Board of City Commissioners - October 23, 2017 Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Room at City Hall at 5:00 o'clock p.m., Monday, October 23, 2017.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Gehrig, Grindberg, Piepkorn, Strand, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.

The Mayor read a statement with the following information: The 17th Avenue South Corridor Study Group will hold a public input meeting October 24th in the Community Room at West Acres to identify and discuss issues and opportunities to make 17th Avenue South safe and efficient; the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the City of Fargo the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s comprehensive annual financial report; a public flu shot clinic will be held November 3rd at Fargo Cass Public Health; November is Native American Heritage Month and the Library will host a week-long festival and education series starting November 4th; the September apartment survey shows an 8.66 percent vacancy rate, up slightly from 8.39 percent in June; Cashwise Foods has applied for building permits in the Timber Creek area where they will build a grocery store, gas station and liquor store; the 2017 Fall Cleanup at the landfill resulted in 911 vehicles bringing in 131 tons of material; the Police Department is working to expand its wellness initiatives to implement programs for body, mind and soul wellness; and members of the Police Department assisted with a Habitat for Humanity project October 23rd.

Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Gehrig moved the Order of the Agenda be approved.
Second by Grindberg. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Strand moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on October 9, 2017 be approved as read.

Second by Piepkorn. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:

1. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 20-0401 of Article 20-04 of Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Use Regulations.

2. Receive and file Third Quarter Financial Status Report for Major Operating Funds through September 30, 2017.

3. Receive and file General Fund – Budget to Actual through September 30, 2017 (unaudited).

4. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. Red River Children’s Advocacy Center for a raffle and raffle board 11/16/17.
b. United Way of Cass-Clay for a raffle on 10/27/17
c. American Legion Auxiliary for a raffle on 7/1/18.
d. HeartSprings Community Healing Center for a raffle on 12/5/17.
e. Pink It Forward for bingo from 11/22/17 to 4/1/18.
f. Centennial Elementary PTO for bingo from 10/27/17 to 5/31/18.
g. United Way of Cass-Clay for a raffle board on 11/2/17.
h. Handi-Wheels Transportation, Inc. for a raffle on 12/12/17.
i. Fargo Angels Hockey for a raffle board on 12/3/17.

5. Tax exemptions for improvements made to buildings:
a. Kevin and Deann M. Pladson, 172 North Woodcrest Drive North (5 year).
b. Steven R. and Suzanne M. Anderson, 3009 7th Street North (5 year).
c. Trevor and Kathryn Christianson, 1546 5th Street South (5 year).
d. New Creations Rentals LLC, 414 Elmwood Avenue South (5 year).
e. Marlene and Michael W. Thorstad, 1621 11th Street North (5 year).
f. Jeffrey S. and Ivy A. Samson, 1447 3rd Avenue South (5 year).
g. Kevin and Nan Schiermeister, 1630 6th Street South (5 year).
h. Mary A. Bernier, 513 24th Avenue North (5 year).
i. Stephen P. and Shawn R. Lind, 3137 24th Avenue South (3 Year).

6. City Commission 2018 meeting schedule.

7. Grant Agreement with Dakota Medical Foundation for the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement and Consulting Services.

8. Purchase of Service Agreement with ND Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division for substance abuse prevention community outreach (2017).

9. Purchase of Service Agreement with ND Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division for substance abuse prevention community outreach (2018).

10. Services Agreement Recycling Removal Service for City-Owned Receptacles with the Downtown Community Partnership.

11. Services Agreement Trash Removal Service for City-Owned Receptacles with the Downtown Community Partnership.

12. Services Agreement Snow and Ice Management of Railroad Pedestrian Crossings with the Downtown Community Partnership.

13. Change Orders for the City Hall Project:
a. No. 13 for an increase of $240.00 for the general contract.
b. No. 6 for an increase of $4,930.00 for the mechanical contract.
c. No. 9 for an increase of $2,174.00 for the electrical contract.

14. Change Orders for the Police Department Remodeling Project at the Border States Electric Building:
a. No. E-3 for an increase of $1,406.45 for the electrical construction contract.
b. No. M-1 for an increase of $4,080.00 for the mechanical construction contract.
c. No G-1 for an increase of $2,760.00 for the general construction contract.
d. No. G-2 for an increase of $9,557.00 for the general construction contract.

15. Bid award to Style-it-Services for the 2017/2018 sidewalk snow and ice removal code enforcement contract (RFP17285).

16. Bid award to Polar Snow & Ice for the 2017/2018 sidewalk snow and ice removal for city owned properties (RFP17285).

17. Bid award for Project No. FP-17-A1 to Gladen Construction Inc. in the amount of $271,839.00.

18. Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 for an increase of $4,108.73 for Project No. FM-17-A1.

19. Encroachment Agreement with Salem Evangelical Free Church at 1002 10th Street South, waiving the annual fee.

20. Maintenance Certification/Urban Federal Aid Project with the NDDOT.

21. Concur with the low quote from Key Contracting Inc. in the amount of $58,000.00 and final payment to the Clay County Highway Department in the amount of $29,486.92 (Project No. QN-17-B1).

