The following are highlights from the May 27, 2019 regular meeting of council.
Lundgren Centre
Representatives from the Lundgren Centre presented to council requesting $10,000 to be used towards the centre’s current kitchen renovations. Council approved the funding request. For the second phase of renovations, the centre requested the help of Town administration in approaching other possible funding partners.
Innisfail Pro Rodeo
The Innisfail Pro Rodeo, now in its 59th year, made a formal request to Town Council to have the Town become a sponsor of the event. Town Council approved a silver-level sponsorship in the amount of $2,500. Rodeo representatives identified infrastructure improvements as an area where the sponsorship contribution could be utilized.
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan
After consultations with the public, administrative staff determined there is support for changes to current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) designations that do not support redevelopment and do not reflect the desired long-term use of the area south of 50 Street between 46 and 49 Avenues. Town administration presented council with amendments to the current LUB at the April 23, 2019 council meeting. On Monday, Council approved the amendments.
Innisfail Solar Farm – Elemental Energy Land Lease Agreement
Elemental Energy has conducted a detailed study of the site, north of town, to be used for the future Innisfail Solar Farm. The company made a request to extend the lease area beyond the original indicated boundaries, with the provision that the extended area will not exceed five acres. Council approved the proposed amendment to the current lease agreement, and an amendment to the existing development permit is expected to be presented to the Municipal Planning Commission on June 4, 2019.
Wayfinding Signage Phase 2 Project Contract Award
A request for proposal from the Town was made on April 12, 2019 for phase 2 of the wayfinding signage project. The RFP closed on May 3, 2019, with eight companies submitting proposals. Upon recommendation, Council awarded the contract to PM Signs. The company’s $87,058 proposal includes the manufacturing and installation of the signs. RFP values do not include a contingency allowance.
Solid Waste and Recycling Program
The Town’s director of operations provided an update on the new residential solid waste service. Automated waste pickup begins on June 3, 2019, and the carts used for this service have now been delivered. Service will change from four days per week to three days per week. Town staff has been receiving higher than average call volumes and now have a dedicated staff person handling incoming calls. The Town has been communicating the changes to residents and will continue to do so over the next few weeks.
Innisfail Twin Arena – Removal and Installation of New Header Piping
A lifecycle upgrade to the heat floor systems on both of the Town’s arena surfaces was recommended to Council as part of the 2019 capital projects budget. Through an RFP process, Town administration recommended a proposal from Stevenson Industrial Refrigeration to complete the work. Town council accepted the recommendation for the project at a cost of $129,836 with a 10% contingency.
