The following are highlights from the Monday, September 12, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.
Chief Administrative Officer Report
Town CAO Todd Becker delivered a report to Council with updates on a number of items. Becker reported that Alberta Municipalities has asked the mayor and CAO to participate as panelists in an upcoming leadership session, that the Town is planning to review its current after-hours call service, and that he has had several recent engagements with community groups. Council carried a motion to accept the CAO report as information.
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) – 2022 EDA Ministry Dinner
The EDA’s Ministry Dinner brings members and stakeholders together with specific Ministers and staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. The event allows participants to share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. At the September 12 meeting, Council carried a motion approving Mayor Barclay’s attendance at the event at a cost (including expenses) of $383.
Request for Decision – Solar Farm Development
Administration had previously engaged Green Cat Renewables (GCR) to assess the feasibility of a solar development within the southwest industrial area. GCR prepared a proposal presenting the next phases of work and costs for the project. On September 12, Council approved the phase 2 and 3 portions of the project with $109,485 in funding from the General Capital Reserve.
Electronic Tax and Assessment Communication – Bylaw 1692-2022
The new Electronic Tax and Assessment Communication Bylaw will give the Town the ability to email tax and assessment notices – and any other tax-related communications – to residents who choose to receive notifications electronically. On September 12, Council gave first reading to Bylaw #1692-2022. The bylaw will be presented for second and third reading after all required public consultations have been completed.
ATCO Gas Franchise Agreement – Bylaw 1695-2022
The franchise agreement between ATCO and the Town grants ATCO certain rights to provide natural gas distribution service to consumers in Innisfail. In turn, ATCO commits to terms and conditions for delivery of natural gas service within the community. As the current agreement is due for renewal, Council carried a recommended motion to give the bylaw first reading; the bylaw will be presented for second and third readings at a future meeting after required public review.
Varme Public Participation
In August, the Town invited representatives of Varme Energy to speak to the public about a potential waste-to-energy facility in Innisfail. On September 12, Administration sought Council’s direction on the next steps in the public consultation process. As a result, Council carried a motion directing Administration to prepare a public participation plan – to be presented at a future meeting – which will be used as part of decision-making process.
Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw
A local landowner has approached Administration about amending the land use zoning of 3305 and 3307 52 Avenue, believing the community would be better served if the properties were zoned residential rather than commercial. As part of the process to advance this request, Council carried motions giving first readings to Bylaws 1694-2002 and 1470-A76, and established October 11, 2022 as the date for public hearings for both bylaws.
42 Avenue Road Closure / Lease Request
The Town has received a request from a local business regarding the lease of public lands. The subject lands form part of the roadway of 42 Avenue and, as such, require extensive administrative work to prepare a formal lease agreement. To facilitate this process, Council directed Administration to prepare a road closure bylaw to facilitate the lease; this bylaw will be presented at a future Council meeting.
Town of Innisfail Post-Secondary Scholarships
Earlier this year, the Town established scholarships for local students attending post-secondary programs. On September 12, Council carried a motion awarding two scholarships of $625 each to Kayla Snider and Kaleb Kremp, two Innisfail-based students.
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.
