Fargo City Commission Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Fargo City Commission met on March 2, 2026, to address zoning changes, Renaissance Zone incentives, nuisance assessments, the future of the Human Rights and Native American Commissions, and a comprehensive tobacco nicotine ordinance. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the State of the Cities video, followed by approval of the consent agenda and discussion on multiple items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items 1-29 with a unanimous roll call vote.
• Items 30, 31, and 32 were continued to March 30, 2026.

Discussion Items

Zone Change for Daycare (Item 33)

The Commission approved a zoning change from multi-dwelling residential (MR3) to limited commercial (LC) with a conditional overlay for a daycare at 25th Street South and 35th Avenue South. The planning commission recommended approval. Applicant Bobby Horsager and Brooke Salisbury of Cozy Cove Childcare addressed the Commission. The motion passed unanimously.

Renaissance Zone Project for Central at Horizon (Item 34)

The Commission approved a five-story, 262-unit multifamily building at 1112th Street North. Developer David Westmor of the NX Group explained that after the school board declined a PILOT, the project would rely solely on Renaissance Zone incentives. All units will be at 60% area median income, with rents between $1,000 and $1,400. The site previously was toxic, requiring special construction. The vote was 3-2: Commissioners Strand and Mahoney in favor, Call Pack and Turnberg opposed. Commissioner Pepcorn’s vote was not clearly recorded, but the motion passed.

Special Assessments for Nuisance Abatements

Angie Baird presented the annual nuisance abatements for mowing, Dutch elm disease removal, and code enforcement. Property owners can pay over one or five years. The motion passed.

Gate City Bank Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative

The Commission accepted a $2 million allocation from Gate City Bank for home improvement loans at below-market rates. Nicole Krutchfield outlined criteria: homes east of I-29, south to 32nd Avenue, north of Trollwood area, assessed under $300,000, and at least 40 years old; project amounts between $10,000 and $100,000. The motion passed unanimously.

Human Rights Commission Extension (Item 39)

The Commission debated a 60-day extension for the Human Rights Commission to restructure. Public speakers including Barry Nelson (former commissioner), Dalton Erickson (ND Human Rights Coalition), and Christopher Cohn supported the commission. Commissioners expressed concerns about effectiveness and resource use. A motion to grant the extension failed in a 2-2 vote (Commissioners Strand and Mahoney in favor, Call Pack opposed; Turnberg and Pepcorn votes not clearly recorded).

Native American Commission Transition (Item 40)

The Commission unanimously approved a transition plan for the Native American Commission to operate as a volunteer, community-led body independent of city administrative oversight. Chair Ashley Little Wolf presented the plan, which retains an advisory role and a city liaison at no cost to the city. Commissioner Strand noted the historic significance of the commission.

Comprehensive Tobacco Nicotine Ordinance

Fargo Cass Public Health presented a proposed ordinance including local licensing, retailer education, flavor restrictions, and compliance checks. The presentation cited a 33% to 18% decline in youth e-cigarette use since 2019 but noted North Dakota’s youth vaping rate is 2.5 times the national average. Extensive public comment followed: supporters included Reba Mathorn Jacobson (American Lung Association), Jason McCoy (Clay County Public Health), Tony Burke (American Heart Association), and Susan Decker (former smoker). Opponents included Patrick Mapp, a veteran, Zachary Johnson (Sports Vape), Jeremy Duckworth, and Brad Urpleding (Northland Vapor), who argued the ordinance harms law-abiding businesses and would push sales online or to neighboring cities. After debate, a motion to table the discussion until after the June 9, 2026 election passed with a vote of 3-1 or 3-2 (Commissioners Turnberg, Call Pack, and Mahoney in favor; Strand opposed; Pepcorn not clearly recorded). Staff and the Chamber of Commerce will facilitate stakeholder dialogue in the interim.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Human Rights Commission: Speakers urged retention and extension, arguing the commission is needed to address discrimination and build community trust.
• On the Tobacco Ordinance: 12 speakers presented; supporters emphasized youth protection, while opponents highlighted economic impacts and advocated for enforcement rather than bans.
• On Food Push Carts: Jeremy Schaefer spoke in favor of keeping food push carts downtown for vibrancy and safety.
• Citizen Suggestion: A speaker recommended the city conduct a public survey to rank city services and assess engagement.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved; items 30-32 continued.
• Daycare zoning change approved unanimously.
• Renaissance Zone affordable housing project approved (3-2).
• Nuisance abatement special assessments approved.
• Gate City Bank home improvement program accepted.
• 60-day extension for Human Rights Commission denied (motion failed).
• Native American Commission transition plan approved unanimously.
• Tobacco nicotine ordinance discussion tabled until after June 9, 2026 election; staff to organize stakeholder meetings.

Other Business

• Commissioner updates included a report on the FM West Fargo Chamber fly-in to Washington D.C. (February 24-26), the Fargo Youth Initiative expansion, convention center site selection (feedback open until March 12), fire department hiring, and a Land Development Code informational session on March 5, 2026.