Fargo City Commission - June 9, 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 4:30 o'clock p.m., Monday, June 9, 2025.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Turnberg, Mahoney.
Absent: Piepkorn, Strand.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
Mayor Mahoney announced that the Board of City Commissioners will retire into Executive Session in the Red River Room for purposes of discussing negotiation strategy, to provide negotiating instructions to the City’s attorney or other negotiator regarding various and separate pending or potential contracts for the sale of land by the City located west of the landfill, said separate contracts being between the City and Galvanizers, Inc.; WMF Properties, LLC; Hazer Ventures LLC; Scannell Properties, LLC; Thor Investments, LLC; and ARD Properties, LLC; as discussing such negotiations, strategy and pricing in an open meeting would have a negative fiscal effect on the bargaining position of the City of Fargo. An Executive Session for this matter is authorized pursuant to North Dakota Century Code §44-04-19.1 subsection 9.
Commissioner Turnberg moved the Commissioners meet in Executive Session in the Red River Room as authorized by NDCC, Section 44-04-19.1, subsection 9 to discuss said matters.
Second by Kolpack. All the Commissioners present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
At 4:34 o’clock p.m. the Board moved to the Red River Room to discuss said matters in Executive Session.
Members present were: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney.
The Executive Session closed at 4:58 p.m. and the meeting reconvened in public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
Members present were: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
A video highlighting the RedHawks baseball game was shown.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Order of the Agenda be approved.
Second by Piepkorn. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Strand moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on May 27, 2025 be approved as read.
Second by Turnberg. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpak moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:
1. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 25-1506, of Article 25-15, of Chapter 25, of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Licenses - Classifications.
2. Waive requirement to receive and file an Ordinance one week prior to 1st reading and 1st reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 18-0310 of Article 18-03 of Chapter 18 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Public Ways and Places.
3. 1st reading of the following Ordinances:
a. Repealing and Re-Enacting Article 21-01 of Chapter 21 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Building Code.
b. Repealing and Re-Enacting Article 21.2-01 of Chapter 21.2 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Existing Building Code.
c. Repealing and Re-Enacting Chapter 21.3 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Energy Conservation Code.
d. Repealing and Re-Enacting Sections 9-0701 and 9-0704 of Article 9-07 of Chapter 9 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Fire Protection and Prevention.
e. Repealing and Re-Enacting Article 30.1-01 of Chapter 30.1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Fuel Gas Code.
f. Amending Section 30-0106 of Article 30-01 of Chapter 30 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Mechanical Code.
g. Repealing and Re-Enacting Article 31-01 of Chapter 31 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Property Maintenance Code.
h. Repealing and Re-Enacting Article 21.1-01 of Chapter 21.1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the International Residential Code.
4. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 8-1425 of Article 8-14 of Chapter 8 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Traffic Code.
5. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 1-0305 (C)(2) & (5) of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
6. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 12-0105(E), of Article 12-01, of Chapter 12, of the Fargo Municipal Code, Relating to Running At Large Prohibited - Habitually At Large; an Ordinance Amending Section 12-0117, of Article 12-01, of Chapter 12, of the Fargo Municipal Code, Relating to Potentially Dangerous and Dangerous Dogs; and an Ordinance Amending Section 1-0305, of Article 1-03, of Chapter 1, of the Fargo Municipal Code, Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
7. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 25-1512, of Article 25-15, of Chapter 25, of The Fargo Municipal Code, Relating to Licenses - Termination, Suspension, Revocation, and Sanctions.
8. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 25-1507 (F) of Article 25-15 of Chapter 25 of the Fargo Municipal Code, Relating to Alcoholic Beverages.
9. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 25-1512 of Article 25-15 of Chapter 25 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Alcoholic Beverages.
10. Receive and file the Summons and Complaint relating to Sheilk Sheriff v. Andrew Payne, an individual and City of Fargo, a municipality.
11. Direct the City Attorney’s Office to make the necessary Ordinance/Home Rule Charter amendments to comport with recent State Law revisions.
12. Site Authorizations for Games of Chance:
a. Fargo Angels Hockey at Radisson Blu.
b. ND Horse Park Foundation at The Boiler Room.
c. Sharehouse, Inc. at the Bismarck Tavern.
d. Sharehouse, Inc. at Rick’s Bar and Grill.
e. Sharehouse, Inc. at the Round Up.
f. Sharehouse, Inc. at Woody’s Bar.
13. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. North Dakota CPA Society Foundation for a raffle from 6/16/25 to 6/17/25.
b. Sharehouse Foundation for a raffle on 6/12/25.
c. Villa Nazareth d/b/a CHI Friendship for a raffle on 10/10/25.
