Agenda - Special Council - 20231127Town of Aurora
Special Meeting of Council
Revised Agenda
Date:Monday, November 27, 2023
Time:6 p.m.
Location:Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
Note: Added items are marked with an asterisk (*).
According to the Procedure By-law, the consent of a two-thirds majority vote of
Members present is required to permit the addition of Delegations items 5.3 to
5.6 to the agenda.
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Delegations
*5.1 Gerry Miller, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re: Amendment
003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
1
*5.2 Jim Clark, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re: Amendment
003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
2
*5.3 David Thom, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re: Amendment
003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
3
*5.4 Sandra Humfryes, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re:
Amendment 003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
4
*5.5 Bob McRoberts, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re:
Amendment 003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
5
*5.6 Nancy Black, Resident; Re: Item 7.3 - Councillor Gaertner; Re: Amendment 6
003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Grant
6.Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion
6.1 FIN23-047 - Proposed 2024 Municipal Tax Increase Comparison 7
That Report No. FIN23-047 be received for information.1.
7.Proposed Budget Amendments
7.1 Councillor Weese; Re: Amendment 001 - Sport Plan Update
That Project: SO-F-0045 Sport Plan Update, be removed from the
2024-2026 budget.
1.
7.2 Councillor Weese; Re: Amendment 002 - Sport Tourism Programmer
That the $68,300.00 cost of a new part-time sport tourism
programmer be removed from the 2024 budget.
1.
7.3 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Amendment 003 - Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
Grant
That the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame grant be reduced to $20,000
total for curatorial services only.
1.
7.4 Councillor Gallo; Re: Amendment 004 - Artificial Rink
That GN-F-0074: ARTIFICIAL RINK capital project be advanced
by one year to 2024 (to be constructed for the 2024-2025 winter
season) and given conditional approval pending a further report
in early 2024 outlining cost, a funding model, at least 2 potential
locations, operational impacts and timeline.
1.
7.5 Councillor Gilliand; Re: Amendment 005 - Aurora Town Square 2024
Staffing
That 1 customer service position and 2 facility positions are
phased in no sooner than April 1, 2024, or adjusted later to meet
any further delay of the opening; and
1.
That the remaining 2 facility positions be hired on an as-needed
basis, thereafter, using a phased-in approach.
2.
7.6 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Amendment 006 - Outdoor Wi-Fi Implementation
That Project GN-F-0001: Outdoor Wi-Fi Implementation, be
removed from the budget.
1.
7.7 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Amendment 007 - 2025 and 2026 Staffing
Requests
That any new staffing hires for the years 2025 and 2026 be
conditionally approved pending the review of the budget prior to
those years.
1.
8.Confirming By-law
8.1 By-law Number XXXX-23 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on November 27, 2023
11
9.Adjournment
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Budget Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
Amendment to Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Funding
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Gerald Miller, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is disappointed in the amendment to drastically cut our funding of
$31,725 and welcome the opportunity to address our concerns and thoughts.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 1 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Budget Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
Amendment to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Funding
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Jim Clark
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
To present my thoughts on the value and importance of the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame as one of the
strongest cultural partners with the Town of Aurora, and the best community halls of fames in our
province.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 2 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Budget Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
Council amendment to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame funding request
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
DAVID THOM
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
To present our response to the council amendment to not approve our funding request.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 3 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Budget Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
Amendment to Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Funding
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Sandra Humfreys
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is disappointed to understand our funding of $31,725 has been
recommended to be removed and Sandra Humfreys, on of the Directors on the Board of Governors
would like to address this matter.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 4 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Council
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
I'd like to address item 7.3 on the Special Meeting of Council Agenda
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Bob McRoberts
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
I'd like to speak against amendment 7.3
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 5 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Delegation Request
This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or
Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services.
Council or Committee (Choose One) *
Budget Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-11-27
Subject *
Amendment to Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Funding
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Nancy Black
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
To present the opposition to the amendment to defund the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? *
Yes No
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 6 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Council Report
No. FIN 2 3 -0 47
Subject: Proposed 2024 Municipal Tax Increase Comparison
Prepared by: Sandy Dhillon, Senior Financial Management Advisor
Department: Finance
Date: November 27, 2023
_
Recommendation
1. That Report No. FIN23-047 be received for information.
Executive Summary
Most municipalities in York Region are currently working through their budget process.
