Minutes - Council - 20231128
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
7:00 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
Members Absent:
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
Bill Jean, Manager, Code Review and Inspection
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 7:04 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,
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 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 Weese
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
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
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.12 inclusive, be approved.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 3
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2023
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2023, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Workshop/Education Session Minutes of October 30, 2023
1. That the Council Workshop/Education Session minutes of October 30,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 3, 2023
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of October 3, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of October 17, 2023 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of October 17, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of October
17, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 4
7.6 Council Closed Session Minutes of October 24, 2023 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of October 24, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of October
24, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 7, 2023 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of November 7, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.9 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November
7, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.10 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 14, 2023 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of November 14, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.11 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November
14, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 5
7.12 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2023
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 14,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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-item 8.1.8, which was discussed and voted on separately as recorded below.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of November 7, 2023
8.1.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 11,
2023
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 11, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 26, 2023
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting
Minutes of October 26, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 6
8.1.3 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 19, 2023
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of October 19, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.4 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2023
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2023, be received
for information.
Carried
8.1.5 FIN23-040 - Proposed 2024 to 2026 Budget and 10-Year Capital
Plan
1. That Report No. FIN23-040 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.6 CMS23-049 - Facility Allocation Policies Review
1. That Report No. CMS23-049 be received; and
2. That the Facility Allocation Policy be approved as presented.
Carried
8.1.7 CS23-069 - Strong Mayor Powers
1. That Report No. CS23-069 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.8 CS23-073 - Procedure By-law Review
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. CS23-073 be received for information.
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 7
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
2. That Notice of Motions be discussed at General Committee
meetings and included in the General Committee report to be
pulled at Council for further discussion if necessary.
Yeas (5): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (1): Mayor Mrakas
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (5 to 1)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. CS23-073 be received, and
2. That Notice of Motions be discussed at General Committee
meetings and included in the General Committee report to be
pulled at Council for further discussion if necessary.
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Thompson
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (4 to 2)
8.1.9 CMS23-048 - Feasibility of a Permanent Liquor License at the
Aurora Community Centre
1. That Report No. CMS23-048 be received; and
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 8
2. That staff be directed to run a pilot program to provide alcohol
sales at Aurora Tigers Jr. A games in accordance with the terms
outlined in this report; and
3. That staff be authorized to waive certain requirements of the
Municipal Alcohol Policy for the pilot program, as identified in
this report.
Carried
8.1.10 CS23-068 - Amend Record Classification Structure and Retention
By-law Number 5815-16
1. That Report No. CS23-068 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend By-law No. 5815-16, as amended, be
brought forward for enactment that reflects the changes noted
in the report.
Carried
8.1.11 OPS23-026 - Winter Maintenance of Regional Sidewalks
1. That Report No. OPS23-026 be received; and
2. That the Region of York be advised that the Town of Aurora will
continue to maintain the active transportation infrastructure
including, sidewalks, separated cycle track or multi-use pathway
on regional roads as per Operational Services service level
standards.
Carried
8.1.12 PDS23-136 - Application for Draft Plan of Condominium,
Silhouette Aurora Inc., 15086, 15094 and 15106 Yonge Street, Part
of Lots 1 and 2, Registered Plan 9 and Lost 51 and 52, Registered
Plan 246, File Number: CDM-2023-03, Related File Number: SP-
2018-03
1. That Report No. PDS23-136 be received; and
2. That the Draft Plan of Condominium (Standard Condominium)
File No. CDM-2023-03 to establish three multi-storey stacked
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 9
townhouse condominium buildings for a total of 53 units, be
approved subject to the conditions attached hereto as Schedule
“A” of this report.
Carried
8.2 General Committee Meeting Report of November 21, 2023
8.2.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 6,
2023
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 6, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November
8, 2023
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 8, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.3 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 15, 2023
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2023, be received for
information.
