The following are highlights from the Monday, February 28, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Mask Use Policy Repealed
In December of 2020, Council carried a motion approving Council Policy 2020-010 Mask Use Policy which required masks to be worn in Town-owned buildings. ln light of the recent changes to provincial health measures, Council carried a motion to repeal the policy.
Town to Fly Ukrainian Flag
Councillor Cindy Messaros presented a motion to fly a Ukrainian flag at the Town Office, citing that the move would show support for the people of Ukraine during their current circumstances. The motion was carried, and staff will now work to complete the request.
Sewer Camera Purchase
The Town’s current water-system surveillance equipment has become less reliable and more costly over the past few years. After a request for quotes, Administration recommended to Council that the Town purchase a Pipe Trekker system at a cost of $80,000. Council carried a motion to purchase the system with funds from the Utilities Equipment Reserve.
2022 Surface Improvements
Surface improvements were included as an item in the 2022 Capital Budget. Administration has reviewed all submitted tenders and recommended that Council award the project to Border Paving Ltd at a cost of $999,746 to be funded Municipal Sustainability Initiative and Federal Gas Tax Fund. Council carried the recommended motion.
Recreation Facility Project Update – Validation Phase (Schematics)
The Town continues to explore options for an updated recreation facility. At the Feb. 28 Council Meeting, Administration recommended moving to the validation (schematic) phase by proceeding with the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process. Administration also recommended increasing the project budget to $600,000 to be funded from the Town’s Facility Reserve. After discussion and one amendment to the recommended motion – identifying the project as a recreation facility – Council carried the motion as presented.
Business License Bylaw Updates
Administration identified a need to update several areas of the Town’s current Business License Bylaw. Among other things, the changes should make it easier for businesses to operate in town under certain circumstances. Council approved all three readings of the updated bylaw and carried the motion as recommended.
2021 Fourth Quarter Financials, Surplus
Director of Corporate Services Erica Vickers provided Council with the Town’s fourth-quarter financial report. The report identified a surplus of $290,019. Council received the report as information and then allocated the surplus to the Facility Reserve.
Deputy Mayor Gavin Bates Sworn In
Councillor Gavin Bates was sworn in as the Town’s Deputy Mayor. Councillor Bates will serve in this role for the next four months.
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.
