City Council Meeting Summary for November 24, 2025

The Fargo City Commission convened to approve a new downtown parking garage, finalize an annexation agreement with Harwood, process multiple alcoholic beverage license transfers, declare a structure a dangerous building after significant homeowner opposition, and adopt the 2026 Engineering Capital Improvements Plan. The session also featured a presentation on the Metro Railroad needs study and a deep dive into the results of the first-ever city employee engagement survey.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the November 10, 2025, regular meeting.
• Appointed Ian McLean as City Attorney, effective November 25, 2025, following a transition from Nancy Morris.
• Approved the adoption item regarding the 2026 Engineering CIP, 2027 core neighborhood reconstruction, and the federal aid reconstruction project (all unanimously passed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Wall (Homeowner): Expressed strong opposition to the recommendation to declare his property at 1544 Third Avenue South a "dangerous building." He argued that city staff were incorrect regarding unpaid taxes (stating they were paid two months ago) and squatter concerns (citing a six-foot fence). He stated he had hired an expert maintenance man to verify safety, claimed the property was not unsafe, and argued that the shutdown prevented necessary winter repairs despite his qualifications. He expressed frustration over the lack of specific guidance from inspectors prior to the hearing.
• Randy (Homeowner's friend): Stated support for the homeowner, asserting he inspected the property and did not see anything unsafe, characterizing the site as a standard construction zone.
• Olivia Fisher (Fargo Resident): Expressed strong concern and criticism regarding the lack of live broadcasting for public comments and the failure to officially designate the Winter Warming Center location. She argued that cutting the broadcast silences constituents and challenged the city's transparency. A second entry noted the warming center is starting that night at the Downtown Engagement Center.
• Colton Ulmer (Fargo Resident): Expressed strong support for the proposed railroad improvements, specifically favoring the 18th Street pedestrian crossing options and the 7th Avenue grade separation (quiet zone or underpass) to address traffic and safety.
• Unnamed Speaker (Railroad Study): Voiced a recurring concern regarding train speeds through the city and the difficulty in monitoring them, urging the city to prioritize this safety issue.
• Olivia Fisher (Public Comment on Broadcast): Reiterated that the decision to stop broadcasting comments was an attack on free speech and transparency, noting the lack of a formal policy change vote and the removal of the "public comment" broadcast feature.

Discussion Items

• NP Parking Garage: Discussed the opening of the third city-owned parking garage (Mercantile site), highlighted as the largest in downtown, intended to support the future Fargo Moorhead Community Theater and 168 new apartments. Council members expressed full support for the vibrancy it will bring.
• Harwood Annexation Agreement (Item 31): Ian presented an agreement where Fargo withdraws its annexation resolution for the "West Half" (Harwood's ETJ) and Harwood agrees not to annex the "East Half" (Fargo's ETJ) for 20 years. The agreement binds Harwood for 20 years, while Fargo's withdrawal is contingent on Harwood's prior approval. The motion was approved, with a future vote required to formally withdraw Fargo's resolution.
• Alcoholic Beverage License Transfers:
  • Approved Class ABH transfer for Spirits to HIWA Lounge (Holiday Inn) involving 10 new owners; staff noted the challenge of background checks but confirmed a local contact protocol is in place.
  • Approved Class GH license for Kemp's Kitchen (new African cuisine restaurant) with 50% food sales requirement.
  • Approved Class F license upgrade for Spaghetti Western to include spirits, maintaining 80% food sales.
  • Approved Class FA license transfer for Texas Roadhouse Holdings, noting the shift from franchise to multiple private owners.
  • Commissioner Pepcorn & Mr. Strand: Expressed concern regarding non-profits purchasing liquor licenses for tax advantages and the potential for a few owners to hold multiple licenses across the city; requested staff review existing limits and the nonprofit issue.
• Gateway Hyundai Plat: Approved the replatting of lots one and two for a new color dealership on the former Biltmore Hotel site, noting construction is already underway.
• 1544 3rd Avenue South (Dangerous Building):
  • Staff Position: Proposed declaring the property a dangerous building due to 8 of 10 criteria, including fire damage, broken windows, missing doors, and expired permits.
  • Owner Position: Argued the building is structurally sound, cited recent tax payments, and claimed the permit was blocked by staff without clear guidance.
  • Outcome: Commission expressed concern that the owner could not make significant repairs due to the permit expiration and lack of specific directives, but voted to declare it a dangerous building.
• Employee Engagement Survey: Michael and Jill Johnson presented results showing 68% participation (700 employees) with 433 comments. Commissioner Kolpak and Strand expressed frustration that comments were redacted and urged administration to address the raw feedback on pay, benefits, and supervisor support with urgency. The survey is intended as an ongoing process with follow-up action plans and focus groups.
• 2026 Engineering CIP: Don Knockbus presented the 2026 Capital Improvements Plan and 2027 neighborhood reconstruction projects. He proposed changing the infrastructure funding policy to a 15-year term for initial wear course/seal-coat, resulting in a net savings for property owners despite a small monthly increase. The motion was approved.
• Metro Railroad Needs Study: Ben Griffin and Dan Burgesson presented the final report from HDR. Five preferred alternatives were identified for Fargo locations, including pedestrian crossings at 18th Street, a quiet zone at 7th Avenue, and path connections at 19th Avenue. BNSF covered the local match. The study file was accepted for regional review by MetroCog.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the agreement with the City of Harwood regarding annexation boundaries (Item 31), subject to Harwood's subsequent approval.
• Approved 2026 CIP, 2027 core neighborhood reconstruction, and 1 federal aid reconstruction project.
• Declared the property at 1544 Third Avenue South a dangerous building. The owner has 60 days (until January 23, 2026) to obtain permits and make structural repairs/exterior weatherization; if successful, the designation may be vacated.
• Approved five alcoholic beverage license transfers/applications (HIWA Lounge, Kemp's Kitchen, Spaghetti Western, Texas Roadhouse).
• Approved the Gateway Hyundai plat.
• Filed the Metro Railroad needs study report.
• Continued the annexation items for the west half of Section 3 and other annexation items to the December 8, 2025, meeting pending Harwood's response.
• Established that the Winter Warming Center begins service at the Downtown Engagement Center that night.