The Regular Meeting of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall at 5:00 o'clock p.m., Monday, March 18, 2024.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Preston, Strand, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
The Mayor read a message with the following information: North Dakota homeowners have until March 31st to apply to save $500.00 on next year’s property taxes; the Inspections Department will being going through code adoption this year, the process happens every three years and later this year the changes will be presented for approval; the Seed Library has returned at the Library with seeds available while supplies last; the History Book Club meets March 26th; a December 2023 apartment survey shows the percentage of vacant apartments in Fargo has increased from 4.2% in June to 7.3% in December; and a video was shown of the 27th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Order of the Agenda be approved.
Second by Preston. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on March 4, 2024 and the Special Meeting held on March 5, 2024 be approved as read.
Second by Preston. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:
1. Receive and file the Summons and Complaint relating to the David Herring and Patricia Frazier vs. First Transit, Inc. d/b/a Transdev Services, Inc.
2. Receive and file a Notice of Appeal from a Decision of a Local Governing Body Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 28-34-01 - Liquid Hospitality, LLC d/b/a Windbreak Saloon v. Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo.
3. Direct the City Attorney to amend Fargo Municipal Codes 25-1501 and
25-1503 to define the stream of service, to clarify server training requirements and to clarify the age to be employed where alcohol is served.
4. Direct the City Attorney to amend Fargo Municipal Code 25-1504.1 to allow for annual background checks on licensees, and to require notification and background checks when managers change.
5. Concur with the findings of staff and the Liquor Control Board and apply the penalty matrix of a $500.00 fine for a first failure to the liquor license violations identified at Royal Liquors.
6. Concur with the findings of staff and the Liquor Control Board and apply the penalty matrix of a $500.00 fine for a first failure to the liquor license violations and a $500.00 fine for failing to have employees server trained all identified at Pho D'licious.
7. Agreement for Special Improvements with County 20 Storage & Transfer, Inc. for municipal improvements in the 46th Avenue Industrial Park Addition (Special Improvement District No. BN-23-J1).
8. Receive and file the Amendment to the Franchise Agreement with Cass County Electric Cooperative adding the area annexed by the City of Fargo on 2/23/24.
9. Site Authorizations for Games of Chance:
a. Plains Art Museum at Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon.
b. Plains Art Museum at Big Top Bingo.
c. Plains Art Museum at Blue Wolf Casino (West Acres Bowl).
10. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. for raffle on 4/5/24.
b. Knights of Columbus - 6570 for a calendar raffle from 5/1/24 - 5/31/24.
c. Fargo Lions for a calendar sports pool from 9/9/24 - 12/30/24.
d. El Zagal Escort Motor Patrol for a raffle on 3/23/24.
e. United Way of Cass-Clay for a raffle on 3/28/24.
f. Anne Carlsen for a raffle on 4/27/24.
g. Carson Glore Foundation for a raffle and raffle board on 5/20/24.
h. TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics for a raffle on 4/4/24.
11. Developer Agreements with ARD Properties, LLC and Storage Kings ND, LLC for Interstate Business District Addition.
12. Right of Way Use Agreement with EOLA Landholdings, LLC for 4470 24th Avenue South.
13. Bid award to Roers Construction Company LLC in the amount of $460,483.45 for Project No. SR-24-A1.
14. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$128,978.24 for Improvement District No. BR-23-H1.
15. Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $35,632.37 and a time extension to Substantial and Final Completion dates of 10/13/23 and 11/12/24 for Improvement District No. BR-23-E1.
16. Memorandum of Offer to Landowner for Easement (Temporary Construction Easement) with New Millennium Real Estate Partners, LLP (Improvement District No. BR-23-G2).
17. Bid award to Northern Improvement Company in the amount of $2,430,023.07 for Improvement District No. BN-23-J1.
18. Create Improvement District No. BN-23-G (New Paving and Utility Construction).
19. Create Improvement District No. BN-24-A (New Paving and Utility Construction).
20. Create Improvement District No. BR-24-F (Paving and Utility Rehab/Reconstruction).
21. Create Improvement District No. NR-23-C (Storm Sewer Lift Station Rehab/Reconstruction and Incidentals).
22. Create Improvement District No. PR-24-G (Asphalt Mill and Overlay).
23. Contract and bond for Project No. FM-24-A1.
24. Contract and bond for Project No. NR-24-B3.
25. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-24-C1.
26. Lease with Option to Purchase Agreement Nos. 40005534 and 40005536 with CapFirst Equipment Finance, Inc. for copiers at Fire Station No. 1 and the Public Safety Building (RFP23131).
27. Change Order Nos. 10 and 11 in the amount of $17,956.00 for Fire Station
No. 8.
28. Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $3,443.00 for Fire Station No. 8.
29. Addendum to Purchase of Service Agreement with Cass Human Service Zone.
30. Request for out-of-grade pay for Hunter Hubrig, Emergency Prep Environmental Health Practitioner II, effective 1/1/24 to 3/3/24.
31. Piggyback purchase through the State of North Dakota contract with CODE 4 Services for the purchase of 60 Panasonic Toughbook computers for the Police Department (PBC24143).
32. Set April 1, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. as the date and time for a Public Hearing on a dangerous building located at 1022 9th Avenue North.
33. Direct the City Attorney to amend Fargo Municipal Code Article 13-09 to include a definition for “inoperative.”
34. Resolution approving Plat of Autumn Fields Third Addition (Attachment “A”).
35. Resolution approving Plat of Laverne’s Fourth Addition (Attachment “B”).
36. Extension of unpaid leave for Wayne Hegseth through 5/31/24.
37. Bid award to Northdale Oil, Inc. for fuel purchasing in the 3rd and 4th Quarters of 2024 and execute the Forward Fuel Contract (RFP24111).
38. Services Agreement – Lawn Maintenance Services with Valley Green and Associates (RFP22037).
39. Services Agreement – Lawn Maintenance Services with JT Lawn Services (RFP23056).
40. Easement (Temporary Construction Easement) with the Municipal Airport Authority of the City of Fargo, Cass County, ND.
41. Reject the bids for Waste Water Treatment Plant Flood Protection Improvements Project No. WW1707 and rebid the project.
42. Bills in the amount of $6,462,272.07.
Second by Preston. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Preston, Piepkorn, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Resident Comments:
Cody Schuler and Kyle Feldhake spoke about freedom of expression, Cale Bauer, Irma Fazlovic, Habiba Elbassiouny, Prairie Johnson, Mohamed Sanaullah and Crystal Dueker spoke about the Israel-Hamas war.
Resolution Adopted Approving Meadow View Second Addition (6704-6794 Meadow View Drive South):
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider approval of an application requesting a plat of Meadow View Second Addition.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said this major subdivision includes a vacation of right-of-way and is a replat with a bit of an experiment to make it easier to work with. Changes are that Meadow View Drive, originally a 70 foot right of way, he said, now has a slightly larger right-of-way, described as a vacation of right-of-way, at 74 feet. He said this allows more room for street trees, parking and negative access easements, which better defines driveway spacing and makes a more usable street. There is a slight increase in the number of lots, he said.
In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney asking the reason for the four additional lots, Jon Youness, Eagle Ridge Development, said the plat was done to get extra lots due to the fact that as lots get wider the special assessments increase and they are trying to get an entry level single-family house on a lot still affordable. These homes will be between $275,000.00 and $300,000.00, he said.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking how the experimental approach fits in with the Growth Plans, future vision or strategic plans, Mr. Kress said the negative access easements will further define driveway placement.
City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs said it was opportune to have a developer willing work with the City on the replat for some issues such as more snow storage on boulevards. Narrow lots pose issues as far as snow storage, he said, and availability of on-street parking is a problem in small lot developments. This project is to see if it is something that could be implemented on a greater scale to the Growth Plan and Land Development Code, he stated.
In response to a question from Commissioner Preston asking about setbacks, Mr. Youness said the road is not getting wider, the greenspace is. He said the buildings are futher away from the City street compared to a traditional 70 foot right of way.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about the building proximity, Fire Chief Steve Dirksen said setbacks are set by zoning. He said the lot line to a house must have 4 or 8 feet of space between houses.
