The following are highlights from the Monday, May 8, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Community Disability Workers Appreciation Week
At the request of Tammy McAuley, Program Director of the P.R.O.S. Agency, Council carried a motion to declare May 22-28, 2023 as Community Disability Service Workers Appreciation Week.
Rotary Golf Tournament Sponsorship Request
The Innisfail Rotary Club has requested sponsorship for the organization’s 2023 golf tournament. At the May 8 Meeting, Council carried a motion to support the event as a hole sponsor in the amount of $400.
Woodlands Open House Engagement Summary
Administration presented the report about a public information session held on April 6, 2023. Stantec hosted the event and received feedback from landowners about proposed amendments to the planning frameworks of the Woodlands subdivision. After review on May 8, Council carried a motion accepting the report as information.
Bylaw 1704-2023 to Amend the Municipal Development Plan
Stantec, acting on behalf of Laebon Developments Ltd., submitted applications to amend the statutory and non-statutory planning framework for Laebon’s land holdings within Innisfail. The purpose of this application is to amend the Municipal Development Plan by changing the designation of a portion of the area from commercial to residential. On May 8, Council carried motions giving first reading to the bylaw and setting a public hearing date for Monday, June 12, 2023.
Bylaw 1705-2023 to Amend the Woodlands Area Structure Plan
Amendments are proposed to the Woodlands Area Structure Plan to accommodate proposed development. These amendments are technical in nature and do not substantially depart from the existing plan that was consolidated in Bylaw 1630-2019. Council carried two motions at the May 8 meeting, giving first reading to the bylaw and setting a public hearing date for Monday, June 12, 2023.
Amendment to the Woodlands Estates Outline Plan
The Woodlands Estates Plan Area consists of multiple parcels owned by Laebon Developments Ltd. Administration reported that Laebon Developments Ltd., through Stantec, is requesting an amendment to the existing outline plan. On May 8, Council carried motions to receive the report as information and set a public hearing date for Monday, June 12, 2023.
Community Economic Development Strategy – Recommended Tactic
The Town has received a Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program grant in the amount of $59,750 aimed at fostering a financial ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and business expansion in Innisfail. This tactic was outlined in the Power of Place community economic development strategy. On May 8, Council carried motions approving a proposed work plan and directing Administration to begin working with the Factor 5 Group on its implementation.
New Aquatic Centre Validation Report
The Aquatic Facility Validation Report was presented to Council on March 20, 2023. The presentation reviewed some of key elements of the design. At the April 17, 2023 Agenda & Priorities Meeting, Council discussed some concerns regarding the facility’s design and layout. On May 8, Council reviewed the report and carried a motion to approve the New Aquatic Facility Validation Report dated February 27, 2023.
Playgrounds Contract Awards
On April 28, 2023, council tabled the report on two proposed playground designs and requested a fully accessible option for each. At the May 8 meeting, Administration provided alternate designs, after which Council carried motions approving the designs originally proposed at the April 28 meeting.
Budget Adjustment
At the April 10, 2023 Council Meeting, Administration brought forward the 2023 Tax Bylaw for review and approval. At that time, Administration informed Council of an expected surplus requiring budget adjustments that would be presented at a future meeting. On May 8, Administration presented the updated adjustments. Council carried two motions approving transfers to the Facility reserve in the amount of $125,337 and to the RCMP reserve in the amount of $288,000.
Urban Hen Keeping Bylaw
At the April 24, 2023 Council Meeting, Administration brought forward a draft bylaw to establish a permanent Urban Hen Program in Innisfail. On May 8, Council gave third and final reading to the Urban Hen Keeping Bylaw 1710-2023.
Bylaw 1711-2023 to Amend the Rates and Fees Bylaw
With the addition of new bylaws, the current Rates & Fees bylaw is no longer accurate. On May 8, Council carried a motion to give three readings to Bylaw 1711-2023 to amend the Rates and Fees Bylaw, updating the Town’s fee schedule.
World Family Doctor Day
After receiving a request from the Alberta College of Family Physicians, Council declared May 19, 2023 as World Family Doctor Day in Innisfail.
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.
