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.
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.