The following are highlights from the Monday, February 14, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
CAO Report – Land Acknowledgement
Council had previously indicated a desire to provide a land acknowledgement prior to all formal Council Meetings. Town CAO Todd Becker, in his report to Council, provided a draft for such an acknowledgement. After one amendment was made as part of discussions, Council approved a motion to provide Indigenous land acknowledgement for all Regular Council Meetings and Agenda & Priorities Committee meetings.
Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The MSI was initiated by the provincial government in 2007 to provide Alberta municipalities funding to build, replace, and refurbish local infrastructure. The Town signed the original agreement in 2007, followed by amending agreements in 2009 and 2014. The opportunity to endorse another amending MOU will extend the MSI funding for an additional two years. On February 14, Council approved a motion to authorize Administration to take actions to extend the MSI program until March 31, 2024.
Solid Waste Update
In 2019 the Town’s solid waste collection program changed to mostly automated collection. The Town recently extended the contract with its current service provider for an additional two years. At Monday’s meeting, Director of Operations Steven Kennedy provided Council with an update of the program, including goals and statistics. Council, after questions and discussion, accepted the report as information.
Appointment of Development Officer
Council carried a motion to appoint the Town’s Manager of Community Development Services, Gordon Shaw, as a Development Officer in accordance with the Town’s Land Use Bylaw. This will allow the department to maintain current service levels in the absence of those already appointed to the role.
Process to Develop New Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
Administration is prepared to begin the process of developing a new MDP to replace the one adopted in 1998 and consolidated in 2007. As part of this process, Administration wishes to work towards the appointment of an advisory committee responsible for assisting in the preparation of this plan. At the Monday meeting, Council passed a motion directing Administration to begin the process of developing a new MDP. More information will be provided to Council 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.