MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Monday, October 25, 2021 at 1:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Via Teleconference Hosted in the Council Chamber, Saskatoon 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
• General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
• Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Financial Services K. Tarasoff
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
• General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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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 the National Anthem.   He confirmed roll call.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Hill
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher
  1. That the following letters be added to Item 12.1:
     1. Request to Speak
        1. Michelle Laham Szutiak, dated October 13, 2021;
        2. Lori Modrzejewski, dated October 24, 2021.
     2. Submitting Comments:
             1. Don Kossick, dated October 25, 2021;  
  2. That the request to speak from Darren Hill, dated October 25, 2021, be added to Item 12.3:
  3. That Items 12.2 and 12.1 be considered in that order immediately following adoption of the minutes;
  4. That Item 12.3 with a speaker be considered following consideration of the Consent Agenda; and
  5. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

  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)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

3.1

Councillor Hill - Council Code of Conduct Complaints [File No. CK 255-17]

The Code of Conduct complaints involved him and therefore recused himself from discussion and voting on the matter.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Davies
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That the following minutes be adopted:

  • Regular Business Meeting - September 27, 2021
  • Special Meeting of Council - September 29, 2021

  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 12.2 was considered next.

  
  

5.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

5.1

In Remembrance of Ronald Regala [File No. CK 150-1]

Mayor Clark expressed condolences on behalf of City Council to the family and colleagues of the late Ronald Regala, a Building Custodian with the City of Saskatoon.  A moment of silence was held in recognition of his contributions. 

5.2

City Council - Recognition of Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer - Retirement [File No. CK 150-1]

Members of City Council congratulated Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Office, on his upcoming retirement acknowledging his work and contributions to the City of Saskatoon over the years.  

6.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7.

QUESTION PERIOD

7.1

Councillor D. Hill - Damaged Trees - Hanover Avenue [File No. CK 4139-4]

Councillor Hill asked the Administration to provide a description and what investigation has occurred regarding the damage done to trees on both City and private properties on Hanover Avenue.  

Director of Parks Crilly provided information on the damage that occurred including the value of the trees and the investigation process.

7.2

Councillor D. Hill - Graffiti on Utility Buildings Near the Weir [File No. CK 5000-3]

Councillor Hill indicated that the utility buildings located on the east side of the river near the weir have had graffiti damage for some time and asked what the timeline is to have them cleaned.

City Manager Jorgenson indicated that regardless if they are civic buildings, the City will work with the building owners to have it looked after.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher
  Seconded By: Councillor Kirton

  ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1; 8.2.1 to 8.2.3; 8.3.1 to 8.3.4; 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 12.3 was considered next.

  
  

8.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

8.1.1

SaskWater Master Service and Transition Agreement [File No. CK 7781-1]

• 1. That the general terms of the Master Service Agreement between the City of Saskatoon and SaskWater be approved;
  2. That the general terms of the tri-party Transition Agreement between the City of Saskatoon, City of Martensville and SaskWater be approved; and
  3. That His Worship the Mayor, and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Master Service Agreement and the Transition Agreement under the corporate seal.

8.2

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

8.2.1

Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw – Schedule No. 4 and Schedule No. 6 [File No. CK. 6320-1]

• 1. That the speed limit on Spadina Crescent from the West City Limit north to the turn-around be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h;
  2. That the speed limit on Spadina Crescent from Windsor Street to a point 100 metres north of Windsor Street be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h;
  3. That the speed limit on Highway 41 from College Drive to the East City Limit be increased from 90 km/h to 100km/h;
  4. That the proposed freeways and expressways map replace the existing list in Schedule No. 6; and
  5. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective December 1, 2021.

8.2.2

Technical Services Agreement for Traffic Signal Infrastructure – Pilot Project with City of Martensville – One Year Assessment [File No. CK. 6250-1]

• 1. That the Administration be authorized to enter into future Technical Services Agreements with the City of Martensville whereby the City of Saskatoon will provide technical services to support their traffic signals; 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.

