Minutes - Council - 20240924
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
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
Alexander Wray, Manager, By-law Services
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, 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 9:42 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:53 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 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 Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
addition of Delegations items 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5, be approved.
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 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 Ovidiu Berindean, Resident; Re: Item 8.4.1 - CS24-021 - Fence By-law
Variance Request
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 3
Ovidiu Berindean, owner of the property at 241 Holladay Drive, presented
an overview of the proposed fence extension and requested that Council
consider approving the construction of the fence.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.4.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 Mike Bryan, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.2 - OPS24-021 - Leash-Free Areas in
Aurora
Mike Bryan spoke in opposition to the proposed leash-free areas in
Highland Gate Park.
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 Gordon Weir, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.2 - OPS24-021 - Leash-Free Areas in
Aurora
Gordon Weir spoke in opposition to the proposed leash-free areas in
Highland Gate Park.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.2.
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 4
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Item 8.8.2 -
PDS24-090 - Updates to Street Naming Policy
Christopher Watts presented background to the selection and misspelling
of Folliot Street, and the history of WWII fallen RCAF veteran, Flying Officer
Eric Walter Folliott, for whom the street is named. They requested that the
street name be corrected to Folliott Street, that corrective action be
included in the Street Naming Policy, and that the Town sponsor F.O. Eric
Folliott in the Aurora Legion's Honour our Veterans Banner Program.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.8.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.5 Mike Kennedy, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.2 - OPS24-021 - Leash-Free Areas
in Aurora
Mike Kennedy spoke in opposition to the proposed leash-free areas in
Highland Gate Park.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
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)
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 5
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.6 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 9, 2024
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of July 9, 2024, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of July 9, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of July 9, 2024, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 9, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of July 9,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of September 3, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of September 3, 2024, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September
3, 2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 6
7.6 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2024
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of September 10,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of September 3, 2024
Council consented to consider items in the following order: 8.7.2, 8.4.1, 8.8.2,
8.3.1, and 8.7.1.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of September 3, 2024, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.3.1, 8.4.1, 8.7.1, 8.7.2, and 8.8.2, 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 Consent Agenda
8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 21, 2024
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 21,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.2.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of July
31, 2024
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting
Minutes of July 31, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 7
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS24-031 - Naming Rights Policy
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CMS24-031 be received; and
2. That the Naming Rights Policy be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
That the following amendments be made:
a) That ‘etc.’ be removed from the third bullet point on
page 4 of the policy; and
b) That the third sentence in the last paragraph on page 6
of the policy be amended to read ‘If an application is
intended to displace an existing commemorative name,
before a Renaming Application is decided upon, the
Town will make all reasonable efforts to notify the
family or next of kin of the person that is to be
displaced, allowing 60 days for the family or next of kin
to respond to the proposed renaming.’
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CMS24-031 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 8
2. That the Naming Rights Policy, as amended, be approved; and
3. That the following amendments be made:
a) That ‘etc.’ be removed from the third bullet point on page 4
of the policy; and
b) That the third sentence in the last paragraph on page 6 of
the policy be amended to read ‘If an application is intended
to displace an existing commemorative name, before a
Renaming Application is decided upon, the Town will make
all reasonable efforts to notify the family or next of kin of
the person that is to be displaced, allowing 60 days for the
family or next of kin to respond to the proposed renaming.’
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Councillor Gaertner and Councillor Thompson
Carried (5 to 2)
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS24-021 - Fence By-law Variance Request
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CS24-021 be received; and
2. That a variance to Fence By-law No. 6429-22 to permit the
construction of a non-compliant fence in the front yard at 241
Holladay Drive be denied.
Yeas (2): Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Gaertner
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Defeated (2 to 5)
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 9
That the Fence By-law Variance Request at 241 Holladay Drive be
approved.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Gaertner
Carried (5 to 2)
8.4.2 CS24-022 - Addition of Illumination Requests to the Town’s Flag
Policy
1. That Report No. CS24-022 be received; and
2. That the updated Flag Protocol, Flag Raising and Illumination
Request Policy (attachment 1) be approved; and
3. That the Clerk report back after one year regarding illumination
requests received and any resulting effects to the surrounding
neighbourhood.
Carried
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN24-038 - Asset Management Funding Strategy for 2025 and
2026
1. That Report No. FIN24-038 be received; and
2. That the short-term asset management reserve strategy for
2025 and 2026 be approved; and
3. That the tax-funded portion of the ATS debt financing of $7.5M,
be funded from the hydro reserve fund, and not debt financed,
be approved; and
4. That the operating budget for ATS tax-funded debt repayment
be redirected to asset management contributions be approved.
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 10
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS24-020 - Windrow Program Eligibility Criteria
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. OPS24-020 be received; and
2. That the eligibility criteria as described, be approved; and
3. That a cost-recovery amount of $100 per participating
household be approved; and
4. That adoption of the financial assistance criteria as proposed
be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.7.2 OPS24-021 - Leash-Free Areas in Aurora
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. OPS24-021 be received; and
2. That the 10-year capital priority list for future leash-free areas
be endorsed and that staff update the 10-year capital plan
accordingly as per funding availability; and
3. That the Mayor be requested to include a capital project for the
development and construction of an off-leash trail within the
Highland Gate Subdivision in the 2025 capital budget.
