The following are highlights from the May 10, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment 1470-A72 and Road Closure Bylaw 1668-2021
At the April 12 Council meeting, Administration presented Council with a proposed Land Use Bylaw (LUB) amendment and a road closure bylaw. On May 10, a public hearing was held for both. Members from the public spoke both for and against the proposed LUB amendment. After discussion, Council agreed that the Municipal Planning Commission was the appropriate body to deal with any further public concerns. Council then gave second and third readings to the amendment. Council also directed administration to prepare and submit a road closure package to the Minister of Transportation for consideration and approval.
Delegation – Innisfail Fish & Game, Proposed Archery Range
Earlier this year, a delegation approached Administration regarding the proposed use of Town land for an archery range. At the May 10 meeting, the delegation presented preliminary plans. Council directed Administration to gather more information to be presented to Council at a later date.
Council Disclosure Bylaw
Based on recommendations that came earlier this year from Sage Analytics, Administration provided an overview of what a possible Council Disclosure Bylaw could contain. After discussion, Council passed a motion to direct Administration to prepare a draft disclosure bylaw to be presented at a future meeting.
Request for Decision – Arena Dehumidifiers
After the conclusion of a Request for Proposal, Administration received two submissions to supply the Town with dehumidifiers for the Innisfail Arena. Council approved awarding the project to Startec Services at a cost of $303,000 with funds from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative.
Request for Decision – North Area Structure Plan (NASP) – Bylaw 1672-2021
The NASP sets a course for the future development of lands to the north of Innisfail. After public consultation in 2020 and earlier this year, an updated NASP has now been prepared. On May10, Administration asked Council to approve a date for the next public hearing pertaining to the NASP. Council gave first reading of the bylaw and approved the requested hearing date of June 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
Request for Decision – Building/Fire Safety Codes Officer Service Level Changes
The Town’s current contract for inspections expires at the end of May 2021 and Administration has identified an opportunity to pursue the creation of a new combined full-time building and fire inspector position. Administration proposed that the position would increase the Town’s capacity to provide inspections and could potentially be funded through building permit revenue in the future. Council approved the proposed new service level and delivery model as presented.
Request for Decision – Downtown Design Interventions
Administration requested the re-allocation of funds ($20,000) previously committed to the Downtown Urban Design Plan. New funding will be allocated to installations and events associated with short-term downtown revitalization projects. Council approved a motion to support the re-allocation of funds as requested.
2021 First-Quarter Financial Report
Administration provided Council with a first-quarter financial report for 2021. All revenues and expenses are within the budgeted amounts for this quarter. Administration noted that the closure of facilities will reflect a slight loss of revenue. Council approved the Town of Innisfail 2021First-Quarter Financial Report as presented.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights below only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting. To find full details on the proceedings, visit www.innisfail.ca/council-meeting. Meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.
