City Council Minutes

Monday, December 06, 2021

9:30 A.m. - 5:30 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 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 6, 2021, 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.

Councillor A. Paquette was absent with notice for a portion of the meeting.

A. Corbould, City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, M. de Guzman and C. Schlamp, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: S. Hamilton
  Seconded by: T. Cartmell

  That the December 6, 2021, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

  Addition:

  • 6.7 Sale of Greenfield Residential/Enterprise Land Development History

  Replacement attachment:

  • 6.6 2021 Reserves Review
    - Attachment 11

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.4

Approval of Minutes

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

  That the minutes from the following meeting be approved:

  • November 29, 2021, City Council Non-Statutory Public Hearing - Budget

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.5

Protocol Items

1.

Michael Strembitsky School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 class from Michael Strembitsky School in Ward 6 and their teacher T. Boyko.

2.

Extra Life Edmonton (A. Knack)

Councillor A. Knack, on behalf of City Council, recognized a unique and fun fundraising campaign known as Extra Life. The Extra Life Edmonton Community is a unification of Edmonton's diverse gaming and geek community to come together and fundraise for the Stollery Children's Hospital.

3.

MacEwan University Griffins Women's Soccer Team (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, recognized MacEwan University's Griffins Women's Soccer Team. On November 21, they made history after winning the national U SPORTS championship for the first time against the Trinity Western Spartans.

2.

Items for Discussion and Related Business

2.1

Select Items for Debate

The following items were selected for debate: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.7.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: S. Hamilton

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 6.5 Amend Loan Agreement - City of Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation
  • 6.6 2021 Reserves Review

  In Favour (13)

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

  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: K. Tang

  That the following Bylaws be read a first time:

  • 7.1 Bylaw 19877 - Fall 2021 General Repealing Bylaw
  • 7.2 Bylaw 19869 - To Fix the Fees for Assessment and Tax Services of the City of Edmonton - Amendment #5 to Bylaw 17693

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the following Bylaws be read a second time:

  • 7.1 Bylaw 19877 - Fall 2021 General Repealing Bylaw
  • 7.2 Bylaw 19869 - To Fix the Fees for Assessment and Tax Services of the City of Edmonton - Amendment #5 to Bylaw 17693

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the following Bylaws be considered for third reading:

  • 7.1 Bylaw 19877 - Fall 2021 General Repealing Bylaw
  • 7.2 Bylaw 19869 - To Fix the Fees for Assessment and Tax Services of the City of Edmonton - Amendment #5 to Bylaw 17693

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the following Bylaws be read a third time:

  • 7.1 Bylaw 19877 - Fall 2021 General Repealing Bylaw
  • 7.2 Bylaw 19869 - To Fix the Fees for Assessment and Tax Services of the City of Edmonton - Amendment #5 to Bylaw 17693

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

3.

Councillor Inquiries

There were no Councillor Inquiries.

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

There were no Requests to Reschedule Reports.

6.

Public Reports

6.1

Capital Financial Update - September 30, 2021

Items 6.1 and 6.2 were dealt with together.

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

• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• H. Rai, Financial and Corporate Services

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• A. Laughlin, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• G. Cebryk, Deputy City Manager, City Operations
• A. Corbould, City Manager
• K. Armstrong, Deputy City Manager, Employee Services

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

  That the November 22, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00829, be received for information.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

6.2

Operating Financial Update - September 30, 2021

Items 6.1 and 6.2 were dealt with together.

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

  That the November 22, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00830, be received for information.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

6.3

Edmonton Business Improvement Areas 2022 Budgets

Items 6.3 and 6.4 were dealt with together.

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

• J. Chase, Urban Planning and Economy
• C. Klassen, Chair, Edmonton Business Improvement Areas Council

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• S. McCabe, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy
• A. Corbould, City Manager
• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services

The following answered questions:

• A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk

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

  That the following Edmonton Business Improvement Area 2022 Budgets, as outlined in Attachments 2 to 14 of the December 6, 2021, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE00302, be approved:

  • 124 Street and Area Business Association
  • Alberta Avenue Business Association
  • Beverly Business Association
  • Chinatown and Area Business Association
  • Downtown Business Association of Edmonton
  • Fort Road Business and Community Association
  • French Quarter Business Association / Association des Entreprises du Quartier Francophone
  • Kingsway District Association
  • North Edge Business Association
  • Northwest Industrial Business Association
  • Old Strathcona Business Association
  • Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association
  • The Crossroads Business Improvement Area Association

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

6.4

Edmonton Business Improvement Areas 2022 Boards of Directors

Items 6.3 and 6.4 were dealt with together.

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

  That the appointments of the Boards of Directors to the Business Improvement Area Associations, as set out in Attachment 1 of the December 6, 2021, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE00303, be approved, and that the term of appointment be January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

6.5

Amend Loan Agreement - City of Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation

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

That the amended terms of a loan agreement between the City of Edmonton and The City of Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation, also known as homeEd, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00866, be approved, and that the amended agreement be in form and content acceptable to the City Manager.

6.6

2021 Reserves Review

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

1. That the Telus Field Reserve be closed with a Nil balance, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00822.
2. That the Enterprise Portfolio Reserve be closed with the $1.0 million balance to be transferred to the unappropriated Financial Stabilization Reserve, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00822.
3. That a reserve be established for Commercial Revitalization, in order to consolidate the existing Development Incentive Reserve and the Storefront Improvement Reserve and related reserve balances, as outlined in Attachment 3 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00822.
4. That City Policy C217E Reserve and Equity Accounts, as set out in Attachment 4 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00822, be approved.
5. That City Policy C217D Reserve and Equity Accounts be repealed.
6. That City Policy C629 Financial Stabilization Reserve, as set out in Attachment 6 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00822, be approved.

