Town approves wastewater system plan
The town has lost its bid with the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater System (SRDRWC) for a reduced rate for wastewater services.
Innisfail, the only municipality in the region that had not yet accepted the approved SRDRWC business plan, told the agency it was requesting a rate reduction of $1.60 and $1.50 per cubic metre from the proposed $1.70 per cubic metre rate.
The request was reviewed by the SRDRWC board on Jan. 18 and rejected by a 5 – 2 vote. The decision meant the Town of Innisfail was required to accept the business plan.
On Jan. 28 town council voted to accept the business plan. But some members still had reservations.
“I didn't like it then and I don't like it now,” said Coun. Mark Kemball. “We don't have much choice.”
To satisfy the town's future contributions to the SRDRWC in 2015, council passed first reading on Jan. 28 for an amendment to the Utilities Bylaw to increase the current $10 stabilization rate per metered site to $20. The rate increase was identified in the 2013 town budget.
The rate will take effect March 1. Administration told council that any surplus monies received as a result of the increase will be put into the Utility Rate Stabilization Reserve.
“Unfortunately we have to do this to our ratepayers,” noted Mayor Jim Romane. “We are acting in their best interest to reduce the impact of it. It will help smooth this over.”
Green light given to service rate increases
Residents will soon see an increase in rates for waste and yard waste collection, as well as for water and sewer utilities.
On Jan. 28 town council approved first reading for a rate increase of $16 to $17 a month for each dwelling unit for waste and yard waste collection, and an increase to $3 from $2 per dwelling unit for the green box recycling program. The new rates, approved in the 2013 town operating budget, are effective March 1.
Council also approved a rate increase to $2 per cubic metre from $1.75 per cubic metre for both water and sewer services.
An administration report to council said the budgeted water rate increase was due to a rate increase from the Mountain View Water Services Commission and to fund deficit in water operations. The report added the wastewater increase was due to the “significant” contribution the town will be required to make to the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater System (SRDRWC) in 2015. The new rates, also approved in the 2013 town operating budget, will be effective March 1.
Rate increase for Handi-Van
Rental rates to use the Innisfail Community Bus are increasing as of March 1.
On Jan. 28 town council approved a motion to hike fees for in-town use from $3 to $4 while the cost for trips to Red Deer, Sylvan Lake and Olds will increase to $40 from $35.
Council agreed with a suggestion from Helen Dietz, the town's chief administrative officer, that the Innisfail Legion be notified and given sufficient time to advertise the rate changes.
Two unused roads will be closed
Town council has agreed with an administration recommendation to close down one unused road and a portion of a government road allowance.
Administration told council on Jan. 28 in separate motions that closure of these road segments will allow the town to utilize the lands for alternative uses.
The lands in question are a strip adjacent to Highway 54 and 42A Street, and a corner cut-off lying north of the production westerly and the north boundary of 42A Street.
Council was told administration had to go through a number of bureaucratic steps to have the road segments legally closed, including preparing a bylaw.
Once the bylaw has been given third reading by council, the town can then submit it to Land Titles requesting title be issued for the property. Council authorized administration to proceed with the necessary steps.
Marketing plan for unsold lots approved
A new marketing plan to sell 31 town-owned residential lots in the Hazelwood Estates subdivision has been approved by town council.
On Jan. 28 town council was reminded it had acquired 51 residential lots in the subdivision in 2010 but only 20 had been sold.
Craig Teal, the town's director of planning and development, told council the remaining 31 lots consist of 12 duplex and 19 single-detached dwelling lots.
He said a marketing campaign to sell off the remaining lots could include additional signage, brochures and information packets, as well as advertising through the Town Voice, town website, electronic billboard and at future trade shows.
Teal added incentives could also be used such as offering discounts for the lots as well as offering extensions to closing dates or final payments of up to six months for lots purchased prior to June 15.
He told council there is a marketing budget of $10,000 that was approved in the 2013 budget that would help cover expenses for the plan to sell the lots.