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. OPS24-021 be referred back to staff to identify
suitable areas in Aurora for leash-free dog areas and/or trail
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 11
locations, specifically on the west side, and report back to
Council; and
2. That public consultation take place on the proposed areas
before reporting back.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the motion to refer be amended by adding the following
clause:
That Highland Gate Park be removed from consideration for
an off-leash dog area.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland
Carried (6 to 1)
Motion to refer as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. OPS24-021 be referred back to staff to identify
suitable areas in Aurora for leash-free dog areas and/or trail
locations, specifically on the west side, and report back to
Council; and
2. That public consultation take place on the proposed areas
before reporting back; and
3. That Highland Gate Park be removed from consideration for an
off-leash dog area.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 12
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS24-065 - New Registration By-law for Additional Residential
Units in Single Family Dwelling Unit
1. That Report No. PDS24-065 be deferred to the Committee of the
Whole meeting of November 5, 2024.
Carried
8.8.2 PDS24-090 - Updates to Street Naming Policy
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-090 be received; and
2. That Council approve the updated Street Naming Policy as
attached to this report.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
That delegated authority to staff for the naming of streets in
the Town be removed.
Yeas (2): Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Defeated (2 to 5)
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 13
That names from the Aurora Cenotaph be chosen before any
other name is approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Amendment No. 3
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be further amended by adding the
following clauses:
That the name changing process for streets be waived to
allow for the following change; and
That the name Folliot Street be changed to Folliott Street and
that staff take all necessary steps to implement this change,
including notifying residents on the street of why the change
is being made and the history of the name.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-090 be received; and
2. That Council approve the updated Street Naming Policy as
attached to this report; and
3. That names from the Aurora Cenotaph be chosen before any
other name is approved; and
4. That the name changing process for streets be waived to allow
for the following change; and
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 14
5. That the name Folliot Street be changed to Folliott Street and
that staff take all necessary steps to implement this change,
including notifying residents on the street of why the change is
being made and the history of the name.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Weese; Re: Review of Train Whistle/Horn Cessation at
All Level Crossings in the Town of Aurora
Whereas the train tracks in Aurora are a disruptive influence on
pedestrian and vehicular traffic at all level crossings in Aurora,
affecting safe and consistent travel from in Aurora; and
Whereas there are estimated to be over 2,500 homes and residents
living within 200 meters of the train tracks along the train corridor
that are negatively impacted by the train whistles/horns; and
Whereas double-track construction planned by Metrolinx will bring
15-minute service both ways along the train corridor exacerbating
the disruption to residents’ quality of life with increased train
whistles/horns at all level crossings; and
Whereas train whistle/horns signaling and vehicular and pedestrian
safety measures are regulated by external agencies to ensure that
safety is maintained at all level crossings; and
Whereas other municipalities affected adversely by train
whistles/horns have included requisite safety measures at level
crossings in their municipalities to ensure the safety of their
residents; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora Strategic Plan states that a Goal is to
‘support an exceptional quality of life for all’; and
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 15
Whereas Aurora Town Council may pass By-Laws to implement
train whistle/horn cessation once safety standards have been
implemented at each level crossing; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora Strategic Plan states that the Town
should ‘work with York Region and Metrolinx to improve transit
infrastructure and commuter transportation options’; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora Strategic Plan states that the Town
should ’work with residents and stakeholders to manage the
significant changes that will impact the Community as a result of
planned investment in rapid transit’; and
Whereas Aurora Town Council has not implemented horn/whistle
cessation in the past; and
Whereas circumstances warrant a review of the requirements for
the assumption of risk that would result in improved quality of life
for residents of Aurora;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back on
the processes needed to create a By-law that will result in the
cessation of train whistles/horns at all level crossings in
Aurora.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS24-102 - Additional Information for All-way Stop on Tamarac Trail
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS24-102 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 16
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the cost of the electronic sign located at the
Canadian National Exhibition, which advertised the grand opening of Aurora
Town Square. Staff provided a response and agreed to confirm the cost at the
next Council meeting.
Councillor Thompson, in follow-up to the earlier delegate's request for a veteran's
banner, inquired about the process and timeline of a related current application
for the community partnership grant program that could include this request.
Staff provided a response and agreed to advise Council once staff have reviewed
the submissions and decisions are made.
Councillor Kim inquired about the construction on both sides of St. John's
Sideroad involving an island, sidewalks, and multi-use pathway. Staff provided
clarification on the work being done by York Region.
Councillor Thompson inquired about the timing of the ongoing construction and
lane reduction on Wellington Street East in front of the Stronach Aurora
Recreation Complex. Staff provided a response and agreed to contact York
Region and advise Council of the expected completion date.
Mayor Mrakas expressed appreciation to all those who came out for the grand
opening of Aurora Town Square during the past weekend. The Mayor further
thanked staff for their tremendous efforts, donors for their generosity, and Aurora
residents for their patience.
11. Regional Report
None.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6631-24 - Being a By-law to exempt Block 1 on Plan
65M-4721 from part-lot control (File No. PLC-2022-01).
12.2 By-law Number 6632-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (15 Kennedy Street West “The Bishop
House”).
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 17
12.3 By-law Number 6633-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (19 Kennedy Street West “The Wilson
House”).
12.4 By-law Number 6634-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (29 Kennedy Street West “The Fry-
Smith House”).
12.5 By-law Number 6635-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (59 Tyler Street “The Edwin Machell
House”).
12.6 By-law Number 6636-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (71 Connaught Avenue “The Johnson
House”).
12.7 By-law Number 6637-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (77 Spruce Street “The Stephens
House”).
12.8 By-law Number 6638-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (80 Spruce Street).
12.9 By-law Number 6639-24 - Being a By-law to designate a property to be of
cultural heritage value or interest (139 Temperance Street “The Duncan
House”).
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the By-laws, items 12.1 to 12.9 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.
Council Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2024 18
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-lawNumber6640-24-BeingaBy-lawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on September 24, 2024
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Carried
kas, Mayor Mi c ae de Rond, Town Clerk