PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• Deputy Mayor R. Donauer, Chair
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor T. Davies
• Councillor B. Dubois
• Councillor H. Gough
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• Councillor M. Loewen

ABSENT:

• Councillor S. Gersher

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

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

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That the following letters be added to Item 8.1.1:
     • Requesting to Speak
       • Tammy Sweeney, TCU Place, dated February 8, 2024 (also added to Item 8.3.4)
     • Submitting Comments
       • Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024
  2. That the request to speak from Mike McKague, Saskatoon YMCA, dated February 12, 2024 be added to Item 8.2.1;
  3. That the letter from Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024 be added to Item 8.3.1;
  4. That the letter from Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024 be added to Item 8.3.3;
  5. That the following letters submitting comments be added to Item 8.3.4:
     • Kenneth Wood, dated February 11, 2024;
     • Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024;
  6. That items be considered in the order as stated below following the adoption of the minutes and that all requests to speak with respect to Items 8.1.1, 8.2.1, 8.2.3, and 8.3.3 be heard prior to consideration of Item 8.3.3:
     • 8.3.1
     • 8.3.2
     • Hear all speakers for 8.3.3, 8.3.4, 8.1.1 and 8.2.1
       • John Howden
       • Tammy Sweeney
       • Mike McKague
     • 8.3.3
     • 8.3.4
     • 8.1.1
     • 8.2.1
     • 8.3.5
     • 8.2.3
     • 8.2.2
  7. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the minutes of meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee dated January 17, 2024 be adopted. 

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 8.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

7.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Decision Reports

8.1.1

Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Convention Centre Options [DEED2023-01]

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided along with the following letters:

Requesting to Speak

• Tammy Sweeney, TCU Place, dated February 8, 2024

Submitting Comments

• Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024

Director of Technical Services Willems presented the report and responded to questions.

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton

  That Option 4b be approved with the future detailed design of the convention centre to include expansion to the west with renovation of the existing convention centre spaces within the building.

  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 8.2.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.2

Approval Reports

8.2.1

Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Property Acquisition in Support of Proposed Convention Centre [DEED2023-01]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided along with a request to speak from Mike McKague, Saskatoon YMCA, dated February 12, 2024.

Director of Saskatoon Land Long presented the report.

Mike McKague, Board Chair, YMCA, previously spoke to this matter and responded to questions.

• Moved By: Mayor Clark

  That Governance and Priorities committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That the Administration be authorized to purchase 25 – 22^nd Street (Lot 43 Block 6, Plan 00SA15145, ISC Parcel No. 120285266) from Saskatoon Family Young Men’s Christian Association, consisting of approximately 0.97 acres with approximately 43,128 square feet of gross building at a purchase price of $8,504,750.00 with a deferred title transfer and closing; and
  2. That the City Solicitor prepare the appropriate agreements and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements under the Corporate Seal.
  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.2

City Council Travel and Training Expenses - 2023 [GPC2024-0204]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented items 8.2.2, 8.2.3 and 8.3.5 together as complementary reports.

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee:

  1. approve the allocation of travel and training expenditures for 2023; and
  2. forward the February 14, 2024 report of the City Clerk's Office to City Council for information, in accordance with Council Policy No. C01-023, City Councillors' Travel and Training.
  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 12.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.2.3

City Council Car Allowance - 2023 [GPC2024-0202]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented this item under item 8.2.2.

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee:

  1. approve the allocation of car allowance expenditures for 2023; and
  2. forward the February 14, 2024 report of the City Clerk's Office to City Council for information, in accordance with Council Policy No. C01-023, City Councillors' Travel and Training.
  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3

Information Reports

Councillors Davies, Dubois and Jeffries had excused themselves during the meeting and were not present for when voting occurred on the information items. 

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That the reports submitted as Items 8.3.1 to 8.3.5 be received as information.

  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Against (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.1

Preliminary Estimates of Saskatoon’s Population, July 1, 2023 [GPC2024-0206]

A report of the City Manager's Office was provided along with a letter from Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024.

City Manager Jorgenson provided introductory remarks for this item and 8.3.2, while Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Officer Jordan presented items 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 jointly, accompanied by a PowerPoint.  They responded to questions raised during the presentation.

8.3.2

The Employment Picture in the Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area – December 2023 [GPC2024-0205]

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

City Manager Jorgenson provided introductory remarks for this item under item 8.3.1, while Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Officer Jordan presented items 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 jointly, accompanied by a PowerPoint.  They responded to questions raised during the presentation.

Pursuant to earlier resolution to amend the agenda, Committee heard from the following speakers with respect to Items 8.1.1, 8.2.1 and 8.3.4 as noted.

- 8.3.4 John Howden, CEO of SaskTel Centre (Councillor Jeffries excused himself from the meeting following the presentation from John.)

- 8.1.1 and 8.3.4 Tammy Sweeney, CEO of TCU Place

- 8.2.1 Mike McKague, Board Chair, YMCA

8.3.3

City Centre and Downtown Event and Entertainment Plan – Interim Strategic Directions Report [DEED2023-01]

A report of the Community Services Division was provided along with a letter from Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024.

Senior Project Planner Williamson presented the report and responded to questions.

Councillor Dubois excused herself from the meeting during consideration of this item.

8.3.4

Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Conceptual Design [DEED2023-01]

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided along with the following letters:

Requesting to Speak

• John Howden, SaskTel Centre, dated February 2, 2024
• Tammy Sweeney, TCU Place, dated February 8, 2024
  

Submitting Comments

• Kenneth Wood, dated February 11, 2024
• Sherry Tarasoff, dated February 12, 2024

John Howden, CEO of SaskTel Centre, and Tammy Sweeney, CEO of TCU Place, spoke previously in support of the recommended option and responded to questions of Committee.

Director of Technical Services Willems presented the report and responded to questions.

The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. with all members in attendance (Councillor Hill virtual), with the exception of Councillors Gersher, Dubois and Jeffries.

Consideration of this matter continued.  Councillor Davies excused himself from the meeting at 2:30 p.m.

Item 8.1.1 was considered next.

8.3.5

Council Communications and Constituency Relations Allowance - 2023 [GPC2024-0201]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented this item with items 8.2.2.

9.

MOTIONS (notice previously given)

10.

URGENT BUSINESS

11.

GIVING NOTICE

12.

VERBAL UPDATES

12.1

Council Members - His Worship the Mayor, FCM/SUMA, Boards, Committees and Commissions

Mayor Clark provided an update from his recent meeting with the Big City Mayors Caucus.

12.2

Administration

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Block

  That the Committee move In Camera to consider the following items.

  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

13.1

Land Negotiations

[In Camera - Economic/Financial - Land - Section 17(1)(d) and (e)]

13.2

Verbal Updates

13.2.1

Council Members - His Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee (if required)

13.2.2

Administration

13.2.2.1

City Manager Updates

[In Camera - Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19 and 20 LAFOIP]

13.3

Appointments - Boards, Commissions and Committees [CK 225-4-3]

In Camera - Consultations/Deliberations; Personal Information - Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP]

13.3.1

Appointment - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

13.3.2

Appointment - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

13.3.3

Appointment - Saskatoon Accessible Advisory Committee

13.3.4

Appointment - Board of Police Commissioners

13.3.5

Appointment - Riversdale Business Improvement District

13.3.6

Downtown Business Improvement District

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 3:25 p.m. with the following in attendance as noted: 

• All Committee members (Councillor Hill virtual), with the exception of Councillors Davies, Dubois, Gersher, and Jeffries
• City Manager Jorgenson
• City Solicitor Yelland
• City Clerk Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk Bryant
• Chief of Staff Beveridge, at 3:31p.m. (virtual)
• Chief Financial Officer Hack (virtual)
• General Manager, Community Services Lacroix
• Director of Planning and Development Anderson (for item 13.1)
• Long Range Planning Manager McShane (for item 13.1)
• General Manager, Environment & Utilities Gardiner
• Regional Services Manager Heinrichs (for item 13.1)
• Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations Jordan (virtual)

All administration were excused for item 13.3, with the exception of the City Manager, City Solicitor, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.

The Committee moved to rise and report. The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed at 4:56 p.m.    

Committee reconvened publicly, and reported as follows:

• 13.1    Land Negotiations

  [In Camera - Economic/Financial - Land - Section 17(1)(d) and (e) of LAFOIP]

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Section 17(1)(d) and (e) of LAFOIP.

  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2    Verbal Updates

  13.2.1 Council Members - His Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the information and the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19, 20 and 21 of LAFOIP.  

  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2.2 Administration

  13.2.2.1  City Manager Updates

  [In Camera - Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19 and 20 LAFOIP]

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19 and 20 of LAFOIP.

  
  

  In Favour (6)	Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Against (1)	Councillor Hill
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED

• 13.3    Appointments - Boards, Commissions and Committees [CK 225-4-3]

  [In Camera - Consultations/Deliberations; Personal Information - Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP]

  13.3.1 Appointment - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

  13.3.2 Appointment - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

  13.3.3 Appointment - Saskatoon Accessible Advisory Committee

  13.3.4 Appointment - Board of Police Commissioners

  13.3.5 Appointment - Riversdale Business Improvement District

  13.3.6 Downtown Business Improvement District - Board of Directors

  Moved By: Councillor Gough
  1. That the recommended appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees and any further direction, as noted by the City Clerk, be reported to the February 28, 2024 Regular Business meeting; and
  2. That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

  In Favour (7)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (4)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.