Far More is Happening Here

Fargo City Commission - September 16, 2024

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, September 16, 2024.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
The Mayor read a message with the following information: Job Service ND staff will be at the Main Library September 17th from 2 to 4 p.m. for a free session that will include job seeking assistance, information on training programs and veteran’s services, resume building assistance, limited unemployment insurance assistance and migrant and seasonal farmworker services; and the Hector International Airport passenger count in July was at an all-time high with more than 95,000 passengers, that record was broken in August with more than 96,000 passengers and year-to-date, passengers are up 4% from 2023.

Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Strand moved the Order of the Agenda be approved, moving Item No. “16” from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.
Second by Turnberg. 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 September 3, 2024 be approved as read.

Second by Piepkorn. 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. Agreement for Special Improvements with ARD Properties LLC (Improvement District No. BN-24-B1).
2. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. Carl Ben Eielson PTA for raffles on 10/17/24, 10/22/24, 3/6/25 and 3/11/25.
b. New Life Center for a raffle on 10/8/24.
3. Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $0.00 for Project No. UR-24-H1.
4. Memorandum of Offer to Landowner for Permanent Easement (Street and Utility) and Easement (Temporary Construction Easement) with Tones LLC (Project No. FP-19-A).
5. Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $284,983.47 and associated time extensions for Improvement District No. BN-23-F1.
6. Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $2,475.00 and associated time extension for Improvement District No. BN-23-J1.
7. Create Improvement District No. FP-19-A (Southwest Regional Pond - Phase 2).
8. Facilities Management Policies.
9. Resolutions Authorizing the Issuance of Taxable Annual Appropriation Bonds, Series 2024F and 2024G, Approving Certain Actions, and Approving Forms of Documents Required Connection Therewith (Attachment “A”).
10. Items from the FAHR Staff Meeting:
a. Notice of Grant Award Amendment from the ND Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $99,200.00 for WIC and associated budget adjustment (CFDA #10.557).
b. Submission of a Plat Application to the City of West Fargo.
c. Request to advertise a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Advisory Services and Commercial Realtors to list the property west of the Fargo Landfill for sale.
d. Amendment No. 1 with KLJ Engineering LLC in the amount of $42,375.00 for Phase 2 of the City Hall Deck Repairs.
e. Interim compensation for City Administrator Michael Redlinger, as has been identified by the Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA), along with the respective bill back to the MFDA for a net $0.00 impact to the City of Fargo.
11. Contracts for Fire Station No. 5 Renovation Project:
a. General Construction contract to Roers Construction Joint Venture, LLC.
b. Electrical Construction contract to Grotberg Electric, Inc.
c. Mechanical Construction contract to Laney’s, Inc.
12. Grant Agreement with the ND Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Support Services for TB Care Coordination Services (CFDA #93.566).
13. Vacate the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Order for property located at 1710 1st Avenue South.
14. Amended Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Order for property located at 909 4th Street North.
15. Funding Approval and HOME Investment Partnerships Agreement 2024 Community Development Block Grant with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
16. Resolution approving Plat of College Third Addition (Attachment “B”) (Moved to the Regular Agenda).
17. Consent to change the name of the Badges of Unity Fund to the Fargo Police Foundation.
18. Quitclaim Deed with The Park District of the City of Fargo (South Ridge First Addition).
19. Bid award to Northern Truck Equipment in the amount of $195,525.00 for the purchase of a hook and hoist refuse truck (RFP24297).
20. Bills in the amount of $15,098,132.58.

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

Scott Wirth Reappointed to the Civil Service Commission:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Scott Wirth be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved Scott Wirth be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission for a three-year term ending June 30, 2027.

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

Todd Olson Appointed to the Fargo Dome Authority:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Todd Olson be appointed to the Fargo Dome Authority to replace Nancy Jordheim, who resigned. Her term would have expired April 1, 2027.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved Todd Olson be appointed for the unexpired term of Nancy Jordheim on the Fargo Dome Authority for a term ending April 1, 2027.

