MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

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Via Teleconference Hosted in the Council Chamber, Saskatoon City Hall
PRESENT:
  • His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, in the Chair
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor T. Davies
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor S. Gersher
  • Councillor H. Gough
  • Councillor D. Hill
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
  • Councillor D. Kirton
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ABSENT:
  • Councillor B. Dubois
ALSO PRESENT:
  • City Manager J. Jorgenson
  • City Solicitor C. Yelland, in the Chamber
  • Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
  • General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
  • General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
  • General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
  • City Clerk A. Tittemore, in the Chamber
  • Committee Assistant J. Hudson, in the Chamber

Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis.  Roll call was taken and the national anthem was played.

Mayor Clark noted that Chief Arcand intended to speak only to Item 10.4.1; however, was available for any questions related to Item 8.3.4. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That the following letters be added to Item 8.5.2:
      • Submitting Comments:
        • Keith Moen, North Saskatoon Business Association, dated January 28, 2022; and 
        • Jason Aebig, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated January 30, 2022;
    2. That the request to speak from Tribal Chief Mark Arcand be added to Item 10.4.1;
    3. That Item 10.4.1 be considered immediately following the Consent Agenda; and
    4. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

Councillor Donauer declared a conflict of interest with respect to agenda Item 8.3.6 as his son is a Director of Hoist the Hoops.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That the minutes of the following meetings be adopted:

    • Regular Business Meeting held December 20, 2021; and
    • Special Meeting of Council held January 10, 2022
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

Mayor Clark expressed condolences on behalf of Council and the City of Saskatoon for the loss of Alvin Severight, who was a golf course attendant with the Community Services Division.  Mayor Clark spoke to Alvin's contributions, read messages from his colleagues and acknowledged family members in attendance.  A moment of silence followed.

Mayor Clark, on behalf of the City and in partnership with CUPE Local 59 President Stan Macala, congratulated scholarship recipient Ahana and acknowledged her pursuit of studies in the biomedical science program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Mayor Clark, on behalf of the City and in partnership with CUPE Local 59 President Stan Macala, congratulated scholarship recipient Yuyang and acknowledged her pursuit of studies in the engineering science program at the University of Toronto.

Mayor Clark congratulated Rev. Colin Clay, 2021's Citizen of the Year, and acknowledged his contributions to the community. 

Mayor Clark recognized Emily Clark, women's hockey player; Ben Coakwell, bobsledder; and Cianna Lieffers, women's hockey referee, headed to Olympics Games Beijing 2022.

Mayor Clark recognized those celebrating the lunar new year 2022: Year of the Tiger.

Councillor Block congratulated the City on its 20th consecutive year being awarded the S&P Global Ratings ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating.

Councillor Block congratulated Saskatoon residents Yann Martel, Senator Lillian Dyck, and Vaughn Wyant on receiving the Order of Canada.

Councillor Kirton congratulated local broadcaster Brent Loucks, who after more than 40 years on the air, is stepping down from the morning show on CKOM.

Councillor Hill asked for clarity around contravention of the sidewalk clearing bylaw - how does inspector evaluate and is there an appeal process in place. 

General Manager, Community Services Division Lacroix outlined the inspection process, noting there is not a formal mechanism to appeal under the bylaw; however citizens are welcome to connect with bylaw compliance staff.

Councillor Hill asked about the land in the RM of Corman Park purchased by the City in 2015, known as the “Wheaton Lands“- risk of investment, intended use, determination of bidding price, portion required for interchange for proposed perimeter highway and market value at expropriation.

Chief Financial Officer Hack responded with the steps leading up to purchase by Saskatoon Land, confirming that if the perimeter highway does indeed require portions for an interchange at Highway 12, the province will have to buy back at market value. 

Councillor Gough spoke to the recent sewer system backups on the 3400 block of 11th Street West and asked about communications to the residents and property owners regarding the area's infrastructure.

General Manager, Utilities & Environment Division Gardiner advised the water main is in poor condition and on the list for replacement.  She noted information regarding cause and future plans will be provided directly to residents.

Items 8.3.5 8.3.6, and 8.5.1 were pulled from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.3.1 to 8.3.4; 8.4.1 to 8.4.4; and 8.5.2 to 8.5.7 be adopted as one motion.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That the Committee recommendation contained in Item 8.3.6 be adopted.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

    Item 10.4.1 was considered next.


  • That project funding recommended by the Cultural Grant Capital Reserve Adjudication Committee, for 2022, as outlined in the January 17, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services, be approved.

A request to speak from Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council, dated January 13, 2022 was provided.

It was noted that Chief Arcand spoke to the matter at Standing Policy Committee and did not require a further delegation; however, was present for questions.

    1. That the Administration be authorized to enter into discussions with Saskatoon Tribal Council to develop an Agreement in Principle for investing in a new White Buffalo Youth Lodge/City Centre Recreation Facility;
    2. That the discussions with the Saskatoon Tribal Council also consider the potential inclusion of other project partners for a City Centre Recreation Facility; and
    3. That the Administration report further, to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, on the progress toward developing an Agreement in Principle.

This Item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

Councillor Davies, as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, introduced the matter.

Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development, responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher
    1. That the proposed amendments to Council Policy C09-040, Façade Conservation and Enhancement Grant, as outlined in the January 17, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services, be approved; and
    2. That the City Clerk be requested to make the necessary amendments to Council Policy C09-040, the Façade Conservation and Enhancement Grant.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Item 8.5.1 was considered next.


  • Councillor Donauer declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Donauer declared a conflict of interest with respect to agenda Item 8.3.6 as his son is a Director of Hoist the Hoops.)

This item was voted on under Consent Agenda; however, it was removed for a separate vote.

Councillor Donauer declared a conflict of interest with respect to this item as his son is a Director of Hoist the Hoops and did not participate in discussion or voting on the matter.

    1. That the request by Jumpstart, in partnership with Hoist the Hoops, to construct an outdoor basketball multi-court in River Landing Phase 2 be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the January 17, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services;
    2. That the increase in scope of Capital Project P03003 Hoist the Hoops from $530,000 to $900,000, fully funded by Jumpstart, be approved;
    3. That the City Solicitor be requested to review Jumpstart’s Gift Agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement under the Corporate Seal;
    4. That the estimated operating impact outlined in the January 17, 2022 report of the General Manager, Community Services be included within the Business Plan and Budget starting in 2024; and
    5. That the inclusion of a water bottle filling station and or filling station be prioritized and committee be engaged if there are barriers to implementing this.
  • That the 2022 Internal Audit Plan, as outlined in the report of the City Internal Auditor dated January 17, 2022, be approved.

    1. That Administration be authorized to extend a pilot presale process of unsubdivided and un-serviced parcels in one future phase of Kensington through an open market (standard terms) sales approach;
    2. That if the parcels are not sold through the pilot presale process, they be offered through a multi-lot allocation, lot draw, or tender process;
    3. That any parcels remaining from these allocations be offered for sale over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis;
    4. That Administration be authorized to administer architectural controls on the subject properties; and
    5. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the Presale Agreements and subsequent Agreements for Sale and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements under the Corporate Seal.
  • That a withdrawal of $728,806.63 from the Property Realized Reserve be approved to fund miscellaneous land development and related sales costs incurred during the period December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021.

This Item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

Councillor Jeffries, as Chair of the January meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee, introduced the matter.

City Manager Jorgenson and Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization, answered questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Jeffries
    1. That the Framework for Measures to Mitigate the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Saskatoon be suspended; and
    2. That the Administration be directed to continue to comply with all Government of Saskatchewan Public Health Measures and regularly consult with the Saskatchewan Health Authority local Medical Health Officers on COVID-19 transmission mitigation measures.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    3.  That the Administration report back as soon as possible, outlining: 1) ongoing civic options for COVID-19 mitigation in Civic facilities and among staff in the event of changes to public health orders; and 2) proposed processes for decision-making and implementation.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    The meeting recessed at 2:55 p.m. and reconvened at 3:10 p.m.

    Item 11.2.1 was considered next. 


  • That Mayor Charlie Clark, Councillor Troy Davies and Councillor Cynthia Block be appointed to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District Advisory Group to the end of 2023; and that Councillors Davies and Block act as alternating Chair.

  • That Jody Glines be appointed the Board of Education for Saskatoon Public Schools representative on the Social Service Subcommittee to the end of 2022.

  • That Rishi Patel be appointed to the Municipal Planning Commission to the end of 2023.

  • That Dan Matthews be appointed the 33rd Street Business Improvement District Board of Management representative on the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee to the end of 2022.

An approval report from the Administration was provided, along with a request to speak from Tribal Chief Mark Arcand dated January 27, 2022.

Morgan Hackl, Saskatoon Fire Chief, presented the report.  He answered questions of Council with Frank Long, Director of Saskatoon Land.

Tribal Chief Arcand spoke to the request of Saskatoon Tribal Council for additional floor space at the temporary emergency residential.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton
    1. That the Administration be authorized to add 8,550 square feet of 2nd floor space to the existing Lease with Saskatoon Tribal Council at 145 - 1st Avenue North, ISC Parcel No. 120164206, for the purpose of expanding the temporary emergency residential shelter; and
    2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate amendments to the existing agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Item 8.3.5 was considered next.


An approval report of the City Solicitor was provided. 

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and answered questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That City Council adopt the Leaves of Absence for Members of City Council Policy attached to the report  of the City Solicitor dated January 31, 2022, as Appendix 1.

  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That Section 6.4.1 be struck.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, and Councillor Gersher
    Against: (2)Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (8 to 2)
  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That the cumulative maximum noted in Section 7 be changed from $7,500 to $15,000.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

An approval report of the City Solicitor was provided.

A motion to consider first reading of Bylaw No. 9808 was passed.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9808, The Private Sewer and Water Service Connection Amendment Bylaw, 2022 and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Bylaw No. 9808 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9808 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Bylaw No. 9808 now be read a THIRD time, that the bylaw be passed and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign same and attach the corporate seal thereto.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

Councillor Hill made the following inquiry:

"Having, just this morning, experienced the process of acquiring a temporary visitor parking permit at City Hall, for the City park Residential Parking Permit (RPP) area, for a family member visiting for 10 days, I was surprised to discover how onerous the process is for the frontline team at City Hall.  Would the administration please report on to what extent the temporary visitor permit is being included in any existing or pending RPP reviews and if that review will include ways to streamline and/or digitize the process to an online opportunity to relieve the pressures on the frontline team at City Hall and relieve the burden of making residents travel to City Hall when requiring a temporary visitor permit."

Councillor Hill made the following inquiry:

"In respect of the volume of the Wheaton lands, north of Cory Road and west of Highway 12, that are being considered for the proposed interchange of the provincial perimeter highway, I consider the potential financial impact of the final land use, as important and urgent.  Would the administration please report on the potential risk of expropriation of a significant volume of the Wheaton lands by the Provincial Government.  The report should include reference to the original purchase price and any risk associated with what the assessed market value may be in the future at time of expropriation, with respect to what the City purchased it for."

Councillor Hill made the following inquiry:

"Recognizing that the City of Saskatoon has invested significant resources in acquiring large volumes of land south of Highway 11 and west of Highway 12 for future development and that there will be a requirement to ensure that those lands are properly connected with the appropriate road network, would the administration please report on;

    • Who the governing authority is for East Cory Industrial Park,
    • If existing road networks currently exist to facilitate a roadwork connection,
    • If existing road networks do not exist, if a proposed connection has been identified, and
    • If a proposed connection has been identified will land assembly be required, and if so
    • Has that land assembly been considered to be accomplished through the purchase of land at a fair market value, a land exchange, or exercising section 184 of the Planning and Development Act."

Councillor Hill provided the following Notice of Motion at the City Council Budget meeting held on November 29, 2021:

'Whereas, transparency and accountability regarding budget implementation, are important to City Council, the administration and the public;

Whereas, the accounting and finance professionals within the administration have gone through extensive measures to calculate each business line in the annual budget;

Whereas, those calculations factor in related revenue and operating expenses for each business line;

Whereas, in preparation for budget deliberations, the administrative team, including senior management for each department, have reviewed in depth and approved, with recommendations, each business line;

Whereas, members of City Council reviewed and considered all of these administrative reports and supporting materials on each business line in preparation for, and during budget deliberations;

Whereas, during budget deliberations, members of City Council made decisions based on the detailed material presented with the expectation that the resources and expenses are allocated, throughout the year, as approved;

Therefore be it resolved, that the administration report twice a year, on all occurrences when revenue and/or expenses are adjusted/moved from one business line to another, with an explanation why and noting if the adjustment is temporary or permanent in nature.'

Councillor Hill spoke to his notice previously given and put forth the original preamble with a revised motion.

The Administration responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That the Administration report back on the impact of reporting twice a year if there have been changes, on all occurrences where FTE’s are redeployed by the Administration into positions that are different than originally approved within the budget process, with an explanation why and noting if the adjustment is temporary or permanent in nature.

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

The Regular Business meeting adjourned at 4:38 p.m.

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