Public Meetings - West Fargo, North Dakota

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.

[Note: While the meeting transcript indicates the session was convened on "November 3rd", this record is officially assigned to November 4, 2025.] The West Fargo City Commission held a meeting covering a range of administrative and development items. Key actions included the second reading of a short-term rental ordinance, approval of a temporary cell tower license, steps to replace a water meter pit, authorization for two pavement rehabilitation projects, and the adoption of a parking ramp regulation ordinance. All formal votes on the agenda items were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the order of the agenda, removing Item 6 at the request of the City Engineer. - Approved the minutes of the October 20, 2025 meeting. - Approved the building permits report. (Commissioner Jorgensen recused himself from this vote.) - Approved the consent agenda (Items A through G). Discussion Items - Short-Term Rental Regulations (A24-28): Director of Planning and Zoning Aaron Nelson presented the second reading of an ordinance creating regulations and annual licensing for short-term residential rentals, effective July 1, 2026. The accompanying resolution establishing fees was also approved. - AT&T Temporary Cell Tower: Senior Director of Community and Development Dan Hanson presented a proposal for a temporary cell tower on the fire hall property. The lease is $1,500 per month. Commissioner Zundell questioned the rate compared to the West Fargo School District tower and requested follow-up comparison information. The license was unanimously approved. - Brookwood Meter Pit Replacement: City Engineer Jerry Wallace proposed creating an improvement district to replace the meter pit at the Brookwood Manufactured Home Park. Costs are assessed at 30% to the property owners and 70% funded by the city. The commission approved the district creation. - Shadowwood Neighborhood Pavement (ID 2296): Mr. Wallace presented a mill and overlay project. Commissioner Jorgensen confirmed the project would be bid out. The engineer's report and resolution of necessity were approved. - South Pond Neighborhood Pavement (ID 2297): Mr. Wallace presented a similar mill and overlay project. Commissioner Jorgensen requested the asphalt millings be retained for public works use. The report and resolution were approved. - Parking Ramp Ordinance (1264): City Attorney Katie Schmidt presented the second reading regulating city-owned parking ramps. Commissioner Jorgensen thanked Police Chief Neilsen for explaining the ordinance's necessity on a radio show. The ordinance was adopted. - City Administrator's Report: Administrator Dustin Scott reported on the MAT Bus transit development plan, progress on an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system RFP targeted for approval on November 17, 2025, and ongoing personnel policy updates (leave, special pay). Non-Agenda Items - Commissioner Jorgensen reported on a successful Halloween event at downtown MIAPOW plaza, estimating attendance at 3,000 to 4,000 children and parents. Key Outcomes - Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Second reading approved. Effective July 1, 2026. - AT&T Cell Tower: Temporary site license approved. - Brookwood Meter Pit: Improvement district created, engineer directed to prepare report. - Shadowwood Pavement (ID 2296): Engineer's report approved; resolution of necessity authorized. - South Pond Pavement (ID 2297): Engineer's report approved; resolution of necessity authorized. - Parking Ramp Ordinance (1264): Second reading approved and ordinance adopted. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 17, 2025. - All formal votes on agenda items were unanimous.

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.