22. Change in local funding from Special Assessments to Sales Tax Funds for Improvement District No. QN-17-A1.

23. Bid advertisement for Project No. QN-17-A.

24. Appointments to the Roberts Commons Condominium Board of Managers and Joint Resolution of Owners and Board of Managers of Roberts Commons Condominium Association.

25. Purchase and Occupancy Agreements with Benjamin and Emily Pitz for 7305 University Drive South.

26. Contract and bond for Project No. TR-17-A1.

27. Bills in the amount of $8,167,004.24.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Memorandum of Offer to Landowner for a Permanent Easement (Sanitary Sewer) Approved (Improvement District No. UN-15-B1):
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Memorandum of Offer to Landowner for a permanent easement (Sanitary Sewer) from Fred M. Hector, Jr. in association with Improvement District No. UN-15-B1 be approved.
Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Contract Work Authorization Request from the NDDOT for Improvement District No. PR-17-B0 Approved:
The Board received a Report of Action from the Public Works Projects Evaluation Committee (PWPEC) regarding a Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). They said NDDOT has the contract with Houston Engineering for the project; however, the City is responsible for 100 percent of the preliminary engineering costs in the amount of $103,630.08.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Contract Work Authorization Request from the NDDOT for Improvement District No. PR-17-B0 in the amount of $103,630.08 be approved.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Time Extension for Improvement District No. BN-17-G1 Approved:
Commissioner Grindberg moved approval of a time extension to November 10, 2017 for Improvement District No. BN-17-G1.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Time Extension for Improvement District No. BR-17-J1 Approved:
Commissioner Grindberg moved approval of a time extension to November 12, 2017 for Improvement District No. BR-17-J1.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Reimbursement Agreement for Utility Infrastructure with Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. Approved (Improvement District No.PR-17-A1):
The Board received a Report of Action from the Public Works Projects Evaluation Committee (PWPEC) regarding a Utility Reimbursement Agreement with Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. They said the agreement is necessary to facilitate the relocation of buried communication lines on the south side of 32nd Avenue South to accommodate the reconstruction and widening of 32nd Avenue. They said the estimated cost of the work is $26,310.00.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Reimbursement Agreement for Utility Infrastructure with Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. for Improvement District No. PR-17-A1 be approved.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Addition of Improvement District No. BR-18-B1 to the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan Approved:
The Board received a Report of Action from the Public Works Projects Evaluation Committee (PWPEC) stating Engineering has been working diligently on this project for more than a year; however, it has not formally been approved as part of a CIP. They said staff is requesting the project be approved as a standalone project and to also include it as part of the 2018 CIP, which will be coming forward as a whole plan within the next month for City Commission approval. They said the reason it needs to be included prior to the full 2018 CIP is approved is it is being bid by the NDDOT on November 17th and a special assessment district needs to be created.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the addition of Improvement District No. BR-18-B1 to the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan be approved.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Amendment to Agreement for Reconstruction of Underpass with the NDDOT and BNSF Railway Company for the 10th Street Reconstruction Project Approved (Improvement District No. BR-18-B1):
The Board received a Report of Action from the Public Works Projects Evaluation Committee (PWPEC) regarding an amendment to an existing agreement for 10th Street at the BNSF underpass between 4th Avenue North and 6th Avenue North. They said when the underpass was built in 1938, the maintenance agreement had language that the storm sewer lift station was to be owned and operated by the railroad. That maintenance agreement language, they said, is changing to read that the storm sewer lift station will be newly constructed and owned and operated by the City of Fargo.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Amendment to Agreement for Reconstruction of Underpass with the NDDOT and BNSF Railway Company for the 10th Street Reconstruction Project Improvement District No. BR-18-B1 be approved.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Watermain, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals Improvement District No. BR-18-B (10th Street North from 12th Avenue North to 4th Avenue North):
Commissioner Grindberg moved the following action be taken in connection with P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Watermain, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals Improvement District No. BR-18-B:

Adopt Resolution Creating Improvement District No. BR-18-B:
WHEREAS, The Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, deems it expedient that Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be created

On 10th Street North from 12th Avenue North to 4th Avenue North.

COMPRISING:
Lots 1 through 12, Block 1.
All in College Addition.

Lots 1 through 11, Block 4.
Lots 1 through 12, Block A.
Lots 1 through 10, Block B.
Lots C and D, Block B.
All in Replat of Kaufman’s Subdivision.

Lots 1 through 16, Block 2.
Lots 1 through 8, Block 3.
All in Montplaisir’s Subdivision.

Lots 1 and 2, Block 1.
All in Rhett’s Row Addition.

Lots C and D, Block 5.
Lots A through O, Block 6.
Lots 1 through 24, Block 7.
Lots 13 through 24, Block 11.
Lots A through M, Block 12.
Lots A through K, Block 13.
Lots B through D, Block 14.
Lot B, Block 15.
All in Chapin’s Addition.

Lots 1 through 6, Block 3.
Lots A through J, Block 3.
Lots 1 through 18, Block 4.
Lots 1 through 6, Block 5.
Lots A through J, Block 5.
Lots 4 through 6, Block 6.
Lots A and H through K, Block 6.
All in Harwood’s Addition.

