The following are highlights from the Monday, August 22, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Delegation – Michael and Isiah Williams, The Williams Group
Central Alberta residents Michael and Isiah Williams, who participated in the public rally that occurred in Innisfail in June of 2020, are now interested in producing a documentary about the changes that have taken place in Innisfail since the event. The pair approached Council requesting a letter of support for their project. After discussion, Council chose to review the matter in greater depth and carried a motion to have the documentary producers provide more information at a future meeting.
Presentation – Parkland Foundation Business Plan
Carla Beck of the Bethany Group and Melodie Stol from the Parkland Foundation attended the August 22 to present a report to Council with a spotlight on the organization’s 2023-2025 Business Plan.
Community Recognition Program
Councillor Heistad presented an item for discussion regarding the implementation of a Community Recognition Program for the Town. After discussion, Council carried a motion directing Administration to review current Town policies relating to the recognition of community members, and to review policies from other communities. Administration will prepare a report for a future meeting.
Vehicle Noise Fines
Councillor Gavin Bates presented a news article as a discussion item. The article examines Red Deer’s newly-introduced enforcement campaign to curb vehicles that produce noise above a certain volume threshold. After discussion, Council carried a motion directing Administration report to Council on the Town’s current bylaw as it pertains to vehicle noise and provide details on the current campaign in Red Deer.
Business/Organization Recognition Program
Mayor Jean Barclay presented a community recognition program as an item for discussion, proposing a formal Town program to acknowledge businesses and organizations that have achieved certain milestones. After discussion, Council carried a motion directing Administration to draft a policy for a business recognition program for review at a future meeting.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference
Administration sought Council direction regarding participation in the FCM Annual Conference, which will be held in Toronto in May 2023. Attendance has traditionally consisted of two or three Council members and the Town CAO. Council carried a motion approving attendance at the conference, and appointed Councillors Wing and Messaros as attendees.
Alberta Provincial Policing Plan – Update
The Government of Alberta continues to pursue the idea of establishing a provincial police service. On August 16, 2022, the provincial government released a proposed deployment model for this service. At the August 22 meeting, Town CAO Todd Becker presented Council with an in-depth report highlighting the material that has been prepared by the province and released to the public. After review, Council carried a motion to accept the Alberta Provincial Policing Plan report as information.
Centennial Park – Proposed Parking Lot Gate
Due to ongoing complaints relating to the Centennial Park parking lot, Gary Leith, the Town’s Manager of Fire & Protective Services, prepared a report for Council with estimated costs and proposed designs for a gate at the entrance of the parking lot. As part of this report, Manager Leith proposed specific closure times for the parking lot. A motion to approve a budget for the gate project was defeated. Further Council discussion determined that parking lot closure hours should be included in the changes being made to the Parks Bylaw, which is currently slated for review at a future meeting.
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.
