PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• Deputy Mayor S. Gersher, Chair
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor T. Davies
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor B. Dubois
• 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

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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

Discussion occurred regarding Item 13.1 being considered In Camera.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That Committee move In Camera for the Administration to provide information regarding why Item 13.1 requires to be considered In Camera.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  DEFEATED
• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  1. That the letter from Skyler Key, dated December 10, 2023 be added to Item 6.2;
  2. That 8.3.4 be considered following the matters that have speakers; and
  3. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

  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

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the following minutes of meetings of the Governance and Priorities Committee be adopted:

  • Special Meeting - October 4, 2023
  • Special Meeting - October 24, 2023
  • Regular Meeting - November 8, 2023
  
  

  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

Mayor Gerald Aalbers, City of Lloydminster - CN Prairie North Line [GPC2023-1201]

A letter from Mayor Aalbers, City of Lloydminster, dated November 14, 2023 was provided.

City of Lloydminster, Mayor Aalbers addressed the Committee seeking support from the City of Saskatoon for the CN Prairie North Line on behalf of other jurisdictions as outlined in his submission.  He presented and responded to questions along with Mayor Gillan, City of North Battleford, Mayor Philipchuk, City of Warman, Mayor Hippsley, City of Yorkton, and Jim Gibbons, a passenger train researcher from North Battleford.  

• Moved By: Mayor Clark

  That the Administration engage Discover Saskatoon and SREDA for an initial assessment of the implications of this proposal to move the Via Rail route from the CN main line to the Prairie North Line and report back.

  
  

  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

Mohammad Abushar - Ceasefire in Gaza [GPC2023-1202]

A request to speak from Mohammad Abushar, dated December 1, 2023 was provided along with the following letters:

• Mac Wel, dated December 2, 2023; and
• Skyler Key, dated December 10, 2023.

Mohammad Abushar addressed Committee requesting support for a ceasefire in Gaza and responded to questions.

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  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

  The meeting recessed at 11:01 a.m. and reconvened at 11:17 a.m. with all members in attendance. 

  Item 8.3.4 was considered next. 

  
  

7.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Decision Reports

8.1.1

Governance Review – Other Bodies – Albert Community Centre Management Committee and Marr Residence Management Board [GPC2023-0902]

The City Clerk reported that at its June 14, 2023 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee tabled this report of the City Solicitor for consideration at the December 12, 2023 meeting.  A copy of the report is provided.  In addition, a supplemental report of the City Solicitor's Office dated, December 12, 2023 was also provided.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report and responded to questions.

Councillor Davies temporarily excused himself during consideration of this matter.

• Moved By: Councillor Block

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That separate governance of the facilities be maintained with continued appointment of a member of Administration as a voting member; two-year appointment terms consistent between management bodies; and the addition of a second non-voting Administration member (Community Development Representative) to the Albert Centre Committee (Option 2);
  2. That the Administration amend the Terms of Reference as required; and
  3. That the Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee assist the Albert Centre Committee and the Marr Residence Board in preparing Meeting Procedures for adoption and public access.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2

Approval Reports

8.3

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the reports submitted as Items 8.3.1 to 8.3.4 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

2023 Year-End Financial Forecast – City of Saskatoon’s Business Plan and Budget [GPC2023-1204]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

City Manager Jorgenson and Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report.

Councillor Davies returned to the meeting during consideration of this matter.

8.3.2

Downtown Market Analysis of Housing and Retail Demand [GPC2023-1206]

A report of the Community Services Division was provided.

Senior Project Planner Williamson presented the report and responded questions.  

• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That when a consolidated plan is brought forward for the District and City Centre, that specific consideration be given to strategies that will maintain current housing affordability in the City Centre where it exists, and expanding the provision of housing on the affordable end of the spectrum in the City Centre.

  
  

  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 1:01 p.m. and reconvened at 1:47 p.m. with all members in attendance with the exception of Mayor Clark and Councillors Dubois and Jeffries.  Councillors Block, Davies and Hill attended virtually.

  
  

8.3.3

Downtown Event and Entertainment District - Phase 1 Engaging on Ideas Engagement Results [DEED2023-01]

A report of the Strategy and Transformation Division was provided.

Director of Communications & Public Engagement Blumers presented the report.

Councillors Dubois and Jeffries re-entered the meeting at 1:48 p.m. and 1:49 p.m. respectively.  Mayor Clark re-entered the meeting at 1:49 p.m.

Item 12.1 was considered next.

8.3.4

City Council Strategic Priority and Leadership Initiative – 2023 Q4 Update [GPC2023-1205]

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

City Clerk Tittemore presented the administrative report and Councillor Gough presented the report on the Women Leading report.

Interns Candice Minott and Eylin Jorge-Coto of International Women of Saskatoon addressed Committee outlining the work that was undertaken for the Women Leading project.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the Strategic Priority and Leadership Initiative - 2023 Q4 Update report 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
• Moved By: Councillor Loewen
  1. That the Women Leading report be forwarded to the Administration for a report back outlining areas of alignment with existing work, and any opportunities to incorporate feedback gathered from forum participants into civic work plans; and
  2. That the Administration report back on opportunities to repeat a similar internship opportunity at City Hall with partnership support, maintaining connection with City Councillors and the Mayor’s Office, and stationed with administration in Community Development.
  
  

  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. 

  
  

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 Loewen provided an update on her recent attendance at the FCM Advocacy Days in Ottawa. 

12.2

Administration

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  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

13.1

Legal Update

[In Camera - Solicitor/Client Privilege - Section 21 of LAFOIP]

13.2

Verbal Updates

13.2.1

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

13.2.2

Administration

13.2.2.1

City Manager Updates

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

13.3

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]

13.3.1

2024 Appointments - Meewasin Valley Authority

13.3.2

2024 Appointments – P4G – Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth District Planning Commission (P4G – DPC)

13.3.3

2024 Appointments - Board of Police Commissioners

13.3.4

2024 Appointments - Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan

13.3.5

2024 Appointments - SaskTel Centre Board of Directors

13.3.6

2024 Appointments - Saskatoon Fire Fighters' Pension Plan (New)

13.3.7

2024 Appointments – Saskatoon Public Library Board of Directors

13.3.8

2024 Appointments – Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre Corporation Board of Directors and Centennial Auditorium Foundation Board of Directors (TCU Place)

13.3.9

Appointment - Albert Community Centre Management Committee

13.3.10

Resignation - Development Appeals Board

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 2:01 p.m. The following were in attendance as noted: 

• All Committee members (Councillors Block, Davies and Hill virtual)
• City Manager Jorgenson
• City Solicitor Yelland
• City Clerk Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk Bryant
• Chief of Staff Beveridge (virtual)
• Chief Financial Officer Hack (virtual)
• General Manager, Community Services Lacroix
• General Manager, Environment & Utilities Gardiner
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction Schmidt
• Fire Chief Hackl (virtual)
• Director of Planning & Development Anderson for a portion of 13.2.1 and for 13.2.2.1

All administration were excused following item 13.3.2.2, with the exception of the City Manager, City Solicitor, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.

Councillors Hill and Donauer excused themselves from the meeting at 4:24 p.m. and 4:27 p.m. respectively.

The Committee moved to rise and report. The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed at 4:34 p.m.     

Committee  reconvened publicly, and reported as follows:

• 13.1    Legal Update

  [In Camera - Solicitor/Client Privilege - Section 21 of LAFOIP]

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Section 21 of LAFOIP.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2    Verbal Updates

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

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.2.2.1   City Manager Updates

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

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

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

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.3    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]

  13.3.1 2024 Appointments - Meewasin Valley Authority

  13.3.2 2024 Appointments – P4G – Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth District Planning Commission (P4G – DPC)

  13.3.3 2024 Appointments - Board of Police Commissioners

  13.3.4 2024 Appointments - Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan

  13.3.5 2024 Appointments - SaskTel Centre Board of Directors

  13.3.6 2024 Appointments - Saskatoon Fire Fighters' Pension Plan (New)

  13.3.7 2024 Appointments – Saskatoon Public Library Board of Directors

  13.3.8 2024 Appointments – Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre Corporation Board of Directors and Centennial Auditorium Foundation Board of Directors (TCU Place)

  13.3.9 Appointment - Albert Community Centre Management Committee

  13.3.10  Resignation - Development Appeals Board

  Moved By: Councillor Gough
  1. That the recommended appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees and any further direction, as noted by the City Clerk and reports, be reported to the December 20, 2023 Regular Business meeting; and
  2. That the information and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.