The following are highlights from the Jan. 14, 2019 regular meeting of council:
Land Use Bylaw Amendment
Council gave second and third readings to a Land Use Bylaw amendment providing for the redesignation of land in the Woodlands area. As a result, the subject site — located south of Highway 54 and east of 42 Avenue — will be rezoned from Reserved for Future Development (RD) to Highway Commercial District (HWY-C). A public hearing preceded the bylaw’s approval.
FCSS 2019 Funding Applications
Council approved the disbursement of FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) grant money as recommended by the FCSS Advisory Board. As a result, a total of $170,000 will be distributed in varying amounts to eight recipients — including, but not limited to: Big Brothers Big Sisters; Boys and Girls Club; Chinook’s Edge School Division; and the Senior Drop-In Centre.
Aging Well in Community Grant
Council by resolution agreed to support a grant application submitted by the Town through the Government of Alberta’s Aging Well in Community grant program. Through the application, a total of $100,000 in funding is being sought.
New Horizons for Seniors Grant
Council by resolution agreed to support a grant application submitted by the Town through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors grant program. Through the application, a total of $25,000 in funding is being sought.
Community Grant Policy Amendment
Council approved amendments to the Town’s Community Grant Policy to reflect a newly revised application process. Applications for funding through the program will now be accepted year-round, replacing bi-annual deadlines in the spring and fall of each year. Applications up to $2,500 will be reviewed and approved by the Community Services Standing Committee, while those higher will be reviewed and approved by Council.
Source Water Quality Protection
Following a request from the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group to sign a “Charter for Protecting Source Water Quality in the Red Deer River Watershed,” Council by resolution directed administration to respond outlining the Town’s own commitment to environmental stewardship through various strategic priorities.
Engineering Services Contract Award
Council approved the awarding of a contract for general engineering services from 2019 to 2021. The associated work focuses primarily on the Town’s capital projects, including major utility and roadway reconstruction, asphalt pathway and sidewalk replacement, and general engineering assistance as required. Al-Terra Engineering of Red Deer was awarded the three-year contract with an option to extend for two one-year periods.
Solid Waste, Recycling & Organics Discussion
Council discussed with administration the various options for the collection and disposal of solid waste, recycling and organics in Innisfail. Administration advised that a contract for such services would likely be awarded in the next several weeks, and sought from Council an indication of desired services and associated service levels. The resulting input was to be factored into administration’s eventual recommendation(s) on the matter.
