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Council Decisions In Brief For December 17, 2007 Discounted Monthly Bus Passes - Provincial Pilot Project - City Council approved continuing the Discounted Bus Pass Program, and that the discounted bus pass fare be increased from $15 to $20, and that the Ministry of Social Services increase the provincial subsidy from $12 to $18 per pass retroactive to October 2006. The Program will be reviewed annually between Administration and the Ministry of Social Services. 2008 Preliminary Capital Budget -- City Council approved recommendations from the Budget Committee on the 2008 Preliminary Capital Budget. The 2008 capital budget totals almost $218 million in expenditures. Forty percent of the budget will go toward land development projects primarily in the Willowgrove and Hampton Village neighbourhoods. In addition, the budget continues to address the maintenance, replacement and enhancement of the City's existing infrastructure. Purchase of the Barry Hotel -- City Council received a report from Administration regarding the purchase of the Barry Hotel. An environmental assessment was one of the conditions of the proposed purchase of the Barry Hotel. Following a Phase I Environmental Report, the City was not satisfied with the environmental condition of the property and the related costs. As a result, the City did not complete the sale. For information:
For December 3, 2007 2008 Preliminary Capital Budget-- City Council received the 2008 Preliminary Capital Budget, and referred it to the Budget Committee for review at its meeting on December 10, who in turn will refer the budget back to City Council with its recommendations. If approved, the budget totals almost $218 million in expenditures. Forty percent of the budget will go toward land development projects primarily in the Willowgrove and Hampton Village neighbourhoods. In addition, the budget continues to address the maintenance, replacement and enhancement of the City's existing infrastructure. Some other highlights include the continued construction at River Landing Phase II ($8.6 million); water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades ($44 million); and the design and land purchase of the new police facility ($5 million in 2008; total project cost $91 million by 2013). While no capital funding is planned in 2008 for the south river crossing, it is the City's highest priority transportation capital project over the next four to five years at a total estimated cost of just over $299 million.
Permit Program for Veteran Parking-- City Council approved the recommendation that the Veteran Parking Permit Program replace free metered parking to all vehicles with veteran's license plates. The Program's criteria includes: eligibility only to those who have served overseas in WWI, WWII, the Korean War as a member of the Canadian Forces, or a member of an allied force; or was in the Merchant Navy, Ferry Command or United Nations Peacekeepers. The Program also allows one non-transferable permit per veteran, valid only to the maximum time of the parking meter; not valid in off-street metered parking lots; and the vehicle must be registered to a veteran residing within a 30 km radius of Saskatoon. This Program was reviewed by veterans who support the criteria. Transit Fare Increases - City Council approved that Transit fares increase, effective January 1, 2008. The fares are lower than the average of 11 other cities. The increases for cash fares are: $2.50 for adults/seniors/post secondary students (up from $2.25); $1.90 for students (up from $1.70). For monthly transit passes, the costs are: $68.00 for adults/post secondary students (up from $61.00); $20.00 for seniors (up from $18.00); $48.00 for students (up from $44.00). Transit operating costs are projected to increase in 2008, and the increase will help offset those costs. For further information: For November 19, 2007 Condo Conversions-- City Council approved that the Condo Approvals Policy be amended so that tenants receive six months' notice of any conversion; during that period, no construction or renovations which is disruptive to the tenants shall be done; and no rent increases shall take effect (and if it does, then the six months' notice period would begin again). The amendments also state that where a building has been vacated or substantially vacated prior to submission of the condo conversion application, the application shall not be considered for 12 months. Proposed Occupancy Permits-City Council approved in principle, that an occupancy permit be obtained prior to the occupancy of new construction, or partial occupancy while construction is occurring in new or existing buildings. The Administration was directed to develop the formal implementation process (including consultations with representatives from the industry). Future-Use Options for the 50-Metre Pool at Harry Bailey - City Council approved the recommendation that the 50-metre pool at the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre continue to operate as an aquatic space once the Shaw Centre is fully operational. Administration will also re-create and expand the use of both the 50-metre and 25-metre pool spaces and report back in one year on the projected usage and revised operating costs. Proclamations - For further information:
Provincial Pilot Project - Discounted Monthly Bus Passes - City Council passed a motion to inform the Province that the City will no longer administer the Discounted Monthly Bus Pass Program after January 1, 2008, but that the City will continue to provide the Leisure Card to participants of the program should the Province continue with the program on its own. City Council also committed to continuing negotiations with the next Provincial Government, with a commitment to continuing the discounted bus pass program. Purchase of the Barry Hotel -- City Council approved a report from Administration that the City of Saskatoon purchase the Barry Hotel. The purchase price is $800,000, with the City taking possession after all conditions have been met, on April 30, 2008. Direct Sale of Parcel "A" River Landing Phase II -- City Council approved the recommendation that Administration negotiate the direct sale of Parcel "A" (Avenue C and 19th Street, across from the Farmers' Market) to the Prairie Ecovillage Development Corporation (PEDCO). PEDCO proposes to build an ecovillage, which is a mixed-use development allowing residents "to live more lightly on the earth." Saskatoon Waste and Recycling Plan - City Council adopted the Saskatoon Waste and Recycling Plan and directed the Administration to develop and report back on an implementation strategy. The Plan reflects a balance between various waste management options, all aimed at minimizing the impact that waste has on the environment. 2008 Property Tax Discount - City Council approved the discount rate of 1.125% for the prepayment of 2008 property taxes on or before January 31, 2008. Historically, the City has offered prepayment discounts to encourage the early payment of property taxes. Proclamations - For further information:
Store Hours Bylaw - City Council passed a motion instructing the City Solicitor to bring forward a bylaw to repeal the current store hours bylaw. Condo Conversions - City Council reviewed proposed amendments to the Condominium Conversion Policy. City Council supported increasing the notice period for tenants from three to six months, but requested the Administration to re-write the policy in accordance with their discussion and report to the Executive Committee. Proclamations - For further information: For October 9, 2007 Store Hours Bylaw - City Council deferred for two weeks (until the next City Council meeting on October 22) a report recommending that the existing store hours bylaw (passed in 1991) be repealed because it is out of date, and either be replaced with a new bylaw or leave retail store hours unregulated. The current bylaw was passed under the Urban Municipalities Act, 1984 but the City is now legislated by The Cities Act. The existing store hours bylaw has outdated concepts and definitions, and due to the passage of time and the change in provincial legislation, it is recommended that it be changed. Confederation Drive Area Flooding Remediation -- City Council approved the recommendation that the Administration commence design and construction of two projects to help remediate both surface and sanitary sewer flooding in the Confederation Drive area. The first project is a storm water retention pond located in the east portion of Charlottetown Park at an estimated cost of $1.15 million. The second project is a buried sanitary sewage holding tank located near the intersection of Confederation Drive and Laurier Drive at an estimated cost of $2.7 million. City staff will prepare the design of the storm retention pond, with construction expected to begin this fall. A consultant will be hired to prepare the design of the sanitary sewage holding tank, with construction to start as soon as the design can be completed. Proclamations - For further information:
River Landing Parcel "Y" - City Council approved the recommendation to proceed to detailed negotiations with Lake Placid Investments Inc. for the sale and development of Parcel "Y" River Landing, Phase I. The proposal received from Lake Placid indicates acceptance of the $4.765 million sale price and outlines a $125 million development including new residential, retail, restaurant, plaza, offices, boutique hotel, and underground parking. Snow and Ice Program - Sidewalk Clearing Non-Compliance - City Council approved amendments to the Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw. The amendments will include all residential and commercial sidewalks, and that snow and ice need to be removed from sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall in most locations. For the first year, tickets will not be issued if the snow/ice is not removed in time, but if the City receives a complaint, the City would remove the snow/ice at the expense of the homeowner (the cost will be added on to the homeowner's property tax). Snow and Ice Program - Snow Routes -- City Council approved that the Traffic Bylaw be amended to include temporary snow route 'no parking' bans. The snow route 'no parking' bans would be in effect for 72 hours on Priority 1 and some Priority 2 streets for the 2007/2008 season. Snow route parking bans improve snow clearing efficiency, as snow clearing equipment does not have to manoeuvre around parked cars. A snow route 'no parking' ban would be declared after a major snow event, and vehicle owners would have eight hours to remove their vehicle from the street, and they could not park there until 72 hours later (or earlier if the street has been cleared). A multimedia campaign would inform the public that no parking along those routes would be in effect. Failure to remove a parked car could result in a ticket and/or towing of the vehicle, and/or impounding of the vehicle at the owner's expense. City Council also approved that snow route 'no parking' bans be phased in on the remaining Priority 2 and 3 streets over the next three years, beginning in fall 2008. If the temporary parking bans do not achieve the satisfactory compliance to help snow crews achieve their service goal of clearing the streets in 72 hours, permanent parking bans could be implemented. Proclamations - For further information:
August 17/19 Storm Events - City Council received a report from Administration about the August 17/19 storm events. The first storm brought almost 60 mm of rain, and the second storm brought almost 50 mm of rain. Preliminary analysis indicates that the most effective way to reduce surface flooding is by constructing storm water retention ponds; and to reduce surcharging of the sewer system, sewage retention tanks may be constructed. Cost estimates and detailed designs will be prepared, and once complete, they will be submitted with options to City Council. 2006 Municipal Elections - Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Expenses-- City Council received a report from the City Clerk in regard to campaign contributions and expenses, and referred it to the Executive Committee to consider possible amendments to the Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw based on the experiences of the 2006 elections. After careful consideration and consultation with independent legal counsel, it was decided that charges would not be brought against the two candidates who did not file audited statements of contributions and expenses, because it was not in the public's interest to prosecute since the bylaw was new, there was substantial compliance, most of the breaches were inadvertent, and the bylaw did achieve its goal of transparency and awareness. Proclamations- For further information: Jill Cope Snow and Ice Program - City Council approved the recommendations that the Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw be amended to include all residential and commercial sidewalks, and that snow and ice need to be removed within 48 hours after a snowfall in most locations (there are nine areas currently identified in the Bylaw that must clear snow/ice within 24 hours, such as high foot traffic areas around shopping malls and business areas). City Council also approved that only warnings, and not fines, be issued during the first year for non-compliance with the bylaw, and that the Administration report back in one year on the effectiveness of the new bylaw. The report also acknowledged that snow/ice clearing within 48 hours may be a hardship for the elderly or people with disabilities, and has suggested options of non-profit agencies for hire by homeowners, as well as 'neighbours helping neighbours' to clear the snow. Community Engagement Strategy for the Whitewater Park Proposal-City Council approved a report recommending that the Administration proceed with community engagement to determine the level of interest for a whitewater recreation facility in Saskatoon. Two open houses will be held in late September to inform the public and gather input (September 22 at the Weir; September 27 at the Kelsey Campus-more details will be promoted in the upcoming weeks). The feedback from the community consultations, along with the operation and design criteria developed by civic staff for the Terms of Reference for the functional design study, will then be presented to City Council in October 2007. Proclamations- For further information: For July 16, 2007 Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee -- City Council approved a report that a Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee be established commencing January 1, 2008, and that the temporary advisory committee continue until December 31, 2007. The committee, under the revised terms of reference, would work towards improving accessibility to City of Saskatoon services, facilities, and infrastructure. Pleasant Hill Revitalization Concept Plan -- City Council endorsed the concept plan for the revitalization of Pleasant Hill. The report also instructs Administration to develop sites in the area and report back on the terms of reference for the Expression of Interest and Request for Proposal for the disbursement of those sites. Smoking Outside of Civic Buildings - City Council approved a smoking ban for civic buildings, and requests that Boards be requested to adopt similar policies for their buildings (such as the Library, the Police Station, Credit Union Centre, Mendel Art Gallery, and TCU Place). The policy recommends that for main entrances to civic buildings, provided there is sufficient room available, a smoking ban distance of nine metres from the main entrance be established. For secondary entrances with sufficient room, a smoking ban of six metres is recommended. Proclamations - For further information: For June 25, 2007 EOI Selection and RFP for River Landing Parcel "Y" -- City Council approved a report from Administration selecting Lake Placid Investments Inc. and WAM Group GP Inc/Concorde Group Corporation to proceed to the Request for Proposal stage for the development River Landing Parcel "Y". These two submissions were received as part of the Expression of Interest stage, and both demonstrated the vision, land-use mix, scale, and financial capacity to proceed to the RFP stage. The RFP will be issued within days, with a deadline of between eight to ten weeks. June 17 Rain Storm - Provincial Disaster Assistance Program -- City Council approved the recommendation that the City apply to the Province to be designated an eligible assistance area for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program for the damage from the rain storm of June 17. The Program covers uninsurable damage (such as seepage) to individual properties. The Province needs to decide whether the heavy rainfall event qualifies the City's residents for disaster relief. The City should know soon if it is eligible and how citizens can then apply for assistance. Request for Taxicab Fee Increase - City Council approved the recommendation for an increase in metered taxi fares. The increase is being required to meet the rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and vehicle replacement, and address driver recruitment and retention. Some of the proposed fee increases: Flag (start amount) $3.50, then $0.10 for the first 66 metres or portion thereof (currently the flag amount is $3.20, then $0.10 for the first 72 metres or portion thereof); $0.10 for each additional 66 metres (currently it is $0.10 for each additional 72 metres); and accessible taxies to have a $17 minimum charge (currently it is $15). The changes will take effect July 1, 2007. Proclamations For further information: For June 11, 2007 Automated Garbage Collection Trial Conversion -- City Council approved a one-year trial conversion from automated back lane garbage collection to automated individual containers for all residences in Riversdale, starting in August. Five city neighbourhoods have already been converted to individual container collection, which has resulted in cleaner back lanes, less vandalism and garbage container fires, and less disposal of unacceptable waste. The Riversdale community had been consulted about this trial and of those who responded, 74% were in favour of the individual container program. The conversion will be evaluated in one year's time. Neighbourhood Walkway Review -- City Council approved a report from Administration that 19 walkways identified in the report be declared essential walkways (thereby making them exempt from requests for closure), and approved that the Administration continue with public consultations on the overall walkway closure process/policy and report back at an appropriate time. Walkways provide linkages within and between neighbourhoods. However, some walkways provide less service for pedestrians and can be the subject of vandalism, garbage, and general nuisance, which in turn affects neighbouring homeowners. As part of the Walkway Closure Policy review, essential walkways are seen as providing an essential service to the public and cannot be considered for closure. Proclamations
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