The West Fargo City Commission met on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM (assumed evening) to discuss and vote on several agenda items, including a rezoning and subdivision request for Hope Lutheran Church, a landscaping ordinance amendment, a business incentive, and improvement districts. The meeting featured significant public engagement on the Hope Lutheran project, with four residents speaking during public comment. Commission President Dartis presided, with Commissioners Anderson, Olson, Zondell, and Jorgensen present (Jorgensen recused himself from voting on the Hope Lutheran item due to a property conflict). The meeting included a roll call, approval of previous minutes, a consent agenda, and multiple votes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Jorgensen, passed unanimously. - Approval of Minutes (September 22, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Zondell, passed unanimously. - Building Permits: Commissioner Jorgensen recused himself. Motion by Commissioner Zondell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, passed unanimously. - Consent Agenda (Bills and Games of Chance for United Way of Cass-Clay): Motion by Commissioner Jorgensen, seconded by Commissioner Olson, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Four individuals spoke during public comment, all concerning the proposed Hope Lutheran Church development: - Joby Lichblau (134 17th Avenue East, West Fargo, Hope Lutheran Church Council President): Expressed support for the project, stating that Hope Lutheran has followed all city processes and commissioned a traffic study that concluded the existing roadway system can accommodate the church. He highlighted that for most days of the week, the church would generate less daily traffic than if the area were developed as single-family residential. He respectfully requested a yes vote. - Brian Berg (135 Northwood Crest Drive, Fargo, Project Architect): Addressed concerns about weddings and funerals, stating that historical data shows infrequent events (e.g., West Campus had one wedding and one funeral in 2025). He argued that even large events would have minimal traffic impact, and the traffic study confirms that residential development would generate more traffic on most days except Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. - Joshua Cronk (926 Ashley Drive, West Fargo): Opposed the full-access driveway on 6th Street, citing the traffic study's page 9, which shows that 6th Street would experience notable increases compared to residential development. He noted the parking lot would hold over 400 vehicles, comparable to a commercial parking ramp, and that city utilities for the original site were approved on September 15, suggesting the original location should be reconsidered. He requested a restriction on 6th Street access. - Mike Meshewski (6th Street West, West Fargo): Strongly opposed the full-access driveway on 6th Street, arguing the traffic study's 16% usage estimate is too low and could double or triple. He highlighted pedestrian safety risks for children walking to Legacy Elementary, noting no sidewalks, flashing beacons, or speed bumps on 6th Street. He also criticized the study for ignoring special events and not performing a detailed intersection operation study. He requested removal of the 6th Street access point. Discussion Items - Public Hearing and First Reading of A25-21 (Landscaping Ordinance Amendment): Presented by Aaron Nelson, Planning Director. The amendment modifies landscaping standards for industrial properties along the interstate, reducing requirements and increasing flexibility. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. No public comments for or against were made. The commission approved the first reading (motion by Commissioner Zondell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson) with a unanimous voice vote. - Hope Lutheran Edition (A24-32) - Subdivision and Rezoning: This item, tabled from August 4, 2025, was brought back for second reading and final plat approval. A traffic study by Bolton & Menk was completed and included in the packet. The study concluded the existing roadway can accommodate traffic with minimal impact, recommending a turn lane on 9th Street and pedestrian crossing signage. During discussion, Commissioner Olson raised concerns about 6th Street access safety. Commissioner Zondell questioned the 16% traffic distribution estimate for 6th Street. Mike Bittner (Bolton & Menk) explained the methodology and noted that even if the estimate were higher (e.g., 33%), the roadway capacity would not be exceeded, but pedestrian conflicts could increase. Commissioner Jorgensen recused himself due to a property conflict. A motion to approve second reading and final plat initially failed due to lack of a second. After further discussion, Commissioner Anderson made a motion to approve with a condition that 6th Street access be withheld until the area to the east is platted, with a development agreement allowing future requests. The motion passed 3-1 (Commissioner Jorgensen recused; his vote recorded as

The West Fargo City Commission met on September 23, 2025, for a regular meeting. All five commissioners were present: Commissioners Jorgensen, Sundell, Dardas, Olson, and Anderson. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda (with an amendment to move a consent item to the regular agenda). The commission then approved minutes from previous meetings, building permits (with Commissioner Jorgensen recused), and the consent calendar (items A-F, H, I). The regular agenda included public comment, a gaming site authorization, the 2024 audit presentation, a business incentive request, the final 2026 budget, several zoning and plat requests, budget adjustments, improvement district discussions, and other administrative items. Consent Calendar - Approved the order of the agenda with an amendment to move Item G (gaming site authorization) to the regular agenda. - Approved the minutes of the September 8, 2025, regular meeting. - Approved the minutes of the September 15, 2025, special assessment meeting. - Approved building permits as distributed (4-0, Commissioner Jorgensen recused). - Approved the consent agenda (Items A-F, H, and I) excluding Item G. Public Comments & Testimony - David Whity (2421 McLeod Drive East) commented on the 2026 budget. He expressed support for the budget and the 3% cap on property tax increases, noting that personnel expenses (salaries, health care, retirement, Social Security) represent over 50% of the budget and increased by 6.1% while overall expenses rose only 3%. He suggested the city focus on increasing productivity to manage future budgets without adding staff or decreasing services. He also raised a concern about using capital projects sales tax funds to pay for a street crew for two consecutive years, arguing the sales tax was intended for capital projects, not personnel. Discussion Items - Gaming Site Authorization for Devil's Lake American Legion Post 24 at the Lights Event Center (2A): Commissioner Jorgensen requested clarification. The city secretary explained the Legion runs a poker tournament twice a year in West Fargo and has done so for several years. The commission approved the authorization without discussion (unanimous). - 2024 Audit Presentation (Item 3): John Hagen of Eide Bailly presented the audit results. The city received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion. Total cash and investments across all funds were approximately $110 million. The general fund had a net change in fund balance of -$4.5 million (a deficit) for 2024, ending with a fund balance of $14.4 million, of which $14.3 million is unassigned (48% of annual expenditures). The capital projects fund had a balance of about $8 million after a $15 million bond issuance. The water and sewer fund and garbage fund were also reviewed. The commission accepted the audit presentation (unanimous). - Business Incentive Request for Sign Badgers (Item 4): Economic Development Director Casey Sanders Berglin presented a request for a $275,000 forgivable loan over five years from economic development sales tax to fund fit-up costs for a 5,000 sq ft space in West Fargo. Sign Badgers, a sign manufacturing and design company, currently employs 12 people and generates $12,000–$15,000 in annual sales tax. The company is considering two locations (one in West Fargo, one in Fargo). Commissioner Jorgensen expressed concern about the amount relative to the size of the business, noting a previous incentive of the same amount for a 90,000 sq ft warehouse. Commissioner Zundell asked about job retention and clawback provisions. The applicant (Dawson) stated he has a six-figure investment in the business and expects growth. The commission approved the request (unanimous). - Final 2026 City of West Fargo Budget (Item 5): City Administrator Dustin Scott and Finance Director Willie Galindo presented the final budget. Key highlights: the budget includes a 5.4% increase in property tax revenue (3% cap plus new growth), pauses all new FTE requests, provides a 2.5% COLA, and balances the general fund without using reserves. The total general fund revenue is $123.7 million with expenditures of $134.2 million, a $10.5 million deficit covered by existing cash balances (e.g., capital sales tax fund). The budget also includes a new section on property tax calculations per state law. Commissioner Zundell raised questions about how the cap applies to the library and airport funds, and Commissioner Olson clarified the deficit is funded by prior cash encumbrances. The commission approved the 2026 budget as presented (unanimous). - Request for Access to Arterial Street – Bogie 4th Edition (Item 6): Planning Director Aaron Nelson presented a request from Hazer's Self-Service Auto Parts to remove a raised concrete median on 12th Avenue Northeast to allow full access (left-in/left-out) to their property. The median removal is needed to avoid unsafe U-turns (including a recent incident where a train hit a pickup). Engineering staff recommended approval with conditions, including the applicant waiving the right to protest future reinstallation of a median if traffic volumes increase. Commissioner Zundell proposed an amendment that the property owner pay 100% of the cost to reinstall the median in the future, rather than using special assessments. The amendment was adopted. The commission approved the request as amended (3-2). - Second Reading of Rezoning – Cheyenne Second