West Fargo City Commission Meeting - February 2, 2026

The West Fargo City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at City Hall. All five commissioners were present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Troop 213 of Scouting America. The commission approved routine items, adopted a proclamation celebrating Troop 213’s 100th anniversary, approved a property tax incentive for Sandy’s Donuts expansion, approved an engineer’s report for the 9th Street Northeast grade separation project, entered into a cost‑share agreement with BNSF Railway for crossing repairs, and announced the hiring of a new Human Resources Director.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the order of the agenda as presented.
• Approved the minutes of the January 19, 2026 meeting.
• Approved building permits as distributed.
• Approved the consent agenda (items A through E). All votes were unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public signed up to speak. Public comment was closed.

Proclamation – 100th Anniversary of Scouting America Troop 213

Mayor Bernie Dartis read a proclamation recognizing Troop 213, chartered by Faith and Journey Lutheran Church, for 100 years of service since 1926. The proclamation highlighted the troop’s contributions to youth development and community service. The signed proclamation was presented to Troop 213 member Logan.

Public Hearing and Incentive Approval for Sandy’s Donuts (Marcar LLP)

Economic Development Director Casey Sanders Berglund presented an expansion project by Marcar LLP, doing business as Sandy’s Donuts. The company plans to purchase the former Air Mechanical building at 1914 4th Avenue Northwest (11,300 sq. ft.) and add about 3,000 sq. ft. for a manufacturing and distribution center. The request was for a five‑year property tax incentive on the increased value only (the company will continue paying its current property tax of $16,994; the new total is estimated at $19,000). The incentive does not include job creation or direct sales tax benefits but will add $446,000 in machinery and equipment. The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) recommended approval. A public hearing was held with no speakers for or against. The commission unanimously approved the five‑year pilot incentive.

9th Street Northeast Grade Separation (Project 2293)

Senior Director of Community and Development Dan Hanson presented the engineer’s report for a bridge over the BNSF railroad on 9th Street Northeast. The project was originally part of a larger corridor reconstruction but is now a separate undertaking. The total project cost is approximately $36 million. The city was unsuccessful in securing a flex grant but was awarded $5,864,257 in Prairie Dog grant funds from the state, reducing the local share from over $12 million to $6,661,193. The bridge is mostly designed; construction is expected to begin this summer with completion in mid‑2027. The commission approved the engineer’s report and authorized preparation of plans and specifications. (Commissioner Jorgensen noted the project began in 2020.)

Rail Crossing Subsurface Replacement (26th Street NW / 7th Avenue NE)

City Engineer Jerry Wallace requested authorization to enter into cost‑share agreements with BNSF for crossing surface replacement at two locations. The total city payment to BNSF is approximately $144,000 for surface work. Additional minor costs for adjacent street removals may be required. Commissioner Olson noted that while BNSF owns the railroad, the city is responsible for improving its own street crossings. The commission unanimously approved the cost‑share agreement.

City Administrator’s Updates

City Administrator Dustin Scott announced the selection of Beth Wiggham from the City of Fargo as the new Human Resources Director. She has over a decade of municipal HR experience and will start in early March. Scott also updated the commission on the finance software request for proposals (RFP), with submissions due February 13, and a target for contract execution by June 1. He praised Dan Hanson and the engineering team for securing grants that reduced the local share of the 9th Street corridor projects (overpass and arterial) to approximately $8 million out of $60 million in total construction costs.

Non‑Agenda Items and Recognitions

• Commissioner Olson thanked the parents and leaders of Troop 213 for their support.
• Recognition was given to State Representative Jim Jonas, who was in attendance.
• City Engineer Jerry Wallace announced that Moore Engineering had secured over $3.8 million in flex funds for the upcoming Beaten Drive reconstruction project.
• The next regular commission meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, February 17, 2026, due to the Presidents Day holiday.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of consent agenda and building permits.
• Adoption of the Troop 213 100th anniversary proclamation.
• Approval of a five‑year property tax incentive (pilot) for Sandy’s Donuts expansion.
• Approval of an engineer’s report and direction to prepare plans for the 9th Street Northeast grade separation (bridge).
• Authorization of cost‑share agreements with BNSF for two rail crossing surface replacements.
• Announcement of Beth Wiggham’s hiring as HR Director.
• Recognition of successful grant awards: $5.86 million Prairie Dog for 9th Street grade separation and $3.8 million flex for Beaten Drive.