MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Meeting #:
Date:
-
Location:
Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, in the Chair
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor T. Davies
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor S. Gersher
  • Councillor H. Gough
  • Councillor D. Hill
  • Councillor A. Iwanchuk
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ALSO PRESENT:
  • City Manager J. Jorgenson
  • City Solicitor C. Yelland
  • General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Financial Services C. Hack
  • General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
  • General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
  • City Clerk J. Sproule
  • Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

The National Anthem was played and Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis People.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill
    1. That the letter submitting comments from Julia Adamson, dated September 28, 2019 be added to item 8.1.1;
    2. That the letter submitting comments from Julia Adamson, dated September 28, 2019 be added to item 8.5.9;
    3. ​That the following letters be added to item 10.3.1:
      1. Requests to Speak:
        1. Don Kossick and Jim Hodges, Friends of Saskatoon Farmers' Market, dated September 26 and 30, 2019 (2 letters);
      2. Submitting Comments:
        1. Penny McKinlay, dated September 27, 2019;
        2. Joan Feather, dated September 27, 2019;
        3. Michael Gertler, dated September 29, 2019;
        4. Lauryn Kronick, dated September 30, 2019 (petition);
    4. That the following letters be added to item 11.2.3:
      1. Requests to Speak:
        1. Darrin Kruger, United Steelworkers, dated September 27, 2019;
        2. Carlo Triolo, Riide, dated September 27, 2019;
        3. Mark Gill, Captain Taxi Ltd., dated September 29, 2019;
    5. That the introduction request from Kahkewistahaw First Nation, dated September 27, 2019 be added to item 11.2.4;
    6. That the items with speakers be considered immediately following consideration of the Consent Agenda in the following order:
      1. 11.2.4 - Kahkewistahaw First Nation
      2. 10.3.1 - Adithya Ramachandran
      3. 10.3.1 - Erika Quiring
      4. 10.3.1 - Don Kossick/Jim Hodges
      5. 11.2.3 - Darrin Kruger
      6. 11.2.3 - Carlo Triolo
      7. 11.2.3 - Mark Gill
    7. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
Her family is in a business that could be seen to be in conflict with the Taxi and TNC industry.
  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 26, 2019, be adopted.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

Mayor Clark provided condolences on behalf of City Council to the family and fellow employees of the late Dale Sayese and presented them with a card.

A moment of silence was held following.

Mayor Clark provided condolences on behalf of City Council to the family and fellow employees of the late Doug Winter and presented them with a card.

A moment of silence was held following.

The City Clerk reported that this is a standing item on the agenda in order to provide Council Members an opportunity to provide any public acknowledgements.

Councillor Iwanchuk provided information with respect to her recent trip to Ukraine.

Mayor Clark recognized it was Orange Shirt Day in commemoration of Truth and Reconciliation.

Councillor Hill asked for information on whether there is consideration for other construction work occurring when a detour route is determined.

General Manager, Transportation & Construction indicated he would follow up with the detour crews and report back to the Councillor.

Councillor Dubois inquired regarding demolition for a private residence in Briarwood and how are the costs handled.

Deputy Chief Rodgers provided an update on the Briarwood property and City Solicitor Yelland provided information regarding how costs are handled.

The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda:  8.3.1; 8.3.2; 8.3.4; and 8.5.3.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1; 8.2.1 to 8.2.2; 8.3.3; 8.4.1; and 8.5.1, 8.5.2, 8.5.4 to 8.5.11 be adopted as one motion.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    Pursuant to resolution, Item 11.2.4 was brought forward.


    1. That the Downtown BID be granted an exception to the Board composition requirements contained in Bylaw 6710 on a temporary basis to permit Shaunna Leyte, a nominee of a business outside of the District (within River Landing) to remain on the Board; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to make the appropriate Bylaw amendments.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That the Administration be authorized to purchase 2011 1st Avenue North for a price of $740,000 to be funded from the Property Realized Reserve; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That a budget adjustment transfer of $500,000, from Capital Project #1618 – Sanitary Trunks to Capital Project #1615 – Water Distribution, be approved. Funds being transferred will be allocated through the Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Reserve, resulting in a net zero impact to the reserve.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That up to five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee members be approved to attend the Wicihitowin Conference – October 16 & 17, 2019.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Iwanchuk
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That the hour of the meeting be extended beyond 5:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. or until this item is complete, whichever comes first.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill

    That the Administration bring a report that allows residents, in some cases, to replace nuisance City of Saskatoon trees in their yard (on city right-of-way) for specific reasons such as: stunted growth, lack of leaves, unhealthy appearance, excessive sap discharge, or property damage including evaluation of environmental value of any trees to be removed.

