Minutes - Council - 20240528
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Rachel Gilliland (arrived at 7:04 p.m.)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner (left at 8:25 p.m., returned at 8:27
p.m.)
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Members Absent: Councillor Ron Weese
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
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
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,
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 2
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 Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
addition of Delegations item 6.3, be approved.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor
Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (2): Councillor Weese, and Councillor Gilliland
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (5 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 Mandy Cronin, You Can Play; Re: You Can Play Partnership
(Presentation to be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2024)
5.2 Female Students of the Town's Leadership Course; Re: PLF4M Success
From Winter 2024 Term
Students presented an overview of the Female Recreation and Active
Leadership High School Course, a 15-week grade 12 credit program
hosted by the Town. The course provides opportunities for female
students such as leadership and communication skills training,
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 3
networking and event planning, resume building, first aid training, and a
NCCP coaching certification.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
5.3 Franco De Marco, Recreation Supervisor, Community Programs; Re: June is
Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM)
Franco De Marco presented an overview of Recreation and Parks Month,
highlighting key objectives, the benefits of recreation and parks, and how
residents can participate through free drop-in programs, social media, and
the JRPM calendar.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
6. Delegations
6.1 Caitlyn Harris, Resident; Re: Item 8.8.2 - PDS24-044 - Traffic Calming
Measures and All-way Stop Control Request on Tamarac Trail
Caitlyn Harris spoke in support for traffic calming measures and
implementing an all-way stop on Tamarac Trail.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 4
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.8.2.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
6.2 Anne Harrison, Resident; Re: Item 8.8.2 - PDS24-044 - Traffic Calming
Measures and All-way Stop Control Request on Tamarac Trail
Anne Harrison spoke in support for traffic calming measures and
implementing an all-way stop on Tamarac Trail.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.8.2.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
6.3 Joyce Mikros, Resident; Re: Item 8.8.2 - PDS24-044 - Traffic Calming
Measures and All-way Stop Control Request on Tamarac Trail
Joyce Mikros spoke in support for traffic calming measures and
implementing an all-way stop on Tamarac Trail.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.8.2.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 5
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.4 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2024
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2024, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2024
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2024, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Minutes of April 23, 2024 (confidential attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of April 23, 2024, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of April 23,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of May 7, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 6
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of May 7, 2024, be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of
sub-items 8.8.2 and 8.8.3, which were discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
8.1 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 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
8.1.2 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
8.1.3 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
8.1.4 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 28, 2024 7
8.1.5 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
8.1.6 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
8.1.7 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
8.2 Consent Agenda
8.2.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 22, 2024
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 22,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS24-016 - 2024-2028 Cultural Action Plan
1. That Report No. CMS24-016 be received; and
2. That Council approve the 2024-2028 Cultural Action Plan.
Carried
8.3.2 CMS24-014 - Petch House - Considerations - Update
1. That Report No. CMS24-014 be received; and
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 8
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
8.3.3 CMS24-015 - Aurora War Memorial 100th Anniversary
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
8.3.4 CMS24-017 - Aurora Community Centre Liquor License - Pilot
Program Results
1. That Report No. CMS24-017 be received for information.
Carried
8.3.5 CMS24-018 - Aurora Town Square - Rotary Clock Project
1. That Report No. CMS24-018 be received; and
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
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 9
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN24-019 - Anticipated Financial Impacts to Development Charge
Revenue as a Result of Legislative Changes
1. That Report No. FIN24-019 be received for information.
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS24-009 - Tree Removal Application - 15342 Yonge Street
1. That Report No. OPS24-009 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Application for 15342 Yonge Street be
approved.
Carried
8.7.2 OPS24-011 - Outdoor Artificial Ice Rinks
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
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS24-027 - Request for Endorsement of the Active Transportation
Master Plan
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
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 10
8.8.2 PDS24-044 - Traffic Calming Measures and All-way Stop Control
Request on Tamarac Trail
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS24-044 be received for information.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
2. That an all-way stop be installed at Tamarac Trail and Albery
Crescent; and
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
3. That flexible traffic sign calming measures be installed on
Tamarac Trail
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (5 to 1)
Amendment No. 3
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
4. That, if staff feels necessary, an urban shoulder traffic
calming measure and centre lines be implemented on
Tamarac Trail.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 11
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (4 to 2)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS24-044 be received; and
2. That an all-way stop be installed at Tamarac Trail and Albery
Crescent; and
3. That flexible traffic sign calming measures be installed on
Tamarac Trail; and
4. That, if staff feels necessary, an urban shoulder traffic calming
measure and centre lines be implemented on Tamarac Trail.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Clauses one and two
Carried (6 to 0)
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson,
and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Third clause
Carried (4 to 2)
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 12
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Fourth clause
Carried (5 to 1)
8.8.3 PDS24-051 - Endorsement of York Region Modifications to the
Town’s Updated Official Plan
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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
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.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (5 to 1)
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Establishment of a Heritage Grant Program
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
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 13
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
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of April 25, 2024
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 25, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 Memorandum from Mayor's Office; Re: Joint Council Committee – Aurora
Appointments
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 14
1. That Councillor John Gallo be removed from Joint Council Committee;
and
2. That Councillor Michael Thompson be appointed to Joint Council
Committee.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (2): Councillor Weese, and Councillor Gaertner
Carried (5 to 0)
10. New Business
None.
11. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.4 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Weese
Carried (6 to 0)
11.1 By-law Number 6606-24 - Being a By-law to allocate any 2023 Operating
Fund surplus and any 2023 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Operating
Fund surplus or deficit.
11.2 By-law Number 6607-24 - Being a By-law to allocate any 2024 Operating
Fund surplus and any 2024 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Operating
Fund surplus or deficit.
11.3 By-law Number 6608-24 - Being a By-law to set and levy the rates of
Taxation for the taxation year 2024.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 15
11.4 By-law Number 6609-24 - Being a By-law to assume highways on Plan 65M-
4520 for public use and maintenance by The Corporation of the Town of
Aurora.
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6610-24 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on May 28, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk