Fargo City Commission Meeting: Budget, Annexation, and Property Compliance – September 15, 2026

The Fargo City Commission met on September 15, 2026, opening with an executive session at 4:00 p.m. in the Red River Room to receive legal advice on reasonably anticipated litigation involving former city employees and to discuss negotiating strategy, authorized under N.D.C.C. §§ 44-04-19.1 and 44-04-19.2. The commission then reconvened in the Commission Chambers for the regular meeting, which included the consent calendar, a property annexation tied to the Cubby Ranch Third Edition subdivision, the 2027 budget timeline, and a residential property compliance matter that dominated discussion. Note: The agenda lists the meeting as Monday, September 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., while the meeting timestamp provided is September 15, 2026; this discrepancy is flagged rather than resolved.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the August 31, 2026 regular meeting minutes by roll call vote.
• Approved consent agenda items 1–34 by roll call vote, including the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Order regarding 1334 1st Avenue South; an item concerning 1433 4th Avenue South; 2027 City Commission meeting dates; change orders and claims including $10,784.00 for Project No. 1, $31,105.00 for Project No. 1, and a $28,000.00 change order plus a 7-day time extension for Project No. 1; and a conveyance to the City of Fargo and Cass County.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brad Bachmeyer, former Fargo Planning Commissioner, professor, and former board president of the Arts Partnership, expressed support for continued city investment in the Arts Partnership, saying its impact is “clear, measurable, and easily demonstrated.”
• A resident supporting the property owner described volunteers, friends, and family who showed up ready to work, stating the group “have all the materials, they have everything to finish” the project.
• One speaker criticized the situation involving city workers, saying “What I have been seeing is no other than communism,” and argued that the select few who work for the city should serve all citizens of Fargo.

Discussion Items

Annexation – Cubby Ranch Third Edition (Item 35)

• The mayor described the annexation of part of the north half of Section 10, Township 138, Range 49 West, which will be included in the Cubby Ranch Third Edition subdivision; the annexation was noticed as required by North Dakota Century Code.
• Staff presented maps showing the recently annexed area plus another portion already within Fargo city limits, and highlighted key items within the developer agreement.
• Jace Hellman, speaking on behalf of the development group, said he had no additional information to provide.
• Commissioners discussed future city policy on special assessments for “edge development.” One commissioner said, “I’m not in favor of changing what we offer to the public now,” but acknowledged that topics including assessment splits, percentages, and where the city might or might not prioritize are “front burner” and could change future policies.
• Several commissioners emphasized the need to stay competitive so people choose Fargo over neighboring cities rather than moving away because of special assessments.
• The annexation was approved by roll call vote.

2027 Budget (Item 37)

• The next Finance Committee meeting will be held September 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
• The final commission discussion will occur at the September 28 Commission meeting, with the 2027 budget passage needed to meet the statutory deadline for all local political subdivisions.
• A commissioner noted that the public’s priorities at prior budget hearings were “palpably loud and clear.”

Residential Property Compliance and Demolition Consideration

• The commission considered a residential property matter stemming from a prior demolition-related decision. Staff explained that the demolition had been delayed because of an agreement entered into with the property owner, and that bids had been extended with Pioneer LLC after the 90-day period (confirmed July 2, 2026).
• City staff reported that the owner had worked without a permit and under a stop work order, that framing inspections were not called in on most occasions, and that “we have not had one proper inspection on this property,” meaning the actual state of the work was unknown.
• The building official offered to reopen the permit at no additional cost to avoid further fees or time lost; the official noted permits are normally valid for 180 days regardless of whether the holder is a contractor or resident.
• The property owner said approximately $46,000 to $47,000 had been put into the house and said, “I’d rather have 46,000 plus dollars put into the house than into demolishing it.” The owner also said Fargo has been “hassling me all the damn time,” asserted that they had made “extreme advancements,” and stated two weeks was not enough to finish the project.
• The owner recounted that their lawyer told them Fargo saves only about 2 to 3 percent of such homes because they are torn down before a judge can hear the case.
• A city inspector warned that granting a two-week extension might “set them up to fail” because corrections would likely be required and the property might come back before the commission anyway.
• The mayor acknowledged the owner’s frustration, saying, “If I were in the [owner’s position], I would be equally frustrated if it was my property,” but explained that agreements were entered into with the previous commission and that the commission is bound by ordinances, rules, and public-safety requirements. The mayor also noted the city previously lacked the “teeth” to address blight before the current enforcement tools existed.
• The commission granted the extension. The mayor warned the owner directly: “I will put my trust and faith in you that you will comply with what our inspectors have to say… Know that if it gets to two weeks in a day and this comes before us again… I will without a doubt, with no reluctance in my heart, vote to demolish your home.”
• One commissioner expressed support for the owner regardless of the vote split, stating, “I don’t know whether it’s three or two or whoever it’s going to be, but I’m going to support you.” Another commissioner pleaded, “Please, please, please work with our staff and make sure that you are following these steps,” adding, “I don’t want us to be in a position where we are taking away homes.”

Other Reports and Announcements

• A public listening session on rental issues, covering “renting rights, renting concerns,” will be held September 21 in the Commission Chambers to hear from people on all sides of the issues.
• The mayor reported a productive meeting with the Convention & Visitors Bureau (“with Shirley and her board members”).
• Commissioners discussed the North Dakota League of Cities conference in Grand Forks, with one commissioner noting the importance of Fargo’s entire commission attending; once Fargo has a convention center, the conference could be held downtown.
• A commissioner highlighted the strong NDSU–Fargo connection, saying the city and university “come together as one to support our students” and should deepen that connection at the student level.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items 1–34) approved by roll call vote.
• Annexation for the Cubby Ranch Third Edition subdivision approved by roll call vote.
• 2027 budget process set: Finance Committee meeting on September 23; final commission discussion and budget adoption scheduled for September 28.
• Two-week compliance extension granted for the residential property, with the permit to be reopened at no additional cost; the mayor warned that demolition would proceed if the property does not meet inspection and ordinance requirements within two weeks.