MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

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Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • Deputy Mayor D. Hill, Chair
  • His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, via teleconference
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor T. Davies
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor S. Gersher
  • Councillor H. Gough
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
  • Councillor D. Kirton
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ALSO PRESENT:
  • City Manager J. Jorgenson
  • A/City Solicitor C. Bogad
  • Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
  • General Manager, Community Services C. Anger
  • General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
  • General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
  • City Clerk A. Tittemore
  • Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant
  • Committee Assistant H. Janzen

The Chair called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People and confirmed roll call. 

Councillor Jeffries entered the meeting during consideration of this item.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois

    That consideration of Item 10.1.2 be deferred to when OVG is in attendance.

    There was no seconder and therefore the motion was not considered.


  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies
    1. That Item 10.1.1 be withdrawn; 
    2. That the following letters be added to Item 10.1.2;
      • Requesting to Speak
        • Keith Moen, Saskatoon's Business Association, dated August 26, 2024;
        • Frank Regier, dated August 22, 2024;
        • Jason Aebig, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated August 23, 2024;
        • Sherry Tarasoff, dated August 25, 2024;
        • Renjith Vengalil, Delta Bessborough & Delta Saskatoon, dated August 25, 2024; 
        • Blair Chapman, Downtown Saskatoon, dated August 26, 2024; 
        • Paul Rosten, d3h Hotels Inc., dated August 24, 2024;
        • Adam Peterson, Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc., dated August 26, 2024;
        • Stephanie Clovechok, Discover Saskatoon, dated August 26, 2024;
      • Submitting Comments
        • Jason Aebig, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated August 26, 2024;
    3. That the items with speakers be considered immediately following consideration of the Consent Agenda; 
      • 10.1.2
        • Keith Moen;
        • Frank Regier;
        • Jason Aebig;
        • Sherry Tarasoff; 
        • Renjith Vengalil; 
        • Blair Chapman;
        • Paul Rosten; 
        • Adam Peterson;
        • Stephanie Clovechok; and 
    4. ​That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (1)Councillor Dubois
    Absent: (1)Mayor C. Clark
    CARRIED (9 to 1)

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on July 31, 2024, be approved.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Mayor C. Clark
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

Deputy Mayor Hill expressed condolences for the loss of Jerry Cox, who was a Journeyperson Painter with the City of Saskatoon.  A moment of silence was held.

This is a standing item on the agenda in order to provide Council Members an opportunity to provide any public acknowledgements. 

Councillor D. Kirton - Saskatoon Berries

Councillor Kirton acknowledged the Saskatoon Berries for their first season of baseball in the city.

Councillor Z. Jeffries - Congratulations to Senator Tracy Muggli

Councillor Jeffries congratulated Senator Tracy Muggli on her recent appointment to the Senate and acknowledged her contributions to the city.

Councillor H. Gough - Saskatoon Ties to the 2024 Summer Paralympics

Councillor Gough acknowledged the athletes with Saskatoon ties that will be competing in the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Councillor B. Dubois - Accessibility of the Public Washroom Trailer

Councillor Dubois questioned the lack of accessibility of the new public washroom trailer on Avenue M South.

Fire Chief Wegren provided information on acquisition of the trailer and the location restrictions.  

Mayor Clark joined the meeting virtually at 9:48 a.m.

Councillor D. Kirton - Update on Shelter for the Unhoused

Councillor Kirton asked for an update on shelter locations.

City Manager Jorgenson indicated that two locations are under review, one a temporary location and one a permanent location.  Anticipated reporting to come.

Councillor R. Donauer - Line Painting

Councillor Donauer asked why some line painting has been delayed.

General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt explained budgetary restrictions and adjustments to the program.  It was confirmed Council will have an opportunity to look at service levels in the 2025 budget process.

Councillor Dubois asked Administration to provide the explanation to members of Council by email.

 

Councillor C. Block - Planned Shelter Space

Councillor Block asked if the two locations for shelters being reviewed do not come forward, what is the plan to house people in the winter.  

City Manager Jorgenson noted that options are minimal but that the City is working with the Province to ensure housing is in place.

 

Councillor D. Hill - Determination of Spray Pad Locations

Councillor Hill asked how locations for spray pads are determined noting that there was a recent closure of a paddling pool in Richmond Heights and if it could be a possible location.

General Manager, Community Services Anger and Director of Recreation Roberts indicated they would follow up with the Councillor offline.

There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1 to 8.1.2; 8.2.1 to 8.2.2; 8.3.1 to 8.3.3; 8.4.1 to 8.4.3; and 8.5.1 to 8.5.4 be adopted as one motion.

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

    Item 10.1.2 was considered next.


  • That Capital Project P.02197 be increased by $1.65 million, funded through a Green Loan, subject to public notice and an intent to borrow report, to fund the Spray Pad Improvements Initiative.

    1. That the proposed schedule of fees be approved; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the required amendments to Bylaw No. 2685, the Electric Light and Power Bylaw, 1940, as outlined in the August 6, 2024, report of the Utilities and Environment Division.
  • That City Council approve the reallocation of funds from the following 2024 Transportation Projects to fund the Assiniboine Drive CN Rail Pedestrian Crossing project:

    1. $250,000 from Capital Project 2288 Transportation Safety: Community Traffic Reviews – defer ‘Clancy Drive – Pendygrasse Road to Circle Drive’, and ‘18th Street West – Vancouver Avenue to Avenue W South’;
    2. $50,000 from Capital Project 2288 Transportation Safety: Road Safety Program – defer ‘software and inventory’; and
    3. $500,000 from Capital Project 2468 Active Transportation Plan Implementation: Cycling Network – defer ‘improvements to existing cycling facilities and constructing new facilities to address gaps and barriers’.
    1. That a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 57.5% of the incremental Municipal, Library and Education property taxes for the development of 312 Avenue C South, be approved, commencing in 2025;
    2. That a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 100% of the incremental Municipal and Library taxes for the development of 620 Webster Street, be approved, commencing the earlier of 2028 or the next taxation year following completion of the project;
    3. That Corporate Revenue be requested to submit an application under the Provincial Government’s Education Property Tax Exemption/Abatement Program seeking approval for a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 100% of the incremental Education taxes, for the development of 620 Webster Street;
    4. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate agreements, and that his Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements under the Corporate Seal; and
    5. That City Council authorize payment of a onetime grant for the development of 2302 22nd Street West, if the project is completed within three years from approval of this report. The grant shall not exceed the annual Municipal and Library taxes assessed to the property, following completion of the project.

A letter from Michael Mehak, Mehak, Kelly & Associates Inc., dated August 19, 2024, noting he was available to answer questions was provided. 

    1. That the five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 100% of the incremental municipal and library taxes for the redevelopment of Midtown, be approved, to commence January 1, 2024;
    2. That Corporate Revenue be requested to resubmit an application under the Province of Saskatchewan’s Education Property Tax Exemption/Abatement Program seeking approval for a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 100% of the incremental education taxes, for the redevelopment of Midtown;
    3. That the City Solicitor be requested to amend the existing agreement and that his Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal; and
    4. That the five-year tax abatement on the incremental taxes be applied to the subject property, commencing January 1, 2024.
    1. That Parcel C, in the University of Saskatchewan Lands North Management Area, be named Ellen Remai Natural Area, as an exception to Council Policy C09-008, Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas, as outlined in the June 20, 2024, report of the Community Services Division; and
    2. That the City, at its cost, install signage on site.
  • That the City Clerk’s Office be requested to amend City Council Policy No. C12-002, Investment Committee; City Council Policy No. C12-003, Securities Handling; and City Council Policy No. C12-009, Portfolio Management, in accordance with Appendices 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

