Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 01.08.2025
In case you missed the January 8, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
MATBUS Driver Recognized for Providing Narcan to Unresponsive Passenger
At about 6 p.m. on December 26, MATBUS operator Zachary Armstrong was driving Route 15, which carries passengers between Downtown Fargo and the area of West Acres mall.
While serving his route, he noticed that a woman on the bus, who had boarded at the Ground Transportation Center in Downtown, was slumped down in her seat. Another passenger, who had been conversing with the woman, was trying to get her to respond.
The driver immediately pulled the bus over and contacted dispatchers to send emergency crews to the scene. The driver then retrieved the Narcan spray that is stored on the bus and, with help from the other passenger, administered the spray. The woman quickly responded to the Narcan, and emergency crews arrived to provide further treatment.
This was the first time a MATBUS driver has used the Narcan spray that is kept on every bus. The Narcan, which can treat an opioid overdose in an emergency situation, was purchased by Fargo Cass Public Health through a State grant.
“We would like to commend our driver for his quick thinking and assistance to this lady,” stated Transit Director Julie Bommelman. “His attentiveness and rapid response potentially saved a passenger’s life.”
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney shared this story at the beginning of Wednesday night’s meeting and recognized Zachary Armstrong for his altruistic service.
City Commission Takes Next Step to Revamp NP Avenue Corridor
As part of a multiyear effort to transform the NP Avenue corridor in Downtown Fargo to prioritize pedestrians and bicyclists, The City of Fargo will reconstruct the next segment of NP Avenue, spanning from 8th Street North to Broadway, in 2025.
Similar to the roadway configuration to the west, this year’s project will include a new roadway surface, on-street parking lanes, dedicated bike lanes, improved sidewalks and boulevard plantings.
The project will replace the existing water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, concrete pavement, curb and gutter, driveway aprons and streetlights. The water main on NP Avenue was installed over 100 years ago and is being replaced to minimize impacts and costs associated with breaks. The existing section of street has exceeded its life expectancy and requires reconstruction due to significant deterioration.
City Commissioners voted 5-0 on Wednesday night to move ahead with the 2025 project, which is estimated to cost $2.8 million. About 30% of the cost will be paid for through special assessments and the remainder through a State grant and City funds.
In 2026, the City will continue the transformation of NP Avenue by reconstructing the stretch from Broadway to 4th Street North.
City Commission to Consider Fresh Ideas for Fargo Civic Center
The City Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday night to begin taking steps to reinvigorate the Fargo Civic Center as an event and community space.
Due to a variety of reasons, the Civic Center has been utilized in a limited capacity over the past several years. “I believe an opportunity is now present to think differently about activating this important downtown space,” the Mayor wrote in a memorandum to the Commission.
With their vote, the Commission directed City staff to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for the curation, promotion and management of events at the Civic Center. An RFQ is not a bid, rather it asks potential contractors to provide a summary of their qualifications and experience.
The goal of developing an RFQ is to solicit ideas and interest from members of the public and outside organizations on the following topics:
- Event promotion and management
- A new staffing plan/model that utilizes an outside vendor
- Food and beverage services/management
- A long-term operating agreement that encourages the promotion of new events that will increase the vitality and visibility of the Civic Center to the greater metropolitan community
The Mayor asked Commissioners to offer their perspectives and ideas that they believe should be included in the RFQ. City staff will compile this feedback and draft an RFQ for the Commission's consideration at a future meeting.
City Commissioners Appoint New Member to Liquor Control Board
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Wednesday night to appoint Mark Doyle to Fargo’s Liquor Control Board.
Doyle, who has 43 years of experience as a bar owner, will fill the unexpired term of John Stibbe that ends July 1, 2025. Stibbe moved outside of Fargo, which made him ineligible to continue his service on the Liquor Control Board.
Residents are encouraged to research and apply for appointment to any of The City of Fargo’s boards, commissions and committees for consideration in the event of future vacancies. For more information on the responsibilities of each board, commission and committee, please visit FargoND.gov/GettingInvolved.
Fargo Youth Initiative Elects Leadership, Chooses Areas of Focus
The Fargo Youth Initiative is a group of local high school students who serve as an advisory body to the City Commission.
On Sunday, January 5, the Youth Initiative members held their first meeting of 2025, electing a new Chair, Vice Chair and representative for the Sustainability & Resiliency Committee.
The members gave feedback to Fargo Cass Public Health on how to better serve youth. They also identified the Fargo Youth Initiative’s areas of focus for 2025, including youth homelessness, youth public health and school engagement.
The Fargo Youth Initiative meets regularly to discuss opportunities and issues facing young people in our community. These student leaders represent the public and private high schools in Fargo. To learn more about the Fargo Youth Initiative, please visit FargoND.gov/FYI.
Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack, who is the City Commission’s liaison to the Fargo Youth Initiative, shared this news as part of the Commissioner update portion of Wednesday's meeting.