The following are highlights from the June 9, 2020 regular meeting of council.
Swearing-In of Newly Elected Council Member
Councillor Don Harrison, elected on June 8 in the 2020 Innisfail By-Election, was sworn in by Mayor Romane.
Mayor Jim Romane – Special Statement Denouncing Racism
On the morning of Tuesday, June 9, 2020, Innisfail Town Council held an Emergency Meeting of Council. At this meeting, a resolution was passed as follows:
WHEREAS, the Town of Innisfail is committed to continue to be a Welcoming , Inclusive and Safe community;
WHEREAS, The Town of Innisfail continues to proactively increase the understanding of issues associated with racism and discrimination;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town of Innisfail stands against any form of racism, and will continue to initiate implementation of policies and procedures to help overcome issues of racism and discrimination.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 9, 2020, during the Regular Meeting of Council, Mayor Jim Romane read a special statement addressing racism in the community. Mayor Romane’s statement was accepted as information.
Delegation – 2019 Detachment Profile, Innisfail RCMP
Staff Sergeant Chris Matechuk and Sergeant Lori Eiler appeared before council to present the 2019 Detachment Profile: Innisfail Municipal Detachment. This report highlighted crime statistics from the town for the 2019 calendar year. Staff Sgt. Matechuk and Sgt. Eiler also provided insight into some of the challenges the community is currently facing. Following presentation of the report, Council accepted the 2021-2026 Innisfail Municipal Detachment Multi-Year Financial Plan as presented.
Delegation – Innisfail Minor Hockey Association
As a result of conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the future of the 2020-21 hockey season undetermined, Innisfail Minor Hockey Association (IMHA) requested leniency with regards to the Town’s policy on outstanding balances. Council members approved providing leniency to the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association with the respect to payment of their outstanding balance (councillor Gavin Bates recused himself from the meeting during the discussion of this agenda item).
Class of 2020 Recognition Sign
Councillor Jean Barclay made a motion for the Town of Innisfail to prepare and purchase a sign honouring the graduating class of 2020. The motion was carried unanimously.
Realty Services for Sale of Town-owned Residential Lots
Since June of 2018, the Town has had an agreement with ReMax Compass Realty for the marketing and sales of Town-owned lots in the Napoleon Meadows and Hazelwood subdivisions. This agreement was extended in June of 2019. With the current agreement set to expire, administration proposed that Council approve a public RFP for these services. On Tuesday, Council moved to extend the contract for a further six months to be followed by an RFP.
Review of Service Reductions, Staffing Levels
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Town staffing levels have been reduced. In an attempt to provide relief to current staff, administration proposed re-hiring contracted workers formerly with the public works department to provide additional coverage for existing staff for the remainder of the summer. Council passed the motion as presented.
