The following are highlights from the Monday, June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Amendment to Bylaw 1704-2023 – 2007 Municipal Development Plan: Public Hearing and Request for Decision
Laebon Developments Ltd. made an application to amend the MDP, requesting changes to the designation of a portion of its land from commercial to residential. Administration then prepared Bylaw No. 1704-2023 to accommodate these changes. The proposed bylaw was given first reading at the May 8, 2023, Regular Council Meeting. On June 12, 2023, Council held a public hearing to receive public input on the bylaw. After receiving no feedback on the proposal during the hearing, Council later gave the proposed bylaw the required second and third readings.
Amendment to Bylaw 1705-2023 – Woodlands Area Structure Plan/Woodlands Outline Plan: Public Hearing and Request for Decision
Laebon Developments Ltd. is looking to develop the area identified in the Woodlands Outline Plan. As part of their proposed initial phase, the developer proposed changes to the current land use concept. This being the case, Administration prepared a bylaw to amend the Woodlands Area Structure Plan and proposed that Council adopt the updated Woodlands Outline Plan by resolution. Bylaw 1705-2023 received first reading at the May 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. At a public hearing on June 12, 2023, Council heard from many concerned residents about the proposed changes. Later, Council defeated a motion to give the bylaw the required second reading.
Small Business Week Event Budget
As part of his report to Council, Town CAO Todd Becker highlighted an opportunity to engage two prominent Alberta business leaders as part of the Town’s Small Business Week activities during the week of October 16-20, 2023. Becker informed Council that the proposed event budget is anticipated to be $10,000. On June 12, Council carried a motion approving the unbudgeted expenditure of $10,000 for the engagement event to be funded from the Operating Reserve.
Dolphin Swim Club Fee Waiver Request
The Innisfail Dolphins Swim Club uses the Innisfail Aquatic Centre each year from May to August. The club’s registration numbers have dropped significantly, leaving them with financial challenges for the upcoming season. On June 12, representatives from the club requested that the Town waive the club’s pool rental fees for the 2023 season. Council, considering the club’s situation, requested that Administration work with the club on potential solutions and report back to Council at a future meeting.
Parkland Library Foundation Financial Report
Each year, the Parkland Library Foundation completes a mandatory financial audit. At the June 12 meeting, Administration presented Council with a report on the foundation’s 2022 audit prepared by MNP LLP. Council then carried a motion accepting this report as information.
Innisfail Pride Proclamation
At the request of the Innisfail Pride Society, Council carried a motion declaring June as Pride Month in Innisfail and committed to flying the Pride flag at the Town Office during the weekend of the group’s planned events from June 23 to 26, 2023.
June 19 Regular Council Meeting; June 26 Council Meeting Cancelled
At the June 12 meeting, Council carried a motion to provide public notice that the June 19, 2023 Agenda & Priorities Meeting is considered a Regular Council Meeting and that the June 26, 2023 Agenda & Priorities Meeting is cancelled.
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.
