MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 1:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Via Teleconference Hosted in the Council Chamber, Saskatoon City Hall

PRESENT:

• His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, in the Chair
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor T. Davies
• 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
• General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
• Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Financial Services K. Tarasoff
• General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
• General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
• Interim City Clerk M. Jordan
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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1.

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People followed by the National Anthem.   He confirmed those in attendance via teleconference.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Jeffries
  1. That a COVID-19 update from representatives of the Saskatchewan Health Authority be added as Urgent Business Item 16.1;
  2. That the following items with speakers be considered following consideration of the Consent Agenda;
     1. Item 16.1
        • Dr. Hasselback; Suzanne Mahaffey and Kelly Tokarchuk, SHA
     2. Item 8.2.5
        • Jason Aebig;
        • Keith Moen;
     3. Item 8.3.4
        • Deborah Hockley;
  3. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

3.1

Councillor Gersher - The Vehicles for Hire Amendment Bylaw, 2021 - Proposed Bylaw 9751 [File No. CK. 7000-1 x 307-4]

Her family is in business with something that could be seen to be in conflict with the Taxi and TNC industries.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on February 22, 2021, be adopted.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

5.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

5.1

Mayor Clark - Recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Living in Harmony - March 21, 2021

Mayor Clark recognized that March 21, 2021 was International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  In conjunction with that the Living in Harmony Awards were held and he congratulated the recipients. 

6.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7.

QUESTION PERIOD

7.1

Councillor R. Donauer - Downtown Farmers' Market [File No. CK 4129-22 x600-3]

Councillor Donauer asked when the downtown Farmers' Market would be opening. 

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix advised that the market will be opening in May and provided an update on the building.

7.2

Councillor R. Donauer - Meewasin Trail Enhancement Plan - River Heights Area [File No. CK 4205-5]

Councillor Donauer asked what process was followed with respect to engagement regarding this program.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix outlined the general process indicating that anything to do with trail or site enhancements are delegated to administrative approval.  Councillor Donauer followed up by asking with respect to the River Heights plan, is there a way for City Council to weigh in.  Ms. Lacroix indicated that the project scope has been delegated to the administration.

7.3

Councillor B. Dubois - Prairieland Park - Operations [File No. CK 4225-3]

Councillor Dubois asked if City Council dictates the operations of Prairieland Park.

City Solicitor Yelland indicated that Prairieland Park Corporation is an external corporation not created by the City and as such has no say in the operations, including Marquis Downs.  The land is leased by the City and Prairieland Park Corporation is in compliance with the terms of the lease.  It was clarified that if there was additional construction or development on the land, that is something that would need City Council approval.

7.4

Councillor B. Dubois - Street Sweeping Program [File No. CK 6315-3]

Councillor Dubois asked when the 2021 Street Sweeping Program will be underway and if there will be updates posted to the City's website.

General Manager, Transportation and Construction Schmidt provided an update with respect to the program, indicating that it will start with the downtown and the rest of the schedule will be updated on the website.

7.5

Councillor M. Loewen - Prairieland Park - Lease Agreement [File No. CK 4225-3]

Councillor Loewen asked if there is anything in the lease agreement or Zoning Bylaw that would require particular uses of Prairieland Park, including horse racing.

City Solicitor Yelland indicated that there is a restricted uses clause in the agreement and there is some requirements how the land is used.  There is nothing that requires horse racing.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

Items 8.2.5 and 8.3.4 were removed from the Consent Agenda. 

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher

  ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1 to 8.1.2; 8.2.1 to 8.2.4; 8.3.1 to 8.3.3, 8.3.5; 8.4.1 to 8.4.2; and 8.5.1 to 8.5.3 be adopted as one motion.

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

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

  Item 16.1 was considered next. 

