Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20240507
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor John Gallo
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
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
John Firman Manager, Business Support Services
Phillip Rose, Manager, Cultural Services
Adam Robb, Associate Manager of Development Planning
Michelle Johnson, Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:05 p.m.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 2
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
Committee of the Whole approved the revised agenda as circulated by
Legislative Services.
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. Community Presentations
5.1 June Sinclair, Aurora Lions Club; Re: Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides
June Sinclair, Aurora Lions Club, provided a presentation on the Pet Valu
Walk for Dog Guides, discussing the mission and vision, dog guides
programs that include canine vision, hearing, and seizure response, and
how the national fundraising walk raises funds to help Lions Foundation of
Canada to continue its mission. They highlighted how residents can help,
such as registering and fundraising in-person or online.
Committee of the Whole received the presentation for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 3
6. Delegations
None.
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.7 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 27, 2024
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of March 27, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2024
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 8,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2024
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 9,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2024
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April
10, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 4
7.5 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2024
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of April
15, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.6 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 17, 2024
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 17, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.7 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2024
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
May 2, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
8.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 22, 2024
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 22, 2024, be received for
information.
Carried
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
9.1 CMS24-016 - 2024-2028 Cultural Action Plan
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS24-016 be received; and
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 5
2. That Council approve the 2024-2028 Cultural Action Plan.
Carried
9.2 CMS24-014 - Petch House - Considerations - Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS24-014 be received; and
2. That Council approve the proposed renovations of the Petch House;
and
3. That a new capital project with budget authority of $50,000 be
approved to be funded from the Heritage reserve fund.
Carried
9.3 CMS24-015 - Aurora War Memorial 100th Anniversary
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS24-015 be received; and
2. That Council approve the collaborative plan of action as presented in
this report; and
3. That staff report back at a later date with an update including final
budget considerations.
Carried
9.4 CMS24-017 - Aurora Community Centre Liquor License - Pilot Program
Results
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS24-017 be received for information.
Carried
9.5 CMS24-018 - Aurora Town Square - Rotary Clock Project
1. That Report No. CMS24-018 be received; and
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 6
2. That Council accept the offer from the Rotary Club for the installation
of a rotary clock at Town Square; and
3. That Council agree with the preferred site identified for the location of
the clock.
Carried
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN24-019 - Anticipated Financial Impacts to Development Charge Revenue
as a Result of Legislative Changes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN24-019 be received for information.
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS24-009 - Tree Removal Application - 15342 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS24-009 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Application for 15342 Yonge Street be
approved.
Carried
13.2 OPS24-011 - Outdoor Artificial Ice Rinks
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 7
1. That Report No. OPS24-011 be referred back to staff to be brought
forward at a time when the Town is more certain about development
charge revenue.
Carried
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 PDS24-027 - Request for Endorsement of the Active Transportation Master
Plan
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS24-027 be received; and,
2. That Council endorse the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP)
and the recommendations contained in the ATMP.
Carried
14.2 PDS24-044 - Traffic Calming Measures and All-way Stop Control Request
on Tamarac Trail
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS24-044 be received for information.
Carried
14.3 PDS24-051 - Endorsement of York Region Modifications to the Town’s
Updated Official Plan
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS24-051 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the proposed modifications by York Region to
the Town’s Updated Official Plan as outlined in Attachment #1 of this
report; and
3. That Council support the approval of the Town’s Updated Official Plan
as modified by York Region through Attachment #1 of this report; and
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 8
4. That Council authorize any further minor modifications or
housekeeping amendments to the Town’s Updated Official Plan as
may be required, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and
Development Services.
Carried
15. Member Motions
15.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Establishment of a Heritage Grant Program
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas preserving and promoting our Town's heritage is of paramount
importance to the community; and
Whereas there is a recognized need to support property owners in
maintaining and restoring heritage buildings and sites; and
Whereas a Heritage Grant Program would provide financial assistance to
property owners for the preservation and restoration of heritage
properties; and
Whereas such a program would contribute to the overall preservation and
enhancement of our Town's historical character and cultural identity;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to create a
Heritage Grant Program aimed at providing financial assistance to
property owners for the preservation and restoration of designated
heritage properties in the Town of Aurora; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be instructed to consult with the
Town’s Heritage Advisory Committee regarding the development of
the program and prepare guidelines and criteria for eligibility,
application procedures, and grant disbursements, ensuring
transparency and fairness in the allocation of funds; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff present a report outlining the
proposed Heritage Grant Program to Council for review and approval
at a future Council meeting.
Carried
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 9
16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of April 25, 2024
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 25, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Weese inquired about Councillor Gallo's resignation from advisory
committees and future plans to replace the chair positions, and the Mayor
responded.
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on the installation of pickleball courts.
Staff agreed to follow up and provide more information.
Mayor Mrakas announced the appointment of new committee member Bogdan
Brkic to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
18. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Kim announced that the Aurora Performing Arts Festival will be taking
place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Town Park. Deadline for children and youth
performers to register is Monday, May 20, 2024; visit aurora.ca/ArtsFestival for
more information.
Councillor Thompson announced that the Town has partnered with Enviro World
to raise awareness about water conservation. Residents can buy a discounted
rain barrel online until May 20, 2024; visit aurora.ca/rainbarrel for more
information.
Councillor Gaertner announced the following upcoming events and celebrations:
As pool season approaches, residents are advised to follow proper pool
and spa discharge steps; visit aurora.ca/pools for more information.
May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to honour the Asian community and
cultures in Aurora.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10
Councillor Gaertner noted that Holocaust Remembrance Day took place on
Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Councillor Gilliland announced the following events:
Indigenous artists, horticulturalists, and volunteers are encouraged to
submit creative ideas that will be displayed at John Abel Park; visit
aurora.ca/JohnAbelPark for more information.
Aurora Cultural Centre will be hosting Early Bird Gets the Worm gallery
from May 26, 2024 to August 10, 2024 at Town Hall.
Aurora Historical Society will be hosting several events at the Hilary
House, including a historical walking tour on May 25, 2024 and a talk on
peacekeeping on May 29, 2024.
Cycle Aurora will be hosting a cycling event on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Councillor Gilliland expressed support for Cassie and Friends Society for
their work to combat juvenile arthritis in the community.
Councillor Gilliland congratulated Chief Fire Prevention Ryan Schell whom
is the recipient of the Bringing Safety Home award.
Councillor Weese announced the following upcoming events:
Aurora's Youth Innovation Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 15,
2024 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Town Hall. Students from grades 4 to 12 will
be showcasing their ideas and innovations to address real-world issues;
visit aurora.ca/YouthInnovation for more information.
The Aurora Farmers Market and Artisan Fair is taking place with 45
vendors every Saturday from May 4, 2024 to October 26, 2024 at Town
Park.
Mayor Mrakas congratulated two youth residents, Ethan Wahba and Millie
Steinman, for competing at the World Championship of Public Speaking in
Canberra, Australia.
Mayor Mrakas asked Staff to provide more information on the Moose Hide
Campaign. Staff announced that the event will take place on Thursday, May 16,
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024 11
2024 and pins are available for purchase at Town Hall and recreation centres to
support the campaign.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Carried