Board of City Commissioners - December 22, 2025 Minutes
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, December 22, 2025.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
A video was shown featuring an update on fiber internet installation progress across the City.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the Order of the Agenda be approved.
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 December 8, 2025 be approved as read.
Second by Turnberg. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Strand moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:
1. Letter of Support for Northern Plains Mechanical to the ND Opportunity Fund Consortium.
2. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 1-0305 of Article 1-03, of Chapter 1, of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations and an Ordinance Amending Section 10-0304 of Article 10-03, of Chapter 10, of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Carrying, Possession, Discharge of Dangerous Weapons.
3. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in 45th Street Park Second Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.
4. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in 45th Street Park Sixth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.
5. Receive and file the Summons relating to Southern Valley Fire & Rescue Rural Fire Protection District v. City of Fargo and Cass County.
6. Applications for Games of Chance.
7. 2025 CIP Revisions.
8. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$157,981.68 for Project No. PR-25-A1.
9. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of -$159,945.50 for Project No. SR-25-A1.
10. Contract and bond for Project No. TR-26-A1.
11. Permanent Easement (Street and Utility) with the Park District of the City of Fargo (Improvement District No. BR-26-G1).
12. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of -$241,514.99 for Improvement District No. PR-25-F1.
13. Create Improvement District No. BR-23-A and adopt Resolution of Necessity (Paving and Utility Rehab/Reconstruction).
14. Create Improvement District No. BR-26-H and adopt Resolution of Necessity (Paving and Utility Rehab/Reconstruction).
15. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-26-E1.
16. City of Fargo Resolution Authorizing Officers to make Deposits and Withdrawals and approve the Designated Depositories (Attachment “A”).
17. Receive and file Limited Franchise Agreement between the City of Fargo and Cass County Electric, adding the area annexed by the City of Fargo on 11/21/25.
18. Items from the FAHR Meeting:
a. Receive and file General Fund - Budget to Actual through 11/30/25.
b. Request from the Finance Department to start the recruitment process for an Accounting Technician position, which may result in a brief front-load situation.
c. Use of Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure Grant funds for the creation of a contracted Enrollment Specialist position for two years in the amount of $60,000.00.
19. Notice of Grant Award Amendment from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for the Ryan White Part B Program (CFDA #93.917).
20. Notice of Grant Award Amendment from the ND Department of Health and Human Services for State Aid - Regional Environmental Health Services.
21. Lease with Cass County Government Offices of Coroner’s Office and Cass Country Emergency Management for a portion of the Fargo Cass Public Health building.
22. Resolution approving Plat of Champions Gate at Prairie Farms Third Addition (Attachment “B”).
23. Resolution approving Plat of Old Broadway Second Addition (Attachment “C”).
24. Services Agreement - Lawn Maintenance Services Agreement with Valley Green and Associates until 10/31/26 (RFP22037).
25. Services Agreement - Lawn Maintenance Services with JT Lawn Services until 10/31/26 (RFP23056).
26. ND Department of Transportation FY2027 - Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program Grant Application.
27. Bills in the amount of $14,506,019.77.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Kolpack, Piepkorn, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Renaissance Zone New Construction Project for Central at the Horizon, LP (Project 374-F) at 11 12th Street North Withdrawn:
This item was withdrawn.
Application Filed by Central at the Horizon, LP for a Payment in Lieu of Tax Exemption (PILOT) for a Project to be Located at 11 12th Street North Withdrawn:
This item was withdrawn.
Resolution of Annexation for 236.16 Acres, More or Less, in the Southeast Quarter and the East One-Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 35, Township 141 North, Range 49 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Cass County, North Dakota Continued to January 20, 2026:
A Notice was published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo, as required by law, on October 1 and 8, 2025 stating that a Hearing had been set for November 10, 2025 to determine the sufficiency of any written protests against the annexation proposed as set forth in the Resolution of Annexation.
At the November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to November 24, 2025. At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to December 8, 2025. At the December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Hearing was continued to this date and hour.
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Hearing be continued to 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
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.
Application to Transfer the Alcoholic Beverage License from Fargo South Hospitality LLC d/b/a Four Points by Sheraton to USH Fargo Ventures LLLP d/b/a Four Points by Sheraton Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the application to transfer the Class "FA" Alcoholic Beverage License from Fargo South Hospitality LLC d/b/a Four Points by Sheraton to USH Fargo Ventures LLLP d/b/a Four Points by Sheraton located at 5064 23rd Avenue South, prior notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo.
No written protest or objection to the granting of the application has been received or filed in the office of the City Auditor, and said application has been approved by the Police Department as to the character of the applicant.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection to the granting of the application.
Deputy City Auditor Angie Bear said there are no significant concerns and the Liquor Control Board voted to approve the transfer.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the application 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.