  
  

8.1

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

8.1.1

Architectural Design Review Committee – Extension of Terms [File No. CK. 4130-2-8]

• That the terms of the members of the Architectural Review Committee identified in Appendix 1 be extended for a period of no more than one year, ending on March 1, 2022, or until such time as the new Committee structure and process is in place.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.1.2

Leasing of Civic Property – Bowerman House - 1328 Avenue K South [File No. CK. 600-3, x710-10]

• 1. That the Lease and Operating Agreement with the Meewasin Valley Authority for the Bowerman House be renewed for a further term of five years upon the same terms as previous, with the option to renew the agreement for an additional five-year term, upon mutual agreement of the parties.
  2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

8.2.1

Notice of Annual General Meeting - Saskatchewan Place Association Inc. - March 25, 2021 [File No. CK. 175-31]

• That the Standing Policy Committee on Finance recommend to City Council that the City of Saskatoon, being a member of the Saskatchewan Place Association Inc., appoint Mayor Charlie Clark, or in his absence, Councillors Troy Davies or Randy Donauer, of the City of Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan, as its proxy to vote for it on its behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the members of the Saskatchewan Place Association Inc., to be held on the 25th day of March, 2021, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.2

Budget Adjustment Request - Capital Project #1416-16 - Land Development Trunk Sewer - Hampton Village - Glenwood Sanitary Trunk (Claypool to Gallagher) [File No. CK. 7820-4 x 1702-1]

• 1. That a budget adjustment increase to Capital Project #1416-16 - Land Development Trunk Sewer - Hampton Village - Glenwood Sanitary Trunk (Claypool to Gallagher) in the amount of $717,500 be approved; and
  2. That the budget adjustment be funded from the Trunk Sewer Reserve.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.3

Budget Adjustment Request - Capital Project #1419-07 - Land Development - Brighton Residential Area [File No. CK. 7820-1 x 4110-46 x 1702-1]

• 1. That a budget adjustment increase to Capital Project #1419-07 TC – Land Development – Brighton Residential Area, in the amount of $1,674,000 be approved; and
  2. That the budget adjustment be funded from the General Prepaid Service Reserves.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.4

Property Tax and Utility Deferrals – Hotel Partners [File No. CK. 1920-1 x 1550-2 x 270-7]

• That Option 1: Maintain the Status Quo, as outlined in the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated March 8, 2021, be approved.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.2.5

Municipal Tax Policy - Setting the Non-Residential to Residential Tax Ratio for 2021 and Beyond [File No. CK. 1920-1]

The following letter was provided;

• Request to Speak
  • Jason Aebig, CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, dated March 17, 2021;
  • Keith Moen, Executive Director, North Saskatoon Business Association, dated March 17, 2021;

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.  Councillor Block introduced the item as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee of Finance.

Jason Aebig and Keith Moen spoke in support of Option 1 as recommended.   

Councillor Hill joined the meeting at 2:02 p.m. during the presentation.

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  That City Council adopt Option 1, as outlined in the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated March 8, 2021, and maintain the current non-residential to residential tax ratio of 1.59 to 1 effective for the 2021 tax year and beyond.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  Item 8.3.4 was considered next.

  
  

8.3

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

8.3.1

Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan [File No. CK. 175-9]

• That the 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee be received as information and forwarded to City Council for information.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.2

Inquiry on Swale Education, Communications and Partnerships [File No. CK. 4205-40]

• That the information be received.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.3

Hydrant Inspection Report [File No. CK. 7558-1]

• That the information be received.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.5

Urban Forestry Management Plan [File No. CK. 4200-4]

• That the Urban Forestry Management Plan be approved, in principle.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3.4

Flood Control Strategy Update – Churchill Park [File No. CK. 7560-1]

A request to speak dated March 16, 2021 from Deborah Hockley was provided.

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.   Councillor Gersher introduced the matter as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services.

Deborah Hockley asked Council to postpone construction of the dry pond until such time as engagement can occur with the community.

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That detailed design and construction of a dry storm water pond at Churchill Park proceed in 2022 to mitigate flood damage.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  Item 9.5.1 was considered next.

