Minutes - Council - 20230926
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, September 26, 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 (arrived 7:04 p.m.)
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
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 2
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 Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
addition of Delegations 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
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
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 Peter Smith, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - PDS23-109 - Aurora’s 2031 Municipal
Housing Target Pledge, and Motion 10.4 - Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora
Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 3
Council consented to allow the delegation an additional two minutes of speaking
time.
Peter Smith expressed concerns about the proposed housing target
pledge and spoke in support of Motion 10.4.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1
and Motion 10.4.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 Andy Mitchell, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 - Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora
Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
Andy Mitchell spoke in support of Motion 10.4 and expressed concerns
about the proposed housing target pledge.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.4.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Steve Fleck, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 - Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora
Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
Steve Fleck expressed concerns regarding the current housing crisis and
spoke in support of Motion 10.4.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.4.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 4
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 David Heard, Resident: Re: Motion 10.4 - Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora
Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
David Heard spoke in support of Motion 10.4 and expressed concerns
regarding community input and changes to the terms of reference for
advisory committees.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.4.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.5 Bruce Orrell, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 - Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora
Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
Bruce Orrell spoke in support of Motion 10.4 and expressed his views
regarding the erosion of democracy.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.4.
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 Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.9 inclusive, be approved.
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 July 11, 2023
1. That the Council meeting minutes of July 11, 2023, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of July 11, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of July 11, 2023, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 11, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of July 11,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Special Council Closed Session Minutes of August 15, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of August 15, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Special Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of August 15, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of August 15,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Council Closed Session Minutes of September 5, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of September 5, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2023
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 6
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of September
5, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2023
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of Tuesday,
September 12, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.9 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 4, 2023
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 4, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Standing Committee Reports, items 8.1 to 8.3 inclusive, be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of
sub-items 8.1.8, 8.1.10, 8.2.4, and 8.2.5, 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 0)
8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of September 5, 2023
8.1.1 CS23-042 - Integrity Commissioner's Periodic Report
1. That Report No. CS23-042 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 OPS23-017 - Bag Tag Program - Update
1. That Report No. OPS23-017 be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 7
8.1.3 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 23, 2023
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 23,
2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.4 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2023
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee meeting minutes of June 28, 2023, be received for
information.
Carried
8.1.5 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 31, 2023
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of July
31, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.6 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 2, 2023
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
meeting minutes of August 2, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.7 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of August
22, 2023
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of August 22, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 8
8.1.8 PDS23-109 - Aurora’s 2031 Municipal Housing Target Pledge
9.1 PDS23-122 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS23-109 and
Servicing Allocation Update
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS23-109 and Report No. PDS23-122 be
received; and
2. That the Town support the municipal Housing Pledge and
initiatives described in Staff Report PDS23-109 including
Attachment 1 (Housing Pledge for Responsible Growth); and
3. That the Housing Pledge be forwarded to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
4. That the Province be requested to continue to work with
municipalities to provide grant opportunities to aid in the rapid
delivery of the identified municipal initiatives and growth-related
infrastructure.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson,
and Councillor Kim
Nays (3): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Gallo
Carried (4 to 3)
8.1.9 OPS23-018 - Approval of Capital Project No. 73217 - Summit Park
Playground Replacement and Basketball Court/Walkway
Improvements
1. That Report No. OPS23-018 be received; and
2. That the condition on the approval of a total of $300,000 in
capital budget authority for Capital Project No. 73217 – Summit
Park Playground Replacement and Basketball Court/Walkway
Improvements be lifted, and the project proceed; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9
3. That the scope of this project be expanded to include a fitness
park, lighting and rubberized safety surfacing enhancements;
and
4. That the total capital budget authority for Capital Project No.
73217 be increased to $600,000, representing an increase of
$300,000 to be funded from the Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland
reserve.
Carried
8.1.10 PDS23-108 - Centre Street Speed Limit Amendment
9.2 PDS23-118 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS23-108 Centre
Street Speed Limit Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-108 and Report No. PDS23-118 be
received; and
2. That the speed limit reduction on Centre Street be applied from
Yonge Street to Industrial Parkway North; and
3. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be
enacted to reduce the speed limit on Centre Street between
Yonge Street and Industrial Parkway North from 40 km/h to 30
km/h.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1.11 FIN23-035 - Reserve Management Policy
1. That Report No. FIN23-035 be received; and
2. That the presented Reserve Management Policy for the Town
be approved.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 10
8.1.12 PDS23-104 - Application for Draft Plan of Condominium, Addison
Aurora Industrial GP Inc., 115, 135, 155 Addison Hall Circle, Block 8,
9, 10, Plan 65M-4650, File Number: CDM-2023-02, Related File
Number: SP-2022-01
1. That Report No. PDS23-104 be received; and
2. That the Draft Plan of Condominium File Number CDM-2023-02,
to establish a standard condominium consisting of a total of 39
industrial units within 3 separate buildings, be approved subject
to the conditions attached hereto as Schedule ‘A’ of this report.
