Mayor Del Rae Williams and City Manager Christina Volk will now be able to hire temporary employees through employment agencies for contracts valued at less than $10,000.
City Attorney John Shockley said the plan creates efficiency in hiring of temporary personnel. The council approved the action. The agreement lasts through the terms of the current council.
In other action, the council approved an agreement with Green View, Inc., to provide custodial services for city hall and the wastewater treatment facility.
Meeting as a committee of the whole, the council received a report for Tom McSparron of the West Central Initiative. Jerry Arneson is the Clay Country representative on the WCI board.
In its 31st year, WCI serves nine counties and 82 communities. A new campaign called “Live Wide Open” showcases our part of the state. Its website, livewideopen.com, talks about opportunities for rewarding careers while living close to family, friends and the beauty of west central Minnesota. The publiccan join the movement by sharing your own story of why you choose to live in this area. Social media feeds @livewideopenmn or livewideopen@wcif.org or calling 800.735.2239 connects you to staff.
WCI offers grants and education for programs in early childhood, child-care provider loans and grants; leadership, nonprofit assistance and community grants; transportation planning, economic development training, workforce grants, business loans and even community gardens.
Roger Olsen talked about the Moorhead Municipal Airport. It is a general aviation airport with a 4,300 foot asphalt runway that is 75 feet wide, seven private hangars and an eighth hangar under construction, 34 public hangars and self-service fuel.
The airport receives $150,000 in grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration yearly for eligible capital projects. FAA grants typically cover 90 percent of eligible project costs. The airport is also eligible for Minnesota Department of Transportation grants.
The airport committee includes Wayne Lougheed, Bruce Emmel, Council Member Melissa Fabian, Michael Koenig, Andrew Skatvold and Walter Vollmers. Olsen is an at large member.
The Extra will have an expanded story on the airport in an upcoming issue.