This report compares the proposed tax levy increases across York Region.
Historical municipal tax rate increase comparison along with the proposed tax
rate increase for 2024
Background
The proposed 2024 to 2026 operating budget and 10-year capital plan for the Town was
published on November 1, 2023. This Budget proposes a 3.9 percent tax rate increase
for 2024, followed by 3.5 percent in 2025, and 2.9 percent in 2026.
Analysis
Historical municipal tax rate increase comparison along with the proposed tax rate
increase for 2024
Aurora has maintained very consistent and moderate year-over-year tax levy increases
in comparison to most of its neighbouring municipalities despite the past and ongoing
significant inflationary trends experienced by all. The Table 1 provides a summary of the
tax levy increases among the York Region municipalities. Like all organizations, and
Page 7 of 11
November 27, 2023 2 of 3 Report No. FIN23-047
businesses across Canada, the Town has faced significant inflationary pressures over
the last year, resulting in rising costs to deliver the programs, services, and projects the
community relies on. The Town’s past and proposed budgets prioritizes maintaining
current levels of services and making strategic investments, all while respecting
taxpayer dollars.
Table 1
City/ Town 2022 2023 2024 Proposed
Town of Stouffville 1.94% 9.04% 4.47%
Town of Georgina 1.44% 6.89% 5.50%
Newmarket 1.99% 5.56% 2.99%
Town of East Gwillimbury 1.00% 5.55% 7.70%
Township of King 0.75% 4.95% 5.49%
City of Richmond hill 0.00% 3.72% 6.26%
Town of Aurora 2.90% 3.50% 3.90%
Markham 1.96% 3.00% X
York Region 2.96% 3.90% 3.75%
City of Vaughan 2.90% 2.90% 3.00%
X - Proposed Budget not available
Advisory Committee Review
Not applicable.
Legal Considerations
There are no direct legal considerations as a result of this report.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as a result of this report.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public of the approved annual levy increase by posting
information to the Town’s website.
Page 8 of 11
November 27, 2023 3 of 3 Report No. FIN23-047
Climate Change Considerations
This report does not directly impact greenhouse gas emissions or climate change
adaptation. The Town’s climate change action plan has been considered in the
development of the proposed multi-year budget.
Link to Strategic Plan
Developing the annual budget supports all aspects of the Strategic Plan. Specifically,
this report supports the Plan principles of Leadership in Corporate Management,
Leveraging Partnerships, and Progressive Corporate Excellence and Continuous
Improvement.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. None.
Conclusions
This report provides a brief summary of municipal tax increase in 2022 and 2023 along
with the proposed tax increases for 2024.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – York Region Map with proposed tax increases
Previous Reports
Not applicable.
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on November 16, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 9 of 11
Aurora
Newmarket
East Gwillimbury
Georgina
Whitchurch-
Stouffville
MarkhamRichmond
Hill
King
Vaughan
5.5%
7.7%
4.47%
To beannouncedin 2024
3.0 %
5.49%
2.99%
3.9%
6.26%
3.75%York Region
York Region Municipalities
Proposed Tax Rate Increasesfor 2024
Attachment 1
Page 10 of 11
The Corporation of The Town of Aurora By-law Number XXXX-23 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on November 27, 2023. The Council of the Corporation of The Town of Aurora hereby enacts as follows:
1. That the actions by Council at its Special Meeting of Council held on November 27,
2023, in respect of each motion, resolution and other action passed and taken by
the Council at the said meeting is hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed.
2. That the Mayor and the proper officers of the Town are hereby authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain
approvals where required and to execute all documents as may be necessary in
that behalf and the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to affix the corporate
seal to all such documents.
Enacted by Town of Aurora Council this 27th day of November, 2023.
Tom Mrakas, Mayor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Page 11 of 11