Board of City Commissioners - August 17, 2026 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 4:00 o'clock p.m., Monday, August 17, 2026.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Gullickson, Peterson, Strand, Boschee.
Absent: Turnberg.
Mayor Boschee presiding.
Mayor Boschee announced that the Board of City Commissioners will retire into Executive Session in the Red River Room for the purpose of discussing negotiating strategy and/or providing negotiating instructions to its attorney or other negotiator regarding a contract(s) with Kilbourne, LLC relating to the Convention Center project, which is currently being negotiated and to discuss these matters in an open meeting will have a negative fiscal effect on the bargaining position of the City; thus, an Executive Session for this matter is authorized pursuant to North Dakota Century Code 44-04-19.1, subsection 9 and North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.2, subsection 1.
Commissioner Gullickson moved the Commissioners meet in Executive Session in the Red River Room as authorized by North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.1 subsections 9 and North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.2, subsection 1 to discuss said matters.
Second by Peterson. All the Commissioners present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
At 4:02 o’clock p.m. the Board moved to the Red River Room to discuss the matters in Executive Session.
Members present were: Gullickson, Peterson, Strand, Boschee.
Member absent: Turnberg.
The Executive Session closed at 4:32 o’clock p.m. and the meeting reconvened in public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
All Commissioners present (Commissioner Turnberg attending virtually).
Mayor Boschee presiding.
A video was shown highlighting the new leadership of the Red River Valley SWAT Team.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Peterson moved the Order of the Agenda be approved, moving Item No. “20” from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.
Second by Gullickson. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Peterson moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on August 3, 2026 be approved as read.
Second by Gullickson. 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. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Repealing Article 15-02 of Chapter 15 of the Fargo Municipal Code relating to the Human Rights Commission; 1st reading, 8/3/26.
2. Applications for property tax exemptions for improvements made to buildings.
3. Findings, Conclusions and Order of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo regarding a license violation for Pounds.
4. Findings, Conclusions and Order of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo regarding a license violation for Front Street Taproom.
5. Findings, Conclusions and Order of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo regarding a license violation for Wurst Bier Hall.
6. Findings, Conclusions and Order of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo regarding a license violation for NoBull Smokehouse.
7. Settlement Agreement and Release and Occupancy Agreement between the City of Fargo and the Kesselring Joint Trust UA.
8. Settlement Agreement and Release between City of Fargo and Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors, LLC.
9. Applications for Games of Chance.
10. Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $3,630.32 and time extension to Final Completion date of 11/14/2026 for Improvement District No. BN-25-C1.
11. Memorandum of Offer to Landowner and Permanent Easement (Sanitary Sewer) with Rodgers Real Estate, LLC (Improvement District No. BR-23-A1).
12. Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement and Financial Reimbursement and Special Assessment Agreement with TTC Building, LLC (Improvement District No. BR-26-F1).
13. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BN-26-B1.
14. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-26-D2.
15. Bid award to Robert R. Schroeder Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $6,488,013.15 for Project No. QN-23-B1.
16. Permanent Easement (Alley) with Spencer Runck (Project No. AN-19-A1).
17. Negative Final Balancing Change Order No. 3 in the amount of -$47,898.48 for Project No. TM-25-A1.
18. Resolution Authorizing Sale of Property and Purchase Agreements for City-owned property in Parkview South Eighth Addition (Attachment “A”).
19. Items from FAHR meeting:
a. Receive and File General Fund Budget to Actual - June 30, 2026.
b. Receive and File General Fund - 2026 Year-End Projections as of June 30, 2026.
c. Accept the FY 2025 State Homeland Security Grant Program award in the amount of $50,000.00 for the placement of anti-intrusion film on the first floor of City Hall.
d. Approve increasing the Purchase Order to Core & Main for Project No. WA2402 by $994,340.00 to account for the purchase of 2,000 Sensus Ally meters.
e. Approve acceptance of the $70,185.00 donation from the Fargo Police Foundation for Crowd Management Team equipment and related budget adjustment as presented.
f. Accept the FY 2025 State Homeland Security Grant Program award in the amount of $189,116.00 for various equipment purchases in Tactical operations along with Crisis Negotiations along with related budget adjustment as presented.
g. Approve the donation of $1,953.68 from OK Tire along with the budget adjustment as presented.
h. Approve a budget adjustment to move Primary Tax Credit revenue from Property Tax Revenue to Intergovernmental State Revenue in the amount of $5.7 million.
i. Approve a budget adjustment to reflect only 6 months of Axon expense in the 2026 budget, not 12 months as originally approved. See budget adjustment.