Edition (Item 7): Aaron Nelson presented the second reading of an ordinance to rezone the South Elementary School property from R2 (multi-dwelling residential) to P (public facilities). The first reading and public hearing were held September 8. No changes were made. The commission approved the second reading and ordinance (unanimous). - Final Plat – FMD Mapleton Subdivision (Item 8) and FMD Warren First Subdivision (Item 9): Aaron Nelson presented both final plats for portions of the FM Diversion project in Mapleton and Warren townships. These plats establish property boundaries for the diversion right-of-way and are intended to be replatted after the project is complete. The associated subdivision agreements document this intent. Both plats were approved separately (unanimous). - 2025 Sewer Budget Adjustment (Item 10): Public Works Director Matt Anvick requested a $200,000 increase in the chemical line item (from $150,000 to $350,000) in the sewer department budget due to higher hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels causing odor issues and increased chemical treatment costs. He noted this will not change the overall sewer budget as it is a line-item adjustment. The city is exploring ozone injection as a cheaper long-term solution. The commission approved the adjustment (unanimous). - Improvement District 3009 – First Avenue Reconstruction (Item 11): Community Development Director Dan Hanson presented the engineer's report for a $3.86 million project to reconstruct First Avenue from Cheyenne Street to Fourth Avenue East. The project includes replacing water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, and reconstructing the roadway. A grant from the Department of Water Resources covers 60% of water main costs, and the city would pay 70% of remaining costs via capital improvement sales tax, with the remaining 30% ($776,000) assessed to property owners. The commission approved the engineer's report and directed preparation of plans and specifications (unanimous). - Award Contract for SA 27 Lift Station Rehabilitation (Item 12): City Engineer Jerry Wallace presented the low bids: CC Steel ($125,000 mechanical), JDP Electric ($381,587 electrical), and ICS ($1,446,400 total), totaling $1.95 million (below the engineer's estimate of $2.16 million). Funding comes from a legacy fund (hookup fees) with no special assessments. The commission accepted the bids and awarded the contract (unanimous). - Improvement District 308 – Meadow Ridge Development Reconstruction (Item 13): Jerry Wallace presented an engineer's report for a complete reconstruction of streets, water, sewer, and storm infrastructure in the Meadow Ridge neighborhood. The 70/30 cost share applies (city pays 70%, assessments 30%). A task order for basic services was included. The commission approved the report and directed further work (unanimous). - Resolution Authorizing Participation in National Opiate Settlements (Item 15): City Attorney Katie Schmidt presented a resolution to opt into the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy trust. North Dakota and local governments may receive funds if they opt in; funds would be passed through to Cass County Public Health per an existing agreement. The commission approved the resolution (unanimous). - Appointment to Cass Clay Interagency Council on Homelessness (Item 16): City Administrator Dustin Scott reported the council requested each participating agency appoint a representative. Commissioner Jorgensen nominated Mayor Dardas as the primary representative, and Commissioner Zundell volunteered as the alternate. The commission approved both appointments. Key Outcomes - Gaming site authorization approved – Devil's Lake American Legion Post 24 at Lights Event Center. - 2024 audit accepted (clean opinion). - Sign Badgers business incentive approved – $275,000 forgivable loan over 5 years for fit-up costs. - 2026 city budget approved – $123.7M revenue, $134.2M expenditures, $10.5M deficit covered by cash on hand; 5.4% property tax increase; no new FTEs; 2.5% COLA. - Bogie 4th Edition access approved (3-2) – median removal on 12th Avenue NE with condition that owner pays 100% of future reinstallation cost. - Second reading of Cheyenne rezone approved – South Elementary to Public Facilities. - Two FM Diversion subdivision plats approved – Mapleton and Warren Townships. - Sewer budget adjustment approved – chemical line item increased by $200,000 for H2S treatment. - First Avenue Reconstruction improvement district approved – $3.86M project with $776,000 in special assessments. - SA 27 Lift Station rehabilitation contract awarded – $1.95M total, funded from legacy fees. - Meadow Ridge Reconstruction improvement district approved – engineer's report and task order. - Opiate settlement resolution approved – opt into Purdue bankruptcy trust. - Representatives appointed to Cass Clay Homelessness Council – Mayor Dardas (primary) and Commissioner Zundell (alternate). - Next steps: The approved budget will be submitted to Cass County by October 10, 2025; preliminary tax statements will be sent to residents in December. Improvement district projects will proceed with neighborhood meetings and resolutions of necessity.

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.