Convention Center Committee Meeting - April 24, 2026
Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Shannon Full, Clare Hughes, Shirley Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney (via conference call), Dave Piepkorn, Michelle Turnberg.
Absent: Taylor Snelling, John Strand.
Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Erik Johnson (via conference call).
Presentation of Final Scoring:
The Committee reviewed the final aggregate scoring results (out of 100 points) for the four project finalists:
Rank Project Aggregate Score
1 Brewhalla 85.22
2 Civic Center 79.83
3 Scheels Arena 75.83
4 FARGODOME 62.11
Charley Johnson noted that the top three proposals were within 10 points of each other.
Committee Discussion on Process:
• RFP Compliance: Commissioner Piepkorn emphasized the importance of adhering to the original Request for Proposal (RFP) as a legal process, expressing concern over changing numbers post-deadline.
• Negotiation Strategy:
o Erik Johnson clarified that Phase 3 of the RFP involves negotiating a Public-Private Partnership (P3) agreement with the highest-ranked proposer.
o If no agreement is reached with the top choice, the City moves to the second and third choices.
o Michelle Turnberg recommended simultaneous negotiations with the top two choices to avoid losing time (potentially a full quarter of the year) if the first option falls through.
• Due Diligence: It was noted that negotiations would include a "deep dive" into financial stability, hotel brand commitments and investor equity.
• Timeline & Tax Implementation: The room tax can only begin once a project is officially identified and an Ordinance is adopted, which likely requires a signed agreement.
Urgent Need for Progress:
• Market Competition: Shirley Hughes emphasized that Fargo is losing business to Bismarck, Grand Forks and St. Cloud (which is currently expanding its Center) every day the project is delayed.
• Taxpayer Clarification: Charley Johnson reiterated that 98-99% of the funding comes from a hotel tax paid by visitors, not local property or sales taxes.
Formal Recommendation & Motion:
The Committee discussed the wording of the recommendation to be presented to the City Commission on Monday night.
Shannon Full moved that the City Commission accept the rankings of the Convention Center Committee and direct staff to engage in timely due diligence and negotiations with the top-ranked choice or choices with the purpose of finalizing a public-private partnership for the construction of a convention center and supporting hotel.
Second by Denise Kolpack. All the Committee Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
The Committee expressed gratitude to the developers for their time and effort. Joe Raso and Shirley Hughes offered a special thanks to Chairman Charley Johnson for his 15 months of leadership and professionalism in guiding the Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:41 p.m.