PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• Councillor T. Davies, Chair
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor B. Dubois
• Councillor S. Gersher
• Councillor H. Gough
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• 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 and confirm roll call.  He acknowledged the residents and first responders affected by the forest fires. 

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  1. That the following letters be added to Item 8.2.2:
     • Request to Speak
       • Cameron Choquette, Saskatchewan Landlord Association, dated May 12, 2023
     • Submitting Comments
       • Sherry Tarasoff, dated May 14, 2023
       • Nicole Burgess, Saskatoon Region Home Builders' Association, dated May 15, 2023
  2. That the letter submitting comments from Loren McDougall, dated May 11, 2023, be added to Item 8.3.1;
  3. That the items with speakers be considered immediately following unfinished business:
     • 6.1 - Sheri Benson
     • 8.2.2 - Cameron Choquette
  4. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton

  That the minutes of meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee dated April 12, 2023 be adopted. 

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

6.1

United Way Saskatoon and Area - COS Employees and Community Campaign Total [CK 200-1]

An email requesting to speak from Sheri Benson, CEO, United Way Saskatoon and Area, dated April 13, 2023 was provided.

Ms. Benson expressed appreciation to the City of Saskatoon for it's generosity and support of the United Way. 

Councillor Jeffries entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m. during consideration of this matter.

• Moved By: Mayor Clark

  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

  Item 8.2.2 was considered next.

  
  

7.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Decision Reports

8.1.1

Protocol Policy – Book of Condolences and Civic Expressions of Sympathy [GPC2023-0501]

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

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and responded to questions.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council that Option 2 – Basic Civic Expression of Sympathy Protocol be approved for inclusion in the Protocol Policy.

  
  
  
  
  

• IN AMENDMENT

  Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That Option 2 include the death of a former councillor. 

  
  

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

  
  
  
  DEFEATED

• VOTE ON MAIN MOTION

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council that Option 2 – Basic Civic Expression of Sympathy Protocol be approved for inclusion in the Protocol Policy.

  
  

  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 meeting recessed at 11:02 a.m. and reconvened at 11:12 a.m. with all members of Committee in attendance (Councillors Hill and Gough virtual). 

  
  

8.1.2

Election Modernization Strategy Report [GPC 2023-0502]

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

Director of Legislative Services Bryant presented the report and responded to questions along with City Clerk Tittemore.

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That Administration enter into an agreement with Elections Saskatchewan, including for technology, and information sharing to establish a voters list; and
  2. That voter information cards not be mailed to individuals on the voters list.
  
  

  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

Capital Projects 1813 and 1814 Financial Closeout – Construction of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and Parkade [GPC2023-0401]

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided.

City Manager Jorgenson presented the report and together with Director of Finance Smith responded to questions.

Councillor Hill excused himself temporarily from the meeting at 11:41 a.m. during consideration of this matter.

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher

  That the funding strategy outlined in the report of the Transportation and Construction Division dated May 17, 2023 to complete financial closeout of Capital Project 1813 – Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and Capital Project 1814 – River Landing Parkade be approved.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 8.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.2.2

Housing Accelerator Fund [GPC2023-0503]

A report of the Community Services Division was provided along with the following letters:

Request to Speak

• Cameron Choquette, Saskatchewan Landlord Association, dated May 12, 2023

Submitting Comments

• Sherry Tarasoff, dated May 14, 2023
• Nicole Burgess, Saskatoon Region Home Builders' Association, dated May 15, 2023

Director of Planning and Development Anderson presented the report with a PowerPoint.  She noted that CMHC requires that some of the initiatives names need to be changed but that the intent of the initiative will not change.  Revised appendices will be provided when this matter is before City Council. 

Cameron Choquette addressed the Committee and responded to questions. 

Director of Planning and Development Anderson responded to questions of Committee.  

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That City Council approve the Housing Action Plan as outlined in the report of the Community Services Division dated May 17, 2023 and direct the Administration to submit the Housing Action Plan in support of the application under the Housing Accelerator Fund; and
  2. That if approved, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contribution agreement for funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund under the corporate seal.
  
  

  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 Gough
  1. Whereas Complex Needs housing has been identified as most pressing by community partners, that the Administration prioritize targeted initiatives and work that forwards the City as a partner with the Province of Saskatchewan and housing providers in development of permanent, supportive housing for residents with complex needs.
  2. That the Administration report back on how progress on the Housing Acceleration Fund application and implementation can best support this work, and that the administration report back to confirm resourcing requirements to prioritize this work.
  
  

  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 Loewen

  That Administration work internally to identify possible options to expand low-carbon, energy efficient, and/or climate-resilient features of the Housing Action Plan, and report back to the appropriate committee after the application has been made.

  
  

  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

  Item 8.1.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.3

Information Reports

8.3.1

Downtown Event and Entertainment District - Update on Upcoming Reports and Decision Milestones [GPC2023-0402]

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided along with a letter submitting comments from Loren McDougall, dated May 11, 2023.

Director of Major Projects and Preservation Willems presented the report and together with City Manager Jorgenson responded to questions.

• Moved By: Mayor Clark

  That the information be received.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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

Councillor Gersher

- CUTA hosted its Spring Summit and AGM in Saskatoon on May 9, 2023 and provided an update on the discussions.  She stated that she is moving to past chair and Councillor Dubois was elected as Secretary of the Transit Board Members Committee.   She also acknowledged the Mayor's address at the Summit and expressed appreciation to the Transit staff in their contribution to the event.

Mayor Clark

- He met with the Premiere, Minister Duncan and MLAs to update them on items related to:  the Downtown Entertainment and Event District; ongoing issues with homelessness and housing; new schools.

- City Mayors Caucus is being held in Melville, SK on June 7 and 8, 2023

- He is participating in the upcoming Sanctum Survivor Challenge.

12.2

Administration

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  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 12:31 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

13.1.2.1

City Manager Updates

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

13.2

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]

13.2.1

Appointments - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

13.2.2

Appointment - Municipal Planning Commission

13.2.3

Appointment - Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 12:32 p.m. with the following in attendance: 

• All Committee members (Councillor Hill at 12:38 p.m.) (Councillors Hill and Gough virtual)
• City Manager Jorgenson
• City Solicitor Yelland
• City Clerk Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk Bryant
• General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt
• General Manager, Environment and Utilities Gardiner
• General Manager, Community Services Lacroix
• Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations Jordan, for portion of item 13.1.1
• Chief of Staff Beveridge (virtual)
• Director of Major Projects & Preservation, for portion of item 13.1.2.1

The Committee recessed from 1:18 p.m. and reconvened at 1:47 p.m., with all members in attendance (Councillors Hill and Gough virtual).   Councillor Loewen excused herself from the meeting at 3:20 p.m.

All members of Administration were excused following item 13.1.2.1, with the exception of the City Solicitor, City Manager, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.

The Committee moved to rise and report. Councillor Gough excused herself from the meeting at 3:20 p.m. The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed at 3:23 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 (if required)

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the information be received 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 (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (1)	Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.1.2.1          City Manager Updates

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the information be received and the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19 and 20 of LAFOIP.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2    Appointments - Boards, Commissions and Committees [CK 225-4-3]

  13.2.1 Appointments - Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the following agency representatives be appointed to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee to the end of 2024:
     • Louis Aussant, Saskatchewan Association of Architects;
     • Lloyd Moker, Sutherland Business Improvement District and
  2. That the information be received and remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2.2 Appointment - Municipal Planning Commission

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That Abdullah Qureshi be appointed as a civic representative to the Municipal Planning Commission to the end of 2025; and
  2. That the information be received and remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2.3 Appointment - Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That Christine Anaka be appointed as a civic representative of the senior citizen community (55+ years old) 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 (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent (1)	Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.