Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 07.21.2025
In case you missed the July 21, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Fargo Welcomes New Fire Chief with Swearing-In Ceremony
Gary Lorenz was sworn in as Fargo’s Fire Chief during Monday evening’s City Commission meeting. As the Commission’s liaison to the Fire Department, Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack administered the oath of office to Lorenz.
“During Fargo’s nationwide search for a new Fire Chief, Gary Lorenz rose to the top of a talented pool of candidates. He has the experience and skills to ensure the continued success of our high-performing Fire Department. I look forward to working with him,” stated Deputy Mayor Kolpack.
Lorenz brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to the Fire Chief position. He previously spent 28 years with the Fargo Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Assistant Chief. Lorenz most recently served as Chief of the Grand Forks (N.D.) Fire Department, a position he had held since 2018. Lorenz has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Fargo Fire Department. Their daily courage and dedication to this community are a true inspiration,” Lorenz stated. “I want to acknowledge Chief Steven Dirksen who did so much for the public safety of Fargo and this region. He established a high standard of excellence within the department that I will strive to maintain and advance.”
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked: “I’m confident that Fargo residents will benefit from Gary Lorenz’s steadfast commitment to community safety and resilience. His proven leadership, collaborative approach and strategic planning will strengthen the Fargo Fire Department and its coordination with public safety agencies across the metro area.”
Fargo Cass Public Health Awarded Immunization Grant
Fargo Cass Public Health has received a federal grant of $76,448 to help fund its work to increase immunization rates.
The objectives of the grant include assisting child care centers and schools in accessing student immunization records and determining compliance with immunization recommendations. Another objective is to identify areas or populations in the community with low immunization coverage and establish goals to boost rates.
Residents seeking information about immunizations through the Fargo Cass Public Health Clinic can visit FargoND.gov/Immunizations. Immunizations, including MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), are available by appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. To make an appointment, please call 701.241.1383 and select option 2.
The City Commission voted unanimously Monday to accept the grant, which is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
Fargo Updates Wildlife Management Program
In collaboration with the Fargo Park District and the Sandhills Archery Club, The City of Fargo maintains a Wildlife Management Program to control deer and turkey populations within city limits. The program aims to curb wildlife depredation problems through annual archery hunts.
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday to approve a resolution for the program’s 2025-2026 season, which includes two updates:
1. The hunting season will be divided into two segments: an early season and a late season. Although the overall hunting season dates remain unchanged (Sept. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026), hunters will be assigned to one of the two segments and may only participate in their designated segment.
2. The number of hunters permitted to hunt will increase from 50 to 100, with 50 assigned to each segment.
For more information on the archery hunts, please contact the Sandhills Archery Club.
The City of Fargo Awarded Cybersecurity Grant
Fargo has received a federal grant to further enhance the cybersecurity of the City government’s computer systems.
Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the federal government allocated grant funds to each state to distribute in 2025 and beyond. The grant funds are limited to unfunded cyber-initiatives.
The City of Fargo’s Information Services Department applied for the grant and was awarded $202,680 for cybersecurity expenses, with a cost-share breakdown of 70% federal and 30% local.
The City Commission voted unanimously on Monday to accept the grant, which is managed by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.
Commission Reappoints Members to Human Rights Commission, Liquor Control Board
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday to reappoint four members of the Human Rights Commission and two members of the Liquor Control Board.
On the Human Rights Commission, Nancy Boyle, Aaron Kawreh, Cody Severson and Sekou Sirleaf were reappointed to three-year terms ending July 1, 2028.
On the Liquor Control Board, Mark Doyle and Tatiana Hackman were reappointed to three-year terms ending July 1, 2028.
Residents are encouraged to research and apply for appointment to any of The City of Fargo’s boards, commissions and committees for consideration in the event of future vacancies. For more information on the responsibilities of each board, commission and committee, please visit FargoND.gov/GettingInvolved.
