Fargo City Commission - July 7, 2025
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 4:00 o'clock p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Mahoney (via conference call), Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Kolpack.
Absent: None.
Deputy Mayor Kolpack presiding.
Deputy Mayor Kolpack announced that Commissioners will retire into Executive Session in the Red River Room for the purposes of attorney consultation regarding reasonably predictable and/or threatened litigation by Northdale Oil, Inc. and its affiliate Eastdale, LLC. and to discuss negotiating strategy or providing negotiating instructions to its attorney or other negotiator regarding the reasonably predictable or threatened litigation, and to receive its attorney’s advice and guidance on the legal risks, strengths and weaknesses of an action of a public entity. Discussing these matters in an open meeting will have a negative fiscal effect on the bargaining and/or litigation position of the City. Thus, an Executive Session for this matter is authorized pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.1 subsections 2, 5 and 9.
Commissioner Turnberg moved the Commissioners meet in Executive Session in the Red River Room as authorized by NDCC, § 44-04-19.1 subsections 2, 5 and 9 to discuss said matter.
Second by Piepkorn. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
At 4:06 o’clock p.m. the Board moved to the Red River Room to discuss the litigation matter in Executive Session.
Members present were: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney (via conference call).
The Executive Session closed at 4:58 p.m. and the meeting reconvened in Public Session at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
All Commissioners present.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the City Attorney be directed to work with the City Auditor to present an Ordinance with specific terms and conditions to add a liquor license class for property in the extra territorial jurisdiction of the City of Fargo upon annexation of the property.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
A video was shown featuring the Auditors Department and Deputy City Auditor Angie Bear received the “Rising Star” award.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Order of the Agenda be approved, continuing Item Nos. “47” and 48” on the Regular Agenda to 5:05 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 and moving Item No. “10” from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.
Second by Piepkorn. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Turnberg moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on June 23, 2025 be approved as read.
Second by Kolpack. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:
1. 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Sections 21-0601, 21-0602, 21-0603,
21-0604 and Enacting Sections 21-0601.1 and 21-0605 of Article 21-06 of Chapter 21 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Flood Plain Management.
2. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 5464 Pertaining to Zoning of The Pines at the District Seventh Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.
3. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Enacting Section 8-1322 of Article 8-13 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code relating to Traffic Code and an Ordinance Amending Section 1-0305(C)(7) and adding Section 1-0305(C)(14) of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
4. Resolution Concluding the Community Development Committee, Parking Commission and City Hall/Auditorium Commission (Attachment “A”) and waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of the following Ordinances:
a. Amending Sections 8-1006 and 8-1006.2 of Article 8-10 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Parking Regulations.
b. Repealing Section 8-1025 of Article 8-10 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Parking Regulations.
c. Repealing Sections 18-0505, 18-0506, 18-0507, 18-0508, 18-0509, 18-0510, 18-0511, 18-0512 and 18-0513 of Article 18-05 of Chapter 18 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Public Ways and Places.
5. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of the following Ordinances:
a. Amending Sections 10-0322 and 10-0322.1 of Article 10-03 of Chapter 10 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Harassment and Harassment - Hate Crime.
b. Amending Section 10-0103 of Article 10-01 of Chapter 10 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Sale of Tobacco to Individuals Under Twenty-One (21) Years of Age and Use and Possession by Individuals Under 21 Years of Age Prohibited.
c. Amending Section 8-0610 of Article 8-06 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Rotary Traffic Islands.
d. Amending Section 08-0313 of Article 08-03 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Careless Driving and Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
e. Amending Section 8-0309 of Article 8-03 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Driving while License Suspended or Revoked - Impoundment of License Plates and Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
f. Enacting Section 10-0502 in Article 10-05 of Chapter 10 of the Fargo Municipal Code Titled Proof of Identification in Licensed Premises.
g. Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
h. Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
i. Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
6. Findings of Fact, Conclusion and Order of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, Conclusions and Order, and Notice of Entry of Order for property located at 1102 1st Avenue South.
7. Direct the City Attorney to repeal the appropriate Ordinances and/or Resolutions to conclude the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee and the Police Advisory and Oversight Board.
