Minutes - Council - 20240625
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland* (arrived 7:03 p.m.)
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
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 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, June 25, 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 Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
addition of Delegations item 6.3, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Gilliland
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
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 Stephen Forsey, Director, Sport Aurora; Re: Sport Aurora and Community
Programs 2024
Stephen Forsey provided an overview of the 19-year history of Sport
Aurora and their ongoing community programs and involvement, and
expressed appreciation for the Town’s financial support through
community partnership grants.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received for information.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 3
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
5.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: 2024 Citizen of the Year Presentation
Mayor Mrakas presented the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award to local
resident and business owner Vern Cunningham, noting his numerous
volunteer efforts and accomplishments.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the presentation be received.
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 Tom Hashem, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.4 - PDS24-062 - George Street
Parkland Acquisition Next Steps - Demolition, Zoning, Park Design
Consultation
Tom Hashem provided background and suggested that the George Street
Public School's gymnasium be exempted from the proposed demolition
and be made available for public use along with a portion of the land area.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.4.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 David Heard, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.2 - PDS24-060 - Results of Consultation
with Owners Regarding Heritage Designation
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024 4
David Heard presented an overview of the historical significance of
Joseph Fleury and family and their Fleury plows, and requested that the
former Fleury Implement Works property on Wellington Street West be
included on the list of properties to be designated.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Item 8.7.2 - PDS24-
060 - Results of Consultation with Owners Regarding Heritage Designation
Christopher Watts presented background and a proposal to honour the
historical prominence and significance of the property known as Knowles
Butcher Shop at 9 Wellington Street East, and requested that this property
be included on the list of properties to be designated.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.2.
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 Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.9 inclusive, be approved.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5
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 May 28, 2024
1. That the Council meeting minutes of May 28, 2024, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of May 28, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of May 28, 2024, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 28,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 4, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of June 4, 2024, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 4,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 18, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of June 18, 2024, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2024
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 18,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 26 and May 24,
2024
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 26 and May 24, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
7.9 Council Workshop/Education Session Minutes of June 18, 2024
1. That the Council Workshop/Education Session Minutes of June 18,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of June 4, 2024
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of June 4, 2024, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.7.1, 8.7.2, 8.7.3, and 8.7.4, 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 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2024
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
May 8, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7
8.1.2 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 13,
2024
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of May 13, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2024
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May
14, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.4 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May
16, 2024
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 16, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.2.1 CMS24-023 - Sport Plan Update - No. 5
1. That Report No. CMS24-023 be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 CMS24-021 - Aurora Historical Society - Hillary House
Considerations
1. That Report No. CMS24-021 be received; and
2. That the Town consult with the Aurora Historical Society and its
members to receive their input on the future of Hillary House;
and
3. That the Town and the Aurora Historical Society together host
public consultations on the future of Hillary House; and
4. That staff report back to Council following these consultations
with recommendations on the Hillary House.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 8
8.3 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.4 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.4.1 FIN24-025 - 2023 Year End Investment Report and Annual Policy
Review
1. That Report No. FIN24-025 be received; and
2. That Council re-affirms their approval of the Investment Policy
Statement.
Carried
8.5 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.6 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.6.1 OPS24-014 - Town Park Accessible Playground Update and Funding
Increase
1. That Report No. OPS24-014 be received; and
2. That the total budget authority for Project No. AM0356 –
Playground Replacement (Fully Accessible) – Town Park be
increased to $532,000 representing an increase of $132,000 to
be funded from the Parks AM Reserve be approved; and
3. That the total budget authority for Project No. AM0357 – Splash
Pad Surface Upgrade – Town Park be increased to $90,700
representing an increase of $15,700 to be funded from the
Parks AM Reserve be approved.
Carried
8.7 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 PDS24-064 - 2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management
Plan
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 9
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS24-064 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the 2024 Energy Conservation and
Demand Management Plan (ECDMP) and the recommendations
contained in the 2024 ECDMP.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.7.2 PDS24-060 - Results of Consultation with Owners Regarding
Heritage Designation
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS24-060 be received; and
2. That, at minimum, the eight properties whose owners indicated
support for heritage designation (listed under Attachment #1)
be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act:
o 71 Connaught Avenue, 15 Kennedy Street West, 19 Kennedy
Street West, 29 Kennedy Street West, 77 Spruce Street, 80
Spruce Street, 139 Temperance Street, and 59 Tyler Street;
3. That staff be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice
of Intention to Designate the respective properties Council
chooses to pursue for designation in accordance with the
requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
4. That the respective designation by-laws be brought before
Council for adoption if no objections are received as per the
requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act.
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, June 25, 2024 10
8.7.3 PDS24-061 - Draft Affordable Housing Action Plan
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS24-061 be received; and
2. That the draft Affordable Housing Action Plan (Attachment #1)
be consulted upon with the public and other stakeholders prior
to a finalized version being brought back to Council for
endorsement.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.7.4 PDS24-062 - George Street Parkland Acquisition Next Steps -
Demolition, Zoning, Park Design Consultation
Council consented to vote on each clause separately.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-062 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with the process to demolish
the building and prepare the site for development; and
3. That a new capital project with total budget authority of
$415,800 be approved, to be funded from the Proceeds from
Land Sales reserve; and
4. That staff be directed to begin the public consultation process
for the design of the park and report back to Council; and
5. That staff be directed to proceed with the process to rezone the
George Street property as outlined herein.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024 11
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Clause one
Carried (7 to 0)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Clause two
Carried (6 to 1)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Clause three
Carried (6 to 1)
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Clause four
Carried (7 to 0)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Clause five
Carried (6 to 1)
8.8 Member Motions
None.
8.9 Regional Report
8.9.1 York Regional Council Highlights of May 23, 2024
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of May 23, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024 12
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 Member Motion - Councillor Gilliland; Re: Supporting Affordable Housing
Options Leslie Corridor
The Member Motion was withdrawn.
9.2 FIN24-035 - Required Bill 185 Amendments to the Development Charges
Study and By-law
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. FIN24-035 be received; and
2. That no public meetings are required under section 12 of the
Development Charges Act, 1997; and
3. That the updated development charge calculations be adopted; and
4. That the proposed amending Development Charges By-law be enacted
on June 25, 2024.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner remarked on the upcoming Canada Day long weekend and
concerns regarding fireworks displays, and advised that complaints may be
submitted through the after-hours call centre at 905-727-3123 or via email to
bdepartment@aurora.ca.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to residents Wendy Kenyon and
George Skoulikas for their years of successful efforts toward protecting the
Henderson Forest.
Councillor Gaertner noted that Canada Day can be a traumatic time for our First
Nations community.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 13
Councillor Weese and Councillor Gilliland inquired about the progress and timing
of future updates on the York Housing application and a suitable location for the
men's transitional shelter, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese commented on resident concerns about safety and
playgrounds in the Aurora Heights neighbourhood, and inquired about joint use
opportunities with the school board. Staff agreed to discuss this matter further
with the Councillor.
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on resident concerns about young
persons trespassing on the George Street Public School property, and staff
provided a response.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6613-24 - Being a By-law to declare as surplus and sell
municipal lands (south side of Mosley Street).
11.2 By-law Number 6614-24 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6592-24,
to establish development charges for the Town of Aurora.
11.3 By-law Number 6615-24 - Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Clerk and to
delegate certain authority to the Deputy Clerk on behalf of The Corporation
of the Town of Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.3 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 14
13.1 By-law Number 6616-24 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on June 25, 2024
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk