Moorhead City Council Meeting
December 1, 2014
Citizens’ Opportunity to weigh in on the City’s Budget
“Good news story” stated City Manager Redlinger commenting on the city $74.3 million budget. Because of the growth, residential property taxes on a typical $139,500 home will decrease approximately $21 even though more taxes will be collected. This is due because of the growth that Moorhead has experienced over the years and debt restructuring. The increase will pay for five new police officers, public works positions and the newly annexed Oakport Township. Finance Director Wanda Wagner reported that the city’s share of the residential property taxes is only 29% of the total bill. The school system’s share is 35% and the county’s share is 34%. Wagner also pointed out that compared with Minnesota cities of the same size Moorhead property taxes are considerably lower.
Moorhead residents had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback regarding the 2015 budgets and proposed 2015 property taxes. Several residents took the opportunity to question their tax amounts. However, due to the individualized situations, answers required research.
Granted by the State of Minnesota’s Truth in Taxation legislation, the opportunity for public comment and questions had to be held after November 24 and before the December 29 deadline for certification by the county auditor. The final adoption of the levy and budget will be at the Council meeting on December 8, 2014.
Approved the FY2015 Diversion Authority Budget: Vote 5 Yes – 3 No’s
Even though there are no funds being requested as outlined in the Limited Joints Powers Agreement, it requires the Diversion Authority members to approve the budget. The 2015 budget request is for $211 million, which is financed by the State of North Dakota, Fargo and Cass County sales taxes. It was pointed out that no Minnesota funds including city and county funds are required. The City of Moorhead’s financial contributions have been expressly limited to the amounts previously paid by the City.
Council Member Durand stated she could not support the resolution because of Governor Dayton’s statements when he was visiting the area that North Dakota should not precede with flood protection until the Minnesota DNR completed their Environmental Impact Study. Council members Dailey and Hendrickson voted with Durand against the resolution.
Moorhead Human Rights Commission
names 2014 Human Rights Award honorees
MOORHEAD – The Moorhead Human Rights Commission (MHRC) will celebrate three recipients of its Human Rights Award with a celebration Wednesday, December 10, 6 p.m. in the courtyard at Moorhead Center Mall.
For its 2014 awards, the MHRC is recognizing the following honorees: Churches United for the Homeless, Dr. Phyllis May-Machunda, and Kaleidoscope.
“We are pleased to honor this year’s recipients for their individual contributions as well as their common goal: the creation of a more equal and just Moorhead,” said Kris Kerzman, chair of the MHRC. “This award is our token of gratitude for the work they do and an incentive for all of us to keep doing the work that lies ahead.”
About the Moorhead Human Rights Commission:
The purpose of the Commission is to secure for all persons, whether resident or visitor, equal opportunity in education, employment, housing, public accommodations, and public services and full participation for all Moorhead citizens in the affairs of this community.
Hunting guidelines established
for Oakport Annexation area
Hunting will continue after annexation with certain restrictions
Hunting to be allowed on private property and on public property with certain restrictions.
On November 24, 2014, Mayor Williams and the Moorhead City Council considered an ordinance that will allow hunting in the Oakport Tract 2 annexation area with these requirements:
Hunters must have proper MN license in possession and follow all carry and transport laws for weapons.
Hunter must obtain permission of the private property owner and/or Buffalo Red River Watershed Board if using their land.
Firearms
Shotgun only for deer with slug (single projectile) from elevated stand of 5 feet.
Waterfowl and Turkey hunting from ground level is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
Must be at least 500 feet from any human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
Archery
Ground level hunting is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
Must be at least 200 feet away from human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
Target practice is allowed
Must be 200 feet from any buildings not owned by target shooter unless has written permission from landowner.
A suitable back stop is required.
Can be inside a building with a suitable backstop.
Hunters must remove field dressing entrails on public lands and within 200 feet of property lines if on private lands in order not to attract predators and to avoid unsightliness.
The ordinance is schedule to be finalized prior to the January 1, 2015 annexation date.