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.
No members of the public signed up to speak. Public comment was closed.
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.
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.
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.)
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 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.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Monday, February 2nd, West Fargo City Commission meeting. Madam Secretary, did you please call the role? Commissioner Jorgensen. Present. Commissioner Zondell. Here. Commissioner Dartis. Here. Commissioner Olson. Here. Commissioner Anderson. Here. Thank you. Let the record show all commissioners are present. At this time, I would like to call on Troop 213. Please come forward and lead us to the Pledge of Allegiance. Please join me the flight of allegiance. Thank you, Troop 213. And Logan, thank you for having your fellow members with us this evening. Commissioners of first order of business is item D is to approve the order of the agenda as presented. Move to approve. Commissioner Anderson moves to approve the agenda as presented. Is there a second? Second. Commissioner Jorgensen seconds. We have a motion and a second to approve the order of the agenda. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carried. Thank you. Item E is the approval of the minutes of January 19, 2026. They have been distributed and in your packet. Move the approved. Commissioner Zundal moves to approve. Is there a second? Second. Commissioner Olson seconds. I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes of January 19th as presented. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carried. Item F is the building permits. Again, the building permits have been distributed and in your packets. Move to approve. Commissioner Olson moves to approve the building permits as presented. Is there a second?