MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

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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
  • City Clerk J. Sproule
  • Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

The National Anthem was played and Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People.  He confirmed attendance via teleconference.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That the letter requesting to speak from Darcy Pederson, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615, dated November 26, 2020, be added to item 10.1.2;
    2. That the letter from Randy Pshebylo, Riversdale Business Improvement District, dated November 30, 2020 be added to item 10.3.1;
    3. That a COVID update be added as Urgent Business; 
    4. That the following items with speakers be considered following consideration of the Consent Agenda:
      • Item 10.1.2 - Darcy Pederson; and
    5. ​That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on September 28, 2020, the Inaugural Meeting of City Council held on November 16, 2020 and the Special Meeting of City Council held on November 23, 2020, be adopted.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

Mayor Clark acknowledged Hannah Brossart as the recipient of the Local 80 I.A.F.F. / City of Saskatoon 2020 Scholarship.

Mayor Clark acknowledged Riti Nawroz and Kaleb Afseth as the recipients of the CUPE 59 / City of Saskatoon 2020 Scholarships.

Mayor Clark acknowledged the accomplishments and contributions of the late Fred Saskaskamoose and Michael Maurice and expressed condolences on behalf of City Council.  

Councillor Hill also offered additional comments regarding the late Elder Michael Maurice. 

Councillor Gersher inquired as to the process for the 2021 Budget Review being that it is the second year of a two-year cycle.

Chief Financial Office Tarasoff outlined the process at a high level.  

Councillor Dubois noted that the architect hired for the new Public Library project is the same as for the Remai Modern and asked if conversation was held between the City and Library during the RFP process.

City Manager Jorgenson indicated he would undertake to find out what conversations were held and will ensure that people involved on city side of the Remai project have shared knowledge with Library staff. 

Councillor Hill inquired regarding the award of contract process for the new Public Library.

City Manager Jorgenson indicated that under the governance model and legislation, the Library Board is separate and distinct from the City and it runs all of its own operations and projects. 

Councillor Hill inquired if the upcoming report regarding the 2020 Election will address the potential for a possible ethics commissioner or similar for candidates. 

City Clerk Sproule indicated that the report is expected in the first quarter of new year and will ask the Returning Officer if this matter can be addressed in the report.  

Items 8.5.2 and supplementary item 8.5.2.1 and 8.5.5 were removed from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Gersher
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.5.1, 8.5.3 and 8.5.4 be adopted as one motion.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    Item 10.2.1 was considered next. 


  • That the 2021 appointments of Deputy Mayor, as described in the report of the City Clerk dated November 23, 2020, and detailed in Appendix 1, be approved.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 

Mayor Clark introduced the item and noted that Item 8.5.2.1 is supplementary to this matter.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That the 2021 Council and Committee meeting calendar, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the City Clerk dated November 23, 2020, be approved.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That beginning in January 2021, Governance and Priorities Committee meetings begin at 9:30 a.m., and end no later than 5:30 p.m.;
    2. That beginning in January 2021, all morning Standing Policy Committee meetings begin at 9:30 am.
    3. That the City Solicitor prepare the appropriate bylaw amendments.
    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    That beginning in January 2021, all afternoon Standing Policy Committee meetings end at 5:30 p.m.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
    1. That all members of City Council be appointed to the Governance and Priorities Committee for 2021; and
    2. That the following appointments of members of City Council to each Standing Policy Committee (SPC) for 2021, be approved:

    SPC Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services

    Councillor T. Davies

    Councillor S. Gersher

    Councillor H. Gough

    Councillor D. Hill

    Councillor M. Loewen

    SPC on Transportation

    Councillor R. Donauer

    Councillor B. Dubois

    Councillor H. Gough

    Councillor Z. Jeffries

    Councillor D. Kirton

    SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services

    Councillor C. Block

    Councillor T. Davies

    Councillor S. Gersher

    Councillor D. Hill

    Councillor M. Loewen

    SPC on Finance

    Councillor C. Block

    Councillor R. Donauer

    Councillor B. Dubois

    Councillor Z. Jeffries

    Councillor D. Kirton

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That Mayor C. Clark and Councillors T. Davies, R. Donauer, and B. Dubois be appointed to the Personnel Subcommittee for 2021.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

  • Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That the recommended appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees and any further direction, as noted by the City Clerk and attached to this report, be approved.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
  • IN AMENDMENT

    Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That the appointments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee be deferred to the December 2020. 

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED

    Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    Item 10.1.1 was considered next.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

An information report was provided.

General Manager, Transportation and Utilities Schmidt reviewed the report and along with Director of Roadways, Fleet and Service Saric and Director of Technical Services Willems responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That the hour of the meeting be extended beyond 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Gough
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That the information be received.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Kirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    With the current COVID-19 situation, and efforts by the City and Tourism Saskatoon to get people to enjoy Saskatoon’s winter and not just endure it, could Administration provide a report at the December Council meeting on the cost and ramifications of a one-time clearing of secondary paths in the City’s parks.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    Item 10.3.1 was considered next.


