PUBLIC MINUTES

STANDING POLICY COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Wednesday, March 06, 2024 at 2:00 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• Councillor R. Donauer, Chair
• Councillor C. Block, Vice Chair, via teleconference
• Councillor B. Dubois
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark (Ex-Officio) at 2:04 p.m.

ABSENT:

• Councillor D. Kirton

ALSO PRESENT:

• Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
• Deputy City Solicitor C. Bogad
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant
• Committee Assistant H. Janzen

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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 Dubois
  1. That the letter submitting comments from Karen Kobussen, Strong Towns, dated March 4, 2024, be added to Item 7.1.1;
  2. That the letter submitting comments from Derek Cameron, dated March 2, 2024, be added to Item 7.2.5; and
  3. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

  In Favour: (4)	Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (2)	Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the minutes of regular meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance held on February 7, 2024, be adopted.

  
  

  In Favour: (4)	Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (2)	Mayor C. Clark, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

6.1

Delegated Authority Matters

6.2

Matters Requiring Direction

6.2.1

2023 Board of Revision Annual Report [ADV2024-0301]

The Board of Revision 2023 Annual Report was provided and introduced by Chief Financial Officer Hack.

Cameron Choquette, Board Chair, presented the report and requested that consideration be given to changing the term of Board members from one year to two year appointments given the training and learning required to sit on the board. He responded to questions of Committee along with Deputy City Solicitor Bogad.

Mayor Clark entered the meeting at 2:04 p.m.

• Moved By: Mayor C. Clark
  1. That the 2023 Annual Report of the Board of Revision be forwarded to City Council for information; and
  2. That when the report goes to City Council there be additional information regarding the question of a two-year term consideration for the Board of Revision.
  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.2.2

Notice of Annual General Meeting - Saskatchewan Place Association Inc. [FI2024-0307]

A letter dated February 26, 2024, from Lori O'Brien, Executive Assistant, SaskTel Centre, regarding the Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Saskatchewan Place Association Inc. was provided.

Chief Financial Officer Hack introduced the item.

The meeting recessed at 2:16 p.m. due to technical complications and reconvened at 2:59 p.m. with all members of Committee present, with the exception of Councillor Kirton.

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council that the City of Saskatoon, being a member of the Saskatchewan Place Association Inc., appoint Mayor Charlie Clark, or in his absence, Councillors Troy Davies or Randy Donauer, of the City of Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan, as its proxy to vote for it on its behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the members of the Saskatchewan Place Association Inc., to be held on the 4th day of April, 2024, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.2.3

Notice of Annual General Meeting - Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre Corporation [FI2024-0305]

A letter dated February 21, 2024, from Tammy Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer, TCU Place Saskatoon's Arts & Convention Centre, regarding the Notice of the Annual General Meetings of the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre Corporation and the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Foundation was provided.

Chief Financial Officer Hack introduced the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council that the City of Saskatoon, being a member of both the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Convention Centre Corporation Board of Directors and the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Foundation Board of Directors appoint Mayor Charlie Clark, or in his absence, Councillor David Kirton or Councillor Mairin Loewen of the City of Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan, as its proxy to vote for it on its behalf at the Annual General Meetings of the members of the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Convention Centre Corporation and the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Foundation, to be held on the 25th day of April, 2024, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.2.4

Notice of Annual General Meetings - The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation and The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc. [FI2024-0310]

A letter dated February 27, 2024, from Erin Culbertson, Executive Assistant, Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, regarding the Notice of the Annual General Meetings of The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation and The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc. was provided.

Chief Financial Officer Hack introduced the item.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council:

  1. That the City of Saskatoon, being a member of both The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation and The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc., appoint Mayor Charlie Clark, or in his absence, Councillor Bev Dubois or Councillor Mairin Loewen of the City of Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan, as its proxy to vote for it on its behalf at the Annual General Meetings of the members of The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation and The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc. to be held on the 30th day of April 2024, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof; and
  2. That the City of Saskatoon, being a member of  The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation, appoint Mayor Charlie Clark, or in his absence, Councillor Bev Dubois or Councillor Mairin Loewen of the City of Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan, as its proxy to vote for it on its behalf at the Special Meeting of the members of The Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation to be held on the 30th day of April 2024, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.3

Requests to Speak (new matters)

7.

REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATION

7.1

Decision Reports

7.1.1

Housing Accelerator Fund – Development of City-Owned Land [FI2024-0308]

A letter submitting comments from Karen Kobussen, Strong Towns, dated March 4, 2024, was provided.

A report of the Community Services Division was provided and presented by Director of Saskatoon Land Long. Together with Chief Financial Officer Hack and Director of Planning and Development Anderson they responded to questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council that Administration be directed to proceed with Option 1.

  
  

  In Favour: (3)	Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Against: (2)	Councillor Jeffries, and Mayor C. Clark
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED

7.2

Approval Reports

7.2.1

Lease Renewal of 502-48th Street East – Saskatoon Water [FI2024-0304]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack. Together with General Manager, Utilities and Environment Gardiner they responded to questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That the lease agreement with Tim Turple Holdings Inc. for 502 48^th Street East be renewed for a further term of up to five years upon the terms stated within this report; 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.
  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.2

2024 Tag Days [FI2024-0302]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack. 

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the four applications for the 2024 Tag Days, as outlined in the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated March 6, 2024, be approved.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.3

2024 Budget Approval – Business Improvement Districts [FI2024-0301]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack. 

• Moved By: Mayor C. Clark

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council:

  1. That the 2024 budget submissions from the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District, Broadway Business Improvement District, Riversdale Business Improvement District, Sutherland Business Improvement District, and 33^rd Street Business Improvement District be approved; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the 2024 Business Improvement District Levy Bylaws for submission to City Council for consideration at the same meeting that the Mill Rate Bylaws are presented.
  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.4

Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 6774, Capital Reserve Bylaw [FI2024-0309]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack. 

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council that the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 6744, as outlined in this report.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.5

Preliminary Year-End Results - December 31, 2023 [FI2024-0312]

A letter submitting comments from Derek Cameron, dated March 2, 2024, was provided.

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided. Chief Financial Officer Hack presented a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Block

  That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council:

  1. That $5,746,794 of the surplus be transferred to the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve; and
  2. That the remaining surplus of $4,198,484 be transferred to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve to balance the budget.
  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.3

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the reports contained in Items 7.3.1 to 7.3.2 be received as information.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.3.1

2023 Update on Open Market Land Sales & Lease Transactions [FI2024-0303]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack. Together with Director of Saskatoon Land Long they responded to questions of Committee.

7.3.2

Repaid Productivity Improvement Loans 2023 [FI2024-0311]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services was provided and presented by Chief Financial Officer Hack.

8.

MOTIONS (notice previously given)

9.

URGENT BUSINESS

10.

GIVING NOTICE

11.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  ​That the following items be considered In Camera.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

11.1

Land Matter

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

11.2

City Auditor Updates

11.2.1

Audit Matter

[In Camera - Audits and Tests, Section 19 of LAFOIP]

12.

RISE AND REPORT

The Standing Policy Committee on Finance convened In Camera at 4:33 p.m. in the Council Chamber with all members of Committee present with the exception of Councillor Kirton (Councillor Block via teleconference).

Also present were:

- Solicitor Bogad

- Chief Financial Officer Hack

- City Auditor Saleem

- Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Anger

- General Manager, Utilities and Environment Gardiner (via teleconference)

- Director of Saskatoon Land Long (11.1)

- Real Estate Manager McCaig (11.1)

- Deputy City Clerk Bryant

- Committee Assistant Janzen

The In Camera portion of the meeting concluded at 4:55 p.m.

The Committee reconvened publicly at 4:56 p.m. with all members of Committee present with the exception of Councillor Kirton (Councillor Block via teleconference).

The Committee reported further as follows:

• 11.1 Land Matter

  Moved By: Councillor Dubois

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

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 11.2 City Auditor Updates

  11.2.1 Audit Matter

  Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Section 19 of LAFOIP.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Absent (1)	Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

13.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.