20. Agreement for Health Officer Services Between the City of Fargo and Tim Mahoney, MD (RFP26212) (moved to the Regular Agenda).
21. Set August 31, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. as the date and time for a Hearing on a dangerous building at 1433 4th Avenue South.
22. Set August 31, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. as the date and time for a Hearing on a dangerous building at 1334 1st Avenue South.
23. Resolution approving Plat of Christianson 32nd Avenue South Fourth Addition (Attachment “B”).
24. Piggyback purchase through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Henderson Products Inc. in the amount of $173,083.50 for the purchase of one Henderson Brinex Advantage Salt Brine Production System (PBC26269).
25. Direct the City Attorney to work with Public Works to review and add language regarding winter parking restrictions to Article 8-10 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Parking Regulations.
26. Extend the Services Agreement – Snow Hauling Trucking Services with Diesel Dogs Contracting, LLC for the 2026/2027 season (RFP25059).
27. Extend the Services Agreement – Snow Groomer Equipment Services with Midwest Snow Services LLC for the 2026/2027 season (RFP25198).
28. Bid awards to Master Construction, Lenzmeier Trucking Inc. and Oye Trucking LLC for 2026/2027 Snow Hauling Trucking Services and subsequent Services Agreements (RFP26226).
29. Lease with Option to Purchase Agreement No. CIT8530-145 with Kinetic Leasing, Inc. in the amount of $556,000.00 for a crawler dozer with waste handler package for the Solid Waste Department (RFP26057).
30. Contract and bond for Project No. WA2511.
31. Bills in the amount of $13,671,259.
Second by Peterson. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Peterson, Gullickson, Turnberg and Boschee voted aye.
No Commissioners being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
City of Fargo’s Sections 5307 and 5339 Federal Transit Administration Grants Program of Projects for 2026 Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour to consider the City of Fargo’s Sections 5307 and 5339 Federal Transit Administration Grants Program of Projects for 2026.
The Board has determined that no person is present to protest thereto.
Assistant Transit Director Jordan Smith said the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has made available to the City of Fargo $3,885,825.00 in Section 5307 funds for Public Transportation Operating Assistance and this allocation represents the full FFY2026 apportionment received directly by the City. He said the FTA has also made available to the City $334,470.00 in Section 5339 funds for capital projects and this allocation represents the full FFY2024 apportionment received directly by the City. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has also sub-allocated $137,000.00 in Federal Section 5339 funds to the City for capital projects, he said. The City is required to hold a Public Hearing prior to submitting and executing the grant application, he said and the Program of Projects has been developed by the Transit staff and will be submitted and executed with the applications. All projects identified in the Program of Projects that require funding from the City were included in the City’s 2026 budget approval process and the necessary local funding was approved as part of the adopted 2026 budget, he stated. Of the total allocation of Section 5307 funds, he said, $2,171,706.00 will be used to support eligible net operating expenses in Fargo, including security and safety activities, and a portion will be sub-allocated to Moorhead to support its eligible public transportation operating expenses. The Section 5339 funds will be used for a pedestrian warning system and the purchase of two micro transit expansion vehicles, he said and the local match required for these projects will be provided by Moorhead. He said the funds sub-allocated by the NDDOT will be used to purchase three road supervisor vehicles.
Commissioner Strand moved that the Program of Projects for 2026 be approved as presented and that staff be authorized to submit and execute the grant applications for Section 5307 Operating Assistance and Section 5339 Capital Projects.
Second by Gullickson. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Gullickson, Peterson, Turnberg and Boschee voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Reallocation of Fire Department Capital Funds Approved (Delayed from 8/3/26 Regular Meeting):
Fire Chief Gary Lorenz said he requested to reallocate 2026 budgeted funds, originally designated for mobile ventilation and mobile auto extrication props, toward two alternative operational priorities following a recent land acquisition and prolonged dry weather conditions. The Fire Department seeks to purchase shipping containers to construct a temporary live-fire training structure on newly acquired property, he stated, ensuring recruits and active staff can maintain annual burn certifications while permanent facility plans are finalized. The remaining funds would be used to acquire a multi-purpose, all-wheel-drive UTV with climate control through Public Works, he said. This versatile vehicle will enhance response capabilities for off-road grass fires, he stated and provide emergency medical coverage at major local events such as Fargodome games, street fairs and the marathon.
Commissioner Peterson said he pulled this item from the August 3, 2026 Consent Agenda because he wants to know the exact details of what the City is buying. He said this is the type of due diligence he brings to his role as a Commissioner and moving forward he wants to know specifically what he is voting for.
Commissioner Peterson moved the reallocation of Fire Department capital funds be approved, as presented.
Second by Gullickson. On call of the roll Commissioners Peterson, Gullickson, Strand, Turnberg and Boschee voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Wrigley Family Donation to Red River Valley SWAT Approved (Delayed from the 8/3/26 Regular Meeting):
Police Chief Travis Stefonowicz said the Wrigley family has generously donated $20,000.00 to the City of Fargo for the benefit of Red River Valley SWAT to support ongoing efforts to serve and protect the communities represented. He said the family requested the donation be used for protective equipment or other needs to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the team. The funds would be transferred into the Red River Valley SWAT general supplies expense account, he stated and once the funds are available, the team will follow City purchasing policies.
Kellan Benson spoke.
Commissioner Peterson said he pulled this item from the August 3, 2026 Consent Agenda to address how the City formally recognizes charitable donations. He said showing appreciation is a fundamental rule of fundraising and while SWAT team members send personal thank-you letters, the City Commission should issue a more official acknowledgment. By moving donor acceptances to the Regular Agenda, the Commission ensures a public discussion that highlights the contributor's generosity.
Commissioner Peterson moved the Wrigley family donation to Red River Valley SWAT be approved.
Second by Gullickson. On call of the roll Commissioners Peterson, Gullickson, Strand, Turnberg and Boschee voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Kelsey Roseth and Barb Ransom Reappointed to the Civil Service Commission:
The Board received a communication from Mayor Boschee recommending that Kelsey Roseth and Barb Ransom be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission.
Commissioner Strand moved Kelsey Roseth and Barb Ransom be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029.
Second by Peterson. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Peterson, Gullickson, Turnberg and Boschee voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Construction Update:
City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs presented an update on the progress of construction projects overseen by the Engineering Department and updates on the 64th Avenue South/I-29 and 76th Avenue South/I-29 interchanges.
Agreement for Health Officer Services Between the City of Fargo and Tim Mahoney, MD Approved (Moved from Consent Agenda):
Commissioner Turnberg said she pulled this item from the Consent Agenda to ensure transparency and that paying $3,200.00 a month for 4 hours of weekly work plus paid interviews warrants public discussion rather than a routine vote. She said her constituents deserve clarity on public spending.
Fargo Cass Public Health Director Jenn Faul said a health officer is statutorily required and detailed the position's history. She said the role was reduced from a 20-hour, $120,000.00-per-year position under Dr. Tracie Newman to a 4-hour weekly contract under Dr. Jessie Lindemann to make necessary budget cuts in 2025, bringing Fargo in line with regional standards. The current contract is set at a straightforward $3,200.00 monthly fee, increased by $200.00 annually, she stated, without additional stipends for malpractice or licensing fees. She said an active health officer is urgently needed to sign standing orders for upcoming back-to-school immunizations and flu season.
Commissioner Peterson compared the situation to former Cass County Coroner Dr. John Baird to illustrate how holding multiple part-time public roles can actually save taxpayer money. He said he supports the health officer candidate's value; however, he said he will vote against approving the contract because he believes postponing the item will present a valuable teachable moment to inform the public and dispel misconceptions.
Commissioner Strand said $200.00 an hour for a physician is a great deal for the City, especially given past difficulties in finding qualified candidates for part-time roles. He said he fully supports the Board of Health's vetting process.
Commissioner Gullickson said she supports approving the agreement and the position was properly vetted through a competitive process with four applicants. She said not approving the agreement would leave FCPH without necessary physician oversight during a critical back-to-school period.
Commissioner Turnberg moved the Agreement for Health Officer Services Between the City of Fargo and Tim Mahoney, MD be moved to the Finance Committee meeting on 8/26/26 for discussion and to then have the Agreement placed on the 8/31/26 City Commission meeting agenda.
Second by Peterson. On call of the roll Commissioners Turnberg and Peterson voted aye.
Commissioners Gullickson, Strand and Boschee voted nay.
The motion failed for lack of a majority.
Commissioner Strand moved the Agreement be approved.
Second by Gullickson. On call of the roll Commissioners Strand, Gullickson and Boschee voted aye.
Commissioners Peterson and Turnberg voted 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:
None.
The meeting adjourned at 5:56 o’clock p.m.