Convention Center Committee - April 22, 2026
Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Clare Hughes, Shirley Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Shannon Full, Michelle Turnberg,
Absent: John Strand.
Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Erik Johnson (via conference call), Susan Thompson.
• Consultant Reports: Charley Johnson noted that reports from HVS and Baker Tilly presented a "fairly pessimistic" view regarding the success of the project relative to available funding.
• Committee Intent: The Chair emphasized that the committee's role is to rank proposals based on their ability to enhance Fargo as a destination, while City staff will handle the technical "nitty-gritty" of risk management and final agreements.
• Hotel Metrics: It was noted that hotel metrics were down in 2025 and the market for new hotels is currently not robust, though all finalists have committed to including a hotel in their projects.
Financial Updates & Bonding Estimates
• New Bonding Model: Susan Thompson reported a new bonding estimate from Baker Tilly based on a 5.5% interest rate (down from 6.25%).
• Funding Breakdown:
o $45.3 million construction fund.
o $5 million+ required debt service reserve.
o $500,000.00 for operating deficits (first three years) and $350,000.00 annually thereafter.
• Transparency Concerns: Members expressed frustration that this new financial data and a "slimmed-down" proposal from the FARGODOME were shared with certain parties before the full Committee.
Developer Proposal Updates
• FARGODOME/Fargo Dome Authority: Submitted a revised proposal to fit within spending parameters approximately seven weeks after the initial deadline.
• Civic Center: Provided an update stating they no longer require Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and have firm hotel commitments.
• Brewhalla: Indicated a preference to forgo operating subsidies in favor of higher bonding capacity, assuming more risk locally.
• Scheels Arena: A response to the new funding model is expected shortly.
Committee Discussion & Preliminary Rankings
The Committee discussed the four finalists: Brewhalla, Civic Center, Scheels Arena and FARGODOME.
Member Top Preferences/Comments
Charley Johnson 1. Downtown/Brewhalla (tie) 3. Scheels Arena 4. FARGODOME. Focuses on visitor experience.
Joe Raso 1. Brewhalla 2. Downtown 3. Scheels Arena 4. FARGODOME. Prefers local risk-sharing at Brewhalla.
Emma McIntyre Prefers Brewhalla (best building/functionality) and Downtown (repurposing the Civic Center).
Kent Kolstad 1. Brewhalla 2. Downtown 3. Scheels Arena/FARGODOME (tie). Concerns over turnover time Downtown.
Shannon Full Top three (Downtown, Brewhalla, Scheels Arena) are very close. Concerned about Downtown hotel capacity/parking.
Katlyn Balstad Heavily biased toward visitor experience; likes the community expansion potential of Brewhalla.
Clare Hughes 1. Brewhalla 2. Downtown 3. Scheels Arena 4. FARGODOME. Giddy about the "Tribute Portfolio" hotel at Brewhalla.
Next Steps & Deadlines
• Information Submission: Any remaining developer summaries must be submitted by the morning of Thursday, April 23rd.
• Scoring Deadline: Final scores must be entered into the online system by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th.
• Next Meeting: The Committee will reconvene Friday, April 24th at 1:00 p.m. to review the scoring and finalize a recommendation for the City Commission meeting on Monday, April 27th.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.