MINUTES

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

-
Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • Councillor D. Kirton, Deputy Mayor, in the Chair
  • His Worship, Mayor C. Clark, via teleconference
  • Councillor C. Block
  • Councillor T. Davies, via teleconference
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor S. Gersher
  • Councillor H. Gough, via teleconference
  • Councillor D. Hill
  • Councillor M. Loewen
ABSENT:
  • Councillor Z. Jeffries
ALSO PRESENT:
  • City Manager J. Jorgenson, via teleconference
  • City Solicitor C. Yelland
  • Chief Financial Officer C. Hack
  • General Manager, Community Services L. Lacroix
  • General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
  • General Manager, Utilities & Environment A. Gardiner
  • City Clerk A. Tittemore
  • Committee Assistant H. Janzen

The Chair called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People and confirmed roll call.

He acknowledged the Survivors' Flag that was raised at Civic Square on September 25, 2023, and encouraged people to check out the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website to find out all the meanings behind the flag. He also invited everyone to attend the Rock Your Roots Walk on September 30, 2023, starting at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That the following letters be added to Item 11.2.1;
      • Request to Speak
        • Mary Fedun, dated September 25, 2023;
      • Submitting Comments
        • Tyrell Harder, dated September 25, 2023;
    2. That the letter submitting comments from Sherry Tarasoff, dated September 25, 2023, be added to Item 14.1;
    3. That the items with speakers be considered immediately following consideration of the Consent Agenda;
      • 11.2.1 - Mary Fedun; and  
    4. ​That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

  • Moved By:Councillor Dubois
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    ​That the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of City Council held on August 30, 2023, be approved.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

Deputy Mayor Kirton recognized and congratulated Brian Sibley on receiving the National MMP Capstone Award for Business Focus. He thanked him for his service to the City of Saskatoon. 

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

Councillor Gersher

Recognized the passing of renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama who passed away on September 1, 2023, sharing condolences with the family followed by a moment of silence. 

Councillor Kirton

Acknowledged and congratulated Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl on his recent naming of National Fire Chief of the Year, by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. 

He attended the HMCS Unicorn Freedom of the City Parade and Recommissioning Ceremony on September 23, 2023. 

Councillor Block

Acknowledged a tribute and award that was received by Ward 6 resident, Dr. Karim Nasser. 

Councillor Gough

Recognized that October 1, 2023, will be Saskatoon's 30th Aids Walk Event. 

Councillor Loewen asked about the lack of capacity of buses leaving Stonebridge and going to high schools and the university, particularly in the morning. 

General Manager Transportation and Construction Schmidt responded that there is a sharp increase in ridership in September when school starts. They are monitoring, looking at ridership levels, and adding extra buses during peak times in the morning and afternoon.

Councillor Hill asked about building permits for existing commercial buildings and what the timeline or goal is that is set to issue a permit for an addition to a commercial building.

General Manager Community Services Lacroix responded that the targeted turnaround time on commercial permits, depending on the complexity and application, is four weeks. 

Councillor Dubois asked about the legacy review in terms of renaming streets and parks and if there is a timeline. 

General Manager Community Services Lacroix responded that the Legacy Review is in phase 2 of the approach for how the City's assets are named and/or considered for renaming. 

Councillor Gough asked what the next steps are regarding how the City intends to incorporate the extra capacity on buses into the ongoing schedule. 

General Manager Transportation and Construction Schmidt responded that regular communication with the schools and University is ongoing. He also stated that there are ten new buses on order.

Items 8.1.4 and 8.4.1 were removed from the Consent Agenda. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    ​That the Committee recommendations contained in Items 8.1.1 to 8.1.3; 8.3.1 to 8.3.3; and 8.5.1 to 8.5.5 be adopted as one motion.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Item 11.2.1 was considered next.