Appropriate Staff Authorized to Work with City Attorney to Prepare the Necessary Documents to Formally Transition Fargo Youth Initiative to the Fargo Public School District:
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield said since the Fargo Youth Initiative (FYI) was established in 2012, it has successfully empowered high school leaders to address local issues. However, following a City-wide review of Advisory Boards, the City is now transitioning the FYI toward a new, broader community-based model to better serve the youth and the community, she said.
FYI Chair Isabella Meyer expressed her gratitude for the group and the public speaking opportunities it has provided, noting her excitement for continuing to collaborate with students on upcoming community events.
Commissioner Kolpack described the transition as an exciting chance to evolve the FYI while reaffirming the City's commitment to youth voices. She emphasized the Board will remain empowered to provide direct input to City staff and Commissioners. Moving forward, the City will collaborate with current members to finalize the new structure, with plans to present the details to the Commission for a formal relaunch by February 2026, she said.
Commissioner Kolpack moved appropriate staff be authorized to work with the City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents to formally transition the Fargo Youth Initiative to the Fargo Public School District.
Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Strand, Piepkorn, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Update on Bridge Projects (12th Avenue North and 40th Avenue South Pedestrian Bridge):
Division Engineer Jeremy Gorden said the Engineering staff and Houston Engineering have been making progress on concept alternatives and are nearing a point where decisions need to be made. The first project is the 12th Avenue North Bridge over the Red River, he said and this update is meant to be informational in nature with the goal of returning to the Commission in the next few months for final decisions so the NEPA document can be finished and final plans can be developed.
Commissioner Strand said the City is prioritizing the replacement of the 12th Avenue North Bridge over the North Broadway Bridge primarily due to its strategic importance and flood safety. Since the removal of the toll, daily traffic on the 12th Avenue crossing has skyrocketed from 2,000 to 12,000 vehicles, transforming it from a 1985 private venture into a vital public artery. He said unlike the North Broadway replacement, which is seen as too expensive and unnecessary, the 12th Avenue project is a practical investment for the area's geography and allows for a new structure to be built entirely above the flood zone.
Mr. Gorden said in 2015 the 12th Avenue North Bridge became City property after a 30-year deal ended. It was originally built as a private toll bridge in 1985, he stated and the agreement required the owners to hand it over to the public after three decades even though the previous owner tried to keep it, the City successfully took control. He said technical experts have found the bridge was originally built low to fit the land and raising it high enough to stay completely above floods would be a huge task, requiring the bridge to stretch deep into Moorhead to keep the road at a safe slope. He said City engineers are moving forward with plans for a new pedestrian bridge at 40th Avenue South and this update was shared to keep the Commission informed, with final decisions expected in the next few months so they can finish the environmental reviews and start the final designs.
Commissioner Strand said security concerns regarding a new pedestrian access point connecting South Fargo via 40th Avenue to the backside of the Bluestem campus may mitigate potential issues such as vandalism or safety risks associated with nighttime foot traffic.
Mr. Gorden said the project includes plans for dedicated pedestrian lighting that will remain active after dark, he said and the lighting will extend from the bridge path into the Trollwood area aligning with the existing lighting style on the school district-owned campus to ensure the shortcut remains visible and secure.
Contract Renewal with Axon Enterprises Inc. Approved:
Police Chief David Zibolski said the Police Department is focused on using new technology to work more efficiently and better serve the public, and to support this goal, he is asking the City Commission to approve renewing and expanding the City's current contract with Axon Enterprises Inc.
Assistant Police Chief Travis Stefonowicz explained the Police Department began using Axon Technology in June 2021 thanks to a $3,000,000.00 initial investment. This system links body cameras, car dash cams, Tasers and a digital evidence storage platform into one integrated network, he said and after a thorough review by the Police and the City's purchasing division, officials determined that sticking with Axon Enterprises is the best choice. Renewing the contract ensures that all equipment stays compatible, evidence remains organized without disruption and the department can easily access new tech updates, he said.
Chief Zibolski said the recommended motion is to approve the renewal of the Axon Enterprises 10-year contract in the amount of $13,363,487.06, which supports long-term cost predictability, enhances operational efficiency and sustains innovation in public safety technology. Funding will be sourced through the Public Safety Sales Tax, he said and supported by the Fargo Police Department operational budget.
Commissioner Strand voiced strong support for the new law enforcement technology, comparing its potential to the success of body cameras introduced five years ago. He noted that although there was initial public doubt and privacy concerns, body cameras are now widely accepted as a valuable community tool. He said drawing on the success other cities have seen with newer technology, he predicts these tools will also gain broad public support once they demonstrate the effectiveness in improving safety.
Chief Zibolski said the City is moving forward with a major high-tech Police budget and the price tag is high; however, officials argue the cost is justified for the tools, mostly body cams and a few drones, that protect officers, streamline the legal system and save lives during search-and-rescue missions.
Commissioner Kolpack said this update is the next phase of Fargo’s public safety strategy, paid for by the voter-approved sales tax and by negotiating now, the City is locked in our 2025 prices, saving $8,600,000.00 in future costs. She said to ensure the public understands the benefits, the Police Department will launch a communication plan using social media and neighborhood meetings. Additionally, the program will not require hiring new staff, she said and it will be managed by current employees in the Real-Time Crime Center, with all necessary training already covered in the contract.
Commissioner Piepkorn said he has a strong opposition to the proposed 10- year, $13,000,000.00 contract, it is inappropriate to lock the City into such a long-term financial commitment just six months before a change in leadership. Due to a recent Moody’s credit downgrade, he said, the City should prioritize debt reduction over major new spending and while he reaffirmed his support for the existing Axon body cameras he would consider a one-year renewal and a decade-long agreement is a non-starter given the current fiscal climate.
Commissioner Strand said he supports the 10-year contract, noting it was already accounted for in the budget and the sales tax planning by the Finance Department. He emphasized the $8,600,000.00 discount was only possible by making a long-term commitment, describing it as a smart money move and the payment structure is spread over a decade and it is a sustainable, thoughtful investment that meets a critical City need without negatively impacting the immediate budget.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if this were a one-year contact instead of an expanded 10-year contract, what would that cost be to just continue for one-year Assistant Chief Stefonowicz said it would be difficult to nail down just the one year. The typical contract durations are five years and at the five-year contract, the City is looking at between $200,000.00 and $300,000.00 more per year and by going to 10 years, it is $8,000,000.00 less, he said.
Commissioner Strand raised questions regarding how this new technology will affect Police staffing and noted that having enough boots on the ground is a constant challenge as the City's boundaries and needs grow. He specifically asked how these technological tools will complement the current workforce and help address ongoing personnel shortages.
Chief Zibolski explained that the Police Department is pursuing two goals at once: hiring more officers and upgrading technology. He clarified that the money for this technology comes from a specific part of the Public Safety Sales Tax, so it does not take any funding away from the hiring budget. Over the next three years, the Department plans to hire 27 new officers, using technology to help them work more effectively rather than using it to replace them.
Commissioner Strand moved the contract renewal with Axon Enterprises, Inc. be approved.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners, Strand, Kolpack and
Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioners Piepkorn and Turnberg voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Auditor’s Office Restructure Plan Approved:
Mayor Mahoney recommended restructuring the Auditor’s Office following the retirement of Steve Sprague and the plan involves appointing Finance Director Susan Thompson as the new City Auditor and merging several functions of the Finance and Auditor’s offices to save money and improve efficiency.
Ms. Thompson said the recommended motion is to approve a six-month evaluation of the Auditor’s Office restructure plan, including reallocation of Finance duties from the Auditor’s Office division to the Finance division, moving records requests to the Auditor’s Office from the Communications Department and, effective upon the retirement of Mr. Sprague, appointing herself as the City Auditor in accordance with NDCC 40-15-05.
Commissioner Kolpack explained the City will move forward with restructuring the Auditor’s Office as soon as the current Auditor retires and this plan will immediately save the City $100,000.00 and improve efficiency. She said by scheduling a formal review in six months, the City can monitor the workload, especially for tasks such as public records requests and adjust if staff members become overwhelmed. She clarified while the merger is a permanent move, the check-in ensures the Finance Department has enough support to handle its new duties alongside their current responsibilities.
Commissioner Strand said the Commission reached a consensus to move forward with the reorganization while including a formal review and as a simple check on job descriptions and workloads grew into a broader plan to evaluate how the new department functions as a whole. He said in six months, the Commission will revisit the entire plan to ensure the transition is working and that all responsibilities are being handled correctly.
Commissioner Piepkorn said he opposes the restructure and it is inappropriate for the Finance Director to recommend herself for the City Auditor position. He emphasized the decision should be delayed, as new City leadership will be in place in six months to evaluate the appropriateness of combining these two historically distinct roles.
Ms. Thompson said the discussion clarifies the City Auditor title is a statutory formality rather than a traditional financial oversight role. She said the position is a legacy term required by law for all municipalities and does not involve performing actual financial audits or independent watchdog duties. Combining the Finance Director and Auditor roles does not create a conflict of interest or compromise the City’s financial checks and balances, she said.
Mayor Mahoney said the Commission retains the power to make changes at any time and the discussion also highlighted that Ms. Thompson already oversees the Auditing and Assessing departments; as such, she is assuming the formal City Auditor title as a sensible consolidation of her existing leadership duties and she is not requesting a salary increase.
Ms. Thompson said she is not requesting a pay raise for taking on the City Auditor title, as she believes she can manage the additional certification and legal duties within her current role. Instead, the plan involves increasing the pay for three senior staff members in the Auditor’s Department to reflect their new responsibilities, while other tasks are spread among existing Finance staff and this reshuffle improves efficiencies and stays within manageable workloads without needing a director-level salary increase.
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Auditor’s Office Restructure Plan be
approved and re-evaluating the restructuring in six months.
Second by Strand. On call of the roll Commissioners, Strand, Kolpack and
Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioners Piepkorn and Turnberg voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Lease Agreement and Relocation of the Resource and Recovery Center Approved:
Mayor Mahoney said that after careful planning, Fargo will move the Resource and Recovery Center from Downtown to a better, more central location by early 2026. He said the move is designed to make Downtown safer, support local businesses and provide better care for people experiencing homelessness. The project has the backing of more than 35 nonprofits and major partners such as Sanford Health he said, who will provide medical and mental health services on-site by bringing these services together in one spot. The City aims to offer better support for those in need while making Downtown a more inviting place for everyone, he said.
Fargo Resident Christopher Coen spoke.
Downtown Community Partnership Executive Director Rocky Schneider expressed strong support for the relocation of the Resource and Recovery Center, framing it as a vital step for Fargo’s continued growth and highlighting recent Downtown successes including record-breaking attendance at the Christkindlmarkt and Holiday Parade. He said moving the Center has been a vetted goal of the City’s InFocus plan for over a decade and credited recent mayoral leadership for improving public trust through community engagement. He said private partners are ready to provide substantial commitments to reduce the City's financial burden. He said the Commission should act decisively, stating the current facility is inadequate for providers and users alike and relocation is necessary to move the community forward.
Commissioner Kolpack expressed support for the relocation of the Resource and Recovery Center, highlighting the current building was never intended for its present use. She said she has been involved in private fundraising efforts and a successful meeting with the North Dakota Department of Health and the State will be a key partner in securing long-term sustainable funding. She said the City owes this move to the Downtown Business Community and the significant investments previously made in the area. She commended City staff for their innovation and stressed the transition is a necessary step to protect the entrepreneurial spirit and growth of Downtown Fargo.
Commissioner Turnberg requested clarification regarding the specific financial requirements for the relocation. She asked for a breakdown of the total funds needed to execute the move and sought confirmation on whether this interpretation of the previously provided budget figure was correct.
Mayor Mahoney provided an update on the project's funding, noting $500,000.00 has already been raised with additional pledges currently coming in via the FM Area Foundation. He said the initial renovation and relocation costs were estimated at $2,000,000.00 and pledges have successfully lowered the figure to approximately $1,500,000.00. He said there is strong community support and he has met with 30 local businesses and plans to meet with 30 to 40 more. Several have committed to helping close any remaining financial gaps if necessary, he stated.
Commissioner Strand described the relocation as a tough but essential choice. He said Fargo is a regional hub for those in need and there is no simple fix for homelessness. The Commission must take active leadership to make this transition successful, he said and Downtown Fargo has transformed from a vacant area into a major success story over the last 30 years; therefore, the City must protect business investments while also supporting vulnerable residents. He said he is committed to making the new center work and staying with the status quo is not an option for a City striving for its best potential.
Commissioner Strand moved the Lease Agreement and Relocation of the Resource and Recover Center be approved.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners, Strand, Kolpack and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioners Piepkorn and Turnberg voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Reappointments to the Board of Adjustment Approved:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney stating that the terms of Matthew Boreen and Michael Orth on the Board of Adjustment expired on June 30, 2025 and he is recommending their reappointments.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved Matthew Boreen and Michael Orth be reappointed to the Board of Adjustment for three-year terms ending June 30, 2028.
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.
Reappointments to the Historical Preservation Commission Approved:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney stating that the terms of Mike Dawson and Matthew Boreen on the Historical Preservation Commission expired on October 31, 2025 and he is recommending their reappointments.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved Mike Dawson and Matthew Boreen be reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for three-year terms ending October 31, 2028.
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.
Reappointments to the Renaissance Zone Authority Commission be Approved:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney stating that the terms of Deb Mathern and Prakash Mathew on the Renaissance Zone Authority expire on January 1, 2026 and he is recommending their reappointments.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved Deb Mathern and Prakash Mathew be reappointed to the Renaissance Zone Authority for three-year terms ending January 1, 2029.
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.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
The Commissioners gave reports on the Boards and Committees on which they serve.
Public Comments:
Garrett Carroll and Christopher Coen spoke.
The meeting adjourned at 6:27 o’clock p.m.