I hope you're enjoying some time with family and friends this summer. July is always a bit of a slower month due to fewer meetings. I've stayed closely engaged through lots of community conversations and preparation for some important discussions at Council on Monday. You'll find more details below about that meeting that includes budget management discussions. You'll also find lots about upcoming consultations to engage in.

Ward 2 updates: 

- Work on traffic calming elements in the area of the water treatment plant is mostly complete. There are still some concerns about traffic cutting into the neighbourhoods from the Gordie Howe sports complex, and I'm working to learn more about opportunities to address this. Some traffic signal timing adjustments are underway at Ave P and 11th street as a start. If traffic issues in the area are of interest to you, please mark your calendar for 7pm on October 29th for the Holiday Park/King George neighbourhood traffic review meeting. Details of next steps relating to the plant enclosure project & associated transportation network changes can be found on the project page. 

- I've been hearing a lot of concern over missing sidewalk corner ramps and the sense that they're being ignored during roadways work. I have asked in multiple ways about closing the gap on this and am anticipating a report with some options next month. Stay tuned to my social media as I'll post there once agendas are released. 

City wide policy updates: 

- As you heard from me last month, the City is set to undertake its first multi-year budgeting process, meaning that late this year, the administration will present detailed proposed budgets for both 2020 and 2021 and City Council will set both budgets at once, being required to provide final approval each year. The administration indicated last month what property tax increases will be required to maintain existing service levels for city services and programs. This month, they are reporting on reduction opportunities since Council has directed the administration to present lower options for future debates. Those being recommended by the administration are: 

• Option 2 – implement a subsidized fee for civic services associated with special events;
• Option 4 – utilize Multi-Material Stewardship Western funding towards the Waste deficit;
• Option 6 – phase-in the Remai Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve requirement over a longer period;
• Option 7 – defer the Recovery Park funding phase-in until 2023; and
• Option 8 – adjust the Major Transportation Funding/Bus Rapid Transit funding plan

The full detailed budget will be debated and set in late November, but Monday's meeting is an important step in setting the tone for that debate. If you have feedback about the options above, the other options in the full report (item 10.5.1) please be in touch. I may not be able to answer all emails before Monday, but commit to reading them all before the meeting. You are also always welcome to write or speak to all of Council. 

- Yesterday, City administration released the Low Emissions Community report - a 30-year plan for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This report will be on a committee agenda soon - likely the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee in early August.

- The 2018 Annual report is now online.

Consultations/Workshops to participate in:

- The Holiday Park/King George neighbourhood traffic review has now been scheduled for the Fall - October 29th at 7pm. Details here.

- Thank you to everyone who engaged in the Residential Parking Permit program review so far. Feedback is being used to develop recommendations for policy change and another meeting will be held in the Fall.

- The Saskatoon Municipal Wards Commission is reviewing Ward Boundaries in advance of the 2020 municipal election due to population growth. You can provide your thoughts throughout the summer directly to the Commission here.

- The City is actively engaging businesses and organizations on a commercial-sector waste diversion strategy. Learn more about the project here.

Did you know...

- There's an online map where you can find details about all of the ongoing construction projects in the city! Don't stay in the dark about what's happening around the corner - check it out here. Here's a spotlight on resurfacing and how it fits into the roadways strategy.

- Spring/Summer maintenance schedules are online. Back lane maintenance started this month. Check to see when your neighbourhood is scheduled here.

- Check out summer recreation schedules online: Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park  &  Outdoor pools, paddling pools, and spray pads

Community Notes

Most community associations don't hold meetings over the summer, but now is a great time to think about how you might like to be involved in your community association as things ramp up in the Fall. Find out more about CAs here.

Also, check out the Summer Mini Leisure Guide with details about opportunities to get out and get active in your neighbourhood and around the city!

City Council

City Council meets Monday (July 29th) at City Hall in City Council chambers. As always, Council meetings are open to the public. Brief highlights are outlined below. For full agenda, visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/city-hall/city-council-boards-committees/council/minutes-and-agendas

Regular business
  - Future Fire Station #5 - lease with UofS
  - 2020/2021 budget - property tax options
  - Council policy on public engagement
  - Appointment of integrity commissioner
  - Provincial Disaster Assistance Program
  - Motion: National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - Calls to Justice
  Bylaw updates
  - Workplace transformation: corporate reorganization bylaw amendments (23 in total)
  - Temporary Wheelchair Accessible Taxi licences - bylaw chnage
  - Defined contribution plan - seasonal/p/t employees -bylaw change
  In Camera (private session):
  - Appointment to Municipal Planning Commission (interim replacement)
  - Call for Nominations - Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board Vacancy for Saskatchewan
  - Organics Processing RFP

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  Land Use hearings & Bylaw Amendments:
  - Discretionary Use - Private School - 635 Ave H South - GreatFull Goods (Ward 2)
  - Discretionary Use (2) - Residential Care homes (not ward 2)
  Proclamations & Flag Raisings

As always, if you'd like to speak to Council as a whole about something on the agenda, please get in touch with the Clerk's office or fill out the form at the link before 10 am the day of the meeting. https://www.saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees