File photo.
Innisfail Town Council discussed adjustments to the RCMP and capital budgets, vehicle purchases, and modernization of the aquatic centre during the Jan. 13 Regular Meeting of Council.
Here’s the highlights from the meeting:
South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRDRWC) – Operating Agreement Amendment
Administration has been in discussion with the SRDRWC regarding additional operating services to cover regional maintenance duties. This would provide the SRDRWC with additional experience and knowledge, as well as staff coverage when needed. Administration reported that no additional staff would be needed to cover the increase in service. After reviewing the amendment, Council carried a motion approving the amendment of services.
Community Peace Officer (CPO) Pickup Truck Purchase
After completing an official RFQ, Administration recommends the purchase of a CPO vehicle from Palliser Chevrolet in Innisfail for $53,130, with an additional budget of $20,000 for enforcement-related items. On January 13, 2024, Council carried out a motion approving the purchase to be funded from the Fleet Capital Reserve.
Town Pickup Truck Purchase
After completing the RFQ process, Administration recommends the purchase of four pickup trucks from Fourlane Ford in Innisfail for the total purchase price of $203,840.00 (before GST), with an additional budget of $5,000 per unit for additional work-related items. At the January 13 Meeting, Council carried a motion approving the purchase of four vehicles to be funded from the Fleet Capital Reserve.
Appointment of Substitute Returning Officer
Under the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), it is required that a Substitute Returning Officer be appointed by council resolution to perform any election duties required in the absence of the Returning Officer. On January 13, Council carried a motion appointing Vanessa Connors, Legislative Coordinator, as the Substitute Returning Officer for the 2025 General Municipal Election during any absence of the Returning Officer.
RCMP Back Pay Budget Adjustment
The existing RCMP collective agreement, covering the period from April 1, 2017, until March 31, 2023, created significant retroactive pay obligations for all RCMP members. As a result, the total remaining retroactive pay obligation for the Town of Innisfail is $287,945, which Administration recommends paying from the RCMP Reserve; doing so requires a budget adjustment. On January 13, after a brief discussion, Council carried a motion approving the recommended budget adjustment.
Capital Budget Adjustment – Town Office Window Replacement
The replacement of the Town Office windows was approved as a 2024 capital project in the amount of $50,000. Administration received three quotes from suitable contractors and approved one from Pearl Rose Construction for triple-pane windows in the amount of $72,950. At the January 13 Meeting, Council tabled a motion approving the project and asked Administration to provide more information.
Aquatic Centre Modernization
The Innisfail Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1987 and has received minimal re-investment throughout its lifecycle. Now, the facility requires extensive modernization to remain operational, with a total project cost of $12,266, 219. On January 13, 2024, Council discussed the matter and then carried a motion approving the Aquatic Centre Modernization project to be funded by the Recreation Facility Reserve, debenture, and grant funding. Council then carried a second motion directing Administration to enter a contract with Chandos Construction and Group2 Architecture for the completion of the Aquatic Centre Modernization project.
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