The Aurora Record

Council

December 12, 2023

Who was there

Present (7): Wendy Gaertner, John Gallo, Rachel Gilliland, Harold Kim, Tom Mrakas, Michael Thompson, Ron Weese

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (16 motions)

15 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the Notice of Motion provisions in Section 34 of the Procedure By-law be waived to permit the addition of a motion regarding Community Safety and Inciteful Speech; and That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved, including the following item:  Motion 10.3 - Councillor Gilliand; Re: Community Safety and Inciteful Speech 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
Moved by Councillor Kim, seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.8 inclusive, be approved. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Weese
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
That the Standing Committee Reports item 8.1 be received and the recommendations
Moved by Councillor Gaertner, seconded by Councillor Thompson
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS23-152 be received; and 2. That the Final Draft Official Plan be adopted; and 3. That an adopting by-law be brought forward at a future Council meeting in January; and 4. That staff forward the adopted Official Plan to York Region for final approval; and 5. That, should portions of the Official Plan be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Council authorize Town staff to appear before the OLT and the hiring of external legal counsel and experts as required to support the position of the Town before a Tribunal Hearing; and 6. That the Vision statement be amended to include the phrase “protection of the natural environment". Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gaertner Clauses one to four and clause six
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Gallo
Carried
In favour (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim · Opposed (2): Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause: 3. That the status of Pending List item OPS 19 be changed to "In Progress". Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Gilliland, seconded by Councillor Gallo
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CS23-078 be received; and 2. That items marked “Completed” be removed from the Pending List; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 12, 2023 7 3. That the status of Pending List item OPS 19 be changed to "In Progress". Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Gilliland, seconded by Councillor Gallo
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. FIN23-048 be received for information. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Kim
Carried
Whereas the homelessness crisis is taking a devastating toll on families and communities, undermining a healthy and prosperous Ontario, and that Council accepts that the responsibility to address these challenges rests with community stakeholders, partners, and residents as well as regional, federal, and provincial governments and agencies; and Whereas the Town of Aurora recognizes the challenges of mental health, addictions, and homelessness, which are complex issues that have a significant and detrimental impact on the residents of the Town of Aurora and surrounding areas within Ontario; and Whereas addressing and responding to these issues has placed extreme stress on all levels of regional, municipal, and non-municipal programs and services, including various not-for-profit organizations and provincially funded health services within the Town of Aurora and surrounding areas; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora acknowledge that homelessness in Ontario is a social, economic and health crisis, including people with substance use disorders; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora commits to ending homelessness in the community in collaboration with the Region, and both the Provincial and Federal governments; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora call on the Region, the Province and Federal governments to increase action and supports on the following: a. Commit to ending homelessness in Ontario; and b. Work with the Asso
Moved by Councillor Gilliland, seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
Whereas the prudent management of financial resources is crucial for the sustained well-being of the Town and its community partners; and Whereas the establishment of clear and transparent criteria for determining reasonable reserve amounts is essential to ensure financial stability and responsible fiscal practices; and Whereas the effective management of reserves contributes to the overall financial health and resilience of both the Town and its community partners; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10 Whereas a well-defined policy will provide guidance on the appropriate levels of reserves necessary to meet the needs and obligations of the Town’s community partners; and Whereas the development of a policy will enhance accountability and transparency in financial matters, fostering trust among stakeholders; and Whereas it is in the best interest of the Town and its community partners to proactively manage and monitor reserve balances to avoid any potential negative financial implications; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Treasurer be directed to report back with a proposed policy outlining the criteria for determining reasonable reserve amounts for the Town’s community partners; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That the Treasurer is tasked with proposing strategies on how to effectively manage any amount in excess of the reasonable reserve balance, ensuring fiscal prudence and responsible financial governance. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillo
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Weese
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
Whereas there has been an escalation in terrorist activity and unrest around the world that has triggered homeland rallies and advocacy that supports inciteful actions, which are causing uncertainty and unsafe feelings in our own country; and Whereas inciteful speech is knowingly being utilized to create division, manipulation and spread misinformation, which could be defined as violent extremist propaganda and encouraging violent crimes; and Whereas any loss of innocent civilian life is unacceptable and tragic; and Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 12, 2023 11 Whereas other local municipal councils and residents in Aurora have expressed concerns of uncertainty and safety who are asking for peace, protection and security; and Whereas law exists to help maintain public safety, security, peace and order in society, and in Canada, where the responsibility for criminal justice is shared between the Federal, Provincial and territorial governments; and Whereas it is important to protect our general freedoms of speech, while respecting the principles to protect and respect human rights, whether in person or in a free, open and secure internet, and to ensure transparency and accountability; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora acknowledges that residents in the community have expressed feelings of uncertainty and safety concerns, due to the recent global unrest, and condemns all acts of terror and violence resulting in loss of life or injury; and 2.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland, seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Carried
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of November 23, 2023, be received for information. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
1. That Council override the Mayor's veto of Budget Amendment 005 - Aurora Town Square Staffing. Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Gallo Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim On a two-thirds majority vote the motion was
Moved by Councillor Gilliland, seconded by Councillor Gallo
Defeated
In favour (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo · Opposed (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Kim
1. That the timing and notice provisions in Section 46 of the Procedure By- law be waived to permit a motion to reconsider; and 2. That Report No. CMS23-049 - Facility Allocation Policies Review be reconsidered in the February 2024 meeting cycle. 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
Moved by Councillor Gallo, seconded by Councillor Weese
Carried
In favour (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 14.1 to 14.6 inclusive, be approved. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Weese
Carried
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner, seconded by Councillor Gallo
Carried
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Moved by Councillor Kim, seconded by Councillor Thompson
Carried

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