8.2.3

Proposed Amendments to The Traffic Bylaw and the Disabled Parking Zones Policy [File No. CK. 6320-0 x 6120-0]

• 1. The proposed amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw and Council Policy C07-026, the Disabled Parking Zones policy, as outlined in this report be approved;
  2. City Council instruct the City Solicitor to make the necessary amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw; and
  3. City Council instruct the City Clerk to make the necessary amendments to Council Policy C07-026, the Disabled Parking Zones policy.

8.3

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

8.3.1

Dogs on Leashes in Riverbank Parks and Along Meewasin Trail [File No. CK 151-15, x4205-1]

• 1. That the proposed amendment to Bylaw No. 7860, Animal Control Bylaw, 1999 to permit pets on-leash in Kiwanis Memorial Park, be approved; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to make the necessary amendments to Bylaw No. 7860, Animal Control Bylaw, 1999.

8.3.2

Funding for Rapid Housing Initiative Construction Monitoring [File No. CK 750-4]

• That a post-budget request for a 2021 Capital Project, at a cost of up to $100,000, funded from the Affordable Housing Reserve, to engage a construction oversight manager for the projects submitted by the City for the Rapid Housing Initiative, be approved.

8.3.3

Renewed Vision for the Urban Design Program [File No. CK 4110-1, x1680-1]

• That $50,000 from the Urban Design – City Wide Streetscape Reserve be transferred to the Urban Design – Business Improvement District Streetscape Reserve to be used for the maintenance and provision of urban design assets within the Sutherland Business Improvement District.

8.3.4

River Landing and Downtown Business Improvement District: Next Steps in Boundary Adjustment [File No. CK 4129-1, x1680-2]

• 1. That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare amendments to Bylaw No. 6710, Downtown Business Improvement District Bylaw, 1986 to reflect the boundary alteration as identified in the October 7, 2021 report of the General Manager, Community Services; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare amendments to Bylaw No. 6774, Capital Reserve Bylaw, 1993 to exclude the allocation of parking revenues from River Landing to the Streetscape Reserve – Core Business Improvement District as outlined in the October 7, 2021 report of the General Manager, Community Services.

8.4

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

8.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

8.5.1

Prioritized 2022/2023 Business Plan and Budget Capital Options (CK 430-72 x 1700-1)

• That the following strategy be approved in principle for the use of Investing in Canada Program funds reallocated from Utility projects:

  1. That $23,868,300 be held in contingency to offset the COVID-19 financial risk in the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years; and
  2. That $6,963,400 be transferred to the Reserve for Capital Expenditures.

8.5.2

Waste Utility Timing, Phase-In and Affordability Options (CK 7830-3)

• That the City of Saskatoon proceed with Option 2: A fixed monthly rate for the curbside organics utility with a January 2023 implementation, and a variable rate for black cart garbage utility with implementation in 2024, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Utilities and Environment Division dated October 18, 2021.

8.5.3

Board of Police Commissioners – Request Regarding Board Membership (CK 175-23)

• That the City Solicitor be instructed to amend Bylaw No. 7531, The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Bylaw in accordance with Option 2 as outlined in the report of the City Solicitor dated October 18, 2021, to indicate that preference for one member-at-large position on the Board be given to a qualified applicant from the Indigenous community.

8.5.4

Discounted Leisure Centre Use for Health Care Workers during Health Care Worker Appreciation Week (CK 1720-3 x 205-5)

• That during Health Care Worker Appreciation Week (November 1 – 8, 2021), Health Care Workers, and their families, receive a 40% discount on visits to Leisure Centres, in appreciation and gratitude as stated in the Proclamation approved by the City Clerk on October 19, 2021.

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

9.1.1

Storm Water Management Utility 2021 Stabilization Reserve Funds Allocation [File No. CK 1815-1]

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

General Manager, Utilities and Environment Gardiner responded to questions.

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough
  1. That the Storm Water Management Utility Stabilization Reserve cap be reset to 50% of the annual budget of Storm Sewer Maintenance and Drainage; and
  2. The funds exceeding the new reserve cap ($1.6M) be transferred from the Storm Water Management Utility Stabilization Reserve to the Storm Water Capital Reserve to provide support for current capital strategies and upcoming capital maintenance works.

