Minutes - Council - 20231212Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members:Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
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
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Phil Rose, Manager, Cultural Services
Edward Terry, Senior Policy Planner
Jaclyn Grossi, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:56 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 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,
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 Gaertner
That the Notice of Motion provisions in Section 34 of the Procedure By-law be
waived to permit the addition of a motion regarding Community Safety and
Inciteful Speech; and
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved, including the
following item:
* Motion 10.3 - Councillor Gilliand; Re: Community Safety and Inciteful
Speech
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to O)
Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
InterestAct, R.S.0. 1990, c. M.50.
Community Presentations
None.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 3
6.Delegations
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.8 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of November 28, 2023
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of November 28, 2023, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.2 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of November 27, 2023
1. That the Special Meeting of Council Minutes of November 27, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 21, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of November 21, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November
21, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 28, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of November 28, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 4
7.6 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 28, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November
28, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Closed Session Minutes of December 5, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of December 5, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of December
5, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Standing Committee Reports item 8.1 be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items 8.1.3 and 8.1.5, 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 O)
8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of December 5, 2023
8.1.1 FIN23-042 - Q3 2023 Procurement Report
1. That Report No. F1N23-042 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September
29i 2023
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 5
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September
29, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1,3 PDS23-152-TownofAurora0fficialPlanReview-FinalDraft-
Consideration for Adoption
Council consented to vote on the fifth clause separately.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-1 52 be received; and
2. That the Final Draft Official Plan be adopted; and
3. That an adopting by-law be brought forward at a future Council
meeting in January; and
4. That staff forward the adopted Official Plan to York Region for
final approval; and
5. That, should portions of the Official Plan be appealed to the
Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Council authorize Town staff to
appear before the OLT and the hiring of external legal counsel
and experts as required to support the position of the Town
before a Tribunal Hearing; and
6. That the Vision statement be amended to include the phrase
"protection of the natural environment".
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gaertner
Clauses one to four and clause six
Carried (5 to 2)
Yeas (2): Councillor Weese, and Councillor Kim
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Clause five
Defeated (2 to 5)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 6
8.1.4 CMS23-057 - Community Partnership Grant Update and Proposed
Policy Revision
1. That Report No. CMS23-057 be received; and
2. That the proposed policy revision to the community partnership
grant be approved.
Carried
8.1.5 CS23-078 - 2023 Pending List Review
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. CS23-078 be received; and
2. That items marked IlCompleted" be removed from the Pending
List.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
3. That the status of Pending List item OPS 19 be changed to
"In Progress".
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. CS23-078 be received; and
2. That items marked IlCompleted" be removed from the Pending
List; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 7
3. ThatthestatusofPendingListitemOPS19bechangedto'lln
Progress"
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
8.1.6 PDS23-150 - Application for Site Plan, RP Partners Aurora Limited
(Polo Club), 15286-15306 Leslie Street, Part of Lot 21,
Concession 2, Whitchurch, being Parts 1 to 5 on Registered Plan
65R-37140, File Number: SP-2020-06, Related File Number: OPA-
2016-03, ZBA-2016-07
1. That Report No. PDS23-1 50 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application SP-2020-06 be approved to permit
the development of three (seven-storey) apartment buildings
with a total of 345 units (115 units per apartment building) with
two levels of underground parking and at grade parking for a
total of 445 parking spaces; and
3. That a total of 590 persons (345 apartment units) worth of
servicing capacity be assigned to the subject development.
Carried
8.1.7 CMS23-059 IAURORA Sign at Aurora Town Square
1. That Report No. CMS23-059 be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 FIN23-048 Interim Forecast Update - As of October 31, 2023
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN23-048 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8
10. Motions
10.1 CouncillorGilliland;Re:HomelessnessCrisis
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the homelessness crisis is taking a devastating toll on families
and communities, undermining a healthy and prosperous Ontario, and that
Council accepts that the responsibility to address these challenges rests
with community stakeholders, partners, and residents as well as regional,
federal, and provincial governments and agencies; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora recognizes the challenges of mental health,
addictions, and homelessness, which are complex issues that have a
significant and detrimental impact on the residents of the Town of Aurora
and surrounding areas within Ontario; and
Whereas addressing and responding to these issues has placed extreme
stress on all levels of regional, municipal, and non-municipal programs and
services, including various not-for-profit organizations and provincially
funded health services within the Town of Aurora and surrounding areas;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
acknowledge that homelessness in Ontario is a social, economic and
health crisis, including people with substance use disorders; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora commits to ending
homelessness in the community in collaboration with the Region, and
both the Provincial and Federal governments; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora call on the Region, the
Province and Federal governments to increase action and supports on
the following:
a. Commit to ending homelessness in Ontario; and
b. Work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and
a broad range of community, health, and economic partners to
develop, resource, and implement an action plan to achieve this
goal; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 g
c. Provide a long-term financial commitment to assist in the creation
of more affordable and supportive housing for people in need, in
