Moorhead, MN- City Council rejects offer
from Attorney General to acquire building
at 1014 19th St. South
By staff writer Jacey Baumler
Director / Deputy City Manager, Scott Hutchins proposed that Moorhead city council take on a new facility that prospers opportunity and potential. The non-profit Hispanic organization Centro Cultural is being dissolved and the building located at 1014 19th St. South is now abandoned and available. Hutchinson has made an offer to the City Council which they discussed and considered the idea from several different angles.
Council member Steve Gehrtz voiced the first caution. He was concerned about how much maintenance the facility would require and the costs for repairs. The property was noted to have six inches to two feet of water in the basement and no functioning heat. The building would also require an estimated thirty six hundred dollar starting price, and clean up service costs. Several council members were concerned with the cost for repairing the damages.
Although the facility could be a lot of work and money, it was pointed out by the city staff that it does offer many opportunities for neighborhood growth and development. Council Member Nancy Otto stated, “I think it still might be a possibility for us that there could be something very good to come out of this. It might be worth the investigation and future discussion.” She then went on to describe using the facility as a place for afterschool programs or daycare centers. It could help those in the neighborhood who truly are in need of these services. Another option discussed was use of the building for park related activities.
Over the years, the property has been used for several purposes. It was originally built to serve as a warming house for ice rinks. In the 1960s it was used as a church. Up until recently, it was utilized as a non-profit organization providing a day camp for children.
After thorough consideration and discussion, the council moved to reject the offer from the Attorney General, noting that they had a lot of other property to manage. Council member Mike Hulett concluded, “I see this as having caution written all over it. We own a lot of property and we have a lot of property we’re trying to sell. I would really want to see a compelling need along with meeting our budget requirements.”
Value of the land is estimated at $46,000 and roughly $160,000 for the 4,000 square foot building.
REMINDER: Prevent Freezing Water Service Lines
Despite the warming temperatures, the frost in the ground is still very deep, and continues to cause some water service lines to freeze. We want to remind our customers of this issue and provide information that may be helpful to avoid the possibility of water service lines freezing at your home.
Moorhead Public Service (MPS) is providing the following information for educational and informational purposes only. It is up to each customer to decide how they want to use this information.
To avoid frozen water service lines, let the cold water run from one faucet throughout the day and night. The amount of running water should be a thin stream (“trickle”).
Specifically, customers with past experience of water service line freeze-ups and/or with very low water usage should maintain a trickle of water running from one faucet to prevent water service lines from freezing.
If a noticeable decrease in water pressure occurs or if rusty-colored water is noticed, you should immediately begin flowing water until pressure returns to normal, then maintain a trickle of water.
The possibility of freezing water service lines will continue throughout the winter. Unfortunately, MPS cannot predict how long this will last or where frozen service lines will occur.
If you suspect that your service line is frozen, please call MPS’ Dispatch Center at 218.299.5474.
Sam’s Club Prepares to Open in
Moorhead Club brings 180 new jobs;
supports local community
MOORHEAD, Minn.,March 11, 2014 — Sam’s Club is stocking shelves in preparation for its grand opening in Moorhead. The membership warehouse club will give residents and small business owners the opportunity to access incredible savings on quality products, including items made locally.
Club brings 180 new jobs
The new Sam’s Club brings with it approximately 180 new jobs, including opportunities in the bakery for cake decorators, in receiving as night merchandisers, as cashiers, and office positions, to name a few. Each job brings with it real career opportunities.
Club manager Leah Roiko began her career with Sam’s Club more than 8 years ago as a part-time cashier. Most recently, she was Club Manager for the Sam’s Club located in Grand Forks.
“We’re bringing a lot of new jobs to the Moorhead community,” said Roiko. “What really excites me is the opportunities that each of these jobs bring for career growth. As was the case with me, the sky is the limit for what you can achieve at Sam’s Club.”
There are still a variety of full- and part-time positions available. Interested applicants can apply for jobs by visiting the Hiring and Membership Center, located at 2901 South Frontage, Suite 10. Residents are also invited to visit the center to sign up for a Sam’s Club membership.
The hiring and membership center’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Club gives back to Moorhead
Although the club has not yet opened, the team is actively engaged with local organizations. “The spirit of giving back to its communities has been a long tradition at Sam’s Club,” stated Roiko. ”Our team has enjoyed the opportunity to start giving back in Moorhead.”
In that giving spirit, Sam’s Club has provided a $15,000 grant to the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association, and is working with the group to coordinate volunteer activities for club associates.
“The arrival of Sam’s Club will be a welcome addition to Moorhead, even beyond the economic impact they will bring to our community. Well before the opening of their store, they showed their dedication to our community through a partnership with our local youth hockey association,” stated Layne Hanson, President of the MYHA Board of Directors. “The grant provided to our association by Sam’s Club will help fund the purchase of new uniforms for all of our teams, without passing along the costs to our members,” he continued.
Sanford Explosion
After a thorough investigation, the Moorhead Fire Department has determined the cause of the explosion to be an accidental ignition of a flammable gas that had accumulated in an enclosed vault which was constructed as an elevator shaft for future growth. At the time of the explosion a contractor was using a propane torch to dry up water in the bottom of the current elevator shaft. At the bottom of the elevator shaft there were holes that connected the two shafts. This allowed for the opportunity of flammable gas accumulation in the enclosed shaft. Possible flammable gas sources of natural gas and methane gas from sewer lines were ruled out as part of the investigation. The probable flammable gas source was the propane that was being used at the time of the fire, but further investigation is still being conducted by the insurance companies to determine definitively what the gas was.
Propane is a flammable gas, and when released, it accumulates in low lying areas. This accumulation of propane was ignited by the open flame torch that was being used at the time. When the gas ignited, it quickly burned back into the enclosed shaft and ignited the accumulated gas and since it was enclosed in a confined area, the gas exploded with enough force to lift the concrete that was covering the empty future shaft.
This highlights the dangers of propane and how caution should be used when using propane devices. Propane cylinders larger than the small camping tanks should not be stored inside occupied structures, this includes attached garages. The common 20 pound cylinders used on grills and devices should be stored outside the building so in the event there is a leak, it allows the gas to disperse into the air and not accumulate. When the propane is attached to an appliance, all fittings should be tested with leak test liquid or device to ensure there is not a leak that would cause an accumulation of gas. Lastly, use the propane device as it is intended; inappropriate use could cause a fire or an explosion.
Moorhead River Corridor Plan
The draft Moorhead River Corridor Plan is now available for review and comment
The City of Moorhead and the River Corridor Advisory Committee are excited to announce the Draft Red River Corridor Plan is now available for review and comment. Moorhead residents and interested citizens can access the plan online at www.cityofmoorhead.com/river
Youth Baseball Deadline Approaching
The registration deadline for youth baseball is March 12. Register today to reserve your spot on a team!
Moorhead Parks and Recreation’s Youth Baseball Program deadline is March 12. Register today to ensure your spot on a team. Youth Baseball includes Big Bopper for kids age 5 or in Kindergarten, T-Ball for kids currently in 1st grade, and Pop-Up for kids currently in 2nd or 3rd grade.
These programs focus on teamwork and fundamentals and are for both boys and girls.
The cost for Big Bopper is $33.00 and the cost for T-Ball and Pop-Up are $37.50. After the deadline the cost of T-Ball and Pop-Up increases to $56.00 and kids will be placed on teams where there is space available.
To register, call Moorhead Parks and Recreation at 218.99.5340 or register online.