West Fargo City Commission Meeting – November 17, 2025

The West Fargo City Commission met on Monday, November 17, 2025, to address a range of agenda items, including public comments on a controversial multi-use path, approval of a transportation plan, improvement districts, and policy updates. The meeting was notable for a 3-1 vote to halt the Rivers Bend multi-use path and pedestrian bridge project after strong public opposition.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda, minutes of November 3, building permits, and consent agenda items A–E (all routine and unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joanne Allman (representing Dahl subdivision and KinderCare) opposed Project 6060 (River Bend Path). Cited concerns: cost ($2 million for half a mile), safety, negative neighborhood effects, and environmental impact. Claimed 150 trees (some over 100 years old) marked for destruction, which would harm nesting eagles, hawks, and other wildlife. Noted the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act requires a bird survey within five days of demolition; active nests would require a 100-foot buffer. Argued alternative routes (e.g., Beaton Drive) would be cheaper and cause no tree loss.
• Ryan Haas (resident, 2325 Rivers Bend Drive) opposed the path, emphasizing loss of urban forest and trees possibly 250 years old. Urged enhancing existing paths and planting more trees instead of cutting.
• David Whithy (resident, 2421 Cloud Drive East) questioned the project's purpose, noting inconsistency with West Fargo 2.0 goals (protect tree canopy, wildlife habitat, and riverside territory). Stated only 21 West Fargo residents responded to the Metro Cog survey, insufficient for statistical relevance. Advocated for a Beaton Drive connection instead of the path.
• Pat Belmore (resident, 2334 Rivers Bend Drive) opposed the project due to proximity. Urged a no vote, citing lack of clarity on problem being solved, potential for high-speed bike traffic, absence of emergency access plans, and destruction of woodland views. Suggested alternative bridge location near Lowberg Trail.

Discussion Items

• West 94 Area Transportation Plan (Item 3): Aaron Nelson (Planning & Zoning), Mike Bittner (Bolton & Menk), and Dan Farnsworth (MetroCog) presented the plan, which addresses future interchanges and transportation network for the West 94 area post-FM diversion. Two phasing scenarios were outlined: Scenario A (13th Avenue/15th Street interchange) and Scenario B (26th Street/Main Avenue interchange). Public engagement included over 100 stakeholders and 50%+ support for major improvements. A resolution of support was approved unanimously.
• Project 6060 – Rivers Bend Multi-Use Path and Pedestrian Bridge (Item 4): Dan Hansen (Senior Director of Community Development) presented an engineer's report. The project's estimated cost is $1,873,765, with a secured CRP grant of $746,536 (down from $848,798 due to funding source change). The city share would be $1,127,229. An environmental review found no eagle nests, but a pre-construction bird survey would be needed. Commissioner Zundell recused herself. A motion to deny the engineer's report and stop work carried 3-1 (Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Jorgensen; Olson and Dartis voted aye; Zundell recused).
• Improvement District 3008 – Meadow Ridge Reconstruction (Item 5): Mr. Wallace presented an amended engineer's report adding Meadow Ridge Court to the project for full reconstruction (water, sewer, storm sewer, street). Unanimously approved.
• Improvement District 3009 – First Avenue East Reconstruction (Item 6): Determination of protest sufficiency after one letter (protesting assessment amount, not project). Resolution of insufficient protest approved unanimously.
• Authorization of RFP for New ERP System (Item 7): Willie Galindo (Finance Director) requested authorization to publish an RFP for a new ERP system. Evaluation committee will include the mayor, Commissioner Anderson, and staff. Unanimously approved.
• Policy Updates (Item 8): Dustin Scott presented five policies (sick leave, personal leave, vacation leave, overtime/comp time, holidays) updated from the 2025 handbook. Commissioner Zundell raised questions about vacation leave notice (two-week requirement) and exempt employee work-day credit. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
• City Administrator's Report (Item 9): Dustin Scott reported that the search for a new HR director is underway, applications accepted through mid-December.

Key Outcomes

• Project 6060 (Rivers Bend Path) stopped: Motion to deny engineer's report and stop work carried 3-1 (Commissioner Zundell recused). The project will not proceed.
• West 94 Area Transportation Plan approved: Resolution of support adopted unanimously.
• Improvement Districts 3008 and 3009 approved: Both unanimously passed.
• ERP system RFP authorized: Unanimously approved.
• Five employee policies approved: Unanimously passed.
• Non-agenda items: Commissioner Jorgensen requested notification of upcoming public meetings and RFP schedule for involved commissioners.