Fargo City Commission Meeting - September 2, 2025
Fargo City Commission Meeting - September 2, 2025
The Fargo City Commission met on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City Commission Chambers. All five commissioners (Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney) were present. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, a consent calendar of 28 routine items, multiple public hearings on special assessments, licenses, zoning, transit fares, and dangerous buildings, as well as discussions on the Communications Department and construction updates. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Items 1–28 approved unanimously. The consent calendar included first readings of ordinances amending business licensing, election dates, and election procedures; second reading and adoption of an ordinance on domestic fowl and pets; applications for games of chance; a consolidated agreement for special improvements with Dakota Commerce Center 5, LLC; developer agreements with County 20 Storage & Transfer, Inc. and GBP, LLC; a bid award to Dakota Underground Company Inc. for $8,585,918.81 for Improvement District BN-25-C1; creation of Improvement District BN-26-A; change orders and bid awards for various projects; a twelfth amended lease with NDSU and Fargo Dome Authority; items from the FAHR meeting including financial reports and reallocation of $279,274; out-of-grade pay for two employees; bid award for lubricating oil products; direction to review night parking restrictions; a solid waste management agreement; transit policy submission; transit capital funds amendment; written renewal of cleaning contract; transit service agreement with NDSU; change orders for water and wastewater projects; and bills totaling $14,540,550.68.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Quincy Tullock (MATBUS rider) spoke against the proposed fare increase and route changes, stating that a 33% price increase could lead to an 18% ridership decline based on industry averages, and urged the commission not to sacrifice a lifeline for those who need transit.
- Robert Round (Moorhead resident) expressed concern about losing Route 18 to the South Walmart and the West Acres transit hub, noting safety issues at the 13th Avenue Walmart.
- Amy Benson (MSUM student) opposed eliminating Route 16 and moving the transit hub to Walmart, citing congestion and safety concerns; she also argued that cutting Route 18 south of 32nd Avenue would harm residents who rely on it for access to healthcare, work, and school.
- Candice (South Walmart employee) spoke against cutting Route 18, stating it would cause many to lose their jobs.
- Thiago Mengi (40-year transit rider) opposed removing the West Acres hub and eliminating routes, emphasizing the needs of elderly and disabled riders.
- Ricky Meidinger (Route 15 rider) opposed removing the West Acres indoor shelter, citing his neuropathy condition.
- Robert Jackson (disabled rider) opposed cutting Route 18 and eliminating Sunday paratransit, stressing the importance of transit for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and mental health.
- Martha Anderson (Walmart employee) opposed shortening Route 18, as she lives near Essentia Hospital and uses the stop.
- Zana Beosef asked about Route 15 changes and bus pass pricing.
- Mary Lou Stip and Doug Stip (Osgood area residents) opposed cutting Route 18, noting the long walk to alternative stops.
- Craig Campbell (speaking for his daughter with autism) opposed eliminating Sunday paratransit, as she relies on it to get to work and maintain benefits.
- Dennis Hopper (Route 16 rider) opposed canceling Route 16 and the West Acres hub, and requested later service hours.
- Destiny Rylan (Route 15 rider) opposed removing the West Acres hub due to winter conditions and difficulty with Uber and taxis for her service animal.
- Christopher Coen (Fargo resident) criticized the online public comment maps as unreadable, and noted that Route 14 would only go south on 4th Street, leaving him without northbound service.
- Mark Puppy (North Fargo resident) opposed moving the transit hub from West Acres to Walmart, citing safety, congestion, and loss of indoor shelter.
- Shufen Mo and Hoy Lu (owners of the dangerous building at 1202-1204 1st Ave S) spoke about difficulties with insurance and police action, stating they intend to repair but need time; they received only $3,000 from insurance for an estimated $31,558 in damages.
- Adam Stone Street (owner of 1102 1st Ave S) requested a 30-day extension for his dangerous building project, citing a 57-year-old city record that caused delays; his request was denied.
- Robert Kost (resident on 64th Avenue South) opposed the planned on/off ramps at the 64th Avenue and I-29 interchange, presenting a petition of 23 neighbors, citing increased speeding and safety concerns.
- Christopher Coen (second resident comment) urged the commission to improve public discourse and adhere to the city's governance policies and code of ethics.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearings on Special Assessments and Licenses (Items 29–32): All approved unanimously. Skyway maintenance fees ($160,000 assessment), snow removal fees ($7,000 unpaid), unpaid utilities ($318,000), and transfer of a Class F liquor license to Casa Mexico Taqueria Express were all approved without opposition.
- Brekke 64th Avenue Addition (Item 33): A planning commission recommendation for rezoning from SR-2 to SR-4 and plat approval for 30 single-dwelling residential lots. The developer agreed to build a fence along the south property line to address neighbor concerns. The commission approved the rezoning and plat unanimously.
- MATBUS Fare Increase (Item 34): Proposed increase in cash-only fares effective January 1, 2026: adult cash fare from $1.50 to $2, discounted fare from $0.75 to $1, and paratransit from $3 to $4. A new 7-day pass at $10 would replace the rarely used 14-day pass. The projected additional revenue is $196,000, assuming a 10% ridership decrease. The MATBUS Coordination Committee unanimously approved the proposal. Commissioner Strand noted state legislators expected a local fare increase as part of recent state funding. The commission approved the fare increase unanimously.
- MATBUS Route and Service Changes (Item 35): A public hearing was held on proposed permanent route changes, but no vote was taken. Changes include reducing frequency on Routes 13 and 14 from 30 to 60 minutes, increasing Route 15 from 60 to 90 minutes (on-time performance), eliminating Route 16, shortening Route 18 to end at Essentia Clinic (no longer serving areas south of 32nd Avenue), adjusting Route 20 to 30-minute frequency and ending at 42nd Street, realigning Route 24 to no longer serve West Acres hub, and eliminating the West Acres transit hub in favor of Walmart bus shelter, eliminating the industrial park on-demand service, and eliminating Sunday paratransit. The commission will vote on September 15.
