Far More is Happening Here

Board of City Commissioners - March 16, 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 5:00 o'clock p.m., Monday,

The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.

Mayor Mahoney announced that the Board of City Commissioners will retire into Executive Session in the Red River Room for the purpose of attorney consultation regarding and in anticipation of reasonably predictable or pending civil or criminal litigation involving Angela Lipps and to receive its attorney's advice and guidance on the legal risks, strengths and weaknesses of an action of a public entity which, if held in public, would have an adverse fiscal effect on the entity. Thus, an Executive Session for this matter is authorized pursuant to North Dakota Century Codes § 44-04-19.1 subsections 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 and § 44-04-19.2, subsection 1.

Commissioner Kolpack moved the Commissioners meet in Executive Session in the Red River Room as authorized by North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.1 subsections 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 and North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.2, subsection 1 to discuss said matter.

Second by Turnberg. All the Commissioners 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 matter in Executive Session.
Members present were: Kolpack, Turnberg, Piepkorn, Strand, Mahoney.

The Executive Session closed at 4:57 p.m. and the meeting reconvened in public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m.
All Commissioners present.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.

A St. Patrick’s Day Parade video was shown.

Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the Order of the Agenda be approved, moving Item No. “22” from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.
Second by Kolpack. 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 March 2, 2026 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. Interest Buydown Agreement, Escrow Agreement – PACE Program and Community PACE Interest Buydown Authorization with the Bank of ND and Coneflower Farmhouse LLC.
2. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in Mehl/First Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.
3. Applications for Games of Chance.
4. Site Authorizations for Games of Chance.
5. Contract and bond for Project No. BR-26-H1.
6. Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with the ND Department of Transportation (Project No. QR-27-A1).
7. Contract award to Northstar Safety Inc. in the amount of $492,715.00 for Project No. TM-26-A1.
8. Contract award to Northstar Safety Inc. in the amount of $61,722.00 for Project No. TM-26-B1.
9. Bid award to Roadway Services, Inc. in the amount of $122,320.00 for Project No. PR-26-B1.
10. Bid award to Border States Paving, Inc. in the amount of $1,029,252.50 for Project No. SR-26-A1.
11. Right of Entry for Survey with Otter Tail Power Company for 64th Avenue North.
12. Bridge Maintenance Agreement with the City of Moorhead, Park District of the City of Fargo and Clay County.
13. Road Reconstruction Agreement with Case Equipment Corporation a/k/a Case Corporation.
14. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. NR-26-A2 (general construction contract).
15. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. NR-26-A3 (electrical construction contract).
16. Access Agreement with YWCA Cass Clay and Lantern Light LLC for 1101 32nd Avenue South - 3003 11th Street South (Improvement District No. BR-26-H1).
17. Bid award to Dakota Underground Company Inc. in the amount of $2,785,515.83 for Improvement District No. BR-26-C1.
18. Bid award to Asphalt Preservation Company, Inc. in the amount of $2,025,988.23 for Improvement District No. PR-26-C1.
19. Create Improvement District No. BR-26-F and adopt Resolution of Necessity (Paving and Utility Rehab/Reconstruction).
20. Create Improvement District No. UR-26-F and adopt Resolution of Necessity (Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Lining).
21. Piggyback purchase through the HGACBuy Cooperatives Purchasing Agreement with Great Plains Fire Equipment in an amount up to $143,570.00 for structural firefighting turnout gear (PBC26129).
22. Agreement with Richland County Health Department for Family Planning Services (moved to the Regular Agenda).
23. Set March 30, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. as the date and time for a Hearing on a dangerous building at 115 6th Avenue North.
24. Direct the City Attorney’s Office to repeal Section 405 (Home Day Care Occupancy) of the International Property Maintenance Code.
25. Piggyback purchase through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Swanston Equipment in the amount of $102,973.66 for one Articulating Wheel Loader for the Solid Waste Landfill (PBC26132).
26. Piggyback purchase through the Duluth Transit Authority with New Flyer of America in the amount of $2,925,305.24 for the purchase of four buses (PBC26139).
27. Bid award to Johnson & Schock Excavating in the amount of $396,437.00 for Project No. WA2507.
28. Change Order No. 3 in the amount of -$6,629.00 for Project No. WW2005.
29. Bills in the amount of $6,375,314.05.

