MINUTES - Finance Advisory Committee - 20230411 1
Town of Aurora
Finance Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
5:45 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Michael Thompson* (Vice Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Other Attendees: Councillor Rachel Gilliland*
Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer*
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Sandeep Dhillon, Advisor, Financial Management*
Tracy Evans, Advisor, Financial Management*
Palak Mehta, Council/Committee Coordinator
Attended electronically*
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
Council/Committee Coordinator, Palak Mehta called the meeting to order at 5:47
p.m.
Mayor Mrakas assumed Chair at 5:49 p.m.
1.1 Appointment of the Committee Chair
Councillor Ron Weese nominated Mayor Tom Mrakas as the Chair.
Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Tom Mrakas be elected as Chair for a two-year term (2023-
2024) of the Finance Advisory Committee.
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Carried
1.2 Appointment of the Committee Vice Chair
Councillor Ron Weese nominated Councillor Thompson as Vice Chair.
Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Michael Thompson be appointed as Vice Chair for a two-year
term (2023-2024) of the Finance Advisory Committee.
Carried
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee 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 Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved.
Carried
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. Receipt of the Minutes
None.
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6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 2023 Finance Advisory Committee Workplan
Staff provided an overview of the memo outlining the draft 2023 Finance
Advisory Committee Workplan for the Committee's review and
endorsement, and to ensure that Committee feedback is provided
regarding subject areas and financial initiatives identified in the workplan
as the Town's highest priorities.
The Committee discussed the Workplan, including additions, inquired
about providing an opportunity through necessary resources to encourage
partner groups of the Town of Aurora to adopt diversity, equity, and
inclusion policies. Staff provided a response. The Committee further
discussed how diversity, equity, and inclusion should be included as a
condition of all future grant funding applications and agreements.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Ron Weese
1. That the memorandum regarding the 2023 Finance Advisory
Committee be received; and
2. That the Finance Advisory Committee comments regarding the 2023
Finance Advisory Committee Workplan be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Council Budget Principals Policy
Staff provided an overview of the Council Budget Principals Policy, and
outlined the key principles to help guide the Town of Aurora in the
development of operating and capital budgets. Staff advised the principles
were reviewed while recognizing that additional principles may be
proposed regarding the Asset Management Plan.
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Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That the memorandum regarding Council Budget Principles Policy be
received; and
2. That the Finance Advisory Committee comments regarding the Council
Budget Principles Policy be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. New Business
The Committee inquired about public engagement metrics and whether any
targets were in place, what kind of engagement has happened regarding the
budget in previous years, low public engagement reasons, as well as creative
ways to boost public engagement. The Committee also inquired about the types
of studies conducted, expenses surrounding studies, and costs or metrics
surrounding managing staff time. Staff provided a response.
9. Adjournment
Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Carried