The following are highlights from the Monday, February 13, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Community Naming and Recognition Policy
In 2022, Council directed Administration to review the Town’s then-current community recognition program. Later, Administration presented Council with a draft policy to provide a consistent evaluation framework and approval process for the commemorative naming of Town facilities, districts or lands. On Feb. 13, Council carried a motion to table the Community Naming and Recognition Policy. Administration will now conduct further research and present an updated policy at a future meeting.
Hybrid SUV Purchase
As part of the 2023 capital budget, Council approved funds to be used towards the purchase of a new Town vehicle. At the Feb. 13 meeting, Council approved the purchase of a 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime plug-in hybrid at a cost of $48,384.25 to be funded from the Public Works Equipment Reserve.
South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRDRWC) Operating Agreement
The Town is currently connected to a regional line which handles the town’s wastewater. The agreement overseeing this connection ends in 2023. At Administration’s recommendation, Council directed Administration to proceed with a new 3-year operating agreement for a term ending December 31, 2026.
Wayfinding Signage – Phase 3
Administration is ready to proceed with the third phase of the Town’s wayfinding sign project. After the completion of the public tender process, Administration identified the bid from Hi Sign/The Fath Group as best suited to the project. On Feb. 13, Council carried a motion awarding the Wayfinding Phase 3 contract for $124,439.76 to be funded from the Recreation & Culture Reserve.
46 Avenue Infrastructure Replacements Contract
The first phase of 46 Avenue infrastructure replacements was finished in 2021. Administration has now completed the public tender process for further proposed infrastructure replacements on 46 Avenue. Administration identified the leading tender and at the Feb. 13 meeting, Council carried a motion awarding the 46 Avenue Infrastructure Replacements contract to Carbon Earthworks Ltd. for $656,414.50 to be funded from the Utilities Stabilization Reserve.
Woodlands Area Amendments
Administration recently received applications to amend the Municipal Development Plan, the Woodlands Area Structure Plan and the Woodlands Outline Plan in anticipation of residential development. As a result, Council accepted the Amendment to the Municipal Development Plan, Woodlands Area Structure Plan, and Woodlands Outline Plan Report as information. Administration will now move ahead with the process of development; more information will be brought to Council at a future meeting.
Rural Renewal Stream Partnerships
In 2022, the Town entered the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, two programs designed to enhance population growth in rural communities. Other communities have now approached Innisfail with a request to be included under Innisfail’s designation. On Feb. 13, Council approved the inclusion of the Town of Bowden and the Town of Olds under the Town of Innisfail’s approved community designation.
Residential Infill Policy
The Town’s Residential Infill Incentive Program policy supports and encourages infill residential development by providing up to $15,000 per project to help offset costs associated with infill development. The program was originally approved until the end of 2023. On Feb. 13, Administration proposed amendments to the program policy to encourage greater uptake. Council carried a motion approving the amendments to the Residential Infill Program Policy as presented.
Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo Sponsorship
In response to a request from the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo Committee, Council carried a motion to sponsor the event with $2,500 in support.
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.