Lots 1 through 11, Block 11.
Lots 1 through 11, Block 12.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 17.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 18.
All in Harwood’s 2nd Addition.

Lots 4 through 10, Block 9.
Lots 1 through 14, Block 10.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 19.
Lots 4 through 8, Block 20.
All in Harwood’s 3rd Addition.

Lots 1 through 5, Block 14.
Lots 1 through 6, Block 15.
Lots 1 through 6, Block 17.
Lots 1 through 9, Block 18.
Lots 5 through 9, Block 19.
Lots 1 through 12, Block 30.
Lots 1 through 6, Block 31.
Lots 1 through 6, Block 32.
Lots 7 through 12, Block 35.
All in Robert’s 2nd Addition.

Lots 1 and 2, Block 1.
All in Fargo Park District North Maintenance Addition.

Lot 1, Block 1.
All in Christianson Addition.

All the foregoing is located in the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Watermain, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be and the same is hereby created.

Request Report and Estimate of Cost from the City Engineer for Improvement District No. BR-18-B:
Direct City Engineer to report as to the general nature, purpose and feasibility relative to the construction of Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota; as well as an estimate of the approximate cost of said construction. (The Engineer's estimate of cost is $6,061,046.00.)

Order Plans and Specifications for Improvement District No. BR-18-B:
Direct City Engineer to prepare Plans and Specifications for the construction of Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota.

Adopt Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Engineer's Report for Improvement District No. BR-18-B:
WHEREAS, The Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, has created Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, as required by law; and
WHEREAS, Plans and Specifications and the Engineer's Report prepared by the City Engineer, have been considered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Plans and Specifications and Engineer's Report for the construction of Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be and the same are hereby approved and ordered filed in the Office of the City Auditor.

Adopt Resolution Declaring P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Watermain, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals Necessary:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF FARGO:
That it be and is hereby declared necessary to construct P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Water Main, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, according to the Engineer’s Report for this district and the Plans and Specifications approved by the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, filed in the Office of the City Auditor, and open for public inspection. A map of the district is attached hereto and incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
That the entire cost of said improvement be specially assessed against the benefited property in said improvement district in amounts proportionate to and not exceeding the benefits to be derived by them respectively from said improvement.
Protests against the proposed P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Watermain, Sanitary Sewer, Lift Station, Sidewalk, Traffic Signals and Incidentals must be in writing and must be filed with the City Auditor's Office within 30 days after the First publication of this Resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Auditor's Office is hereby instructed to publish this Resolution, as required by law.

Direct City Auditor's Office to Call for Bids for Improvement District No. BR-18-B:
Direct City Auditor's Office to publish a Notice, as required by law, calling for bids for the construction of Improvement District No. BR-18-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals Improvement District No. PR-17-B (University Drive South from 18th Avenue South to 21st Avenue South):
Commissioner Grindberg moved the following action be taken in connection with P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals Improvement District No. PR-17-B:

Adopt Resolution Creating Improvement District No. PR-17-B:
WHEREAS, The Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, deems it expedient that Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be created

On University Drive South from 18th Avenue South to 21st Avenue South.

COMPRISING:
Lots 1 through 20, Block 7.
Lots 1 through 24, Block 8.
Lots 1 through 23, Block 9.
Lots 1 through 24, Block 10.
Lots 2 through 13, Block 11.
Lots A through L, Block 11.
Block 12.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 13.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 14.
All in Bohnsack’s 2nd Addition.

Block 15.
Lots 1 through 5, Block 16.
Lots 1 through 8, Block 17.
Lots 1 through 10, Block 18.
Lots 1 through 12, Block 19.
Lots 1 through 14, Block 20.
Lots 1 through 16, Block 21.
All in Bohnsack’s 3rd Addition.

Lots 1 through 34, Block 1.
Lots 1 through 17, Block 2.
Lots 1 through 43, Block 3.
Lots 2 through 24, Block 4.
Block 5.
Block 6.
All in Harry A. Schnell Addition.

Lots 1, Block 1.
All in Lindenwood Park Addition.

Lots 1, Block 1.
All in Nativity Addition.

All the foregoing is located in the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be and the same is hereby created.

Request Report and Estimate of Cost From the City Engineer for Improvement District No. PR-17-B:
Direct City Engineer to report as to the general nature, purpose and feasibility relative to the construction of Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota; as well as an estimate of the approximate cost of said construction. (The Engineer's estimate of cost is $5,318,361.00.)

Order Plans and Specifications for Improvement District No. PR-17-B:
Direct City Engineer to prepare Plans and Specifications for the construction of Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota.

Adopt Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Engineer's Report for Improvement District No. PR-17-B:
WHEREAS, The Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, has created Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, as required by law; and
WHEREAS, Plans and Specifications and the Engineer's Report prepared by the City Engineer, have been considered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Plans and Specifications and Engineer's Report for the construction of Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, be and the same are hereby approved and ordered filed in the Office of the City Auditor.

Adopt Resolution Declaring P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals Improvement District No. PR-17-B Necessary:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF FARGO:
That it be and is hereby declared necessary to construct P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, according to the Engineer’s Report for this district and the Plans and Specifications approved by the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, filed in the Office of the City Auditor, and open for public inspection. A map of the district is attached hereto and incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
That the entire cost of said improvement be specially assessed against the benefited property in said improvement district in amounts proportionate to and not exceeding the benefits to be derived by them respectively from said improvement.
Protests against the proposed P.C. Concrete Pavement, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Pedestrian Box Culvert, Lift Station, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, Sidewalk and Incidentals must be in writing and must be filed with the City Auditor's Office within 30 days after the first publication of this Resolution.

Direct City Auditor's Office to Call for Bids for Improvement District No. PR-17-B:
Direct City Auditor's Office to publish a Notice, as required by law, calling for bids for the construction of Improvement District No. PR-17-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Update on All in One Recycling:
Solid Waste Director Terry Ludlum said the All in One recycling program was introduced in July 2017. He said with the old sorted program, the participation rate was 65 percent and with the new program, there is 90 percent participation. He said in July 2017, more than 413 tons of recyclables were picked up curbside and in September 2017 more than 318 tons was picked up. Monthly drop site numbers, he said, were more than 345 tons in July and about the same in September. He discussed the economics of diverted material and available landfill space as well as avoided reclamation and cell construction costs. He said the biggest challenge has been contamination. He said Phase 2 of the program is getting more recycling containers at multi-family dwellings. He said there are about 146 multi-family containers in place with hopes of setting up another 250 containers. The challenges with multi-family sites, he said, are who gets the bill, a shortage of space for the placement of the containers and contamination.He said drop sites are still available; however, the sites are only for sorted materials. He said some of the old small blue bins were returned to Solid Waste, which were in turn donated to local non-profits, including Fargo-Moorhead Community Gardens and a local woodworking shop.
Commissioner Gehrig said the program is a great success and he knows with more education, more bins will get into multi-family complexes.

In response to a question from Commissioner Grindberg about smaller bin sizes for the elderly, Mr. Ludlum said if a household is getting a homestead tax credit, there is the option for a smaller size bin; however, the majority of the bins are the larger size due to the fact that he did not want to get heavy with inventory.

In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn regarding the possibility of Clay County building a material recovery facility and if it were built, would Fargo consider using that facility, Mr. Ludlum said Clay County does not know yet what the volume will be or the capital costs. He said the City is in a good situation now with Minnkota Recycling; however, if the facility in Moorhead is built, Solid Waste will at that time make the decision to work with Moorhead or stay with Minnkota Recycling.

In response to a question from Commissioner Strand about problems with plastic bags, Mr. Ludlum said plastic bags are the biggest contaminant. He said the recyclable material is baled and sent to a material recovery facility and the plastic bags can get tangled in the recovery facility machinery, which shuts down operations and down time at the facility drives up costs. He said many local entities are working to educate the public about plastic bags and get the word out about reusable bags.

State Water Commission Request for Reimbursement for FM Diversion Project Costs Approved:
Finance Director Kent Costin said the State Water Commission is requesting $1,565,228.00 for cost reimbursement for the FM Area Flood Risk Management Project for September 2017. He said the request is for expenses related to projects excluding the Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke component of the project.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the reimbursement request in the amount of $1,565,228.00 for the FM Area Flood Risk Management Project for expenses related to projects excluding Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke be approved.

Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Piepkorn, Strand, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

State Water Commission Request for Reimbursement for FM Diversion Project Costs Approved:
Finance Director Kent Costin said the State Water Commission is requesting $708,163.00 for cost reimbursement for the FM Area Flood Risk Management Project for September 2017. He said the request is for expenses related to projects in the Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke component of the project.
Commissioner Strand moved the reimbursement request in the amount of $708,163.00 for the FM Area Flood Risk Management Project for expenses related to projects in Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke be approved.

Second by Grindberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Grindberg, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Piepkorn voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.

Hearing on the Special Assessment List for Park District 2006-2 Phase V Improvement District No. 7150 Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the special assessment list for Park District 2006-2 Phase V Improvement District No. 7150 in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, on which special assessment list a Hearing had been held by the Special Assessment Commission after which it had been confirmed and filed with the Board of City Commissioners.
No appeals have been filed in writing against any item appearing on such special assessment list and no person is present at this Hearing to appeal or offer any objection thereto.
Commissioner Grindberg moved that the special assessment list for Park District 2006-2 Phase V Improvement District No. 7150 be and the same is hereby approved and confirmed and ordered filed in the office of the City Auditor, that the City Auditor's Office be instructed to proceed to collect the assessments in the manner provided by law and that the interest rate be set at 1% per annum over the net rate on bonds financing said projects.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Hearing on the Special Assessment List for Water Main Replacement, Force Main Construction, Street Reconstruction Improvement District No. BR-16-B Continued to May 21, 2018:
A Hearing had been set for Oct. 9, 2017 on the special assessment list for the construction for Water Main Replacement, Force Main Construction, Street Reconstruction Improvement District No. BR-16-B in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, having been approved by the Special Assessment Commission on September 6, 2017.
At the October 9, 2017 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to this day and hour.

City Auditor Steve Sprague said since the October 9th meeting there has not been a resolution. He said staff has requested brown bag meetings to educate the Commissioners on special assessments and then meet with the neighborhood. He said this project could be included in the first run of projects in the spring of 2018.

