Council forming committee to meet with Innisfil Resident Advocacy Committee (IRAC)
by Michelle Minnoch

Committee of the Whole approved a committee of four members of council, and senior staff if needed, to correspond and meet with the Innisfil Resident Advocacy Committee (IRAC).

In a delegation to council in open forum, IRAC Chair Marisa DeMarco told council "we have been disappointed in not having received a positive response, in fact none, as of yet".

DeMarco said the committee has dedicated many volunteer hours on the issue, and the information is at council's disposal and could be valuable for future use.

"IRAC wishes to find a solution; one which is acceptable to all."

Councilor Lynn Dollin said council is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"We don't have any final say. It's in our best interest to support this group."

She said it was incumbent at this point for council to listen to the group.

Councilor Paul Wardlaw agreed, stating they committee (IRAC) had done a lot of work.

CAO Larry Allison said staff has responded to the requests of the committee and there has been some dialogue.

Mayor Brian Jackson said the Town's legal administrator recommended not meeting with the group.

Councilor Rod Boynton said although he could identify with the problems the group of landowners is going through, he did not agree with DeMarco's comment regarding council not being open and transparent. Agreeing with the mayor, he was concerned with the legalities of the situation of council meeting with the resident group.

Councilor Bill Van Berkel said if it would take two or three councilors meeting with IRAC, then it should be done.

"Some people are in a real financial bind because of this," he said.

At tonight's council meeting, council will select who is going to be on the Committee that will be meeting with the Innisfil Residents Advocacy Committee.