City Council Minutes

Tuesday, April 04, 2023

9:30 A.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall

Present:

• A. Sohi, 
• T. Cartmell, 
• S. Hamilton, 
• M. Janz, 
• A. Knack, 
• A. Paquette, 
• K. Principe, 
• J. Rice, 
• E. Rutherford, 
• A. Salvador, 
• A. Stevenson, 
• K. Tang, 
• and J. Wright 

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1.

Call to Order and Related Business

1.1

Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement

Mayor A. Sohi called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023, and acknowledged that City Council meets on the traditional land of Treaty 6 Territory. The Chair also acknowledged the diverse Indigenous peoples whose ancestors' footsteps have marked this territory for centuries such as: Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, as well as Metis and Inuit, and now settlers from around the world.

1.2

Roll Call

Mayor A. Sohi conducted roll call and confirmed the attendance of Members of City Council.

C. Owen, Acting City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, M. de Guzman and E. Norton, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: S. Hamilton
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the April 4, 2023, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

  Addition:

  • 9.1 Contract Update
    (Private pursuant to sections 24 and 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

  Replacement report:

  • 10. Motions Pending
    - 10.3 Council Advisors for Advisory Committees - Roles and Responsibilities (J. Rice)

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.4

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the minutes from the following meetings be approved:

  • March 13, 2023, City Council Public Hearing
  • March 14/15, 2023, City Council

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.5

Protocol Items

1.5.1

Blatchford wins CHBA-Edmonton Region’s Best New Community Award (A. Steveson)

Councillor A. Stevenson, on behalf of City Council, recognized the Blatchford community receiving top honours being named Best New Community by the Canadian Home Builders' Association - Edmonton Region at their 2023 Awards of Excellence in Housing.

1.5.2

Holy Cross School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 class from Holy Cross School in Ward Nakota Isga and their teacher, B. Mantey-Annor.

1.5.3

Aurora Charter School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed students from Aurora Charter School in Ward Anirniq and their teacher, C. Wishard.

2.

Items for Discussion and Related Business

2.1

Select Items for Debate

The following items were selected for debate: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6 and 9.1.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 5.1 Advisory Committees of Council (Policy Review)
  • 7.1 Joint Use Agreement: Land Review - Update
  • 7.2 Residential Tenants and Mobile Home-owners - Provincial Requirements and Standard
  • 7.3 Edmonton Arts Council – Grants and Investments for Organizations 2023

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

2.3

Requests to Speak

There were no Requests to Speak.

2.4

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

There were no requests for items to be dealt with at a specific time on the agenda.

2.5

Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the following Bylaws be read a first time:

  • 8.5 Bylaw 20436 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, Transportation: Planning and Design – Growth
  • 8.7 Bylaw 20442 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance City Operations Project, Landfill Gas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
  • 8.8 Bylaw 20374 - Amendments to Bylaw 20002 Designated Driver Service Updates
  • 8.9 Bylaw 20367 - Omnibus Amendment To Business Licence Bylaw 20002

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the following Bylaws be read a second time:

  • 8.8 Bylaw 20374 - Amendments to Bylaw 20002 Designated Driver Service Updates
  • 8.9 Bylaw 20367 - Omnibus Amendment To Business Licence Bylaw 20002

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the following Bylaws be considered for third reading:

  • 8.8 Bylaw 20374 - Amendments to Bylaw 20002 Designated Driver Service Updates
  • 8.9 Bylaw 20367 - Omnibus Amendment To Business Licence Bylaw 20002

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the following Bylaws be read a third time:

  • 8.8 Bylaw 20374 - Amendments to Bylaw 20002 Designated Driver Service Updates
  • 8.9 Bylaw 20367 - Omnibus Amendment To Business Licence Bylaw 20002

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

3.

Councillor Inquiries

3.1

Council Advisors for Advisory Committees - Roles and Responsibilities (J. Rice)

Can Administration provide a report to Council Services Committee summarizing roles and responsibilities of Council Advisors for Advisory Committees and a list of all Council appointments to all city and external agencies, Council members only, not public members, identifying which are decision making versus advisory, non-voting appointments?

Due Date: May 10, 2023, Council Services Committee

4.

Reports to be Dealt with at a Different Meeting

There were no Reports to be Dealt with at a Different Meeting.

5.

Requests to Reschedule Reports

5.1

Advisory Committees of Council (Policy Review)

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That the revised due date of June 13, 2023, City Council, for the Office of the City Clerk report OCC00580, Advisory Committees of Council (Policy Review), be approved.

Due Date: June 13, 2023, City Council

6.

Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business on the agenda.

7.

Public Reports

7.1

Joint Use Agreement: Land Review - Update

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter after the provincial election to advocate to the Government of Alberta to host a joint meeting between the school boards, school councils, and City Council to discuss the Joint Use Agreement and any improvements that can be made.

7.2

Residential Tenants and Mobile Home-owners - Provincial Requirements and Standards

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Government of Alberta requesting an exploration of additional supports for mobile home tenants via amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.

7.3

Edmonton Arts Council – Grants and Investments for Organizations 2023

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That the funding recommendations, as listed in Attachment 1 of the March 20, 2023, Edmonton Arts Council report EXT01780, be approved.

8.

Bylaws

8.1

Bylaw 20421 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance City Operations Project, LRV Replacements

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• A. Laughlin, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• G. Cebryk, Deputy City Manager, City Operations

• Moved by: A. Sohi
  Seconded by: A. Knack

  That Bylaw 20421 be read a first time.

