The following are highlights from the July 27, 2020 Regular Meeting of Council.
Delegation – Innisfail Community Facility Enhancement Association
The newly-formed Innisfail Community Facility Enhancement Association, comprised of Innisfail residents looking to assist with the implementation and improvement of recreation facilities in the town, appeared before Council at Monday’s meeting. The group has been formed to actively pursue grants only available to formal associations. An immediate short-term goal of the group is to convert one of the town’s existing ball diamonds into a baseball-capable facility. Committee representatives formally requested support in the form of administrative assistance from Town staff. Council passed a motion to meet the request.
CAO Report – Welcoming & Inclusive Communities Committee
Included as part of the CAO Report was a recommendation that Council endorse the vision and goals of the Welcoming & Inclusive Communities Committee, and that Council fulfill the committee’s request for $2,000. The funds will be used for training and workshops. A motion was presented and then carried unanimously.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment – 1470-A68
A request was received by the Town for an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that would allow discretionary uses within an Established Industrial District (I-ES). This amendment would allow a restaurant and retail operation on a parcel within a district where neither are currently listed or allowable uses. A motion was passed giving first reading to the proposed amendment and a public hearing was set for the August 24, 2020 Regular Meeting of Council.
50 Street Landscaping Improvements – Request for Decision
After the conclusion of the RFP review process, administration recommended that the contract for Phase 1 of the 50 Street Landscape Improvements project be awarded to Border Paving Ltd. for $142,502. Council approved awarding the proposal as presented.
2020 Sanitary Pipe and Manhole Lining Contract Extension
Administration provided an update on the Town’s current Sanitary Pipe and Manhole Lining project. Grants from the Small Communities Fund are available but must be used before a July 21, 2021 deadline. Administration requested change orders to proceed with the 2021 program, including work on 30 additional manholes to prevent further infiltration, and an extension of the completion date to July 31, 2021. After brief discussion, Council unanimously passed a motion to approve the requested change orders.
Second-Quarter Financial Report
Administration provided a second-quarter financial update, highlighting the effects the COVID-19 pandemic have had on the Town’s finances. Tax revenues are not significantly different from previous years; however, losses in revenue from other areas – such as facility rentals & fees and deferred penalties on late payments – are down significantly. Expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic response currently total $15,976. Staff costs were not significantly different due to the pandemic, although some resources were re-allocated in response to the situation. Additional summer staff were not hired this year resulting in a savings of $42,000. Council approved the second-quarter financial report as presented.
RFD – Consulting Services for Innisfail Aquatic Centre Upgrades
Administration received numerous proposals in response to a consulting services RFP calling for the development of a modernization and pre-design report for the Innisfail Aquatic Centre. The expected project outcome includes options for renovation, expansion or facility replacement. A proposal from HCMA Architecture & Design was identified as best-suited for the project at a cost of $69,550. On Monday, after brief discussion, Council approved awarding the contract the suggested proponent.
Town of Innisfail – Anti-Racial Discrimination & Anti-Racism Policy
In June, following a commitment to initiate and implement policies and procedures to help overcome issues of racism and discrimination, a draft of the Town’s Anti-Racial Discrimination & Anti-Racism Policy was brought before Council for review. Following a review with community members and staff, a final draft of the policy was prepared. At Monday’s meeting, Council formally approved the final policy as presented.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights above only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting. To find full details on the proceedings, click here. Meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.