Commissioner Preston 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 "Meadow View Second Addition" containing 31 Lots, 2 Blocks and 4.87 acres of land
more or less, located at 6704-6794 Meadow View Drive South; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held October 3, 2023 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 February 14, 21 and 28, and March 6, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5: 15 p.m., March 18, 2024 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 "Meadow View Second Addition" subdivision plat, including vacation of right of way 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 Section 20-0907.C, 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 Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Preston, Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.
Amendment to the Growth Plan Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider approval of an Amendment to the Growth Plan from residential area, lower-to-medium density, commercial and proposed park to Industrial and Commercial.
The Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment to the Growth Plan at their February 6, 2024 meeting.
Current Planner Donald Kress said a different version of the project was before the Board in 2023 and ultimately denied. He said the LDC allows an applicant to reapply after three months and it went before the Planning Commission in February and it now comes to the City Commission. It looks much like the past project, he said; however, is regarded as a new project and starts a new cycle of Commission Hearings. The Hearings and previous recommendations do not carry over, he stated. He shared aerial views, maps of the property, plat and changes to the Growth Plan. Lot 9 was originally zoned LI, Limited Industrial in the first version, he said, and is now zoned GC, General Commercial. He said on projects like this that are adjacent to County drains, staff works closely with Southeast Cass Water Resource District and appreciates the work of their staff.
Trent Duda, ARD Properties, LLC, said there has been some misinformation referencing the past when he opposed zoning near his neighborhood in Horace in 2014. He said it was opposed because it is heavy industrial, not light industrial with rail shipments each week, and different than this. A couple years later there was no opposition to Visco Industrial near his home, he said, as it was zoned Light Industrial. He said for this project he has met setbacks, compromised, listened to the neighbors, removed crushed concrete, improved the berm and added trees. He shared examples of other developments citing what he asks for is not out of the norm.
Tom Nelson shared a Powerpoint outlining LI, Limited Industrial zoning definitions, the Conditional Overlay, setbacks, distances and comparisons to other developments. He outlined benefits to Cass County and the region.
Paula Peterson, Kyla DuBord, Mark Mcallister, Mariia Goriacheva and Josh Morell spoke in opposition to Growth Plan Amendment and zoning change.
Ron Knutson said as an owner of 40 acres to the south of this area, he is satisfied and impressed with how hard the staff and Mr. Duda have worked to be good neighbors. He said Mr. Duda has spent a lot of money and time on this.
Jeff Oden and Dennis Oye spoke in support of the Growth Plan Amendment and zoning change.
In response to a question from Commissioner Preston asking if the C-O Conditional Overlay avoids the problems with crushed concrete, Mr. Kress said the C-O references what is allowed as far as surface loading and vehicle circulation areas.
Commissioner Strand suggested going forward criteria be set up in ET areas to gauge whether or not neighboring jurisdictional leaders are in favor or not of what will be next to them.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if the official position of the Mayor and leadership of Reile’s Acres is still in opposition, Mr. Kress said he has not heard anything different.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if Commission does not pass this, would he change the zoning to all GC, General Commercial, Mr. Duda said he would not due to those lots being more difficult to sell. He said neighbors did not want anything except residential, which will not work unless it is very high density. There will not be piles of concrete or asphalt that can be crushed, he said, only finished product, such as what a landscaper may have.
Commissioner Preston moved the amendment to the Growth Plan be approved.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Preston, Kolpack, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Parcels of Land in Interstate Business District Addition Rezoned and Proximity Agreement Approved (4753 45th Street North and 4269 40th Avenue North):
At a Hearing held on February 6, 2024 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from AG, Agricultural and LI, Limited Industrial with a C-O, Conditional Overlay to LI, Limited Industrial with a C-O, Conditional Overlay, GC, General Commercial with a C-O, Conditional Overlay and P/I, Public and Institutional.
Commissioner Preston 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 Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Preston, Kolpack, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The Resolution was adopted.
First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land in Interstate Business District Addition:
Commissioner Preston 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 in Interstate Business District Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Preston, Kolpack, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Resolution Adopted Approving Interstate Business District Addition:
Commissioner Preston 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 “Interstate Business District Addition” containing 15 Lots, 1 Block and 122.17 acres of land more or less, located at 4753 45th Street North and 4269 40th Avenue North; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held February 6, 2024 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 March 6 and 13, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., March 18, 2024 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 “Interstate Business District 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 Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Preston, Kolpack, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The Resolution was adopted.
Resolution Adopted Approving Alex’s First Addition (5080 38th Street South):
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider approval or denial of an application requesting a plat of Alex’s First Addition.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said the proposed plat is a Major Subdivision and contains about 24.48 acres of land. He said this has been undeveloped a number of years and no zone change is proposed. He said the plat came before the Board previously as CC’s First Addition and is the same with a different name.
In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney asking about the future plans for the plat, Tanner Brandt, Christianson Companies, said he was not aware of the future plans.
Commissioner Preston 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 “Alex’s First Addition” containing 3 Lots, 2 Blocks and 24.48 acres of land more or less, located at 5080 38th Street South; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held March 5, 2024 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 February 21 and 28, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., March 18, 2024 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 “Alex’s First 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 Piepkorn. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Preston, Piepkorn, Strand, Kolpack and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.
Application Filed by Border States Industries, Inc. for a Payment in Lieu of Tax Exemption (PILOT) Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on an application filed by Border States Industries, Inc. for a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) exemption for a project at 3181, 3101 and 3303 43rd Street North and 3030, 3100 and 3190 42nd Street North which the applicant will use primarily for a distribution center.
No written protests have been filed for the attention of the Board.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection thereto.
Director of Strategic Planning and Research Jim Gilmour said Border States Industries, Inc. proposes to build a 350,000 square foot distribution center, which is a major investment of about $42 million.
Ryan Asheim, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, said the project represents a major investment with 60 new good-paying jobs. He said Border States is one of the largest employee-owned companies with a lot of opportunity for upward mobility and ownership in the company. He said Fargo is in competition with at least one other market and a PILOT would help offset some of the extraordinary cost of the property, he said, and puts Fargo in a more competitive position.
James Sipe, Border States, shared information on the company which just surpassed $4 billion in annual revenue. He said with that unprecedented growth, their supply chain is being transformed and their first distribution center in the country is being introduced and has a target opening date of late fall 2025 or early 2026. He said other locations are being explored and the current special assessment is more than the cost of the land.
Mr. Gilmour said the rapid increase in costs of labor, materials and interest rates make it expensive and the EDIC is recommending a full 10-year PILOT due to other locations having far less in specials to address.
Commissioner Piepkorn said Border States has their corporate headquarters here, which is an advantage. He said having the distribution center here is good for them and also good for Fargo. This is only one case where special assessments are an issue, he said, and that needs to be addressed overall.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved that the application filed by Border States Industries, Inc. for a 10-year, 100% payment in lieu of tax exemption pursuant to Chapter 40-57.1, NDCC be approved.
Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Strand Kolpack, Preston and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Presentation from czb, LLC on the Progress of the Growth Plan 2024:
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield said with the czb team in town this week for workshop meetings with staff, having them here on a date of a City Commission meeting is an opportunity to have a quick highlight of the progress of the Growth Plan 2024 prior to the public release.
Project Consulting Group czb, LLC Project Manager Pete Lombardi shared basic project updates and core concepts emerging in the draft plan that is on the verge of release for review and comment. A preferred growth scenario shows that Fargo would like to see less growth in greenfield areas, he said. Still a majority of the growth is happening there, he said; however, less than has been happening in the previous 10-20 years and more growth focused inward in parts already developed. He previewed core concepts, Part 1 Fargo’s Growth History, Part 2 Intentions for Future Growth and Part 3 Implementation Plan. He said information gathered will form the final part of the Growth Plan so there will be a clear recommendation to guide the updating of the Land Development Code. Guidance for processes to evaluate development and coordination with Fargo’s partners in terms of what Fargo intends to do in terms of its growth will also form the final Plan, he stated.
