Committee of the Whole
September 18, 2017
The Fergus Falls City Council met as a Committee of the Whole on Tuesday September 18, 2017 at 4:30 pm in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Schierer called the meeting to order and council members in attendance were: Rachels, Fish, Spidahl, Thompson, Arneson, Rufer, Appert, and Hicks.
Proposed 2018 Fee Schedule
The proposed 2018 fee schedule was reviewed. Many of the proposed changes were minor and after some discussion it was agreed the animal trap pick up fee of $50 should be removed at this time. Fire Chief Ryan Muchow reviewed his proposed changes to the Fire Department fees. He would like to align fees to coincide with the Mutual Aid Agreements with the townships. City residents will not be charged for the first four hours of time the department would spend on a fire and each additional hour is charged based on usage. Rural contracts would not be billed for the first two hours of time and would then be charged for each additional hour based on the usage. A non-resident would not be charged for the first hour of time and each additional hour would be based on usage. The council agreed the 2018 fee schedule should be approved at tonight’s council meeting.
City and Port Authority Property
On September 5 the council requested a map of city and Port Authority owned property. The Community Development Department is working on a spreadsheet with all available land, the purchase price, assessments and any restrictions for the property. Staff is considering engaging in brokerage services and additional marketing for active Port Authority property listings. The council was informed there is a party interested in the property located behind the West Liquor Store on College Way. Comparable land sales show the land sale would generate $100,000-$150,000. The council was in consensus to have staff continue working with this possible interested buyer.
The meeting adjourned at 5:11 pm.
Lynne Olson