In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney asking who pays the interest until May, Mr. Sprague said the City will be paying the interest and the potential is the homeowner could get the same specials assigned next spring. He said it will be up to the Commission to decide if they want to change funding policy to put more city funds in to bring down costs; however, it is important the Commission understands the funding policy before decisions are made.

In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if this decision is delayed and if there is no revenue for this project until May, how much will it cost the City, Mr. Sprague said this is only one of many projects in a refunding project. He said the delay would not result in a significant amount as there are others who are paying and there were many others who pre-paid.

Commissioner Strand said his concern is the project is done and the City has not figured out how to pay for it.

Mr. Sprague said City policy was applied and if this is delayed until spring, the budget impact will be minor.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the hearing be continued to 5:15 o’clock p.m., May 21, 2018.

Second by Grindberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Grindberg, Strand, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Application Filed by Daran’s Southern Soul Food d/b/a Daran’s Southern Soul Food for an Alcoholic Beverage License Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the application filed by Daran’s Southern Soul Food d/b/a Daran’s Southern Soul Food for a Class "GH" Alcoholic Beverage License at 30 University Drive North, notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo.
No written protest or objection to the granting of the application has been received or filed in the office of the City Auditor, and said application has been approved by the Police Department as to the character of the applicant.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection to the granting of the application.
City Auditor Steve Sprague said the application came before the Liquor Control Board and there were some concerns regarding the applicant’s credit history. He said the applicant is here tonight and is prepared to discuss the credit issues.

Darrell Randall, owner of Daran’s Southern Soul Food, said he has made payment arrangements for everything in collections.

In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn as to what is included on the menu at Daran’s, Mr. Randall said the menu includes slow-cooked chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and grits.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the application be approved.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Gehrig, Strand, Grindberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Application Filed by Reese and Riley’s d/b/a Reese Riley Bistro for an Alcoholic Beverage License Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the application filed by Reese and Riley’s d/b/a Reese Riley Bistro for a Class "GH" Alcoholic Beverage License at 2653 45th Street South, notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo.
No written protest or objection to the granting of the application has been received or filed in the office of the City Auditor, and said application has been approved by the Police Department as to the character of the applicant.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection to the granting of the application.
City Auditor Steve Sprague said this is the third time this application has come before the Board. The first two applications were denied, he said. This application includes an applicant who is an investor, has money on the line and will take active ownership in the business.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the application be approved.

Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Piepkorn, Strand, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Parcels of Land in Tunheim Addition Rezoned (2778 40th Avenue North):
At a Hearing held on September 5, 2017 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from AG, Agricultural to LI, Limited Industrial containing 1 Lot, 1 Block and 6.89 acres of land more or less in Tunheim Addition.
The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing stating this is the time and date set for said Hearing at which time all interested persons could appear and would be heard.
Senior Planner Donald Kress said the owner of the lot operates a construction company and wants to build the company headquarters and shop on the lot, which is west of the airport. He said the rezoning is to make the existing land one lot. He said an airport proximity agreement has been signed.

In response to a question from Commissioner Gehrig, asking if the owner is aware of upcoming specials on the lot for the development of 25th Street and for flood protection, Chris Tunheim, Tunheim Construction, said he is aware the specials amount will be about $60,000.00.
Commissioner Grindberg offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, All legal requirements in connection with the above-described request for rezoning have been complied with; and
WHEREAS, There have been no written or verbal protests to the request for rezoning and no one is present to protest thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings of staff be accepted and the rezoning be approved on the basis that the proposal satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.

Second by Gehrig. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.

First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Tunheim Addition, Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Grindberg moved the requirement relating to receipt of the Ordinance by the Commission one week prior to first reading be waived and that the Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Tunheim Addition, Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Resolution Adopted Approving Tunheim Addition:
Commissioner Grindberg offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF FARGO:
WHEREAS, A Plat has been filed in the office of the City Auditor entitled “Tunheim Addition” containing 1 Lot, 1 Block, and 6.89 acres of land more or less, located at 2778 40th Avenue North; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held September 5, 2017 by the Fargo Planning Commission, and notice of such Hearing had been published, as required by law, and said Plat had been approved by the Fargo Planning Commission and by the City Engineer; and
WHEREAS, The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing on said Plat in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo on October 16 and 23, 2017 that a Hearing would be held in the City Commission Room, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., October 23, 2017 at which time said Plat would be considered and all interested persons would be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings and recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission be accepted and the Plat entitled “Tunheim Addition” be and the same is hereby in all things affirmed and approved on the basis that it complies with the Standards of Article 20-06, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code, and that the Mayor of the City of Fargo and the appropriate City Officials are hereby directed to endorse their approval on the Plat and then direct Petitioner to file same for record in the Office of the Recorder of Cass County, North Dakota.

Second by Gehrig. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Grindberg, Gehrig, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.

