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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fargo City Commission Regular Meeting – August 3, 2026

City Commission — Monday, August 3, 2026

BodyFargo, North Dakota

SessionCity Commission

DateMonday, August 3, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:44:38

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:09

Good evening.

0:11

We just returned from executive sessions, we had already called the meeting to order.

0:14

So we will begin with a pledge of allegiance, and I enjoy invite you to join us.

0:22

I pledge allegiance.

0:38

Thank you.

0:39

Tonight we have a representative from Vision Vero Vision Zero here, who will be presenting challenge coins to the Fargo Police Department's traffic safety team.

0:48

So we'll allow you to come to the podium to speak.

0:57

Good evening.

0:58

My name is Leah Kelm, and I am a regional outreach coordinator for Vision Zero.

1:04

So I serve the Southeast region of our state.

1:06

Those of you that aren't familiar with Vision Zero, it is North Dakota's mission to try to bring down our motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries across our entire state.

1:15

And part of that mission includes recognizing people across our state that are promoting traffic safety and helping prevent tragedies on our roadways every single day.

1:24

So today I will be presenting the officers of Fargo Police Department's traffic safety team with the Vision Zero Commemorative Coin Award for their high visibility back to school enforcement detail that took place last year, which improved roadway safety by addressing traffic violations within school zones to help protect students, families, and staff during peak travel hours.

1:46

The first person to be recognized is Officer Dean Jordheim.

2:04

Officer Patrick Thomas.

3:21

But with their enforcement, it is greatly appreciated.

4:10

Again, thank you to our traffic safety team and all our officers.

4:13

We continue to hear about the concerns about traffic safety throughout the community.

4:17

So you're playing an important role in making sure we address that, especially as we continue to grow throughout the community.

4:22

So keep up the good work.

4:24

With that, we have the agenda in front of us.

4:27

Is there a motion to approve the order of the agenda?

4:29

I so move.

4:31

Second.

4:32

There's a motion and a second.

4:33

Any discussion?

4:35

Discussion?

4:37

All in favor signify by saying aye.

4:39

Aye.

4:39

Oppose, nay.

4:41

Motion carries.

4:42

We have our meeting our minutes from the July 20th, 2026 regular meeting.

4:47

Is there a motion to approve the minutes?

4:48

I so move.

4:50

Thank you.

4:51

Is there a second?

4:52

Second.

4:53

Any discussion?

4:55

Discussion?

4:57

Hearing none, all in favor say aye.

4:59

Aye.

4:59

Aye.

5:00

Opposed, nay.

5:01

Thank you very much.

5:02

The motion carries.

5:03

We have in front of us uh the consent agenda agenda items one through 31.

5:09

Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

5:11

Commissioner Peterson.

5:12

Mr.

5:13

Mayor, I would like to pull item number 21B and 21 G for discussion, sir.

5:25

Great.

5:28

Is there a motion to approve the consent agendas?

5:31

Items 1 through 20 and then 21 C D E F H I J and 22 through 31.

5:40

Commissioner Peterson.

5:41

So move, Mr.

5:41

Mayor.

5:42

Thank you.

5:45

If I might.

5:47

Wouldn't it be more appropriate just to advance these to the next agenda meeting because we don't have notice to give people a chance to respond?

5:58

We have a motion.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Infrastructure███████████████15%

Economic Development██████████████14%

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing████████████12%

Procedural███████████11%

Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%

Public Engagement█████████9%

Election Reform█████████9%

Public Safety██████6%

Public Transit█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Fargo City Commission Regular Meeting – August 3, 2026

The Fargo City Commission convened at 4:00 PM for an Executive Session (4:00–4:52 PM) to receive legal advice on potential litigation with Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors, LLC, and to discuss negotiating strategy for property purchase involving Elizabeth Anda. The Regular Meeting began at 5:00 PM with all five commissioners present. Key actions included approval of a tax exemption for Valley Process Technologies, four liquor compliance violations, a resolution calling a special election on a ward-based council government, adoption of the 2027 Preliminary Budget, and authorization to relocate the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) and Municipal Court.

Vision Zero Presentation

Vision Zero presented challenge coins to the Fargo Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team for a high-visibility back-to-school enforcement detail that improved roadway safety in school zones.

Consent Calendar

Approved unanimously (5-0) all Consent Agenda items except items 21b (Fire Department capital fund reallocation) and 21g (Wrigley Family donation) which were deferred to the August 17, 2026 meeting per Commissioner Peterson’s motion.
Routine approvals included: amended Home Rule Charter, ordinance repealing Human Rights Commission article, sales tax amendment, rezoning, games of chance, easements, change orders, bid awards, and many others (items 1–31).
Bills in the amount of $16,745,724 were approved.

Public Hearings & Comments

Valley Process Technologies Tax Exemption (Item 32): Public hearing held. No public speakers. The commission heard testimony from City Assessor Michael Splonskowski and Ryan Osheim (Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC) and Mike Thummel (CEO of Valley Process Technologies). The project involves a ~$15 million investment at 342 42nd Street South, creating 70–80 jobs over five years (22 new positions initially), with $2–3 million in building improvements and specialized equipment for biofermentation. Commissioner Turnberg expressed opposition to tax breaks, citing constituent concerns; the motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Turnberg voting nay). Other commissioners emphasized the building’s declining valuation (from $4.13M in 2023 to $3.84M in 2025) and the unique fit for the specialized facility.
Public Comment – Sheri McMahon (Item 41): She spoke about a concert at Broadway Square where the word “protest” was banned from the event title. She raised First Amendment concerns due to the city’s financial involvement in Block 9 development and urged the commission to seek a legal opinion. Her written statement was received.

