CITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES


January 17, 2011  –  Council Chamber

 

 

PRESENT

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty,
K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

ABSENT

T. Caterina

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

S. Farbrother, City Manager

A. Giesbrecht, Office of the City Clerk

N. Rajan, Office of the City Clerk

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM

                                                                                                         PAGE

DECISION

 

1.          CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS                             1

1.1        Call to Order                                                                                          2

1.2        Adoption of Agenda                                                                            2

1.3        Protocol Items                                                                                      2

2.          ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND RELATED BUSINESS              2

2.1        Select Items for Debate                                                                      2

2.2        Requests to Speak                                                                              2

2.3        Requests for Specific Time on Agenda                                         3

3.          REPORTS                                                                                              3

3.1        Sports and Entertainment Facility Public

             Consultation                                                                                          3

3.2        Update on the Potential Downtown Sports and

             Entertainment Facility                                                                         3

3.3        Update on Northlands and Rexall Place                                       9

4.          PRIVATE REPORTS - NONE                                                          10

5.          NOTICES OF MOTION                                                                      10

6.          ADJOURNMENT                                                                                10

 

 

 

 

Carried

None

 

See Minutes

See Minutes

None

 

 

Carried

 

Action

Carried

None

None

 

 

 

 

DECISION SUMMARY

ITEM

 

DECISION

1.

CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS

1.1

Call to Order

 

 

 

Mayor S. Mandel called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

Adoption of Agenda

 

 

Moved J. Batty - K. Leibovici:

 

 

 

That the January 17, 2011, City Council agenda be adopted.

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

1.3

Protocol Items

 

 

 

There were no protocol items.

 

2.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND RELATED BUSINESS

2.1

Select Items for Debate

 

 

 

The following items were selected for debate: 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

Requests to Speak

 

 

 

S. Farbrother, City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, Office of the City Clerk, answered Council's questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moved D. Iveson - B. Anderson:

 

 

 

That City Council hear from the following speakers:

3.1   Sports and Entertainment Facility Public Consultation

*G. Hochachka and M. Williams, Voice for Democracy

3.2   Update on the Potential Downtown Sports and Entertainment Facility

*G. Hochachka and M. Williams, Voice for Democracy

*S. Hennig, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

3.3   Update on Norhtlands and Rexall Place

*G. Hochachka and M. Williams, Voice for Democracy

 

 

In Favour:

Lost

 

 

B. Anderson, D. Iveson, E. Gibbons, K. Diotte, L. Sloan

 

 

Opposed:

 

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Henderson, D. Loken, J. Batty,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

2.3

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

 

 

 

There were no requests for time specifics.

 

 

 

 

 

3.

REPORTS

3.1

Sports and Entertainment Facility Public Consultation

 

 

 

S. Farbrother, City Manager; L. Cochrane, General Manager, Community Services Department; and
M. Bateman, Calder Bateman, made presentations and answered Council's questions.  R. G. Klassen, General Manager, Planning and Development Department;
R. Daviss,  Asset Management and Public Works Department, and L. Rosen, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, answered Council's questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moved J. Batty - E. Gibbons:

 

 

 

That the January 17, 2011, Community Services Department report 2011CSS003 be received for information.

 

Community Svcs.

 

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

Update on the Potential Downtown Sports and Entertainment Facility

 

 

 

S. Farbrother, City Manager; L. Rosen, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; R. Daviss, Asset Management and Public Works Department;  R. G. Klassen, General Manager, Planning and Development Department, answered Council's questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moved L. Sloan – K. Diotte:

 

 

 

1.  That Administration obtain written confirmation from the Katz Group of Companies that they will cooperate with a review by a third party firm (determined by Council) to establish the financial readiness to preface any financial negotiations on an arena and arena district.

2.  That the City Manager clarify with the Katz Group of Companies, the guarantees/collaterals that can be provided to balance risk.

 

 

 

Members of Council requested the motion be split for voting purposes.

 

 

Part 1 of Motion, put:

 

 

 

1.  That Administration obtain written confirmation from the Katz Group of Companies that they will cooperate with a review by a third party firm (determined by Council) to establish the financial readiness to preface any financial negotiations on an arena and arena district.

 

 

In Favour:

Lost

 

 

A. Sohi, D. Iveson, J. Batty, K. Diotte, L. Sloan

 

 

Opposed:

 

 

 

S. Mandel, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Loken,
E. Gibbons, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

Part 2 of Motion, put:

 

 

 

Guarantees/Collaterals from Katz Group of Companies

2.  That the City Manager clarify with the Katz Group of Companies, the guarantees/collaterals that can be provided to balance risk.

City Manager

 

Due Date:   

To be determined

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, J. Batty,
K. Diotte, K. Krushell, L. Sloan,

 

 

Opposed:

 

 

 

S. Mandel, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, K. Leibovici

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

Moved B. Henderson – D. Loken:

 

 

 

That Administration, in regards to the Potential Downtown Arena Development:

1.    Prepare a report on potential models for seat licensing/condominium sale of seats in a new arena (reference Attachment 2 of the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366).

2.    Prepare a report providing more information on the potential foundation model for the downtown arena development.

3.    Provide a report summarizing the discussions with Northlands on its potential involvement in a downtown arena and/or its long term financial viability.

4.    Provide a report to the March 2, 2011, City Council meeting on an Arena District Community Revitalization Levy.

5.    Provide a report on how Administration has exercised due diligence in responding to Council’s direction for information including but not limited to a list of companies that have been utilized throughout the work that has been undertaken.

