MINUTES - Council - 20220712 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael Thompson
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications*
Daniel Bitonti, Corporate Communications*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:21 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
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Mayor Mrakas acknowledged that the meeting took place on the Anishinaabe
lands, the traditional and Treaty #20 territories of the Chippewas of Georgina
Island, recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to
this day and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of this
land. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of
the Credit, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
4. 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.
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Franco De Marco, Recreation Supervisor, Community Programs, and
Nichole Campsall, Coordinator, Youth & Community Development; Re: John
West Memorial "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship Award 2022
Franco De Marco and Nichole Campsall presented an overview of the
achievements and community involvement of the John West Memorial
"Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship Award 2022 recipients: Kathleen
Viney, graduate of Aurora High School; and Michael Chen, graduate of St.
Andrew's College. Kathleen and Michael were presented with their awards
and congratulated by the Mayor, Members of Council, and Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
6. Delegations
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2022
1. That the Council meeting minutes of June 28, 2022, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2022
1. That the Public Planning meeting minutes of June 14, 2022, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 21, 2022 (confidential attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of June 21, 2022, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2022
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of June 21,
2022, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
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7.5 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 22, 2022
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
22, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
8. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 8.1 to 8.2 inclusive, be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of July 5, 2022
8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 22, 2022
Memorandum
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 22,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 6, 2022
Minutes
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
6, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2022
Minutes
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
14, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
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8.1.4 PDS22-110 - Retaining Wall at 22 Rachewood Court
Report
1. That Report No. PDS22-110 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.5 OPS22-014 - Phragmites Remediation
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. OPS22-014 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to initiate a Phragmites Control Program
utilizing chemical herbicide for treatment and controlled burn
where applicable; and
3. That the Phragmites Control Program’s incremental annual
service costs be included in the Town’s future four (4) year
operating budget, commencing in 2023 for Council
consideration.
Carried
8.1.6 CAO22-002 - Post-Pandemic Wrap-up
Report
1. That Report No. CAO22-002 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.7 CS22-031 - Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Future Work
Model
Report
1. That Report No. CS22-031 be received; and
2. That the Guiding Principles for the development of future
Alternative Work Policies be adopted.
Carried
8.1.8 CS22-040 - Deputy Mayor Options
Report
1. That Report No. CS22-040 be received; and
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2. That staff bring forward an amendment to the Procedure By-law
to institute a rotation of the Deputy Mayor position as described
in this report; and
3. That the amendment to the Procedure By-law take effect on
November 15, 2022.
Carried
8.1.9 FIN22-023 - 2022 Interim Forecast Update - As of April 30, 2022
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. FIN22-023 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.10 OPS22-015 - Tree Removal Permit Application - 72 Harrison Avenue
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. OPS22-015 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Application for 72 Harrison Avenue be
approved.
Carried
8.1.11 PDS22-085 - Notice of Objection to Notice of Intention to Designate
34 Berczy Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. PDS22-085 be received; and
2. That the designation by-law be brought before Council for
enactment.
Carried
8.1.12 PDS22-107 - Application for Site Plan Approval, York Region District
School Board, 377 Hartwell Way, File Number: SP-2021-12
Report Figures 1-7
1. That Report No. PDS22-107 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2021-12 to permit the
development of a two-storey JK-8 elementary school (638
students) with a Gross Floor Area of 5,985.50 m² (64,427.0 ft²)
and accessory childcare facility (48 children), bus drop-off lane,
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parking areas, additional student drop off lanes, asphalt play
yard, outdoor fenced play areas and green space throughout, be
approved.
Carried
8.2 Audit Committee Meeting Report of June 28, 2022
8.2.1 FIN22-024 - 2021 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Report
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
1. That Report No. FIN22-024 be received; and
2. That the 2021 Audit Reports and Financial Statements for the
year ended December 31, 2021, be approved and published on
the Town’s website.
