West Fargo City Commission Meeting – September 8, 2025

On September 8, 2025, the West Fargo City Commission met with all five commissioners present (Jorgensen, Sundell, Dartis, Olson, Anderson). The meeting covered routine approvals, public hearings, multiple development projects, a bid withdrawal, an executive session, and administrative reports. Key decisions included approval of a rezoning, a final plat, a park district service contract, and several infrastructure projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda, Minutes, and Building Permits: The agenda and the minutes of August 18, 2025, were approved unanimously. Building permits were approved on a 4-0 vote (Commissioner Jorgensen recused). The consent agenda (Items A through E) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: One speaker commented on agenda item 10 (litigation), criticizing the city’s street project (Project 2290) as an “ill-advised experiment” and alleging failures in quality control, equipment use, and contractor oversight. He questioned the use of city staff and the project’s economic feasibility, stating it does not save taxpayer money.
• Public Hearing on 2026 Preliminary Budget: A speaker (the same individual who had signed up for public comment) expressed support for the city staff’s budget process, noting that it mirrors private industry pressures and that the staff put together a good budget.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning (A25-17, Cheyenne Second Edition): Aaron Nelson, Director of Planning and Zoning, presented a request to rezone South Elementary School property from R2 (multi-dwelling residential) to P (public facilities). The first reading of the rezoning ordinance was approved unanimously after a public hearing with no speakers.
• 2026 Preliminary Budget Public Hearing: Dustbin Scott, City Administrator, presented the required hearing. No objections or protests were filed; the hearing was for informational purposes only and no action was taken.
• 2026 Final Budget Review: Scott presented the first draft of the final budget, noting no changes since the preliminary approval except a reduction in forestry revenue from $870,000 to $800,000. The budget is available online and will be considered for approval on September 22 or October 6.
• Final Plat Approval (A25-19, Galvanizers Addition): Nelson presented a request for final plat approval of a 12-acre lot in the M Heavy Industrial District, with right-of-way dedication for 12th Street NE. The plat includes a fee-in-lieu of land dedication. The item was approved unanimously.
• Park District Service Contract: Sarah Goservick, HR Director, presented an agreement allowing the West Fargo Park District to remain on the city’s benefit program, citing taxpayer savings, employee stability, and operational efficiency. Commissioner Zundal recused (park board member). The contract was approved unanimously.
• Bid Withdrawal and Award (Project 9061, Public Works Expansion): Matt Anvick, Public Works Director, reported that Peterson Sheet Metal withdrew its bid due to an error. The next lowest bidder, Manning Mechanical, was awarded the mechanical contract for $2,345,000. The revised total project cost remains below original estimates. Commissioner Jorgensen noted a failure in the pre-bid award process and suggested a policy change. The motion to accept the withdrawal and award the contract passed unanimously.
• Improvement District 2265 (9th Street and 7th Avenue NE Reconstruction): Dan Hanson, Senior Director of Community Development, presented the project for reconstruction, funded partly by grants and assessment. The commission approved the engineers report, plans and specifications, directed an ad for bids, and approved a resolution of necessity. A hearing of protest is scheduled for October 20.
• HSIP Intersections Project (2284): Hanson presented plans to reconstruct three intersections with left-turn lane realignments, funded 90% by an HSIP grant. The commission approved the engineers report, plans and specifications, and directed an ad for bids.
• Second Reading of Ordinance 2.06: City Attorney Katie Schmidt presented the ordinance; it was approved unanimously.
• Closed Executive Session: The commission entered a closed executive session pursuant to NDCC 44-04-19 and 44-04-19.2 for attorney consultation regarding litigation (Associated General Contractors of North Dakota et al. v. City of West Fargo).
• City Administrator’s Report: Scott reported that the 2024 audit draft is nearing completion, an RFP for a new ERP system is being prepared, and a special meeting is scheduled for September 15 to review special assessment appeals.
• Non-Agenda Items: Commissioner Dartis announced that FEMA accepted the city’s basement exception, allowing basements in the floodplain, with assistance from consulting firms. Commissioner Olson asked about adding right-turn lanes on Veterans Boulevard; the item is not currently in the CIP but will be looked into.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning (A25-17): Approved first reading (unanimous).
• Final Plat (A25-19): Approved (unanimous).
• Park District Service Contract: Approved (unanimous, with recusal).
• Bid Withdrawal and Award (Manning Mechanical): Approved (unanimous).
• Improvement District 2265: Approved – engineers report, plans, ad for bids, and resolution of necessity (unanimous).
• HSIP Intersections (2284): Approved – engineers report, plans, and ad for bids (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2.06: Second reading approved (unanimous).
• Executive Session: Held for litigation consultation.
• Special Meeting: Scheduled for September 15, 2025, for special assessment appeals.