This regular meeting of the Fargo City Commission was called to order at 11:00 AM on July 21, 2025. The agenda included executive session actions, recognition of the assessor's office, a Fargo Rising Star Award, swearing-in of the new fire chief, public hearings on annexation, zoning changes, a street vacation, a federal grant report, economic development tax exemptions, liquor license transfers, a construction update, reconsideration of a street closure, and commissioner-initiated policy directives. Public comment periods addressed budget concerns, homelessness, and record transparency.
Executive Session Motions:
Spotlight on Assessor’s Office: Recognized by video presentation highlighting their role in appraising property values, maintaining records, and supporting multiple city departments. Stressed that 99% of property taxes stay in Cass County and that 20% of city funding comes from property taxes.
Fargo Rising Star Award: Presented to Brenda Summer, a residential appraiser who served the city for five years, for her dedication and excellent customer service.
Swearing-In of Fire Chief: Gary Lorenz, former Grand Forks fire chief and 28-year Fargo Fire veteran, took the oath of office. He expressed commitment to continuing high-level service and working with the department.
Public Hearing – Annexation (Item 40): Proposal to annex 87.89 acres (part of sections 10 and 15, Township 140, Range 49). Staff reported insufficient protests by the June 20 deadline. Motion to approve passed 5-0 after no public testimony.
Public Hearing – Zoning Change & Plat (Item 41): Northdale First Edition – rezoning from agriculture to limited industrial with conditional overlay; plat of one lot/block. Approved 5-0.
Public Hearing – Vacation Plat (Item 42): Vacation of portions of 50th Avenue North and 43rd Street North right-of-way adjacent to industrial properties. Four of five property owners signed; the fifth was out of town. Approved 5-0.
Public Hearing – CAPER Report (Item 43): Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for HUD's CDBG and HOME programs for program year ending April 30, 2025. Comment period ends July 24. Motion to receive and file approved 5-0.
Property Tax Exemption – Corvent Medical (Item 44): Five-year exemption for expansion of medical device manufacturing at 4837 Amber Valley Parkway S. The company added 12 jobs, now employing 42 at an average salary over $140,000, exceeding commitments. Only U.S.-owned mechanical ventilator manufacturer. Approved 5-0 after public hearing.
Liquor License Transfers:
Construction Update: Provided by Engineering Department. Notable projects: 45th Street rehab (concrete replacement complete; finishes by end of July); 32nd Avenue South (closed between 17th-22nd St; opening early August); NP Avenue (concrete nearly done); University concrete rehab (phases underway). No safety incidents. Southwest Metro Pond box culverts installation requiring lane closure on 45th St between 64th-76th in early August.
Broadway Street Closure Reconsideration (Item 48): Commissioner Kolpack moved to approve a closure for the Samoa eating contest on Thursday, July 24, from 3-11 PM between 2nd and 3rd Avenues North, and to instruct the multi-department street task force to evaluate and clarify legacy designation criteria. Motion passed 5-0. Prior discussion noted the last-minute nature; staff supported reconsideration for this single event.
Commissioner Requests:
Commission Reports and Appointments: Approvals for Human Rights Commission and Liquor Control Board members passed unanimously. Commissioner Strand reported attending National League of Cities Human Development Committee retreat in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting immigration enforcement concerns nationally.
Call the meeting to order. We'll begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I invite you to join us. Pledge of allegiance of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Roll call, please. Colpack. Here. Pepcorn. Here. Strand? Here. Turnberg? Here, Mahoney? Here. Came out of executive session. I have two motions that came out of there. Commissioner Kolpak. Yes, in accordance with the terms discussed in executive session. The city administrator is authorized to finalize any necessary verbiage in the agreement and to make the counteroffer and the mayor authorized to sign the counteroffer. With the understanding that if it is accepted by the buyer, the agreement will then be brought back to the city commission for receipt and filing. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Roll call vote, please. Colpack. Aye. Strand? Yes. Pepcorn? Aye. Turnberg? Aye. Mahoney. Aye. Commissioner Pipcorn. I move to direct the city attorney to work with the city auditor to prepare a draft ordinance for City Commission consideration creating a new liquor license classification authorizing the licensee upon annexation to sell off sale only. Second. Any discussion? Roll call vote, please. Pepcorn. Strand? No. Turnberg? Aye. Mahoney? Aye. Tonight we are highlighting the work of the city accessor's office. Each sure the assessor's office is responsible for appraising the valley value of all the property in Fargo.