    1. That Option 2 be adopted for addressing carbon monoxide alarms as required in the Saskatchewan Fire Regulations, and
    2. The City Solicitor be instructed to draft the required amendments to Bylaw No. 7990, the Fire and Protective Service Bylaw, 2001.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That Capital Project P.01281 Investigate New Power Supply be increased by $30,000 funded by Eco-West Canada’s Electric Vehicle Charger Program;
    2. That existing funds within Capital Project P.01281 Investigate New Power Supply be utilized for the purchase and installation of the electric vehicle chargers; and
    3. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements from the Electric Vehicle Charger Program under the Corporate Seal.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. The Administration be directed to submit applications to Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program and the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative; and
    2. That if the applications are successful, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements under the Corporate Seal.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 

Councillor Gough introduced the item as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services. General Manager Utilities and Environment spoke to the matter and responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Loewen
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher
    1. That the implementation plan, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Utilities and Environment dated September 5, 2023, be approved; and
    2. That Administration include the proposed garbage utility fees in the 2024/2025 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meetings, which include a flat fee for the first six months of 2024 and a variable fee thereafter.
    In Favour: (6)Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (4)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Dubois
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED (6 to 4)

    Councillor Davies excused himself from the meeting at 11:19 a.m.

    The meeting recessed at 11:19 a.m. and reconvened at 11:31 a.m. with all members of Council in attendance with the exception of Councillor Davies and Councillor Jeffries. 

    Item 8.4.1 was considered next. 


    1. That the Shaheed Minar monument be accepted by the City of Saskatoon, as a donation;
    2. That Mahoney Park, in the Kensington neighbourhood, be approved as the monument’s location; and
    3. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the necessary donation agreement between the donor, The Bangladeshi Community Association of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon, and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That the request to complete geophysics analysis at the Nutana Pioneer Cemetery be approved;
    2. That City Council delegate its power to approve the alteration, disturbance, restoration, or repair of Nutana Pioneer Cemetery for research purposes to the General Manager, Community Services or their designate; and
    3. That the City Solicitor be instructed to draft the required bylaw.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That a five-year tax abatement, equivalent to 60.67% of the incremental City of Saskatoon, Library and Education property taxes for the development of 1011, 1013 and 1015 Idylwyld Drive North, be approved;
    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; and
    3. That the five-year tax abatement on the incremental taxes be applied to the subject property, commencing the next taxation year which follows the completion of the project.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Supplemental information was provided by the Administration following the September 6, 2023 Standing Policy Committee on Finance meeting.

This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.

Councillor Block introduced the item as Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. Director of Saskatoon Land Long responded to questions of Council.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois
    1. That a lease agreement for 232 and 240 Avenue C North with a five-year term and six-month termination option between the City of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Health Authority be approved as outlined in this report; and
    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.
    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

    Item 11.2.2 was considered next.


    1. That the Property Maintenance Appeal Board, Saskatoon Private Swimming Pools Appeal Board, Environmental Management Appeal Board, Fire Appeal Board, Saskatoon License Appeal Board, Access Transit Appeal Board and City Mortgage Appeal Board be combined into one Appeal Board, with the membership being different than the Board of Revision and maintain the Development Appeals Board as a separate entity (Option 2: Combine All Appeal Boards Established under The Cities Act into One Appeal Board and Maintain the Development Appeals Board as a Separate Appeal Board);
    2. That the Administration report back to City Council through the Governance and Priorities Committee with Terms of Reference for the new Appeal Board that includes seven members and qualifications outlined in this report;
    3. That the compensation provided to members of the new Appeal Board be increased and provided to Appeal Board members on a per meeting basis upon approval of the new Terms of Reference (Option 2: Increase the Compensation Provided to Appeal Board Members and Provide on a Per Meeting Basis);
    4. That the current recruitment strategy remain unchanged;
    5. That the City Solicitor bring forward any required bylaw amendments to implement the new Appeal Board structure;
    6. That the Administration amend all policies as required to implement the new Appeal Board Structure; and
    7. That the Governance Subcommittee be instructed to amend Policy No. C01-003, Appointment to Civic Boards, Commissions, Authorities and Committees to add flexibility to the prohibition against a member participating on more than one board at a time.
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That the 2024 appointments of Deputy Mayor, as described in the report of the City Clerk dated September 13, 2023, and detailed in Appendix 1, be approved.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • That Joshua Delainey be appointed as a civic representative to the Municipal Planning Commission to the end of 2026.

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    1. That all members of City Council be appointed to the Governance and Priorities Committee for 2024; and
    2. That the following appointments of members of City Council to each Standing Policy Committee (SPC) for 2024, be approved:

    SPC on 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 D. Hill

    Councillor S. Gersher

    Councillor D. Kirton

    SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services

    Councillor C. Block

    Councillor T. Davies

    Councillor H. Gough

    Councillor M. Loewen

    Councillor Z. Jeffries

    SPC on Finance

    Councillor C. Block

    Councillor R. Donauer

    Councillor B. Dubois

    Councillor Z. Jeffries

    Councillor D. Kirton

    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The following letters were provided:

  • Submitting Comments
    • Katherine Treen, dated September 4, 2023; 
    • Lana Erickson, dated September 8, 2023; 
    • Wayne Isaac, dated September 10, 2023; 
    • Philippe Bouchard, dated September 14, 2023; and
    • Tyrell Harder, dated September 25, 2023. 
  • Request to Speak
    • Mary Fedun, dated September 25, 2023.

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report. Together with General Manager Community Services Lacroix they responded to questions of Council. 

Council heard from Mary Fedun who also responded to questions of Council. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9921, and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (8)Councillor Davies, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (2)Councillor Hill, and Councillor Donauer
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED (8 to 2)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9921 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (7)Councillor Davies, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (3)Councillor Hill, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Dubois
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED (7 to 3)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9921 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9921 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: (7)Councillor Davies, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
    Against: (3)Councillor Hill, Councillor Donauer, and Councillor Dubois
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED (7 to 3)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That all proper officers of the City of Saskatoon take the appropriate action to carry the said change into effect and have the registered plan affected properly amended.

    In Favour: (10)Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (1)Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

    Item 8.1.4 was considered next. 


City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9922, The Capital Reserve Amendment Bylaw, 2023 (No. 2), and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That Bylaw No. 9922 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9922 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That Bylaw No. 9922 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: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9923, The Traffic Amendment Bylaw, 2023 (No. 3), and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That Bylaw No. 9923 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9923 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9923 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: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.

  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Dubois

    That permission be granted to introduce Bylaw No. 9924, The Fire and Protective Services Amendment Bylaw, 2023, and give same its FIRST reading.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Gersher

    That Bylaw No. 9924 now be read a SECOND time.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Hill

    That permission be granted to have Bylaw No. 9924 read a third time at this meeting.

    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)
  • Moved By:Councillor Block
    Seconded By:Councillor Donauer

    That Bylaw No. 9924 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: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

In accordance with Section 65 of The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 9170, Councillor Donauer provided the following Notice of Motion:

"TAKE NOTICE that I will move the following motion: 

  1. That the Administration report back regarding the planned 2024/2025 contributions to capital/reserves including whether the reserve is funded via the property tax, utility or self-balancing program;
  2. That the Administration report include the implications if a 3% reduction was made to each reserve; and 
  3. That the Administration report include a summary all 2024/2025 capital projects and their funding source.”

A letter submitting comments from Sherry Tarasoff, dated September 25, 2023, was provided.

Councillor Donauer introduced the item and responded to questions of Council. The motion was amended to add "contribution" to part two.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    Seconded By:Councillor Loewen
    1. That the Administration report back regarding the planned 2024/2025 contributions to capital/reserves including whether the reserve is funded via the property tax, utility or self-balancing program;
    2. That the Administration report include the implications if a 3% reduction was made to each reserve contribution; and 
    3. That the Administration report include a summary all 2024/2025 capital projects and their funding source.”
    In Favour: (9)Councillor Hill, Mayor C. Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
    Absent: (2)Councillor Davies, and Councillor Jeffries
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

Councillor Block gave the following Notice of Motion:

"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."

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

No Item Selected