Carried
8.2.4 PDS23-131 - Application for Radiocommunication Tower,
Northward Infrastructure Inc., 15820 Bayview Avenue, Lot 1, Block
7, Plan 65M-2874, File Number: SP(T)-2023-02
1. That Report No. PDS23-131 be received for information.
Carried
8.2.5 CMS23-050 - Outdoor Community Reflection Space
1. That Report No. CMS23-050 be received; and
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 10
2. That Council approve proceeding with the design of a
Community Reflection Space.
Carried
8.2.6 PDS23-130 - Traffic Calming Measures in School Zones
Performance Evaluation
1. That Report No. PDS23-130 be received; and
2. That flexible signs (traffic calming bollards) be included in the
Traffic Calming Policy and any future installation follow the
warrant criteria outlined in the policy.
Carried
8.2.7 CMS23-051 - Aurora Seniors Association Operating Agreement
Renewal
1. That Report No. CMS23-051 be received; and
2. That the Town enter into a five (5) year agreement, with two 5-
year renewal periods that are subject to Council approval, and a
termination period of 180 days with the Aurora Seniors
Association for the operation of the Seniors’ Centre on terms set
out in this report.
Carried
8.2.8 FIN23-041 - 2023 Yearend Surplus-Deficit Management Bylaw
Report and Reserve Management Update
1. That Report No. FIN23-041 be received; and
2. That the 2023 Yearend Surplus/Deficit Management By-law to
manage the operating budget surplus or deficit through the use
of reserves, as detailed in this report, be brought forward to a
future Council meeting for approval.
Carried
8.2.9 CMS23-055 - Aurora Town Square - Financial Status
1. That Report No. CMS23-055 be received for information.
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 11
Carried
8.3 Budget Committee Meeting Reports of November 2023
8.3.1 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 13, 2023
1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 13,
2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.3.2 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 20, 2023
1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 20,
2023, be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS23-126 - Strategies for Minimizing Negative Impacts of
Residential Infill Construction
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-126 be received for information.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
1. That staff report back to Council on the changes that have
been made regarding Minimizing Negative Impacts of
Residential Infill Construction.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 12
Carried (6 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-126 be received; and
2. That staff report back to Council on the changes that have been made
regarding Minimizing Negative Impacts of Residential Infill
Construction.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
10. Motions
10.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Aurora Cenotaph 100 Year Celebration
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Whereas the Aurora Cenotaph is an early example of World War I
memorials in Canada; and
Whereas the Aurora Cenotaph predates the Canadian National Vimy
Memorial in France (1936) and the National War Memorial in Ottawa
(1939); and
Whereas the Aurora Cenotaph built in 1925 is located at the Aurora War
Memorial and Peace Park that serves as a significant memorial for local
soldiers from Aurora, King, and Whitchurch-Stouffville; and
Whereas Canadian citizens stand united in honouring our veterans for the
sacrifices they made for the freedoms to speak without fear, freedom to
worship, freedoms to stand for rights, freedoms to oppose what one
believes wrong, and the freedom to choose those who shall govern our
country in the name of democracy; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 13
Whereas the Cenotaph is approaching its 100-year anniversary, which
should be recognized and celebrated by all;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora staff
collaborate with the Aurora Legion, King Township, Whitchurch-
Stouffville, the Provincial and Federal governments to commemorate
this significant celebration; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back with a collaborative plan
of action with possible budget considerations; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be provided to
King Township, Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Minister of Veteran Affairs,
and the local MPPs and MPs of each municipality.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
10.2 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Social Media Policy and Code of Conduct
Updates
Council consented to vote separately on the first clause of the main
motion as amended.
