MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

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 Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• Councillor M. Loewen

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
• General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
• General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

---

1.

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People followed by playing of the National Anthem. He confirmed roll call.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That the letter requesting to speak from Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council, be added to Item 8.1.1; 
  2. That the letter from Dale Gallant, dated September 23, 2022, be added to Item 9.1.1;
  3. That the report from Governance & Priorities Committee "Personnel Subcommittee - Employment Contract - City Manager" be added as Urgent Business Item 16.1 and that the report be "Confidential Until Tabled" until considered at this meeting;
  4. That Item 8.1.1 be considered immediately following consideration of the Consent Agenda; and
  5. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

  In Favour: (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (1)	Councillor Hill

  CARRIED (9 to 1)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Councillor Gersher indicated she previously recused herself for Downtown Event & Entertainment District matters and advised that the potential for conflict is no longer present. 

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 29, 2022, be adopted.

  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)

5.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

5.1

Council Members

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

Mayor Clark recognized and congratulated Saskatoon and Saskatchewan residents who received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for 2022. Four people from Saskatoon, Shirley Isbister, Wayne Brownlee, Marilyn Whitehead and Dr. Alan Rosenberg received the Order of Merit as well as Harry Lafond former Chief from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.

6.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7.

QUESTION PERIOD

7.1

Councillor R. Donauer - Delayed Construction Projects [CK 6000-1]

Councillor Donauer noted the delayed construction projects throughout the summer and asked what the potential is for a change in the procurement policy to keep the contractors on time. He specifically was looking at Assiniboine Drive and the closed entrance.

Chief Financial Officer Hack and General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt addressed the process and noting that there is a post project review done to look for lessons learned, what went well and what can be changed.

7.2

Councillor C. Block - E-devices on Pathways and Sidewalks [CK 5200-4]

Councillor Block noted the growing number of e-devices on pathways and sidewalks over the summer. She has heard various concerns over the safety of using sidewalk and paths and what are we doing for education, signage and regulating. 

General Manager Transportation and Construction Schmidt responded that things are evolving quickly with e-devices. SGI recently announced new regulations for e-scooters and the City Administration is working closely with Saskatoon Police Service but it is currently more complaint based. Will follow up with more details and information. 

7.3

Councillor D. Hill - Employee Information Breach [CK 417-1]

Councillor Hill had concerns of employee information that was part of a privacy breach. He asked about the employees impacted and total number of files.

City Clerk Tittemore provided information with respect to the breach and the steps that were taken.

7.4

Councillor D. Hill - Exit Interviews [CK 4500-1]

Councillor Hill asked if the City performs exit interviews on senior staff, general managers who leave the City's employment.  

Acting Chief Human Resources Officer McInnes stated that exit interviews for senior staff is periodically done but it is not current practice.

7.5

Councillor H. Gough - Construction Season [CK 6000-1]

Councillor Gough discussed the uniqueness of the projects in older neighbourhoods and the complexities that come with that and the additional delays. She asked if there are different tools being considered to keep the projects on time to alleviate the inaccessibility to their homes/streets.

General Manager Transportation and Construction Schmidt indicated that there was a larger scope of projects in older neighbourhoods this year and will speak to his team and reach out to the Councillor directly.

7.6

Councillor M. Loewen - Closure of the Lighthouse [CK 5605-1]

Councillor Loewen acknowledged that the Lighthouse will be closing and asked what the City's role, if any, will be navigating the impacts of the closure. Is there a point at which the City has expanded its role to play and is there a way for council/committee to receive an update.

General Manager Community Services Lacroix advised that the City has no direct role in this but the Community Safety Well Being Committee have had conversations. 

Chief of Saskatoon Fire Hackl noted that a number of organizations are working together and as more information is finalized, it can be provided. 

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item 8.1.1 was removed from the Consent Agenda. 

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.2; 8.2.1 to 8.2.5; 8.4.1 to 8.4.4; and 8.5.1 to 8.5.3 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)

8.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

8.1.1

Motion – Mayor C. Clark – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [CK 5615-1]

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

A request to speak from Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council, dated September 26, 2022, was provided.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand spoke on importance of relationship building between Saskatoon Tribal Council and City Council.

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  That the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples be adopted and Administration work with Saskatoon Tribal Council and indigenous partners on developing a plan for implementation.

  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)

8.1.2

Saskatoon Light & Power Capital Funding Reallocation 2022 [CK 1702-1]

• That the transfer of funds, as indicated below, be approved:

  1. That $700,000 from the Electrical Distribution Replacement Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01296.01, Network Civil Infrastructure;
  2. That $100,000 from the Electrical Distribution Replacement Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01256.02, Substation Transformers;
  3. That $300,000 from the Electrical Distribution Extension Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01326.04, Communication Network;
  4. That $1,045,000 from the Electrical Distribution Extension Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01255.01, Distribution - Equipment Upgrade;
  5. That $200,000 from the Electrical Distribution Extension Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01281.01, Investigate New Power Supply;
  6. That $200,000 from the Electrical Distribution Replacement Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.01286.01, Electrical Systems Planning Studies;
  7. That $1,000,000 from the Electrical Distribution Extension Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.00736.01, Customer Connections; and
  8. That $650,000 from the Electrical Distribution Replacement Reserve be allocated to Capital Program P.001308.01, 15kV Conversion – Intermediate Substations.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

8.2.1

Flashing Beacons on School Zone Signs [CK. 5200-5 x 5200-0]

• That Administration be directed to investigate and report back on measures to ensure school zones are more visible such as brightly coloured sleeves on poles and oversized signs, among others.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.2

Traffic Calming Policy Update – Technical Warrant Criteria – Follow-up [CK. 6320-0]

• 1. That a posted speed threshold for traffic calming be adopted; and,
  2. That Administration submit a revised budget and funding plan including the use of concrete traffic calming curbs.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.3

2022 Residential Parking Program Expansion [CK. 6120-4-2]

• 1. That Residential Parking Program zones be expanded, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services dated September 6, 2022, using existing resources; and,
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the proposed amendments to Bylaw No. 7862, Residential Parking Program, 1999.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.4

Free Parking on Holidays in Lieu [CK. 6120-0]

• 1. That the Traffic Bylaw be amended to accommodate free parking, as outlined in Option 2 - Traffic Bylaw Amendments in the report of the General Manager, Community Services dated September 6, 2022; and, 
  2. That the City Solicitor be instructed prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.5

Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw – Speed Limit Changes [CK. 6320-0]

• 1. That the speed limit on 22^nd Street from Neault Road to a point 200 metres west of Neault Road be reduced from 80 km/h to 60km/h;
  2. That the speed limit on Neault Road from a point 210 metres north of 22nd Street to a point 500 metres north of 33rd Street be reduced from 90 km/h to 70 km/h; and
  3. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective January 1, 2023.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

8.4

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

8.4.1

Funding of Canada Healthy Communities Initiative [CK 1860-1, x6150-1, x1702-1]

• That Capital Project P.02290 Traffic Control Systems be increased by $248,900 funded from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Fund.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.2

City Internal Auditor’s Office Administrative Changes [CK 115-1]

• That the City Clerk be instructed to update Policy C02-032 - Internal Audit Charter as approved by the Standing Policy Committee on Finance at its meeting held on September 12, 2022.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.3

Discover Saskatoon Contract [CK 1870-10]

A letter from Jason Aebig, CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated September 7, 2022 is provided.

• 1. That option 2 be approved and the Administration be directed to renew the Discover Saskatoon contract with a one-year bridge contract with a 5% increase in annual funding;
  2. That the increased operating budget cost beyond what has already been approved of $15,100 be referred to 2023 budget deliberations with the recommendation that it be added to the 2023 budget:
  3. That the Administration work with Discover Saskatoon regarding a revised contract format with a focus on Key Performance Indicators that could be tied to financial incentives and report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance in 2023; and
  4. That the City Solicitors office be directed to prepare the agreement and that his Worship the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.4

Review of the Civic Hospitality Fund Policy [CK 1870-0]

• 1. That Option 1, Change the Administrative Responsibilities for Policy C01-005, Civic Hospitality to Conventions, as described in the September 12, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services, be approved and that appropriate changes to the Policy be made in coordination with the City Clerk’s Office; and
  2. That the maximum grant amount to any one organization be increased from $5,000 to 7,500.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

8.5.1

2023 Appointments of Deputy Mayor [CK 255-3]

• That the 2023 appointments of Deputy Mayor, as described in the report of the City Clerk dated September 19, 2022, and detailed in Appendix 1, be approved.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5.2

2023 Council and Council Committee Meeting Dates – Deferral Request [CK 255-1]

• That consideration of the 2023 Council and Council Committee meeting dates be deferred to the October 24, 2022 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5.3

2023 Appointments – Members of City Council to Standing Policy Committees [CK 225-4-3]

A revised report was provided since agenda was released.

