Minutes - Budget Committee - 20241118
Town of Aurora
Budget Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, November 18, 2024
6 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Councillor Michael Thompson (Chair)
Mayor Tom Mrakas (arrived 6:11 p.m., departed 7:06 p.m.)*
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer*
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Phillip Rose, Manager, Library Square
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee 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
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Budget Committee Meeting Report 2
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
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Councillor Ron Weese declared a pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict
of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50. respecting item 8.1.6 - Sport Aurora, due to
involvement with the organization, and therefore, did not participate in the
discussion or vote on any question in respect to the matter.
5. Delegations
5.1 Phiona Durrant, Aurora Black Community Association; Re: Request for
Funding
Item 5.1 was considered following consideration of item 6.1.2.
Budget Committee consented to permit an additional five minutes for the
delegation.
Phiona Durrant, Aurora Black Community Association, presented an
overview of their funding request including: 2024 highlights and
milestones; in-person programming and volunteer opportunities; 2025
goals; increasing community engagement and programs; and feedback
from the community.
Budget Committee received the comments of the delegation for
information.
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Budget Committee Meeting Report 3
6. Consideration of Items
6.1 2025 Operating Budget - Community Partner Business Plans and
Presentations
6.1.1 Central York Fire Services
(Binder Tab 14)
Fire Chief Rocco Volpe and Dan Waters, Platoon Chief, presented
an overview of the Fire Services 2025 Budget submission including:
2025 budget highlights; operating budget; increase in wages and
benefits; operating expenses; and 2025-2026 capital budget
requests. Andrea Tang, Director, Financial Services, Town of
Newmarket was also present.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Central York Fire Services presentation be received for
information.
Carried
6.1.2 Aurora Historical Society Board
(Binder Tab 15)
Budget Committee consented to permit an additional five minutes
for the delegation.
Alan Lambert, Co-President, and Geoffrey Dawe, Co-President and
Treasurer, presented an overview of the Board's funding requests
including: 2024 highlights; goals and achievements; key
performance indicators; ongoing challenges; partnerships; sources
of revenue; 2025 request for funding; recognition of volunteers;
2025 goals; and feedback from the community.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Aurora Historical Society Board presentation be
received for information.
Carried
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Budget Committee Meeting Report 4
6.1.3 Aurora Public Library Board
(Binder Tab 15)
Budget Committee consented to permit an additional five minutes
for the delegation.
Lauren Hanna, Financial Committee Chair, provided an introduction
and Jodi Marr, Chief Executive Officer, presented an overview of the
Board's funding request including: opening of Aurora Town Square;
library visits and membership; in-person and virtual programming;
creative studio; community and cultural organization partnerships;
assistance for newcomers; online learning resources; circulation of
physical and digital resources; investment returns; library
collections; budget pressures; and 2025 operating budget. Julie
Rocca, Business Manager, was also present.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Aurora Public Library Board presentation be received
for information.
Carried
6.1.4 Aurora Cultural Centre Board
(Binder Tab 15)
Morry Patoka, Vice President, provided an introduction and
Suzanne Haines, Executive Director, presented the Board’s funding
request including: mission, vision and core values; opening of
Aurora Town Square; 2024 programming and key performance
indicators; community participation and feedback; 2024 financial
summary; additional key performance indicators; 2025-2026 budget
and objectives; and operating budgets including revenue and
expenses. Michelle Lockie, Treasurer, was also present.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Aurora Cultural Centre Board presentation be received
for information.
Carried
Monday, November 18, 2024
Budget Committee Meeting Report 5
6.1.5 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
(Binder Tab 15)
Budget Committee consented to permit an additional five minutes
for the delegation.
Javed S. Khan, President and Director, and Brian Roberts, Treasurer,
presented an overview of the Board's funding request including:
2024 key highlights; invitation to the 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf
Classic on June 12, 2025; community engagement; 11th Annual
Induction Celebration Evening and invitation to the 12th Annual
Induction Celebration Evening on November 6, 2025; 2024 Future
Hall of Famers of the Month; nominations for Class of 2025
Inductees; 2025 operating grant request; and 2025-2026 budget.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame presentation be received
for information.
Carried
6.1.6 Sport Aurora
(Binder Tab 15)
Stephen Forsey, Director, and John Reich, Treasurer, provided an
overview of the Board's funding request including: background and
mission statement; acknowledgement of members that have
contributed to their success; 2024 highlights and programming
review; key performance indicators; 2024 funding and 2025
forecast.
Budget Committee recommends:
1. That the Sport Aurora presentation be received for information.
Carried
Councillor Gallo inquired about review of the capital budget details.
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7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.