MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, in the Chair
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor S. Gersher
• Councillor H. Gough
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries, at 9:34 a.m.
• Councillor D. Kirton
• Councillor M. Loewen

ABSENT:

• Councillor T. Davies
• Councillor B. Dubois

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
• General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Committee Assistant H. Janzen

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1.

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People. Together with Senator Nora Cummings and Elder Rick Daniels, they spoke to a special recognition for the display of the City Reconciliation Visual Identity artwork.

Mayor Clark acknowledged and thanked the members of the Reconciliation Visual Identity External Advisory Committee for their guidance and work in the development of the visual identity with staff, as well as the artist.

An Honour Song was performed by drummer Mark LongJohn and a Métis jig was performed by fiddler Joseph Desjarlais. 

Councillor Jeffries entered the meeting at 9:34 a.m. during the recognition.

Roll call was confirmed.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the following letters be added to Item 9.3.1:
     • Request to Speak 
       • Lenore Swystun, Saskatoon Heritage Society, dated October 20, 2023; 
       • Michelle Aalders, dated October 20, 2023; 
       • Fr. Herman Fields, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church, dated October 23, 2023; 
       • Deanna Bertrand, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church, dated October 23, 2023;
     • Submit Comments
       • Ruth Hoffmeyer, dated October 23, 2023; 
       • Michelle Aalders, dated October 23, 2023;
       • Wayne Toews, dated October 23, 2023; 
       • Kenneth Holmes, dated October 23, 2023; 
  2. That the letter requesting to speak from Brent Penner, Downtown Saskatoon, dated October 20, 2023, be added to Item 14.1; 
  3. That the items with speakers be considered immediately following the Consent Agenda:
     • 8.2.3
       • Gordon Holtslander
     • 9.3.1
       • Lenore Swystun
       • Michelle Aalders
       • Fr. Herman Fields
       • Deanna Bertrand
     • 14.1
       • Brent Penner
  4. ​That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on September 27, 2023, be approved.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

5.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

5.1

Council Members

This is a standing item on the agenda in order to provide Council Members an opportunity to provide any public acknowledgements. 

Mayor Clark

Acknowledged the tragedy of the passing of Karl Miller and his family, who worked across North America and was passionate about Saskatoon. He expressed his condolences to the families and business partners, followed by a moment of silence.  

Councillor Donauer

Presented the City with three awards, all for the work on the P4G Project, the Municipal Award for Regional Partnership, the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute Excellence In Planning Practice Award to 10 City employees, and the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance Community Project Award. Acknowledged work with regional partners, staff and Councillors involved.  

6.

QUESTION PERIOD

6.1

Councillor D. Hill - Utility Box Installation [CK 150-1]

Councillor Hill asked about the level of engagement provided to adjacent properties when installing new orange utility boxes. General Manager Utilities and Environment Gardiner stated she did not have that information on hand and would need time to provide details.

7.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Item 8.2.3 was removed from the Consent Agenda.

  Moved By: Councillor Gersher
  Seconded By: Councillor Block

  ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1; 8.2.1 to 8.2.2; 8.3.1; and 8.4.1 to 8.4.3 be adopted as one motion.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

  Item 8.2.3 was considered next.

  
  

8.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

8.1.1

June 20, 2022, Rain Event Response – Storm Sewer Cleaning Pilot Project [EUCS2023-0103]

• That capital funding required to complete the pilot project is proposed to be allocated as follows:

  1. A change in project scope to Project P.01619.02 (Preservation Program) and Project P.01619.04 (Capital Operations) that will operationalize the interim (2024-2025) CCTV inspection and cleaning pilot project, be approved;
  2. The budget for Project P.01619.02 (Preservation Program) be increased by $187,000 to a total planned capital budget in 2024 of $2.0 million, to be funded through a reduction of the budget of $187,000 from Project P.01619.01 (Network Management); and
  3. The budget for Project P.01619.04 (Capital Operations) be increased by $110,000 to a total planned capital budget in 2024 of $166,000, to be funded through a reduction of the budget of $110,000 from Project P.01619.01 (Network Management).
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

8.2.1

Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw – Speed Limit Changes [TS2023-1001]

• 1. That the speed limit on McOrmond Drive between College Drive and Brighton Common be revised from 50 km/h to 60 km/h;
  2. That the speed limit description for Zimmerman Road be updated to reflect a speed limit of 60 km/h from Highway No. 16 to a point 200 metres north of Meadows Parkway and a speed limit of 80 km/h from a point 200 metres north of Meadows Parkway to College Drive; and
  3. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective January 1, 2024.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.2

Vehicle Noise Mitigation Study Final Report – October 2023 Update [TS2023-1005]

The following letters submitting comments were provided:

• Donald and Doris Slind, dated September 30, 2023; and 
• Bob and Dot Zens, dated October 6, 2023.  

