PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Monday, July 19, 2021 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Via Teleconference Hosted in the Council Chamber, Saskatoon City Hall

PRESENT:

• Councillor B. Dubois, Chair
• His Worship Mayor C. Clark
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor S. Gersher
• Councillor H. Gough
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• Councillor M. Loewen

ABSENT:

• Councillor T. Davies

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Committee Assistant J. Hudson

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis People.  Roll call was taken.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That the following emails be added to Item 6.1:
     • Comments from Carmen Hamm, Picaro Cocktails & Tacos / Cohen's Beer Republic, dated July 18, 2021;
     • Comments from Carla Scharback, Anthology Home Collection, dated July 18, 2021;
     • Request to speak from Randy Pshebylo, Riversdale BID, dated July 19, 2021; 
  2. That Item 7.1 be withdrawn; 
  3. That the request to speak from Andrew Knorr, Saskatoon Rowing Club, dated July 16, 2021, be added to Item 8.1.3; 
  4. That the request to speak from Sherry Tarasoff, dated July 16, 2021, be added to Item 9.1; 
  5. That the matters with speakers be considered following adoption of the minutes:
     • Item 6.1 - Randy Pshebylo
     • Item 8.1.3 - Andrew Knorr
     • Item 8.1.4 - Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte
     • Item 9.1 - Sherry Tarasoff; and
  6. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the minutes of the following Governance and Priorities Committee meetings be adopted:

  • regular meeting held June 21, 2021; and
  • special/joint meeting held June 23, 2021
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

6.1

Erroneous Property Tax Assessments and Property Tax Collection Policies (CK 1625-1)

A letter dated June 30, 2021 from Shane Biehn, Chair of the Riversdale Business Improvement District Board of Management, with respect to the above, was provided, along with the following:

• Comments from Carmen Hamm, Picaro Cocktails & Tacos / Cohen's Beer Republic, dated July 18, 2021;
• Comments from Carla Scharback, Anthology Home Collection, dated July 18, 2021; and
• Request to speak from Randy Pshebylo, Executive Director, Riversdale BID, dated July 19, 2021

City Manager Jorgenson introduced the matter.

Randy Pshebylo spoke to concerns and suggestions on behalf of the Riversdale Business Improvement District membership. 

The Administration answered questions of Committee. 

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Administration report back on the concerns / recommendations identified in the Riversdale Business Improvement District correspondence dated June 30, 2021, as well as the feasibility of establishing a permanent 4-year assessment phase-in policy.  Please indicate what components are legislated provincially and which the City of Saskatoon has the authority to change without requesting changes in the legislation.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Mayor Clark
  1. That the Administration report back on the mass appraisal system and where potential reforms could be made which would improve the perception of the system's transparency, fairness, and predictability for property owners; and
  2. That the City work with SUMA / City Mayors Caucus / SAMA to investigate and propose policy reforms to the property assessment system in Saskatchewan.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Councillor Kirton
  1. That the Administration be directed to report back by the August 2021 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, the financial impact and where funding would come from to reduce the non-pay penalty by 50% on property taxes for properties whose assessments rose by 70% or more as a result of reassessment; and
  2. That the report also include where such funding would come from and the differing impact of reducing penalties on all tax increases and those whose are above 70%.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
• Moved By: Councillor Block
  1. That the Administration report back on options to gather community input on assessment phase-in; and
  2. That the Administration report back on options to better communicate to residents and businesses earlier, about upcoming changes to assessment.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 8.1.3 was considered next.

  
  

6.2

Motion – Councillor M. Loewen - Identifying and Addressing Systemic Barriers (CK 4500-1 x 100-26 x 372-1)

The City Clerk reported that at its May 17, 2021 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee considered a report (Item 8.2.2) responding to the above, and resolved in part to share it with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee.

A letter dated July 12, 2021 from Bill Lehne, Chair of the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee, was provided.

Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer Anger answered questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That the correspondence be attached to the existing file.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.

REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

7.1

The North Mile

An email dated June 22, 2021, from Sandra Lanr was provided.

Pursuant to earlier resolution, this item was withdrawn.

8.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

8.1

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Block

  That the reports contained in Items 8.1.1. to 8.1.7. be received as information. 

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.1.1

Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CK 1860-1 x 1702-1)

A report from the Administration was provided.

Kari Smith, Director of Finance, presented the report and answered questions, along with General Manager, Community Service Division Lacroix.

8.1.2

2020 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability (CK 430-75)

A report from the Administration was provided.

Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer Anger presented the report.

Item 8.1.5 was considered next.

8.1.3

River Use Boating Safety Program (CK 5520-1 x 1860-1)

A report of the Fire Chief was provided, along with a request to speak from Andrew Knorr, Saskatoon Rowing Club, dated July 16, 2021.

Assistant Chief, Staff Development and Safety, Anthony Tataryn presented the report. 

Andrew Knorr spoke in support of a boater safety program, providing suggestions for how to improve safety on the river for non-motorized users.

• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That the Administration report back in Q1 2022 on the results of the River Use Boating Safety Program and any data collected on river use incidents and data from partners relating to river safety enforcement; that this report include recommendations for future safety education, strategic opportunities for improved signage, and enforcement demands.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The meeting recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:40 a.m.

  
  

8.1.4

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit Report (CK 100-10)

A report from the Administration was provided, along with a request to speak dated July 14, 2021 from Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte.

Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Melissa Cote, introduced the report. 

The following videos, created by the consultants Hope Restored Canada, were presented:

• Her Indigenous Sheros: https://youtu.be/nf4qpaXkdLM
• City of Saskatoon Video Presentation 2021 IWG2S “Coming Home” Report: https://youtu.be/EpfJBOzj0ZA

Gwen Dueck and Marilyn Poitras, Project Team Leads were in attendance.

Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, Co-Chair of Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik (Women Walking Together) - member of the MMIWG2S Advisory Group, spoke to the final report. 

The Administration and Consultants responded to questions of Committee. 

The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.  Item 9.1 was considered next.

8.1.5

Return to the Workplace Plan and Resumption of In-Person Meetings (CK 270-7)

A report of the City Clerk was provided.

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report and answered questions of Committee, along with other members of the Administration. 

8.1.6

Delegation of Internal Head Duties – Access to Information Requests - The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (CK 4510-1)

A report of the City Clerk was provided.

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report and answered questions of Committee.

8.1.7

Council Communications and Constituency Relations Allowance - Update to June 30, 2021 (CK 230-4)

A report of the City Clerk was provided.

The meeting recessed at 3:05 p.m. and reconvened at 3:20 p.m.

8.2

Approval Reports

8.2.1

Release of Cremated Remains into the River (CK 4080-1)

A report from the Administration was provided.

General Manager, Community Services Division Lacroix introduced the matter.

Konrad Andre, Operations Manager, Parks Department, presented the report and answered questions of Committee.  

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That the scattering of cremated remains into the South Saskatchewan River, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Division dated July 19, 2021, be permitted;
  2. That the Community Services Division be requested to draft guidelines respecting the scattering of cremated remains into the river; and
  3. That work continue respecting the possibility of identifying and constructing a permanent, dedicated location for the scattering of cremated remains.
  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.3

Decision Reports

Item 12.2.1 was considered next.

9.

MOTIONS (notice previously given)

9.1

Mayor C. Clark – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) (CK 5615-1)

The City Clerk reported that at the June 21, 2021, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, 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.'"

A request to speak from Sherry Tarasoff, dated July 16, 2021, was provided.

Mayor Clark introduced his motion.  

Sherry Tarasoff spoke to Committee respecting the City's response to the TRC's Calls to Action to date related to UNDRIP.

• Moved By: Mayor Clark

  That City Administration report back to the Governance and Priorities Committee on the process and implications for adopting and implementing UNDRIP for the City of Saskatoon.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 6.2 was considered next.

  
  

10.

GIVING NOTICE

11.

URGENT BUSINESS

12.

VERBAL UPDATES

12.1

Council Members - His Worship the Mayor, FCM/SUMA, Boards, Committees and Commissions

12.2

Administration

12.2.1

Covid-19 Update (CK 270-7)

General Manager, Community Services Division Lacroix provided an update on the status of the City's leisure facilities and programming following removal of restrictions related to the provincial public health order. 

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Gersher

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

  
  

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

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The public meeting recessed at 3:35 p.m.

  
  

13.1

Resignation & Appointment - Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee (CK 175-9)

[In Camera - Consultations/Deliberations; Personal Information - Sections 16(1)(b)and (d) and 28 LAFOIP]

13.2

Resignation - Downtown Business Improvement District Board of Management (CK 175-48)

[In Camera - Consultations/Deliberations; Personal Information - Sections 16(1)(b)and (d) and 28 LAFOIP]

13.3

Verbal Updates

13.3.1

Council Members - His Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee (if required)

13.3.2

Administration

13.3.2.1

City Manager

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

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 3:38 p.m. with the following in attendance via teleconference: 

• All Committee members, except Councillor Davies
• City Manager Jorgenson and Members of the Executive Leadership Team
• Acting Fire Chief Raymer

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 4:19 p.m. and reconvened publicly immediately thereafter to reports as follows:

Agenda Item 13.1 - Resignation - Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee (CK 175-9)

Moved By: Councillor Gersher

That the submitted documentation and discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

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

CARRIED UANIMOUSLY

Agenda Item 13.2 - Resignation - Downtown Business Improvement District Board of Management (CK 175-48)

Moved By: Councillor Gersher

1. That the submitted letter from Brent Penner, Executive Director, Downtown Saskatoon, dated June 28, 2021, be received as information and appended to the public minutes; and
2. That the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

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

CARRIED UANIMOUSLY 

Agenda Item 13.3.2.1 - Verbal Updates - Administration

Moved By: Councillor Gersher

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

CARRIED UANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.