SPC Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Decisions in Brief
7.2.1 Service Saskatoon – April 2016 Progress Report
Decision
*The Committee received the information.
Background
*Service Saskatoon was officially launched on April 6, 2016.
*A new CRM system is the technology centerpiece of the new model and supports the Systems pillar. It will help the City manage citizen requests and inquiries more efficiently and effectively. As part of the Service Saskatoon launch, five water and sewer services within Public Works have been identified to be the introductory pilot services for citizens to experience the CRM model.
*Administration is repurposing an existing software solution to provide an improved citizen experience. Since the concept of 311 was first launched, mobile technology has advanced and made it easier for consumers to access online self-services. The temporary CRM will reduce duplication of incidents and provide the ability to create a unique number to track the status and completion of work. Citizens will be able to request these services by phone or by completing an easy-to-use online form.
*Citizen input is key to accomplishing the City’s goal. The Administration will create more opportunities for citizens to shape the design of the City’s services including the opportunity to participate in a new Citizen Advisory Panel.
*The Administration will begin work to add five more water and sewer services to the CRM model. Additional services will continue to be added and will be based in large part on citizen input and priorities.
7.2.2 Water Conservation Update – Response to Environmental Advisory Committee Report – April 2016
Decision
*The committee recommended to City Council:
1. That a rebate program for indoor plumbing fixtures be considered in the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations as part of the Utility Business Line;
2. That the Administration continue to develop protocols for outdoor watering schedules based on annual monitoring of peak demand at the Water Treatment Plant;
3. That the Administration report back on how the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system will encourage water conservation; and
4. That the ‘Be Water Wise’ campaign continue and a plan for 2017 - 2019 be developed for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations as part of the Utility Business Line.
Background
*Inefficient water fixtures have been largely eliminated from the marketplace.
*Toilet rebate programs have demonstrated water conservation in other jurisdictions.
*The effectiveness of outdoor water schedules at reducing water consumption varies depending on purpose and length of the restriction.
*A water monitoring program is being implemented through the AMI system and will be deployed within the next five years.
*Civic water conservation programs include the ‘Be Water Wise’ campaign, as well as internal water-saving practises.
7.2.7 Energy Efficient Building Standards in New Dwelling Construction
Decision
*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council.
Background
*The report is in response to an inquiry made at the September 28, 2015 City Council meeting, related to how other municipalities administer energy efficiency standards regarding new dwelling construction and the effectiveness of energy rating programs versus building code regulation.
*With the exception of Vancouver, which is a charter city and is granted different powers from what other communities have under British Columbia’s Local Government Act, energy efficient building standards are regulated through provincial adoption of the building code and then administered through a local municipality’s building permit program.
*Energy rating and labelling programs are tools used to evaluate and rate a home’s energy performance. These programs also encourage industry to use more comprehensive building practices that go beyond minimum code requirements, in order to achieve energy efficient performance.
*Ontario legislates advanced energy targets in correlation with updates to the building code. The advanced energy targets are legislated in a five-year cycle to provide industry time to learn the upcoming energy requirements and for supporting code to be developed.
*Building energy efficiency performance gains for new dwelling construction in Saskatoon can be achieved through collaborative partnerships, energy rating and labelling programs, capacity building programs, and incentives. By way of a working group, work has started on this initiative.
7.2.9 City Compost Depots – Award of Contract – Consulting Advisor, Equipment and Operators
Decision
*The committee recommended City Council approve the proposal submitted by Wozniak and Sons Enterprises Ltd. to provide a consulting advisor, equipment and operators for a total cost of $260,810.00 (including taxes).
Background
*A Request for Proposal was advertised on January 8, 2016, seeking an experienced contractor to provide a consulting advisor, equipment and operators for the two City Compost Depots.
*Of the five proposals received, Wozniak and Sons Enterprises Ltd. was determined to be the most favourable.
7.2.10 Solar Power Addition at the Landfill Gas Power Generation Facility – Award of Contract for Solar Photovoltaic System
Decision
*The committee recommended City Council approve the proposal submitted by Rock Paper Sun Ltd. for the supply of a 27 kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic System for a total cost of $152,725.65 (including taxes).
Background
*At its meeting in October, 2015, City Council resolved that the City Solicitor prepare a Memorandum of Agreement with the SESSC for the co-ownership of the Solar PV Demonstration Site. Administration stated it would follow up with a recommendation for award of a contract to the successful proponent for supply and installation of the solar power system.
7.2.12 Surface Flooding Control Strategy for the Storm Water Utility
Decision
*The committee recommended to City Council that Administration develop a comprehensive Storm Water Utility Business Plan, including a longer-term capital and funding plan for storm water infrastructure, that considers the factors outlined in the report; and
1. That the Administration explore:
a) alternate funding sources for Riverbank stabilization
b) the possibility of reducing the temporary flood protection levy and report back about both items;
2. That the Administration concurrently meet with affected residents to provide an update and further discuss options in the report as well as possible interim/short-term solutions; and
3. That the City consider offering same solution for the affected property owners experiencing flooding in top 3 priority areas as we are currently offering for St. Mary's Church.
Background
*The storm water system in Saskatoon is designed to utilize combinations of pipe and surface storage and conveyance. In neighbourhoods constructed after 1989, design changes were implemented to ensure surface storm water flow paths drained to designed low areas, often ponds, to reduce the risk of property damage. However, many areas in Saskatoon constructed before 1989 were not designed with the same provision; therefore, some residents are concerned about property damage as a result of a major rain event. To add to the problem, Saskatoon has received more precipitation in the last decade than any other similar period dating back to 1900. This precipitation has led to an increase in ground water elevation which has caused a higher level of saturation.