York Region, including people with substance use disorders; and
d. lncrease investments in evidence informed substance use
prevention and mental health promotion initiatives that provide
foundational support for the health, safety and well-being of
individuals, families, and neighbourhoods, beginning from early
childhood; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this motion be sent to the
Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Minister of
Health; the Minister of the Solicitor General; the Minister of Finance;
the Chief Medical Officer of Health; Town of Aurora local MPs and
MPPs; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and all Ontario
municipalities.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
10.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Development of Policy for Community Partner
Reserve Funds
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas the prudent management of financial resources is crucial for the
sustained well-being of the Town and its community partners; and
Whereas the establishment of clear and transparent criteria for
determining reasonable reserve amounts is essential to ensure financial
stability and responsible fiscal practices; and
Whereas the effective management of reserves contributes to the overall
financial health and resilience of both the Town and its community
partners; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10
Whereas a well-defined policy will provide guidance on the appropriate
levels of reserves necessary to meet the needs and obligations of the
Town's community partners; and
Whereas the development of a policy will enhance accountability and
transparency in financial matters, fostering trust among stakeholders; and
Whereas it is in the best interest of the Town and its community partners
to proactively manage and monitor reserve balances to avoid any potential
negative financial implications;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Treasurer be directed to
report back with a proposed policy outlining the criteria for
determining reasonable reserve amounts for the Town's community
partners; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Treasurer is tasked with proposing
strategies on how to effectively manage any amount in excess of the
reasonabe reserve baance, ensuring fiscal prudence and responsible
financial governance.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
10.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Community Safety and Inciteful Speech
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas there has been an escalation in terrorist activity and unrest
around the world that has triggered homeland rallies and advocacy that
supports inciteful actions, which are causing uncertainty and unsafe
feelings in our own country; and
Whereas inciteful speech is knowingly being utilized to create division,
manipulation and spread misinformation, which could be defined as
violent extremist propaganda and encouraging violent crimes; and
Whereas any loss of innocent civilian life is unacceptable and tragic; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 11
Whereas other local municipal councils and residents in Aurora have
expressed concerns of uncertainty and safety who are asking for peace,
protection and security; and
Whereas law exists to help maintain public safety, security, peace and
order in society, and in Canada, where the responsibility for criminal justice
is shared between the Federal, Provincial and territorial governments; and
Whereas it is important to protect our general freedoms of speech, while
respecting the principles to protect and respect human rights, whether in
person or in a free, open and secure internet, and to ensure transparency
and accountability;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
acknowledges that residents in the community have expressed
feelings of uncertainty and safety concerns, due to the recent global
unrest, and condemns all acts of terror and violence resulting in loss
of life or inlury; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora call on all levels of
government to acknowledge this uncertainty and safety concerns in
Canada and look to strengthening their available tools to deny inciteful
speech that encourages violent extremists the ability to publicly
manipulate, advocate, and incite violence or physical harm to another
human being, whether it be online or in person; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That Council encourages our community and
diverse local leaders of faith to bring the community together to
promote peace, healing and understanding during this difficult time;
and
4. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be provided to
both the Federal and Provincial government and all municipalities in
Ontario.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 12
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of November 23, 2023
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of November 23, 2023, be
received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
12. Override of Mayoral Budget Veto
12.1 CouncillorGilliland OverrideofAmendment005-AuroraTownSquare
Staffing
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Council override the Mayor's veto of Budget Amendment 005 -
Aurora Town Square Staffing.
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion was
Defeated (4 to 3)
13. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether wetland buffer widths proposed by
developers are still reviewed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
and requested that buffers be kept as wide as possible and not be averaged. Staff
provided a response.
Councillor Thompson inquired about whether Council could expect to receive
regular progress updates on the construction of the Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex gymnasium addition, and staff agreed to follow up on the matter.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 13
New Business Motion No. 1
Motion to reconsider
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That the timing and notice provisions in Section 46 of the Procedure By-
law be waived to permit a motion to reconsider; and
2. That Report No. CMS23-049 - Facility Allocation Policies Review be
reconsidered in the February 2024 meeting cycle.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to O)
14. By-laws
14.1 By-lawNumber6566-23-BeingaBy-lawtoamendBy-lawNumber
6450-22 to designate by-laws under the Administrative Penalty By-law.
14.2 By-law Number 6567-23 - Being a By-law to amend various by-laws to
include Administrative Monetary Penalty provisions
14.3 By-law Number 6568-23 - Being a By-law to confirm and authorize
participation in the OMERS Primary Pension Plan (llPrimary Plan") and
the Retirement Compensation Arrangement for the OMERS Primary
Pension Plan ('IRCA"), each as amended from time to time, of the
employees, councillors and head of council of The Corporation of the
Town of Aurora ("Employer").
14.4 By-law Number 6569-23 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number
6228-19, as amended, to govern the proceedings of Council and
Committee meetings of the Town of Aurora.
14.5 By-law Number 6570-23 - Being a By-law to levy Interim Property Taxes
for the 2024 taxation year.
14,6 By-law Number 6571-23 - Being a By-law to appoint an Acting Fire Chief
for Central York Fire Services.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 14
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the By-laws, items 14.1 to 14.6 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
15. Closed Session
None.
16. Confirming By-law
16.1 By-lawNumber6572-23-BeingaBy-lawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on December 12, 2023
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
17. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
i. ,,/ .,.r -
Carried
Jac ssi Deputy Town Clerk