Fargo City Commission Meeting - July 20, 2026

The Fargo City Commission met on July 20, 2026, beginning with an Executive Session at 4:30 PM to discuss litigation with the Kesselring Trust, then reconvening for the regular meeting at 5:00 PM. The meeting included multiple public hearings, approvals, and a presentation on future incentive policies. The Commission adjourned at 7:26 PM.

Consent Calendar

The Commission approved the consent agenda (items 1–26) unanimously, which included:

• Approval of a Government Relations and Legislative Advocacy RFQ.
• Appointment of a Lake Agassiz Water Authority Board member.
• First reading of an ordinance extending the infrastructure sales tax.
• Receipt and file of an ordinance repealing the Human Rights Commission article.
• Games of chance applications.
• Various change orders and bid awards for improvement districts and projects, including:
  • Negative final balancing change orders totaling -$72,520.43 (items 7 and 8).
  • Final balancing change orders: $10,142.27 for BN-24-B1, $0.00 for TR-25-E1.
  • Amendment No. 2 for $79,624.00 for BR-23-A2.
  • Bid award to Master Holdings, LLC for $523,763.75 (BN-26-B1).
  • Bid award to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC for $1,027,128.96 (UR-26-G1).
  • Bid award to Pioneer LLC for $47,200.00 for demolition at 115 6th Avenue North.
  • Bid award to J-Tech Mechanical for $157,500.00 for Metro Transit Garage Boiler Replacement.
  • Bid award to Seon Design Inc. d/b/a Safe Fleet for bus video surveillance systems.
• Amendments, grants, and contract extensions for transit, police cleaning, and public health programs.
• Directives to the City Attorney to review ordinances on tattoos, lodging, and aquatic facilities.
• Assistance program for homeowners with lead service lines during emergency sewer replacements.
• Bills totaling $12,101,480.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Gly (downtown resident): Opposed the Renaissance Zone application for Edgewood Properties at 51 Broadway North. He argued the project did not meet criteria for a unique downtown experience, pedestrian-friendly design, or retail commitment, and urged sending it back for more work.
• Associate General Counsel of Edgewood Real Estate Investment Trust: Supported the project, stating the building is over 50% vacant and in disrepair, and the investment would revitalize a landmark without Renaissance Zone support.
• James Tandeski (business owner on Thunder Road): Opposed the sidewalk installation, citing safety concerns from truck traffic, seasonal operations, lack of pedestrian demand, and financial burden. He asked for consideration of alternatives.
• Jim McCoy (owner of JM Truck Sales): Similarly opposed the sidewalk, noting frequent truck movements and potential danger to pedestrians, especially those distracted by phones.
• Deb Schaefer (representing RV owner Doug Hanson): Appealed the junk vehicle notice, noting the RV is licensed and actively being repaired despite limited finances and disability. She requested more time.
• Bradley Foster (public comment): Criticized the Fargo Police Department's use of flock cameras (AI surveillance), citing the Angela Lips case, national privacy concerns, and erosion of public trust. He urged removal of the cameras.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearings for Alcoholic Beverage Licenses (Items 27–29):
  • Divine Taste of Africa (GH license): Approved unanimously. The restaurant will offer beer/wine, with no significant police concerns.
  • La Terraza Mexican Bar & Grill (FA license): Approved unanimously. Full liquor license for a family-style restaurant.
  • Duffy’s Tavern (AB license transfer): Approved unanimously. Transfer to new family owners, no immediate changes planned.
• Selkirk Place Sixth Addition (Item 30): Approved unanimously. Rezoning from SR-5 to SR-2 and plat approval for six single-family lots at 6655 Selkirk Drive South. The property was originally planned for townhomes but not developed.
• HUD CAPER Report (Item 31): Approved unanimously. Report on year one activities for the 2025-2029 consolidated plan. The city receives approximately $1.4 million annually in CDBG and HOME funds. Activities include alley paving, tenant-based rental assistance, and outreach. Commissioner Strand noted 75% of foster youth are homeless at age 18; Ms. Crutchfield said eviction data will inform targeting.
• Renaissance Zone Project for Edgewood Properties (Item 32): Approved 3-2 (yes: Gullickson, Strand, Boschee; no: Peterson, Turnberg). The project is a $5.374 million interior/exterior rehab at 51 Broadway North. Some commissioners wanted more detail on retail/urban design, but the project met plan criteria. The five-year tax abatement is estimated to increase property taxes from $160,000 to $240,000 annually after the freeze.
• Renaissance Zone Project for JS2L Partners (Item 33): Approved 4-1 (no: Turnberg). A $1.3 million rehab at 120 8th Street South, with taxes rising from $9,300 to $33,000 annually.
• New Alcoholic Beverage License Classification for Airport (Item 34): Approved unanimously. The Commission directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance allowing alcohol consumption in airport gates, following discussions on safety, training, and precedent at other airports. Commissioner Strand suggested a pilot approach.
• Sidewalk Waiver Petition on Thunder Road South (Item 35): The Planning Commission recommended denial. Commissioner Strand moved to accept denial (requiring sidewalks), but the motion failed 2-3 (yes: Gullickson, Boschee; no: Strand, Peterson, Turnberg). As a result, staff will not proceed with construction in the petition area. Concerns cited included industrial traffic, seasonal businesses, and lack of pedestrian demand.
• Vehicle Removal Appeal (Item 36): Unanimously approved a 90-day extension (until October 20, 2026) for the owner to repair or remove the Ford RV at 379 7th Avenue South. If not in compliance, staff will remove it. The owner’s representative cited active repairs and limited funds.
• Police Headquarters Fence Installation (Item 37): Approved 4-1 (no: Peterson). The bid award for security fencing around the east lot was funded from the 2024 bond issue. Chief Stefanowitz cited 38 documented incidents in the prior year, employee safety concerns, and a need to secure the parking lot until 24th Street vacation is completed. Commissioner Peterson opposed on asset allocation grounds, arguing funds could be used for officers.
• Presentation on Future Incentive Processes (Item 38): Presentation by City Administrator Redlinger and Planning Director Crutchfield on aligning incentives with the Land Development Code update. An informational meeting is planned for mid-August, with joint commission meetings in late August and a public hearing in November. No action taken.
• Construction Update (Item 39): Engineer Tom Knakmuhs reported no injuries on city projects. Highlights included progress on 45th Street and 32nd Avenue improvements, NP Avenue closure, core neighborhood reconstructions (Longfellow, Hawthorne, Roosevelt), new developments (Selkirk Place), and the Southwest Metro Pond (90% excavation complete). Multiple projects are on schedule.
• Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates (Item 40):
  • Peterson: Budget hearings ongoing; tour of water reclamation; diversion authority meetings; incentive brown bag next week.
  • Turnberg: Library portfolio; budget discussions.
  • Strand: Cass Clay Community Land Trust has 32 homes; transit director retirement (Julie Bommelman) with 20+ applicants; airport authority transition; public health tobacco/flavor discussion.
  • Gullickson: Fire department ride-along (only accredited in ND); Renaissance Board meeting; thanks to staff.
  • Boschee: Budget workshop schedule (July 21 and 22); finance meeting July 27; preliminary budget goal for August 3; public works tour; HR market rate study; remembrance of Officer Jake Wallin (3-year mark); police community picnic October 12; street fair success; Goodbulb ribbon cutting (first US LED manufacturer).

Key Outcomes

• All three alcoholic beverage licenses and transfers were approved unanimously.
• The Selkirk Place rezoning and plat were approved unanimously.
• The HUD CAPER report was approved unanimously.
• The Edgewood Properties Renaissance Zone project was approved 3-2 after debate; the JS2L project passed 4-1.
• The Commission directed staff to draft a new airport alcohol license ordinance, with a potential pilot provision.
• The sidewalk waiver petition was effectively granted after a motion to deny failed 2-3; staff will not install sidewalks on Thunder Road.
• The vehicle removal appeal resulted in a 90-day compliance extension, with unanimous approval for removal thereafter if not compliant.
• The police fence bid award was approved 4-1, funded by remaining bond proceeds.
• The Commission received updates on incentive policy review (no action) and ongoing construction projects.
• Public comment raised concerns about flock cameras; no action was taken.