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

  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

9.5.1

Governance Review – Board of Revision – Recruitment and Evaluating Performance (CK 175-6)

Councillor Block introduced the item as Deputy Mayor.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Block
  1. That an annual ad hoc Recruitment Committee including two members of City Council, the Board of Revision Secretary, and the Board Chair, be established to screen applicants and make recommendations for appointment or reappointment to City Council (Recruitment Option 2);
  2. That the Recruitment Committee screen applicants utilizing the process outlined in Option 1: Recruitment;
  3. That each Board of Revision member complete an annual performance evaluation in the form attached at Appendix 4 (Performance Evaluation Option 1); and
  4. That individuals who have appeared before the BOR on any commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential appeal be provided the opportunity to complete and submit an annual survey in the form attached at Appendix 5 (Performance Evaluation Option 1).

  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 13. was considered next.

  
  

10.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

10.1

Transportation & Construction

10.2

Utilities & Environment

10.3

Community Services

10.4

Saskatoon Fire

10.5

Corporate Financial Services

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

12.

OTHER REPORTS

12.1

COVID-19 Gathering Size Restrictions [File No. CK 270-7]

A report of the City Solicitor's Office was provided. 

The following letters were also provided:

1. 1. Request to Speak:
      1. Michelle Laham Szutiak, dated October 13, 2021;
      2. Lori Modrzejewski, dated October 24, 2021
   2. Submitting Comments 
      1. Dan Fleming, dated October 19, 2021; 
      2. Jason Sears, dated October 19, 2021; and
      3. Don Kossick, dated October 25, 2021.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.  

Council heard from speakers Michelle Laham Szutiak and Lori Modrzejewski.  

City Solicitor Yelland and Director of Emergency Management Goulden-McLeod responded to questions of Council.

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  That the City Solicitor be instructed to develop a bylaw respecting gathering limits consistent with the MHO advice and the advice contained within the report.

  In Favour: (8)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (3)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, and Councillor Donauer

  CARRIED (8 to 3)
• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Block

  That the Mayor engage with the Ministry of Health around this proposed bylaw engaging City administration as appropriate. 

  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)

  The meeting recessed at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:10 p.m. with all members of Council in attendance.

  Item 5.1 was considered next. 

  
  

12.2

COVID-19 Update [File No. CK. 270-7]

The following reports from Saskatoon Fire were provided:

- Framework for Measures to Mitigate the Transmission of COVID-19 in Saskatoon
- City of Saskatoon COVID-19 Testing and Proof of Vaccination Requirements

Director of Emergency Management Goulden-McLeod introduced Dr. Jasmin Hasselback, Medical Health Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority.   Dr. Hasselback provided a COVID-19 update with a PowerPoint and responded to questions.  

Ms. Goulden-McLeod presented the above-noted administrative reports.  

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That the information be received.

  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 12.1 was considered next.

  
  

12.3

Council Code of Conduct Complaints [File No. CK 255-17]

Reports of the Integrity Commissioner, and a request to speak from Darren Hill, dated October 25, 2021 were provided.

• Councillor Hill declared a conflict on this item. (The Code of Conduct complaints involved him and therefore recused himself from discussion and voting on the matter.)

Councillor Hill left the Teams meeting.

Mayor Clark introduced the item.

Councillor Hill addressed Council via conference call providing a statement in response to the breach and apologized for his actions.

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  Whereas The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 adopts a code of ethics that applies to all members of Council, and defines the standards and values that the Council expects members of Council to comply with in their dealings with each other, employees of the City, and the public along with rules regarding the censure of a member of Council who has contravened the code of ethics;

  Whereas on May 12, 2021 a code of conduct complaint was made to the Integrity Commissioner regarding Councillor Darren Hill and the Integrity Commissioner has determined there were two violations of the Bylaw in relation to this complaint; 

  Whereas on June 8, 2021 a code of conduct complaint was made to the Integrity Commissioner regarding Councillor Darren Hill and the Integrity Commissioner has determined there was a violation of the Bylaw in relation to this complaint;

  Whereas it is important that all members of Council be held accountable to behave in accordance with the standards and values established for each other pursuant to the Bylaw and that sanctions or corrective actions be imposed for violations of the Bylaw ;

  Therefore be it resolved;

  That with respect to the May 12, 2021 complaint;

  In acknowledgement of Councillor Hill’s failure to treat City Staff respectfully in violation of the Bylaw as determined by the Integrity Commissioner, Councillor Hill attend respectful workplace training at his own cost within 180 days of this motion and provide a certificate of attendance issued by the training provider to the City Clerk’s Office;

  In acknowledgment of the fact that Councillor Hill undertook an unauthorized renovation of the shared meeting and lunchroom adjacent to the City Hall Councillor cubicle area in violation of the Bylaw as determined by the Integrity Commissioner which necessitated that a future planned renovation of the space of approximately $12,000.00 be moved ahead of schedule, that Councillor Hill be required to pay the City $2,500.00 within 90 days, which represents damages caused by Councillor Hill that would not have been part of any planned renovation of the space.

  That with respect to the June 8, 2021 complaint;

  In acknowledgement of Councillor Hill’s disclosure of confidential information in violation of the Bylaw, that:

  1. a letter of reprimand be addressed to Councillor Hill from the Mayor on behalf of Council censuring him for disclosing confidential information in violation of the Bylaw; and
  2. Councillor Hill attend training with respect to ethics, obligations of members of local governments regarding confidentiality, board governance and confidentiality and/or disclosure of confidential information at his own cost within 180 days of this motion and provide a certificate of attendance issued by the training provider to the City Clerk’s Office.

  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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

  Councillor Hill rejoined the Teams meeting.

  Item 9.1.1 was considered next. 

  
  

13.

INQUIRIES

14.

GIVING NOTICE

15.

MOTIONS (NOTICE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN)

15.1

Councillor C. Block - Sweeping of Pedestrian Walkways [File No. CK 6315-1]

The City Clerk reported that Councillor Block provided the following Notice of Motion at the Regular Business meeting of City Council held on September 27, 2021:

'Whereas pedestrian walkways on bridges do not receive spring sweeping until mid-June, after the residential street sweep.

Whereas the current level of service for sweeping does not include multi-use pathways or raised cycle tracks outside of the downtown.

Whereas there have been multiple concerns raised about safety for pedestrians and cyclists due to gravel and other debris on these facilities.

Therefore be it resolved that:

1. Administration report back on options to accelerate the timing of sweeping on pedestrian walkways on bridges to complete this work earlier in the spring.
2. Administration report back on options to include spring sweeping of raised cycle tracks and multi-use pathways in the sweeping level of service.'"

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  Whereas pedestrian walkways on bridges do not receive spring sweeping until mid-June, after the residential street sweep.

  Whereas the current level of service for sweeping does not include multi-use pathways or raised cycle tracks outside of the downtown.

  Whereas there have been multiple concerns raised about safety for pedestrians and cyclists due to gravel and other debris on these facilities.

  Therefore be it resolved that:

  1. Administration report back on options to accelerate the timing of sweeping on pedestrian walkways on bridges to complete this work earlier in the spring.
  2. Administration report back on options to include spring sweeping of raised cycle tracks and multi-use pathways in the sweeping level of service.

  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)

15.2

Councillor R. Donauer - Governance of City of Saskatoon Controlled Corporations [File No. CK 255-1 x 175-1]

The City Clerk reported that Councillor Donauer provided the following Notice of Motion at the Regular Business meeting of City Council held on September 27, 2021:

'That the Administration report on the role of City Council versus the role of the boards concerning the governance of the City of Saskatoon Controlled Corporations.'

City Solicitor Yelland provided a timeline when the last governance reporting was presented before Council.

• That the Administration report on the role of City Council versus the role of the boards concerning the governance of the City of Saskatoon Controlled Corporations.

  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)

16.

URGENT BUSINESS

17.

IN CAMERA SESSION (OPTIONAL)

18.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.