Carried
8.2.2 FIN22-022 - 2021 Year-end Operating and Capital Results - As of Dec.
31, 2021
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3
1. That Report No. FIN22-022 be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
10. Motions
10.1 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Update of By-law No. 5429-12 - Registration of
Second Suites
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, in subsection 11(2) provides that a
lower-tier municipality may pass by-laws respecting the health, safety and
well-being of persons and the protection of persons and property; and
Whereas on April 23, 2012, Aurora Council revoked existing By-law 5221-
10, with the updated 5429-12, to establish new regulations for the
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registration of second suites with additional clarification from an
administrative perspective; and
Whereas Section 3, PROHIBITION, restricts residential occupancy per
Dwelling to one Unit unless a Two-Unit House has been registered with the
Registrar; and
Whereas Section 4, REGISTRATION, (b), requires inspection to ensure
safety under the Building and Fire Codes, which may be refused; or
revoked if the Unit ceases to meet requirements; and
Whereas due to lack of supply and the cost of housing there has and will
be an increasing need for Two-Unit Homes; and
Whereas the number of Units that are not Registered is also increasing
due to lack of information or intent; and
Whereas it may be impossible for staff to have knowledge and inspect all
of these, the Town has a List of Two-Unit Houses that have been reported;
and
Whereas the ability to inspect these non-conforming homes, as required in
the By-law, can be problematic due to lack of entry permission by the
tenant or owner who does not reside in the house; and
Whereas this can leave tenants living in unsafe conditions for months, in
one known case years;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff, who have knowledge
of the historical and current problems enacting the Sections of this By-
law required for safety, be directed to bring forward Updates to at the
very least ensure that a house has a working hardwired smoke alarm
system and a second means of emergency escape.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
10.2 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lessons Learned from Highland Gate Development
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
Whereas there have been many issues that have and continue to affect
residents in the adjacent neighbourhood; and
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Whereas the Town will be doing a substantial redevelopment through
intensification in existing residential neighbourhoods; and
Whereas the Highland Gate development can provide us with valuable
information and knowledge on how to improve the quality of life for those
experiencing construction disruptions going forward;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That this Council recommend to
the next Council that a task force be formed to review lessons learned
from the Highland Gate development.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of June 30, 2022
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of June 30, 2022, be
received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
12. New Business
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the maintenance responsibilities for Machell's
Alley, and staff provided a response and agreed to follow up.
Councillor Humfryes expressed appreciation to Town staff on the grass cutting
progress and maintenance of parks.
Councillor Thompson extended congratulations to Town staff on a clean 2021
financial audit and expressed appreciation for staff’s efforts throughout the year.
Councillor Gallo referenced the July 12, 2022 Council Closed Session item 4.2,
Armoury Lease Restart, and requested to put forward a motion to publicize the
report once the lease is signed by Niagara College. Councillor Gallo was advised
to bring the matter forward as a Notice of Motion due to its substantive nature.
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Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether the Town has received the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s Programs and Services Inventory List,
noting the deadline of January 1, 2023, for Council’s decision on which services
would be required. Staff provided a response and agreed to submit a report in the
next Council meeting cycle.
Councillor Gaertner referenced the recent retaining wall issues and noted her
conversation with Town staff regarding the Town’s improved pool enclosure
permit practices and oversight.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the current resurfacing of Cranberry Lane and
noted that construction trucks are still travelling on the road. Staff provided a
response and agreed to follow up with the developer.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the timing of the approval received by
Geranium for the phase two construction, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland referenced agenda item 8.1.5, Phragmites Remediation, and
reiterated the feedback from Aurora Arboretum on actions to control invasive
Phragmites. She expressed appreciation to the Arboretum, Town staff, and
Council for their support.
13. By-laws
13.1 By-law Number 6438-22 - Being a By-law to define the delegation policies
and procedures during the Election Period.
13.2 By-law Number 6439-22 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (34 Berczy Street “T. Sisman Shoe
Factory”).
13.3 By-law Number 6440-22 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 15356 Yonge
Street (File No. ZBA-2017-06).
13.4 By-law Number 6441-22 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, to designate and erect stop signs at the intersections of
Wells Street and Harrison Ave, and Wells Street and Connaught Ave.
13.5 By-law Number 6442-22 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 25.
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13.6 By-law Number 6443-22 - Being a By-law to appoint building inspectors for
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the By-laws, items 13.1 to 13.6 inclusive, be enacted, with the
exception of item 13.4, which was voted on separately as recorded below.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (7 to 0)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Humfryes, Councillor Kim, and Councillor Thompson
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Item 13.4, By-law Number 6441-22
Carried (6 to 1)
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Confirming By-law
15.1 By-law No. 6444-22 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting
from a Council meeting on July 12, 2022
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
16. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Carried
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Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk