Fargo City Commission Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Fargo City Commission met on February 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting covered a consent agenda of 36 items, followed by regular agenda items including a property tax abatement denial, selection of a new downtown parking operator, appeal of a Historic Preservation Commission decision, restructuring of the Arts and Culture Commission, and an overview of immigration-related enforcement and use of force. Public comments addressed parking concerns, immigration policy, and police accountability.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 36 consent items unanimously. Key approvals included:
  • Letters of support for TYKE Properties and Bauer Gehrtz Investments to the ND Opportunity Fund Consortium.
  • Property tax abatement for 411 12th Street North reducing valuation to $165,000 for 2024 and 2025.
  • Second reading and final adoption of ordinances rezoning RLN Business Park Third Addition and amending flood plain management code.
  • Multiple bid awards and contracts for infrastructure projects (e.g., $12,890,310.70 to Reede Construction for BR-26-H1; $556,000 for a crawler dozer; $283,142 and $307,746 for two ASL refuse trucks; $291,636.62 for a motor grader).
  • Creation of improvement districts for alley paving, paving/utility rehab, asphalt overlay, and traffic signal improvements.
  • Leave extensions for David Iverson, Donovan Lange, and Dan Hulbert.
  • Acceptance of donations from the Fargo Police Foundation totaling $86,675 (National Police Week travel, Officer Safety Conference, two Trikkes, replacement K9).
  • Bid awards for downtown parking operator (via regular agenda) and other services.
  • Bills totaling $10,073,824.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Warren Ackley (48-year downtown business owner) urged more transparency and stakeholder conversation regarding the parking operator decision, criticized NP Avenue redesign (two traffic lanes, bike lanes taking one-third of space), and questioned the lack of a city survey on parking compared to food vendors.
• Randy Thorerson (former parking commission member) questioned parking revenue losses (a $541,000 loss in 2025, an $800,000 swing from prior year), expressed frustration at not being allowed on the selection committee, and cautioned against increased fines and extended enforcement hours.
• Grace Brennan (Fargo resident) raised concerns about Flock Safety cameras' data-sharing with federal agencies, citing a contract clause allowing disclosure without FPD permission, and requested written clarification on warrant requirements and asset forfeiture funding.
• Olivia Fisher (Fargo resident) spoke against cooperation with ICE, stating “we support our neighbors regardless of immigration status,” and criticized the focus on immigrants rather than other violent criminals.
• Christopher Coen (Fargo resident) criticized police leadership for taking sides in a street dispute, questioned the use of lethal force policy, and requested written responses on whether police leadership acted alone in that incident.

Discussion Items

• Item 37 – Tax Abatement for 905 1st Street North: Staff presented that the property’s value was well-supported by comparable sales; no change recommended. The owner did not speak. Commission voted unanimously to deny the abatement.
• Item 39 – Downtown Parking Operator: Staff recommended PCI Municipal Services after a competitive RFP process, citing superior technology and municipal-only focus. Incumbent Interstate Parking was third-ranked. Public speakers raised process concerns. Commission approved the bid award unanimously, with understanding of future stakeholder engagement on strategy.
• Item 40 – Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission Decision (1123 6th Street South): The homeowner had added a west addition that exceeded historic overlay height limits by 5-8 inches due to egress requirements. Staff supported the appeal, noting building code needs and a $250,000 investment. Commission voted unanimously to grant the appeal and certificate of appropriateness, with discussion on improving inter-department communication and reviewing historic preservation teeth.
• Item 41 – Arts and Culture Commission Recommendations: Staff proposed the commission continue on the books but meet only as needed for specific projects (e.g., grants). Commissioner Strand opposed, arguing the arrangement disrespects the arts community; Commissioners Kolpack and Mahoney supported as a compromise. Vote: 3-2 in favor (Kolpack, Piepkorn, Mahoney aye; Strand, Turnberg nay).
• Item 42 – Immigration-Related Enforcement and Use of Force Overview: Police Chief David Zibolski presented the department’s role: only criminal immigration violations (e.g., illegal re-entry) are acted upon; civil violations are federal matters. Fargo PD does not have a 287(g) agreement. Local police may detain for reasonable suspicion of criminal violations while contacting ICE. Use of force follows constitutional standards, unrelated to immigration status. No vote was taken. Commissioners expressed support for the police and noted community concerns.
• Item 43 – Liaison Commissioner Updates: Commissioner Turnberg announced $10 million in NDDoT Prairie Dog grants for NP Avenue reconstruction ($2.5M) and 45th Street concrete rehab ($7.5M). Commissioner Kolpack reported Police Foundation funding and upcoming military trip to D.C. Commissioner Strand noted new chairs at DCP and Airport Authority.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Tax abatement for 905 1st Street North denied unanimously.
• Downtown parking operator awarded to PCI Municipal Services unanimously.
• Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission decision for 1123 6th Street South approved unanimously.
• Arts and Culture Commission to continue as-needed with meeting only when business arises (passed 3-2).
• Immigration enforcement overview received; no action taken.
• Public comments received and filed.