MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

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Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, in the Chair
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor S. Gersher
  • Councillor H. Gough
  • Councillor D. Hill
  • Councillor D. Kirton
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ABSENT:
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor T. Davies
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
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

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.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. ​That the letter submitting comments from Ryan Martin, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, dated August 27, 2022 be added to item 8.2.1; and
    2. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)
  • Councillor Gersher declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Gersher declared a potential conflict of interest related to a family member's business.)

Councillor Gersher declared a potential conflict of interest related to a family member's business.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on July 25, 2022, be adopted.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

Mayor Clark expressed condolences on behalf of Council on the recent passing of Vernon Ireland who was an employee with Recreation and Community Development. Mayor Clark spoke to Mr. Ireland's contributions to the City.

Mayor Clark expressed condolences on behalf of Council on the recent passing of Michael Bone, husband to Councillor Cynthia Block. Mayor Clark spoke to Mr. Bone's contributions to the community.

Councillor Kirton noted that compostable packaging is presently not accepted in the green nor the blue bins in Saskatoon and asked what possible measures could be taken for the City to accept that material. 

General Manager, Utilities and Environment Gardiner noted that the typical compostable packaging material takes a significant amount of time to break down, and is considered a contaminant. She confirmed however that the City accepts Biodegradable Products Institute [BPI] certified compostable packaging. She suggested that most municipalities promote awareness and education to the community and retailers as the strategy to increase selection of the accepted BPI packaging.

Councillor Dubois noted the presence of foxtails in Rosewood, and asked what measures the City is taking in regards to foxtails. Additionally she asked if there has been extra mowing in the area.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix confirmed that there is an awareness campaign, that the weed inspectors are working with property owners in the area. She noted that regular and frequent mowing and monitoring is the best practice to control foxtails. 

Councillor Hill asked for clarification on the City's off-leash dog park bylaw regarding licensed dogs from outside Saskatoon.

Director of Recreation and Community Development Roberts gave clarification on the bylaw and advised that the Administration will address an amendment.

Councillor Hill asked how many tickets were issued to vehicles in the area surrounding Rotary Park during the Ukrainian Day in the Park Festival.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix advised that the information was not readily available and will follow up.

Item 8.1.2 was removed from the Consent Agenda. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1; 8.2.1; 8.3.1 to 8.3.5; 8.4.1 to 8.4.5; and 8.5.1 be adopted as one motion.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

    Item 8.1.2 was considered next.


The related proposed bylaw is contained in item 11.2.1.

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.  Councillor Gough 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 of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill
    1. That the proposed September 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, electrical rate increases be approved for Saskatoon Light & Power as outlined within this report; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 2685, The Electric Light and Power Bylaw, 1940.
    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

    Item 9.5.1 was considered next.


    1. That the request to rename Shakamohtaa Street be approved and that Administration apply a name from the Names Master List to this street;
    2. That Administration work 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; and
    3. That the City Solicitors Office be directed to prepare the appropriate bylaw for the street name change.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That an additional $343,000 in funding be allocated to Capital Project 2169 Urban Planning and Development Program Enhancements and be funded as outlined in the August 15, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That the City of Saskatoon enter into a 16-month service contract, beginning September 1, 2022, with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership to continue implementation of Saskatoon’s Homelessness Action Plan; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to draft the necessary agreement with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement, under the Corporate Seal.
    3. That following execution of the contract and within 6 months, Administration report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services outlining more specifically the evaluation framework for the contract including specific key performance indicators with emphasis on implementation of the Homelessness Action Plan and any updates about learnings from coordinated access implementation.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That a budget increase to Capital Project P.02379 Fire-Major Apparatus Replacement, for an Aerial, in the amount of $161,000 be approved; and
    2. That the budget adjustment be funded from the Fire Apparatus Reserve.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO THE AUGUST 29, 2022 PUBLIC HEARING MEETING. 

  • That the Meewasin Valley Authority Financial Statements dated March 31, 2022, be received as information.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That the application from Crestline Coach Ltd. for a five-year tax abatement on the incremental portion of taxes at 126 Wheeler Street, as a result of its development in 2022, be approved as follows:
      1. 100% in Year 1
      2. 80% in Year 2
      3. 70% in Year 3
      4. 60% in Year 4
      5. 50% in Year 5
    2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the appropriate agreements.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That the application from Vital Metals Canada Ltd. for a five-year tax abatement on the incremental portion of taxes at 2950 Miners Avenue, as a result of its development in 2022, be approved as follows:
      1. 100% in Year 1
      2. 80% in Year 2
      3. 70% in Year 3
      4. 60% in Year 4
      5. 50% in Year 5
    2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the appropriate agreements.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That Administration be authorized to purchase a 0.01-acre portion of ISC Parcel No. 203746686 from Khalsa School Inc. for $52.50; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to have the agreements executed by His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk under the Corporate Seal.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Councillor Gersher introduced the matter as chair of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

 

