MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Monday, August 31, 2020 at 1:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Via Teleconference Hosted in the 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 A. Iwanchuk
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• 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 J. Sproule
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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1.

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND CALL TO ORDER

The National Anthem was played and Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People. He confirmed attendance via teleconference.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Hill
  Seconded By: Councillor Iwanchuk
  1. That the email from Brenda McLean, dated August 31, 2020, advising Louis Christ, Remai Modern Board of Directors, will be available to respond to questions, be added to item 8.2.1; 
  2. That the email from Todd Holmquist, Saskatoon Wildlife Federation, dated August 28, 2020, advising he will be available to respond to questions, be added to item 8.2.4; 
  3. That the following letters be added to item 8.3.1:
     • Submitting Comments
       • Jan Norris, dated August 27, 2020;
       • Stan Shadick, dated August 29, 2020;
       • Sara Bryson, Saskatoon Nature Society, dated August 30, 2020
       • Tony Zuck, dated August 24, 2020;
  4. That the letter dated August 30, 2020 from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, be added to item 8.4.1;  
  5. That the following letters be added to item 9.5.1:
     • Submitting Comments
       • Dr. Jasmine Hasselback, Saskatchewan Health Authority, dated August 26, 2020;
       • Sherry Tarasoff, dated August 28, 2020;
       • Lisa Kusch - Applied Breath Science, and Mental Health Private Service Homes, dated August 28, 2020;
       • Angie Howlett, dated August 28, 2020;
       • Nazeem Muhajarine, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) dated August 28, 2020;
       • Katrina Kurpiela, dated August 30, 2020;
       • Katherine Skorupan, dated August 30, 2020;
       • Mary Kurpiela, dated August 31, 2020;
       • Meghan Groff, dated August 31, 2020; and
  6. That the following items with speakers be considered following consideration of the Consent Agenda:
     
     • Item 8.3.1
       • Linda Moskalyk, SOS Trees Coalition;
       • John Penner; and
  7. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

3.1

Councillor Gersher - Taxi Cost Index Review [File No. CK 307-2]

Item 8.4.3 - Her family is in a business that could be seen to be in conflict with the taxi and TNC industries.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Iwanchuk

  ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on July 27, 2020 and the Special Meetings of City Council held on August 4 and August 17, 2020, be adopted.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

5.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

5.1

Mayor C. Clark - Acknowledgement - Retirement of Senator Lillian Dyck

Mayor Clark recognized the retirement of Senator Lillian Dyck, noting her accomplishments in the community.

6.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7.

QUESTION PERIOD

7.1

Councillor B. Dubois - Year-End Financial Projections

Councillor Dubois asked if actual financial expenditures could be added to the year-end financial reporting.

Chief Financial Officer Tarasoff indicated that the expenditures could be included in future reporting.

7.2

Councillor M. Loewen - Transit Schedules

Councillor Loewen asked when Transit expects to be returning to conventional scheduling.

Director of Saskatoon Transit McDonald provided an update.

7.3

Councillor R. Donauer - School Zones

Councillor Donauer asked about enforcement of the school zones as of September 1 with school not starting until September 7.

Director of Transportation Magus indicated that the administration has had no discussions with police regarding enforcement.  

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

Items 8.1.3, 8.3.1 and 8.5.2 were removed from the Consent Agenda.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.4 to 8.1.6; 8.2.1 to 8.2.4; 8.4.1, 8.4.2; and 8.5.1 be adopted as one motion.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  Item 8.4.3 was voted on separately and considered next.

  
  

8.1

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

8.1.1

Civic Naming Committee - First and Second Quarter Reports 2020 (File No. CK. 6310-1)

• That the reports of the General Manager, Community Services Department, dated March 19, 2020 and June 18, 2020, be received as information.

8.1.2

Good Neighbour Guide and Good Neighbour Agreements (CK 368-1)

• That the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated August 17, 2020, be received as information.

8.1.3

Drainage Regulation Capital Project Update (CK 4110-1 x 7820-1)

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.  Councillor Hill, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services introduced the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  That the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated August 17, 2020, be received as information.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  Item 8.5.2 was considered next.

  
  

8.1.4

Creation of a Fee Bylaw – Development and Land Use Applications (CK 185-2)

• 1. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare a new fee bylaw as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated August 17, 2020, and to make consequential amendments to other bylaws as appropriate;
  2. That Policy No. C01-021, Public Notice be amended to add a requirement that public notice must be given before City Council considers adopting, amending or repealing a fee bylaw; and
  3. That a copy of this report be submitted to the Municipal Planning Commission for information.