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

Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements Made to a Building Approved:
a. Janine Saxerud, 1416 West Gateway Circle South (5 years).
Commissioner Kolpack moved the application be approved.

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

Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
Commissioners gave updates on the boards and commissions on which they serve.

Resolution Adopted Approving College Third Addition (1038 25th Street North) (Moved from the Consent Agenda):
Commissioner Strand said he asked that this Item be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda at the request of citizens in the neighborhood who wanted to address the City Commission.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said there is currently one residence on this lot with a garage and the proposal is the subdivide the property to create a second lot for a second residence. He said both of the lots that would result from this plat meet the dimensional standards of the SR-3 zoning. He said the neighbors’ comments from Planning Commission meetings were summarized in the staff report.
Paula Strom Sell, 1122 25th Street North, said the biggest issue is parking. She said with only one house on this lot, parking is an issue with several cars parked on the road, in the alley and on the grass, and if another house is added to the lot, there will be no green space. She said she was told a family could move into the new house; however, she does not think a family is going to move in to a house next door to a group of college students who drink and misbehave. There have already been complaints filed for being over the limit on the number of people who can live in a house, she said, and the neighbors are nervous about another house that may have the same issues. She said the new house will have to face 11th Avenue instead of 25th Street and then where is everyone going to park without bothering the rest of the neighbors.
Mr. Kress said admittedly this is an oddly configured lot; however, there is sufficient space to build another house.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking if parking in the alley is allowed, City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs said City Ordinance does not allow alley parking.
Commissioner Piepkorn said there needs to more of an effort to make sure no one is parking in the alley, which would help solve the issues for the neighbors.
Commissioner Strand said he would suggest other departments keep a close eye on this and make sure there is compliance.
Commissioner Piepkorn 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 “College Third Addition” containing 2 Lots, 1 Block and 0.38 acres of land more or less, located at 1038 25th Street North; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held July 2, 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, As announced in the City Commission agenda which was made available on September 12, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:00 p.m., September 16, 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 “College Third 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 the 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 Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.

Parcels of Land in Legacy I Eighth Addition Rezoned (6155 24th Street South):
At a Hearing held on June 6, 2024 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from GO, General Office with a C-O, Conditional Overlay to GO, General Office with a C-O, Conditional Overlay and SR-5, Single-Dwelling Residential.
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.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said the applicant is proposing that the zoning for the west portion of property remain General Office with a Conditional Overlay and that the Single-Dwelling Residential zoning be added to accommodate a proposed development that includes one 3-plex attached housing project.
Commissioner Piepkorn 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 and the Planning Commission be accepted and the rezoning be approved with the Conditional Overlay requirements listed in the Ordinance on the basis that it satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.

First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Legacy I Eighth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Piepkorn 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 Legacy I Eighth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.

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

Resolution Adopted Approving Legacy I Eighth Addition:
Commissioner Piepkorn offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, A Plat has been filed in the office of the City Auditor entitled “Legacy I Eighth Addition” containing 3 Lots, 1 Block and 1.81 acres of land more or less, located at 6155 24th Street South; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held June 4, 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 September 4 and 11, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., September 16, 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 “Legacy I Eighth 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.

