Fargo City Commission Meeting - January 20, 2026
Fargo City Commission Meeting - January 20, 2026
The Fargo City Commission met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Commission Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on annexation, a key decision on the 64th Avenue South Interchange design, updates on employee engagement, approval of property tax exemptions, and a directive to review the tobacco ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Items 1-26 (excluding Item 15), including an interest buydown agreement with Bank of ND and Midtown Market, LLC under the PACE program; a letter of support for 7 Star Properties to the ND Opportunity Fund; appointment of Shirley Hughes to the Convention Center Committee; closing documents for BLOC Partners, LLC (TIF District No. 2023-01); games of chance applications; cost participation and maintenance agreements with NDDOT for Improvement Districts BR-26-H1 and BR-23-A1; negative final balancing change orders for PR-24-A1 (-$955,952.47) and WW1701 (-$383,633.00); amended engineer's report for BR-26-H; creation of Improvement District NR-26-A; contracts and bonds for SN-25-B1 and BR-27-E4; bid award to Key Contracting for $2,860,757.40 (Project FM-15-J3); amendment to consulting agreement with CPS HR Consulting; final interim financing agreement; memorandum of agreement with ND Air National Guard; piggyback purchases for five Ford Police Interceptors ($231,659.60) and one 2026 SBA Chassis ($127,995.00); task orders with HDR ($47,280) and AE2S ($43,400); solid waste rates resolution effective 1/1/26; street light materials awards; electrical services agreement with JDP Electric; and bills totaling $9,788,351.
Public Hearings
- Annexation (236.16 acres in Section 35, Harwood Township): The public hearing was closed. The commission first voted unanimously (5-0) to stop the previous annexation initiated in July 2025 due to insufficient notification of all property owners. Then, by a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Strand dissenting), they adopted a new resolution of annexation to re-initiate the process, which will include proper notification within seven days.
Discussion Items
- 64th Avenue South Interchange (Improvement District BN-25-A1): Staff presented the final design recommendation, citing $61 million in prior city investment and $21.25 million in federal funds that would be lost if not accepted. Three alternatives were evaluated; staff recommended Alternative 1 (roundabout on east side, signal on west side) as $3 million less than other options. Seven public speakers spoke: Nathan Warmouth (architect/realtor) supported Alternative 1, stating it aligns with the growth plan and limits leapfrog development; Austin Morris (Enclave Development) supported it for economic development and traffic relief; Rob Coast, Walter Samuel, and others from the adjacent neighborhood expressed support if safety, traffic calming, and special assessment concerns are addressed; Chris Mack (Christians and Companies) and Don Dabbert (Dabber Custom Homes) and Tyler Brandt (Brant Family Ventures) all spoke in favor, emphasizing need for orderly growth and capturing investment. Commissioners discussed special assessment deferrals, federal funding constraints, and the need for separate safety improvements (e.g., frontage roads, turn lanes, medians). Commissioner Turnberg validated neighborhood concerns.
- Employee Engagement Survey Update: Human Resources and City Administration presented an update on the 2025 citywide employee survey (first in city history). The timeline includes employee discussion groups in Q1 2026, action plan development in Q2, ongoing reviews through 2026, and a follow-up survey planned for 2027. A common action planning framework will be used across departments, focusing on engagement drivers, resources, milestones, and accountability. Commissioner Kolpack requested quarterly updates and emphasized making plans actionable.
- Tobacco Ordinance Review (Chapter 35): Item 15 was moved from the consent agenda. Commissioner Turnberg requested the City Attorney's Office review the tobacco ordinance, including possible licensing and flavor policies, after a joint meeting of the Board of Health and City Commission. John Fowler (Fargo Cass Public Health) explained the collaborative effort involving multiple health organizations. Commissioner Strand stressed that any proposed changes should be vetted first by the Board of Health for public input and expert endorsement before coming to the Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
- Applications for Property Tax Exemptions: Ten applications (five-year exemptions for building improvements) from TTE Holdings LLC (2), Michael and Hayley Hannesson, Haley Vargas and Juan Ramirez Vargas, George and Jan Boyer, Jonathan and Jennifer Hoffman, Barret and Jennifer Wood, Michael and Sarah Keim, Ahron and Stacey Walter, and Firas Omar were approved unanimously.
- Game of Chance Application: TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics application for a raffle on 1/27/26 was approved unanimously. Commissioner Piepkorn noted his son is the director of the special needs program at TNT and stated he has no conflict of interest.
- Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates: Commissioners reported on boards and committees. Highlights included a tour of the new airport terminal (described as "spectacular"), fire department updates (new records system, new recruits), Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive raising $762,800, and state legislative updates from Senator Hovind regarding potential sales tax reduction due to CORE project savings ($100–$120 million anticipated return) and $50 million for the Red River Valley Water Supply project. Commissioner Mahoney noted the absence of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event this year and expressed a desire to retain youth involvement.
Public Comments
- Kimberly Ondo: A new Fargo resident and healthcare operations expert spoke about her background in long-term care and education. She expressed concern about perceived disproportionate support for the Somali community and urged unity, referencing a recent attack on a church. No other public comments were made.
Key Outcomes
- Annexation: New resolution adopted (4-1) to re-initiate annexation of 236.16 acres after inadequate prior notification.
- 64th Avenue Interchange: Alternative 1 approved unanimously (5-0). A separate motion directed the Engineering Department to present a traffic-calming plan addressing neighborhood safety concerns within 90 days, also passed unanimously (5-0).
- Tobacco Ordinance Review: Approved unanimously (5-0), with expectation of Board of Health vetting before any ordinance change returns to Commission.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Approved unanimously (5-0).
- Game of Chance: Approved unanimously (5-0).
Meeting Transcript
Congratulations. Roll call. Roll call. Here. Capcorn? Here. Strand? Here. Turnburg. Here. Mahoney. Here. I think the Archie broke it into three segments. At the heart of Fargo's success is an unwavering commitment to service. Each department, each employee, each initiative reflects one goal to serve Fargo's residents and visitors with care, integrity, and consistency. Local gov works around the clock to keep our city safe, moving, and thriving. From ploughing snow to maintaining streets to responding to emergencies, the dedication of Fargo employees continues to shine as a beacon this community can count on. In 2025, we saw major roadway projects improve traffic flow on Fargo streets, enhance safety for pedestrians, and bolster existing infrastructure that supports our continued growth. Among these projects was the reconstruction of 32nd Avenue South, which enters its final phase in 2026 with work from 15th Street to Lemke Park. Two thousand twenty-six will also mark the start of reconstruction on Main Avenue from University Drive to 25th Street. At Hector International Airport, we have a new parking ramp with about 1,000 new parking spaces. This means travelers won't have to shovel out their cars in the winter. Connecting the ramp to the airport will be an enclosed skyway. Progress continues on the renovation of the Hector Terminal, expanding Fargo's capacity to welcome visitors and serve the travel needs of local residents. The City of Fargo has been working to install digital water meters in every home and business to modernize the community's water infrastructure. The new leaders will give residents better insight into their water usage, help identify leaks, and improve service efficiencies across the city. Fargo continues to appear in national headlines celebrating what residents already know. This city is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Fargo was recognized in 2025 as the second best city in the nation for veteran health care. And as the fifth most affordable community to rent a home. Against stiff competition from more than 300 cities, Fargo's new water tower was named Tank of the Year in a national contest. Our tower earned the top honor for its visual design and innovation that reflects Fargo's pride, creativity, and culture. Fargo's public safety sales tax was fully implemented in 2025 and began funding enhancements in safety and technology for our first responders. These funds are also helping to ensure that staffing levels in our police and fire departments meet the needs of our growing community. Significant progress on the Fargo Convention Center project was made in 2025, with site and developer selection advancing to the final phase. Funded by a lodging tax approved by voters, the new convention center, once completed, will attract even more events and visitors to Fargo, fueling our economic engine and driving growth into the future. Very good. Is there a motion to approve the order of the agenda? Moving item number 15 from consent agenda to regular agenda and adding an extra item to the end of the regular agenda for application and games of choice for TNT's kids' fitness and gymnastics for a raffle on one twenty-five twenty-six. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carried. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting, January 5th, 2026? And move for approval. Is there a second? I second. All those in favor say aye. Aye.
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