Application Requesting a Sidewalk Waiver on Lots 1-5, Block 7 of Rocking Horse Farm 2nd Addition Approved:
A Hearing had been held by the Fargo Planning Commission on October 3, 2017 for the purpose of considering a petition to grant a Sidewalk Waiver on Lots 1-5, Block 7 of Rocking Horse Farm 2nd Addition.
The City Auditor’s Office published a Notice of Hearing stating this was the time and date set for said Hearing at which time all interested persons could appear and would be heard.
Senior Planner Donald Kress said the City received a sidewalk waiver request along the inner circle of Rocking Horse Circle South, located within the Rocking Horse development business park. He said the developer is asking that the requirements for a sidewalk be waived and an alternative plan be accepted. He said the sidewalk was contemplated at the time of the plat in 2014; however, at that time, the owner requested a sidewalk waiver. He said the owner later withdrew the waiver application and it was the City’s impression the owner intended to construct the sidewalk inside the circle. He said the stretch of sidewalk was intended to be constructed with the roadway infrastructure project of the development in 2015. He said at the time of installation, the owner requested the sidewalk not be installed and he intended to pursue a waiver, which is this application. He said the sidewalk is almost a half a mile in length and with the alternative plan, there is no sidewalk around the perimeter. Instead, he said, there are sidewalks to individual buildings, some of which take access through parking lots. He said Fargo Municipal Code addresses the importance of sidewalks as a shared amenity and an important element of the transportation plan. He said sidewalks offer accessibility, convenience and functionality for vulnerable populations. He said Planning staff does not think the alternative plan meets the criteria and the proposal is not equitable to all due to the fact there is no connection through the development. He said even though the Planning Commission voted to accept the waiver, Planning staff did not agree and recommended denial.

Traffic Engineer Jeremy Gordon said standard sidewalk width in the City is four feet six inches wide. He said this is a sidewalk waiver, not an alternative sidewalk plan nor are there any details of the alternative plan. He said if the sidewalk waiver is approved, there is no requirement by the applicant to install any of the alternative plans. He said two of the lots on the development are vacant and undeveloped and anything shown on them is a mere concept at this point. He said this is a plowed field and there are no physical constraints for not putting in a sidewalk. He said from a transportation system perspective, the waiver request creates an incomplete street. He said complete streets are multi-modal for bikes and walking. He said buildings in the center of the development will only be served by motor vehicles and no one on foot. He said trips have origins and destinations and without a sidewalk on the inner circle, anyone human powered trying to get to those lots will be on their own. If the sidewalk is constructed, it will be about 2,300 feet in length and the cost would be $65,000.00 to $70,000.00.
Public Works Director Ben Dow said his concern is the long term and when the alternative sidewalk plan leads to people entering into the commercial area who do not want to be there. He said he sees bicyclists or skateboarders entering the development down the road, and then the owner will call him to say there are people in his commercial area he did not intend. He said he would have to tell the owner he does not have any control due to the fact it is private property. If there is a sidewalk, he said, then he has control and if the long term is to consider allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to enter the development, without the sidewalks they are not inviting those types of people. He said he wants to see a sidewalk put in so he can control how the public is using it.

In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking if the developer could sign a waiver saying he is aware of what he is doing, Mr. Dow said with a sidewalk, if something is going on or the sidewalk falls into disrepair, the first call is to the City and he cannot do anything because it is private property. He said he sees frustration in the future.

Mike Love, Houston Engineering, said the owner has gone to great lengths to make this a unique development with learning-oriented pocket parks and architectural design standards inspired by historic Fargo neighborhoods. At the heart of this development, he said, is the Farmstead Office Park, which is the focal point and inspiration for the entire development. He said a four and a half foot wide sidewalk two feet off the property line all the way around the circle provides a path around; however, it does not provide access to the office park. He said people will have to walk in to individual office buildings through parking lots, which is inconvenient and unsafe. He said the office park mimics a rural farmstead with trees and greenspace and not much hard surface. He said 2,300 feet of sidewalk is not needed. He said the alternative plan is to provide direct access to the office buildings. He said there is not going to be retail or public destination points in the development. He said the design provides more direct access to buildings and the owner wants to avoid having to place $60,000.00 to $70,000.00 worth of sidewalk that would not be used. When the City street was put in, he said, the City recognized the intent to make the development look like a farmstead and placed a shallow ditch around the inside of the circle. If the sidewalk is installed, he said, much of the ditch would have to be filled in. He said in the northeast corner of the development, a lot of regrading would need to be done. He said it is the intent of the owner to have an alternative access plan and what they are seeking is approval of the concept.

Ken Promersberger, owner of Rocking Horse Farm, said a lot of effort went into the design and aesthetics, which means so much to him and to the community. He said with each lot, complimentary design help is included. He said not any two homes look the same and they even went so far as to get communication pedestals to look the same so there are not clusters of different pedestals. He said 2,300 feet of concrete sidewalk around the circle is redundant, it replicates the sidewalk outside and it will damage the pristine farmstead he has created.
Commissioner Grindberg said when the property was purchased 20 years ago, the barn was a branding device and was an enlightening way to get a feel for North Dakota.

In response to a question from Commissioner Strand about the Planning Commission vote, Mr. Kress said the vote was four in favor, three against with one Commissioner abstaining and two absent.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the application requesting a Sidewalk Waiver on Lots 1-5, Block 7 of Rocking Horse Farm 2nd Addition be approved.

Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Piepkorn, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.

Proposed Change in Youth Passenger Fares for Metro Area Transit Approved Effective January 1, 2018:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider the following proposed changes in youth passenger fares for Metro Area Transit effective
January 1, 2018:
Ticket Fares: Existing Proposed Change
Youth 30-day Ticket (K-12 grade) $26.00 Eliminated -$26.00
Youth 90-day Ticket (K-12 grade) N/A $26.00 +$26.00
Summer Youth Pass (June-Aug.) $26.00 Eliminated -$26.00

Transit Administrator Julie Bommelman said youth ridership and pass sales have been declining over the past two years. She said youth ridership was down 13 percent in 2015 and 12 percent in 2016. She said MATBUS staff has completed an analysis of youth sales over the past four years and has determined by converting the Summer Youth Pass to a year-round Youth 90-Day Pass, MATBUS could increase youth ridership through the metro area. She said there is a potential loss in fare revenue of approximately $1,900.00, which would be shared with Moorhead based on ridership. She said the new fare structure could generate increased sales and ridership and a marketing campaign would be initiated if the fare change is approved.
Commissioner Gehrig moved the proposed change in youth passenger fares for Metro Area Transit be approved as presented effective January 1, 2018.

Second by Grindberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Gehrig, Grindberg, Strand, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending Heather Fischer and Paul Gleye be reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Commissioner Strand moved Heather Fischer and Paul Gleye be reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for three-year terms ending
October 31, 2020.

Second by Gehrig. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Gehrig, Grindberg, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

At 6:03 p.m., the Board took a five-minute recess.
After recess: All Commissioners present. Mayor Mahoney presiding.

Funding Plan for Demolition of the Old City Hall Approved:
The Board received a communication from City Administrator Bruce Grubb stating the construction of the new City Hall is expected to be complete in the spring of 2018. Once all operations have moved into the new building, he said, the City would like to initiate the demolition and removal of the old City Hall. He said TL Stroh has prepared a budget level estimate for the demotion totaling $795,000.00, itemized as follows:

Mobilization $ 40,000.00
Demolition 445,000.00
Disposal Fees 100,000.00
Backfilling & Topsoil Spreading 90,000.00
Miscellaneous 20,000.00
Hazardous Materials Removal 100,000.00
Total $ 795,000.00

Mr. Grubb said the original design of City Hall was bid in 2015 and the low bid was $31,148,713.00 which did not include the demolition of the old City Hall. In an effort to reduce costs, he said, a new City Hall was redesigned and rebid in 2016 and the low bid was $22,496,900.00 and similarly, the demolition of the old City Hall was not included. He said the demolition and removal of the old City Hall is currently a
non-budgeted project, and based on the estimate of costs, he recommends the following funding plan:

Remaining Balance on the Harwood Township Land Sale $319,000.00
Vector Control Surplus 243,000.00
Capital Projects Fund 233,000.00
Total $795,000.00

Mr. Grubb said as has been done with other City projects, City landfill, permit and other fees could be waived, which could reduce the budget estimate by about 15 percent. He said removing the old City Hall building will allow for site grading and provide accessibility to the front door of the new City Hall. Once the old building is removed, he said, decisions will be made on what to do about a plaza. He said until that time the area will be used for parking

Finance Director Kent Costin said a 2013 analysis on the health of the old City Hall building is what steered plans for a new City Hall. He said the old City Hall was built in 1959 and contains the original heating, electrical and plumbing systems, which are now 58 years old. He said the average life of a mechanical system is 30 years; therefore, the building and its mechanical systems are 24 years past their useful life. He said the mechanical system needs to be replaced or overhauled and an estimate for the work was $1.8 million. He said the system is now in survival mode and it is just a matter of time before it fails. He said there are no plans to rehab the old City Hall building due to the fact that the maintenance, repair and upkeep costs would be astronomical. He said all of the repairs and maintenance required to keep the old City Hall open, including a new roof and windows, would cost $4 million to $6 million.

In response to a question from Commissioner Grindberg questioning whether or not an architect is needed for the demolition, Mr. Grubb said demolition plans are much simpler than building plans and the City does not need to do anything outside of the architectural fee in place.

In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn about the heating system and is it connected to the Civic Center, Mr. Costin said there is a set of boilers in the Civic that are the same vintage as those in the old City Hall. He said before demolition, those heating lines would be capped to keep the boilers in place in the Civic; however, those boilers would be up for replacement depending on what is done with the Civic Auditorium.

Commissioner Gehrig said he supports demolition; however, it is annoying this keeps coming back to the well. He said the bid for the new City Hall went from $31 million to $22 million, which was great; however, $400,000.00 was later needed for demolition of Centennial Hall, $800,000.00 is needed for this demolition, $1.8 million was needed for FF&E. He said all of this should have been talked about at the same time as when the new building was bid.

In response to a question from Commissioner Strand about the possibility of salvage, Mr. Grubb said the new City Hall will be reusing cabinets, file drawers and other items; however, there may be some other things that could be salvaged.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the funding plan for the demolition of the old City Hall be approved as presented, waiving the City fees.

