The following are highlights from the Monday, April 24, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Excessive Vehicle Noise Enforcement – Update
The Town’s Manager of Fire & Protective Services provided Council with a report on the success other communities have had enforcing excessive vehicle noise bylaws. After discussion, Council carried a motion directing Administration to prepare a vehicle noise bylaw to be included as an amendment to the current Community Standards Bylaw.
Cannon Park and Mac’s Playgrounds Contract
Earlier this year, Town Administration initiated two request for proposals (RFPs) for upgrades to two of the town’s playgrounds. After receiving qualified submissions, the Town reached out to the public to provide input on proposed designs. At the April 24 Meeting, Council identified a need to explore options for increased accessibility in the designs and moved to table the two motions presented. Administration will bring back modified design options at a future meeting.
2023 Surface Improvements Contract
As part of the 2023 budget, Town Administration identified areas in need of surface improvements. In early 2023, Administration released a formal request for tenders on the project and on April 24 recommended awarding the project to Border Paving Ltd. for $900,032 to be funded from the Wastewater Reserve and MSI fund. Council carried the recommended motion.
Innisfail Cemetery – New Columbarium and Infill Design
In 2020, a report to council highlighted the need for space at the Town’s cemetery. Administration now recommends proceeding with the first phase of a proposed infill design and increasing capacity at the existing facility. On April 24, Council carried motions approving the purchase of a new Columbarium for $31,144 from Sunset Memorial & Stone Ltd. funded from the Cemetery Reserve. Council carried a second motion approving the design of the first phase of the central section infill at an estimated cost of $15,000 to be funded from the General Capital Reserve.
2022 Audited Financial Statements
At the April 24 meeting, representatives from the accounting firm BDO presented the 2022 audit results to Council, reporting that the Town’s financial situation remains sound. Council carried two motions, approving both the 2022 Audited Financial Statements and 2022 Alberta Financial Information Return.
2022 Fourth-Quarter Financials and Surplus Allocation
Administration provided Council with a fourth-quarter financial report for 2022. Revenues were higher than budgeted amounts, expenses were lower, and contingency funds remained. As a result, Council carried motions to approve the Town of Innisfail 2022 Fourth-Quarter Financial Report as presented, and to allocate $486,035 of surplus to the Town’s facility reserve.
Urban Hen Pilot Program Bylaws
On April 10, 2023, Council directed administration to draft a bylaw establishing a permanent Urban Hen Program. At the April 24 meeting, Council discussed some of the requirements of the proposed bylaw. Council then gave two of the required three readings of Bylaw 1710-2023 – Urban Hen Keeping Bylaw. Since the vote was not unanimous, a third reading of the bylaw will take place at a future meeting, as required by provincial legislation.
Bylaw 1711-2023 to Amend the Rates and Fees Bylaw
With the addition of new bylaws and policies, the current Rates and Fees Bylaw needs updating. This requires the approval of an amending bylaw. On April 24, due to the failure to pass the Urban Hen Bylaw and its associated fees, Council carried a motion to table Bylaw 1711-2023 until a future meeting.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – Green Municipal Fund Submission
Administration has identified potential grant funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Town Staff have already initiated the pre-application process seeking funding for a feasibility study – in conjunction with Varme Energy – to determine the options for building a net-zero aquatic facility. At the April 24 meeting, Council carried motions approving a submission requesting grant funding through the FCM Green Municipal Fund for the proposed feasibility study, and then approved the allocation of $56,000 towards the study, funded from the Facility Reserve.
Woodlands Area Development
Following a public engagement event held on April 6, Administration provided Council with a report on the proposed Woodlands development in the town’s southeast. Council accepted the report as information.
Letter to Provincial Minister of Health
Council carried a motion to participate as a signatory on a letter from a group of Central Alberta mayors to the Honourable Jason Copping, Minister of Health. The letter addresses some of the concerns regarding the delivery of health care services in Central Alberta communities.
Economic Development Week
At the request of Economic Developers Alberta, Council carried a motion declaring May 8-12, 2023 as Economic Development Week.
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.