Presentation of the Annual Review of F-M Ambulance, Inc. d/b/a Sanford Ambulance - Fargo:
Tim Meyer, Senior Director of Sanford Ambulance and Sanford AirMed, reviewed the 2023 City of Fargo 911 Response Data. He said there are 135 team members, 126 of them are patient care providers. Sanford Ambulance Service is the only accredited ambulance service in North Dakota, he said. The call volume in 2023 for the City of Fargo 911 calls was 15,849, he said and he shared a heat map showing the volume of Fargo responses with the busiest area along Main Avenue around the Downtown area. The goal is to respond to emergency calls in less than 9 minutes 90 percent of the time, he said, and they are above meeting that goal.
In response to a question from Commissioner Kolpack asking about staffing challenges, Mr. Meyer said it is their biggest problem and it is a national problem. He said fewer people are interested in this type work and it is harder to recruit. Now, he said, in addition to paramedic school, Sanford offers a paramedic academy that in addition to paying a student’s tuition, students receive a salary.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking about current technology, Mr. Meyer said ambulances are connected to the internet, cardiac monitors can send information to the receiving hospital and cardiologist, alerts are called in from the field, vehicle monitor systems are used for safety and ambulances have the ability to interact with traffic lights.
Presentation of the 2023 Fargo Police Department Annual Report:
Police Chief David Zibolski shared a Power Point presentation of the 80-page 2023 Annual Report. He said the strategic plan is woven in throughout the comprehensive report and includes definitions and priority levels for the goals, objectives and strategies. The Officer Wellness was expanded, he said and soon a civilian Wellness Coordinator will be hired, continuing to expand on that program. As far as crime data, he said, while total numbers are flat there were 11 more crimes than the previous year. He said most crime categories are down and in some instances clearance rates have been increased. The Community Engagement Team is doing a great job bringing everyone together and creating relationships, he said. The Drug Task Force or Narcotics Unit has seen a huge increase in fentanyl pill M30 seizures, he said, a 126% increase from 2022. There were 31 fatal overdoses, he said, the size and depth of the overdose issue is very significant. He said almost 86,000 pills seized compared to about 2,000 pills in 2021 and that is only what was seized. The influx of illegal drugs is astronomical, he stated. Two recruit classes were graduated in 2023 and 14 are in the current class, he said, and the demographics of the department has increased exponentially over the last three years. He said in 2024 significant time will be spent honoring Officer Jake Wallin locally and in Washington, DC, helping get Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes back to full duty and honoring the heroism of Zach Robinson in the July 14, 2023 critical incident.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking where the fentanyl is coming from, Chief Zibolski said the intelligence received from the DEA indicates fentanyl is shipped from China to Mexico where two main cartels stamp it into M30 pills and then get it into the US through a variety of means. Everything that can be done is being done at the local level, he said, the big solutions rest with the federal government. The annual report is available online and a press conference will be held March 19, 2024, he said.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved that the 2023 Police Department Annual Report be received and filed.
Second by Preston. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Preston, Kolpack, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Applications for Property Tax Exemptions for Improvements Made to Buildings:
a. Erik Barner and Whitney Schreiber Beck Barner, 312 Southwood Drive South
(5 years).
b. Trevor and Kathryn Christianson, 222 Linden Avenue South (5 years).
c. Richard and Kathleen Lee, 4334 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
d. Tom and Kelly Borgen, 1006 South Drive South (5 years).
e. Bradley and Ann Williams, 4336 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
f. Patrick and Natasha Thomas, 1707 9th Street South (5 years).
g. Jane Grove, 4332 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
h. Brian Trauman, 812 7th Street North (5 years).
i. Richard and Jo Ellen Solberg, 4330 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
j. David and Rebecca Berg, 4402 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
k. Dustin Marlatt and Morgan Dewitt, 1614 4th Avenue South (5 years).
l. Jeannine Galbreath, 4410 Carrie Rose Lane South (5 years).
Commissioner Kolpack moved that the applications be approved.
Second by Preston. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Preston, Piepkorn, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Board of Equalization to Meet at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024:
Commissioner Strand moved the Board of Equalization meet at 7:30 o’clock a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Kolpack, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
The Commissioners gave reports on the Boards and Committees on which they serve.
Commissioner Preston moved that the Board adjourn to 5:00 o’clock p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024.
Second by Strand. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
The time at adjournment was 7:34 o’clock p.m.