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois
    1. That Bylaw No. 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 be amended as follows:
      1. That Section 16 be amended to include language that a member of Council must attend conflict of interest training, code of ethical conduct training and respectful workplace and anti-harassment training within 60 days following a general election;
      2. That Section 38(h) be amended in part by changing “tickets to meals, banquets, receptions, sporting events, or other similar activities” to “admission or tickets to meals, banquets, receptions, community events, business events, sporting events, charitable or fund-raising events, professional theatre events, concerts or other similar events (Option 2 – Amend the Code in Part as Per the SMRC Recommendation);
      3. That a conflict of interest section be added to refer to the provisions of The Cities Act in the Code as the rules to avoid creating situations where the Code is in conflict with The Cities Act and that the ability of members of Council to obtain external legal advice with respect to a possible conflict of interest be included;
      4. That the Support for Charities Section be moved to the new conflict of interest section;
      5. That Section 70 be amended to make it clear that existing Councillor websites, social media, email and phone numbers do not need to be deleted during an election period;
      6. That Section 64 be amended to remove reference to October 31st and instead reference “until after election day in a general election year”;
      7. That Clause 84(k) be amended to provide a more fulsome description of what may be contained within the Integrity Commissioner’s annual report;
      8. That Section 84 be amended to suggest procedures for addressing complaints and seeking resolution informally, including the addition of language allowing the Integrity Commissioner to refer a complaint to mediation or a third party upon consent of both parties;
      9. That Schedule “A” Complaint Form be amended so that it includes a notice of privacy rights;
      10. That Subsection 91 be amended to include language clarifying that the Integrity Commissioner has the ability, in their sole discretion, to amend the report after consideration of the matter at the Governance and Priorities Committee and before it is presented to City Council
      11. Removed
      12. That “supplies and resources to perform a Councillors’ duties” be added to section 38(a) to clarify whether office equipment, transit passes, and parking passes are considered gifts, or things necessary to perform the duties of a Councillor; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to bring forward the updated version of Bylaw No. 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 to City Council for its consideration; and
    3. That the Administration review the City of Saskatoon Anti-Harassment Policy and Investigative Procedures for Members of City Council and Senior Administration Policy and that the Administration report back to the Governance and Priorities Committee with any recommended amendments upon conclusion of that review.
    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That Bylaw No. 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 be amended as follows:

    k. That Sections 86-94 be amended to grant the Integrity Commissioner up to an additional 30 days (120 days) regarding communication and reporting time requirements;

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (2)Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED (6 to 2)

A report of the Administration was provided.

Councillor Gersher declared a declared a potential conflict of interest related to a family member's business. She recused herself from discussion and voting on the matter and left the Council Chamber.

Director of Major Projects and Preservation Willems presented the report and responded to questions of Council along with City Manager Jorgenson and Director of Communications and Public Engagement Blumers. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill

    That the Administration proceed with public engagement to solicit feedback on the opportunities and challenges associated with the two feasible site options for a future Downtown event centre/arena, and report back with a decision report to City Council for a final decision on the site location.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (1)Councillor Dubois
    Conflict En (1)Councillor Gersher
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED (6 to 1)

    Councillor Gersher returned to the meeting.


A report of the Administration was provided.

Director of Emergency Planning Goulden-McLeod presented the report and responded to questions of Council. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That the information be received. 

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

A report of the Administration was provided.

Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois
    1. That a lease agreement for 123 Auditorium Avenue, located on ISC Parcel No.  120285873, with Biktrix Enterprises Inc. for a term of 5 years, upon the terms detailed within the August 29, 2022 report of the Chief Financial Officer, be approved; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to have the necessary agreement executed by His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk, under the Corporate Seal.
    In Favour: (7)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (1)Councillor Hill
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED (7 to 1)

A report of the Administration was provided.

Director of Sustainability South presented and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That Administration be directed to submit the proposed projects outlined in the August 29, 2022 report of the Chief Financial Officer to the Natural Resource Canada – Toward Net-zero Homes and Communities program.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

Since release of the agenda, a revised report of the Administration was provided.

Director of Finance Smith presented the report and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That the information be received.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

A report of the City Solicitor was provided.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9840, The Electric Light and Power Amendment Bylaw, 2022, and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That Bylaw No. 9840 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9840 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Bylaw No. 9840 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: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

A report of the City Solicitor was provided.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher
    1. That City Council authorize the City Clerk as its representative to execute a resolution of the Member of The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc. approving the repeal and replacement of The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc.’s Bylaw No. 1 as attached to the August 29, 2022 report of the City Solicitor;
    2. That City Council authorize the City Clerk as its representative to execute a resolution of the Member of Saskatchewan Place Association Inc. approving the repeal and replacement of Saskatchewan Place Association Inc.’s Bylaw No. 1 as attached to the August 29, 2022 report of the City Solicitor; and
    3. That City Council authorize the City Clerk as its representative to execute a resolution of the Member of The Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre Corporation approving the repeal and replacement of The Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre Corporation’s Bylaw No. 1 as attached to the August 29, 2022 report of the City Solicitor.
    In Favour: (8)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (3)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Block
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 0)

The meeting was adjourned at 2:48 pm.

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