PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

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

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 Hill
  1. That the letter from Shane Prpich, dated June 8, 2023, be added to Item 8.3.2; and
  2. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

   

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Mayor Clark entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m.

  
  

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the minutes of meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee dated May 17, 2023 be adopted. 

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

6.1

Brian Swidrovich - Saskatoon Crime Stoppers - Honorary Snowbirds [GPC2023-0611]

A request to speak from Brian Swidrovich, Board of Directors, Saskatoon Crime Stoppers, dated June 2, 2023 was provided.

Brian provided information to the Committee regarding an upcoming flyover planned for July 27 and responded to questions.  

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the information be received.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.2

Colleen Christopherson-Cote - Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership - Community Benefit Frameworks and the Downtown Event and Entertainment District [GPC2023-0612]

A request to speak from Colleen Christopherson-Cote, Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership, dated June 5, 2023 was provided.

Colleen addressed Committee recommending development of a community benefits framework for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District and responded to questions.  

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  1. That the information be received;
  2. That the Administration report back outlining the development process, implications and opportunities for a Community Benefits Framework for major capital projects in Saskatoon;
  3. That reporting include specific consideration of a Community Benefit Agreement applying to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED) project; and
  4. That the Administration engage with the growing Community Benefit Coalition stakeholders convened by Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership (SPRP) when developing the report.
  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Decision Reports

8.1.1

Governance Review – Other Bodies – Appeal Boards [GPC2023-0601]

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

• Moved By: Councillor Davies

  That the report of the City Solicitor's Office dated June 14, 2023 entitled "Governance Review - Other Bodies - Appeal Boards", be tabled and considered at the September 13, 2023 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2

Approval Reports

8.2.1

Amendment to The Defined Contribution Pension Plan Bylaw, 2008 [GPC2023-0602]

A report of the Human Resources Division was provided.

Chief Human Resources Officer McInnes presented the report and together with Employee Benefits Supervisor Heusdens responded to questions. 

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That the proposed amendments to Bylaw No. 8683, The Defined Contribution Pension Plan Bylaw, 2008, as outlined in the June 14, 2023 report of the Human Resources Division, be approved; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to draft the approved amendments to Bylaw No. 8683, The Defined Contribution Pension Plan Bylaw, 2008.
  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.2

City Council Strategic Priority and Leadership Initiative Project Approval and Funding Request – Women Leading: Civic Engagement Forum for Immigrant and Refugee Women in Saskatoon [GPC2023-0612]

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

City Clerk Tittemore introduced the item.  Councillor Gersher reviewed the proposal on behalf of the five Council leads (Councillors Gersher, Block, Dubois, Loewen, and Gough), the working group, and International Women of Saskatoon.  

• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council that the project and associated funding request be approved.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the reports submitted as Items 8.3.1 to 8.3.6 be received as information.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.1

2022 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability [GPC2023-0608]

A report of the Strategy and Transformation Division was provided.

Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Anger presented the report and responded to questions. 

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the Administration report in time for budget deliberations on the cost/benefit of hiring Process Improvement Coordinators and any net savings achieved.  Specifically, how many have we hired, what is the cost, and what is the net financial benefit; and
  2. That the Administration report in time for budget deliberations on the number of staff per capita at COS, compared to other western cities.
  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.2

2024/2025 Budget Status Update [GPC2023-0605]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided along with the letter from Shane Prpich, dated June 8, 2023.

Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report with a PowerPoint and together with City Manager Jorgenson responded to questions.  

The meeting recessed at 1:03 p.m. and reconvened at 1:40 p.m. with all members in attendance (Councillor Gough virtual).

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  Related to the June 14, 2023 GPC resolution “That the Administration report on the number of staff per capita at COS, compared to other western cities.”

  That the Administration include specific detail regarding the following within reporting:

  1.  How many temporary employees exist in the organization;

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  Related to the June 14, 2023 GPC resolution “That the Administration report on the number of staff per capita at COS, compared to other western cities.”

  That the Administration include specific detail regarding the following within reporting:

  2.  What is the time range that the temporary employees operate under:

  1. shortest time frame a temporary employee has been with the City
  2. longest time frame a temporary employee has been with the City;
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  Related to the June 14, 2023 GPC resolution “That the Administration report on the number of staff per capita at COS, compared to other western cities.”

  That the Administration include specific detail regarding the following within reporting:

  3.  From the June 14, 2023 Administration PowerPoint “2024/2025 Budget Status Update”, the data used to create slides 14, 15, & 16 related to Property Tax Supported FTEs.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration report on the following:

  1.  What would be the impact of zero tax funded FTE’s added to the budget in both 2024 and 2025 and how would you mitigate that impact.

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against (2)	Councillor Gough, and Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  Would the Administration report on:

  2.  What would be the impact of a full hiring freeze for the remainder of 2023 and that being inclusive of not replacing retirees and/or people that have vacated their position.

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against (2)	Councillor Gough, and Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration report on the following:

  3.  What would be the impact of a full hiring freeze for 2024 and 2025, inclusive of not replacing retirees and/or people that have vacated their position.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration report on the following:

  4.  Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 4% tax increase in 2024 and a 4% tax increase in 2025 in each business line. Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.

  5.  Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 6% tax increase in 2024 and a 6% tax increase in 2025 in each business line.  Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Councillor Gersher

  That the Administration report on the following:

  6.  Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 9% tax increase in 2024 and a 9% tax increase in 2025 in each business line. Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The final resolution reads as follows:

  Related to the June 14, 2023 GPC resolution “That the Administration report on the number of staff per capita at COS, compared to other western cities.”