• 1. That a noise level limit of 101.3 dB for motor vehicles be added to Bylaw No. 8244, The Noise Bylaw to align with SGI’s vehicle noise policy;
  2. That the noise level limit for motorcycles be increased to 101.3 dB in Bylaw No. 8244, The Noise Bylaw to align with SGI’s vehicle noise policy;
  3. That the Noise Bylaw be updated to extend the ability for police officers to order sound testing of both motorcycles and motor vehicles and to create the corresponding offence for failure to comply with such an order;
  4. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments to Bylaw No. 8244, The Noise Bylaw, effective January 1, 2024; and
  5. That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write an appreciation letter to SGI and the Ministry responsible for their work on this matter.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.3

Active Transportation Plan Implementation – October 2023 Update [TS2023-1003]

A letter requesting to speak from Gordon Holtslander, Saskatoon Cycles, dated October 6, 2023, was provided. 

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

Councillor Kirton introduced the item as Vice-Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation.

Gordon Holtslander, Saskatoon Cycles, presented to Council and responded to questions.

Director of Transportation Magus responded to questions of Council.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  That the information be received.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

  Item 9.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.3

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

8.3.1

Innovative Housing Incentives – Tax Abatement for SaskNative Rentals Inc., 727 Hart Road [PDCS2023-1001]

• 1. That a five-year incremental tax abatement for 36 affordable rental units, at 727 Hart Road, developed by SaskNative Rentals Inc. be approved; and
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the necessary incentive agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

8.4.1

Incentive Application – Three Farmers Foods Inc. [FI2023-1001]

• 1. That the application from Three Farmers Foods Inc. for a five-year tax abatement on the incremental portion of taxes at 761 66th Street, as a result of its development in 2023, be approved as follows:
     1. 100% in Year 1;
     2. 80% in Year 2;
     3. 70% in Year 3;
     4. 60% in Year 4; and
     5. 50% in Year 5. 
  2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the appropriate agreements.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.2

Incentive Application – Great Western Brewing Co. [FI2023-1002]

• 1. That the application from Great Western Brewing Company for a five-year tax abatement on the incremental portion of taxes at 519 2nd Ave North, as a result of its development in 2023, be approved as follows:
     1. 100% in Year 1;
     2. 80% in Year 2;
     3. 70% in Year 3;
     4. 60% in Year 4; and
     5. 50% in Year 5..
  2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the appropriate agreements.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.3

Neighbourhood Land Development Fund Allocation of Profits [FI2023-1005]

• 1. That $3.9 million in profits be declared from the Neighbourhood Land Development Fund; and
  2. That $3.9 million in profits from the Neighbourhood Land Development Fund be allocated to the Bus Rapid Transit Funding Plan.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (not on Consent Agenda)

9.1

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

9.2

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

9.3

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

9.3.1

Third Avenue United Church - 304 3rd Avenue North – Heritage Designation Bylaw Amendment Request [MHAC2023-0901]

The following letters were provided:

• Request to Speak
  • Lenore Swystun, Saskatoon Heritage Society, dated October 20, 2023; 
  • Michelle Aalders, dated October 20, 2023;
  • Fr. Herman Fields, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church, dated October 23, 2023; and  
  • Deanna Bertrand, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church, dated October 23, 2023.
• Submitting Comments 
  • Ruth Hoffmeyer, dated October 23, 2023; 
  • Michelle Aalders, dated October 23, 2023;
  • Wayne Toews, dated October 23, 2023; and 
  • Kenneth Holmes, dated October 23, 2023. 

Councillor Jeffries introduced the item as Vice-Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services. 