• 1. That all members of City Council be appointed to the Governance and Priorities Committee for 2023; and
  2. That the following appointments of members of City Council to each Standing Policy Committee (SPC) for 2023, be approved:

  SPC Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services

  Councillor T. Davies

  Councillor S. Gersher

  Councillor H. Gough

  Councillor D. Hill

  Councillor M. Loewen

  SPC on Transportation

  Councillor R. Donauer

  Councillor B. Dubois

  Councillor D. Hill

  Councillor S. Gersher

  Councillor D. Kirton

  SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services

  Councillor C. Block

  Councillor T. Davies

  Councillor M. Loewen

  Councillor H. Gough

  Councillor Z. Jeffries

  SPC on Finance

  Councillor C. Block

  Councillor R. Donauer

  Councillor B. Dubois

  Councillor Z. Jeffries

  Councillor D. Kirton

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

9.1.1

Variable Black Cart Garbage Utility Model Options [CK 7830-1]

A letter submitting comments from Dale Gallant dated September 23, 2022, was provided.

Councillor Gough introduced the matter as chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services.

General Manager Utilities and Environment Gardiner responded to questions relating to cart sizes, old carts, operational costs, financial implications and if the decision for cart sizes will impact future discussions for tipping fees.  

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Loewen

  That Option 1: A variable cart utility including three cart options for the black cart garbage utility, with implementation funded through borrowing against the future utility be approved.

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

  CARRIED (9 to 2)

9.2

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

9.3

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

9.4

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

9.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

10.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

10.1

Transportation & Construction

10.2

Utilities & Environment

10.3

Community Services

10.3.1

Pound Services Update

THIS ITEM WAS WITHDRAWN.

10.4

Saskatoon Fire

10.5

Corporate Financial Services

10.5.1

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Application Intake (CK 1860-1)

Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  That the Administration be directed to submit the proposed projects listed in Table 2 of this report to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for the Bus Rapid Transit and East Leisure Center projects.

  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)

10.6

Strategy & Transformation

10.7

Human Resources

10.8

Public Policy & Government Relations

11.

LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

11.1

Office of the City Clerk

11.2

Office of the City Solicitor

11.2.1

The Traffic Amendment Bylaw, 2022 (No. 4) - Proposed Bylaw No. 9842 (CK 6120-0)

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  ​That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9842, The Traffic Amendment Bylaw, 2022 (No. 4), and give same its FIRST reading.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  ​That Bylaw No. 9842 now be read a SECOND time.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9842 read a third time at this meeting.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Block

  ​That Bylaw No. 9842 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 Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

11.2.2

Street Name Change from Shakamohtaa Street to taskamanwa Street - Proposed Bylaw No. 9843 (CK 6310-1)

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  ​That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9843, A bylaw of the City of Saskatoon to change the name of a certain street in the City of Saskatoon as shown on Plan No. 102367920, and give same its FIRST reading.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  ​That Bylaw No. 9843 now be read a SECOND time.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9843 read a third time at this meeting.

  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)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  ​That Bylaw No. 9843 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 Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher
  1. That all proper officers of the City of Saskatoon take the appropriate action to carry the said change into effect and have the registered plan affected properly amended.
  2. That previous Council directed work, occurring with the Métis community to identify an appropriate name to recommend for addition to the Names Master List and subsequent application to a new street, be carried out independent from the Legacy Review Project and completed as soon as is practicable.

  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)

12.

OTHER REPORTS

13.

INQUIRIES

14.

MOTIONS (NOTICE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN)

14.1

Councillor C. Block - New Snow Load Requirements for Existing Properties (CK 4350-63)

The City Clerk reported that Councillor Block provided the following Notice of Motion in accordance to Section 65(1)(b) of Bylaw No. 9170, The Procedures and Committee Bylaw, 2014:

'That the Administration provide a report outlining the existing approach to new snow load requirements for existing properties when infill development takes place, the prevalence of this in Saskatoon, and any known approaches in other jurisdictions to either prevent or address the financial burden of this on neighbouring property owners as it arises.'

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  That the Administration provide a report outlining the existing approach to new snow load requirements for existing properties when infill development takes place, the prevalence of this in Saskatoon, and any known approaches in other jurisdictions to either prevent or address the financial burden of this on neighbouring property owners as it arises.

  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)

15.

GIVING NOTICE

16.

URGENT BUSINESS

16.1

Personnel Subcommittee - Employment Contract - City Manager [File No. CK 4510-2]

The report was marked "CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL TABLED AT THE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL".  A wider distribution was effected at the time this item was considered.

Councillor Dubois presented the report and responded to questions.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  1.That the appointment of Jeff Jorgenson as City Manager of the City of Saskatoon continue upon the terms and conditions set out in the Employment Contract attached to this report; and

  2.That His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Employment Contract.

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

  CARRIED (10 to 1)

17.

IN CAMERA SESSION (OPTIONAL)

18.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.