  
  

8.4

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

8.4.1

Saskatoon Transportation Master Plan – Final Report [File No. CK. 7000-1]

• That the Saskatoon Transportation Master Plan report be approved in principle.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.4.2

Amendments to Council Policy C07-025, Loading Zones [File No. CK. 6145-1]

• 1. That the revisions to Council Policy C07-025, Loading Zones be approved to permit installation and signing of loading zones near Canada Post community mailboxes; and
  2. That the City Clerk be requested to update the policy as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Construction dated March 1, 2021.
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

8.5.1

Absences and Support for City Councillors (CK 4560-1 x 255-1 x 1700-1)

• 1. 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;
  2. That the Administration report back on options for an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) equivalent for members of Council;
  3. That the $21,000 contingency fund, approved as outlined in the report of the City Solicitor dated December 10, 2018, continue to be available to Council members; and
  4. That the Administration report back on options and implementation dates for additional benefits. 
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5.2

Resignations and Appointments - Downtown Saskatoon BID Board of Management (CK 175-48)

• That City Council approve the appointments to the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District Board of Management for 2021, as submitted.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.5.3

Appointment - Public Art Advisory Committee (CK 175-58)

• That Lia Storey-Gamble be appointed to the Public Art Advisory Committee to the end of 2022.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services

9.2

Standing Policy Committee on Finance

9.3

Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services

9.4

Standing Policy Committee Transportation

9.5

Governance and Priorities Committee

9.5.1

Appointment of City Clerk (CK 225-81)

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Hill

  That City Council appoint Adam Tittemore as the City Clerk for the City of Saskatoon, effective April 15, 2021.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

10.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

10.1

Transportation & Construction

10.2

Utilities & Environment

10.3

Community Services

10.4

Saskatoon Fire

10.5

Corporate Financial Services

10.6

Strategy & Transformation

10.7

Human Resources

10.7.1

2020 Contract Negotiations (2019-2023) Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local No. 859 [File No. CK. 4720-6]

Director of Labour Relations McInnes presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  Seconded By: Councillor Gersher
  1. That the proposed changes set out in the Revision to the Collective Agreement (Appendix 1) with respect to the 2017-2018 Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local No. 859 be approved; and
  2. That His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the revised contract under the Corporate Seal.

  In Favour: (11)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

10.8

Public Policy & Government Relations

11.

LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

11.1

Office of the City Clerk

11.2

Office of the City Solicitor

11.2.1

The Vehicles for Hire Amendment Bylaw, 2021 - Proposed Bylaw 9751 [File No. CK. 7000-1 x 307-4]

• Councillor Gersher declared a conflict on this item. (Her family is in business with something that could be seen to be in conflict with the Taxi and TNC industries.)

Councillor Gersher excused herself from discussion and voting on this matter and left the meeting. 

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report. 

• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Loewen

  ​That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9751, The Vehicles for Hire Amendment Bylaw, 2021 and give same its FIRST reading.

  In Favour: (10)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Block

  ​That Bylaw No. 9751 now be read a SECOND time.

  In Favour: (10)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Dubois

  That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9751 read a third time at this meeting.

  In Favour: (10)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
• Moved By: Councillor Jeffries
  Seconded By: Councillor Kirton

  ​That Bylaw No. 9751 now be read a THIRD time, that the bylaw be passed and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign same and attach the corporate seal thereto.

  In Favour: (10)

  Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gough, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Kirton, and Councillor Loewen

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

12.

OTHER REPORTS

13.

INQUIRIES

14.

MOTIONS (NOTICE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN)

14.1

Councillor D. Kirton - Investigate a Potential Roadway Connection - Fortosky Crescent to Hart Road [File No. CK. 4131-1]

Interim City Clerk Jordan reported that Councillor Kirton provided the following Notice of Motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on February 22, 2021.

"Whereas the potential for roadway access from the Parkridge neighbourhood to the Blairmore Suburban Centre has been raised on several occasions in the past.

Whereas the City of Saskatoon, through its development arm Saskatoon Land, is the developer of the Parkridge extension project and is currently marketing available lots for the sale and construction of new homes.

Be it resolved that the Administration, through its development arm Saskatoon Land, be directed to investigate a potential roadway connection from Fortosky Crescent in Parkridge to Hart Road in the Blairmore Suburban Centre. That the scope of the investigation include public engagement and information sharing with the general community, procurement of a transportation consultant to provide a Traffic Impact Assessment on the potential roadway connection, and the potential submission of a concept plan amendment to the Parkridge neighbourhood concept plan.

Be it resolved, that the Administration report back on the results of the investigation to the appropriate Standing Policy Committee no later than 3rd quarter of 2021."

Councillor Hill excused himself from the meeting at 3:11 p.m. during consideration of this item.

