The following are highlights from the Monday, February 27, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Councillor Harrison – Deputy Mayor
At the Feb. 27 meeting, Councillor Don Harrison was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the period starting March 1 and running until June 30, 2023.
Public Hearing: Bylaw No. 1470-A77 – Legal Non-conforming Uses Within Specific Residential Land Use Districts
Council gave first reading of proposed bylaw 1470-A77 at the Jan. 23, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council. After providing required notice, a public hearing was held at the Feb. 27 meeting. After hearing no public response – neither for nor against – Council gave the bylaw the required second and third readings, passing the bylaw as presented.
Delegation: Innisfail Fish and Game Association
Representatives from the Innisfail Fish and Game Association presented Council with a proposal to install a floating dock in Dodd’s Lake. The association will donate the dock but requested that Town staff prepare all related permits and/or required documentation. After hearing from the delegation, Council carried a motion to accept the donation of the dock.
Next Generation 911 Agreement
An Internet Protocol (IP)-based system is in use for 9-1-1 systems in municipalities across Canada. The Town currently has an agreement in place for an older legacy 9-1-1 system. On Feb. 27, Council carried a motion to enter into a new agreement with Telus allowing for the town’s transition to the new Next Generation 9-1-1 system.
Fortis Franchise Agreement
The Town’s current 10-year franchise agreement with Fortis expires on September 30, 2023. Fortis had previously approached the Town proposing a 5-year extension to the agreement. At the Feb. 27 meeting, on the recommendation of Administration, Council carried a motion directing the Chief Administrative Officer to endorse the April 4, 2022 letter of intent from Fortis for the renewal of the Electrical Distribution System Franchise Agreement.
Bernie Haley – Letter of Support
Innisfail resident Bernie Haley is well known in the world of hockey, especially in his many roles as an on-ice official. His family is now working to have him inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and have reached out to the Town for a letter of support. At the Feb. 27 meeting, Mayor Jean Barclay provided Council with a comprehensive background of Mr. Haley’s career, after which Council carried a motion to provide the requested letter of support.
Southwest Industrial Park Surface Contract
The tender process for the surface improvements in the SW Industrial Park closed on Feb. 16, 2023. After completing review, Administration recommended awarding the contract to Richardson Bros (Olds) Ltd. for $1,836,266.50 to be funded from the Land Acquisition/Servicing Reserve. On Feb.27, Council carried the recommended motion.
Service Truck, Loader Backhoe Purchases
As part of the 2023 Capital Budget, Council included a new service truck and a new loader backhoe. At the Feb 27 meeting, Council carried motions approving the purchases of a 2023 Ford F-550 Service Truck for $158,251.00 and a John Deere 2023-3105L from Brandt, Red Deer for $205,795.00. Both will be funded from the Public Works Equipment Reserve.
Dr. George/Kemp House Lease Agreement
Administration has been in contact with a local artist looking for studio space. The Dr. George/Kemp House has been identified as a possible location; however, the installation of two interior doors will be required at an estimated cost of $1000. On Feb. 27, Council carried a motion authorizing an agreement with Karen Scarlett for the lease from April 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025 at a rate of $250/month inclusive of utilities.
Joint Use and Planning Agreement – Red Deer Catholic School Division
A joint use and planning agreement is a written agreement which addresses shared use and access to facilities, funding of shared facilities and services, and the planning and acquisition of new or expanded school sites. At the Feb. 27 meeting, Council carried a motion to enter into a Joint Use and Planning Agreement with Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division.
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.
