Planning, Development & Community Services Decisions in Brief
From the May 30, 2016 Meeting
7.1.9 Landscape Design and Development Standards for Parks and Open Space
Decision
*Committee received the report as information and asked Administration to report back on feedback from residents plus housing, industrial and commercial industries and developers.
Background
*The construction of parks and open spaces that require irrigation and a high level of maintenance have become common in the city’s new subdivisions/neighbourhoods. This has contributed to increased pressures on the environmental and financial sustainability of parks and open spaces.
*Implementation of renewed Landscape Design and Development Standards (LDDS) is one of many continuous improvement initiatives identified during the 2014 Parks Maintenance and Design Civic Service Review. Since 2014, the Parks Division has been working towards implementation of a number of initiatives to ensure that required long-term maintenance services can be provided in a safe, efficient, cost–effective, and environmentally responsible manner.
*LDDS will provide formalized landscape design standards and well-defined approval processes, as identified and recommended in the Master Plan.
*LDDS is intended to be a dynamic document that outlines reasonable minimum and maximum parameters of park and open space design and development, as well as a mandatory landscape design review process. The standards will be a continuous improvement tool used by the Parks Division.
7.1.11 Saskatoon Fire Department Purchase of Used Platform for Mobile Command Vehicle
Decision
*The Committee received the report as information.
Background
*The current Mobile Command unit is no longer practical for its intended use.
*After extensive research, it has been determined that the best option is to retrofit a used Class A motorhome, designing and equipping it to be sustainable for many years to come.
*The purchase price of the used platform is $126,000 (taxes included). Additional funds will be required to retrofit the unit in accordance with identified needs.
*It is expected the unit will be complete and ready for use early in 2017.
7.2.5 City Centre Plan Phase 4: Civic Precinct Master Plan Project Update
Decision
*The Committee is forwarding the report to City Council for information.
Background
*The Civic Precinct study area encompasses approximately five city blocks, centred on City Hall.
*The purpose of the Civic Precinct Master Plan is to define a new Civic Precinct area and improve the quality, character, and cohesiveness of the public realm in the Civic Precinct.
*The timing and preparation of this Plan considers several proposed projects and initiatives that will have a significant impact on the public realm within the Civic Precinct over the long term.
*The Plan will be divided into two phases. Phase one consists of background analysis and stakeholder engagement, and phase two consists of detailed design and plan development.
*The Plan will result in a priority list of, and phased approach for, improvement projects for the public realm within the Civic Precinct.
7.2.6 Vacant Lot and adaptive Reuse Incentive Program – Gardens as an Interim Use
Decision
*The Committee is recommending to City Council that the proposed amendments to the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program Policy No. C09-035 be approved.
Background
*The purpose of this report is to amend the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse (VLAR) Incentive Program to add incentives for gardens on vacant lots as an interim use.
*The Administration recommends the VLAR Program be amended to include incentives for garden plots on vacant land as an interim use.
*The incentive will be in the form of a cash grant equal to 50% of the annual value of the municipal property taxes to a maximum of $500 per year for residential properties, and $1,200 per year for non-residential sites, for up to five years.
*Non-profit organizations may have on-site sales of produce in residential areas in compliance with the garage sale provisions of the Zoning Bylaw No. 8770.
*The establishment of a garden on a vacant lot will not affect the opportunity for future incentives under the VLAR Program when the lot becomes developed.
*Communication with the stakeholder group will continue as a means to identify additional opportunities to support urban agriculture and local food.
7.2.7 Redevelopment of the South Caswell Transit Facility Site
Decision
*The Committee resolved:
1. That the report be forwarded to City Council for information;
2. That Administration report further to the Committee on:
(a) a revised concept plan and timing;
(b) a funding strategy and the phasing of the redevelopment of the South Caswell Transit Facility Site by the end of 2016 or as soon as practical; and
(c) safety and security measures that will be implemented as soon as the South Caswell Transit Facility site is vacated.
Background
*An Expression of Interest has demonstrated there is interest in the South Caswell area from the development community in Saskatoon.
*There is considerable site preparation costs associated with the area development project. At the same time, there are significant opportunities and community expectations associated with redevelopment.
*Next steps in the process include community engagement in a renewed concept plan process, preparation of detailed site improvement plans and funding sources, and a plan for the marketing and sale of the land. Alternate procurement methods will be explored.