The following are highlights from the Monday, April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Audited 2021 Financial Statements
On March 2, 2022, the accounting firm BDO completed the Town’s 2021 annual financial audit. At the April 25 meeting, representatives from BDO presented the audit results to Council, reporting that the Town’s financial situation remains sound. Council carried two motions, approving both the 2021 Audited Financial Statements and 2021 Alberta Financial Information Return.
Southwest Industrial Park Lands
After receiving authorization from the appropriate levels of government, Administration recommended advancing the development of the Town’s former lagoon lands. The land is earmarked for use as an industrial park. At Monday’s meeting, Council approved a motion to proceed to the design and tender procurement phase of development at a projected cost of $5.5 million. Council then approved a second motion directing Administration to draft a borrowing bylaw for review at a future meeting.
Napoleon Park Playground
Earlier this year, Town Staff engaged the public by offering a choice between two potential designs for a new playground at the Napoleon Park Sports Fields. After feedback was collected, an overwhelming number of respondents selected a design from Park N Play Design. At the April 25 meeting, Council carried a motion to approve the contract with Park N Play Design at a cost of $274,975 from the Playground, Woodlands Area and Centennial Park Reserve.
Eastgate Lift Station Replacement
Following an assessment of the Town’s lift stations, the Eastgate station was identified as being most in need of replacement. After completion of the tender process, Administration recommended the contract to replace the equipment be awarded to Urban Dirtworks at a cost of $630,054 to be funded from the Town’s Wastewater Reserve. Council carried the recommended motion.
Joint Use/Planning Agreement (JUPA) – Chinook’s Edge School Division
A joint use and planning agreement is a formal, mandated agreement between a municipality and a school board. It addresses – among other things – shared use and access to facilities and the planning of new or expanded school sites. Administration has worked with Chinook’s Edge School Division and presented a proposed agreement to Council on April 25. Council carried a motion to authorize the Town to enter into the proposed JUPA as presented.
Community Services Department Update
Director of Community Services Meghan Jenkins provided Council with a report on some of the projects currently in progress within the Town’s Community Services department. The update included first-quarter building statistics, a review of Town-owned lot sales, a presentation of Hazelwood home construction drawings, a review of 2022 grant recipients, and an overview of planned spring programs & events. Council received the report as information.
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.
