The following are highlights from the Monday, March 14, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
42 Avenue Sound Wall Replacement
An assessment completed in June 2021 strongly recommended replacement of the existing sound wall along 42 Avenue due to extensive deterioration. Earlier this year, the Town collected proposals to replace the existing wall through a public tender process. At the March 14 meeting, Council approved a motion to award of the contract to Lakeview Contracting Ltd. at a cost of $999,900 to be funded from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).
Non-profit Tax Exemptions: Innisfail Town Theater, Innisfail Ski Hill
Through the Municipal Government Act (MGA), lnnisfail Town Theater (ITC) and the Innisfail Ski Hill submitted applications for property tax exemption for the 2022 taxation year. The MGA allows for the exemption of non-profit organizations able to meet specific conditions and qualifications. In two separate motions, Council accepted ITC’s application and received the report on the Ski Hill exemption as information.
Assessment Review Board Bylaw
In 2010, the Town joined a regional assessment review board to review all property tax appeals. At that time, Bylaw 1641-2020 was established to govern the roles and responsibilities of the board and outline our partnership with the City of Red Deer. That bylaw lacked clear information regarding fees and policies regarding the refund of filing fees. On March 14, Council gave the required readings and passed a motion to enact Bylaw 1679-2022 – Assessment Complaint Fee Bylaw which now provides greater clarity regarding the fees associated with appeals.
61 Avenue, 37 Street Special Tax Bylaws
In previous meetings, Council directed Administration to bring back a Special Tax Bylaws to recuperate part of the costs associated with the paving of both 61 Avenue and 37 Street. Administration informed Council that all businesses affected by this bylaw had been contacted. On Monday, March 14 Council passed motions to give each bylaw the first two readings. The bylaw will be presented again at a later meeting to receive third and final reading.
Municipal Development Plan Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
The Town has identified a need to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance in the preparation of a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP). Administration presented Council with proposed Terms of Reference that outline the duties and responsibilities of the proposed committee. After discussion, Council carried a motion to approve the proposed terms with one alteration, and then carried a second motion to allow Administration to advertise the available committee positions.
Hazelwood Houses
Previously, the Town had called for expressions of interest for the construction of houses on remaining Town-owned lots in Hazelwood Estates. At the March 14 meeting, Council approved motions to enter into construction contracts with Trueline Homes and Abbey Platinum. Each contractor will construct two of the four homes to be built.
Eagles Hockey Club Lease Agreement
Through agreements dating back to 2017, the Innisfail Eagles Hockey Club were to pay the Town for use of the remodeled dressing rooms at the Innisfail Area along with a portion of advertising revenue from wall board advertising; however, due to an administrative oversight, these fees were not collected. Further complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the issue, leaving the club with an outstanding balance of $15,200. Acknowledging a 24-month statute of limitations on the collection of fees, Council approved motions recognizing the total outstanding amount and then granting a discount to bring the outstanding balance to $3800 payable prior to March 31, 2023.
Rail Lease – 693736 Alberta Ltd.
In December 2021, Council approved a Right of Way Agreement with 693736 Alberta Ltd. to facilitate the construction of a rail siding across Town lands. On Monday, Council approved the long-term lease agreement with 693736 Alberta Ltd. for the use and operation of the rail siding. The lease identifies a twenty (20) year term commencing January 1, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2042 with an option to extend.
Economic Development Plan
At the March 7, 2022, Agenda and Priorities Committee Meeting, Factor5Group presented Council with a community economic development strategy developed with the assistance of Administration. On March 14, Council carried a motion to adopt the completed draft of the Innisfail Economic Development Strategy and Tactical Plan entitled POWER OF PLACE and directed Administration to begin its implementation.
Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo Sponsorship
At the request of the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, Council approved a motion to support the event with a $2,500 sponsorship.
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.
Visit www.innisfail.ca/council to review full meeting agendas and minutes.
