The following are highlights from the April 26, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
Removal of Two-Hour Parking Restriction, 50 Street North Feeder Road
Council previously reviewed a letter submitted to the Town by local business owners requesting the removal of the current two-hour parking restriction along the service road north of 50 Street. Administration then consulted with affected businesses and presented Council with the findings. At the April 26 meeting, Council reviewed the results of the survey and approved a motion to remove the two-hour parking restriction. A review of the effects of the change will take place at a later date.
Amendment to Section 5(a) of the Emergency Management Bylaw 1640-2020
An audit in the fall of 2020, required by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, recommended amending section 5(a) of the Town’s Emergency Management Bylaw that determines the composition the Emergency Advisory Committee. On April 26, Council passed a motion to amend section 5 (a) of the Emergency Management Bylaw as presented.
2020 Audited Financial Statements
Earlier this year, the Town secured the services of the accounting firm BDO to conduct the annual audit of the Town’s finances. With the 2020 audited financial statements completed, BDO presented these statements and answered questions at the April 26 Meeting of Council. BDO stated that the financial audit was clean and that the audited financial statements and financial information returns will now be submitted to Alberta Municipal Affairs. Council approved the 2020 Audited Financial Statements as information.
Election Sign Bylaw 1669-2021
Previously, the Town’s Election Sign Policy, along with provincial laws, determined the guidelines for candidate signs leading up to municipal elections. In 2021, changes to the province’s regulations rendered the Town’s existing policy ineffective and Council determined that a bylaw was necessary. On April 26, Administration presented a proposed election sign bylaw to regulate the timing, dimensions, and placement of election signs and to allow for enforcement in the event of offences. Council reviewed and passed the proposed bylaw as presented.
2021 Youth Empowerment & Support Program (YES) Program Funding
In early 2021, Innisfail Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) received an application for funding from the Youth Empowerment & Support (YES) Program. In early April, the FCSS Advisory Board recommended distribution of remaining 2021 grant funding of $20,000 to the YES program. On Monday, Council approved the funding recommendation.
Innisfail Ski Club Funding Request
In March, 2021, the lnnisfail Ski Club requested a cash donation of $35,000 from the Town in support of the club’s new chalet project. After consideration, Council approved the request with funds from the 2021 contingency.
37 Street Reconstruction – Design and Procurement
The Town’s Operations Department is prepared to proceed with the final design and procurement stages of the resurfacing of 37 Street from 61 Avenue to 58 Avenue. The estimated project value is $1.1 million with the Town contributing $400,000 from the Utility Stabilization Reserve. Council approved the capital budget for 37 Street Reconstruction as presented. Administration will come back to council at a later date with a summary of the tender results and recommendation for award. Once the tender process is complete, a proposed special tax bylaw similar to the one in place for the improvements made to 61 Avenue will be prepared and presented to affected property owners.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights above only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting. To find full details on the proceedings, click here. Meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.
