Action on Moorhead’s upcoming underpass continued at the Moorhead City Council meeting Monday night, welcomed new police officers and passed a tax break for a Moorhead business.
Police Chief David Ebinger introduced three new police officers, congratulating them and the training officers for their effort, time and energy. “The Moorhead Police Department is now fully staffed, a result of a lot of hard work,” Ebinger said. Next week’s Extra will have a full story on the actions taken by Ebinger and the city to serve and protect Moorhead’s residents and guests.
City Engineer Robert Zimmerman explained some of the planning and preparation for the project. The city is working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad on its financial contribution to the project while updating plans for the underpass. Moorhead Public Service will be involved in coordination of the construction process.
The engineering staff is working toward a deadline of Friday this week for an application to the state for the 2018 legislative session for an 11th Street underpass.
The council OK’d a two-year tax exemption for Boyer Properties, owned by Jeffrey and Rachael Boyer, to renovate and construct an office and shop for The Coatings Authority Inc. The Boyer’s company is a full-service painting company offering all aspects of painting, concrete coatings and surface preparation.
Rachael Boyer thanked the city for the business support. The coatings company has operated in Moorhead since 1996.
Public Works Director Steve Moore reported that 11,000 96-gallon totes have been delivered for the upcoming single-sort recycling that begins July 3. He expects recycling to increase with the new system. The box bins residents currently use stay with the home.
Moore used the analogy that the new annual recycling effort could equal the weight of 4,000 African elephants. “In the last decade, recycling flat lined,” he said noting that, “because Moorhead is a progressive city the new system will increase the conversion rate.”
Residents will pay the $3.59 per month for the new blue totes and single-sort recycling service whether they use it or not. City recycling posts will remain available for those who want to do their own recycling. An ordinance will be enacted about placement of totes and other issues with the new system.
In other action:
Council members Heidi Durand and Steve Gehrtz said city staff is moving forward with sidewalk guidelines. An ordinance will be introduced to clarify future requirements.
Mayor Del Rae Williams congratulated Moorhead native Matt Cullen on a third Stanley Cup and looks forward to seeing it in Moorhead again.
She is pleased with legislative action that helps Moorhead as a border city and with taxes.
Sara Watson Curry suggested citizens could begin plans for the Aug. 1 Night to Unite, inviting neighbors and city staff to get together.
The Park Board, she said, expanded its programs for volunteers. Contact the board for further information.
City manager Christine Volkers said the city website has a new feature so that residents can subscribe to the city calendar to download it for phones and computers.
