West Fargo City Commission Meeting – October 20, 2025

The West Fargo City Commission met on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 22:30 UTC. Commissioners present were Anderson, Olson, Dardas, Zondell, and Jorgensen. The agenda included a public hearing and first reading of a short-term rental ordinance amendment, approval of a transit development plan, policy updates, infrastructure projects, and bond authorizations.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the order of the agenda carried unanimously.
• Minutes of October 6, 2025, approved unanimously.
• Building permits approved with Commissioner Jorgensen recused.
• Consent agenda (items A–E) approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak during the public comment period. The public hearing on the short-term rental ordinance (A24-28) had no speakers for or against.

Discussion Items

• Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (A24-28) – First Reading – Aaron Nelson, Director of Planning and Zoning, presented a revised ordinance based on the work of a short‑term rental committee. Three primary changes: removal of the primary residency requirement (allowing year‑round rentals under 29 days), occupancy calculated using building codes (square footage of bedrooms) rather than zoning definitions, and a shift in the licensing period to July 1–June 30 instead of the calendar year. Additional “good neighbor” guidelines were added. The commission approved the first reading on a 4–1 vote (Commissioner Zondell opposed).
• Landscaping Ordinance Amendment (A25-21) – Second Reading – Relaxed landscaping requirements for industrial properties in overlay districts. Approved unanimously.
• 2026‑2030 Transit Development Plan – Adam Altenberg and Aidan Jung of MetroCog presented the plan. Key changes for West Fargo: Route 18 and 20 interlined; Route 24 revised; new Route 21 serving City Hall and the Lights District. Commissioner Jorgensen questioned the lack of grocery store stops and covered bus shelters, and raised concerns about Route 21 using narrow 2nd Avenue. Commissioner Zundell questioned survey methodology and noted that 33% of respondents said service “sometimes works well” or “not working well.” Commissioner Jorgensen and Zundell advocated for better grocery and healthcare access. Commissioner Olson noted state funding disparities. A resolution of support passed 3–2 (Commissioners Jorgensen and Zundell opposed). The plan requires additional jurisdiction approvals before final MetroCog adoption in December.
• Lexipol Policy Updates – Sarah Goshevik, HR Director, presented eight policies including emergency management (200), encumbered funds carry‑over (301), business gifts (404), subpoenas (405), speech and social networking (406), FMLA (418), military leave (422), and a revised policy 100. All approved unanimously.
• Transfer Station Scale Replacement – Matt Anvick, Public Works Director, requested approval to replace the 27‑year‑old scale at the transfer station. The $135,808 bid (Prairie Scales) includes an end‑wall replacement and was funded from project 9061. Approved unanimously.
• Improvement District 22‑65 – 9th Street and 7th Avenue NE Reconstruction – Dan Hanson reported no written protests were received. The commission approved the resolution declaring no sufficient protest and proceeded with assessments (70% local share). Renderings shown for roundabout and frontage road. Approved unanimously.
• Improvement District 60‑59 – Sidewalk Improvements 2024 Walks – Jerry Wallace, City Engineer, presented the final assessment list. Total cost $308,059, with 100% assessment to benefiting properties. Approved unanimously.
• Parking Ramp Ordinance – First Reading – Katie Schmidt, City Attorney, presented Ordinance 1264 to prohibit non‑parking uses of city‑owned ramps due to police safety concerns. Approved unanimously.
• Bond Resolutions for Public Works Expansion – Two bonds authorized for sale to the North Dakota PFA: a wastewater treatment revenue bond ($8.5 million) and a water treatment revenue bond ($2.7 million), both at 1.5% interest with a 0.5% administrative fee and 30‑year maturities. Approved separately by unanimous votes.
• City Administrator’s Report – Dustin Scott thanked the commission for a productive growth area master plan meeting. No further updates.

Key Outcomes

• First reading of short‑term rental ordinance (A24-28) passed 4–1.
• Second reading of landscaping ordinance (A25-21) passed unanimously.
• Resolution of support for the 2026‑2030 Transit Development Plan passed 3–2; further presentations requested.
• Eight Lexipol policies approved unanimously.
• Transfer station scale replacement approved ($135,808).
• Improvement districts for road reconstruction and sidewalk improvements approved.
• First reading of parking ramp ordinance (1264) approved.
• Bond authorizations for $8.5 million (wastewater) and $2.7 million (water) approved.
• Meeting adjourned.