Town council has approved the 2014 Parkland Regional Library (PRL) budget and taxpayers will see a slight per capita increase over the year before.
The town has an agreement with PRL to provide library services within the town. The PRL's project budget submission for 2014 – 2016 is an annual process and reflects broad-stated priorities and a long-term administrative plan.
Council was told through a report from Heather Whymark, director of corporate services, PRL proposed a projected per capita amount of $7.50 in its 2014 – 2016 budget, a decrease from $7.91 identified last year in the 2011 – 2014 budget.
However, Whymark pointed out taxpayers wound up paying a per capita amount of $7.28 in 2013 and the $7.50 amount projected for 2014 marks an increase of 22 cents.
“It is going up a little bit from last year. It will always continue to do so. I have never seen Parkland library ever go down to the taxpayer because it is developing,” said Whymark. “It will always be bigger but compared to what we thought we had to budget for 2014 we can now budget for less.”
With council approving the PRL 2014 to 2016 budget, administration will now include its requirement for next year in the 2014 operating budget.
New heating units approved for curling rink
The heating equipment at the Innisfail Curling Rink is being replaced at a cost of $13,020.
At council's regular meeting on Oct. 15, members were told by Terry Welsh, director of recreation, parks and culture, that a new heat and make up air unit was required at a cost of $11,950. He said the work was recommended by ATCO Gas following an annual safety inspection.
Welsh said it was also noted that the rink's hot water heater was at the end of its life expectancy. It was recommended from contractors and staff that it should also be replaced at a cost of $1,070.
Council was told work quotes were received by administration and it approved a recommendation to move forward with the heating equipment replacement with the bid from Llewellyn Plumbing-Heating.
Financial support postponed for hockey tourney
Town council decided on Oct. 15 to delay giving financial support to a local bid to host a prestigious minor hockey tournament until organizers went through proper administrative channels.
Council was told the Innisfail Kinsmen Midget Flyers are applying to host the 2014 Investor Group Hockey Alberta Provincials from March 20 to 23. It would be the first time since 2009 that the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association has hosted the provincial championship.
Shawn Russell, the host committee chair, said the event will have a “huge economic impact” on the town as it will bring about 150 hockey players and their families from across the province to Innisfail for four days.
As the projected cost for the tournament will be about $12,000, Russell asked town council to provide $1,000 in financial support, which would give the town platinum sponsorship status and considerable public recognition. He said the site for the tourney will be decided Dec. 15, and council's support at this time would boost the organization's chances of securing the event.
While there was widespread support from council members to support the local bid, a concern was raised that the request for financial support did not go through the town's Community Grant program, which is designed to help non-profit groups with special events.
Council agreed to support the local effort but decided the request for financial backing should first go through the Community Grant program and then back to council on either Oct. 28 or Nov. 12 for approval.
Russell agreed that would still give his committee enough time to formally apply to have the tournament held in Innisfail.
Innisfail Lions Week declared
Town council has declared the week from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 as Innisfail Lions Week.
The local Lions Club is celebrating its 75th year in Innisfail in 2013, which also marks the 96th year since Lions International was formed.
The club will be having a special evening of fellowship on Nov. 16 at the Innisfail Legion to mark the anniversary.