  In Favour (11)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, and J. Wright
  Opposed (2)	J. Rice, and K. Principe

  Carried (11 to 2)

8.2

Bylaw 20392 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, Climate Resilient City Facility Upgrades

• Moved by: A. Salvador
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That Bylaw 20392 be read a first time.

  In Favour (11)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, and J. Wright
  Opposed (2)	J. Rice, and K. Principe

  Carried (11 to 2)

8.3

Bylaw 20425 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, Balwin and Belvedere Revitalization

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• A. Laughlin, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• H. Rai, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: A. Paquette
  Seconded by: K. Principe

  That Bylaw 20425 be read a first time.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

8.4

Bylaw 20426 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, Energy Center #4 - Blatchford Renewable Energy

• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: A. Knack

  That Bylaw 20426 be read a first time.

  In Favour (11)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, and J. Wright
  Opposed (2)	J. Rice, and K. Principe

  Carried (11 to 2)

8.5

Bylaw 20436 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, Transportation: Planning and Design – Growth

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20436 received first reading.

8.6

Bylaw 20441 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance Integrated Infrastructure Services Project, LRT Preliminary Design: Metro Line: Blatchford to Campbell Rd

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• A. Laughlin, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• C. Owen, Acting City Manager
• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: K. Principe

  That Bylaw 20441 be read a first time.

  In Favour (12)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe
  Opposed (1)	J. Rice

  Carried (12 to 1)

8.7

Bylaw 20442 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to undertake, construct and finance City Operations Project, Landfill Gas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20442 received first reading.

8.8

Bylaw 20374 - Amendments to Bylaw 20002 Designated Driver Service Updates

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20374 received three readings.

8.9

Bylaw 20367 - Omnibus Amendment To Business Licence Bylaw 20002

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20367 received three readings.

9.

Private Reports

9.1

Contract Update

• Moved by: J. Rice
  Seconded by: K. Principe

  That City Council meet in private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials) and 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the discussion of item 9.1.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 10:23 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

  The following members of Administration’s delegation made a presentation and answered questions:

  • M. Plouffe, City Solicitor
  • A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk

  The following member of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

  • J. Fitzgerald, Office of the City Manager (Legal Services)
    
  
  
• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: J. Wright

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 11:44 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

  
  

• A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, answered questions.

  Moved by: A. Sohi
  Seconded by: A. Knack
  1. That the agreement outlined in Attachment 1 of the April 4, 2023, Office of the City Clerk report OCC01822, be approved.
  2. That the April 4, 2023, Office of the City Clerk report OCC01822 remain private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials) and 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

10.

Motions Pending

10.1

Office Tower Conversions (A. Knack)

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• K. Snyder, Urban Planning and Economy
• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• C. Watt, Financial and Corporate Services
• K. Petrin, Urban Planning and Economy

*Clerk's note: With the unanimous consent of City Council, Councillor A. Knack re-stated the notice of motion that was given at the March 14/15, 2023, City Council meeting.

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  Office Tower Conversions

  That Administration work with external stakeholders (eg. UDI, BOMA, CHBA-ER, DBA, DRC, NAIOP, Chamber of Commerce, etc) to discuss recommendations for increasing the number of new residential and/or hotel units in downtown Edmonton, focusing on:

  1. refurbishment of existing residential or conversion of existing office spaces, and
  2. potential for legislative changes or financial incentives to better achieve this goal.

  Due Date: September 20, 2023, Executive Committee

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

10.2

Esports Events (A. Knack)

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• K. Snyder, Urban Planning and Economy
• C. Owen, Acting City Manager
• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: A. Paquette

  Esports Events

  That Administration facilitate an engagement session and work with the Edmonton Screen Industries Office and any other relevant stakeholders to:

  1. Review the Alberta Esports Strategy for the actions identified in the report that fall within municipal control and within the existing municipal budget and provide a report back on the status of implementation including identification of the lead(s) responsible for implementing municipal actions.
  2. Develop a plan for Edmonton to host a mid-sized Esports event in the next one to two years and a major Esports event in the next two to three years and report back on the proposed plans that include identification of the lead(s) responsible for implementation of the Esports events.
  3. Review existing high-level interactive digital media investment attraction strategy for Edmonton and provide recommendations for programs and incentives to support the strategy and potential funding strategies.

  Due Date: January 2024, Executive Committee

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

10.3

Council Advisors for Advisory Committees - Roles and Responsibilities (J. Rice)

Councillor J. Rice stated that they would not be making the motion for which they had given notice at the March 24, 2023, Community and Public Services Committee - Non-Regular meeting.

*Clerk's note: Councillor J. Rice re-stated the motion as a Councillor Inquiry (see item 3.1).

11.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

11.1

Tax Forgiveness Options for the YWCA (A. Stevenson)

Councillor A. Stevenson stated that at the next regular meeting of City Council, the following motion would be moved:

That Administration provide a report on the background and outlining the tax forgiveness options for the YWCA with tax amounts assessed in 2022 at 10408 124 Street (account 9948253).

• Notice of Motion Given: April 4, 2023, City Council

11.2

City Acquired Properties (A. Paquette)

Councillor A. Paquette stated that at the next regular meeting of City Council, the following motion would be moved:

That Administration provide a report outlining the following information:

1. a current inventory, status, and history of agreements between the City of Edmonton and Homeowners Associations in Edmonton relating to the City acquiring properties from a homeowners association,
2. a summary of the process and cost/benefit analysis for the City to acquire the property(s) from the Riverpoint Homeowners Association (HOA).

• Notice of Motion Given: April 4, 2023, City Council

12.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3:21 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023.