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MINUTES - Council - 20230711 Town of Aurora Council Meeting Minutes Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 7 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair) Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Rachel Gilliland* Councillor Wendy Gaertner Councillor Michael Thompson Councillor John Gallo* (departed 9:09 p.m.) Councillor Harold Kim Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Patricia De Sario, Director, Corporate Services/Town Solicitor Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance Daniel Bitonti, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications John Firman, Manager, Business Support Phillip Rose, Manager, Cultural Services Alexander Wray, Manager, By-law Services* Michael de Rond, Town Clerk Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator *Attended electronically _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 2 2. Land Acknowledgement Mayor Mrakas acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands, the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day, the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties of 1923. 3. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Weese That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Absent (1): Councillor Gaertner Carried (6 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 Julie Stephenson, Youth and Community Development Coordinator; Re: John West Memorial "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship Award - Presentation of 2023 Recipients Julie Stephenson presented an overview of the achievements and community involvement of the John West Memorial "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship Award 2023 recipients: Rizwan Kazi, graduate of Aurora High School; and Anthea Peta-Dragos, graduate of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School. Rizwan and Anthea were presented with their Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3 awards and congratulated by the Mayor, Members of Council, and Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services. Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the presentation be received for information. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 5.2 Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor; Re: AccessNow Assessment Update Gregory Peri presented an overview of the recent accessibility assessment of eight Town facilities by AccessNow including: background; AccessNow mobile platform; partnering with AccessNow; assessment process and results; verified business listing and benefits; and next steps toward barrier removal in all Town facilities, parks, and trails. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Weese That the presentation be received for information. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 6. Delegations 6.1 Jason J.K. Scott, York North Basketball Association (YNBA); Re: Motion 10.1 - Councillor Weese and Councillor Gilliland; Re: Air-Supported Courts Dome in Aurora Jason Scott spoke in support of the proposed air-supported courts dome. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion 10.1. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 4 Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 6.2 Bruce Stafford, Storm Volleyball (written delegation); Re: Motion 10.1 - Councillor Weese and Councillor Gilliland; Re: Air-Supported Courts Dome in Aurora Bruce Stafford submitted a written delegation in support of the proposed air-supported courts dome. Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion 10.1. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 7. Consent Agenda Moved by Councillor Kim Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be approved. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2023 1. That the Council meeting minutes of June 27, 2023, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 20, 2023 1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of June 20, 2023, be adopted as circulated. Carried Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 5 7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2023 1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of June 20, 2023, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of July 4, 2023 1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of July 4, 2023, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 4, 2023 1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of July 4, 2023, be adopted as circulated. Carried 8. Standing Committee Reports Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Weese That the Standing Committee Reports item 8.1 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub- items 8.1.5, 8.1.6, and 8.1.7, which were discussed and voted on separately as recorded below. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of July 4, 2023 8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 26, 2023 1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 26, 2023, be received for information. Carried Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 6 8.1.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2023 1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 7, 2023, be received for information. Carried 8.1.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 13, 2023 1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 13, 2023, be received for information. Carried 8.1.4 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2023 1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 15, 2023, be received for information. Carried 8.1.5 CMS23-031 - Aurora Town Square Update Main motion Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That Report No. CMS23-031 be received; and 2. That Council approve in advance of the 2024 operating budget a new full-time IT Support/Technical Production position in support of Town Square’s operations to be funded through operational budget savings to be achieved through a planned reduction to the Aurora Public Library’s ongoing funding requirements. Amendment Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Weese That the main motion be amended by adding the following clauses: Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 7 “That the recommended operating plan financial strategy for Town Square be included in the proposed 2024 Budget for Council’s review and consideration of approval; and That the Aurora Town Square operating plan be brought before Council prior to budget 2024 deliberations, including the Aurora Cultural Centre’s programming and staffing plan.” Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) Main motion as amended Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That Report No. CMS23-031 be received; and 2. That Council approve in advance of the 2024 operating budget a new full-time IT Support/Technical Production position in support of Town Square’s operations to be funded through operational budget savings to be achieved through a planned reduction to the Aurora Public Library’s ongoing funding requirements; and 3. That the recommended operating plan financial strategy for Town Square be included in the proposed 2024 Budget for Council’s review and consideration of approval; and 4. That the Aurora Town Square operating plan be brought before Council prior to budget 2024 deliberations, including the Aurora Cultural Centre’s programming and staffing plan. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8 8.1.6 CMS23-030 - Aurora Barbarians' Proposal for Sheppard's Bush Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim 1. That Report No. CMS23-030 be received; and 2. That staff be directed to further investigate Option 2 for the development of a second artificial turf sports field at Sheppard’s Bush; and 3. That staff prepare a Capital Project for Council consideration as part of the 2024 Capital Budget. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 8.1.7 CS23-044 - Modernized Property Standards By-law Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Gaertner 1. That Report No. CS23-044 be received; and 2. That a new Property Standards By-law be brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment to repeal and replace the current Property Standards By-law No. 4044-99.P; and 3. That a new Vital Services By-law be brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment to repeal and replace the current Heating in Rental Units By-law No. 4737-05.P. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 8.1.8 CS23-043 - 2022 Municipal Election Wrap-Up 1. That Report No. CS23-043 be received for information. Carried Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 9 8.1.9 FIN23-028 - Capital Project 14106 - Cybersecurity Awareness Training 1. That Report No. FIN23-028 be received; and 2. That the condition on the approval of Capital Project No. 14106 – Cybersecurity Awareness Training, in the revised amount of $20,000, be lifted and the project proceed. Carried 8.1.10 FIN23-030 - Interim Forecast Update - As of April 30, 2023 1. That Report No. FIN23-030 be received for information. Carried 9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) 9.1 PDS23-075 - Request for a Parking By-law Amendment Benville Crescent – Update Council consented to vote separately on each clause of the amendment. Council consented to vote separately on the second clause of the main motion as amended. Main motion Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim 1. That Report No. PDS23-075 be received for information. Amendment Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the main motion be amended by adding the following clauses: “That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be enacted to prohibit parking at any time on the northeast side of Benville Crescent from Bayview Avenue to a point nine metres north of the end of curb return adjacent to #87 Benville Crescent; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 10 That the refresh planned for the Benville Crescent park be included in the 2024 capital budget discussions for consideration of approval.” Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland First clause Carried (6 to 1) Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Second clause Carried (7 to 0) Main motion as amended Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim 1. That Report No. PDS23-075 be received; and 2. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be enacted to prohibit parking at any time on the northeast side of Benville Crescent from Bayview Avenue to a point nine metres north of the end of curb return adjacent to #87 Benville Crescent; and 3. That the refresh planned for the Benville Crescent park be included in the 2024 capital budget discussions for consideration of approval. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim First and third clauses Carried (7 to 0) Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland Second clause Carried (6 to 1) Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 11 10. Motions 10.1 Councillor Weese and Councillor Gilliland; Re: Air-Supported Courts Dome in Aurora Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gilliland Whereas the Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan shows an inventory of one under-sized municipal gymnasium at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex with a single, full-sized gymnasium planned for the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre in 2024; and Whereas according to the Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the current per capita provision of gymnasium space is 1:64,100 with future per capita provision of such gymnasium space suggested to be 1:36,500; and Whereas both the Town and Local Sport Organizations (LSOs) permit selected school gymnasiums, but access to schools has been increasingly challenging as schools expand their programming and restrict access; and Whereas the existing inventory of indoor gymnasiums owned and operated by local School Boards is insufficient to meet the needs of growing indoor courts/gymnasium training; and Whereas municipalities are increasingly including gymnasiums within new recreation centres to accommodate many growing sports and recreation activities that require indoor gymnasium space; and Whereas the Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan states that existing Town-owned gymnasium time is well utilized, however, ‘little time is available for Community use’; and Whereas land inventory is low, and the Town would benefit by investing in the feasibility of utilizing a multi-use design approach to gain highest, best use of additional recreation gymnasium space; and Whereas Local Sport Organizations are increasingly required to permit appropriate training facilities outside of Town to operate programs for Aurora residents because of the lack of availability of indoor gymnasium space; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12 Whereas there is no central, Town-owned facility with sufficient capacity to offer multi-gym competition space to meet the needs of the Town’s Sport Tourism Strategy; and Whereas air-supported sport domes devoted to indoor courts training are feasible to build and maintain and cost efficiencies continue to improve; and Whereas a multi-use air-supported gym facility offering multiple courts would attract high level tournament events, benefiting our local economy, athletic growth, and overall community programming needs; and Whereas the Town has successfully implemented public-private partnerships for the development and operation of sports facilities; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to report back with the feasibility to provide a multi-gymnasium, air-supported structure that will provide sufficient additional indoor gymnasium space to meet present and future needs; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to explore options for location, funding, and operation of the structure, including public- private partnerships in keeping with the Town’s public-public and public-private partnership strategy; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to consult with Local Sport Organizations to identify specific needs for the courts dome that will meet training and competition needs as well as sport tourism opportunities; and 4. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to include location and partnership options for an indoor sports court facility within the current sports field review; and 5. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to include funds in 2024 and 2025 for Council's consideration as part of the 2024 Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 13 10.2 Councillor Thompson; Re: Parkland Acquisition Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gaertner Whereas parks are essential public infrastructure and are vital to improving and sustaining the health of individuals, the community, environment, and economy; and Whereas Aurora residents place a high value on the Town’s park system— 92% of survey respondents for the 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan indicated that parks for casual use are important to them; and Whereas the Town’s 2023 Draft Official Plan identifies the establishment of a diverse parkland and recreation area system as a fundamental principle of the Plan; and Whereas playgrounds are neighbourhood-level amenities that support childhood development and foster cognitive development and social skills, and encourage physical activity; and Whereas playgrounds should be provided in new and existing residential areas where geographical gaps exist, generally calculated through application of a 500-metre service radius that is unobstructed by major pedestrian barriers; and Whereas the OPA 34 Secondary Plan Area (Yonge Street South) is underserviced for both parkland and playgrounds; and Whereas in the past 20 years, 550 homes have been built within the OPA 34 Secondary Plan area and $9.2 million has been collected in cash-in-lieu of parkland; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff identify and investigate properties of interest within the OPA 34 Secondary Plan area and report back to Council. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 14 10.3 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Eliminating Minimum Parking Requirements for New Residential Developments Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Gilliland Whereas the Aurora GO Station MTSA (Major Transit Station Area) is planned to accommodate a proposed minimum density of 150 people and jobs per hectare as part of creating housing opportunities in close proximity to higher order transit; and Whereas the Town of Aurora Official Plan already contains policies that encourage the use of alternative and reduced parking requirements specifically in the MTSA; and Whereas according to the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) the cost of constructing below-grade parking in residential condominiums and apartments has increased significantly over the past decade, with these costs being passed onto unit owners and in turn negatively impacting housing affordability; and Whereas the construction of underground parking adds more time to the already lengthy and complex process of constructing higher density buildings; and Whereas an emerging trend across the Greater Toronto Area is that new condo projects are being left with parking spaces being unsold, and that there is a pattern of overbuilding parking in new higher density residential developments due to outdated zoning requirements; and Whereas reducing parking requirements will improve the livability of the Town overall by creating healthier communities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating space to improve conditions for transit, walking and cycling; and Whereas the sustainability and complete community policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, York Region Official Plan, and the Town are strengthened by being able to reduce parking requirements; and Whereas the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force recommends removing minimum parking requirements as they are outdated municipal Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 15 requirements that increase the cost of housing and are increasingly less relevant with public transit and ride share services; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to evaluate options for eliminating minimum parking requirements for new residential developments within the GO Major Transit Station Area; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That any new residential development within the GO Major Transit Station Area require auto share and/or bike share programs; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back to Council with the appropriate actions to implement these directions, including the necessary updates to the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law Number 6000-17. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 11. Regional Report 11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of June 29, 2023 Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim 1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of June 29, 2023, be received for information. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 12. New Business Councillor Weese advised that residents have identified needles and unsafe conditions in the vicinity of Town Park and the playground area. The Councillor expressed appreciation to Town staff for their increased vigilance in this matter and noted that local residents have formed a neighbourhood watch group. Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 16 Councillor Gaertner put forward the following motion: New Business Motion No. 1 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Kim That the Town of Aurora supports the comments and report from York Region with regard to the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, 2023. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim Absent (1): Councillor Gallo Carried (6 to 0) Councillor Thompson advised that residents around Hartman Public School, in the vicinity of River Ridge Boulevard and Conover Avenue, have reported seeing more than one fox in the area and have pet safety concerns. Staff confirmed that the Town’s Animal Services staff are aware and addressing the matter. Councillor Gilliland also noted receiving an inquiry about foxes in the area, that Animal Services staff shared information with residents about co-existing with wildlife, and suggested that perhaps further education be provided to residents. 13. By-laws 13.1 By-law Number 6530-23 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6471-23, to establish a schedule of fees and charges for municipal services, activities, and the use of property within the Town of Aurora (Fees and Charges By-law). 13.2 By-law Number 6531-23 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6228-19, as amended, to govern the proceedings of Council and Committee meetings of the Town of Aurora. 13.3 By-law Number 6532-23 - Being a By-law to declare as surplus and sell municipal lands (Archerhill Court). 13.4 By-law Number 6533-23 - Being a By-law to permanently close highways in the Town of Aurora (Archerhill Court). Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 17 Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the By-laws, items 13.1 to 13.4 inclusive, be enacted. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim Absent (1): Councillor Gallo Carried (6 to 0) 13.5 By-law Number 6534-23 - Being a By-law to require the conveyance of parkland or the payment in lieu of parkland pursuant to the Planning Act. Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Gilliland That the By-laws item 13.5 be enacted. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim Absent (1): Councillor Gallo Carried (6 to 0) 14. Closed Session None. 15. Confirming By-law 15.1 By-law Number 6535-23 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting from a Council meeting on July 11, 2023 Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Weese That the confirming by-law be enacted. Carried Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 18 16. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Kim Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the meeting be adjourned at 9:21 p.m. kas, Mayor Carried Michael de Rond, Town Clerk