Transition Information for Oakport Tract 2 Residents
The City website has a host of information for all residents. You can receive information specific to the Tract 2 annexation transition by signing up for e-Notification (select Oakport Annexation) to get the most timely updates. While you're at it, sign up for service alerts and other topics, too. The most up to date information specific to the Oakport neighborhood is included in the FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ was last updated on December 13, 2016 and may be updated as additional questions are received. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us; your neighbors may have a similar question.
I’ve been looking forward to lower electric rates in Oakport. When will that happen?
Oakport residents receive Moorhead Public Service (MPS) electric service and MPS rates once electric service is transferred to MPS. MPS has acquired the electric service territory from Red River Valley Cooperative Power Association (RRVCPA), and is in the process of acquiring the electric service territory from Xcel Energy. Electric service territory is expected to be transferred from Xcel Energy to MPS by September 30, 2017. Sign up for e-Notification (Oakport Annexation) for updates as they become available.
What will my electric cost be after the Oakport electric service buyout?
An Electric Service Extension surcharge is charged to MPS customers in newly-acquired service areas. The surcharge rate was defined in the Orderly Annexation Agreement as one-half of the per kWh rate difference between MPS and the current electric provider. For example, if the current electric provider charges $0.12/kWh and the MPS rate is $0.10/kWh the Tract 2 customer will pay $0.11/kWh until the buyout expenses are recouped. As rates between the current electric utilities and MPS change, the surcharge will be adjusted; however, at no time after the buyout will a Tract 2 resident pay more for electricity than they would have with their previous electric utility supplier. Once the buyout expenses are recouped, Tract 2 rates will be the same as in the rest of the City of Moorhead.
Will I need to relocate my electric meter when MPS becomes my electric provider?
Only Tract 2 residents who are upgrading or relocating an existing service will be required to relocate an interior meter to the outside of the house. Following acquisition of the electric service territory, MPS will be replacing existing meters with MPS meters at no charge (by appointment if the meter is located inside the home). There is a monthly service charge for secondary/additional service meters as necessary for dual fuel systems or other purposes (currently $2.00/month for each meter). Please note that residents with off peak or dual fuel systems are responsible to bring their systems into compliance with the MPS dual fuel program standards to receive the Moorhead dual fuel rates.
If my property is served by a private well, do I need to connect to Moorhead Public Service water?
No.
UPDATED: What is the plan for streetlights in Oakport Tract 2?
At this time, there are no additional street lights planned within the Tract 2 area. Residents may also request placement of new street lights by submitting a street light request form.
UPDATED: Are Oakport residents paying City of Moorhead streetlight fees?
All Oakport properties in the Xcel service territory are now charged the same Street Light Utility Fee as other Moorhead residents pay. The City of Moorhead Street Light Utility fee finances the cost of operating and maintaining all street lights citywide. This fee is not based on the number of street lights on or near your property, but similar to fees for Pest and Forestry services, the program is structured to provide street lights citywide for the benefit of the entire community. Single family homes, multifamily apartments, and businesses pay for street lights according to the approved City of Moorhead fee schedule.
Is there an emergency siren in the Oakport Tract 2 area?
An emergency warning siren has been installed in the Oakport Tract 2 area.
How will future flood mitigation issues be addressed in Oakport?
The City of Moorhead Engineering Department will continue to advance flood control to minimize flood risk in Oakport and the rest of the City of Moorhead by:
Analyzing alternatives
Estimating costs, funding sources, and allocation of costs
Gathering public input
Making recommendations to the City Council
Moorhead’s Engineering Department will evaluate pending projects and support projects that meet the community’s flood mitigation goals. After initial public input in September 2016, further funding evaluation of and coordination by residents affected by the North Moorhead Flood Mitigation Project is in process.
Will the City take ownership of the Tract 2 levees?
Not at this time. The levees remain under the jurisdiction of the Buffalo Red River Watershed District. All properties within the BRRWD pay a general administration tax based on their property value/tax capacity. BRRWD charges a special assessment to properties benefiting from projects such as the Oakport levee project or a ditch project. In addition, Oakport residents that are within the Oakport Levee project area are charged a levee maintenance fee on their tax statement; this levee maintenance fee will continue to apply to benefiting properties while the infrastructure is maintained by the BRRWD.
Will the City pursue FEMA accreditation of the Tract 2 west levee?
This levee is under the jurisdiction of the Buffalo Red River Watershed District. The Watershed would be the entity that would pursue accreditation.
Who mows Tract 2 ditches?
Homeowners continue to be responsible to mow ditches abutting their property. Buffalo Red River Watershed District maintains Ditch 67 (along north side of McCann’s Addition/south of Wall Street) as well as the ditches along the levee.
What are the future plans for existing and new roads in Oakport?
Existing roads aree maintained through a joint agreement of Clay County and the City of Moorhead Public Works Department. The City of Moorhead Engineering Department conducts ongoing, long range planning for transportation issues. The transportation needs in Oakport are now part of citywide planning.
Will the City maintain private roads in Oakport?
No. The City will not maintain private roads but maintains all public roads in the city unless they are maintained by another public jurisdiction such as MnDOT or Clay County.
If I have a gravel driveway now, do I have to pave it?
No. Existing gravel driveways are not required to be improved with asphalt or concrete.
Can undeveloped property in Oakport be subdivided for development?
Yes. Subdivision are regulated by Moorhead subdivision standards and guided by the North Moorhead/Oakport Township Future Land Use Map.
Will sidewalks be required in existing Oakport Tract 2 neighborhoods?
No.For future subdivisions, sidewalks will be reviewed during the platting process.
Can I burn leaves at my Oakport home?
Yes. Between September 15 and December 1, leaf burning is allowed in the Oakport neighborhood as conditions permit. Instead of getting a permit from the Dilworth Fire Department, get a no-cost permit from the Moorhead Fire Department so the Department is aware of open burning activities.
Where can I use my snowmobile in Oakport?
Snowmobiles can be used on private property and dedicated snowmobile routes have been established along specific county and local roads.
Where can I use my ATV in Oakport Tract 2?
Class 2 ATVs are allowed on shoulder areas of improved roadways (not state trunk highways – state law).
Hunters must have proper Minnesota license in possession and follow all carry and transport laws for weapons.
Hunter must obtain permission of the private property owner and/or Buffalo Red River Watershed Board if using their land.
Firearms
Shotgun only for deer with slug (single projectile) from elevated stand of 5 feet.
Waterfowl and Turkey hunting from ground level is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
Must be at least 500 feet from any human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
Archery
Ground level hunting is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
Must be at least 200 feet away from human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
Target practice is allowed
Must be 200 feet from any buildings not owned by target shooter unless has written permission from landowner.
A suitable back stop is required.
Can be inside a building with a suitable backstop.
Hunters must remove field dressing entrails on public lands and within 200 feet of property lines if on private lands in order not to attract predators and to avoid unsightliness.
The Oakport property I own has a recorded Conditional Use Permit allowing horses. Did the annexation impact the Conditional Use Permit?
No. If your property has a recorded Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allowing horses, the CUP will continue to apply. Furthermore, if the property is sold, the CUP will apply to future owners.