    In Favour: (7)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, and Councillor Jeffries
    Against: (4)Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED (7 to 4)

    The meeting recessed at 5:20 p.m. and reconvened at 6:20 p.m. following the Public Hearing Meeting with all members of Council present.


The following letters were provided:

Submitting Comments

  • Tracy Shepherd, dated September 10, 2019; and
  • Russ Ebernal, dated September 11, 2019.
  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough
    1. That Option 1: Core Acceptable Materials be approved for the curbside residential recycling program;
    2. That the continuation of the Glass Recycling Partnership with SARCAN Recycle be approved; and
    3. That the Administration report back to the appropriate Committee with information on the structure of the new program, rationale of any changes to the program, communications plan, and a summary of how the program’s success will be measured.
    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • That Mr. Mike Velonas be appointed as the Meewasin Valley Authority representative on the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee to the end of 2020.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That the appointment of Mr. Mark Wolff to the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District Board of Management, be approved.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That the 2020 appointments of Deputy Mayor as described in the September 23, 2019 report of the City Clerk, be approved.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 2014 be amended:

    1. to allow for the changes to Schedules C – Public Council Committee Meeting Agenda and D - In Camera Council Committee Meeting Agenda, as outlined in the September 23, 2019 report of the City Clerk;
    2. to allow for removal of the words “In an emergency” in Sections 18 and 91, and including parameters around remote attendance at meetings, as outlined in the September 23, 2019 report of the City Clerk; and
    3. such that requests to speak to matters not on a Council or Committee Agenda pertaining to an appeal to an independent tribunal contain the same provision as Communications to Council or Committee for matters pertaining to an appeal to an independent tribunal, and further include an exclusion to matters before the Courts in both communications to Council and Committee and requests to speak to Council and Committee.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That City Council approve entering into a protocol agreement as contained in Appendix 1 of the September 23, 2019 report of the Chief Public Policy & Government Relations Officer; and
    2. That His Worship the Mayor sign the agreement on behalf of City Council at a date agreeable to the Mayor and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Letter - Julia Adamson, dated September 28, 2019

    1. That the Administration be directed to draft a comprehensive protocol policy addressing flag raising and proclamations, including establishing detailed criteria for determining which applications can be accepted;
    2. That the approval of flag raising and proclamation requests be delegated to the City Clerk’s Office with an appeal mechanism to the Governance and Priorities Committee; and
    3. That the City Solicitor make any necessary amendments to Bylaw No. 9170, The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 2014.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That all members of City Council be reappointed to the Governance and Priorities Committee to November 16, 2020; and
    2. That members of Council be reappointed to the Standing Policy Committees to November 16, 2020 as follows:
      • Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services – Councillors Davies, Gersher, Gough, Hill, and Loewen
      • Transportation – Councillors Block, Donauer, Dubois, Gersher, and Jeffries
      • Planning, Development & Community Services – Councillors Davies, Gough, Hill, Iwanchuk, and Jeffries
      • Finance – Councillors Block, Donauer, Dubois, Iwanchuk, Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That Mayor Clark and Councillors Iwanchuk, Donauer and Dubois be reappointed to the Personnel Subcommittee for 2020.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

City Manager Jorgenson provided a response to questions regarding timelines for reports that resulted out of the Governance and Priorities meeting.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That the matter be referred to the Saskatoon Public Library Board requesting a report:

    1. based on the proposal and the programming design, on the impact to branch libraries, what services (if any) will be duplicated by the new library and its programming, and if the library will be competing with any component of private sector such as room rentals; and
    2. on the comparison of the proposal in relation to having some administration and housing of collection in other areas of the city that are less expensive.
    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

An Information Report was provided.

The following letters were provided:

Requests to Speak:

- Adithya Ramachandran, President, SFMCL, dated September 18, 2019 (including comments)
- Erika Quiring, Executive Director, SFMCL
- Don Kossick and Jim Hodges, Friends of Saskatoon Farmers' Market, dated September 16 and 30, 2019 (2 letters)
- Penny McKinlay, dated September 27, 2019;

Submitting Comments:

- Joan Feather, dated September 27, 2019;
- Michael Gertler, dated September 29, 2019;
- Lauryn Kronick, dated September 30, 2019 (petition containing 255 names)
- Kim Rempel, dated September 30, 2019

Director of Planning & Development Anderson presented the report.

Mr. Adithya Ramachandran suggested two solutions:   The Saskatoon Farmers' Market remains at River Landing with suggested leasing options or the Saskatoon Farmers' Market accept to be relocated to another civic or privately owned site although it poses some challenges.

