OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fargo City Commission Meeting - March 30, 2026: Executive Session, Public Hearings, and Appointments

City Commission — Monday, March 30, 2026
BodyFargo, North Dakota
SessionCity Commission
DateMonday, March 30, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:00:06

Transcript — Verbatim
2:33

Tell me when the clock hits five o'clock.

2:47

Is it close?

2:58

Call me in order.

2:59

I've had some help with my two new mayors here.

3:25

Roll call.

3:26

Call pack.

3:27

Here.

3:28

Pepcorn.

3:28

Here.

3:29

Strand?

3:29

Here.

3:29

Turnbird.

3:30

Here.

3:30

Mahoney.

3:31

Here.

3:32

Mr.

3:32

Strand, do you have a motion?

3:34

I do, Mayor.

3:36

Subsequent to our executive session, I moved to approve the city of Fargo opting in to the settlement agreement regarding opioid litigation with Associated Pharmacies, Inc., J.

3:47

M.

3:48

Smith Corporation, Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Morris and Dixon Company, North Carolina Corolia, Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and United National Foods Natural Foods, Inc., and authorize the city's city attorney's office and mayor to complete any necessary forms of paperwork to complete the settlement process.

4:35

She's in seventh grade.

5:00

Okay.

5:07

If I were mayor for today, I would build it.

5:11

An amusement park for people to visit.

5:13

I would make an amusement park because we don't have any hearing now.

5:17

I would also make a place for family and friends.

5:20

I would raise money to fix buildings, parks, and plant flowers around building our buildings.

5:27

I would make our city welcoming so people would feel welcome.

5:31

I would also get a welcome sign so everyone knows they're welcome.

5:35

I would host city events like bonfires, art in the parking picnics.

5:39

I would fix potholes and plant flowers around buildings.

5:43

That's what I would do if I were a mayor for a day.

5:56

So thank you very much for catching that.

5:58

But you essay was excellent.

6:00

Okay, are you ready?

6:05

Fargo is an amazing place.

6:07

We have a skate park like Lindenwood Park, flooding hills for when it's cold, an air museum, and so much more.

6:14

Crime rates are very low in Fargo, so it is a pretty safe place to live.

6:18

The crime rates have decreased as much as 10% throughout November 2025 to early 2026.

6:26

There are amazing job opportunities, so if you ever need uh so super cool places to live that are affordable and a friendly community.

6:34

So if you ever need any help, someone will probably lend a hand.

6:38

Another amazing thing about Fargo is we are originally part of the Sioux territory until 1861 when it was claimed as part of the Dakota territory.

6:48

Also, housing it is 14 to 17 percent cheaper than in a bigger city.

6:55

Fargo's approximate approximate price for housing is around three thousand three hundred and ten thousand dollars for the home and two hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars for sales price.

7:05

Compared to a bigger city, it usually costs around one million dollars and up.

7:09

Fargo is a safe, affordable, and peaceful place to call home.

7:12

If I were the mayor of Fargo, I would improve something in our community by either adding a museum or library or both.

7:18

I would add a history museum because learning about our past history is important, so we can learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.

7:25

I would also add an additional library because it serves the purpose for all students of all ages.

7:31

And it can be a place where community people can enjoy themselves, take get books and build strong lationships.

7:39

If I could restrict something, it would be vaping because it is really addicted with all the nicotine in it, and it can give you lung and heart damage.

7:46

Some of my concerns about a green spaces and water sources that are become becoming polluted and trash, which is really bad for our environment, the air we breathe, and how we feel about our city.

7:58

I would also try to have some community events where we go out, dress up, socialize, and just have fun.

8:04

It'd be a way to build community relationships, self-confidence, and it would help people have better social skills.

8:11

Overall, we have an amazing education system, I can confirm.

8:14

Affordable housing, low crime rates, and if you visit the Fargo Moorhead visitor center, you can see the wood tripper from the movie Fargo.

8:22

So if I become mayor, I hope you feel that you're in good hands.

8:25

Fun fact, Fargo was originally named Centralia before being named Fargo in 1872.

8:38

I would have to say we want to thank all the educators in the room that have done such a great job in raising these two.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development████████████████████████████████████36%
Cannabis Regulation███████████11%
Personnel Matters██████████10%
Procedural█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Youth Programs███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Homelessness████4%
Affordable Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Fargo City Commission Meeting - March 30, 2026: Executive Session, Public Hearings, and Appointments

The Fargo City Commission met on March 30, 2026, beginning with an Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. for legal consultations and negotiating strategy, followed by the regular public meeting at 5:00 p.m. The commission approved a settlement in opioid litigation, appointed an interim police chief, delayed a new PILOT policy, and handled multiple liquor license transfers and a dangerous building hearing. All five commissioners were present (Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney).

Executive Session & Opioid Settlement

  • The commission convened in Executive Session from 3:33 p.m. to 4:17 p.m. to discuss three matters: attorney consultation on opioid litigation with Associated Pharmacies, Inc., JM Smith Corp., Louisiana Wholesale Drug Co., Morris and Dickson Co., North Carolina Wholesale Drug Co., and United Natural Foods; negotiating strategy for an annexation proceeding with Fercho Properties, LLP; and anticipation of civil litigation with Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors, LLC.
  • Upon reconvening, Commissioner Strand moved to opt into the opioid settlement agreement with the named companies and authorize the City Attorney and Mayor to complete paperwork. Motion seconded by Kolpack and approved unanimously (5-0).

Consent Calendar

  • Approved 26 items unanimously, including: letter of support for Quality Holdings to the ND Opportunity Fund Consortium; grant agreement with ND Department of Corrections and Youthworks; ordinance amendments on property maintenance; rezoning of Clara Barton School Addition; renewal of alcoholic beverage and live entertainment licenses through 3/31/27; games of chance applications; MOU with Municipal Airport Authority; revisions to excavation fees; contracts and bonds for improvement districts (AN-26-A1, BR-26-I1, PR-26-G1, TN-26-A1); creation of Improvement Districts PR-26-E and PR-26-F; bid awards for City Hall parking structure repairs ($1,353,200 to Gast Construction Co.), refuse truck ($341,125 to Sanitation Products), front load containers ($266,113.10 to Wastequip), and water project WA2504 ($673,287.13 to Johnson & Schock Excavating); FAHR committee items including a bucket lift truck purchase ($248,929); and bills totaling $9,952,040.85.

Public Hearings

  • Moonrise Café LLC (Item 27): Class GH (beer & wine) license for 111 Broadway N. Proposed events like art nights and trivia. No public opposition. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Cellar 624 (Item 28): Transfer of Class VWB license from Suite 4 to Suite 5 at 624 Main Ave. Continued from Feb and Mar meetings. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Teddy's (Item 29): Transfer of Class FA-RZ license from 212 Broadway to 624 Main Ave, Suite 4. Full alcohol, 50% food sales requirement. Separate units confirmed. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Sunrose Nails & Day Spa (Item 30): Class W (wine only) license for 4101 13th Ave S. Owner previously held a liquor license without issues. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Dangerous Building at 115 6th Ave N (Item 31): Property built 1900, met 8 of 10 criteria. Multiple break-ins by squatters, unpermitted electrical, foundation cracks. Owner deceased; estranged wife cooperating. Continued security issues required epoxy-sealed screws. Findings of fact and order approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Sign Badgers Tax Exemption (Item 32): Five-year property tax exemption (approx. $34,000/year) for B2 LLC d/b/a Sign Badgers at 610 University Dr N (former Fargo Brewing building). The business is primary sector, currently 14 employees, committing to 3 new jobs (one >$35/hr). Dawson Scheffler, owner, said the project would be difficult without incentives. Approved 3-2 (Kolpack, Piepkorn, Mahoney aye; Strand, Turnberg nay).