8. Site Authorization for Games of Chance for the North Dakota Horse Park Foundation at Sickies Garage Fargo.
9. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. El Zagal Directors Staff for a raffle on 9/20/25.
b. Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 788 for a raffle and calendar raffle on 2/16/26.
c. St. Anthony of Padua Parish Fall Bazaar for bingo and a raffle on 9/28/25.
d. YMCA of the Northern Sky for a raffle and raffle board on 8/5/2025.
e. Holy Spirit for a raffle on 10/15/25, 10/22/25 and 10/26/25
10. Denial of a request from Folkways to close a portion of Broadway for upcoming events (moved to the Regular Agenda).
11. Permanent Easement (Storm Sewer) with Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead LLC.
12. Consent to Construction Agreement with Kwik Trip, Inc. for 4460 Calico Drive South.
13. Encroachment Agreement (Pickup & Drop-Off Lane) with West Fargo Public School District No. 6 for 4901 15th Avenue South.
14. Amendment No. 2 with Houston Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $9,714.00 for Project No. SN-25-B0.
15. Bid awards for Project No. NR-25-D1:
a. General construction contract to CC Steel, LLC in the amount of $2,154,712.00.
b. Electrical construction contract to JDP Electric in the amount of $159,418.00.
16. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BN-25-E1.
17. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$11,310.74 for Improvement District No. BN-23-G1.
18. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 3 in the amount of -$21,363.30 for Improvement District No. BN-23-J1.
19. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$26,457.00 for Improvement District No. BN-24-A1.
20. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$113,297.34 for Improvement District No. BR-24-E1.
21. Final Balancing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $1,220.00 for Improvement District No. AN-24-A1.
22. Final Balancing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $3,698.20 for Improvement District No. AN-24-B1.
23. Final Balancing Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $48,546.26 for Improvement District No. BN-23-E1.
24. Final Balancing Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $19,674.91 for Improvement District No. BR-24-F1.
25. Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $22,289.57 for Improvement District No. BR-24-G1.
26. Private Utility Relocation with Sparklight for Improvement District No. PR-24-A1.
27. Items from the FAHR Meeting:
a. Receive and file Sales Tax Update.
b. Allocation of $190,476.00 for the Axon Draft One Contract.
c. Donation in the amount of $30,650.00 from the Fargo Police Foundation to acquire and train a new K9 Unit.
d. Rental Inspection and Code Enforcement fee schedule as presented.
e. Increase of fees for Municipal Court as presented.
28. Notice of Grant Award Amendment from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for PHEP-EPR Statewide Response Team (CFDA #93.069).
29. Notice of Grant Award Amendment from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for PHEP - City Readiness Initiative (CFDA# 93.089).
30. Notice of Grant Award from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for HIV/HCV counseling, testing and referral (CFDA# 93.940).
31. Notice of Grant Award from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for PHEP - EPR All Hazards Allocation (CFDA# 93.069).
32. Notice of Grant Award from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for PHEP-EPR Statewide Response Team (CFDA# 93.069).
33. Notice of Grant Award from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
34. Financial Award from the ND Housing Finance Agency for ND Homeless Grant.
35. Direct the City Attorney to work with Environmental Health to revise the Keeping of Chickens Ordinance - Article 12-03.
36. Resolution approving Plat of Champions Gate at Prairie Farms Second Addition (Attachment “B”).
37. Resolution approving Plat of Dakota Commerce Center North Second Addition (Attachment “C”).
38. Resolution approving Plat of Family Healthcare Center Addition (Attachment “D”).
39. Direct the City Attorney’s Office to review and draft Ordinances related to electric vehicle stalls and motorized scooters.
40. Contract and bond for Public Works Administrative Building Exterior Improvements (ITB25189).
41. Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $632,357.00 and time extension of 72 days to the substantial completion date for Project No. SW23-04.
42. Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $32,361.30 for Project No. WA2158.
43. Task Order No. WA11 with Apex Engineering Group, Inc. in the amount of $129,100.00 for Water Tower Demolition of Tower Nos. 2, 3 and 8 (Project No. WA2158).
44. Change Order No. 9 with PKG Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $158,127.00 and time extension to the final completion date to 12/31/25 for Project No. WW1701 (Phase IIB Expansion).
45. Bills in the amount of $14,770,843.14.
Parcels of Land in Prairie Crossing Addition Rezoned (3910 25th Street South):
At a Hearing held on June 3, 2025, the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from SR-2, Single-Dwelling Residential to P/I, Public and Institutional with a C-O, Conditional Overlay.