8.1.5

Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program – 410 and 420 5th Avenue North – Baydo Towers (CK 4110-45)

A letter submitting comments from Keith Pearson, dated August 25, 2020 is provided.

• 1. That a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 100% of the incremental municipal and library taxes for the development of 410 and 420 5^th Avenue North, be approved;
  2. That the Neighbourhood Planning Section 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 410 and 420 5^th Avenue North;
  3. 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; and
  4. That the five-year tax abatement on the incremental taxes be applied to the subject properties, commencing the next taxation year following the completion of the project.

8.1.6

Municipal Utility Designation for Recovery Park, Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre, and Landfill Gas Power Generation Parcels Along Valley Road (CK 4351-020-010 x 7830-4-2)

• 1. That the lands used for Recovery Park, Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre, and the Landfill Gas Power Generation facility be designated as Municipal Utility parcels as outlined in the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated August 17, 2020; and
  2. That the Administration be directed to cause that designation to be registered on the title for those parcels.

8.2

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

8.2.1

Meeting Procedures for The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan (Remai Modern) [File No. CK. 175-27]

An email from Brenda McLean, dated August 31, 2020, advising Louis Christ, Remai Modern Board of Directors, will be available to respond to questions, is provided. 

• That the information be received.

8.2.2

Meewasin Valley Authority Financial Statements - March 31, 2020 [File No. CK. 1870-10]

• That the Meewasin Valley Authority Financial Statements – March 31, 2020 be received as information.

8.2.3

Incentive Application – ABC Canada Technology Group Ltd [File No. CK. 3500-13]

• 1. That the application from ABC Canada Technology Group Ltd. for a five-year tax abatement on the incremental portion of taxes at 522 38th Street East, as a result of its development in 2020, be approved as follows:
     • 100% in Year 1;
     • 80% in Year 2;
     • 70% in Year 3;
     • 60% in Year 4;
     • 50% in Year 5; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the appropriate agreements.

8.2.4

Disposal of Former Saskatoon Police Service Outdoor Firing Range Auxiliary Training Building [File No. CK. 600-5]

• 1. That the Administration be authorized to dispose of the former Saskatoon Police Service Firing Range auxiliary building for $1 via an agreement with the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to relocate the building to the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation at their sole expense; and
  2. 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.

8.3

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

8.3.1

Nuisance Tree Replacement Policy Amendments [File No. CK 4139-4]

Letters from the following were provided:

Request to Speak

• Linda Moskalyk, SOS Trees Coalition, dated August 1, 2020;
• John J. Penner, dated August 25, 2020;

Submitting Comments

• Joanne Blythe, dated August 24, 2020; 
• Jan Norris, dated August 27, 2020;
• Stan Shadick, dated August 29, 2020;
• Sara Bryson, Saskatoon Nature Society, dated August 30, 2020; and
• Tony Zuck, dated August 24, 2020.

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.  Councillor Gersher, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services introduced the item.

Linda Moskalyk spoke against the proposed policy amendments.

John Penner spoke against the proposed policy amendments.

• IN DEFERRAL

  Moved By: Councillor Hill
  Seconded By: Councillor Loewen

  That consideration of this report be deferred to the City Council meeting on December 21, 2020 to be considered with the forthcoming Urban Forestry Management Plan report.

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

  DEFEATED (4 to 7)
• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That Option 2 – 50% Cost Sharing for Nuisance Tree Removal and Replacement, be approved, and Council Policy C09-011, Trees on City Property, be amended as necessary;
  2. That Administration include an annual $25,000 funding cap; and
  3. That the Administration report back on an annual basis on the number of trees that are subject to the Tree Policy.

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Iwanchuk, and Councillor Jeffries
  Against: (6)	Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, and Councillor Loewen

  DEFEATED (5 to 6)

  Item 8.1.3 was considered next.

  
  

8.4

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

8.4.1

Bus Rapid Transit Pilot Station Budget Adjustment [Files CK 4110-2, x1702-1]

A letter dated August 30, 2020 from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, was provided.

• 1. That Capital Project #2328 - Transit Implementation Plan be increased by $300,000 in 2020 funded through the Bus Rapid Transit funding plan and decreasing the 2021 capital allocation to this project; and
  2. That Capital Project #2328 - Transit Implementation Plan be increased by $50,000 through a transfer from previously approved funding in Capital Project #2541 - Growth Plan to Half a Million Implementation.

8.4.2

Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw – Speed Limit Changes [File No. CK 6320-1]

• 1. That the speed limits on various roadways throughout the City as set out in the report of the General Manager, Transportation and Construction Department dated August 10, 2020, be approved; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary bylaw amendments, to be effective November 1, 2020.