Council received presentations from the following:

• Lenore Swystun, Saskatoon Heritage Society
• Michelle Aalders
• Fr. Herman Fields, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church
• Deanna Bertrand, St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church

The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:41 a.m. with all members of Council present, with the exception of Councillors Davies and Dubois. 

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

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Kirton
  1. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare an amendment to Bylaw No. 9413, Third Avenue United Church Heritage Designation Bylaw, 2017, with such amendment limited to amending the bylaw to remove the Casavant organ from the designation; and
  2. That the General Manager, Community Services Division, be requested to prepare the required notices for advertising the proposed bylaw amendment.

  Against: (9)	Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Dubois

  DEFEATED (0 to 9)

  Item 14.1 was considered next.

  
  

9.4

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

9.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

10.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

10.1

Transportation & Construction

10.2

Utilities & Environment

10.3

Community Services

10.3.1

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo – Zebra Facility Post-Budget Capital Project [CC2023-1001]

Director of Recreation and Community Development Roberts presented the report and responded to questions of Council.

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Kirton
  1. That the post-budget capital project for a Zebra Facility, as described in this report, with a budget of $100,000, be approved, to be fully funded by the Province of Saskatchewan.
  2. That the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation be awarded the project management of the project, and
  3. That the City Solicitor be requested to review and prepare the appropriate agreement(s) related to funding and project management for the Zebra Facility, and the City Manager and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

10.4

Saskatoon Fire

10.5

Corporate Financial Services

10.5.1

Food Waste Prevention and Diversion: Research and Capacity Building Fund [CC2023-1002]

Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the Administration be directed to submit two applications for grant funding under Environment Canada’s Food Waste Prevention and Diversion: Research and Capacity Building Fund;
  2. That if approved, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement(s) from Environment Canada under the Corporate Seal; and
  3. That if required, the Senior Financial Business Partner be granted delegated authority to sign and submit progress reports and financial claims to the program.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

10.5.2

Building Safer Communities Fund [CC2023-1003]

Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report and, along with Director of Recreation and Community Development Roberts, responded to questions of Council.

• Moved By: Councillor Gough
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement from the Building Safer Communities Fund under the Corporate Seal; and
  2. That if required, the Director of Recreation and Community Development be granted delegated authority to sign and submit and progress reports and financial claims related to the project.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

10.6

Strategy & Transformation

10.7

Human Resources

10.8

Public Policy & Government Relations

11.

LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

11.1

Office of the City Clerk

11.2

Office of the City Solicitor

12.

OTHER REPORTS

13.

INQUIRIES

13.1

Councillor D. Hill - Utility Pedestal Installation Location [CK 150-1]

Councillor Hill made the following inquiry:

"Would the administration please report on the process that the administration goes through to establish the location of a new orange pedestal utility boxes to facilitate buried utility cables for infill developments.

Specific reference should be made to what level of citizen engagement happens to properties immediately adjacent to the new pedestal.  The report should also reference who pays for the initial installation of the new pedestal.

The report should also reference, that if there was no consultation before a pedestal installation, who is financially responsible to relocate the pedestal in the event it interferes with a proposed development."

14.

MOTIONS (NOTICE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN)

14.1

Councillor C. Block - Downtown Office Space Assessment [CC2023-0902]

Councillor Block provided the following Notice of Motion at City Council's Regular Business Meeting held on September 27, 2023.

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council, I will move:

That Administration bring forward a scope of work, including resourcing implications, for an assessment of current office space policies, market demand, and other context impacting the development and operation of offices in the Downtown in alignment with the City of Saskatoon vision for the Downtown as the primary location for office, retail, recreation, culture, and entertainment facilities."

A letter requesting to speak from Brent Penner, Downtown Saskatoon, dated October 20, 2023, was provided.

Councillor Block introduced the item.

Brent Penner, Downtown Saskatoon, addressed Council and responded to questions.

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

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  That Administration bring forward a scope of work, including resourcing implications, for an assessment of current office space policies, market demand, and other context impacting the development and operation of offices in the Downtown in alignment with the City of Saskatoon vision for the Downtown as the primary location for office, retail, recreation, culture, and entertainment facilities.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

  Item 10.3.1 was considered next.

  
  

15.

URGENT BUSINESS

16.

GIVING NOTICE

17.

IN CAMERA SESSION (OPTIONAL)

18.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:54 p.m.