The Fargo City Commission met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting began with a tribute to retiring city employees Scott and Cindy Liudahl, who together contributed over 50 years of service to Fargo's urban forestry and public library. The meeting adjourned at 5:47 PM.
Good evening, everybody. Tonight I'd like to take a moment to recognize two remarkable public servants. Scott and Cindy Lindahl are both retiring after careers dedicated to serving the people of Fargo. Together, they represent more than 50 years of service to our community. Cindy spent 21 years helping children and families discover the love of reading and learning through the public library. Scott spent 30 years helping grow and protect Fargo's urban forest for further generations. Tonight we're honored to celebrate both of them and thank them for making Fargo a better place. Cindy joined the Fargo Public Library as part of the Bookmobile staff in 2005 and later worked at Northport Library location when it opened in 2006. Since 211, Cindy has worked in the Children's Services Department as a children's programming associate, where she has been familiar, welcoming face at events and in the library. Throughout her career, Sydney has touched the lights of countless youngsters and families across our community with her warmth and energy. She has been instrumental in developing and facilitating events, partnerships, to support the library's mission. Her creativity and passion are evident with every initiative and partnership she has fostered over the years. And today she had a special event with the children in which we got to see bubbles come up by the city hall. And I think the kids had a ball. But thank you for every book recommendation, every story time laugh, and for helping kids of all ages discovered that the library is a place where they belong. We would also like to recognize Scott, who joined the city of Fargo as Arborist supervisor in 1996 and became the Fargo City Forester in 1998, a position he has held with dedication and distinction ever since. Throughout his career, Scott earned numerous professional certifications and achieved many accomplishments. He has helped shape Fargo's urban forest, built strong partnership with organizations throughout the region and nation, and inspired countless volunteers, students, and professionals along the way. His leadership at events like Arbor Day and Reforest the Red has engaged thousands of community members in planting and caring for trees. He also helped establish the mutual aid agreements across North Dakota, ensuring communities could support one another during times of need, including the recovery efforts in following the Northward Tornado. Scott often says that some of the greatest rewards of his career have been becoming a city forester, serving on the ISA certification board, and building relationships with dedicated professionals who share his passion for urban forestry. Respect and admiration he's earned from his colleagues are testimony to his leadership and his commitment to the field. Scott's legacy will live in the trees growing throughout the Fargo, the programs he helped build, and the people he has mentored and inspired. Scott, may your retirement be much like your favorite tree, the hackberry. Strong, resilient, and continuing to thrive for many years to come. On the behalf of the City of Fargo, thank you, Scott and Cindy, for everything you've done for our community, and we wish you well in your next chapter. This is a great organization to be with. I've been here for 30 years, so yes. And the this community has been never thought that Fargo, North Dakota, would be my kind of final stopping place after a forest management degree out in Colorado. Surrounded by trees. But this is where I ended up, and it's been a lot of fun. And I met a lot of people, and I'm gonna miss a lot of things, including those people. So thank you. A librarian doesn't want to talk. We're not kids, okay. 50 years is a long time. Thank you. Appreciate that very much. Is there a motion to approve the order of agenda? Moving item three from the consent agenda to the regular agenda for further discussion. I also moved. They're a second. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carried. The motion approved the minutes of the regular meeting. May 26, 2026. So moved. Is there a second?