The following are highlights from the Monday, December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
Delegation – Concerns over Restrictions
A town resident shared concerns regarding the province’s COVID-19 restrictions and the manner in which the Town has implemented those restrictions. The resident also offered opinion on the legal ramifications of the province’s measures. Council briefly engaged the delegation in conversation, but no further action was proposed by Council.
Media and Communications Training
Administration has identified a need for the Town’s leadership to better understand how to properly engage the media. Administration recommended that the Town issue a Request for Proposal for media and communications training. Council approved a motion to proceed with the RFP as presented.
Anthony Henday Campground Lease Renewal
The lease with the local Lion’s Club for the operation of the Anthony Henday Campground ends in 2021. Administration presented Council with an option to renew the lease until December 31, 2026. Administration also recommended slight increases to the current site rental rates. After brief discussion, Council carried two motions to both renew the lease and to increase the rates.
2022 Operating and Capital Budgets
Earlier this year, in meetings that were open to the public, Council met to deliberate the proposed operating and capital budgets for 2022. A further review, along with an opportunity for further discussion, took place at the Monday, December 6 Agenda & Priorities Meeting. At the December 13 Regular Meeting of Council, Director of Corporate Services Erica Vickers presented a final draft of the proposed 2022 budget. Council engaged in a brief discussion, after which a motion was carried to approve the budget as presented.
2022 FCSS Innisfail Funding Recommendations
The Town, through the recommendations of the FCSS Advisory Board, funds numerous organizations and endeavours to ensure the community has sufficient social support. On Monday, the Town’s FCSS Coordinator presented Council with a report identifying funding opportunities to fulfill these needs. Council engaged in a dialogue about the supports in the community and then passed a motion to provide funding as per the recommendations put forward by the FCSS Advisory Board.
Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw Amendments
A local property owner has applied to amend the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) for the purpose of changing a property’s designation from residential to commercial use. Administration presented Bylaw 1677-2021 to amend the MDP, and Bylaw 1470-A75, after which Council gave first reading to both. A public hearing date for both was set January 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. as part of the motions carried.
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.