6.    Enter into negotiations with the Katz Group of Companies for the development of a Downtown Arena as per the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366.

7.   Prepare a report on the experience of other cities on a cross section of businesses adjacent to but outside the immediate Arena Districts.

8.    Arrange a non-statutory public hearing on the financial framework to advance a potential Downtown Sports and Entertainment Facility.

9.    Prepare and implement a communication strategy based on Council’s decision at the January 17, 2011, City Council meeting.

10.  Engage an independent financial advisor as needed during negotiations with the Katz Group to verify its financial ability to meet commitments under negotiation.

11.  Prepare a report on the community benefits component of a potential agreement as outlined in the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366.

12.  That Administration use external resources when necessary to complete the work as outlined above.

 

 

 

 

Members of Council requested that Part 6 be split out for voting purposes.

 

 

Part 6 of Motion, put:

 

 

 

6.    Enter into negotiations with the Katz Group of Companies for the development of a Downtown Arena as per the January 17, 2011, Finance and Tr easury Department report 2011FT7366.

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, K. Diotte

 

 

Opposed:

 

 

 

D. Iveson, L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of Motion, put:

 

 

 

That Administration, in regards to the Potential Downtown Arena Development:

1.    Prepare a report on potential models for seat licensing/condominium sale of seats in a new arena (reference Attachment 2 of the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366).

2.    Prepare a report providing more information on the potential foundation model for the downtown arena development.

3.    Provide a report summarizing the discussions with Northlands on its potential involvement in a downtown arena and/or its long term financial viability.

4.    Provide a report to the March 2, 2011, City Council meeting on an Arena District Community Revitalization Levy.

5.    Provide a report on how Administration has exercised due diligence in responding to Council’s direction for information including but not limited to a list of companies that have been utilized throughout the work that has been undertaken.

7.    Prepare a report on the experience of other cities on a cross section of businesses adjacent to but outside the immediate Arena Districts.

8.    Arrange a non-statutory public hearing on the financial framework to advance a potential Downtown Sports and Entertainment Facility.

9.    Prepare and implement a communication strategy based on Council’s decision at the January 17, 2011, City Council meeting.

10.  Engage an independent financial advisor as needed during negotiations with the Katz Group to verify its financial ability to meet commitments under negotiation.

11.  Prepare a report on the community benefits component of a potential agreement as outlined in the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366.

12.  That Administration use external resources when necessary to complete the work as outlined above..

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

 

 

Opposed:

 

 

 

L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

Summary of Council’s decision:

 

 

 

Potential Model for the Downtown Arena Development

That Administration, in regards to the Potential Downtown Arena Development:

Seat Licensing

1.    Prepare a report on potential models for seat licensing/condominium sale of seats in a new arena (reference Attachment 2 of the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366).

Foundation Model

2.    Prepare a report providing more information on the potential foundation model for the downtown arena development.

Northlands

3.    Provide a report summarizing the discussions with Northlands on its potential involvement in a downtown arena and/or its long term financial viability.

Arena District Community Revitalization Levy

4.    Provide a report to the March 2, 2011, City Council meeting on an Arena District Community Revitalization Levy.

Administration Due Diligence

5.    Provide a report on how Administration has exercised due diligence in responding to Council’s direction for information including but not limited to a list of companies that have been utilized throughout the work that has been undertaken.

6.    Enter into negotiations with the Katz Group of Companies for the development of a Downtown Arena as per the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366.

Experiences of Other Cities

7.   Prepare a report on the experience of other cities on a cross section of businesses adjacent to but outside the immediate Arena Districts.

Non-Statutory on Financial Framework

8.    Arrange a non-statutory public hearing on the financial framework to advance a potential Downtown Sports and Entertainment Facility.

9.    Prepare and implement a communication strategy based on Council’s decision at the January 17, 2011, City Council meeting.

10.  Engage an independent financial advisor as needed during negotiations with the Katz Group to verify its financial ability to meet commitments under negotiation.

Community Benefits

11.  Prepare a report on the community benefits component of a potential agreement as outlined in the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT7366.

12.  That Administration use external resources when necessary to complete the work as outlined above..

City Manager

 

Finance & Treas.


Due Date:

To be determined

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

AMPW

Planning & Dev.

Due Date:  Mar. 2, 2011

 

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be determined

 

 

 

 

 

Moved J. Batty - E. Gibbons:

 

 

 

Written Proposal from the Stadium Capital Financing Group

That the City Manager meet with the Stadium Capital Financing Group, LLC and discuss what information would be required should the Stadium Capital Financing Group LLC wish to prepare a formal written proposal to the City of Edmonton.

 

City Manager

 

Finance & Treas.

 

Due Date:    To be determined

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

3.3

Update on Northlands and Rexall Place

 

 

 

S. Farbrother, City Manager, and L. Rosen, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, answered Council's questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moved E. Gibbons - J. Batty:

 

 

 

That the January 17, 2011, Finance and Treasury Department report 2011FT8712 be received for information.

 

Finance & Treas.

 

 

 

In Favour:

Carried

 

 

S. Mandel, A. Sohi, B. Anderson, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, D. Loken, E. Gibbons, J. Batty, K. Diotte, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan

 

 

Absent:

 

 

 

T. Caterina

 

 

4.

PRIVATE REPORTS - NONE

5.

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

 

Mayor S. Mandel asked if there were any Notices of Motions.  There were none.

 

 

 

 

 

6.

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________                                   ______________________

Chair                                                                           City Clerk