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.

Special Assessments for 2025 Sewer Repair Assessment Fees Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the special assessments for sewer repairs on the list of properties on file in the City Auditor’s Office.
No appeals have been filed in writing against any item appearing on such special assessments list and no person is present at this Hearing to appeal or offer any objection thereto.
Deputy City Auditor Angie Bear said the Sewer Repair Program provides homeowners with a structured way to manage the costs of essential sewer maintenance by allowing repair expenses to be charged as special assessments on their property taxes. In 2025, the City continued to offer financial assistance to qualifying residents, she stated, with any remaining balances then applied to their assessments and the costs are repaid over a 15-year period at a fixed interest rate of 5%. For the 2025 cycle the program covered 230 parcels, she said, representing a total investment of $3,181,377.95.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the special assessments for 2025 sewer repair assessment fees be approved as presented.

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.

City of Fargo’s Section 5310 Federal Transportation Administration Grant Preliminary Program of Projects for 2026 and 2027 Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this date and hour to consider the City of Fargo’s Section 5310 Federal Transportation Administration Grant Preliminary Program of Projects for 2026 and 2027.
The Board determined that no one is present to protest thereto.
Assistant Transit Director Jordan Smith said the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 program is a strategic initiative designed to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The program funds mobility management services and focuses on coordinating existing transportation resources, he said, such as MATBUS and other community providers, to ensure residents can efficiently access vital destinations including healthcare, employment and community programs. For the upcoming cycle, he stated, staff recommends approving the use of these funds as outlined in the current program of projects. The program’s Federal Apportionment has seen a steady increase, he said, rising from $234,000.00 in fiscal year 2024 to $246,000.00 in 2025, allowing for a slight expansion in the reach and effectiveness of these transit options.
Commissioner Strand moved the City of Fargo’s Section 5310 Federal Transportation Administration Grant Preliminary Program of Projects for 2026 and 2027 be approved.

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

Parcels of Land in Clara Barton School Addition Rezoned (1404 and 1406 7th Street South, and 1417 6th Street South) Approved:
At a Hearing held on March 16, 2026 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from P/I, Public and Institutional and SR-2, Single-Dwelling Residential to P/I, Public and Institutional.
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 proposal seeks to consolidate 25 existing lots originally platted in the late 1800s into a single, unified lot as part of a clean-up process. The Fargo Public School District recently acquired a residential property that will eventually be demolished, he said, while one privately owned residence remains outside the scope of this project. The entire school-owned block will now align under the P/I designation, he stated, which is the standard for government-owned facilities.
In response to a question from Commissioner Turnberg asking for clarification regarding the single residential property that was excluded and whether the School District had attempted to purchase that specific home or if the homeowners simply preferred to remain in their residence, Andrew Thill, Lowry Engineering said he did not have specific information regarding that property. The School District intends to demolish the newly acquired house this spring, he said; however, there are no immediate plans to rebuild on that space. He said the current priority is to finalize the rezoning and replatting so the School District is prepared for any future expansion projects.
Commissioner Strand said he has a personal conflict regarding the demolition of residential housing and recalled past instances where individuals had approached the School District to purchase vacant lots for housing and he questioned the logic of removing a viable home from the market when residential options are already limited. He asked for the long-term picture and how this expansion fits into the broader school reconfiguration and redistricting plans.
Mr. Thill said he could not speak for the School District’s specific future designs. He said the School District’s decision to invest in the parcel suggests a commitment to making future improvements at the current Clara Barton site, potentially to avoid having to relocate the school as the community grows.
Commissioner Strand said a joint meeting between the City Commission and the School District should happen in order to better understand the long-term future of neighborhood schools. He said he understands the School District's desire to secure land adjacent to current buildings and is concerned about the loss of residential housing before a clear plan is presented. He said he wants this conversation to happen soon before the School District's plans are so far out of the barn that the City can no longer influence the outcome.
Mayor Mahoney said he would coordinate a meeting to discuss the strategic intersection of City and school planning.
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 be accepted and the rezoning be approved on the basis that the proposal satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.

Second by Turnberg. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Piepkorn, Turnberg, Kolpack and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The Resolution was adopted.

First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in Clara Barton School 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 Clara Barton School Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.

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

Resolution Adopted Approving Clara Barton School Addition:
Commissioner Piepkorn offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption.
WHEREAS, A Plat has been filed in the office of the City Auditor entitled “Clara Barton School Addition” containing 1 Lot, 1 Block and 4.30 acres of land more or less, located at 1404 and 1406 7th Street South and 1417 6th Street South; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held January 6, 2026 by the Fargo Planning Commission, and notice of such Hearing had been published, as required by law, and said Plat had been approved by the Fargo Planning Commission and by the City Engineer; and
WHEREAS, The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing on said Plat in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo on March 4 and 11, 2026 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:05 p.m., March 16, 2026 at which time said Plat would be considered and all interested persons would be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings and recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission be accepted and the Plat entitled “Clara Barton School Addition” be and the same is hereby in all things affirmed and approved on the basis that it complies with the Standards of Article 20-06, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code, and that the Mayor of the City of Fargo and the appropriate City Officials are hereby directed to endorse their approval on the Plat and then direct Petitioner to file same for record in the Office of the Recorder of Cass County, North Dakota.

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:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the Resolution of Annexation of property in Section 35 of Harwood Township for 236.16 Acres for this property on file in the City Auditor’s Office.
No appeals have been filed in writing against any item appearing on such special assessments list and no person is present at this Hearing to appeal or offer any objection thereto.
City Administrator Michael Redlinger said following a previously passed Resolution of Annexation, the City is moving forward with incorporating this land, which already falls under Fargo’s zoning jurisdiction and the process has been smooth thus far; all affected property owners were notified and no protests were received. A key highlight is this annexation resulted in no additional road maintenance responsibilities for the City and there are no existing roads on the north or west sides of the property, while the Cass County Highway Department will continue to maintain the roads bordering the south and east, he said.
Commissioner Strand said he is skeptical about the immediate necessity of the annexation. There were zero formal protests from property owners, he said and his primary concern stems from the project's historical connection to the data center and its impact on relationships with neighboring cities. He said there is currently no compelling need to annex this specific section, characterizing the move as a leapfrog action. He said that until the ongoing mediation for the southern area is finalized, the property in question only minimally touches existing City boundaries and he is unconvinced the City should proceed with the expansion at this time.
Commissioner Kolpack offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, A Resolution of Annexation was published, as required by law, in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo on March 16, 2026, annexing approximately 236.16 acres of land located in Harwood; and
WHEREAS, The Board of City Commissioners finds and declares that no protests have been filed with the City Auditor's Office after publication of the Annexation Resolution adopted by the Board of City Commissioners on March 16, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the tract of land described in said Resolution of Annexation be and the same is hereby annexed to, made part of and included within the corporate limits of the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota, and that the City Auditor's Office be and is hereby directed to record said annexation plat in the Cass County Recorder’s Office in Fargo, North Dakota.

Second by Turnberg. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Kolpack, Turnberg, Piepkorn and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Strand voted nay.
The Resolution was adopted.

Hearing on an Application Filed by B2 LLC d/b/a Sign Badgers for a Property Tax Exemption Continued to March 30, 2026 (610 University Drive North):
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the application filed by B2 LLC d/b/a Sign Badgers for a property tax exemption for a project to be located at 610 University Drive North, which the applicant will use for a commercial sign design and fabrication shop; however, staff is requesting the Hearing be continued to March 30, 2026.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the Hearing be continued to 5:05 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Second by Kolpack. 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.

Scott Anderson Appointed Chief Communications Officer:
City Administrator Michael Redlinger said the Chief Communications Officer Selection Committee completed its final component of the selection process on February 13th following full-day assessments of three finalists. He said the day included a formal interview, a roundtable discussion with the Communications Department personnel and a presentation involving a mock emergency scenario. Following this assessment, he said, the Committee recommended Scott Anderson to be advanced as the preferred candidate. He said Mr. Anderson is currently working as the Communications and Public Relations Manager for El Paso County, Colorado and he concurs with the Committee’s recommendation and offers his support and endorsement for the appointment.
Mr. Anderson said he is excited to join the City's leadership team and his official start date is March 23rd. He said he was impressed by the comprehensive hiring process, specifically the diverse group of stakeholders who participated in interviews. He said he valued the depth of the conversations, the quality of the questions asked during his recruitment and he is eager to begin his work.
Commissioner Kolpack said the Chief Communications Officer position is operationally critical, as the Communications Department is currently at less than half its former staff size and urgently needs strategic leadership.
Commissioner Piepkorn said he opposes the Communications Department's expansion, saying it has grown excessively in the last five years. He said the City has the region’s highest-paid media company and its size out-scales local outlets such as KFGO or WDAY. He cited a recent Moody’s debt downgrade and criticized the decision to increase personnel costs rather than implementing budget cuts. The Communication Department's current scale is a fiscally irresponsible departure from its original function, he said.
Commissioner Kolpack said the Communications Department is actually downsizing, not expanding and there were previously 12 staff members and the Department has been restructured; two positions were eliminated and two were transferred to the Police Department. She said with the hiring of Mr. Anderson, the total team size will only be six people, leaving one additional vacancy still unfilled.
Commissioner Strand said he would have preferred to freeze all hiring until the next budget cycle. However, it was ethically necessary to honor the commitment made to the candidate, he stated, who is relocating his family for the role.
Commissioner Kolpack moved the appointment of Scott Anderson as Chief Communications Officer be approved.

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

Presentation of the Annual Review of F-M Ambulance, Inc. d/b/a Sanford Ambulance – Fargo:
Quality Resource Manager of Sanford Ambulance Tim Meyer gave a presentation of the services delivered to the community in 2025.

Presentation of the Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report:
Police Chief David Zibolski gave a presentation of the 2025 Annual Report.

Resolutions for an Amendment of the Home Rule Charter to Extend the Collection Period for Sales, Gross Receipts and Use Tax for Public Infrastructure and Ballot Language for the Proposed Amendment Adopted:
Assistant City Administrator Brenda Derrig said the current 1-cent infrastructure sales tax will be ending December 31, 2028 and City staff are requesting the City Commission approve a 20-year extension of the existing sales tax and the associated ballot language. She said this 1-cent is specifically allocated to core infrastructure in the City for roads, water and the sewer system. This is not a new tax, she stated; it is an extension of the current rate to ensure continuity in funding essential infrastructure services. The extension allows the City to plan long-term infrastructure needs and to continue to provide safe, reliable infrastructure to the residents, businesses and visitors of Fargo, she said. The annual revenue generated by this 1-cent sales tax is equivalent to 75% of the City’s total property tax collection, she said. To replace this funding or even a portion of it, she stated, the City would likely need to significantly increase utility rates or special assessments. Maintaining this revenue source ensures the burden for the City’s infrastructure is shared with the visitors and non-residents, she said, instead of being placed entirely on the City’s residents and businesses. The proposed ballot language mirrors the language that was approved in 2006, she said, and a successful vote will responsibly maintain essential infrastructure, protect Fargo families and businesses from higher bills by stabilizing property taxes, utility rates and special assessments, and make sure everyone who uses Fargo’s services helps pay their fair share.
Commissioner Kolpack expressed her appreciation for the extensive preparation and transparency surrounding the proposal, noting that the City Commission engaged in two in-depth brown bag discussions to fully understand the project's ramifications and highlighted the collaborative effort with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, which culminated in a formal letter of support for the initiative. She said most importantly, this measure is not a new sales tax, it is an extension of an existing one, reinforcing the financial structure is a continuation of current policy rather than an additional burden on taxpayers.
Commissioner Strand raised a crucial point regarding the legal and ethical boundaries of government involvement in elections. He sought clarification on which outside group or champion would lead the “Get Out the Vote” efforts and active advocacy for the sales tax extension. He said as a government entity, the City is legally prohibited from spending public funds to advocate for or against a ballot measure. The City can provide factual education and information to the public; however, it cannot explicitly ask residents to vote “yes” or campaign for a specific outcome, he said. A non-governmental partner such as a community group or the Chamber of Commerce must handle the persuasive side of the campaign which the Commissioners cannot legally perform.
Ms. Derrig said the City is currently coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce and the Building Industry Association (BIA) to address the need for a champion for the initiative and this collaborative effort focuses on providing thorough public education regarding the project's necessity and its overall impact on the City. She said the City handles the informational side and is actively working with these external groups to determine the structure and leadership of the advocacy campaign that will eventually bring the message to the community.
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Resolutions titled “Amendment of Home Rule Charter to Extend Collection Period for Sales, Gross Receipts and Use Tax for Public Infrastructure” and referred to as Attachment “A” and “Ballot Language for Proposed Amendment of Home Rule Charter to Extend Collection Period for Sales, Gross Receipts and Use Tax for Public Infrastructure” and referred to as Attachment “B,” be adopted and attached hereto.

Second by Turnberg. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolutions. Commissioners Kolpack, Turnberg, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Piepkorn voted nay.
The Resolutions were adopted.

Discussion Regarding Interim Leadership and Recruitment Timeline for Next Police Chief:
Commissioner Kolpack said with Police Chief David Zibolski’s retirement, she emphasized the importance of a stable transition for the Police Department’s 192 sworn officers and 31 civilian staff. She said the Police Department and the public deserve clarity and confidence in the continuity of leadership. Discussing these transitions publicly ensures the community understands how the process will be handled, she said.
City Administrator Michael Redlinger gave a presentation detailing the recruitment process and said Human Resources Director Jill Minette will assist in a collaborative search for a new Police Chief over the coming months. He said the Police Chief is an appointed officer under City Ordinance and the Selection Committee’s recommendation would be based on input from the Liaison Commissioner and City Administration. He compared this process to the 2020 Police Chief search and the 2025 Fire Chief search, noting that Police recruitment typically takes longer, approximately five months, due to extensive Federal background checks. He said that he and Ms. Minette met with Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz, who expressed a willingness to serve as the Interim Chief. He proposed a timeline where the position description would be finalized by late April, the job would be posted through mid-June, which is after the City election, and finalist interviews would take place in July. This schedule ensures the newly elected Mayor and Commissioners are seated and able to participate in the final selection, he stated, with a target start date in August or by Labor Day. He said the search would be national in scope and would include community engagement, such as a public reception and a selection committee featuring community voices.
Commissioner Piepkorn suggested shifting the entire timeline back by a month and that the current Mayor, who is also the Police Department liaison, should not be involved in the hiring process for a position that will serve under the next administration. He suggested waiting until the new Commissioners and Mayor are seated before officially beginning the search.
In response to a question from Commissioner Turnberg asking if the hiring process would mirror the recent Fire Chief recruitment, which she praised for its interactive elements such as open houses and QR codes for public feedback, Mr. Redlinger said the process would incorporate those successful strategies.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about the gap between the Chief's retirement on March 27th and the formal interim appointment on March 30th, Mr. Redlinger said the Assistant Chief automatically assumes the duties of the Chief in their absence; therefore, Deputy Chief Stefonowicz would effectively be the Police Chief starting March 28th, with the formal vote on the 30th being a retroactively applied administrative formality.
Commissioner Strand said that since only two current Commissioners are guaranteed to remain on the Board after June, it would be inappropriate for the outgoing members to define the process.
Commissioner Piepkorn clarified his suggestion, stating that while preliminary advertising could proceed, the formation of the Selection Committee should be delayed until July 1st to ensure the new administration has a say in the preliminary winnowing of candidates.
Mayor Mahoney said City administration would take the feedback under advisement and return with a revised timetable.

Financial Overview of the Resource and Recovery Center:
Commissioner Piepkorn said his primary concern is the transparency of the funding for the Resource and Recovery Center, specifically the commingling of anonymous private donations with public money. He said that is not a good recipe for government transparency and that is why he specifically requested a report from the Finance Department.
Mayor Mahoney said the decision to relocate the Resource and Recovery Center (RRC) out of Downtown was based on overwhelming community feedback and a survey. He said the City Commission actions on December 22nd solidified a pathway for the relocation of the RRC using private donations coordinated through the FM Area Foundation. While fundraising at the end of 2025 was challenging due to the fact that many donors had already committed their annual giving, he said, many are now pledging for 2026. He said the City intends to advocate for State support during the next Legislative session to bridge the gap between private donors and community needs. He said a building has been found and the cost for the fit-up of the building is about $1.44 million, significantly lower than the initial $2.5 million estimate. The City has received more than $100,000.00 in in-kind donations, he said and $70,000.00 in architectural services from Bloomberg Associates. Currently, $750,000.00 has been raised through pledges and donations, he said, some of which are anonymous, which is a common practice through the FM Area Foundation. He said the anticipated move-in date is May 1, 2026, with a two-year lease.
Commissioner Piepkorn said in-kind donations are insufficient given the City's recent Moody’s credit rating downgrade and the City lacks the funds for such commitments.
Mayor Mahoney said in-kind donations reduce actual expenditures and the City is financially stable, despite the downgrade, which he attributed to the size of the reserve fund. He said if fundraising falls short, the City has the funds to cover the lease and will honor the commitment to move the RRC, as requested by the business community.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about the long-term future of the Resource and Recovery Center's location and whether potential donors were hesitant to commit due to uncertainty regarding where a future Convention Center might be built, Mayor Mahoney said the locations are several blocks apart and engagement centers in other cities successfully coexist near Convention Centers, particularly since the RRC's hours, which are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., do not typically overlap with weekend convention events.

Applications for Property Tax Exemptions for Improvements Made to Buildings Approved:
a. Roger and Roselyn Haaland (5 years).
b. Julie and Colin Kloster (5 years).
c. Christine Gallagher-Lein (5 years).
d. Steven and Sarah Hoepfner (5 years).
e. Mark and Roxanna May (5 years).
f. Nicolas and Robin Christianson (5 years).
Commissioner Kolpack moved the applications be approved.

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.

Agreement with Richland County Health Department for Family Planning Services Approved (moved from the Consent Agenda):
Commissioner Piepkorn said he is opposed to the current scope and spending of Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH), specifically its involvement in regions far outside City limits. He said providing family planning services to Richland County and operations in Devils Lake are nonsense and the Department should focus exclusively on its primary responsibility to the citizens of Fargo. Beyond the geographic scope of services, he said, he has concerns about the City's financial health, citing a debt downgrade from Moody’s. He said rather than increasing taxes by $34 million annually, the City Commission should prioritize reducing spending and discontinuing regional programs the City can no longer afford.
FCPH Director Jenn Faul said regional health services are not a financial burden on Fargo taxpayers and are structured as revenue-neutral or profitable collaborations. She said regarding Richland County, the agreement provides a nurse practitioner once a month, which is a 100% pass-through arrangement where Richland County fully reimburses Fargo for staff time, travel and gas at Federal rates. She said regarding Devils Lake concerns, while telehealth was offered to support Devils Lake’s local health department, those services were ultimately not utilized and would have been provided on a fee-for-service basis. Beyond those specific locations, FCPH manages several State-funded contracts that extend Fargo’s expertise to up to six neighboring counties and these programs include emergency preparedness, environmental health and cancer screenings which are funded bi-annually by the State. She said the initiatives enhance Statewide health while ensuring Fargo is fully compensated and local taxpayers do not fund these regional services.
In response to a question from Commissioner Turnberg asking about the work-life balance of FCPH employees and are the Department's personnel being overextended, potentially leading to burnout or a decrease in the quality of service provided to Fargo residents, Ms. Faul said FCPH actively manages caseloads to ensure both employee well-being and consistent service for Fargo residents. She said while the Department recently navigated a period of being short-staffed due to an extended medical leave and subsequent resignation, an experienced nurse practitioner has since been hired to a part-time role, which provides critical support to long-term staff, some of whom have been with FCPH for more than 25 years.
Commissioner Strand moved the agreement with the Richland County Health Department for family planning services be approved.

Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioner Piepkorn 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:
Bradley Foster and Joseph Garcia spoke.

The meeting adjourned at 6:53 o’clock p.m.