The following are highlights from the Monday, January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Public Hearing and Request for Decision – Bylaws 1470-A75 & 1677-2021
At the request of a town property owner, Administration drafted bylaws to amend the Municipal Development Plan and the Land Use Bylaw. The proposed amendments would change the zoning of the proponent’s property from residential to commercial. At the January 24 meeting a public hearing was held and, after comments were heard, Council gave each proposed bylaw second and third readings, passing both as presented.
Request for Decision – Council and Management Media & Communications Training
As part of the 2022 Budget, Council allocated funds towards a Media & Communications Training session for both Council and Senior Management. Administration sought proposals from qualified candidates and recommended that Council award the contract to Shawna Randolph Communications at a cost of $6,615. Council indicated the cost was to be shared by Council ($5,000) and Administration (any remaining balance), and then passed a motion to award the contract as recommended.
Request for Decision – Flag Policy
Typically, the Town displays flags from the three levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal). At a previous meeting, and due to an increasing number of requests from the public, Council directed Administration to research and prepare a draft policy concerning requests to raise flags different from those usually flown at Town facilities. At Monday’s meeting, Administration presented a draft flag policy. Council reviewed the policy and, after discussion, passed a motion to approve the proposed flag policy with one amendment.
Request for Decision – Post-Secondary Scholarship Policy
During the 2022 Budget deliberations, Council requested that Administration prepare a policy to allocate post-secondary scholarships to eligible Innisfail-based students pursuing post-secondary education. On Monday (Jan. 24), Administration presented a draft of this policy. After review and discussion, Council suggested revisions and carried a motion to table the policy. A revised policy will be presented at a future meeting.
Letter of Support – Enhance Energy
On January 19, members of Council along with CAO Todd Becker attended a presentation by Enhance Energy. The company is developing a carbon-capture project which could see millions of dollars in direct investment and may also attract carbon-intensive businesses to the region. Following this presentation, Enhance Energy requested that Council prepare a letter of support for the project. At Monday’s meeting, Council passed a motion directing Administration to prepare the letter.
Request for Reduction in Fees – Innisfail Eagles Hockey Club
The Innisfail Eagles currently have a lease agreement for the club’s facilities at the Innisfail Arena. In a letter sent to Administration, the club requested that the Town reduce the current lease amount. After discussion, Council passed a motion to maintain the current rate of $300 per month and extend the lease for 18 months until June of 2023.
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.