Ms. Erica Quiring indicated that the Saskatoon Farmers' Market wants to work with the City and believes there needs to be collaboration.

The meeting recessed at 2:48 p.m. and reconvened at 3:07 p.m. with all members of Council present.

City Manager Jorgenson provided clarification around the RFP process.

Messrs. Don Kossick and Jim Hodges, Friends of the Farmers' Market Cooperative submitted a "message" containing 920 signatures and spoke in support of the Farmers' Market.

Ms. Peggy McKinlay spoke in support of the Saskatoon Farmers' Market Cooperative.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That the Administration be directed to prioritize animation at minimum the outdoor space for the 2020 season including a farmers’ market in the event the indoor space is not available and/or that a tenant is not secured.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    Item 11.2.3 was considered next.


  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That the information be received and that consultation occur with other stakeholders in the province.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Jeffries

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9646, The Adult Services Licensing Amendment Bylaw, 2019, Bylaw No. 9647, The Mobile Home Amendment Bylaw, 2019, Bylaw No. 9648, The Private Crossings Amendment Bylaw, 2019, Bylaw No. 9649, The Traffic Amendment Bylaw, 2019 (No.2), and Bylaw No. 9650, The Trailer Camps Amendment Bylaw, 2019, and give same their FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw Nos. 9646, 9647, 9648, 9649 and 9650 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw Nos. 9646, 9647, 9648, 9649, and 9650 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That Bylaw Nos. 9646, 9647, 9648, 9649 and 9650 now be read a THIRD time, that the bylaws be passed and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign same and attach the corporate seal thereto.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

The City Clerk reported that Public Notice was provided.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9645, The Cannabis Business License Amendment Bylaw, 2019 (No.2), and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9645 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9645 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill

    That Bylaw No. 9645 now be read a THIRD time, that the bylaw be passed and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign same and attach the corporate seal thereto.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

The following letters were provided:

Requests to Speak:

- Darrin Kruger, United Steelworkers, dated September 27, 2019
- Carlo Triolo, Riide, dated September 27, 2019
- Mark Gill, Captain Taxi Ltd., dated September 29, 2019

  • Councillor Gersher declared a conflict on this item. (Her family is in a business that could be seen to be in conflict with the Taxi and TNC industry.)

Councillor Gersher excused herself from discussion and voting on the matter and left the Council Chamber.

A motion to consider first reading of Bylaw No. 9651 was passed.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

Mr. Darrin Kruger requested that there be a level playing field between the taxi and TNC industries.

Mr. Carlo Triolo requested that there be a level playing field between the taxi and TNC industries.

Mr.  Zuhaib Jahngir spoke in place of Mr. Mark Gill.  He indicated Captain Taxi is a new company.  They are not eligible for access licenses and would like to be recognized in the Transit app.

 

  • That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9651, The Vehicles for Hire Bylaw, 2019, and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That Bylaw No. 9651 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Iwanchuk

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9651 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Jeffries

    That Bylaw No. 9651 now be read a THIRD time, that the bylaw be passed and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign same and attach the corporate seal thereto.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Iwanchuk
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That the stakeholders of the taxi and TNC industry be invited to meet with the Administration to continue discussions regarding the Vehicles for Hire Bylaw to ensure that in the areas where both services should be treated similarly are reviewed, and that a report be brought back for City Council’s consideration with possible Bylaw amendments no later than the September, 2020 City Council meeting.

    In Favour: (10)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Council returned to consider the items not addressed beginning with item 8.3.1.


A letter from Chief Evan Taypotat requesting to provide introductions to City Council was provided.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and along with Solicitor Manastyrski responded to questions.

Chief Taypotat was in attendance and introduced members from Band Council and the Band's legal counsel.  He indicated that the Agreement will provide economic development and job creation.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough
    1. That City Council approve the proposed Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement attached as Appendix 1; and
    2. That His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement.
    In Favour: (11)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    Item 10.3.1 was considered next.


The City Clerk reported that Councillor B. Dubois provided the following notice of motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 26, 2019.