- Dangerous Building – 1202-1204 1st Ave S (Item 36): The building met 8 of 10 dangerous criteria after a fire and police damage. The owners expressed intent to repair but lacked insurance funding. The commission approved the removal order unanimously.
- Dangerous Building Extension Denial – 1102 1st Ave S (Item 37): The owner requested a 30-day extension, but staff recommended denial due to insufficient progress and incomplete plans. The commission denied the extension unanimously.
- Communications Department Update (Item 38): City Administrator Michael Redlinger and Assistant HR Director Beth Wiegman reported on an external investigation that led to the departure of four employees. They outlined a path forward: co-leadership by Archie Ingersoll and Brian Sellin, recruitment for a new director, and a focus on supporting remaining staff. Commissioner Piepkorn expressed lack of prior knowledge and criticized the $30,000 cost of the investigation. Commissioner Turnberg questioned the neutrality of the investigator. Commissioner Kolpack defended the team's work and emphasized the need for better management support. Commissioner Mahoney called for more respectful treatment of employees. No formal action was taken.
- Construction Update (Item 39): City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs reported no injuries on city projects. Key updates: Gateway Fiber installation ongoing in South Fargo; 32nd Avenue reconstruction between 18th and 22nd Streets nearing completion; North University Drive concrete pavement repair in progress; Broadway railroad crossing closure planned; various street reconstruction and pavement preservation projects; and several new development projects (Selkirk Third Addition, Interstate Business District, Southwest Metro Pond).
- Native American Commission Appointments (Item 40): Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar (Items 1–28): Approved unanimously.
- Special Assessments (Skyway, Snow Removal, Unpaid Utilities): Approved unanimously.
- Liquor License Transfer (Casa Mexico Taqueria Express): Approved unanimously.
- Brekke 64th Avenue Addition Rezoning and Plat: Approved unanimously (5-0).
- MATBUS Fare Increase: Approved unanimously (5-0). Effective January 1, 2026.
- Dangerous Building Removal (1202-1204 1st Ave S): Approved unanimously.
- Dangerous Building Extension Denial (1102 1st Ave S): Denied unanimously.
- Native American Commission Reappointments: Approved unanimously.
- Next Steps: The MATBUS route changes will be voted on at the September 15 meeting. The Communications Department will begin recruiting a new director. The construction update noted ongoing projects with expected completion dates. Resident comments on the 64th Avenue interchange will be followed up by commissioners.
Meeting Transcript
We'll call the meeting to order. We'll begin with a Pledge of Allegiance. I invite you to join us. Roll call. Coal Pack here. TEPCON? Strand. Here. Turnberg here. Mahoney. Here. Tonight we're highlighting the work of Fargo Cass Public Health. Some people may not be aware that Fargo Cass Public Health is the city of Fargo agency that serves Fargo, West Fargo, Cass County, and surrounding counties. It's funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds. Fargo Cass County Health Team plays a critical role in providing essential health services, leading public health preparedness, and promoting wellness initiatives for our residents. We are constantly looking out for the most vulnerable citizens, partnering with schools and organizations to build a healthier future for the whole community. Thank you for all you do to make Fargo Region a safe and healthy place to call home. Providing support and food resources for families. The WIC program helps women, infants, and children, families stay healthy by providing free nutritious foods, tips on eating well, breastfeeding support, connections to community resources. It's all about giving eligible families the support they need to grow strong and to thrive. Our emergency preparedness division is ready to respond and supports our community by providing training and support for long-term care facilities, group homes, and shelters to ensure residents remain safe. The clinic at Frago Cass Public Health provides various services for men and women, including reproductive health, STD and STI counseling, testing and treatment, immunizations, and screening for breast and cervical cancers. The clinic staff participate in many outreach events throughout Cass County. The North Dakota Ryan White and Women's Way programs are also based at FIGO CAS Public Health. As part of our fee for services, we we work with people where they're at. And that is if they can't pay for the entire visit, we can make payments available and just whatever their income bracket is to help cover the services that they need. In addition to meeting people where they're at financially, we also want to meet them where they're at physically. That's going to include meeting them at schools for immunizations or providing school nursing in addition to our adult nursing division going into homes for home health care. We also provide services via telehealth for our WIC and clinic services. Why do I believe in public health? And for me, it was having a long history of being on the treatment side of mental health care specifically and in the hospital settings that I've worked with in. Uh, truly to prevent, promote, and protect our public. Thank you, Jen. That was a nice video. Appreciate it. Tonight we're representing the Fargo Rising Star Award to a recipient chosen by the leadership of Fargo Cass Public Health. The award goes to Mike Hondlick. Mike has served Fargo Cass Public Health for five years. He started as a seasonal emergency management intern in 2020. The next year he was hired by the environmental health division as an office associate. In this role, Mike handles high volumes of phone calls and in-person inquiries and provides residents with information about environmental health programs, licensing, and regulation. He resolves over 80, 800 nuisant complaints each year, conducts annual building for 1,700 licensees, and assists with documenting 3,500 annual health inspections. Mike is known for his integrity, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and outstanding customer service. He consistently volunteers to take on additional responsibilities, provides impeccable attention to detail, and is a valued member of Fargo Cast Health. Congratulations, Mike. Your commitment to public service makes you Fargo rising star. The other thing we had going on last week was we're trying to figure out who gave the most blood, police or fire, more head or Fargo. So I have Kimberly Vasseltag from the Red Cross. And she is going to explain to us the different trophies that are out there tonight. And then I think we have some fire policemen from Moorhead as well.
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