    1. That Administration be authorized to enter into a road right-of-way agreement with Sasktel for SaskTel’s use and installation of equipment on the City-managed road right-of-ways, as per the terms outlined in this report;
    2. That Administration be authorized to enter into a lease agreement with SaskTel for the installation of a cell tower in Aspen Ridge, niwāhkōmākanak Park, 105 Aspen Ridge Street, on ISC Surface Parcel No. 203746068, MR9 Plan No. 102294716 as per the terms outlined in this report;
    3. That Administration be authorized to enter into a lease agreement with SaskTel for cell tower in Lakewood Urban Centre at 418 Herold Court on ISC Surface Parcel No. 118517340, Lot 2, Block 434, Plan No. 01SA09948, as per the terms outlined in this report;
    4. That Administration be authorized to enter into a lease agreement with SaskTel for the cell tower in Silverwood Heights in WJL Harvey North Park, 290 Russel Road, on ISC Surface Parcel No. 135727083, MR4 Plan No. 79S45903, as per the terms outlined in this report;
    5. That Administration be authorized to enter into a lease agreement with SaskTel for the relocation of the Willowgrove cell tower in the Stensrud Road road right-of-way to the adjacent City-owned Wallace Park, 903 Stensrud Road, being ISC Surface Parcel No. 161523255, MR3 Plan No. 101877576, as per the terms outlined in this report; and
    6. That the City Solicitor be requested to have the appropriate agreements prepared and executed by His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk under the Corporate Seal.
    1. That an amendment to the Lease and Operating Agreement with Children’s Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan Inc., such that the overholding provision requiring a 150% increase in base rent is suspended until a future decision report is considered by City Council at the 2025 Budget deliberations, be approved; 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.
    1. That the proposed scope of work for renovations to the Mayor’s Office Support Area, as outlined in the report, be approved;
    2. That a one-time expenditure of $15,000 from unspent funding within the Mayor’s Office operating budget be made to the Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve;
    3. That existing funding of $40,000 within Capital Project P.10101, Facilities Corporate Accommodations, be used for this project; and
    4. That Capital Project P.10101, Facilities Corporate Accommodations be increased by $35,000 to be funded from the Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve (CBCM) for use on this project.
  • That the City Clerk’s Office be instructed to amend Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy, as outlined in the August 14, 2024, report of the City Solicitor's Office.

  • That Brenda Reynolds, Government of Saskatchewan, be appointed as an agency representative – Ministry of Corrections and Policing to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Councillor Loewen introduced the item as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services.

  • Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Capital Project P.10015 EV Adoption Roadmap be increased by $112,500, funded from NRCan.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

    Item 10.5.1 was considered next. 


The City Clerk reported that this item has been withdrawn from this agenda.

The following letters were provided:


Requesting to Speak

  • Frank Regier, dated August 22, 2024;
  • Jason Aebig, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated August 23, 2024;
  • Sherry Tarasoff, dated August 25, 2024;
  • Renjith Vengalil, Delta Bessborough & Delta Saskatoon, dated August 25, 2024; 
  • Blair Chapman, Downtown Saskatoon, dated August 26, 2024; 
  • Paul Rosten, d3h Hotels Inc., dated August 24, 2024; 
  • Adam Peterson, Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc., dated August 26, 2024; 
  • Keith Moen, Saskatoon's Business Association, dated August 26, 2024; and 
  • Stephanie Clovechok, Discover Saskatoon, dated August 26, 2024.

Submitting Comments

  • Jason Aebig, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated August 26, 2024.

City Manager Jorgenson and Director of Technical Services Willems presented the report with a PowerPoint.

The following speakers were heard:

- Keith Moen, NSBA - responded to questions
- Frank Regier
- Jason Aebig, The Chamber - responded to questions

The meeting recessed at 11:03 a.m. and reconvened at 11:17 a.m. with all members of Council in attendance, with the exception of Mayor Clark.

Council continued to hear from the following speakers:

- Sherry Tarasoff, video presentation
- Renjith Vengailil, Delta Bessborough - responded to questions
- Blair Chapman, Downtown Saskatoon - responded to questions
- Paul Rosten, d3h Hotels Inc. - responded to questions

Mayor Clark re-joined the meeting virtually at 11:48 a.m.

- Adam Pederson, SDHM - responded to questions
- Stephanie Clovechok, Discover Saskatoon - responded to questions

Council recessed at 12:51 p.m. and reconvened at 1:35 p.m. with all members of Council in attendance. 

Chief Financial Officer Hack, Director of Technical Services Willems and City Manager Jorgenson responded to questions of Council. 