Carried
8.2 General Committee Meeting Report of September 19, 2023
8.2.1 Petition for Snow Windrow Clearing for Seniors and People with
Disabilities
1. That the Petition for Snow Windrow Clearing for Seniors and
People with Disabilities be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 7, 2023
1. That the Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee meeting
minutes of September 7, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.3 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 6,
2023
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 6, 2023 be received for information.
Carried
8.2.4 OPS23-020 - Potential Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Pilot
Program
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 11
1. That Report No. OPS23-020 be received; and
2. That Council implement Option 5 from the report as a pilot
Snow Windrow Removal program for the 2023/24 winter
season to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization reserve.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.2.5 CMS23-040 - Mobile Food and Licensed Beverage Consumption at
Concerts in the Park – Pilot Update
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CMS23-040 be received; and
2. That the implementation of Licensed Beverage Consumption
for Aurora’s Concerts in the Park series be approved; and
3. That potential food vendors be recruited through an open call
for proposal process for Aurora's Concerts in the Park series.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.2.6 PDS23-110 - Application for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law
Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision, Livewell on Wellington
General Partners Ltd., 1452-1460 Wellington Street East, Lots 3 and
4, Registered Plan 525, File Numbers: OPA-2022-04, ZBA-2022-06,
SUB-2022-01, Related File Number: SP-2022-10
1. That Report No. PDS23-110 be received; and
2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2022-04 be
approved to redesignate the subject lands from “Community
Commercial” to “Medium-High Density Residential”, as outlined
in Appendix ‘A’; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 12
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2022-06 be
approved to rezone the subject lands from “Community
Commercial C4 (464) Exception Zone” to “Townhouse Dwelling
R8 (X) Exception Zone”, as outlined in Appendix ‘B’; and
4. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2022-01 be
approved as shown in Figure 4, subject to the conditions
outlined in Appendix ‘C’; and
5. 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
6. That the appropriate servicing allocation be granted to facilitate
the proposed development of 30 townhouse units.
Carried
8.2.7 CAO23-002 - Town of Aurora Street Banner Program Policy
1. That Report No. CAO23-002 be received; and
2. That the Town of Aurora Street Banner Program Policy be
approved; and
3. That the existing 2023 Fees and Charges By-law be amended to
include the proposed new fees in this report.
Carried
8.2.8 PDS23-112 - Review of the York Regional Planning Transition Plan
1. That Report No. PDS23-112 be received; and
2. That the Region of York be advised that the Town of Aurora has
comments on the Regional memorandum dated June 19, 2023,
regarding the Regional Planning Transition Plan; and
3. That a copy of report No. PDS23-112 be forwarded to the
Regional Clerk for information.
Carried
8.3 Audit Committee Meeting Report of June 27, 2023
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 13
8.3.1 FIN23-031 - 2022 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Report
1. That Report No. FIN23-031 be received; and
2. That the 2022 Audit Reports and Financial Statements for the
year ended December 31, 2022, be approved and published on
the Town’s website.
Carried
8.3.2 FIN23-029 - 2022 Year-end Operating and Capital Results - As of Dec.
31, 2022
1. That Report No. FIN23-029 be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS23-122 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS23-109 and Servicing
Allocation Update
Item 9.1 was considered together with item 8.1.8 under Section 8,
Standing Committee Reports.
9.2 PDS23-118 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS23-108 Centre Street
Speed Limit Amendment
Item 9.2 was considered together with item 8.1.10 under Section 8,
Standing Committee Reports.
10. Motions
Council consented to consider Motions in the following order: 10.1, 10.4, 10.2,
and 10.3.