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Whereas social media has become a popular conduit for political leaders
to communicate with the public; and
Whereas social media has shown to have both positive and negative
impacts all over the world; and
Whereas censorship, controlled narratives, misinformation, and political
intermeddling has become a growing concern worldwide within social
media platforms and other forms of communications; and
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 14
Whereas the Integrity Commissioner recommends that Members of
Council would benefit from a social media policy and more detailed
provisions on what they can and can’t do on overall communication; and
Whereas updates to the Code of Conduct should also reflect addressing
how Members of Council use Town-owned and created graphics and
images, such as altering, manipulating or modification;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That Council request the
Integrity Commissioner develop a separate social media policy for
inclusion in the Council code of conduct; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Integrity Commissioner reviews the
Town’s Code of Conduct to strengthen and protect any violation of
political intermeddling, bullying and harassment in the workplace,
undermining of Council decisions and copyright of altering Town
images.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
3. That staff review and report back on an appropriate policy to
address copyright of altering Town images.
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Thompson
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (4 to 2)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 15
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That Council request the Integrity
Commissioner develop a separate social media policy for inclusion in
the Council code of conduct; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Integrity Commissioner reviews the
Town’s Code of Conduct to strengthen and protect any violation of
political intermeddling, bullying and harassment in the workplace,
undermining of Council decisions and copyright of altering Town
images; and
3. That staff review and report back on an appropriate policy to address
copyright of altering Town images.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
First clause
Carried (6 to 0)
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Thompson
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Second and third clauses
Carried (4 to 2)
10.3 Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Weese; Re: BIA Bylaw and Governance
Model Review
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas a new BIA was formed in 2019 to reinvigorate the downtown
core; and
Whereas the Economic Development Board and Town supports and
recognizes a vibrant downtown revitalization as a key priority; and
Whereas to streamline the order of business, budget, and procedures it
was discovered that some barriers and challenges in the bylaw still exist
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 16
that hinder the progressive development of the organization, such as
budget, resources, procedures, and public engagement retention; and
Whereas the BIA would benefit from an overall review of the bylaw to
ensure their mission and strategic plan progressively aligns with policies
and procedures within that are set up for success; and
Whereas the BIA may benefit from an exploratory governance or
collaboration model with either the Town, the Economic Development
Board and/or the Aurora Chamber of Commerce to avoid duplication of
work efforts and costs;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town staff investigate and
explore a collaboration and/or various governance models that will
best serve the progression of the downtown Business Improvement
Area. This could mean either a partnership, committee, or
collaboration; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back with various governance
models as a result; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the BIA bylaw be reviewed and updated to
remove barriers to reflect such progressive success of the downtown
revitalization mandate.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
10.4 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Wetland Protection and Phragmites Plan of
Action
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Whereas Phragmites has been recognized as one of Canada’s worst
invasive plants that threaten the existence of meaningful wetlands and
ecosystems; and
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 17
Whereas wetlands are vital ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity,
purifying water, reducing flooding, and are an identified asset to help adapt
to climate change; and
Whereas Phragmites is known to thrive in our wetlands causing all other
life to be choked out by outcompeting native wetland plants, leaving frogs
and turtles without vital habitat, and blocking shoreline views and access;
and
Whereas Phragmites has been identified as a known threat in Aurora such
as; the Arboretum, Mackenzie Marsh, Salamander Pond and the Dave
Tomlinson Nature Reserve; and
Whereas staff were directed to identify areas of concern and remediate
Phragmites within a certain budget; and
Whereas staff have chosen to pause the scope of this program due to the
severity of the infestation;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That staff report back to Council
identifying our current threat status, include government grant
opportunities, engage in agency collaborations, and present
recommendations on a plan of action, including a budget, service
delivery model, operational impacts to continue protecting our
wetlands and attempt to remediate phragmites.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
11. New Business
None.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6561-23 - Being a By-law to exempt Block 39 on Plan
65M-4731 from part-lot control (File No. PLC-2023-01)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023 18
12.2 By-law Number 6562-23 - Being a By-law to establish a schedule of fees
and charges for municipal services, activities, and the use of property
within the Town of Aurora (Fees and Charges By-law)
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the By-laws, items 12.1 to 12.2 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law Number 6563-23 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on November 28, 2023
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
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