8.4.3

Taxi Cost Index Review [File No. CK 307-2]

• Councillor Gersher declared a conflict on this item. (Item 8.4.3 - Her family is in a business that could be seen to be in conflict with the taxi and TNC industries.)

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Hill

  That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare bylaw amendments, effective October 5, 2020, to:

  1. Retain the taxi meter minimum fare of $3.75, decreasing the distance to the first 125 metres;
  2. Increase the distance rate to $0.27 for each additional 125 metres or portion thereof; and
  3. Retain the hourly fare rate of $40.00 per hour up to 16 kilometres, and increase the fare to $2.16 for each additional kilometre in excess of 16.

  In Favour: (10)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

  Councillor Gersher re-entered the meeting via teleconference.  Item 8.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

8.5.1

New Meewasin Master Agreement – Key Terms and Conditions (CK 180-6)

• 1. That the proposed terms of the new Master Agreement between Meewasin and the City of Saskatoon, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department, dated August 24, 2020, be approved; and
  2. That the Solicitor’s Office be authorized to prepare the appropriate agreement for the Master Agreement; and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.

8.5.2

Whistleblower Protection Policy (CK 4500-0)

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.   Mayor Clark introduced the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That the Draft Whistleblower Protection Policy, contained in Appendix 2 of the report of the City Manager dated August 24, 2020, be approved; 
  2. That with respect to S.1. add clause c) To encourage COS employees to come forward in good faith with genuine concerns, with the knowledge they will be taken seriously, without reprisal, and their privacy will be protected whenever possible;
  3. That the Whistleblower Policy be referred to the Governance Sub Committee; and
  4. That the Administration report back in 2021.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  The meeting recessed at 3:02 p.m. and reconvened at 3:15 p.m with all members of City Council in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Hill.

  
  

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

9.2

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

9.3

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

9.4

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

9.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

9.5.1

The Use of Non-Medical Face Masks and Public Access to City Services (CK 270-7)

Letters from the following were provided:

Submitting Comments

• Marjaleena Repo, dated August 26, 2020; and
• Dr. Jasmine Hasselback, Saskatchewan Health Region, dated August 26, 2020; 
• Sherry Tarasoff, dated August 28, 2020;
• Lisa Kusch - Applied Breath Science, and Mental Health Private Service Homes, dated August 28, 2020;
• Angie Howlett, dated August 28, 2020;
• Nazeem Muhajarine, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) dated August 28, 2020;
• Katrina Kurpiela, dated August 30, 2020;
• Katherine Skorupan, dated August 30, 2020;
• Mary Kurpiela, dated August 31, 2020; and
• Meghan Groff, dated August 31, 2020;

Councillor hill re-entered the meeting via teleconference at 3:17 p.m. 

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  That Option 2 as outlined in the report of the Fire Chief dated August 24, 2020, be implemented such that:

  • Effective September 1, 2020, the City requires all users of Saskatoon Transit services wear a non-medical face mask; and
  • Effective September 1, 2020, the City recommends that all persons accessing all City operated facilities and indoor City of Saskatoon services wear a non-medical face mask.

• IN AMENDMENT

  Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That Option 2 be amended to include that masks be provided for two weeks and beyond if masks within the estimated budget remain at that time.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

• VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Block

  Whereas the impact of COVID-19 on each zone in the province is not uniform;

  Whereas there are many interventions the City of Saskatoon may need to consider implementing or lifting at a community and corporate level as the severity of the impact of COVID-19 on our community changes; and

  Whereas the Trigger Levels in Appendix 3 are based on the best available data and the combination of measures is supported by public health experts as indicative of meaningful change in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic over time;

  Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report regularly to City Council or Governance and Priorities Committee on the status of COVID-19 within the Saskatoon Zone similar to that outlined in Appendix 3, and in particular when the status changes.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

9.5.2

Governance Review – Other Bodies - Board of Revision (CK 175-6 x 175-1)

Councillor Gersher, Deputy Mayor, introduced the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Iwanchuk
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That Option 1 as outlined in the report of the Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee dated May 19, 2020, be pursued:
     1. That preferred qualifications advertised for potential appointees to the Board of Revision be amended to include:
        1. Previous experience on or with a quasi-judicial or an administrative tribunal;
        2. The ability to be fair, open-minded and impartial;
        3. The ability to conduct themselves with integrity and consistency;
        4. The ability to interpret and apply the relevant statutes and case law to complex scenarios;
        5. The ability to absorb and analyze complex material information and write comprehensive, intelligible decisions;
        6. Previous real estate experience would be an asset; or
        7. Previous property appraisal experience would be an asset;
     2. That the compensation of members appointed to the Board of Revision be increased as of January 1, 2021 as outlined in this report;
     3. That advertising forums for Board of Revision vacancies be reviewed and expanded at the discretion of the City Clerk’s Office;
     4. That training options for both Board of Revision members and the Board of Revision Secretary be explored and mandatory training be implemented for 2021 appointments;
     5. That resources, including access to legal counsel for members appointed to the Board of Revision and the Secretary to the Board of Revision continue to be offered and the potential to increase access to those resources be further explored; and
     6. That a process be established for the performance evaluation of appointed Board of Revision members for consideration by the Governance and Priorities Committee in advance of reappointments and to identify potential areas for further training and development; and
  2. That Policy No, C01-011, Remuneration – Members of Board of Revision be repealed.

