Notice of Motion – Support for Federal Bill C229
After discussion at the May 16 Agenda & Priorities (A&P) Meeting, Councillor Messaros requested that the Town of Innisfail and Town Council support and provide public endorsement to Federal MP Peter Julian’s Private Member’s Bill C-229 – Banning Symbols of Hate Act. Council carried the motion as presented.
CAO Report – Energy Futures Lab – Energy Futures Roadshow
Energy Futures Lab (EFL), an Alberta-based social innovation network, has chosen Innisfail as the community to host a number of public events in 2022-23 to highlight the future of energy needs, opportunities, and challenges. Collectively, these events are identified as the Energy Futures Roadshow. CAO Becker provided additional information about the organization, after which Council carried a motion directing Administration to move ahead with the initiative.
Utilities Bylaw 1686-2022
At the May 16 A&P Meeting, Administration provided Council with proposed amendments to the 2020 Utilities Bylaw. The amendments aim to improve knowledge, acceptance, and respect of the bylaw. After reviewing Council’s feedback, Administration provided an updated proposed bylaw at the May 24 Regular Meeting. Council gave all three required readings and passed the bylaw as presented.
Signing Authority Policy 2022-006
Currently, the Town of lnnisfail does not have a document outlining the delegation of signing authority within the organization. The 2022-006 Signing Authority Policy provides clarification for Town officials and employees. After reviewing the policy, Council passed a motion on May 24 to approve the policy as presented.
Electronic Signatures Policy 2022-007
With the transition to remote work coupled with a shift to electronic-based business practices, the use of electronic signatures has become increasingly essential. Recent amendments to Alberta’s Electronic Transactions Act General Regulation removed certain restrictions on employers’ use of e-signatures. On May 24, Administration provided Council with a proposed policy that would allow the increased use of e-signatures for employees and the public when authorizing certain Town documents. Council approved the policy as presented.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Bylaw 1683-2022
The CAO Bylaw sets out the powers, duties and functions of the CAO and combines the current 2010 CAO Bylaw with the 2018 Designated Officers Bylaw. After review, Council gave the proposed bylaw all three required readings. Both the 2010 Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw and the 2018 Designated Officers Bylaw were repealed as part of the new bylaw.
Industrial Park Borrowing Bylaw 1683-2022
The proposed Borrowing Bylaw 1683-2022 is intended for funding the development of the Town’s southwest industrial area at an estimated amount of $5.5 million, with expected recovery of the cost coming through the sale of Town-owned lands in the area. The province’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) outlines provisions which a municipality must follow when borrowing for the construction of a capital property. On May 24, Council approved first reading of Bylaw 1685-2022. The Town will now proceed with the actions outlined in the MGA, which includes a detailed public notification process.
Solar PV Installation Contract Award
Identified as a feasible project in a previously conducted audit, the Town accepted and reviewed proposals for the installation of solar PV panels on certain designated Town structures. On May 24, Council approved a motion to award a contract to SkyFire Energy in the amount of $360,003 to be funded from the Arena and Utility Stabilization reserves.
Transit Operating Agreements – Town of Innisfail/ Royal Canadian Legion #104 (Innisfail)
On May 10, the Transportation Committee passed two motions recommending the approval of operating agreements between the Town and the Innisfail Legion for the operation of the Town’s PACE vehicles and the Community Bus. The agreements were presented to Council on May 24, and two motions were carried approving the recommended agreements as presented.
Proclamation – Menstrual Hygiene Day, May 28
After receiving a request from the Soroptimist International of Central Alberta, Council officially proclaimed May 28 as Menstrual Hygiene Day.
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.