14. Right of Way Use Agreement with Bison Gold Investments, LLC for 1141 18th Street North.
15. Non-Exclusive Right of Way Occupancy Agreements with Gateway Infrastructure, LLC and Ubiquity North Dakota, LLC.
16. Variance Acknowledgement and Liability Waiver with 3222 LLC for 3501 Main Avenue.
17. 2024 Capital Improvement Plan revisions.
18. Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $175,950.75 for Project No. SR-25-B1.
19. Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $147,262.21 for Project No. TM-25-A1.
20. Removal of Project No. TR-26-B0 from the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
21. Task Order No. 1 with Moore Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $140,000.00 for Project No. MS-25-E0.
22. Create Improvement District No. BR-25-H and adopt Resolution of Necessity.
23. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-25-A1.
24. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-25-B3.
25. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-25-G1.
26. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. PN-25-A1.
27. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. PR-25-F1.
28. Items from the FAHR Meeting:
a. Receive and file Sales Tax Revenue Update.
b. Utilization of the STOP Grant for the purchase and implementation of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP).
c. Reallocation of unspent funds from Project No. WW1707 for a Solids and Dewatering Facility Plan which may include a Pilot Study.
29. Change Orders for Fire Station No. 5 Renovation Project (ITB24276):
a. No. 1 in the amount of $4,540.00 (mechanical construction contract).
b. No. 3 in the amount of -$1,386.40 (general construction contract).
c. No. 2 in the amount of $675.63 (electrical construction contract).
30. Contract with Kilbourne Construction Management, LLC (SSP25163).
31. Lease with Option to Purchase Agreement with CapFirst Equipment Finance, Inc. (RFP25014).
32. Bid award to Compass Minerals America, Inc. for the 2025/2026 highway deicing salt contract (RFP25165).
33. Bid awards for the Public Works Admin Building Exterior Improvements, as presented (ITB25189).
34. Authorize staff to submit proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goals for FY 2026-2028 to the Federal Transit Administration.
35. Amendment #1 to the State Contract #283 (Paratransit Software) with Via Mobility, LLC.
36. Transit Public Comment Process on Fare/Service Changes.
37. Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan Update.
38. MATBUS Transit Asset Management Plan.
39. Bid advertisement for Project No. WA2403 (Lead Service Line Replacement Phases 1 through 4).
40. Employer Acceptance Agreement adopted by North Dakota Rural Water Association to utilize an apprentice program for training Water Treatment Plant personnel.
41. Direct the City Attorney’s Office to draft revisions to Article 16-09.
42. Easement (Temporary Construction Easement) with Fargo Public School District No. 1 for Project No. WA2502 (Water Tower Demolition).
43. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Subgrant Agreement for PDM 2018 between the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and the City of Fargo (Project No. WW1707).
44. Bills in the amount of $11,138,159.06.
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.
Gary Lorenz Appointed Fire Chief:
City Administrator Michael Redlinger said that after interviewing the three finalists in person, the Selection Committee recommended Gary Lorenz as the candidate to be considered for appointment to the position. He said Mr. Lorenz will be appointed and sworn into the position in July.
Commissioner Kolpack extended gratitude for the participation and invaluable input from all who we involved in this process, it was a crucial part of the final decision. She said there was an excellent applicant pool from diverse backgrounds and it was narrowed down to three outstanding finalists. She said she has stated this publicly before; however, anyone of them would have been a superb choice. She said she fully supports the final decision and thanks all who were involved in the process.
Commissioner Kolpack moved the recommendation to appoint Gary Lorenz Fire Chief be approved.
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.
Construction Update:
City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs presented the monthly construction update, specifically covering projects overseen by the Engineering Department. He said that since last month, there have not been any safety incidents or injuries on any of the projects. He said one of the major ongoing projects is the 45th Street South concrete pavement repair, with traffic reductions between I-94 and 32nd Avenue South, aiming for completion by the end of July after contractors merged Phases 2 and 3 for less long-term impact, he said. Currently, 32nd Avenue South is closed between 15th and 18th Streets, he stated, with business access maintained, underground utility work and paving are underway and the section between 15th and 17th Streets is expected to reopen in early July, including specialized trenchless boring under the Milwaukee Trail. NP Avenue recently began work between Broadway and Roberts Street, he said, with pavement removal complete and underground utility installation in progress. There are numerous other projects, he said, including mill and overlay, City-wide sidewalk replacement, concrete spot repair and four street reconstruction projects in core neighborhoods (Roosevelt, Hawthorne and Longfellow), alongside City-wide seal coat, fiber expansion for the Red River Regional Dispatch Center, various sanitary sewer manhole and storm sewer repairs, a sanitary sewer lining project and a safety improvement project on Veterans Boulevard in partnership with West Fargo to remove negative left-turn offsets. He said the Shared Use Path along the river between 35th and 40th Avenues South is complete, with final grading underway. He said new development projects include Dakota Commerce Center North, focusing on a sanitary sewer lift station, curb and gutter and final grading; Southwest Metro Pond, where significant clay excavation and box culvert crossings are active; and the Interstate Business District Addition, with underground utilities on 44th Street and roadway surface preparation. He said for flood risk management, Lift Station 27 on 32nd Avenue South continues with concrete wall pouring involving extensive reinforcement. Finally, he said, the completed projects for the year include the City-wide crack fill, a slide repair at 9th Avenue South near I-29 and storm lift stations 11 and 57 near Trollwood.
