The following are highlights from the Monday, July 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council
CAO Report – Council: Transition Accelerator Training Program
Previously, Council had expressed interest in participating in a net-zero training program hosted by The Transition Accelerator. A number of possible dates for the training were explored. At the July 11 Regular Meeting, Council carried a motion approving November 3-4, 2022 as the dates to proceed with training, with funding from the Council Contingency.
CAO Report – Town of Innisfail Strategic Plan 2022-2025
Council reviewed the Town of Innisfail Strategic Plan 2022-2025 at the July 4, 2022 Agenda & Priorities Committee meeting. Along with reviewing the draft plan, Administration provided an overview of the document’s supporting action plans. Council carried a motion on July 11 to officially adopt the plan, which will be reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted as needed.
Request for Support, Town of Rocky Mountain House: Cannabis Excise Tax Revenue Sharing
Administration received a request from the Town of Rocky Mountain House to second their Cannabis Excise Tax Revenue Sharing Resolution at the upcoming Alberta Municipalities convention. The Municipal Cannabis Transition Program (MCTP), funded through the Cannabis Excise Tax, was a two-year program announced in October 2018 to support municipalities, addressing enforcement and administrative costs related to the legalization of cannabis. On July 11, after brief discussion, Innisfail Town Council passed a motion to decline the invitation to support the resolution.
Rates and Fees Bylaw #1687-2022
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) allows Council to pass bylaws regarding services provided by the Town of Innisfail, including the fees charged for providing those services. In order to help streamline organizational procedures, Administration prepared a consolidated fee schedule in the form of a new Rates & Fees Bylaw which was introduced at the July 11 meeting. Council carried several motions to address a number of procedures involved with instituting the new bylaw, which received all three required readings.
Small Communities Fund Repayment
In 2015, the Town received funding for the decommissioning of the former lagoon lands from the federal government through the Small Communities Fund (SCF) grant. A five-year hold on the sale of the land was one of the conditions of this funding. In the fall of 2021, Council met with representatives from the Province of Alberta to discuss the potential negative economic effects the land hold may have on the Town’s ability to attract and retain industrial businesses. After negotiations, the Town received confirmation that the Province of Alberta would repay the SCF grant on behalf of the Town with the understanding that the Town would cover half the amount. At the July 11 meeting, Council carried a motion authorizing payment in the amount of $797,147 to the Government of Alberta, funded from the Stabilization reserve.
Partners in Climate Protection Program
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) have established the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program to provide a forum for municipal governments to share their knowledge and experience with other municipalities. Council had previously instructed Administration to take the steps necessary for the Town’s participation in the program. At the July 11 meeting, Council carried a motion appointing the Town’s Director of Community Services, Meghan Jenkins, and Mayor Jean Barclay as Town of Innisfail representatives of the program.
Letter of Support – Discovery Wildlife Park
After receiving a request from Discovery Wildlife Park, Council carried a motion to provide a letter supporting the park’s bid for a Tourism Relief Fund grant.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting.
The full meeting is available to view on YouTube (click here)
Visit www.innisfail.ca/council to review full meeting agendas and minutes.