Council requested further information to be included in the minutes, the Cost Manager Report City of Saskatoon Downtown Event and Entertainment District Final Cost Estimate is provided.

Mayor Clark excused himself from the meeting at 3:20 p.m.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That the Administration proceed with execution of the Funding Strategy, including:

    1. Advancement of the funding tools included in this report subject to further engagement with partners and future reporting to approve specific assumptions on rates, timing, and projections;
    2. Working towards securing firm financial commitments from other orders of government consistent with cost sharing arrangements from previous major infrastructure programs; and
    3. That administration be directed to report back on additional revenue sources and project savings, with the intent to fortify the City’s ability to fund the project with no property tax increase and reduce the financial reliance on the accommodations industry and amusement tax revenue streams. If, during the work and further refinement of this funding strategy, it is identified that a property tax increase could be required to meet project revenue needs, reporting is to occur.
  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That the Administration proceed with execution of the funding strategy, subject to the successful completion of contract negotiations with OVG360.

    In Favour: (2)Councillor Gough, and Councillor Dubois
    Against: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    DEFEATED (2 to 9)
  • VOTE ON MAIN MOTION

    That the Administration proceed with execution of the Funding Strategy, including:

    1. Advancement of the funding tools included in this report subject to further engagement with partners and future reporting to approve specific assumptions on rates, timing, and projections; 
    2. Working towards securing firm financial commitments from other orders of government consistent with cost sharing arrangements from previous major infrastructure programs; and
    3. That administration be directed to report back on additional revenue sources and project savings, with the intent to fortify the City’s ability to fund the project with no property tax increase and reduce the financial reliance on the accommodations industry and amusement tax revenue streams. If, during the work and further refinement of this funding strategy, it is identified that a property tax increase could be required to meet project revenue needs, reporting is to occur.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Mayor C. Clark
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Councillor Donauer excused himself from the meeting at 3:58 p.m.

    The meeting recessed at 3:58 p.m. and reconvened at 4:13 p.m. with all members of Council in attendance with the exception of Mayor Clark and Councillor Donauer. 

    Item 9.1.1 was considered next.


Director of Finance Smith presented the report. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That the information be received. 

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

A/City Solicitor Bogad presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 10033, The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw, 2024, and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Bylaw No. 10033 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 10033 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    That Bylaw No. 10033 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: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

Councillor Jeffries assumed the Chair.

The City Clerk reported that Councillor Hill provided the following Notice of Motion at City Council's Regular Business Meeting held on July 31, 2024.

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

Whereas the community grants programs administered by the City are issued on an annual basis,

Whereas the pressures on NGOs, Not-For-Profits, Charitable organizations, and other community organizations to apply for the annual grants demand tremendous internal resources for each group,

Whereas the City of Saskatoon's internal Administration requires a review process of each grant application,

Whereas the City of Saskatoon has realized the benefits of a multi-year budget cycle and understands how that can also benefit our community partners,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report back on the possibility of changing the grant application cycle from an annual process to a two or three-year application process.

It is further resolved that the Administration report on what administrative procedures would be relaxed with a multi-year application process and where those resources could be allocated to benefit the community."

Councillor Hill introduced the item.

Director of Recreation and Community Development responded to questions of Council. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report back on the possibility of changing the grant application cycle from an annual process to a two or three-year application process.

    It is further resolved that the Administration report on what administrative procedures would be relaxed with a multi-year application process and where those resources could be allocated to benefit the community.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Donauer
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

    Deputy Mayor Hill reassumed the Chair. 


Councillor Gough gave the following Notice of Motion:


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


Whereas Saskatchewan Polytechnic is consolidating its Saskatoon operations near the University of Saskatchewan campus, vacating the current main campus site on Idylwyld Drive North; and


Whereas this institution is a major driver of land use, transportation, employment, and commercial and community activity in the immediate area;


Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report to the appropriate Standing Policy Committee regarding the best mechanism to engage in land use and other planning for the area around the current Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus on Idylwyld, outlining the resources necessary and a proposed timeline for this work."

The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

No Item Selected