Parcels of Land in Legacy I Eighth Addition Rezoned and a Planned Unit Development Master Land Use Plan Approved (6155 24th Street South):
At a Hearing held on June 4, 2024 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from General Office with a C-O, Conditional Overlay to MR-3, Multi-Dwelling Residential with a PUD, Planned Unit Development.
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.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said the previous agenda item has the same title and these projects are on the same property. He said the previous project is a subdivision plat and zone change for the east side of the subject property (Lots 2 and 3) and this project is a zone change and Planned Unit Development for the west side of the property (Lot 1). The property is within a neighborhood center designation, he said, and the proposed higher density residential development is consistent with the neighborhood center designation. He said the previous owner of the property wanted to build a daycare center; however, that development never went forward and the property was sold to a new developer. The proposal from the new developer is a multi-family apartment building with about 50 units, one level of enclosed parking, no garages and some surface parking.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking if there were any concerns from neighboring homeowners regarding the possibility of a multi-dwelling project, Mr. Kress said no concerns from the neighborhood were received.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if there were any incentives offered for this development, Brandon Raboin, Pro-Core Development LLC, said there are no incentives. He said he reallocated more value to the residential portion of the lot due to the fact that those will sell quickly and he was able to keep the cost basis down for the land. He said none of these projects are very flush; however, this one does work without an incentive.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if EV charging capabilities will be added, Mr. Raboin said charging stations are not being installed right away; however, they could be easily integrated after the fact.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about recycling stations, Mr. Raboin said there will be an outdoor area for recycling and he did think about some sort of a chute that would go to different areas inside the building; however, some people have a hard time following those directions consistently so it is more work than necessary.
Commissioner Strand offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, All legal requirements in connection with the above-described request for rezoning, Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay and Planned Unit Development Master Land Use Plan 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 Turnberg. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Strand, Turnberg, Kolpack, 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 Legacy I Eighth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Strand 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 Legacy I Eighth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.

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

Parcels of Land in Harwood’s 4th Addition Rezoned (806 7th Street North):
At a Hearing held on July 2, 2024 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from MR-3, Multi-Dwelling Residential to SR-5, Single Dwelling Residential.
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.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said this rezoning and Plat will divide one existing lot into two lots where the applicant proposes to build a twin home with each side of the twin home on its own lot.
Commissioner Kolpack 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 and the Planning Commission be accepted and the rezoning be approved with the Conditional Overlay requirements listed in the Ordinance on the basis that it satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.

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

First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in Harwood’s 4th Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Kolpack 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 Harwood’s 4th Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.

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

Resolution Adopted Approving Harwood’s 4th Addition:
Commissioner Kolpack offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, A Plat has been filed in the office of the City Auditor entitled “Harwood’s 4th Addition” containing 2 Lots, 1 Block and 0.16 acres of land more or less, located at 806 7th Street North; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held July 2, 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 September 4 and 11, 2024 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., September 16, 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 “Harwood’s 4th 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.

Public Hearing for Comments on the 2025 Preliminary Budget and Recommended Tax Levies:
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 be heard.
Mayor Mahoney said there is no vote tonight; this is an opportunity for the public to be heard regarding the proposed budget.
Connie Hamre said her costs have gone up due to hidden taxes such as increased water costs, franchise fees and special assessment costs and she asked that the City skip staff raises this year in order to lower taxes and to lock in home values for residents once they are age 65.
Glenn Knudson said if the proposed 2% sales tax for Police and Fire salaries passes and then the economy goes into a depression, the City will not have the funds needed to pay those salaries and will have to increase property taxes. He said health insurance for City employees needs to be discussed as he cannot afford to offer his employees the kind of coverage City employees receive. Sales at his business are down, he said; however, property taxes on his business went up as did his personal property taxes. There needs to be some relief for the taxpayer, he said, hard decisions need to be made about staff and everyone deserves the opportunity to live affordably in Fargo.
Brad Shaffer said cutting the DEI Department was long overdue as it was a waste of time and money. He said he never saw a report from the DEI Department on what was the benefit to the taxpayer, he did not know what those employees did and what exactly the City received for $295,000.00. After 2020 the whole country decided to start DEI Departments, he stated, and Fargo’s HR Department must have been insulted. He said recently the City Commission agreed to put a question on the ballot for a tax to pay for Fire and Police and he is sure that will be voted down due to the fact that residents are tired of getting taxed to death.
Jonathan Adams said instead of cutting DEI, the City should look at its spending patterns and to make cuts across the board. He said many people will be affected by cutting the DEI Department, including veterans and people with disabilities.
Hassan Iber said black people who live in Fargo are hardworking and pay taxes and the City is looking in the wrong place for cuts.
Charles King said blacks in the community are neglected and they want DEI to stay. He said if the name DEI is not what the City wants, then change the name to Integrated Community.
Sekou Sirleaf said more than 8 percent of Fargo’s population is black, they pay taxes without the benefit of having a person from the black community on the Board and the DEI Department is their voice at City Hall.
Matuor Alier said the DEI Department should be extended for a year with direction, guidance and resources and then perhaps the City will see its value.
Commissioner Strand said the City needs to cut the budget down and asked why only two departments were affected by position eliminations. He asked that the Mayor and Commissioners look at their portfolios for cuts to help save more money.
Commissioner Kolpack said she supports the position eliminations due to the fact that they came on the recommendation of senior staff within the Administration Department. She said every department made cuts in the budget by not getting any new staff requests approved. These cuts are necessary, she stated, and the City urgently needs to give staff raises to boost retention and recruitment. She said DEI work will continue in different departments.
Mayor Mahoney said there could be further employee cuts and staff will continue to examine positions in order to find more costs savings.
Mayor Mahoney closed the Public Hearing.

Recommendations for Budget-Related Position Eliminations Approved:
Mayor Mahoney said following the City Commission's budget discussion, the budget team, along with department leaders, have been exploring options for budget reductions through the elimination of positions. The review focused on the most recent programs and positions added, he stated, and the necessity of the positions (vacant and filled) in delivering services to the community. He said based on City Commission recommendations to review specific departments and positions, and in consultation with the budget team and department heads, he is recommending the elimination of seven positions under Employment Policy 300-011 - Reduction in Force. Three of the positions have current incumbents, he said, while the other positions are vacant. The elimination of these positions will result in an annual salary and benefit savings of approximately $682,537.00, he stated, and he will continue to strategically evaluate other vacant positions to determine additional eliminations. It is anticipated additional cost savings will be achieved to meet expenditure reduction goals, he said.
Jonathan Adams said the elimination of DEI is a foregone conclusion; however, the program was poorly implemented and the Commission did not identify what DEI was going to do. He said DEI not only serves people of color, it also serves those with disabilities, veterans and women. The program was not carried out in a way for it to succeed and it was underfunded and understaffed.
Commissioner Strand said the politics of the day are calling for the elimination of the DEI and he does not see any way, given the dynamics of the makeup of the Commission, to see that turned around. He said there is still budget information coming in and some low-hanging fruit to be trimmed that are not core mission. He said he wants to support employees and giving them the COLA that is required to retain the workforce. He said he is torn and his expectations were cuts would go further than DEI and Public Health. He said there are other positions he has looked at that will contribute to at least more broad-based savings. He supports pulling in the budget, he stated, and he would like to see broader-base trimming in other departments and other budget aspects that are not core mission. He agrees the Commission did not do a very good job growing, managing and directing the DEI Department and he will not vote for these cuts until he sees further budget trimming that will justify him voting for the 4.5 percent COLA.
Commissioner Kolpack said she asked Administration and Cabinet members to do everything they could do to get to a 4.5 or 5 percent COLA for employees, that is what happened and this was their recommendations. She said with these reductions there were also conversations in every department and with net mills needing to stay the same, there is a limitation of what can be funded. There is an urgent need to increase salaries to retain employees and there are some open positions, which are mission critical, she stated. A process was followed, she stated, and she supports these reductions. She said she was assured that clients of Public Health would not be affected by these reductions and staff could provide adequate services. As for DEI, she said, that mission will continue in other departments and current positions will work to connect and facilitate what is needed for New Americans, which she supports. She said overall the budget process this year has become a spectacle and Fargoans deserve better. She said the Commissioners need to trust Administration and Cabinet members for operationally deciding what is needed to carry on services for the citizens of Fargo. She said she works for everyone and will meet with anyone, she said. The City will have to find real solutions to these challenges, she said, including public/private partnerships.
Mayor Mahoney said he and the budget team are looking at everything that can be cut, there could be more reductions and there are vacancies that will not be filled. He said over the next year he will continue to look at the budget and he supports these reductions, which is the right path at this time.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the recommendations for budget-related position eliminations under Employment Policy 300-011 ¬– Reduction in Force be approved as presented, effective October 16, 2024.

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

Resident Comments:
Olivia Fischer spoke.

The time at adjournment was 6:26 o’clock p.m.