With Jim Haney’s resignation from the Moorhead City Council Monday, residents in Moorhead’s Ward 2 have the opportunity to apply. Haney served for three years. He was elected to the Clay County Commission Nov. 8 and will join the commission Jan. 1.
His service to the city began at the same time as that of Mayor Del Rae Williams, Mari Dailey in Ward 1 and Chuck Hendrickson in Ward 4.
Haney said the four of them trained together at the Legacy of Minnesota Cities session in 2014. One of the things they learned is there is no place for party politics – and he is pleased that was set aside. “I’m proud of these three years, the way members came together and left partisan bickering behind. We rose above that and worked together for Moorhead. Mayor Williams was a big part of that.”
Haney’s highlights include street projects coming closer to completion, the 1,600 new citizens added when Oakport was acquired, city growth, flood project work, single serve recycling, the Main Avenue corridor, the construction of theSanford Clinic and the new transfer station.
“The Moorhead Business Association also should have a shout-out. It has become an extremely positive force, vital to the city. There are lots of positive things happening,” he said.
For her part, Williams said, “I really enjoyed serving with Jim. We were elected to our offices at the same time and became friends early. Jim has a passion for Moorhead, a strong sense of history in our community. I appreciate the perspectives that he gave to our decision making.”
In Other Action
City Attorney John T. Shockley said the resignation Haney submitted Nov. 14 would take effect Dec. 31. To apply for the two-year Ward 2 post, candidates can submit either online or paper applications to the city clerk between Nov. 16 and the Nov. 30 deadline. The week of Dec. 5, the city council may hold candidate interviews. That same week, the council will hold a special meetingto select a candidate. The city council will announce its selection Dec. 12, after the council’s ballots are counted by the city clerk and city attorney.
Williams said applications would be available on the city's website and Facebook page. For further information, contact www.cityofmoorhead.com or call the city clerk, 218.299.5304.
Williams declared Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to shop and support community merchants.
City Engineer Bob Zimmerman reported on a golf course pond bank stabilization and repair project that will use turf reinforcement mats at The Meadows and Village Green. The ponds are part of the city’s storm-water treatment. Andrea Crabtree Nayes, utility engineer, prepared the report.
Council member Steve Gehrtz moved to table the resolution to approve the commercial lease agreement with Clay County for the New Joint Law Enforcement Center. David Ebinger, chief of police, presented information and will present further information at the next city council meeting.
The committee of the whole meeting will be Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
