PUBLIC MINUTES

STANDING POLICY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Monday, March 07, 2022 at 2:00 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

via teleconference, hosted from Council Chamber, Saskatoon City Hall

PRESENT:

• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor B. Dubois
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark (Ex-Officio)

ALSO PRESENT:

• Councillor C. Block at 4:10 p.m.
• Councillor H. Gough at 4:10 p.m.
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
• Solicitor D. Kowalski
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant, in Council Chamber
• Committee Assistant H. Thompson, in Council Chamber

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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 of the members in attendance via teleconference.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the letter from Sherry Tarasoff, dated March 7, 2022, be added to item 7.1.1; 
  2. That the following letters be added to item 7.2.1:
     • Diane Boyko, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, dated March 2, 2022;
     • Shane Skjerven, Saskatoon Public Schools, dated March 3, 2022;
     • Allan Gibb, dated March 5, 2022;
  3. That Urgent Business item 8.1 - Infrastructure Canada – Active Transportation Fund be added to the agenda; 
  4. That the item with a speaker be heard following Adoption of Minutes:
     • 6.3.1 - Cary Tarasoff; and
  5. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the minutes of regular meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation held on February 7, 2022 be adopted.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  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

Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee - Sidewalk Repairs in Heritage Areas and Adjacent to Heritage Properties [File No. CK 4350-69]

The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, at its meeting held on February 14, 2022, considered a letter from Lenore Swystun, Chair, Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, dated February 7, 2022 and resolved that the matter be referred to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation for consideration of prioritization of sidewalk repairs in areas that have heritage aspects.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the information be received. 

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 6.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

6.2.2

2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work Plan – Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee (File No. CK. 430-1)

The Saskatoon Accessibility and Advisory Committee 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work Plan was provided.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work Plan - Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee be forwarded to City Council for information.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.3

Requests to Speak (new matters)

6.3.1

Request to Speak - Cary Tarasoff - Transit Issues [File No. CK. 7300-1]

A letter requesting to speak from Cary Tarasoff, dated March 1, 2022, was provided. 

The Committee heard a video presentation from Cary Tarasoff and he addressed questions of the Committee.

General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt along with Director of Saskatoon Transit McDonald addressed questions of the Committee related to the cancelled routes caused by cold weather and shortage of buses and the steps taken to remedy.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration report to the April 11, 2022 Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on the framework of the proposed investigation/internal review into transit operations as they relate to service reductions, mechanical issues, preventive maintenance, parts sourcing, impacts of fusion etc. during the 2021/22 winter.

  Please include a section in the report that would detail the costs associated with having this investigation/review conducted by an independent third party, in comparison to it being done internally by management and/or the Internal Auditor.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 6.2.2 was considered next.

  
  

7.

REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATION

7.1

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries

  That the reports contained in Items 7.1.1 to 7.1.2 be received as information.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Dubois, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.1.1

Saskatoon Transit Battery Electric Bus Trial Performance Results [File No. CK. 1402-1]

A report from the Administration was provided along with a letter submitting comments from Sherry Tarasoff, dated March 7, 2022.

General Manager, Transportation & Construction Schmidt introduced the matter and along with Director of Saskatoon Transit McDonald responded to questions of the Committee related to the battery and distance statistics and also the experience input from the maintenance and operating groups.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration please include an Appendix, to future Battery Electric Bus reports, that captures input from operators, mechanics, and maintenance staff.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Kirton, Mayor Clark, and Councillor Jeffries

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Councillor Kirton

  That the Administration be directed to respond to the letter from Ms. Tarasoff, and that response also be provided to Committee.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m. and reconvened at 4:10 p.m.

  
  

7.1.2

Connecting Downtown – Project Roadmap [File No. CK. 6000-5]

A report from the Administration was provided.

Councillors Gough and Block entered the meeting at 4:10 p.m.

Senior Transportation Engineer Baudais introduced the matter and responded to questions of the Committee related to the timing of the work. 

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton
  1. That the Connecting Downtown – Project Roadmap initiative be delayed, until such time as the City has further developed the extensive planning work related to the downtown entertainment district and Bus Rapid Transit integration; and,
  2. That the Administration report back further once the planning work related to the downtown entertainment district and Bus Rapid Transit has advanced to a point where the Connecting Downtown – Project Roadmap initiative can be considered in the context of that work.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2

Approval Reports

7.2.1

Amendments to Council Policy C07-015, Reduced Speed Zones for Schools [File No. CK. 5200-0]

A report from the Administration was provided along with the following letters:

Submitting Comments

• Jessyca Bonilla, dated February 25, 2022;
• Diane Boyko, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, dated March 2, 2022;
• Shane Skjerven, Saskatoon Public Schools, dated March 3, 2022; and
• Allan Gibb, dated March 5, 2022.

Senior Transportation Engineer Baudais introduced the matter and with responded to questions of the Committee related to the timing process of the safety reviews and proposed elementary removals. 

Deputy City Clerk Bryant along with Solicitor Kowalski responded to questions of the Committee related to governance process.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

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

  1. That the revisions to Council Policy C07-015, Reduced Speed Zones for Schools be approved to align with Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) guidance;
  2. That the City Clerk be requested to update the policy as outlined in this report; and
  3. That the Administration delay the removal of the school zones at École Henry Kelsey and St. Mary’s Community School until after the safety audits, including public engagement, are conducted and align speed zone hours at these locations in the meantime when overall speed zone implementation takes place.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.2

Proposed Council Policy – Reduced Speed Zones for Playgrounds [File No. CK. 5200-0]

A report from the Administration was provided.

Senior Transportation Engineer Baudais introduced the matter.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

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

  1. That Council Policy C0X-XXX, Reduced Speed Zones for Playgrounds, be approved; and
  2. That the City Clerk be requested to adopt Council Policy C0X-XXX, Reduced Speed Zones for Playgrounds as outlined in this report.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Kirton, Councillor Jeffries, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.3

Traffic Bylaw Update – Schedule No. 4 – Speed Limit on Spadina Crescent from Pembina Avenue to Ravine Drive [File No. CK. 6320-0]

A report from the Administration was provided.

General Manager, Transportation & Construction Schmidt introduced the matter and Transportation Engineer Flores responded to questions of the Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

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

  1. That the speed limit on Spadina Crescent from a point 100 metres north of Windsor Street to Ravine Drive be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective June 1, 2022.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.4

Traffic Bylaw 7200 Amendments – Party Bicycle [File No. CK. 5300-0]

A report from the Administration was provided.

Director of Transportation Magus introduced the matter and responded to questions of the Committee.

Joseph Bristow, Pedal Pub Saskatoon was available and responded to questions of the Committee.  

Solicitor Kowalski clarified that in the administrative report under 'next steps', the implementation date of the bylaw should be May 1, 2022 instead of April 1, 2022.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

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

  1. That Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw be amended to permit the operation of properly licenced party bicycles in the designated downtown area (Schedule 18); and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective May 1, 2022.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, and Councillor Kirton

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.3

Decision Reports

7.3.1

Saskatoon Freeway Planning Study – Phase 1 Endorsement Request [File No. CK. 6000-1]

Due to time constraints this matter was not considered and deferred to the April 11, 2022 meeting.

8.

URGENT BUSINESS

8.1

Infrastructure Canada – Active Transportation Fund [File No. CK. 7000-1]

Pursuant to earlier resolution, this matter was added as Urgent Business.  

A report from the Administration was provided.

Director of Transportation Magus introduced the matter and responded to questions of the Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

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

  1. That Administration be directed to submit the proposed projects outlined in this report to the Active Transportation Fund; and
  2. That existing funding of $1,100,000 be reprioritized within Capital Project P.02468 - Active Transportation Implementation Plan.

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark
  Against: (1)	Councillor Hill

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

9.

MOTIONS (Notice Previously Given)

10.

GIVING NOTICE

11.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Committee move In Camera to consider Agenda Item 11.1.

  In Favour: (6)

  Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

11.1

Downtown Development Traffic Impacts [File No. CK. 4130-1]

12.

RISE AND REPORT

The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation convened In Camera at 5:24 p.m. via teleconference hosted in the Council Chamber with all members of Committee present and Councillor Gough.

The following members of the Administration were also present:  General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt; Solicitor Kowalski; Deputy City Clerk Bryant; City Manager Jorgenson; Director of Transportation Magus; A/General Manager, Community Services Grazier; and Committee Assistant Thompson.

The In Camera portion of the meeting concluded at 6:02 p.m.

The Committee reconvened publicly at 6:04 p.m. with all members of Committee present.

The Committee reported as follows:

11.1    Downtown Development Traffic Impacts [File No. CK. 4130-1]

(In Camera - Third Party Information, Section 18 of LAFOIPP)

Moved By:

That the discussion and information remain In Camera under Section 18 of LAFOIPP.

In Favour: (6): Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Mayor Clark

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

13.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.