  1. That the Administration include specific detail regarding the following within reporting:
     1. How many temporary employees exist in the organization
     2. What is the time range that the temporary employees operate under:
        1. shortest time frame a temporary employee has been with the city
        2. longest time frame a temporary employee has been with the city
     3. From the June 14, 2023 Administration PowerPoint “2024/2025 Budget Status Update”, the data used to create slides 14, 15, & 16 related to Property Tax Supported FTEs 

  AND

  1. That the Administration report on the following:
     1. What would be the impact of zero tax funded FTE’s added to the budget in both 2024 and 2025 and how would you mitigate that impact?
     2. What would be the impact of a full hiring freeze for the remainder of 2023 and that being inclusive of not replacing retirees and/or people that have vacated their position?
     3. What would be the impact of a full hiring freeze for 2024 and 2025, inclusive of not replacing retirees and/or people that have vacated their position?
     4. Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 4% tax increase in 2024 and a 4% tax increase in 2025 in each business line. Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.
     5. Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 6% tax increase in 2024 and a 6% tax increase in 2025 in each business line.  Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.
     6. Would the Administration quantify the amount of changes required to have a 9% tax increase in 2024 and a 9% tax increase in 2025 in each business line.  Please ensure that the Board of Police Commissioners is provided the same information.

   

  
  

8.3.3

City Council Strategic Priority and Leadership Initiative – 2023 Q2 Update [GPC2023-0610]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report indicating this is also when updates to Strategic Priority Areas may be provided.  There were no updates. 

8.3.4

Inquiries and Notice of Motions – June 2023 [GPC2023-0609]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented 8.3.4, 8.3.5 and 8.3.6. 

8.3.5

Referral List – City Council – June 2023 [GPC2023-0607]

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

8.3.6

Referral List – Governance and Priorities Committee – June 2023 [GPC2023-0603]

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

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 the following updates:

• He met with Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen regarding the Housing Accelerator funding. 
• He attended the City Mayor's Caucus in Melville, SK and updated Committee on the matters discussed.

12.2

Administration

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Block

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

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The public portion of the meeting recessed at 3:44 p.m.

  
  

13.1

2023 – 2025 Mandate Information Report

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

13.2

Downtown Event and Entertainment District - Revenue Instruments

[In Camera - Economic/Financial and Other Interests - Section 17 of LAFOIP]

13.3

Verbal Updates

13.3.1

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

13.3.2

Administration

13.3.2.1

City Manager Updates

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

13.4

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]

13.4.1

Appointment - Public Art Advisory Committee

13.4.2

Appointment - Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee

13.4.3

Appointments - Saskatoon Public Library

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 3:55 p.m. The following were in attendance as noted: 

• All Committee members (Councillor Gough virtual)
• City Manager Jorgenson
• City Solicitor Yelland
• City Clerk Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk Bryant
• Chief Financial Officer Hack
• General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt
• General Manager, Environment and Utilities Gardiner
• General Manager, Community Services Lacroix
• Chief of Staff Beveridge (virtual)
• Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations Officer Jordan (virtual for 13.1 and portion of 13.2)
• The following were present for item 13.1 only:
• Chief of Saskatoon Fire Hackl (virtual)
• Chief Human Resources Officer McInnes
• Director of Client and Advisory Services Kaszas
• The following were present for item 13.2 only:
• Director of Major Projects & Preservation Willems
• Director of Finance Smith
• Senior Financial Business Partner Meinema (for a portion)
• Risk Manager Garman
• Financial Analyst Paziuk
• Special Project Manager Frank
• KPMG representative Barber

Councillor Loewen excused herself temporarily at 4:35 p.m. and Councillor Block assumed the Chair.  Councillor Loewen returned at 4:48 p.m. and resumed the Chair.

Councillor Dubois moved that the meeting be extended beyond 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Councillor Hill voted in the negative.  The meeting continued. 

Councillor Davies excused himself from the meeting at 5:30 p.m. during consideration of 13.1.

Councillor Hill excused himself from the meeting at 5:50 p.m. following 13.3.1.

All members of Administration were excused following item 13.4, with the exception of the City Solicitor, City Manager, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.

The Committee moved to rise and report. The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed at  5:51 p.m.

Committee reconvened publicly, and reported as follows:

• 13.1    2023 – 2025 Mandate Information Report [GPC2023-0604]

  Moved By: Councillor Block

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

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2    Downtown Event and Entertainment District - Revenue Instruments [GPC2023-0606]

  Moved By: Councillor Block

  That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Section 17 of LAFOIP.  

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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

  Moved By: Councillor Block

  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 (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.3.2.1  City Manager Updates

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

  This matter was withdrawn.

  
  
  
  

• 13.4.1 Appointment - Public Art Advisory Committee

  Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That Obiajulu (Obii) Udemgba be appointed as a civic representative of the youth community (16 to 23 years old) to the Public Art Advisory Committee to the end of 2024; and
  2. That the information be received and remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.4.2 Appointment - Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee

  Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That Robin Mowat be appointed as an agency representative for Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee to the end of 2024; and
  2. That the information be received and remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.4.3 Appointments - Saskatoon Public Library

  Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That the following be appointed as a Board Member to the Saskatoon Public Library to the end of 2024:
     1. Jasmin Carlton
     2. Coleen Norris; and
  2. That the information be received and remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

   

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Hill

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m.