An information report was provided along with a request to speak from Darcy Pederson, President, ATU. 

General Manager, Transportation and Utilities Schmidt reviewed the report.

Darcy Pederson, President, ATU spoke in support of safety barriers for the drivers.

Director of Saskatoon Transit McDonald responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That Administration be directed to take the necessary steps to allocate $500,000 of available reallocated gas tax funds to a driver safety barrier phase-in program in 2021, and;
    2. That Administration report back, prior to Council’s 2022 budget deliberations, on the results of the phase-in program and a funding strategy for retrofitting the remaining fleet with operator safety barriers.
    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That Administration report back at the appropriate time on more detail on the 28 locations of the assaults on operators identified in the report.  To not create an unnecessary sense of concern, the locations do not have to be route specific and can be reported as Downtown Terminal, Downtown Route, Confed Terminal, 22nd St Route, etc.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Loewen
    Against: (5)Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED (6 to 5)
  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Davies

    That Administration report at the appropriate time on data on any other assaults or negative interactions with operators that have happened.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

    The meeting recessed at 3:04 p.m. and reconvened at 3:20 p.m. with all members of City Council in attendance.

    Item 8.5.2 was considered next.


An information report and letter from Randy Pshebylo, Riversdale Business Improvement District, dated November 30, 2020 was provided.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix reviewed the report.

The meeting recessed at 5:30 p.m. and reconvened following the Public Hearing meeting at 6:21 p.m.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois
    1. That the City suspend paid parking on Saturdays from December 12, 2020 through April 24, 2021 as outlined in the report; and
    2. That the cost for December 2020 be covered as identified in the report, and that the 2021 impact be sent to budget deliberations.
    In Favour: (6)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Block
    Against: (5)Councillor Hill, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (6 to 5)

Director of Labour Relations McInnes reviewed the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Hill
    Seconded By:Councillor Jeffries
    1. That the proposed changes set out in the Revision to the Collective Agreement (Appendix 1) with respect to the 2017-2019 Collective Agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local No. 615 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)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Davies
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9728, The Electric Light and Power Amendment Bylaw, 2020. and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Davies
    Seconded By:Councillor Jeffries

    That Bylaw No. 9728 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Davies
    Seconded By:Councillor Gough

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9728 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Davies
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9728 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: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

Councillor Jeffries provided the following Notice of Motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on September 28, 2020.

"That Administration report back regarding water rates charged to condos with water meters that are deemed to serve more than four units as a result of irrigation use. Please include information about the history and rationale behind the policy and options to change this policy along with associated impacts."

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Kirton

    That Administration report back regarding water rates charged to condos with water meters that are deemed to serve more than four units as a result of irrigation use. Please include information about the history and rationale behind the policy and options to change this policy along with associated impacts.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

Councillor Jeffries provided the following Notice of Motion at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on September 28, 2020.

"Whereas some parks and playgrounds in developing neighbourhoods are being built to a higher accessibility standard than is currently mandated for new parks and playgrounds in Saskatoon.

That Administration report back about opportunities and potential policy changes to ensure that new parks and playground structures are built to a higher standard of accessibility in our city."

  • Moved By:Councillor Jeffries
    Seconded By:Councillor Block

    Whereas some parks and playgrounds in developing neighbourhoods are being built to a higher accessibility standard than is currently mandated for new parks and playgrounds in Saskatoon.

    That Administration report back about opportunities and potential policy changes to ensure that new parks and playground structures are built to a higher standard of accessibility in our city.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

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 please report on the ability to develop a response to extreme or unusual snow events that shut down the city and create a safety issue for our residents, and the potential cost.  The intent is to have a plan for city-wide snow clearing and/or removal after extreme events, to determine in advance what the trigger is for such action, and to address funding such as a reserve specifically for extreme events.'"

Councillor Kirton gave the following Notice of Motion:

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

'With concerns about a lack of engagement many residents in Saskatoon have with the City, could Administration (or Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee) report on the creation of a task force or committee to seek ways in which the operations and governance of the city become more accessible to the public. This committee should comprise of representatives from the administration, city council, citizens, and media.'"

Director of Emergency Management Organization Goulden-McLeod provided an update with respect to COVID-19.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix provided an update on the City's leisure facilities and operations as it relates to COVID-19.

Members of City Council and City Manager Jorgenson each expressed congratulations and appreciation to Joanne Sproule, City Clerk on her retirement. 

City Council went In Camera to consider the following matter.

17.1
Personnel Matter
 

[In Camera - Personnel Matters (Sections 16(1)(c) and (d) LAFOIPP]

Deputy Mayor Davies advised that while In Camera Council dealt with a Personnel Matter.

  • Moved By:Councillor Davies
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That the Administration proceed as directed and that the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16 (1) (c ) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

    In Favour: (11)Councillor Kirton, Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Loewen
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

The Regular Business meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

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