10.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: As of Right Pre-Zoning
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas the forthcoming Town's Official Plan Review is scheduled for
presentation to Council for consideration and potential adoption in the Fall
of 2023. This review encompasses numerous proposed changes that
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 14
offer valuable guidance on managing growth within strategically
designated areas over the upcoming three decades; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora is making a commitment to the Province by
pledging its active role in facilitating the construction of 8,000 new homes
by the year 2031;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town will engage in
pre-zoning of lands situated along key thoroughfares including Leslie
and Bayview, as well as both Yonge and Wellington. This initiative will
extend to cover Strategic Growth Areas such as The Promenade and
the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the aforementioned corridors and
designated growth areas shall be pre-zoned, with due consideration
for suitable building heights and densities. This pre-zoning shall be
designated "As of Right," thereby streamlining the development
process for residential units; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to undertake this pre-
zoning exercise as an integral component of the accelerated Phase 1
of the Zoning By-law review.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas 42 municipalities and regions including OBCM (Ontario Big City
Mayors) and MARCO (Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario) members
Ajax, Brampton, Burlington, Clarington, Hamilton, London, Oakville, Ottawa,
Pickering, Whitby, Toronto, and Windsor, along with Peel, Durham and
Halton Regions as well as Lanark County, Essex County and Renfrew
County across Ontario have declared a gender-based violence and/or
intimate partner violence epidemic (as of August 18, 2023); and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 15
Whereas on August 16, 2023, Justice Minister Arif Virani described
gender-based violence as “an epidemic” in the federal government’s
formal response to a coroner’s inquest, also stating that his government is
committed to ending the gender-based violence epidemic “in all its forms,
and is working to address any gaps in the Criminal Code to ensure a
robust justice system response”; and
Whereas by declaring gender-based violence and intimate partner violence
an epidemic, the Town of Aurora can join the growing number of
municipalities and regions in demanding action from all levels of
government to address this growing epidemic; and
Whereas the incidences of gender-based violence and intimate partner
violence increased exponentially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and
has not decreased, while funding to provide the growing demand of
services and support for victims and survivors of intimate partner and
gender-based violence has not kept pace;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora declare
gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora recommend that
gender-based violence and intimate partner violence be declared an
epidemic in the Province of Ontario; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora Requests That the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and all municipalities and regions in
Ontario declare a gender-based and intimate partner violence
epidemic across the country; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora Requests That the
provincial and federal governments enact the additional 85
recommendations from the inquest into the 2015 murders of Carol
Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam in Renfrew
County, Ontario, which provide a roadmap to preventing intimate
partner violence from escalating to femicide; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora Requests That the
federal government starts this enactment by adding the word
Femicide as a term to the Criminal Code of Canada; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 16
6. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora Requests That the
provincial and federal governments provide the necessary support to
municipalities, regions, and their emergency and social services to
meaningfully address the gender-based violence and intimate partner
violence epidemic.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Town Administration SWOT/Space Allocation
Analysis and Economic Review
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Whereas Municipalities across the Province and the private sector have
shifted into hybrid working models; and
Whereas Town offices and administration spaces are often observed as
underutilized at various times; and
Whereas the Town has shown to have programming space deficits; and
Whereas the Town could benefit from a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of its administration office spaces to
identify its highest and best use; and
Whereas it would be feasible to have an economic review of our
administrative assets to cut waste, and allocate appropriate use to avoid
any future financial liabilities;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back with
either a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)
analysis and/or space allocation review; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff provide an economic review of the
Town’s administrative office spaces to ensure we are utilizing its best
and highest use, including solutions, community benefits, and financial
impacts.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 17
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.4 Councillor Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in
Aurora
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas the Head of Council is required to confirm in writing his
commitment to meet a municipal housing target by October 15, 2023, in
order to receive Strong Mayor Powers; and
Whereas the municipality is required to submit a formal housing pledge
which will outline how the municipality plans to meet the housing target by
December 15, 2023; and
Whereas Strong Mayor Powers will result in the Head of Council being
granted powers such as:
Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer;
Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-
organizing departments;
Creating committees of council, assigning their functions, and
appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council;
Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council
amendments and a separate head of council veto and council
override process;
Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all
or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial
priority;
Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of
council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially
advance a provincial priority; and
Whereas these Strong Mayor Powers undermine democratic processes
executed through municipal elections; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 18
Whereas Strong Mayor Powers may also violate by-laws established in
Aurora that provides accepted and legal procedures for governance; and
Whereas Aurora Town Council recognizes the important role each
Councillor provides the residents in their Ward and the community-at-
large;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That the Aurora Town Council
opposes Strong Mayor Powers provided to the Head of Council; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That this approved Motion is to be sent to the
Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Doug Ford; the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Paul Calandra; the
Regional Municipality of York; and each of the Municipalities in
Ontario.
Yeas (5): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (5 to 2)
Motion to reconsider
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That the timing and notice provisions in section 46 of the Procedure
By-law be waived; and
2. That Motion 10.4 be reconsidered.
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion to reconsider
Carried
Reconsideration of Motion 10.4
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Carried (4 to 3)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 19
11. New Business
None.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6543-23 - Being a By-law to prescribe the standards for the
maintenance and occupancy of properties in the Town of Aurora.
12.2 By-law Number 6544-23 - Being a By-law to require adequate and suitable
vital services for rental units in the Town of Aurora.
12.3 By-law Number 6545-23 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, to regulate parking and traffic in the Town of Aurora (No
Parking Restricted Periods - Benville Crescent).
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the By-laws, items 12.1 to 12.3 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law Number 6546-23 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on September 26, 2023
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 20
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
& as, Mayor
Carried
Michael de Rond, T own Clerk