"Whereas the City of Saskatoon has adopted a target to divert 70% of the waste from the landfill by 2023;

Whereas organics materials consume approximately 32% of the City’s waste that ends up in the landfill;

Whereas after lengthy discussion and debate, on March 25, 2019, Saskatoon City Council agreed to implement a comprehensive residential curbside organics program by 2023;

Whereas, at the same meeting, City Council also agreed to phase-in funding for the waste and organics program by dedicating a one percent property tax increase in each year over the next four years;

Whereas the City of Saskatoon has limited financial resources to fund projects, programs, and services;

Whereas City Council’s goal is to provide affordable programs and services while keeping property tax increases to a minimum;

Whereas the City of Saskatoon has several competing priorities that require funding in the 2020 and 2021 budget;

Whereas at its July 29, 2019 Saskatoon City Council agreed to allocate $10 million in one-time funding from the federal Gas Tax Fund to the organics program;

Now, therefore, Be it Resolved that the proposed funding phase-in for the comprehensive residential curbside organics program be reduced to the following:

  • an amount equivalent to a 0.75% property tax increase in 2020; and
  • an amount equivalent to a 0.75% property tax increase in 2021.

Be it Further Resolved that this revised funding plan be implemented for the City’s 2020 and 2021 Business Plan and Budget.

Be it Further Resolved that the one-time increase in federal Gas Tax Fund be used for eligible capital projects that exclude waste diversion and organics."

Councillor Dubois WITHDREW her motion noting she believed it would be more appropriately debated at Budget.  She signaled that she will raise the matter and make a motion at the Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meeting of City Council scheduled in November.

The City Clerk reported that Councillor D.Hill provided the following notice of motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 26, 2019.

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council I will move the following motion:

WHEREAS the federal Gas Tax Fund is valuable and predictable municipal infrastructure funding program that helps the City of Saskatoon invest in projects that improve mobility, support cleaner air, and enhance quality of life;

WHEREAS municipalities in Canada are responsible for 60 percent of Canada’s infrastructure, but have access to only 10 cents of every tax dollar generated;

WHEREAS the Gas Tax Fund, established in 2005, is a predictable, reliable, permanent per capita municipal infrastructure transfer payment that flows directly from the Government of Canada to municipalities;

WHEREAS in its 2019 Budget, the Government of Canada announced a one-time doubling of the Gas Tax Fund, increasing the program to $4.3 billion in 2019.

WHEREAS in 2019, the City of Saskatoon will receive a total of approximately $28 million in 2019 from the Gas Tax Fund;

WHEREAS the Federation of Canada Municipalities have adopted an advocacy position that calls on all federal political parties to permanently double the Gas Tax Fund, including a 3.5 annual escalator;

WHEREAS by 2030, it is estimated that the City of Saskatoon would receive over $40 million per year if FCM’s position is adopted;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Saskatoon City Council advocate to all Saskatoon candidates running for all political parties in the 2019 federal election, that they commit to permanently doubling the federal Gas Tax Fund, including a 3.5% annual escalator;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council direct His Worship the Mayor to prepare a questionnaire on permanently doubling the federal Gas Tax Fund that would be submitted to all 2019 federal election candidates in Saskatoon Constituencies and all party leaders seeking to form the next government.”

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    WHEREAS the federal Gas Tax Fund is valuable and predictable municipal infrastructure funding program that helps the City of Saskatoon invest in projects that improve mobility, support cleaner air, and enhance quality of life;

    WHEREAS municipalities in Canada are responsible for 60 percent of Canada’s infrastructure, but have access to only 10 cents of every tax dollar generated;

    WHEREAS the Gas Tax Fund, established in 2005, is a predictable, reliable, permanent per capita municipal infrastructure transfer payment that flows directly from the Government of Canada to municipalities;

    WHEREAS in its 2019 Budget, the Government of Canada announced a one-time doubling of the Gas Tax Fund, increasing the program to $4.3 billion in 2019.

    WHEREAS in 2019, the City of Saskatoon will receive a total of approximately $28 million in 2019 from the Gas Tax Fund;

    WHEREAS the Federation of Canada Municipalities have adopted an advocacy position that calls on all federal political parties to permanently double the Gas Tax Fund, including a 3.5 annual escalator;

    WHEREAS by 2030, it is estimated that the City of Saskatoon would receive over $40 million per year if FCM’s position is adopted;

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Saskatoon City Council advocate to all Saskatoon candidates running for all political parties in the 2019 federal election, that they commit to permanently doubling the federal Gas Tax Fund, including a 3.5% annual escalator;

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council direct His Worship the Mayor to prepare a questionnaire including FCM's election platform on permanently doubling the federal Gas Tax Fund that would be submitted to all 2019 federal election candidates in Saskatoon Constituencies and all party leaders seeking to form the next government.

    In Favour: (11)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

The City Clerk reported that Councillor D.Hill provided the following notice of motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 26, 2019.

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council I will move the following motion:

'WHEREAS the Administration has reported that Cannabis renewal fees be significantly reduced to reflect that there is not a significant amount of work required for the license renewal;

WHEREAS the Administration has reported that there are only four (4) business sectors that pay a higher license and renewal fee; taxi brokerages, adult services, pawn shops, and food trucks and trailers;

WHEREAS the Administration, reported that they reviewed different licensing fees for individual sectors, at the request of Council, and the two businesses sectors reviewed were, motor vehicle sales and sidewalk cafes;

WHEREAS the Administration acknowledged that there was additional work required for the licensing and renewal of motor vehicle sales and sidewalk cafes, but recommended against a different licensing and renewal fee;

WHEREAS the Administration reported that the business licensing branch is independent of property tax and has no impact on the mill rate;

WHEREAS the Administration reported that a stabilization reserve exists for the business licensing operations to balance out year-end by contributing to, or drawing from the reserve to ensure that there is no mill rate impact;

WHEREAS the Administration currently has experience with a flattening of building permit fees that could be applied to the business licensing operations;

WHEREAS members of Council have expressed interest in treating all businesses equally when it comes to licensing and renewals,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Administration report on levelling the business licensing and renewals to one fee, for both processes, for all businesses, including a 4.5% contingency. The report should be based on actual business licensing and renewal costs, actual revenue, and number of businesses licensed and renewed annually. The report should also include how the stabilization reserve would be applied when required;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administration include extensive collaboration and consultation with the business community, which would also include what the business community would like to see in annual reporting with respect to business licensing and renewal revenue and costs associated with business licensing, in addition to operation efficiencies realized with a streamlined licensing fee and renewal fee."

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    WHEREAS the Administration has reported that Cannabis renewal fees be significantly reduced to reflect that there is not a significant amount of work required for the license renewal;

    WHEREAS the Administration has reported that there are only four (4) business sectors that pay a higher license and renewal fee; taxi brokerages, adult services, pawn shops, and food trucks and trailers;

    WHEREAS the Administration, reported that they reviewed different licensing fees for individual sectors, at the request of Council, and the two businesses sectors reviewed were, motor vehicle sales and sidewalk cafes;

    WHEREAS the Administration acknowledged that there was additional work required for the licensing and renewal of motor vehicle sales and sidewalk cafes, but recommended against a different licensing and renewal fee;

    WHEREAS the Administration reported that the business licensing branch is independent of property tax and has no impact on the mill rate;

    WHEREAS the Administration reported that a stabilization reserve exists for the business licensing operations to balance out year-end by contributing to, or drawing from the reserve to ensure that there is no mill rate impact;

    WHEREAS the Administration currently has experience with a flattening of building permit fees that could be applied to the business licensing operations;

    WHEREAS members of Council have expressed interest in treating all businesses equally when it comes to licensing and renewals,

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Administration report on levelling the business licensing and renewals to one fee, for both processes, for all businesses. The report should be based on actual business licensing and renewal costs, actual revenue, and number of businesses licensed and renewed annually. The report should also include how the stabilization reserve would be applied when required;

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administration include extensive collaboration and consultation with the business community, which would also include what the business community would like to see in annual reporting with respect to business licensing and renewal revenue and costs associated with business licensing, in addition to operation efficiencies realized with a streamlined licensing fee and renewal fee; and

    That this be in effect for the 2021 consultation.

    In Favour: (10)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
    Against: (1)Councillor Gersher
    CARRIED (10 to 1)

Councillor Donauer put forward the following Notice of Motion:

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council I will move the following motion:

'That the Administration report on possible changes to our walkway policy that addresses maintenance, graffiti, vandalism, crime and enhancing the overall feeling of safety in our neighbourhoods.'"

Councillor Dubois put forward the following Notice of Motion:

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council I will move the following motion:

'WHEREAS the City of Saskatoon regularly consults with stakeholders and stakeholder groups on the development of policies, programs, and services;

WHEREAS during the consultation process, the Administration shares documents with the stakeholders and stakeholder groups to obtain their feedback on options and potential recommendations;

WHEREAS it is alleged that a stakeholder or stakeholder group may have recently shared draft consultation documents with the media;

WHEREAS at its July 29, 2019 Regular Business Meeting, City Council adopted a Public Engagement Policy.

WHEREAS the Public Engagement Policy sets out the objectives, standards, and responsibilities for public engagement in Saskatoon.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Administration review the terms of reference for any formal stakeholder groups used by the City to ensure that they contain appropriate provisions for the protection of consultation documents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administration, where possible and necessary, implement non-disclosure provisions in the terms of reference for stakeholder groups, or establish a non-disclosure agreement with stakeholders who receive consultation documents from the City.'"

The Regular Business Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

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