Discussion Items

Liquor Compliance Violations (Items 33–36): Four businesses were cited for serving alcohol to minors during compliance checks on July 21, 2026. Each was a first offense. Front Street Taproom, Pounds, and NoBull Smokehouse had server-trained staff; each received a $250 fine. Wurst Bier Hall’s server was not trained, resulting in a $500 fine. Commissioner Strand requested that future documents omit server names and asked about ID scanner requirements; staff noted scanners are recommended but not required. All violations were approved unanimously.
Special Election on Change of Government (Item 37): City Attorney Ian McLean presented a resolution to hold a special election on October 6, 2026 (the last permissible date under state law) for a ward-based council form of government. The petition had 4,491 valid signatures (threshold: 4,159). The resolution also set ballot language (“Shall the City of Fargo change from its organization under the commission system of government and become a city under a ward-based council form of government?”). The city will conduct the election using paper ballots, as county and state assistance are unavailable. Estimated cost: $30,000–$50,000 (hard costs). Commissioner Strand expressed gratitude for citizen initiative; Commissioner Peterson noted low voter turnout concerns. Approved unanimously.
2027 Preliminary Budget (Item 38): Finance Director Michael Redlinger and Susan presented proposed revenues of ~$147.5M (up 5%) and expenses of ~$145.8M (up 3.64%). Property tax: 58.88 mills (up 1.52 mills); median home increase ~$25. A 3% cost-of-living adjustment and 8.5% health insurance increase are included. New positions: general fund $1.2M, enterprise fund ~$1M (transit drivers). Capital requests include $969,000 for a fire facility, $6.1M to general fund, $1.5M for vehicle leasing. Utility rates increases were previewed. Commissioner Turnberg moved to approve the preliminary budget with a commitment to hold a brown bag meeting for further cuts; passed unanimously. Several commissioners noted the need to prioritize public safety funding and re-examine utility rate increases.
GTC & Municipal Court Relocation (Item 39): Michael Redlinger provided an update. Structural engineers (KLJ, Kimley Horn) determined further rehabilitation of the GTC parking structure is not viable. Temporary relocation: GTC to former police headquarters (222 4th St N) by August 17; Municipal Court to Civic Center (Sky Commons) by August 31. Permanent relocation planning is underway with a commercial realtor. Commissioner Peterson raised concerns about accelerating the move; staff expressed confidence. Commissioner Turnberg questioned costs and long-term viability. A motion to authorize relocation and expenditure of funds (including exploration of other Cass County facilities) passed unanimously.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates (Item 40): Commissioners reported on board and committee activities. Commissioner Gullickson attended Historic Preservation, Grand Farm, TEDx, and toured Red River Dispatch Center. Commissioner Strand noted transit director search (21 applicants, two finalists) and Governor’s Kratom ban. Commissioner Turnberg is meeting with departments on budget. Commissioner Peterson reported on water utility tours, Fargo Dome discussions, airport tour, fire team meetings, and EDIC policy review. Mayor Boschee announced his resignation from the State Senate effective August 4 to focus on city duties, and recognized retiring Assistant City Administrator Brenda Derrick (35+ years of service).

Key Outcomes

Valley Process Technologies Tax Exemption approved 4-1 (Commissioner Turnberg dissenting).
Four Liquor Compliance Violations approved with fines: $250 each for Front Street Taproom, Pounds, NoBull Smokehouse; $500 for Wurst Bier Hall.
Special Election Resolution adopted unanimously; election set for October 6, 2026.
2027 Preliminary Budget approved unanimously; public hearing set for September 14, 2026 at 5:05 PM. Further cuts and brown bag session agreed upon.
GTC & Municipal Court Relocation authorized unanimously; temporary moves planned for mid-to-late August.
Two consent items (21b, 21g) deferred to August 17 meeting.
Staff directed to explore additional Cass County facilities for court relocation.
Legal opinion on Broadway Square expression restrictions requested by citizen comment; no formal action taken.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. We just returned from executive sessions, we had already called the meeting to order. So we will begin with a pledge of allegiance, and I enjoy invite you to join us. I pledge allegiance. Thank you. Tonight we have a representative from Vision Vero Vision Zero here, who will be presenting challenge coins to the Fargo Police Department's traffic safety team. So we'll allow you to come to the podium to speak. Good evening. My name is Leah Kelm, and I am a regional outreach coordinator for Vision Zero. So I serve the Southeast region of our state. Those of you that aren't familiar with Vision Zero, it is North Dakota's mission to try to bring down our motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries across our entire state. And part of that mission includes recognizing people across our state that are promoting traffic safety and helping prevent tragedies on our roadways every single day. So today I will be presenting the officers of Fargo Police Department's traffic safety team with the Vision Zero Commemorative Coin Award for their high visibility back to school enforcement detail that took place last year, which improved roadway safety by addressing traffic violations within school zones to help protect students, families, and staff during peak travel hours. The first person to be recognized is Officer Dean Jordheim. Officer Patrick Thomas. But with their enforcement, it is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you to our traffic safety team and all our officers. We continue to hear about the concerns about traffic safety throughout the community. So you're playing an important role in making sure we address that, especially as we continue to grow throughout the community. So keep up the good work. With that, we have the agenda in front of us. Is there a motion to approve the order of the agenda? I so move. Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Discussion? All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Oppose, nay. Motion carries. We have our meeting our minutes from the July 20th, 2026 regular meeting. Is there a motion to approve the minutes? I so move. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. Thank you very much. The motion carries. We have in front of us uh the consent agenda agenda items one through 31. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Commissioner Peterson. Mr. Mayor, I would like to pull item number 21B and 21 G for discussion, sir.

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