The following are highlights from the March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
Municipal Enforcement 2021 Objectives and Statistics
The Town’s Manager of Fire & Protective Services provided Council with an update on Enforcement Services’ objectives, changes to officer’s working hours, and local enforcement statistics for 2021. The department will focus on collaboration with community stakeholders, the creation and maintenance of a safer driving culture, and back alley maintenance standards. Council accepted the report as information.
Request for Decision – Strategic Planning Policy 2021-002
The Strategic Planning Policy establishes an on-going process that helps translate the Town’s mission and values into actionable and measurable goals. The proposed policy provides direction for Council and Administration regarding long- and short-term decision making and also allows them to make purposeful choices when faced with competing demands for capital and operational resources. Council passed a motion to accept the policy as presented.
Request for Decision – Urban Hen Pilot Project Bylaw 1662-2021
Administration presented Council with a draft bylaw to initiate an Urban Hen Pilot Project. After brief discussion, the proposed bylaw was amended before second and third readings took place and the bylaw was passed. Administration will now develop the process by which the program will be put into practice.
2020 Community Awards Presentations
Earlier this year, the winners of the 2020 Innisfail Community Awards were selected after an online nomination process. Due to COVID restrictions on indoor public gatherings, the annual Awards Gala could not take place. The Community Award winners were instead acknowledged at two consecutive Regular Meetings of Council. On Monday, March 8, the remaining four of the seven award winners were congratulated by Council.
Request for Decision – Age-friendly Community Committee Bylaw 1663-2021
Administration proposed that Council commit to actively participate, support, promote and improve accessibility and inclusion of older persons, persons with disabilities, and the community as a whole. As part of this commitment, Administration requested that Council revise existing bylaws to remove the Age-Friendly Ad-hoc Committee and pass the proposed Age-Friendly Community Committee bylaw as presented which will see the Age-friendly Community Committee established as a permanent Committee of Council. Council followed the recommended actions and the new bylaw was passed.
Request for Decision – Urban Design Project
Earlier this year, Administration prepared a Request for Proposal for an urban design plan to establish a framework for the implementation of many of the items identified in the Economic Development Plan. Proposals were received and a leading proponent was identified. After deliberation, Council unanimously moved to table the decision until after further discussion can take place at the Monday, March 15 Agenda & Priorities Meeting.
Request for Decision – 2021 Residential Lot Pricing
Based on feedback from the Town’s listing realtor, Administration recommended reducing the prices on remaining Town-owned lots in the Hazelwood and Napoleon Lake subdivisions. Council unanimously passed a motion to reduce lot prices as presented.
Request for Decision – Corporate Brand Standards & Visual Identity Policy 2021-001
As part of the collaboration with 13 Ways Inc., expansion of the Town’s existing brand guidelines were identified as a necessary component of the Economic Development Plan. The guide outlines the use of a series of new and enhanced branding assets. Council approved the policy as proposed.
Request for Decision – 46 Avenue Reconstruction
A recommendation to award the reconstruction project of 46 Avenue to Grayson Excavating Ltd. was presented to Council. Council approved the awarding of the contract, with a total cost of $625,149 to be funded from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).
Request for Decision – 2021 Mill and Overlay Program
Administration proposed awarding the contract for 2021 mill overlay, to be done throughout the community on an as-needed basis, to Central City Asphalt in the amount of $308,717 funded from the MSI. The proposed action was approved.
Request for Decision – Articulating All-Season Tractor Purchase
After completing a call for quotations, Administration proposed the purchase of an all-season tractor at a cost of $189,730 from CUBEX Limited. The new equipment will replace current unit that now requires increased servicing and repairs. Council approved the purchase 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.