The following are highlights from the Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Public Hearings/Request for Decision – Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Amendment 1470 – A76, Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Amendment 1694 – 2022
Earlier this year, Council gave first readings of bylaws amending the LUB and MDP that would allow residential development on land currently zoned as commercial. With the public notification process now complete, Council heard feedback on these changes at the October 11 meeting. A local landowner voiced concerns over the changes, but it was determined that steps could be taken to minimize any impacts at the development phase. After discussion, multiple motions were carried giving the amendments all required readings.
Delegation – Innisfail Hospital Auxiliary
Rose Winters and Gina Armstrong, representing the Innisfail Hospital Auxiliary, approached Council to request a donation towards their organization’s Ambulance Bay Project. The project is intended to improve the ambulance bay door at the Innisfail Health Centre. After discussion, Council agreed to reach out to the province, advocating for completion of the project by AHS using provincial funds.
CAO Report – Alberta Crime Prevention Grant/Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan
Town CAO Todd Becker reported that Administration has applied for an Alberta Crime Prevention Grant, intended for the creation and implementation of a Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan. Funds for the plan were approved by Council as part of the 2022 budget, but additional funding would help build out a more robust plan. Administration is now awaiting a decision from the province. On October 11, Council formally supported the grant application.
Request for Decision – Industrial Park Land Acquisition
To develop 60 Avenue south of 37 Street, the existing road right-of-way needs to be widened. The adjacent land required to complete this is privately owned. At Tuesday’s meeting, Council approved recommended motions to purchase this land using funds from the Land Acquisition Reserve at a total cost of $28,039.
Request for Decision – Asset Management Policy 2022-009
Administration identified that changes were needed to the Town’s Asset Management Policy (2018-006) to better align with Council’s current strategic plan, including considerations for climate change, environmental sustainability, and energy transition in the decision-making process. At the October 11 meeting, Council approved the updated policy as presented.
Request for Decision – 2023 Parkland Regional Library Budget
The Town, through an agreement, pays Parkland Regional Library for local library services. Each year, the Town receives a budget for the upcoming year’s services. For 2023, Council carried a motion approving Parkland’s proposed Budget of $69,623.75 as presented.
Request for Decision – Electronic Tax and Assessment Communication Bylaw #1693-2022
On September 12, Administration introduced an Electronic Tax and Assessment Communication Bylaw to give the Town the ability to email tax and assessment notices to residents who choose to receive notifications electronically. At that time, Council gave first reading to the bylaw. All required public consultations have been completed, and as such, on October 11 Council carried motions giving the bylaw second and third readings. The bylaw will be implemented for the 2023 tax year.
Request for Decision – Rates & Fees Bylaw (multiple amendments)
The Town’s recently adopted Rates & Fees Bylaw indexes fees that the Town charges for services. This bylaw draws information from several existing bylaws which, in turn, require amendments to remove any listings of fees. At the October 11 meeting, Council carried multiple motions amending a number of the bylaws affected by this change.
Kinette Club of Innisfail – Dinner of Diamonds Sponsorship
At the request of the Kinette Club of Innisfail, Council carried a motion to sponsor the annual Dinner of Diamonds event as a $300 Platinum Sponsor.
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.