Discussion Items

  • New PILOT Policy for Commercial Redevelopment (Item 33): Proposed 10-year, up to 100% property tax exemption for older commercial sites. Commissioner Piepkorn moved to continue the discussion to a later date without a specific timeline, citing need for coordination with county and school district policies and the upcoming election. Commissioner Strand supported the delay, noting the need for a comprehensive review of all incentives. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Kolpack requested urgency and gathering policies from the school board and county.
  • 2026 Push Cart Program and Survey Results (Item 34): Staff reviewed the program after complaints; a public survey showed 94% support for food carts. Staff proposed stronger enforcement, better rules, and revocation authority. Public comment from Warren Ackley, downtown business owner for 49 years, raised concerns about program costs ($12,000-$15,000 annually), lack of garbage cans, grease on sidewalks, and fairness to brick-and-mortar businesses. Commission voted unanimously to receive and file the survey and direct staff to develop ordinance amendments for fall 2026 implementation.
  • Appointment of Interim Police Chief (Item 35): City Administrator Michael Redlinger recommended Assistant Police Chief Travis Stefonowicz as interim chief, effective March 28, 2026. Stefonowicz has 25 years with FPD. Reassured the commission about command coverage during his absence. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Police Chief Search Process Update (Item 36): Redlinger presented a revised timeline: job description finalized now, job posted May 11, closes June 19 (after election), department survey in same period, major activities begin July 13, candidate meet-and-greet in summer, appointment by commission possibly by late August or October. No action required.
  • Financial Operations Overview of Resource and Recovery Center (Engagement Center) (Item 37): Assistant City Administrator Brenda Derrig reported streamlined budget over three years, annual lease of $240,185.50, $548,000 in donations to date via FM Area Foundation, and over 35 nonprofit partners. Added security at downtown library on Saturdays due to uptick in issues when the center is closed. Commissioner Strand requested updates on the memorial wall.
  • Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates (Item 38): Commissioner Turnberg explained property tax valuations with 3% cap; Commissioner Kolpack reported on Water Topics Interim Committee and $150M federal funding for Red River water supply; Commissioner Strand discussed preserving the law enforcement memorial wall from the current engagement center for relocation to the old police station.

Key Outcomes

  • Opioid settlement opt-in approved unanimously (5-0).
  • All consent agenda items (1-26) approved unanimously.
  • Liquor license hearings (Moonrise, Cellar 624, Teddy's, Sunrose) approved unanimously.
  • Dangerous building order at 115 6th Ave N approved unanimously.
  • Sign Badgers tax exemption approved 3-2 (Kolpack, Piepkorn, Mahoney aye; Strand, Turnberg nay).
  • New PILOT policy discussion continued to an unspecified later date, passed unanimously.
  • Push cart program ordinance revisions directed, with survey results received and filed (unanimous).
  • Travis Stefonowicz appointed Interim Police Chief effective March 28, 2026 (unanimous).
  • Police chief search process timeline presented; no action taken.
  • Resource and Recovery Center financial overview received.
  • Meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Tell me when the clock hits five o'clock. Is it close? Call me in order. I've had some help with my two new mayors here. Roll call. Call pack. Here. Pepcorn. Here. Strand? Here. Turnbird. Here. Mahoney. Here. Mr. Strand, do you have a motion? I do, Mayor. Subsequent to our executive session, I moved to approve the city of Fargo opting in to the settlement agreement regarding opioid litigation with Associated Pharmacies, Inc., J. M. Smith Corporation, Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Morris and Dixon Company, North Carolina Corolia, Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and United National Foods Natural Foods, Inc., and authorize the city's city attorney's office and mayor to complete any necessary forms of paperwork to complete the settlement process. She's in seventh grade. Okay. If I were mayor for today, I would build it. An amusement park for people to visit. I would make an amusement park because we don't have any hearing now. I would also make a place for family and friends. I would raise money to fix buildings, parks, and plant flowers around building our buildings. I would make our city welcoming so people would feel welcome. I would also get a welcome sign so everyone knows they're welcome. I would host city events like bonfires, art in the parking picnics. I would fix potholes and plant flowers around buildings. That's what I would do if I were a mayor for a day. So thank you very much for catching that. But you essay was excellent. Okay, are you ready? Fargo is an amazing place. We have a skate park like Lindenwood Park, flooding hills for when it's cold, an air museum, and so much more. Crime rates are very low in Fargo, so it is a pretty safe place to live. The crime rates have decreased as much as 10% throughout November 2025 to early 2026. There are amazing job opportunities, so if you ever need uh so super cool places to live that are affordable and a friendly community. So if you ever need any help, someone will probably lend a hand. Another amazing thing about Fargo is we are originally part of the Sioux territory until 1861 when it was claimed as part of the Dakota territory. Also, housing it is 14 to 17 percent cheaper than in a bigger city. Fargo's approximate approximate price for housing is around three thousand three hundred and ten thousand dollars for the home and two hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars for sales price. Compared to a bigger city, it usually costs around one million dollars and up. Fargo is a safe, affordable, and peaceful place to call home. If I were the mayor of Fargo, I would improve something in our community by either adding a museum or library or both. I would add a history museum because learning about our past history is important, so we can learn not to make the same mistakes in the future. I would also add an additional library because it serves the purpose for all students of all ages.

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