Second by Grindberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Grindberg, Strand, Gehrig and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Resolution Authorizing Filing of Application with the North Dakota Department of Health for a Loan Under the Clean Water Act Adopted:
The Board received a communication from Water Utility Director Troy Hall seeking approval for filing of a new loan application for the Membrane Water Treatment Plant Project (MWTP). He said due to improved interest rates, this application would refinance terms of the 2012 approved loan and provide funding to complete construction. He said this loan would result in an interest savings of approximately $500,000.00 per year during the initial years of the loan compared to the financing strategy shown at bid award for the second MWTP bid.
Commissioner Gehrig offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, Under the terms of the Clean Water Act, the United States of America has authorized the making of loans to authorized applicants to aid in the construction of specific public projects:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Fargo City Commission:
1. That Troy Hall be and is hereby authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the City of Fargo, North Dakota with the North Dakota Department of Health for a loan to aid in the construction of the Fargo Membrane Water Treatment Plant and Improvements Project.
2. That Troy Hall, Water Utility Director, be and is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the North Dakota Department of Health may reasonably request in connection with the application which is herein authorized to be filed, to sign all necessary documents, and, on behalf of city, to accept loan offer and receive payment of loan funds.

Second by Piepkorn. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Gehrig, Piepkorn, Strand, Grindberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.

Discussion on Election Reform Proposals:
Commissioner Grindberg said if a primary/general election were in place today and would have impacted the last election when 11 candidates ran, there would have been four candidates who moved from a primary in June to an election in November. He said those four candidates would have been paired together; therefore, in one seat there was 50 percent plus one that would win or tie, or a majority plus one would put those two people in office.

City Attorney Erik Johnson said if there are four candidates and people are voting for two, with different people voting for any one of the four candidates, the winning candidates might get less than 50 percent of the vote. He said if the desire is to have the winning candidates get a majority vote, which was one of the topics discussed by the Election Task Force, one solution would be rather than have a run-off election of four candidates where everyone votes for two, candidates for one seat and a second seat could be identified. He said there are two Commission seats up for election every two years. He said each seat could have its own slate of candidates and then have a run-off election for that seat where there are two candidates and a voter would vote for one of the two, which would result in clear winners.

City Auditor Steve Sprague said run-off elections were established in 1986 and since then, there have been three run-off elections. In April 1986, he said, there were five candidates running and one candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, so that candidate did not have to go forward with a run-off. He said the second seat had the next two highest vote-getters face off, and in the first election, the person who had the higher vote total lost the election. The second run-off, he said, was in 1988 and there were eight candidates and with four of them, no candidate garnered 50 percent of the vote, so there was a run-off election three weeks later. He said the candidate who finished third was elected. In April 2000, there were many candidates again and the four with the highest vote total went on and the two with the highest vote totals did get elected. He said in 2000, the people voted 70 percent to get rid of the recall and to combine the City election with the County election due to voter fatigue. He said with run-off elections, vote totals dropped in each election.

Commissioner Grindberg said there needs to be further discussion and if the Board is going to set a vote on all of the Election Task Force recommendations, a date should be set. He said Commissioners need to address the recommendations, pick a date, act accordingly and move on.

Commissioner Gehrig said all of the topics need to be addressed and then have an up or down vote. He said having more people involved in the process is a good thing.

Commissioner Piepkorn said he has had zero feedback in the past two weeks and wondered why this topic is critical. He said he likes the City having its own election in June and for candidates to have to run for a year is a huge commitment. He said there are many important things going on in the City and this is not one of them.

Commissioner Strand said the public needs answers and for the Board to choose approval or run-off. He said he has not landed on either side; however, the Board owes the public an answer. He said there are people who are passionate about election reform and they will not give up. He agrees with Commissioner Grindberg in doing public engagements, ask the public to show up, hear their thoughts, perhaps have the meetings at each middle school and have members of the Election Task Force at the meeting to inform whomever shows up. He said let’s see what recommendations are out there and why and hear from the people. He said use that information as a gauge of public sentiment and then bring it to a vote up or down.

Mayor Mahoney said the Election Task Force did not make recommendations to make the primary in June and the main election in the fall. He said he would like to see the recommendations broken up. For example, he said, make one point approval voting, another point four or six Commissioners and another point moving the date of the election. He said members of the Election Task Force had great interest; however, what does the real public want. He said advocates are needed for each position and then bring it to the public.

Commissioner Gehrig said if something was passed, it would not affect elections until 2020; therefore, the current Commission members are not trying to protect their seats. He said this is being done in the best interest of Fargo.
Commissioner Grindberg moved the Board of City Commissioners act upon the recommendations of the Election and City Governance Task Force by the end of the year.

Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners Grindberg, Strand, Gehrig, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Commissioner Strand moved to direct representatives of the Election and City Governance Task Force to consider holding at least one public engagement to gauge public sentiment.

Second by Grindberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Grindberg, Gehrig, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.

Commissioner Grindberg moved that the Board adjourn to 5:00 o’clock p.m., Monday, November 6, 2017.
Second by Gehrig. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
The time at adjournment was 6:53 o’clock p.m.