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MINUTES - Committee of the Whole - 20240402 Town of Aurora Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 7 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair) Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Wendy Gaertner Councillor Michael Thompson Councillor Harold Kim Members Absent: Councillor Rachel Gilliland Councillor John Gallo Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance Luigi Colangelo, Acting Director, Operational Services Lisa Warth, Acting Director, Community Services Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development Phillip Rose, Manager, Cultural Services Slav Szlapczynski, Deputy Town Solicitor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 2 2. Land Acknowledgement Committee of the Whole 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 Committee of the Whole approved the revised 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 6.1 John Hartman, Resident; Re: Item 13.1 - OPS24-004 - Windrow Pilot Project - Update John Hartman expressed his opposition to the staff recommendation to continue the Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Pilot Program for seniors and persons with disabilities for the 2024-2025 winter season, and suggested other options. Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the delegation to item 13.1. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 3 7. Consent Agenda 7.1 Committee Agenda Items Approved on Consent Item 7.1 was considered following section 8, Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes. Committee of the Whole recommends: That the Committee Agenda items of sections 9 through 14 inclusive be approved, with the exception of items 9.2, 11.2, 13.1, 14.1, and 14.2, which were discussed and voted on separately. Carried 8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Committee of the Whole recommends: That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 8.1 to 8.3 inclusive, be received for information. Carried 8.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2024 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2024, be received for information. Carried 8.2 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2024 1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2024, be received for information. Carried 8.3 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2024 1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2024, be received for information. Carried 9. Community Services Committee Agenda Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4 9.1 CMS24-009 - Food Insecurity in Aurora Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CMS24-009 be received; and 2. That Council make a commitment to support the York Region Food Charter; and 3. That Council authorize staff to continue to work with local agencies and York Region in pursuit of food security for Aurora residents. Carried 9.2 CMS24-010 - Town Square Resident Theatre Group Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CMS24-010 be received; and 2. That the Town enter into a five-year agreement with Marquee Theatrical Productions Inc. to be Aurora Town Square’s Resident Theatre Group on terms set out in this report. Carried 10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda None. 11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda 11.1 FIN24-013 - 2024 Year End Surplus - By-law to allocate any 2024 Operating Fund surplus and any 2024 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Operating Fund surplus or deficit Report and By-law Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN24-013 be received; and 2. That the By-law to allocate any 2024 Operating Fund surplus and any 2024 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Operating Fund surplus or deficit, as detailed in this report, be brought forward to a future Council meeting for approval. Carried Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 5 11.2 FIN24-015 - 2025 Budget Timeline and Process Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN24-015 be received; and 2. That the proposed budget timeline as detailed in Table 2 be approved. Carried 11.3 FIN24-016 - Technology Strategic Plan Update Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN24-016 be received for information. Carried 12. Administration Committee Agenda None. 13. Operational Services Committee Agenda 13.1 OPS24-004 - Windrow Pilot Project - Update Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. OPS24-004 be received for information. Carried 14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda 14.1 PDS24-042 - Aurora Business Improvement Area Annual Report 2023 Greg Smith, Vice Chair, Aurora Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board of Management, presented an overview of the BIA proposed business plan including the BIA boundaries, mission, background, accomplishments, goals, 2023 financials, and proposed 2024 budget. Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS24-042 be received; and Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 6 2. That the Aurora Business Improvement Association’s (BIA) 2023 audited financial statements attached hereto as Attachment 2 be received; and 3. That the 2024 Aurora BIA Budget of $95,842 be approved; and 4. That a bylaw be enacted to levy a Special Charge upon Rateable Property in the Aurora Business Improvement Area, in the amount of $74,778; and 5. That the Aurora BIA Board be requested to report back to Council on how the Board is going to address the governance issues raised in staff Report No. PDS24-021 by June 30, 2024; and 6. That a $20,000 conditional contribution from the Town be provided to the BIA to support their 2024 work plan, and that it be funded from the Economic Development Reserve fund. Carried as amended 14.2 PDS24-039 - Application for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment, 2457920 Ontario Inc., 15 Glensteeple Trail, Lot 29 on Plan 65M-4614, File Number: OPA-2022-01 and ZBA-2022-01 Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS24-039 be received; and 2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2022-01 be approved to amend the existing Site-Specific Policy #42 of the Official Plan and implement Site Specific Policy #63, as outlined in Appendix “A”; 3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2022-01 be approved to rezone the subject lands from “Detached Second Density R2(437) Exception Zone” to “Detached Third Density Residential R3(XX) Exception Zone” as outlined in Appendix “B”; and 4. That the implementing By-laws for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments be brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment; and 5. That a total of 10 persons worth of servicing allocation be granted to facilitate the proposed development of 3 additional single detached dwelling units. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 7 Carried 14.3 PDS24-040 - Extension of Approval to Draft Plan of Subdivision, Ambria (Bloomington) Limited formerly 2523059 Ontario Inc., 132, 148, 166, 178, 186, 192, and 198 Old Bloomington Road, Lots 12 and 14 and Part of Lots 10, 11 and 13, Registered Plan 166, File Number: SUB-2017-03 Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS24-040 be received; and 2. That the Draft Approval to Plan of Subdivision for 132-198 Old Bloomington Road, File SUB-2017-03, be extended for one (1) year with a lapsing date of May 26, 2025. Carried 15. Member Motions 15.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Xeriscaping on Town Boulevards Committee of the Whole recommends: Whereas water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices are essential for the well-being of our community and the environment; and Whereas xeriscaping is a water-efficient landscaping method that promotes the use of drought-resistant and native plants, reducing the need for irrigation and conserving water resources and reduce yard trimmings; and Whereas xeriscaping on Town boulevards has the potential to showcase the benefits of water-efficient landscaping, beautify our community, and inspire residents to adopt sustainable practices; and Whereas xeriscaping is currently considered an encroachment under Town Bylaws and is therefore not allowed; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council directs staff to report back on the feasibility of implementing xeriscaping on Town boulevards Town-wide. Carried Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 8 16. Regional Report 16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of March 21, 2024 Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of March 21, 2024, be received for information. Carried 17. New Business Councillor Weese inquired about whether a report could be expected subsequent to the Mayor’s participation in a recent delegation to Washington DC as part of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, and the Mayor responded. Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether the Town has any authority over the use of in-home wood burning fireplaces when the smoke interferes with the community quality of life. Staff agreed to follow up and provide information. Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to the Town for providing space for a mini food pantry outside of Town Hall, and requested that space be provided at all municipal buildings and that the Town contribute to the construction of the food cupboards. 18. Public Service Announcements Councillor Weese expressed appreciation to the Town for its efforts in helping to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and their blue lights campaign to break a Guiness World Record for most landmarks illuminated. Councillor Weese announced that a Police Appreciation Night will be held on May 9, 2024, in Vaughan. Mayor Mrakas announced the following upcoming activities and events:  The Town is seeking public feedback on the ideal location and amenities to be included for a community reflection space; visit engageaurora.ca/ ReflectionSpace for details. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Tuesday, April 2, 2024 9  The Town has partnered with Enviro World to raise awareness about water conservation and residents can buy a discounted rain barrel online until May 20, 2024; visit aurora.ca/RainBarrel for more information.  Aurora’s Youth Innovation Fair is returning May 2024 and registration is now open for students in grades 4 to 12; visit aurora.ca/YouthInnovation for details.  Aurora’s annual spring Community Cleanup Day event will be held April 20, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and cleanup kits will be provided while supplies last; visit aurora.ca/Cleanup for more information.  The Town’s 3rd annual Electric Vehicle Showcase will be held April 28, 2024, indoors at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex; visit aurora.ca/ EVshowcase for details. Mayor Mrakas noted that Aurora’s Hello Spring event was held during the Easter long weekend and expressed appreciation to staff for their efforts and another incredible event. Councillor Gaertner noted that Passover begins on the evening of Monday, April 22, 2024. 19. Closed Session None. 20. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.