Permanent Route and Service Change for LinkFM Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider permanent route and service changes for LinkFM, notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo on May 15 and 27, 2025.
The Board determined that there have been no written or verbal protests and no one is present to protest thereto.
Assistant Transit Director Cole Swingin said LinkFM was first imagined about ten years ago as a way to connect Downtown Fargo and Downtown Moorhead. He said the idea was to let Moorhead residents park in their Downtown, then take the bus into Downtown Fargo for shopping, work or other activities, particularly due to parking challenges in Fargo at the time. Over the next few years, he said, there was a decline in ridership and by 2020, there was a significant decline in service, making it an “episodic” service, meaning it only ran for specific major events in the Downtown area. These events included Celtic Festival, Scandinavian Festival, Downtown Street Fair and some events at the Bluestem Center for the Arts, he said. This initial decline was partly due to COVID-19, but a major contributing factor has been the increase in parking options in Downtown Fargo, with several new parking garages completed, he said. Due to these factors, coupled with external challenges such as the ongoing construction at the Moorhead Center Mall site, which will cause road closures on typical routes this summer, Transit is recommending the permanent discontinuation of the LinkFM service, he said. There has been significant difficulty in planning service for this year due to construction at the Moorhead Center Mall site, he said, and this is an opportune moment to sunset the program. Public input was solicited at the Ground Transportation Center, he said; however, no comments were received and the recommendation now is to eliminate the LinkFM event services mentioned previously, effective today.
Commissioner Strand said it is important to recognize the significant financial challenges in providing Transit services across the entire metro area; the City is facing necessary belt-tightening. He said this particular service exemplifies an area where, despite its benefits, the City no longer has the luxury of providing what has become a fringe or extra offering, given the need to be fiscally responsible with public funds.
Commissioner Strand moved the permanent route and service change for LinkFM be approved, as presented.
Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Piepkorn, Kolpack, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Application Filed by Bert’s Truck Equipment of Moorhead, Inc. for a Property Tax Exemption Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on an application filed by Bert’s Truck Equipment of Moorhead, Inc. for a property tax exemption for property located at 2601 3rd Avenue North, which the applicant will use for the manufacturing and assembly of snow plow trucks.
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.
City Assessor Mike Splonskowski said this application is for a five-year, 100% exemption of the total improvement value of the manufacturing project. He said the company will be converting a warehouse facility into a manufacturing facility by adding a paint booth, overhead cranes, electrical and office upgrades as well as an exterior update. He said the company will create 21 full-time jobs at an average wage of $33.00 per hour.
Ryan Asheim, President and CEO of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), said Bert’s, a family-owned, North Dakota-certified primary sector company founded in 1939, is expanding its operations. He said that three of the five generations are involved including President Jeremy Gregoire. Bert’s specializes in providing customized equipment solutions for the trucking industry, he said, retrofitting and upgrading heavy-duty factory equipment with unique features such as crane systems, flatbeds, utility bodies and plows. Having outgrown its current 100,000 square foot multi-building facility in Moorhead and now turning away projects due to lack of space, he said, the company is expanding into a 50,000 square foot facility in Fargo. This move, he said, transparently coordinated with Moorhead authorities after an unsuccessful local search, will not diminish the Moorhead operations. The new Fargo facility will undergo significant improvements, he said and is projected to create 18 new high-paying jobs (averaging $75,000.00 before benefits) in the first year growing to 30 jobs by year five.
Jeremy Gregoire, President of Bert’s Truck Equipment, said they are deeply committed to the community by volunteering, sponsoring, donating and actively supporting its growth. He said the company also prioritizes employees as evidenced by multiple father-son and grandfather-grandson combinations working for the company, reflecting the commitment to fair treatment, good benefits and competitive pay. He said this new building will focus primarily on manufacturing snow plow trucks and the current facility cannot handle the demand and has been unable to take on new business even after exploring unsuitable options in Moorhead. For this new building, he said, significant upgrades are planned with the goal of creating a solid business foundation and continuing to grow and add jobs.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved that the application filed by Bert’s Truck Equipment for a five-year, 100% property tax exemption pursuant to Chapter 40-57.1, NDCC be approved.
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.
Request for Proposals for the Convention Center Project Approved:
City Administrator Michael Redlinger said the Fargo Convention Center Committee has been meeting since February to create a process for selection of a site and developer for the facility. The Committee developed a three-phase process for the selection of the Convention Center site and developer, he stated and the first phase requests general information on a site, a conceptual plan and information on the development team. After scoring the initial proposals, he said, up to five groups will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal as part of a second phase. The final phase will be negotiation of an agreement with the group determined to be the best proposal, he said. At each step in the process, he said, the Committee will make recommendations to the City Commission and the City Commission will make decisions at each stage of the review process. The Committee developed scoring criteria for the first phase of the process, he said, and a Request for Proposals has been prepared that includes those criteria, a description of the process, a timeline and information to be submitted by developers interested in building and/or operating the Convention Center.
Visit Fargo Moorhead President Charley Johnson said there has been great progress on this project and the Committee has been working hard since February, even visiting other convention centers. He said if everything goes as planned tonight, the Committee will get a short break, then dive back in when proposals start coming. The RFP is finalized, the Committee has given its stamp of approval, he said, and now the Committee is asking the City Commission to approve it so it can get sent out to prospective developers.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn regarding the timeline, Mr. Johnson said if approved tonight, the RFP will be available by June 11th. Developers will then have a 30-day period to submit questions to the City and have them answered. He said the Committee will meet on July 18th to review the questions and following this, developers will have until August 7th to submit initial proposals. He said this marks the first phase of what will be a three-phase project, inviting anyone with a proposal to submit. He said the Committee will review the submissions after August 7th, and while the exact timeline for subsequent phases is not final, it depends on the scoring of the first round. He said the second phase will begin in August.
In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney regarding the taxes, Mr. Johnson said there are no lodging taxes collected until the project is approved.
Commissioner Kolpack said the Committee has met consistently every week for several weeks, demonstrating excellent participation. She said a standout moment for her was the meticulous, line-by-line discussion to determine the ranking weight for each category, highlighting the thoroughness of their work.
Commissioner Piepkorn said that the Committee has a good mix of people, which has been beneficial. He noted that visiting the convention centers in Rochester and St. Cloud was particularly insightful and seeing the facilities in person and speaking directly with the operators was invaluable as it offered perspectives that truly benefited everyone. He thanked Mr. Johnson for organizing the trip, believing it was money well spent and that they all learned a great deal.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand about site control, Mr. Johnson said the RFP language requires developers to inform the Committee about the status of the land for any proposed locations, as they are unaware of which sites might be suggested. He recalled an inquiry about a couple of City-owned locations, including the Civic Auditorium. He reiterated that, as previously stated, it would be up to interested parties to approach the City directly to determine if they could make something work with those sites. He emphasized that while they do not know the exact locations that will be proposed, the RFP mandates that the initial response must clarify whether the land is owned by the developer, needs to be acquired at a cost or detail the overall situation. He said, ultimately, the land must be demonstrably available to the proposer in some form if they intend to submit a project.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand regarding the hotel aspect of the project, Mr. Johnson said this initiative was designed as a public-private partnership. He said the public contribution involves utilizing an additional 3% lodging tax to fund the Convention Center portion and the private aspect entails an attached hotel, which does not necessarily have to be newly built but must be directly connected. He emphasized that the Committee is open to various proposals; however, expects to know the nature of the proposed hotel. He said the RFP includes suggested minimums for various elements, including the hotel, recommending a range of 150 to 200 rooms. Beyond these suggestions, he stated, it is up to the developers and bidders to articulate specific plans for the hotel and its proposed location.
Commissioner Piepkorn explained that the scoring gives extra points for being near existing infrastructure such as restaurants; however, there is also the importance of having room for future expansion. He noted that these seemingly opposing but important factors are part of the meticulous scoring process. He said he is very much looking forward to the proposals, expecting some surprising submissions.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved that the Request for Proposals for the Convention Center Project be approved.
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.
Applications for Property Tax Exemptions for Improvements Made to Buildings Approved:
a. Wade Savageau (5 years).
b. Barry and Kay Male (5 years).
c. Preston Bolton (5 years).
Commissioner Kolpack moved the applications be approved.
Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Randy Engelstad Reappointed to the Special Assessment Commission:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Randy Engelstad be reappointed to the Special Assessment Commission.
Commissioner Strand moved Randy Engelstad be reappointed to the Special Assessment Commission for a three-year term ending June 1, 2028.
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.
Amy Ouren Reappointed to the Library Board:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Amy Ouren be reappointed to the Library Board.
Commissioner Strand moved Amy Ouren be reappointed to the Library Board for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028.
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.
Tracy Walvatne and Deb Williams Reappointed to the Arts and Culture Commission:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Mahoney recommending that Tracy Walvatne and Deb Williams be reappointed to the Arts and Culture Commission. He said Tracy Jordre has resigned from the Board and at this time the City is not planning to fill that vacant position.
Commissioner Kolpack said she wanted to thank Ms. Jordre, who is the former Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission where she dedicated significant time. She said she now serves on the Planning Commission and she appreciates her continued service to the City.
Commissioner Strand moved Tracy Walvatne and Deb Williams be reappointed to the Arts and Culture Commission for three-year terms ending June 1, 2028.
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.
Measles Update:
Director of Field Services for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDDHHS) Brenton Nesemeier said as of Friday, June 6, 2025, a nationwide total of 1,168 measles cases have been reported across 34 states and jurisdictions. North Dakota accounts for 34 of these cases, he said, broken down as follows: Williams County with 16, Grand Forks County with 10, Cass County with 7 and Burke County with 1. He said NDDHHS updates its measles dashboard every night at midnight, so the most current information is available on the website each morning. He said measles cases are managed at the state level seven days a week, meaning if a case is reported on a weekend, a NDDHHS team member will contact the individual to gather exposure site information. Regarding common questions about measles symptoms, he said, since it is not a regularly seen illness, a fever is typically followed a few days later by a blotchy rash, which usually starts on the forehead or face and spreads downwards. He said other symptoms resemble a general flu-like illness, including cough, runny nose and watery eyes and some individuals may also develop white spots in their mouth. He said the most effective way to prevent measles is through the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective, he said, with the first dose typically administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. He said individuals born before 1957 are considered immune and adults born after 1957, up to the early 1990s, may have only received one dose, which is considered acceptable. He said the recommendation for a second dose began in the late 1980s and early 1990s following a large nationwide outbreak. To determine immunization status, he said, individuals can visit the NDDHHS website to complete an immunization status request. He said a convenient app called "Docket" is also available for download, allowing users to pull and print their official immunization records. He said some counties, such as Williams County, have enhanced vaccine recommendations, meaning children under age one can receive an MMR dose or a second dose 28 days after their first. Currently, he said, NDDHHS is not recommending these enhanced measures in Cass County, as they have not detected or have reason to believe there is community transmission; however, should community transmission be detected in Cass County, NDDHHS, in collaboration with Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH), would issue a news release to inform citizens about updated vaccine recommendations.
Director of Fargo Cass Public Health Jenn Faul explained that all of Fargo's measles cases are linked, which is why there is no evidence of community transmission or spread. She said FCPH recently hosted two measles clinics in May, successfully immunizing an additional 48 adults. She said immunizations remain available during regular clinic hours, and the clinic administered 15 more immunizations just last week, continuing to offer them as needed. She said FCPH also collaborated with other local healthcare providers to develop and distribute a healthcare provider network and response plan. It was decided at the State level that local public health units across North Dakota would not conduct measles testing; therefore, she said, FCPH is actively working with its healthcare partners to establish clear communication and distribution methods for testing services within the City.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking how will measles be affecting Fargo, Ms. Faul said that no new measles cases have been presented in the area since May 25, 2025. She said this is largely due to individuals quarantining and being responsive, which is crucial to prevent further spread. She said the NDDHHS website, where individuals can find a list of exposure sites, is a resource detailing specific locations, dates and times where people who tested positive for measles had traveled. She highlighted the importance of this information because the measles virus can remain airborne for several hours after an infected person has left an area. Therefore, she said, individuals who were in the same location during the specified times could potentially contract the virus if they are not immunized.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand regarding the vaccination rate in Fargo, Mr. Nesemeier said that in the Cass County it is around 90% to 93%, which is just below the 95% immunity; however, between working with the pediatric clinics and FCPH and other providers everyone is working hard to bring that rate up.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
The Commissioners gave reports on the Boards and Committees on which they serve.
Resident Comments:
Olivia Fischer, Jim Shaw, Scott Wagner, Karla Rose Hanson, Tony Grindberg and Christopher Coen spoke.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 o’clock p.m.