PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

-
Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • Councillor S. Gersher, Chair
  • His Worship Mayor C. Clark
  • Councillor T. Davies
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor D. Hill
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
  • Councillor D. Kirton
ABSENT:
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor H. Gough
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ALSO PRESENT:
  • City Manager J. Jorgenson
  • City Solicitor C. Yelland
  • City Clerk A. Tittemore
  • Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

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

2.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

 

City Solicitor Yelland responded to a process question with respect to In Camera item 13.3.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That item 8.3.2 be considered immediately after adoption of the minutes;
    2. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Gersher declared a conflict of interest with respect to In Camera agenda item 13.2 due to a potential conflict related to a family member's business.

4.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE - PUBLIC_Jul18_2022 - English.pdf
2.Post-Meeting Minutes - GPC-Special_Jul25_2022 - English.pdf
  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton

    That the minutes of the following Governance and Priorities Committee meetings be approved:

    • regular meeting held on July 18, 2022; and
    • special meeting held on July 25, 2022.

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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 8.3.2 was considered next.


5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

6.
COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

 

7.
REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

 

8.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

 

8.1
Information Reports

 

8.1.1
South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards Board Appointment 2022-2023 [CK. 225-1]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - South Saskatchewan River Stewards Board Appointments 2022.pdf

A report from the Administration was provided.

City Manager Jorgenson presented the report.  Chair Gersher noted that Councillor Gough has reviewed the report and indicated that the appointments will occur during the fall recruitment process.

Mayor Clark re-entered the meeting at 11:12 a.m.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill

    That the information be received.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2
Approval Reports

 

8.2.1
Proposed Options to Reform Property Assessment and Taxation in Saskatchewan [CK 1615-0]

This item has attachments. 
1.Approval report- Proposed Options to Reform the Property Assessment and Taxation System in Saskatchewan.pdf
2.Appendix 1 - International Property Tax Institute Review of the Property Tax System in Saskatchewan April 2022.pdf
3.Appendix 2_Administration's Summary of IPTI Options.xls.pdf

A report from the Administration was provided.

Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Officer Jordan presented the report and together with City Assessor Trew and Director of Corporate Revenue Voth responded to questions of Committee.  It was noted that a revised appendix 2 had been provided.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    1. That His Worship, the Mayor, and the Administration work with SCMC and SUMA to advocate for the implementation of IPTI proposed options 1,3,4, and 5; and
    2. That the Administration report back to the Governance and Priorities Committee at the appropriate time, on the progress of recommendation 1, and the direct financial costs to the City for implementing the proposed options advanced in recommendation 1.

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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • Moved By:Mayor Clark

    That the Administration share this report with members of the Combined Business Group for their consideration and invitation for further discussion with members who are interested to identify where there is agreement with the report’s recommendations.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3
Decision Reports

 

8.3.1
Options for Inclusion of the Transit Service Model within Indicative Budget [CK. 7300-1, x1700-1]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - Options for Inclusion of the Transit Service Model within Indicative Budget.pdf
2.Append 1 - Saskatoon Transit Service Standards.final.pdf

A report from the Administration was provided.

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

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois

    That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council that Option 3 – Inclusion of a Phased-In Transit and other Step Growth amounts be included within the Indicative Budget in each Budget Year.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • Moved By:Councillor Hill

    That Administration report back on a process for indicative budget reporting for individual business lines.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 13 was considered next.


8.3.2
Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission – 2022 Municipal Code of Conduct Committee Report [CK 255-18]

This item has attachments. 
1.Decision Report - Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission - Code of Conduct_ (002).pdf
2.Appendix 1 - Other Jurisdictions - Gifts and Benefits - Codes of Conduct.pdf
3.Appendix 2 - SMRC Final Report on the Code of Conduct 1 June 2022.pdf
4.Appendix 3 - Comparison Chart - Code of Conduct Current Provisions vs SMRC Recommendations.pdf
5.Appendix 4 - City of Toronto Information.pdf

A report of the City Solicitor was provided and presented.  She responded to questions of Committee.

Paul Jaspar, Chair, Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission, spoke to the matter and responded to questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    1. That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council 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 one month 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. 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;
    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.
    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 AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Donauer

    That 1. a) be amended to read 60 days.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  • VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED

    Motions 1 a - j were voted on.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  • VOTE ON MAIN MOTION

    Motion 1 k was voted on separately.


