The Fargo City Commission held its regular meeting on March 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. Prior to the open session, the Commission met in Executive Session from 4:34 to 4:57 PM to discuss pending litigation involving Angela Lipps. The meeting was streamed live on TV Fargo Channel 56 and online. Mayor Mahoney presided, with Commissioners Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, and Mahoney present. A St. Patrick's Day Parade video was shown. The agenda was approved with item 22 moved to the regular agenda. The minutes of March 2, 2026, were approved.
The Consent Agenda (items 1–29, excluding item 22) was approved unanimously. Key items included:
Approved. The sewer repair program for 2025 included 230 parcels totaling $3,000,377.95, financed at 5% interest over 15 years. Vote: 5-0.
Approved the preliminary program of projects for 2026–2027 for mobility management services. The grant apportionment increased from $234,000 (FFY2024) to $246,000 (FFY2025). Vote: 5-0.
Approved a zoning change from P/I (Public and Institutional) and SR-2 (Single-Dwelling Residential) to P/I, and the plat consolidating 25 lots owned by the school district. The district recently acquired an adjacent property to be demolished; no immediate plans for new development. Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Strand dissented, expressing regret over losing a residential lot).
Approved the annexation of land in Section 35, Township 141 North, Range 49 West. No property owner protests were received. The city will not assume additional road maintenance. Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Strand dissented, stating he saw no compelling need to leapfrog to this section).
Continued the public hearing to March 30, 2026 at 5:05 PM. Vote: 5-0.
Approved the appointment of Scott Anderson, formerly of El Paso County, Colorado. Anderson will start March 23, 2026. The selection committee included community members from Fargo Cass Public Health and Fargo Public Schools. The communications department has been reduced from 12 FTEs to 5; this fill brings it to 6, and the position was already budgeted. Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Piepkorn dissented, citing a history of department growth and a recent Moody's downgrade).
Tim Meyer, Senior Director of Emergency Services, presented 2025 data:
Chief David Zibolski presented the report, covering the department’s 150th anniversary. Key metrics:
Approved a resolution to extend the existing 1-cent infrastructure sales tax for 20 years and adopt ballot language for the June 2026 election. The tax generates ~$34 million annually and is legally restricted to streets, water supply/treatment, sewage, and flood control. The state funds 75% of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project; the city's local share is 15.5%. The Chamber of Commerce expressed support. Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Piepkorn dissented; Commissioner Kolpack noted this is an extension, not a new tax).
City Administrator Michael Redlinger outlined the transition plan. Assistant Chief Travis Stefanowitz will be appointed interim police chief effective March 28, 2026 (formal appointment March 30). Recruitment timeline: position posting by April 27, closing mid-June, selection committee reviews in late June, finalist interviews in July, and a new chief named by August–September. The new city commission (elected in June) will participate in final selection. Commissioner Piepkorn proposed moving the selection committee start to July 1 to allow new commissioners full involvement. Commissioner Strand raised concern about the gap between March 28 and March 30; Redlinger clarified the assistant chief will serve as acting chief by default. The interim chief is permitted to apply for the permanent position.
Mayor Mahoney reported on the relocation from downtown to a leased space. Fit-up cost estimate reduced from $2.5 million to $1.4 million. Received $100,000 in in-kind donations and $70,000 in free architectural services from Bloomberg Associates. $750,000 in pledges raised. The city has a two-year lease with move-in anticipated May 1, 2026. Commissioner Piepkorn expressed concerns about anonymous donations and the city's financial position, citing the Moody's downgrade. The mayor defended the project as a community need.
Approved a contract for Fargo Cass Public Health to provide family planning services in Richland County. The contract is a 100% pass-through; Richland County reimburses all costs. The health department also services other counties under state-funded agreements. Commissioner Piepkorn opposed, stating Fargo should focus on its own responsibilities. Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Piepkorn dissented).
Approved six 5-year property tax exemptions for owner-occupied residential improvements. Vote: 5-0.
Commissioners gave brief reports on their board and committee assignments. Commissioner Strand highlighted Colon Cancer Awareness month events and the new 110-unit Laskowitz affordable housing building, noting city efforts to ensure quality design and amenities.
Here. Here. Turnburg? Here. Mahoney. We began with a pleasure of allegiance. I invite you to join us. Under God. Liberty. We just have a short video of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, is that right? Arch? Okay. Interesting day, a little cold out there, but people enjoyed themselves. Is there a motion to approve the order of the agenda moving item 22 from the consent agenda to the regular agenda? I so move. Sir Second. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carried. So a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting March 2nd, 2026. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carried. Is there a motion to prove the consent agenda items 1 through 29 excluding item 22, which has been moved to the regular agenda? So move. Second. Moved and seconded. Roll call vote, please. Strand? Yes. Aye. Hepcorn? Turnberg? Aye. Mahoney. Hi. Item 30, public hearing. Special assessments for sewer repairs. Angie Barrett to explain. Thank you, Mayor, and good evening, Commissioners. The sewer repair program, so this has allowed the homeowners the ability to assess their sewer repairs to their special assessments. The assistance for that, and then they would put the remaining onto their special assessments. The interest rate for this is 5% over 15 years. And in 2025, there were 230 parcels, totaling $3 million, $377.95. And for your consideration, the list of sewer repairs for 2025 is presented to you. Thank you.