Convention Center Committee - June 6, 2025

Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Mallari Ackerman, Clare Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Shannon Full (via conference call).

Absent: John Strand, Michelle Turnberg.

Others Present: Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson, Michael Redlinger, Susan Thompson.

Charley Johnson stated the primary objective was to officially finalize the Request for Proposal (RFP) that was essentially approved last week. The memorandum that will be going to the City Commission was displayed on screen. Mr. Johnson said he will present the RFP to the City Commission on Monday, acting on behalf of the Committee due to Jim Gilmour's absence.
Michael Redlinger confirmed this process, stating the goal is to get the RFP approved by a majority vote of the Fargo City Commission and then release it to the public for developers to formulate proposals.
RFP Timeline and Q&A Process:
• The proposal period will allow 30 days for questions.
• Assuming the RFP is released on Thursday, June 11th, RFP questions will be due by July 11th.
• Questions will be submitted through the city website.
• A Committee meeting is scheduled for July 18th to review these questions with Jim Gilmour and provide answers.
• Phase One proposals are due by August 7th.
Dave Piepkorn asked for clarification on how responses to questions would be handled.
Mr. Redlinger explained that technical questions (e.g., incentives) would be answered at a staff level and all proposers with similar questions will receive identical information to ensure fairness. He said he will discuss with Mr. Gilmour the possibility of creating a public document with all questions and answers, as there is no proprietary information.
Susan Thompson confirmed that the existing "bonfire" system allows for uploading subsequent responses, making them accessible to all.
Mr. Johnson reiterated that the RFP was sent to all Committee members again this week. He cautioned that any significant changes made today would delay the process by two weeks.
The RFP will be presented to the City Commission on Monday night at 5 PM.
Joe Raso inquired if minor changes could be handled by the Commission during their discussion before a vote.
Mr. Redlinger confirmed that the City Commission has the authority to make subtle changes to the motion and approve the final form. Any changes would be communicated back by staff, he said.
Mayor Mahoney, Commissioners Kolpack and Piepkorn expressed confidence in the current RFP, given the thorough Committee work since February.
Joe Raso moved that the RFP be approved, as submitted. Mallari Ackerman seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
In response to a question from Shannon Full asking if Committee members were expected to attend the Commission meeting, Mr. Johnson said he would present and while other members were welcome, their attendance was not mandatory.
Mr. Johnson said he and Ms. Kolpack met with Tanya Blanich of the Arts Partnership prior to the meeting. He said discussions will continue regarding incorporating a budget for public art, similar to the art displayed at City Hall.
Ms. Kolpack will work with Administration to understand the process for incorporating art into buildings and explore established protocols for a Fine Arts Commission. She said she and Ms. Blanich discussed options for permanent versus rotating art.
Mr. Johnson said the Committee will aim to consider art in the second phase of design, once the building's appearance begins to take shape.
Mr. Johnson said the next Committee meeting is scheduled for July 18th. He thanked all the Members for their hard work, acknowledging Erik Johnson for the legal advice and Ms. Thompson for the financial advice.
Denise Kolpack moved to adjourn. Dave Piepkorn seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:12 p.m.