Moorhead City Council Meeting

December 8, 2014

Approved the 2015 Transportation Projects

City Engineer Bob Zimmermann presented the five-year plan (2015-2019) Pavement Management & Transportation Improvement Plan. Zimmermann reported that they anticipate a significant amount of construction in the metro area next year and will advertise those projects as early as possible in 2015. Given the complexities of a number of the projects, it is essential that the Council provide and approve the plan.

The complete list of projects were distributed to the members for discussion. City costs will be financed with a G.O. Improvement Bond with debt service on the bond paid through special assessments and a property tax levy. Citizens may view a complete list of projects, estimated costs, and the funding sources on the city website.

Accepted Offers on the Sale of G.O. Improvement Bonds

The Council approved the sale of over $24 million of bonds and received a more favorable interest rate than planned that will save the City over two million dollars. The Council authorized the sale of these bonds at the November 10 Council meeting and passed a resolution authorizing the sale date of December 8. It was explained that the debt service on these bonds will be paid from a variety of sources, including special assessments, general property tax levy and county road and bridge funds.

Approved the Street Light Service Agreement

The Street Light Utility was implemented to distribute the cost of the operation and maintenance of the street lighting system. Under the agreement with Moorhead Public Service, the City will manage and maintain the system and the MPS will continue providing the electrical service and maintenance. It was pointed out that both parties are in full agreement.

Approved the Electric Fund Transfer Agreement with Moorhead Public Service

The City and MPS has been at odds over the amount that MPS annually pays the City. It is hoped that this agreement will provide stability and predictability to both in budgeting and financial planning for the next four years. The parties have been in ongoing negotiations over the language of the legislation for some time. A working group of two City Council members, two MPS Commissioners, the Mayor, and staff members from both entities has met for approximately 15 months to develop a formula for calculating the annual Electric Fund transfer to the General Fund. The approved formula will be based on MPS kwh sale. However, there is a $70,000 transfer payment in dispute. It was noted that without that payment the City’s budget would be out of balance and the shortfall would be required from reserves. The working group will continue the discussions.

Approved the 2014 Tax Levy

· General Fund $945,145

· Park Fund $2,739,121

· Library Fund $834,634*

· Econ Development Fund $74,358

· Mass Transit Fund $81,691

· Debt Service $312,000

· Special Assessment Debt $4,537,525

· Econ Dev Tax Abatement $148,500

TOTAL TAX LEVY $9,652,974

*A lengthy discussion regarding the library funding resulted in increasing the fund by $20,000. Because of financial concerns, the library reduced the hours of operation and the increase will help restore some weekend hours. The consensus of the Council is that the library provides the community with more than books on a shelf. Others important services include computers, educational programs, meeting rooms, outreach services, and numerous additional capabilities. It is a dynamic resource and welcoming destination where people learn, grow, and assemble throughout their lives. Many of these services are available for free or at minimal cost and deserves the community support.

The City of Moorhead’s 2015 Budget is a balanced budget in the amount of $74,317,172 with appropriations for each of the funds listed below:

2015 Budget Funds

· General $ 22,256,445

· Park 3,518,326

· Library 834,634

· Community Development Block Grant 574,355

· Rental Registration 281,096

· Mass Transit 3,139,669

· EDA Tax Levy 350,000

· Economic Development 247,423

· Tax Increments 1,042,700

· Special Assessments 15,279,695

· Debt Service 659,927

· Permanent Improvement 251,925

· Capital Improvement 2,097,800

· Storm Water 2,548,163

· Wastewater 7,511,525

· Sanitation 4,089,290

· Golf Course 1,794,875

· Sports Center 679,421

· Forestry 806,020

· Animal Control 105,430

· Right-Of-Way Maintenance 322,795

· Mosquito Control 142,845

· Airport 652,700

· Street Light Utility 675,000

· Information Technology 977,151

· Vehicles 3,150,500

· Radio 289,462

· Self-Insurance 38,000

Total $ 74,317,172

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.