    In Favour (5)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Kirton
    Against (3)Mayor Clark, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois
    Absent (3)Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Block


    CARRIED

  • VOTE ON MAIN MOTION

    Motions 2 and 3 were voted on together.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • Moved By:Mayor Clark

    That the Administration report back on the consideration of including the language from the Winnipeg code of conduct bylaw with regards to determining what is considered a legitimate basis for Council members to receive tickets to attend events.  In preparing this report would the Administration consult with both the Integrity Commissioner and the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission for their comments on the merits of the Winnipeg language in helping provide further definition to what is acceptable and not acceptable as a legitimate purpose to receive such tickets.


    In Favour (7)Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Against (1)Councillor Hill
    Absent (3)Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Block


    CARRIED
  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer

    Add “supplies and resources to perform a Councillors duties” 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.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    The final resolution reads as follows:

    1. That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council 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. 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;
      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.
    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.
    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.
    4. Would the Administration report back on the consideration of including the language from the Winnipeg code of conduct bylaw with regards to determining what is considered a legitimate basis for Council members to receive tickets to attend events.  In preparing this report would the Administration consult with both the Integrity Commissioner and the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission for their comments on the merits of the Winnipeg language in helping provide further definition to what is acceptable and not acceptable as a legitimate purpose to receive such tickets.

    The meeting recessed at 10:57 a.m. and reconvened at 11:09 a.m. with all members of Committee in attendance with the exception of Mayor Clark and Councillors Block, Gough and Loewen.

    Item 8.1.1 was considered next.


9.
MOTIONS (notice previously given)

 

10.
GIVING NOTICE

 

11.
URGENT BUSINESS

 

12.
VERBAL UPDATES

 

13.
IN CAMERA SESSION

 
  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer

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


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    The public portion of the meeting recessed at 12:23 p.m.


13.1
Verbal Updates

 

13.1.1
Council Members - His Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee (if required)

 

13.1.2
Administration

 

13.2
City Manager Updates

 

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

13.3
Negotiation– Agreement Renewal [CK 430-39]

 

[In Camera - Negotiations - Section 16(1)(c) LAFOIP)

13.4
Resignation - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) [CK 225-18]

 

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

14.
RISE AND REPORT

 

The Committee convened In Camera at 12:26 p.m. with the following in attendance: 

  • All Committee members, except Councillors Gough, Loewen and Block  (Councillors Davies, Dubois and Jeffries, via teleconference)
  • Mayor’s Chief of Staff Beveridge, via teleconference
  • City Manager Jorgenson
  • City Clerk Tittemore
  • Solicitor Yelland
  • Deputy City Clerk Bryant
  • General Manager, Environment and Utilities Gardiner
  • General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt
  • Director of Major Projects Willems
  • Chief Financial Officer Hack
  • Director of Saskatoon Land Long
  • Chief Hackl
  • Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Office Jordan, via teleconference
  • General Manager, Community Services Lacroix, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Environmental Projects & Protection Manager Gauthier for item 13.3.

The meeting recessed at 12:57 pm and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. with all members in attendance with the exception of Councillors Davies, Gough, Loewen and Block.

Councillor Gersher recused herself from discussion on 13.2 due to a conflict of interest and left the Council Chamber.  Councillor Donauer assumed the Chair for this item.

The following administration excused themselves from the meeting following consideration of 13.2:

  • Chief Financial Officer Hack
  • General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt
  • Director of Major Projects Willems
  • Director of Saskatoon Land Long
  • Chief Hackl
  • Chief of Staff Beveridge

General Manager, Environment and Utilities Gardiner excused herself from the meeting following consideration of 13.3.

City Manager Jorgenson, City Solicitor Yelland, and Deputy City Clerk Bryant were excused for a portion of 13.1.1.

The Committee moved to rise and report.  The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed at 2:34  p.m.

Committee reconvened publicly and reported as follows:

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

    Moved By:Mayor Clark
    1. That the verbal updates of the members of Council be received as information; and
    2. That 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, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent (4)Councillor Davies, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Block


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  • 13.2  City Manager Updates

    Councillor Gersher recused herself from voting on this matter and left the Council Chamber.  Councillor Donauer assumed the Chair for this item.

    Moved By:Mayor Clark
    1.  That the verbal updates of the City Manager be received as information; and
    2. 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)Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Conflict (1)Councillor Gersher
    Absent (4)Councillor Davies, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Block


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Councillor Gersher re-entered the meeting.


  • 13.3    Negotiation– Agreement Renewal [CK 430-39]

    Moved By:Mayor Clark

    That the submitted information and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(c) of LAFOIP.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  • 13.4    Resignation - Lloyd Moker, Sutherland Business Improvement District - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) [CK 225-18]

    Moved By:Mayor Clark

    That the submitted information and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

     

     


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.
ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:44 p.m.

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