The following are highlights from the Monday, January 23, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
CAO Report – Economic Developers of Alberta Conference
At the January 23 meeting, Council carried a motion supporting Mayor Jean Barclay and Councillor Dale Dunham in representing the Town at the Economic Developers of Alberta Conference in Kananaskis from April 11 to 14, 2023.
Business/Citizen Recognition Policy
In 2022, Council directed administration to work towards the creation of a business recognition program. After reviewing the Town’s current Citizen Milestones/Achievements Recognition Policy #2016-009, administration recommended that Council repeal the existing policy and introduce two new policies, the Citizen Milestones/Achievements Recognition Policy #2023-001 and the Business Recognition Policy #2023-002. At the January 23 meeting, Council carried all three recommended motions as presented.
Bylaw #1470-A77 – Amendments to Residential Districts
Administration has discovered land uses – approved under previous land use bylaws(LUBs) and LUB amendments – that are now recognized as legal non-conforming in certain residential districts. As such, Administration recommended that Council adopt Bylaw #1470-A77 to address legal non-conforming uses in select districts of the current LUB. On January 23, Council gave Bylaw #1470-A77 first reading and set a Public Hearing date of February 27, 2023.
2023 FCSS Funding
The Town, through the recommendations of the FCSS Advisory Board, funds numerous organizations and endeavours to ensure robust social support for the community. On Monday, Administration presented Council with a report identifying funding opportunities to fulfill these needs. Council then carried a motion to provide the funding as proposed by the FCSS Advisory Board.
PACE Transit Service Delivery
With the Town’s current contract for PACE Bus service ending in April, Administration presented a recommended motion for the Town to enter into a contract with Prairie Bus Lines Ltd. effective April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. A representative from Prairie Bus Lines presented to Council at the January 16 Agenda & Priorities meeting, and on January 23 Council carried the motion to approve entering into a contract with Prairie for the provision of transportation services.
Councillor Heistad – Leave of Absence
As noted in the Municipal Government Act, it is prudent for Councillors to give formal notice for extended absences. On Monday, Council carried a motion to recognize and approve Councillor Jason Heistad’s request for a leave of absence from Jan. 23 to May 31, 2023, excusing him from Council duties during that time.
Committee Appointments
With a leave of absence approved for Councillor Heisted, Council carried a motion to ensure all Council committee appointments are covered.
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.
