Special Assessment Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 8:30 AM Engineering Conference Room #E258 2nd Floor, City Hall
Minutes
SA Commissioners Present: Randy Engelstad, Steve Bladholm, Dylan Dunn
City of Fargo Staff Present: Doug Durgin, Thomas Knakmuhs, Linda Stewart, Nancy Morris, Dana Debele, City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM with all Special Assessment Commissioners in attendance.
The Commission continued discussion from the June 17 meeting on how to determine the benefit to a property for various types of improvements, including railroad quiet zones, street amenities, and on-street bike facilities.
Special Assessment Coordinator Doug Durgin shared information regarding a previous railroad quiet zone assessment in 2008. He also provided information received from the City Assessor’s department identifying a 2025 median value for properties for residential, multi-family, and commercial uses.
The Commissioners first discussed the value of both tangible and intangible benefits related to railroad quiet zones. There was a consensus that intangible benefits exist; however, none were quantified.
On a motion by Commissioner Randy Engelstad, seconded by Dylan Dunn, and passed:
“To approve ‘conservative’ determination of actual present and future benefits as determined, taking into account the tangible and intangible benefits, and to direct staff to affirm that the value of the benefit exceeds the amount of assessment, as determined by a typical lot size of 80’ x 150’ for the following item.”
• Residential/MR Tier 1 (2 & 3 Units) - $291.10
• MR Tier 2 (4 to 12 Units) - $322.50
• MR Tier 3 (13 to 36 Units) - $1,376.40
• MR Tier 4 (37 Units and Above) - $6,550.80
• Commercial - $944.40
A discussion was held regarding tangible and intangible benefits for street amenities. There was a consensus that intangible benefits exist; however, none were quantified.
On a motion by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Engelstad and passed:
“To approve ‘conservative’ determination of actual present and future benefits as determined, taking into account the tangible and intangible benefits, and to direct staff to affirm that the value of the benefit exceeds the amount of assessment, as determined by a typical lot size of 80’ x 150’ for the following item.”
• Residential/MR Tier 1 (2 & 3 Units) - $2,911.00
• MR Tier 2 (4 to 12 Units) - $3,225.00
• MR Tier 3 (13 to 36 Units) - $13,764.00
• MR Tier 4 (37 Units and Above) - $65,508.00
• Commercial - $9,444.00
A discussion was held regarding tangible and intangible benefits for on-street bike facilities. Commissioners Engelstad and Bladholm did not see any benefit to on-street bike facilities. No motion was made regarding on-street bike facilities regarding tangible or intangible benefits.
Doug Durgin asked the commission to make a motion to update the calculation for previously approved tangible and intangible components for paving and rehabilitation paving projects.
On a motion by Commissioner Engelstad, seconded by Commissioner Dunn, and passed:
• Paving - $1,139,24.80
• Paving for street rehabilitation - $284,821.60
Adjourned at 9:30 AM
Next Meeting: August 28th, following SAC Ride and Review