MINUTES - General Committee - 20220322 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Councillor John Gallo (Chair)
Mayor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
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
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications*
Doug Bertrand, Manager, Facilities Management*
John Firman, Manager, Business Support*
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management*
Alexander Wray, Manager, By-law Services*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor*
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Samantha Yew, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
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2. Land Acknowledgement
General Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations,
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services.
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
None.
6. Delegations
None.
7. Consent Agenda
7.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 28, 2022
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 28, 2022, be received
for information.
Carried
8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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General Committee recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 8.1 to 8.2 inclusive, be
received.
Carried
8.1 Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2022
1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February
17, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2022
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 23, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 CS22-018 - Short-Term Rental By-law
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-018 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward a Short-Term Rental By-law at a future Council
meeting for enactment; and
3. That staff be directed to implement a Short-Term Rental compliance
monitoring system; and
4. That staff bring forward amendments to the Aurora Tribunal By-law at
a future Council meeting for enactment; and
5. That the recommended updates to Schedule “I” of the Town’s Fees
and Charges By-law, as presented in this report in Attachment 3 be
approved, and that the appropriate by-law amendment be presented at
a future Council meeting for enactment.
Carried
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9.2 CMS22-016 - Facility Naming Rights - Aurora Sports Dome
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS22-016 be received; and
2. That the Aurora Sports Dome be approved as a Name Sale opportunity;
and
3. That staff be authorized to enter into negotiations with a potential
naming rights sponsor for the Aurora Sports Dome and report back to
Council in Closed Session.
Carried
9.3 CMS22-012 - SARC Pool Project Grant
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS22-012 be received; and
2. That the Capital Budget Authority of $354,600 for Project No. 72472
SARC Pool Repairs, to be funded by $236,400 from a Community
Building Fund – Capital Stream grant and $118,200 from Safe
Recovery grant funding, be approved.
Carried
9.4 CS22-017 - Town of Aurora Emergency Management Program - Council
Budget Authority Increase
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-017 be received; and
2. That an increase of $103,200 resulting in a total revised Capital Budget
Authority of $183,200 for Project No. 13011, to be funded by $35,200
in previously approved Studies & Other funding and a $150,000 grant
from the Municipal Modernization Program, be approved; and
3. That the proposed title change for Capital Project No. 13011 to
"Business Continuity Management Program" be approved.
Carried
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9.5 FIN22-011 - Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of
Council, Committees and Local Boards
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN22-011 be received for information.
Carried
10. Notices of Motion
10.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Accessory Dwelling Enabling Policy
Whereas inflationary pressures are hindering the ability for young adults to
rent or buy a home, outside of their parents’ home; and
Whereas in-home senior care is on the rise, due to rising costs, health and
safety, and/or lack of availability; and
Whereas the Province is facing a major housing crisis and if our local
municipality has enabling policies within its Official Plan and Zoning By-
law, it would allow a second unit within a home plus an additional unit on a
residential property; and
Whereas other municipalities have enabled policies to allow accessory
dwellings to offset this demand, where deemed appropriate;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to explore
the introduction of an enabling policy in the Official Plan to permit
accessory dwellings within appropriate locations followed by
corresponding amendments to the Zoning By-law.
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of February 24, 2022
General Committee recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of February 24, 2022, be
received for information.
Carried
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12. New Business
Councillor Thompson inquired about whether any Christmas trees still at the curb
would be collected by the Town. Staff provided a response noting that residents
should contact the Town to arrange for Christmas tree disposal at this time.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the Pandemic Recovery Working Group has decided
to pause its regular meetings. The Mayor commended Robin McDougall, Director
of Community Services, for her leadership, and staff for their efforts over the past
two years of the pandemic.
Councillor Humfryes advised that a local resident organized a walk and vigil in
support of Ukraine on March 13, 2022, and she expressed appreciation to Town
staff for their efforts in helping to arrange and support the event.
Councillor Humfryes requested a status update on the future staff report for the
Council motion of May 25, 2021, regarding a project to provide off-leash use of
one trail and park.
Councillor Humfryes requested a status update on the future staff report for the
Council motion of June 22, 2021, regarding food insecurity in Aurora.
Councillor Thompson welcomed back Marco Ramunno as Director of Planning
and Development Services.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the Ukrainian flag, originally raised at Town Hall, is
now raised at Town Park to allow for other flag raisings at Town Hall.
13. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Humfryes expressed appreciation to local resident Lauren Hanna for
organizing the recent walk and vigil in support of Ukraine, and thanked Town
staff and Council members for their support.
Mayor Mrakas announced the following updates and activities in Aurora:
Aurora’s overnight winter parking restrictions remain in effect until April 15,
2022; visit aurora.ca/winterparking for more information.
The nomination deadline for the 2022 Community Recognition Awards is
Friday, April 4, 2022; visit aurora.ca/cra for more details.
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Aurora’s Hello Spring event, including spring-themed outdoor and interactive
activities, will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at the Aurora Seniors’
Centre; visit aurora.ca/hellospring for more information.
Ontario has lifted the mask mandate in most settings—except for public
transit, long-term care homes, health care and congregate settings—and
masking is now optional for visitors at all Town facilities.
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the annual observance of Nowruz, which
begins on the spring equinox and marks the beginning of spring, and is usually
celebrated on March 20 or 21.
Councillor Gaertner recognized World Water Day, which is observed annually on
March 22.
Councillor Gaertner further acknowledged the month of March as Endometriosis
Awareness Month 2022.
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder about the Aurora Cultural Centre’s live
in-person sessions for art and performances.
Councillor Gilliland advised that the Town will be working with the Arboretum on
invasive species and will also be educating the public on invasive species and
preparations for the upcoming Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) season; visit
aurora.ca/ldd for more information.
Councillor Gallo acknowledged World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed
annually on March 21.
Councillor Gallo recognized the International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, which is observed annually on March 21.
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.