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 property is at the corner of 25th Street and 40th Avenue South and has served several purposes over the years, including a church and a private school; however, the building is currently vacant. The property is proposed to be developed by The Memory Cafe, he stated, which provides education, programs and support to individuals and families with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. He said Planning staff has determined that this is a community service use, which is allowed in the SR-2 zone with a Conditional Overlay. The Memory Cafe is acquiring this entire property, he said and since community gardens are also located in the area, the recommendation is that the entire property be rezoned to Public and Institutional. The Conditional Overlay will limit future land uses, he stated, and protect the integrity of the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
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.
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.
First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Prairie Crossing 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 Prairie Crossing 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.
Hearing Regarding Annexation of 87.89 Acres, More or Less Located in a Part of Section 10 and Section 15, Township 140 North, Range 49 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Cass County, North Dakota Continued to July 21, 2025 (4370 52nd Avenue North; 4300, 5001 and 5115 County Road 81; 4821-4943 43rd Street North; 4349 and 4350 48th Avenue North):
A Hearing had been set for June 23, 2025 to determine the sufficiency of any written protests against the proposed annexation.
At the June 23, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to this day and hour; however, staff is asking that the Hearing be continued to July 21, 2025.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved that the Hearing be continued to 5:05 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Strand, Kolpack, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Hearing on a Zoning Change and Plat for Northdale First Addition Continued to July 21, 2025 (4300 County Highway 81 North):
A Hearing had been set for June 23, 2025 on a zoning change and plat for Northdale First Addition.
At the June 23, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to this day and hour; however, staff is requesting the Hearing be continued to July 21, 2025.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the Hearing be continued to 5:05 o’clock p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Strand, Kolpack, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
__Hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME) 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan Including the 2025 HUD Action Plan and Budget Amendments to 2023 and 2024 Action Plans:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME) 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan including the 2025 HUD Action Plan and Budget Amendments to 2023 and 2024 Action Plans.
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield said as a recipient of HUD's CDBG and HOME funds, the City is required every five years to complete a strategic plan, which will also include the 2025 Action Plan, aligning with the program year that begins May 1st. She said this involves a public process to inform citizens and gather feedback for allocating HUD funds, with an end-of-year report (CAPER) also due soon. She said CDBG funds are generally for construction, while HOME funds target specific housing activities. Over the last year, she said, the City has analyzed its previous five years of work and incorporated insights from the Core Neighborhoods Plan, Growth Plan and Regional Housing Study to identify top priorities for the next five years: affordable housing (stability and preservation), ending and preventing homelessness (outreach), public infrastructure and facilities (collaborating with the Engineering Department on core neighborhoods) and fair housing, continuing the partnership with High Plains Fair Housing. For 2025, she said, plans include an alley paving project, continued Downtown homeless outreach with the Public Health team, and a new tenant-based rental assistance program, with higher allocations due to reprogramming of some 2023 and 2024 funds, into the new rental assistance. She said the public process involves recent public meetings and a 30-day comment period, with a request for plan adoption in two weeks, aiming for fund availability in early 2026. She said the funding includes normal 2025 allocations, reallocated funds from previous years and projected allocations over the next five years for both CDBG and HOME programs. While the City is planning for 2025, she stated, it operates on a five-year funding cycle, meaning there are still three years of previously allocated project funds, including HOME ARP dollars, actively being disbursed and monitored. She said this accounts for an additional $2 million in funds that are still being distributed into the community, beyond the current allocations. The City is currently in the Public Hearing phase for these plans, she said, and no action from the Board is required at this time with final consideration of the plans and proposed amendments to be determined at the July 21, 2025 City Commission meeting.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking if funds are expected to be eliminated in 2026, Ms. Crutchfield said she is not confident of the City's receipt of HUD funding in 2026 and beyond. She said ongoing conversations with their Denver HUD office and national peers suggest uncertainty about future allocations.
Mayor Mahoney noted the City's past successes in neighborhood restoration and low-income housing initiatives. He said Federal funding priorities can shift unexpectedly, yet there is satisfaction that the programs have been reorganized to ensure a meaningful impact on the community.
Mayor Mahoney closed the Public Hearing.
Municipal Airport Authority 2026 Budget Request:
Municipal Airport Authority Chair Paula Eckman said reducing the mill levy by half or entirely would result in a loss of approximately $15.8 to $31.5 million over the next 10 years, significantly stressing future Airport projects. This calculation accounts for a reduced mill value due to North Dakota's new 3% property tax cap, she said.
Tanna Aasand, Manager of Outsourced and Managed Services at Eide Bailly, said the Airport anticipates needing to secure an estimated $27 to $30 million in debt in 2027 before any mill levy reductions or removals.
Ms. Eckman and Ms. Aasand presented the following information:
• The Airport has strategically built up a substantial reserve balance through careful planning.
• Existing reserves of over $50 million were used for the terminal projects to minimize borrowing.
• Despite strong reserves, an additional $27 million in debt is anticipated for continued project funding, potentially through a bridge loan and revenue bonds, with a total cost of $42.7 million dependent on grant funding.
• The Airport needs to continuously build up reserves to provide matching funds for other major projects listed in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) over the next 10 years. A portion of the net income from operating accounts will be transferred to capital savings for this purpose.
• The Airport is undertaking three major terminal projects: terminal expansion, apron glycol disposal and apron reconstruction. The combined cost for these three projects is $161 million.
• Funds have been received from Federal and State allocations.
• The Airport received $45 million from a generational project grant, which was $15 million less than the requested $60 million. Reserves were crucial in covering this shortfall.
• All State and Federal grants require a local contribution from the Airport and local community.
• Approximately $20 million in grants are still pending. While hopeful for full approval, the Airport operates under the assumption that not all grants will be awarded. Even a 50% approval rate would likely deplete the current $50 million in savings. This will cover the current terminal projects without the need for additional borrowing or bonding.
• After the terminal projects, the focus will shift to aprons, taxiways and runways, requiring continuous infrastructure improvements.
In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney asking about the Federal funding percentage, noting that often Federal funding covers 90% of project costs, Ms. Aasand clarified that for awarded competitive and discretionary grants, Federal funding typically covers 95%, with the remaining 5% from State and local sources; however, the $20 million in pending grants are not yet approved and the Airport may not receive the full amount.
Ms. Eckman said that strong local support is crucial for securing state and federal funding.
Ms. Aasand said the current reserve fund balance is approximately $30 million, which is expected to be depleted upon completion of the terminal projects. She said property tax funding demonstrates local support to State and Federal agencies when applying for grants. The operating budget, which is not yet finalized for 2026, is separate from the capital budget, she stated and capital projects are funded solely by property taxes, and State and Federal grants. The estimated operating revenue for 2025 is between $3 and $5 million, she said and the estimated $27 million needed in 2027 for capital projects assumes 100% of excess operating funds from 2025 and 2026 are transferred to the capital fund.
In response to a question from Commissioner Turnberg asking why Fargo is the only municipality providing local support, despite the Airport benefiting the entire metro area, Ms. Aasand said Fargo is a municipal Airport, requiring it to seek funding from Fargo taxpayers. Regional airports, such as Grand Forks, typically receive county-wide funding, she said.
Ms. Eckman said discussions are underway within a Governor's Committee to explore a regional funding model for Fargo, acknowledging that the Airport serves a broader region than just Fargo.
Commissioner Strand said Fargo owns the Airport and is ultimately on the hook for its financial obligations, including backing loans for projects such as the parking ramp.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about the Airport's path to self-sufficiency, particularly with the new parking ramp expected to generate significant revenue, Ms. Eckman said the Airport will likely never be fully self-sufficient due to the continuous need for costly, large-scale infrastructure projects such as apron reconstruction, lighting, glycol disposal and runway extensions. She said the parking garage, funded by a 30-year, 2% loan from the Bank of North Dakota, is conservatively projected to be paid off in 10 years, which would be a significant achievement for the Airport.
Ms. Aasand noted an $800,000.00 loss in parking revenue this year due to construction-related inconveniences. She said she will provide a year-by-year breakdown of parking revenue, expenses and Bank of North Dakota payments to the Commissioners. She reiterated that parking revenue is classified as part of the Airport's day-to-day operations and any surplus from the operating fund is transferred to the capital fund to assist with capital projects; however, property taxes and grants remain the primary funding for capital projects.
Commissioner Strand emphasized the importance of continued communication and partnership between the City and the Airport, especially given the City's role in encouraging the Airport to proceed with the parking ramp project. The partnership will likely continue to be based on cash flow, he said.
Tony Grindberg Reappointed to the Renaissance Zone Authority:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Tony Grindberg be reappointed to the Renaissance Zone Authority as the Cass County Commission representative.
In response to questions from Commissioner Strand asking if the City and the County are on different pages with how much support is given for Renaissance Zone tax breaks and if the County only supports five years, would appointing Mr. Grindberg go down a path which would not be in sync with the City, Mayor Mahoney said the City usually appoints whomever the County presents to the Commission, even though the City and County may differ.
Commissioner Kolpack moved Tony Grindberg be reappointed as the CA County Commission representative to the Renaissance Zone Authority for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028.
Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Piepkorn, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Applications for Property Tax Exemptions for Improvements Made to Buildings Approved:
a. Matthew and Courtney Sizer (5 years).
b. Clyde Jr. and Katherine McArthur (5 years).
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the applications be approved.
Second by Turnberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Turnberg, Kolpack, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Request from Folkways to Close a Portion of Broadway for Upcoming Events Denied (Moved from the Consent Agenda):
Assistant City Administrator Brenda Derrig said staff's initial recommendation, presented on the Consent Agenda, was to deny the request to close Broadway. This recommendation aligns with the Downtown InFocus Plan, she said, which aims to keep Broadway open and minimize impact on businesses.
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield said the Plan is based on public input, and staff is currently not confident Downtown businesses and residents support frequent Broadway closures. There have been recent complaints regarding street closures, she stated, including those for the Fargo Marathon. The City is also in the process of updating its street closure procedures to improve communication and account for staff costs and public safety, she said.
Joe Burgum, Executive Director of Folkways, explained Folkways’ mission to create community experiences and drive foot traffic Downtown through events such as the Red River Farmers Market and Night Bazaars, which collectively bring more than 100,000 people to Downtown Fargo. He acknowledged that the request is non-standard and does not fully conform to current policies, which reserve Broadway closures for undefined legacy events. He said Folkways has successfully closed Second Avenue many times for events, demonstrating their ability to manage street closures. He said he amended the request to close Broadway for only one day, Thursday, July 24th, in conjunction with TEDxFargo's post-party. This proposed closure would be a one-block stretch in front of the Jasper Hotel and Daily’s Market, with no intersections closed, he said. The goal, he said, is to facilitate a Guinness World Record attempt for s'mores consumption and accommodate an anticipated 5,000 attendees, driving significant foot traffic to Downtown businesses. He said that Folkways' events on Second Avenue, which occur every Saturday, have not generated complaints, suggesting a positive impact and he hopes the Commission will consider this single-day, limited Broadway closure.
Commissioner Strand acknowledged Folkways' positive community impact; however, he emphasized that this topic has been thoroughly vetted by the Downtown Task Force for months. He expressed his intention to stand with the group's decision to uphold current policy, highlighting the difficulty in defining legacy events and setting precedents for closures.
Commissioner Kolpack said she supported taking a firmer stance on policy, especially with ongoing updates to the City's growth plan and requested the City define legacy events and establish a robust mechanism for capturing community input from Downtown stakeholders for future decisions.
Commissioner Turnberg expressed concern for business owners and also praised Folkways' events.
In response to a question from Commissioner Turnberg asking about using an alternative space, such as the Civic Center green space, Mr. Burgum said the event is designed to be contiguous with Broadway Square. He also said that Folkways directly engages with businesses and has not received opposition to previous closures, suggesting that complaint-based feedback might not fully represent business sentiment.
Commissioner Piepkorn acknowledged the past success of events such as ESPN's Downtown presence and also the current debate among business owners about the impact of closures. He noted that even popular events such as the Fargo Marathon are now being questioned. He emphasized the need for the City to ensure business owners are happy and that closures serve their intended purpose.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the request from Folkways to close a portion of Broadway for upcoming events be denied.
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.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
The Commissioners gave reports on the Boards and Committees on which they serve.
Resident Comments:
Joseph Garcia, Ryan Netterville and Christopher Coen spoke.
The meeting adjourned at 6:13 o’clock p.m.