• IN AMENDMENT

  Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  That a qualification be added that previous assessment experience be considered an asset. 

  In Favour: (5)	Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Gough
  Against: (6)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  DEFEATED (5 to 6)

• VOTE ON MAIN MOTION

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

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

11.1.1

2020 Local Government Election - Polling Location Update (CK 265-2020-6)

An information report was provided.

Returning Officer Bastian presented the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  That the information be received.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Iwanchuk, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

11.2

Office of the City Solicitor

12.

OTHER REPORTS

13.

INQUIRIES

14.

MOTIONS (NOTICE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN)

15.

GIVING NOTICE

15.1

Councillor M. Loewen - Human Resources - Identify and Address Systemic Barriers in Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Employees of the City of Saskatoon [File No. CK 4500-1]

Councillor Loewen gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'Whereas City Council wishes to identify and address elements of systemic racism that exist in the City of Saskatoon;

Whereas the City of Saskatoon has adopted workforce diversity targets in line with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission goals for employment equity partners in Saskatchewan, and the City wishes to improve its performance in meeting those goals;

Whereas the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Plan, 2018-2021 states as a goal that “Our workforce is representative of the local population;” and

Whereas the demographic makeup of Saskatoon is increasingly diverse with growing numbers of racialized and Indigenous residents.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report back on a process to collaboratively and cross-departmentally identify and address systemic barriers in the recruitment and retention of diverse employees. This should include processes and/or models that have been successfully deployed in other municipalities and other major employers in the public or private sector. This report should also comment on whether or not the existing process for self-identification represents best practices.'"

15.2

Councillor M. Loewen - Advisory Committees, Boards, and Commissions - Options to Improve the Reach and Accessibility of Efforts for Recruitment [File No. CK 175-1 and 225-1]

Councillor Loewen gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'Whereas City Council wishes to identify and address elements of systemic racism that exist in the work of the City of Saskatoon;

Whereas the City of Saskatoon recently undertook a governance review of advisory committees and controlled corporations, and through this process City Council prioritized diverse representation on advisory committees;

Therefore, be it resolved that the City Clerk’s Office seek out options to improve the reach and accessibility of efforts to invite residents to participate on Council-appointed advisory committees, boards, and commissions. These actions should have specific emphasis on underserved and underrepresented populations in the community, and should be based on advice from community organizations with linkages to underrepresented populations.'"

15.3

Councillor M. Loewen - Community Engagement - Strategy to Identify and Address Systemic Barriers [File No. CK 372-1]

Councillor Loewen gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'Whereas City Council wishes to identify and address elements of systemic racism that exist in the work of the City of Saskatoon;

Whereas City Council recently passed the Public Engagement Policy that, among other things, seeks to: “Facilitate public participation and input to decision-making through effective and efficient consultation, involvement, collaboration and empowerment processes,” that entrenches as guiding principles: “engagement processes are designed in a way that promote and allow for adequate community contributions while building relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders” and “the importance of relationship building rooted in mutual trust and respect,” and that provides City Council with the responsibility to: “Support the increasing capacity of the organization in designing and executing useful, efficient, and innovative public participation activities over time;” and

Whereas public engagement with residents significantly influences the directions undertaken by Council and administration; and

Whereas gaps and barriers in the City’s engagement and subsequent policy-creation processes lead to the potential for inequity and unforeseen shortcomings in city policies and practices; and

Whereas there are known barriers to participating in public engagement, and these barriers are exacerbated for marginalized communities, including racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, lower-income, gender-diverse, disabled, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer persons;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration report back on a strategy to identify and address systemic barriers that prevent residents from accessing, taking part in, and providing feedback within public engagement conducted by the City, with a specific emphasis on underserved and underrepresented populations in the community. This strategy should be informed by best practices from other cities.'"

16.

URGENT BUSINESS

COVID-19 UPDATE

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix provided a verbal update on reopening of recreation and leisure facilities and programming.

17.

IN CAMERA SESSION (OPTIONAL)

18.

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Business Meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.