
Councillor Thompson announced that the Annual Mayor’s Luncheon hosted by the
Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at
the Royal Venetian, and tickets can be purchased at aurorachamber.on.ca.
Councillor Gallo advised that skate times at the Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex will be cancelled on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, and
regular scheduled skate times will resume on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town is accepting applications until May 1,
2020, for the John West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award, and
more information is available at aurora.ca/leadersoftomorrow.
Mayor Mrakas, on behalf of Council, extended condolences to Councillor Gaertner
on the recent passing of her husband.
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12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6234-20 Being a By-law to appoint two (2) Deputy Treasurers
for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
(b) By-law Number 6235-20 Being a By-law to allocate any 2019 Operating Fund
surplus and any 2019 Water and Wastewater Operating Fund surplus or
deficit.
(c) By-law Number 6236-20 Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (Railroad Hotel).
(d) By-law Number 6237-20 Being a By-law to appoint employees of the Vic
Priestly Contracting Limited as Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers.
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6238-20 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on January 28, 2020.
Carried
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15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk