City Council Decisions in Brief
From the March 21, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council
8.1.5 Update on the Saskatoon Minor Football Field Project
Decision
*City Council received the information.
Background
*The report is an update on the 2015 operating season at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the name of the new clubhouse, construction of Phases 1-3, and an update on the Friends of the Bowl Foundation fundraising campaign.
*The Saskatoon Minor Football Field (SMF) at Gordon Howe Park operated from mid-April to mid-November, 2015, for its first very successful full season.
*The Friends of the Bowl Foundation announced the first two phases of construction upgrades to the SMF Field, including the field, lighting, sound system, and clubhouse, will be completed this spring.
*With the construction of the new clubhouse nearing completion, the FOTBF Board has approved the name, Gordie Howe Sports Centre, for the clubhouse.
*The FOTBF has announced the third phase of the upgrade project, which is the plaza and ticket booth. Funding has been secured and the project will be completed this spring.
*The FOTBF has successfully achieved its fundraising goal to complete the three phases of upgrades at SMF Field.
8.2.4 Preliminary Year-End Financial Results
Decision
*City Council resolved:
1) The fuel surplus of $2.441 million not be transferred to the Fuel Stabilization Reserve.
2) The transfer of the Snow Removal and Ice Management Program allowable surplus amount of $0.622 million into the Snow and Ice Management Reserve be approved.
3) The transfer of the preliminary civic surplus of $1.436 million to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve be approved.
Background
*The City has posted a $1.436 million surplus.
*Prior to the external audit of the City’s year-end financial statements, the Administration tables a report with City Council to inform City Council and the public on the preliminary year-end financial results.
8.4.1 Winter City Strategy Preparations
Decision
*City Council received the information.
Background
*In August 2013, City Council adopted the 2013-2023 Strategic Plan. In support of the Quality of Life strategic goal, the Plan specified a set of four-year priorities, including for the City to “provide opportunities for activities in a winter city”.
*There is a growing Winter City movement in North America that is drawing city leaders, community groups and the creative sector together to address specific winter problems as well as developing supportive plans and policies for the vitality of cities in winter.
*Existing City plans and policies already identify many opportunities for improving the local response to winter. Some of these will be acted on immediately as quick-wins in the lead-up to the launch of proposed public engagement to develop a Winter City Strategy in Saskatoon. The strategy will ultimately provide a roadmap for making Saskatoon as vibrant in winter as it is in summer.
9.6.2 The Anti-Bullying Bylaw, 2016
Decision
*City Council passed a motion that the anti-bullying bylaw be referred back to the Administration to review that the school divisions' Boards of Trustees that fall under the purview of the City of Saskatoon be invited to participate in discussions with the Administration and/or City Council with a report back to the Governance and Priorities Committee.
Background
*On February 10, 2014, City Council directed the City Solicitor draft an anti-bullying bylaw. In addition, City Council directed that the Administration consult with community partners and provide it with options respecting education and awareness programs.
*The intent of the Bylaw is to recognize the role of all levels of government and community agencies in combatting bullying and creating a positive environment.
*Highlights of the Bylaw as drafted include:
1. A definition of bullying which means: any unprovoked, repeated and inappropriate comment or conduct by a person which causes, which is intended to cause or which the person ought reasonably to know will cause harm, fear or physical or psychological distress to another person, including:
a) taunting, tormenting, name calling, ridiculing, insulting, mocking and directing slurs towards another person
b) kicking, pushing, hair pulling or pinching another person; and
c) shunning, ostracizing, excluding another person and gossiping or rumour mongering about another person;
2. Prohibitions against bullying in a public place and aiding, abetting or encouraging the bullying of another person;
3. Recognition of the Chief of Police as the authority responsible for enforcement;
4. The requirement that a parent or guardian appear in court with a young person (defined as between the ages of 12 and 18 years) charged under the Bylaw;
5. The ability to participate in mediation to deal with charges as an alternative to the court process; and
6. A definition of “public place” that includes any place to which the public has access as of right or by express or implied invitation. One draft includes schools and school sites in its definition. The other specifically excludes these places except outside of school hours.
9.12.1 Police Commission Report – Evaluation of Adult Services Bylaw
*City Council received the information and granted permission for Chief Weighill to speak to the report which resolved that the Saskatoon Police Service continue to use and enforce Bylaw 9011.
Background
*In October 2015, City Council discussed Proposed Adult Services Licensing Bylaw amendments and resolved, in part, that the Board of Police Commissioners report to City Council regarding an evaluation of how well the bylaw has been working in order to meet its desired objectives from the perspective of the Saskatoon Police Service.
*The Board of Police Commissioners considered a report of the Chief of Police in this regard at its meeting in February 2016 and resolved that the Saskatoon Police Service continue to use and enforce Bylaw 9011, The Adult Services Bylaw and that the report be forwarded to City Council and Chief Weighill speak to the report.