6.7

Sale of Greenfield Residential/Enterprise Land Development History

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

• C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• A. Corbould, City Manager
• S. McCabe, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy
• K. Thurston, Office of the City Manager (Legal Services)

The following answered questions:

• A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk

• Moved by: M. Janz
  Seconded by: J. Wright
  1. That Administration reinstate the greenfield residential/mixed-use land development program, as appropriate, in the Aster, Goodridge Corners and Schonsee neighbourhoods, in accordance with Land Development Policy C511.
  2. That all remaining funds held in Capital Profile CM-16-2020, Residential/Mixed Use Land Development ($33.04 million), be released.
  3. That Attachments 6 and 9 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00844 remain private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials) and 25 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Moved by: K. Principe
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the following Motion on the Floor and the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00844 be referred to Executive Committee with an opportunity to hear from stakeholders and return to City Council:

  MOVED M. Janz - J. Wright (Made at the December 6, 2021, City Council meeting):

  1. That Administration reinstate the greenfield residential/mixed-use land development program, as appropriate, in the Aster, Goodridge Corners and Schonsee neighbourhoods, in accordance with Land Development Policy C511.
  2. That all remaining funds held in Capital Profile CM-16-2020, Residential/Mixed Use Land Development ($33.04 million), be released.
  3. That Attachments 6 and 9 of the December 6, 2021, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS00844 remain private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials) and 25 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  Due Date: February 2, 2022, Executive Committee

  In Favour (7)	A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, A. Stevenson, K. Principe, and A. Paquette
  Opposed (6)	A. Sohi, A. Knack, E. Rutherford, J. Wright, S. Hamilton, and T. Cartmell

  Carried (7 to 6)

7.

Bylaws

7.1

Bylaw 19877 - Fall 2021 General Repealing Bylaw

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 19877 received three readings.

• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the motions listed in Attachment 3 of the December 6, 2021, Office of the City Clerk report OCC00771, be rescinded.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

7.2

Bylaw 19869 - To Fix the Fees for Assessment and Tax Services of the City of Edmonton - Amendment #5 to Bylaw 17693

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 19869 received three readings.

7.3

Bylaw 19874 - To Amend Council Procedures Bylaw 18155 and Council Committees Bylaw 18156

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

• A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk

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

  That Bylaw 19874 be read a first time with the following amendment:

  • delete Part 2, "Section 8 (1) is amended by deleting and replacing "5:30 p.m." with "5:00 p.m."

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

  Defeated (2 to 11)
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That Bylaw 19874 be read a first time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That Bylaw 19874 be read a second time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That Bylaw 19874 be considered for third reading.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That Bylaw 19874 be read a third time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

7.4

Bylaw 19821 - To Designate the Edmonton Cenotaph as a Municipal Historic Resource

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

  That Bylaw 19821 be read a first time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: K. Principe
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That Bylaw 19821 be read a second time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: K. Principe
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That Bylaw 19821 be considered for third reading.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: K. Principe
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That Bylaw 19821 be read a third time.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried (13 to 0)

7.5

Charter Bylaw 19893 - To allow for small scale infill development, Terrace Heights

Councillor S. Hamilton was absent for the deliberations and voting on this item during the November 23, 2021, City Council Public Hearing. Therefore, she did not participate in the deliberations or vote on this item. Councillor S. Hamilton left the meeting.

• Moved by: T. Cartmell
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That Charter Bylaw 19893 be read a third time.

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

  Carried (12 to 0)

8.

Motions Pending

8.1

Affordable Housing Land Assets - Management and Opportunities (A. Stevenson)

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

  Affordable Housing Land Assets - Management and Opportunities

  That Administration report back to Executive Committee with options for ensuring City land assets are prioritized for affordable housing, including:

  • the consideration of existing land management governance process,
  • processes to ensure affordable housing needs and opportunities are considered at the time of land acquisition and/or initial conceptual designs for all City-owned facilities,
  • and strategies for ensuring affordable housing projects are prioritized for land opportunities where they will benefit most from proximity to transit and/or other amenities in alignment with the City Plan.

  Due Date: March 9, 2022, Executive Committee

  In Favour (12)

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

  Carried (12 to 0)

8.2

102 Avenue LRT Pedestrian Crosswalk Recommendation (A. Stevenson)

The following member of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• A. Corbould, City Manager

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

  102 Avenue LRT Pedestrian Crosswalk Recommendation

  That Administration explore the opportunity to pedestrianize 102 Avenue adjacent to Valley Line LRT and return to Urban Planning Committee with options for consideration.

  Due Date: March 8, 2022, Urban Planning Committee

  In Favour (12)

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

  Carried (12 to 0)

8.3

Problem Properties Progress Report (A. Salvador)

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• R. Smyth, Deputy City Manager, Citizen Services
• A. Corbould, City Manager

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

  Problem Properties Initiative Update

  That as part of the upcoming Problem Properties Initiative Update that will be brought forward to Community and Public Services Committee in First Quarter 2022, that Administration provide information on the following efforts to address residential and commercial problem properties:

  1. Metrics on the prevalence of problem properties and existing interjurisdictional efforts to address them.
  2. Options for additional enforcement tools for both tenant-occupied and vacant/derelict problem properties, including but not limited to tax subclasses.
  3. Options to expedite the redevelopment of problem properties, including partnerships with housing providers.
  4. Advocacy opportunities for Council to strengthen provincial legislation affecting problem properties.
  5. Opportunities to access federal resources related to the underlying causes of problem properties.

  Due Date: March 21, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (12)

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

  Carried (12 to 0)

9.

Private Reports

There were no Private Reports on the agenda.

10.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

Mayor A. Sohi asked whether there were any Notices of Motion. There were none.

11.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021.