• Moved By: Councillor Kirton
  Seconded By: Councillor Gough

  Whereas the potential for roadway access from the Parkridge neighbourhood to the Blairmore Suburban Centre has been raised on several occasions in the past.

  Whereas the City of Saskatoon, through its development arm Saskatoon Land, is the developer of the Parkridge extension project and is currently marketing available lots for the sale and construction of new homes.

  Be it resolved that the Administration, through its development arm Saskatoon Land, be directed to investigate a potential roadway connection from Fortosky Crescent in Parkridge to Hart Road in the Blairmore Suburban Centre. That the scope of the investigation include public engagement and information sharing with the general community, procurement of a transportation consultant to provide a Traffic Impact Assessment on the potential roadway connection, and the potential submission of a concept plan amendment to the Parkridge neighbourhood concept plan.

  Be it resolved, that the Administration report back on the results of the investigation to the appropriate Standing Policy Committee no later than 3rd quarter of 2021.

  In Favour: (1)	Councillor Kirton
  Against: (9)	Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Block, Councillor Davies, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Gough, Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Hill

  DEFEATED (1 to 9)

  The meeting was recessed at 3:30 p.m. and reconvened at 3:45 p.m. with all members of Council present with the exception of Councillor Hill.

  
  

15.

GIVING NOTICE

15.1

Councillor B. Dubois - Third Party Sponsorships and Naming Rights - Community Association Owned and Operated Facilities [File No. CK 100-25]

Councillor Dubois gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'WHEREAS The City of Saskatoon owns several neighbourhood parks that contain facilities owned and operated by community associations, such as outdoor rinks and playground structures.

WHEREAS BYLAW NO. 7767 The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998, governs the nature and types of activities that are permitted in City-owned parks.

WHEREAS the City enters into agreements with community associations, encourages their fundraising efforts, and provides them grants to operate their facilities.

WHEREAS Community associations have been approached by for-profit third parties about the possibility of sponsorship or naming rights on community association owned and operated facilities. In light of the challenges with the pandemic and more activities outdoors, assistance from for-profit third parties seems reasonable.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That City Council direct the Administration to report back to the appropriate Committee of Council on:

(a) the explicit or implicit limitations or restrictions that City bylaws, policies or agreements have on third party sponsorships and naming rights on such facilities; and

(b) an analysis of various options and potential recommendations that may enable community associations to sell sponsorships or naming rights, to private third parties on such facilities.'"

• Moved By: Councillor Dubois
  Seconded By: Councillor Donauer

  That Notice be waived.

  In accordance with Section 65(3) of The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, unanimous consent was not received to waive notice, therefore the matter will be placed on the next Regular Business Meeting agenda.

  
  

15.2

Councillor R. Donauer - Hindu Society of Saskatchewan - Location for Release of Cremated Remains In River [File No. CK 4080-1]

Councillor Donauer gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'That the Administration engage the Hindu Society of Saskatchewan and report back on the possibility of approving a location in the Saskatoon are for the release of cremated remains into the river.'"

15.3

Councillor R. Donauer - Options to Collect on Unpaid Parking Tickets [File No. CK 5301-1]

Councillor Donauer gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'That the Administration report on options to collect on unpaid parking tickets, including the ability to lobby SGI and/or the Provincial government to restrict the ability for residents to obtain a driver’s license or register a vehicle while they have unpaid fines from parking tickets outstanding.'"

15.4

Councillor R. Donauer - Process for Drinking Water Advisories [File No. CK 7500-1]

Councillor Donauer gave the following Notice of Motion:

"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Regular Business Meeting, I will move the following motion:

'That the Administration evaluate our current process for Drinking Water Advisories and report on options to improve the system to ensure the safety of our residents during water maintenance events.'"

16.

URGENT BUSINESS

16.1

COVID-19 Update [File No. CK 270-7]

Director of Emergency Planning Goulden-MacLeod provided an introduction of the representatives from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Dr. Jasmine Hasselback, Suzanne Mahaffey and Kelly Tokarchuk provided an update on COVID-19 with a PowerPoint and answered questions of Council.

Item 8.2.5 was considered next.

17.

IN CAMERA SESSION (OPTIONAL)

18.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m.