Moorhead City Council Meeting

September 8, 2014

Public Hearing: G S Contracting LLC

The GaNe’ Skatvold, G S Contracting LLC property tax exemption was unanimously approved. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin this fall with an estimated completion of Spring 2015.

The city assessor estimated the new building value to be approximately $1,344,100. The 12 housing units include two, six-unit apartment complexes. The three story townhome-style apartments will be typical wood-framed. Each 1,200+ square foot townhome will have two bedrooms, one bath, and laundry within the unit. The units will also include a 1-stall, tuck-under garage and one parking space in the driveway for a total of 24 off-street parking spaces. The project site contains two single-family homes which will be demolished for the new construction.

Property Tax Rebate Program

The City Council also approved the extension of the two-year Moorhead’s Residential Property Tax Rebate Program. The current agreement between the county and school district expires at the end of this year and both have indicated continued support. In addition, Dilworth has indicated interest in the program.

The property tax rebate is deemed an important issue for the housing industry and consumers. The Make Moorhead Home property tax rebate was implemented to counter the decline in Moorhead’s single-family housing trends. Between 2006 and 2011, Moorhead’s annual single-family housing starts declined significantly and have improved since the program began. It was pointed out that both Fargo and West Fargo have longstanding two-year property tax abatement programs and their programs are more competitive than ever before. The Home Builder’s Association of Fargo-Moorhead is supportive of Moorhead continuing its property tax rebate program.

The local Make Moorhead Home property tax program was developed after the expiration of the State of Minnesota new-home tax abatement program ended in 2011. The City of Moorhead, Clay County, and Moorhead Area Public Schools entered into a two-year self-funded property tax rebate program in 2012. The new single-family home construction increased from 89 units in 2012 to 129 units in 2013. The 2014 rate with 117 starts is on pace to exceed the 2013 total. The total estimated market value increased to $18.3 million from $13.9 million. The 2014 totals were not reported.

2014 Housing Message

According to the city, “The primary housing message of 2014 is Moorhead’s flood protection status for new construction. All of Moorhead’s current building lots are flood protected. During the period 2009– 2014, the City of Moorhead and State of Minnesota invested more than $100 million in flood mitigation, giving Moorhead builders and home buyers an economic advantage with regard to flood insurance costs. This message has been communicated at several metro area events for builders, Realtors, and lenders. Flood protection, incentives, and communication efforts have combined to yield impressive results. Moorhead’s housing market is showing significant resiliency and gains.”

Approved the Moorhead Municipal Code Relating to Use of Electronic Delivery Devices

Use of an electronic delivery device is prohibited within twenty feet of entrances, exits, operable windows, air intakes, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas in which smoking is prohibited by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.

The ordinance is intended to complement the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act. Nothing in this ordinance authorizes smoking or the use of an electronic delivery device in any location that is regulated by other applicable laws or regulations.

Governor Dayton Announces

Funding for Moorhead Haz-Mat Team

Governor Dayton announced that the City of Moorhead will receive $100,000 to expand the capabilities of the Fire Department hazardous materials response team. During a roundtable discussion on railroad safety at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the subject of increasing train traffic and crude oil shipments through the state was a major focus of the conversation.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety funds a network of small hazardous materials teams across the state. Public and private entities operate under contract with the state to provide emergency response in the event of chemical emergencies. The primary role of these “Chemical Assessment Teams” is to evaluate the hazards presented by the incident, and intervene in smaller incidents to stop the release. Moorhead Fire has operated one of these teams since 1996.

Several details have yet to be determined as contracts are being prepared between the City and State including: an official start date to provide upgraded services, the length of contract and what portions of the State will be served by the Moorhead Emergency Response Team.

Police Explorers Accepting Applications

Great young adult opportunity!

The Moorhead Police Explorer Post is now accepting applications for membership. The explorer post is for youth between the ages of 15 and 20 who have an interest in the career field of law enforcement. Explorers will receive training from full time Moorhead police officers in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:

Traffic stops

Domestic crisis intervention

Burglary response

Crime prevention

Search and arrest

SWAT

DWI Investigation

And much more!

Explorers also compete in a state conference every April in which they can earn scholarship money for college. Explorers can also participate in ride-alongs with the Moorhead Police Patrol Division.

Any interested students and their parents should come to the Moorhead Police Department Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for an informational meeting. The Police Department is located at 915 9 Ave N in Moorhead. If you are unable to make the meeting and are still interested, please call Officer Aaron Sprout 701.219.1677.

Temporary Road Closure

12th Ave S at SE Main will be temporarily closed for construction of a new concrete roadway. The closure is expected to last one week, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes and to use the established detour.

Weekly Curbside Branch Collection Ending

City of Moorhead Forestry will transition from summer to fall work priorities during the month of September. Fall work priorities include Dutch elm disease tree removal, urban hazard tree removal, stump grinding, skidding along the river corridor, and boulevard tree trimming.

As part of this transition, Forestry will end weekly branch collection starting the week of September 15, 2014. Forestry will still provide curbside branch collection on a call-in basis. Branch collection can be scheduled by calling City of Moorhead Public Works at 299.5422 or by sending a request via the Forestry Web Page at: www.ci.moorhead.mn.us/departments/public-works/forestry/contact-forestry

Police Volunteers

Surpass 50,000 Hour Milestone

Police Volunteers working since 1999

The Moorhead Police Department is proud to announce that the Police Volunteer Program recently exceeded 50,000 volunteer hours since the program’s start in 1999. Currently there are 20 active police volunteers, a few of which have been members since the beginning.

The Police Volunteers is a service group within the Police Department performing duties and providing services that supplement and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.

The Volunteer Program is made up of dedicated citizens who have a desire to assist the Police Department in continuing to make Moorhead a special and safe place to live and work. The program offers a variety of options in which volunteers can find satisfaction in assisting the police and the citizens of Moorhead. Some of those opportunities are:

Special event staffing

Traffic control

Restorative Justice panels

Checking homes of residents on vacation

Parking enforcement

Monitoring handicap parking spaces and fire lanes

Clerical and computer work

Conducting traffic and other studies

A sincere thank you and appreciation from the Moorhead Police Department to these outstanding community partners that have given, and continue to give, so much of their own time and talents to make this a better community for us all!