Minutes - Council - 20241126
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, November 26, 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
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 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,
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
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024 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
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
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
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.3 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024 3
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2024
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2024, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2024
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 12,
2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 27, 2024
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 27, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of November 5, 2024
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of November 5, 2024, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.5.4, 8.8.1, and 8.8.3, 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 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2024
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024 4
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2024, be
received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2024
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 7, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.3 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2024
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 8, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.4 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 21,
2024
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of October 21, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Consent Agenda
None.
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS24-043 - High Five - Registered Municipality
1. That Report No. CMS24-043 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the Town of Aurora becoming a High Five
Registered Municipality.
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
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November 26, 2024 5
8.5.1 FIN24-057 - 2025 to 2026 Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan
1. That Report No. FIN24-057 be received for information.
Carried
8.5.2 FIN24-051 - Water Meter Replacement Program Contract
1. That Report No. FIN24-051 be received; and
2. That WAMCO be awarded the contract for replacement of
residential water meters for five years at a total cost of
$1,900,000 excluding taxes under the single source provisions
of the Procurement By-law.
Carried
8.5.3 FIN24-052 - Tax Sale Process
1. That Report No. FIN24-052 be received for information.
Carried
8.5.4 FIN24-055 - Community Partner Reserve Management Policy
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. FIN24-055 be received; and
2. That the Town’s Community Partner Reserve Management
Policy be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS24-023 - Aurora Forest Study Policy Updates
1. That Report No. OPS24-023 be received; and
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November 26, 2024 6
2. That staff be directed to review and propose updates to the
Private Tree Protection By-Law (By-law No. 5850-16) and
associated compensation policies.
Carried
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
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-065 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward the Registration By-law for Additional
Residential Units (ARUs) to a future Council meeting for
enactment.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.8.2 PDS24-119 - Extension of Approval to Draft Plan of Subdivision,
Charlieville Developments Limited, 45 Tyler Street, Lot 26 and Part
Lots 24, 25 and 27, Plan 9, File Number: SUB-2015-03, Related File
Number: SP-2022-03
1. That Report No. PDS24-119 be received; and
2. That the Draft Approval to Plan of Subdivision for 45 Tyler
Street, File SUB-2015-03, be extended for one year, with a
lapsing date of December 17, 2025.
Carried
8.8.3 PDS24-120 - Application for Radiocommunication Tower, Shared
Tower Inc. , 15400 Bayview Avenue, Plan 65M-3074, Block 2, Part
Block 3, File Number: SP(T)-2024-01
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024 7
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That Report no. PDS24-120 be referred back to staff to explore
other locations for the radiocommunication tower.
Motion to refer withdrawn
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-120 be received; and
2. That Council does not consent to the application for the
installation of a 40-metre (131 feet) tall, monopole design
telecommunication tower by Shared Tower Inc. at 15400
Bayview Avenue, and that the applicant seek an alternative site
for the telecommunication tower.
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 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Request the Redistribution of the Provincial Land
Transfer Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure
Funding
Whereas municipalities face growing infrastructure needs,
including roads, bridges, public transit, water systems, and other
critical services, which are essential to community well-being and
economic development; and
Whereas the current sources of municipal revenue, including
property taxes and user fees, are insufficient to meet these
increasing demands for infrastructure investment; and
Whereas the Province of Ontario currently collects the Land
Transfer Tax (LTT) on property transactions in municipalities
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024 8
across the province, generating significant revenue that is not
directly shared with municipalities; and
Whereas the Federal Government collects the Goods and Services
Tax (GST) on property transactions, a portion of which could be
directed to municipalities to address local infrastructure needs; and
Whereas redistributing a portion of the Provincial Land Transfer
Tax and GST to municipalities would provide a predictable and
sustainable source of funding for local infrastructure projects
without creating a new tax burden on residents or homebuyers; and
Whereas a redistribution of a portion of the existing Land Transfer
Tax and GST would allow municipalities to better plan and invest in
long-term infrastructure initiatives, supporting local economic
growth and improving the quality of life for residents;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council
formally requests the Provincial Government to consider
redistributing a portion of the Land Transfer Tax collected on
property transactions to municipalities; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That Aurora Town Council calls on the
Federal Government to allocate a percentage of the GST
collected on property sales to municipalities; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That this redistribution of the Land
Transfer Tax and GST should be structured to provide
predictable and sustainable funding to municipalities, allowing
for better long-term planning and investment in infrastructure
projects that benefit local communities, thus ensuring that local
governments receive a fair share of the revenue to address
critical infrastructure needs; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That copies of this resolution be
forwarded to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford,
the Ontario Minister of Finance, the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing, local Members of Parliament (MPs) and
Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs); and
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November 26, 2024 9
5. Be It Further Resolved That copies of this resolution be
forwarded to all 444 Municipalities in Ontario, the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for their endorsement and
advocacy.
Carried
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of October 24, 2024
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of October 24, 2024,
be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS24-121 - Additional Information to Proposed Amendments to Parking
By-law No. 4574-04.T – Various Locations in the Town’s Downtown Area
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS24-121 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be enacted to
increase the on-street parking allowance from one hour to two hours
on Yonge Street between Wellington Street West and Kennedy Street
on an interim basis as outlined in the report.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10. New Business
Councillor Weese inquired about the Town's response to Ontario’s Bill 212,
Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 with respect to bicycle lanes, and
the Mayor provided a response noting that this new legislation does not impact
the Town of Aurora.
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November 26, 2024 10
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the recent advisory committee member
recruitment process and outreach to local groups and organizations, and staff
provided clarification.
Councillor Gaertner, with reference to the Budget 2025-2026 process and
comments from residents, inquired about future reporting to Council on the
budgeted and actual cost of capital projects, and staff provided a response.
Mayor Mrakas expressed appreciation to Council for endorsing the member
motion to "Request the Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and
GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding" noting that to date
more than 45 municipalities have passed this motion.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, will be retiring as of November 29, 2024, noting Chairman
Emmerson's service and deep dedication to the Region, and extended best
wishes for his future endeavours.
11. Regional Report
None.
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6655-24 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6228-19,
as amended, to govern the proceedings of Council and Committee
meetings of the Town of Aurora.
12.2 By-law Number 6656-24 - 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 Gilliland
That the By-laws, items 12.1 and 12.2, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14,1 By-IawNumber6657-24BeingaBy-IawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on November 26, 2024
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by CouncilJor Kim
Carried
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Carried
IW
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk