PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

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Via Teleconference Hosted in the Council Chamber, Saskatoon City Hall
PRESENT:
  • Councillor 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
  • Committee Assistant J. Hudson

The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m. on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis People.  She acknowledged National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Roll call was taken.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That a letter submitting comments from Sherry Tarasoff be included with Item 8.3.2;
    2. That the requests to speak from Brooklyn Neveu, Norine Tourangeau, Dan Norton, and Kristin Enns-Kavanagh be considered with Item 9.1; 
    3. That 58 additional emails submitting comments as attached be considered with Item 9.1; and
    4. That the matters with speakers be considered following adoption of the minutes:
      • Items 6.3 and 6.4 - Paul Jaspar
      • Item 8.2.1 - Tammy Sweeney; and
      • Item 9.1:
        • Brooklyn Neveu
        • Norine Tourangeau, Audrey Ben, and Faith Obey
        • Dan Norton
        • Kristin Enns-Kavanagh; and
    5. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block

    That the minutes of the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting held on May 17, 2021, be adopted.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 6.3 was considered next.


A letter from Neal Sarnecki, P4G Director, dated May 28, 2021, submitting the 2020 Annual Report, was provided. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough

    That the communication be received and forwarded to City Council for information.


    In Favour (11)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

An email regarding the above from Penny Abeywardena dated May 3, 2021, was provided.

The Administration answered questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill

    That the information be received.


    In Favour (11)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 8.1.1 was considered next.


City Council, at its Regular Business meeting held on March 22, 2021, considered a report of its Governance and Priorities Committee regarding absences and support for City Councillors and resolved, in part:

That the consideration and development of a leave of absence policy for members of Council be referred to the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission to bring back some options regarding short and long term leaves, not later than the June GPC meeting, including options for a hybrid of support.

In this regard, a submission from the SMRC, was provided.  Paul Jaspar, Chair, was in attendance to present the report containing 12 recommendations, and answer questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gough

    That the report of the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission dated June 2, 2021, be received as information and referred to the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting with the corresponding Administrative report.


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

An email dated June 16, 2021, from the Chair of the Municipal Review Commission was provided, with respect to the above.  Paul Jaspar was in attendance to speak to the request and answer questions.  

City Clerk Tittemore expressed support and responded to questions of Committee, advising the City Clerk's Office has the funds to cover this budget increase for 2021.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill

    That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council approval of an additional $15,000 to the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission Budget for 2021. 


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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 8.2.1 was considered next.


A report from the Administration was provided.

City Manager Jorgenson introduced the matter.  Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, presented the report.  Both answered questions of Committee.

A report of the City Clerk was provided.

City Clerk Tittemore introduced the matter.  Scott Bastian, Returning Officer, was in attendance to present the report.  Both answered questions of Committee.

A report of the City Clerk was provided.

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois

    That the reports submitted as Items 8.1.1 through 8.1.4 be received as information.


    In Favour (11)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 8.3.1 was considered next.


A report from the Administration was provided, along with an email from TCU Place submitting a request to speak and letter of support.

Chief Financial Officer Tarasoff presented the report and Tammy Sweeney, CEO of TCU Place was in attendance to address Committee in support of the Administration's recommendations.  Both responded to questions.  

  • Moved By:Councillor Davies

    That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

    1. That the City of Saskatoon provide a short-term line of credit to TCU Place as per the terms identified in the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated June 21, 2021, for cash-flowing operations up to a maximum of $3 million for a term no more than three (3) years with an option for extension subject to City Council approval;
    2. That the City Solicitor’s Office prepare the necessary bylaw for City Council approval;
    3. That appropriate public notice be provided; and
    4. That the City Solicitor’s Office be authorized to prepare the appropriate agreement for the line of credit, and that the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.

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


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 9.1 was considered next.


A report from the Administration was provided.

Chief Financial Officer Tarasoff and Kari Smith, Director of Finance, presented the report with a complementary PowerPoint.  The Administration answered questions of Committee.

The Committee recessed at 1:02 p.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m. to continue consideration of the matter.

  • Moved By:Councillor Loewen

    That the Administration report back as soon as possible regarding the implications for the funding and operations of waste programs, including the organics program, if funding for the organics program moved to a utility model.


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


    CARRIED
  • Moved By:Mayor Clark

    That special Budget Review meetings be arranged for the Standing Policy Committee on Finance to undertake a deeper review of the proposed 2022/23 budget.  The purpose of the review would be to explore options to address the property tax pressure residents and businesses are facing in this unprecedented year, while also recognizing the need to maintain quality services and address strategic priorities of City Council.  That there also be opportunities for stakeholder engagement as part of this process. 


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


    CARRIED

A report from the Administration was provided, along with an email from Sherry Tarasoff dated June 18, 2021, submitting comments.

General Manager, Utilities & Environment Division Gardiner presented the report with a complementary PowerPoint.  The Administration answered questions of Committee.

The Committee recessed at 2:59 p.m. and reconvened at 3:13 p.m. to continue consideration of the matter. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries

    That the Administration report back about implementing Option 2 with an affordability threshold, including triple bottom line analysis, that reflects as many factors as possible to ensure that we achieve the best overall organics collection with price and service.


    In Favour (6)Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Hill, and Councillor Jeffries
    Against (5)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Gough, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED

    Item 10 was considered next.


9.1

Councillor Kirton provided the following Notice of Motion in accordance with section 129(1)(b) of Bylaw No. 9170, The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 2014:

'Whereas John A. Macdonald played a significant role in the design, development and the implementation of Canada’s Indian residential school system (IRSS);

Whereas the IRSS was a systematic, government-sponsored attempt to destroy Indigenous cultures and languages and to assimilate Indigenous peoples so they no longer existed as distinct peoples;

Whereas the IRSS was responsible for the hunger, neglect, abuse and deaths of thousands of Indigenous children;

Whereas Indigenous families today are still struggling with pain, grief, loss and inter-generational trauma the IRSS has caused;

Whereas a street located in the Confederation Park neighbourhood is named John A. Macdonald Road;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Administration begin the process for the renaming of John A. Macdonald Road as a way to acknowledge the on-going harm in the community experienced by the IRSS and the role that John A. Macdonald played in this part of history;

Be it further resolved that the renaming process will include public education and public engagement including:  

    • Consultation with Indigenous community leaders, residential school survivors and Elders and Knowledge Keepers;
    • Direct communication with John A. Macdonald Road residents;
    • Informing Confederation Park neighbourhood residents;
    • A wider community public education campaign; and
    • A look at options to manage any costs of changing names and what tools could be used to facilitate a change

Finally, be it resolved that the Administration report back not later than Quarter 4 of 2021 and include information related to the proposed Legacy Review currently being developed.'

Correspondence from the following regarding this matter was provided:

  • Requesting to speak:
    • from Brooklyn Neveu, Norine Tourangeau, Dan Norton, and Kristin Enns-Kavanagh; and
  • Submitting comments:
    • Amy Shipley, dated June 17, 2021; 
    • Amy-Jill Gray, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Ann Iwanchuk, dated June 20, 2021;
    • April Tipewan, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Ari Avivi, dated June 11, 2021; 
    • Ashley Carrier, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Ashley Hrabowy, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Ashu Solo, undated;
    • Barb Tawpisin, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Beverley Mandes, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Brian Attig, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Chelsea Ziegler, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Chris Pechawis, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Connie Hill, dated June 15, 2021;
    • Courtney Arcand, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Craig McCallum, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Daisy Nippi, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Dan Norton, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Dana Soonias, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Daphne Bear, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Debbie Isbister, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Derek Genereaux, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Diane Forest, dated June 20, 2021;
    • Drew Lafond, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Dynelle Wolfe, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Erica Stevenson, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Erin O'Connor, dated June 18, 2021; 
    • Fayth Runns, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Gary Beaudin, dated June 18, 2021; 
    • Geoffrey Svenkeson, dated June 18, 2021;
    • George Leggott, dated June 11, 2021;
    • Haylee Gustafson, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Henry A. Keshane, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Jaryd Watson, dated June 17, 2021; 
    • Jeannie Pewapisconias, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Jim Miller, dated June 17, 2021
    • Judith Cheesbrough, dated June 19, 2021;
    • Kristyn Turner, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Laura Parenteau, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Lee Smokeyday, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Leonard Manitoken, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Lesley Whiteman, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Lesly Couillonneur, dated June 19, 2021;
    • Linda Hagan, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Lorine McGavin, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Lorri Arcand, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Mark Arcand, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Michael Henry, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Michelle Blackmon, dated June 17, 2021;
    • Mike Tanton, dated June 17, 2021; 
    • Nicole Boschman, dated June 8, 2021;
    • Nikki Young, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Rachel Meetoos, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Roger Parenteau, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Sarah Cochran (Smokeyday), dated June 17, 2021;
    • Sharon Miller, dated June 17, 2021; 
    • Shelley Young, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Stephanie Clovechok, Tourism Saskatoon, dated June 21, 2021;
    • Troy Cooper, Chief, Saskatoon Police Service dated June 18, 2021; 
    • Verna Daniels, dated June 18, 2021;
    • Wanda Hudy, dated June 18, 2021; and
    • Wilf Popoff, dated June 20, 2021

Councillor Kirton introduced his motion.

The following individuals were in attendance to address Committee and respond to questions:

  • Dan Norton;
  • Kristin Enns-Kavanagh - Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society; and
  • Brooklyn Neveu, Norine Tourangeu, Audrey Ben and Faith Obey - Wahkohtowin Elementary School

Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development, answered questions of Committee.

Councillor Dubois joined the meeting at 11:01 a.m. during comments.

The meeting recessed at 11:14 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m. to continue consideration of the motion.

  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton

    That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

    1. That the Administration begin the process for the renaming of John A. Macdonald Road as a way to acknowledge the on-going harm in the community experienced by the IRSS and the role that John A. Macdonald played in this part of history;
    2. That the renaming process will include public education and public engagement including: 
      • Consultation with Indigenous community leaders, residential school survivors and Elders and Knowledge Keepers;
      • Direct communication with John A. Macdonald Road residents;
      • Informing Confederation Park neighbourhood residents;
      • A wider community public education campaign; and
      • A look at options to manage any costs of changing names and what tools could be used to facilitate a change; and
    3. That the Administration report back not later than Quarter 4 of 2021 and include information related to the proposed Legacy Review currently being developed.

    In Favour (11)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 6.1 was considered next.


Mayor Clark provided the following notice of motion:

"Take notice that at the July 19, 2021, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, I will move the following motion:

'Whereas the City of Saskatoon has committed to the process of Truth and Reconciliation.

Whereas Saskatoon has the opportunity to show leadership on a national level at building Truth and Reconciliation, building on our history of nation-leading work in building these partnerships, such as the establishment of urban reserves, the creation of White Buffalo Youth Lodge, the work of Reconciliation Saskatoon and other important partnerships between our City and Indigenous governments and organizations. .

Whereas the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada includes call to action #43 which states:

“We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal government to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People as the framework for reconciliation.”

And Whereas the Final Report of the TRC further states:

“The TRC considers ‘Reconciliation” to be an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships at all levels of Canadian Society. The Commission therefore believes that the UNDRIP is the appropriate framework for reconciliation in Twenty First Century Canada.”

Whereas the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Call to Justice 1.2 subclause v. also calls upon all levels of government to implement and comply with all rights instruments, including UNDRIP.

Whereas multiple other municipal governments are in the process of adopting and or implementing UNDRIP at the local level, including Toronto, Vancouver, Surrey, Lethbridge.

Therefore I move that City Administration report back to GPC on the process and implications for adopting and implementing UNDRIP for the City of Saskatoon.'"

Councillor Donauer reported that after a vote of the membership, Municipalities of Saskatchewan has reverted to Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).

Mayor Clark encouraged everyone to get their Covid-19 vaccine and noted a challenge in this regard with Mayor Master and the City of Regina. 

Councillor Kirton reported that Lyn Brown, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), has resigned. 

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management, provided an update on the City's response to Covid-19 and the Province's reopening roadmap - Step 3, including lifting of all public health orders.  She commended two recent successful first-dose vaccine clinics, and answered questions of Committee.

General Manager, Community Services Division Lacroix provided an update on the status of the City's leisure facilities, rental spaces, indoor and outdoor programming.

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries

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


    In Favour (11)Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen


    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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
 

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

The Committee convened In Camera at 4:33 p.m. with the following in attendance via teleconference: 

  • All Committee members
  • City Manager Jorgenson
  • Members of the Executive Leadership Team
  • Frank Long, Director of Saskatoon Land and Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services for a portion of the City Manager’s update

City Clerk Tittemore, City Solicitor Yelland, and Committee Assistant Hudson were in attendance in the Council Chamber.

The Committee moved to rise and report at 5:30 p.m. and reconvened publicly immediately thereafter to reports as follows:

Agenda Item 13.1.2.1 - Verbal Updates - Administration

Moved By: Councillor Gough

That the verbal update of the City Manager be received as information and that the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 13, 15, 16,17 18, 21 and 28 of LAFOIP.

In Favour (11): Councillor Gersher, Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m.

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