Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 05.12.2025
In case you missed the May 12, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Enhanced Security System Approved for Roberts Commons Parking Garage
The City of Fargo’s Planning Department is working to improve public safety at the Roberts Commons (RoCo) Parking Garage through the installation of a gateless security system.
The project at the parking ramp at 217 Roberts St. N. will add a secured-access system for vehicles to enter and exit through three high-speed roll-up doors. It will also include a security-access system for members of the public entering the garage from the south, northeast and west pedestrian entrances. The cost of the project is approximately $244,002.
The NP Avenue parking ramp, which is currently under construction in downtown Fargo, will also feature roll-up doors. To save money, one contractor will construct both roll-up door systems at the same time. The NP Avenue parking ramp is expected to be $414,565 under budget, and some of those funds will be put toward the security system at the RoCo ramp.
On Monday night, the City Commission unanimously approved the gateless security system project for the RoCo parking ramp.
MATBUS Drivers to Become City of Fargo Employees
MATBUS, the public transit agency that serves the Fargo-Moorhead metro area, will transition its drivers from contracted positions to positions within The City of Fargo. Taking this step will increase efficiency and, depending on route and service adjustments, could potentially save up to $2.4 million in Fargo’s 2026 budget.
MATBUS, which is overseen by The City of Fargo, has been contracting its drivers through TransDev. The transition away from the contract will affect 75 drivers, six senior drivers who provide training to new drivers, four road supervisors, an operations manager, fixed-route operations supervisor, safety & training manager, training specialist and a human resources position.
On Monday night, the City Commission voted unanimously to approve the transition plan and authorize MATBUS staff to take the necessary steps.
Fargo Fire Department Presents Annual Report
The Fargo Fire Department has completed its annual report for 2024, providing a detailed account of the department’s commitment to enhancing public safety in our community. The report offers important statistics on fire safety and outlines the significant accomplishments achieved by the department’s firefighters and support staff in the past year.
“The members of the Fargo Fire Department are the heart of our organization, and their steadfast dedication to ensuring they are trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice is nothing short of inspiring,” Fire Chief Steven Dirksen stated. “Their commitment to protecting life and property is the foundation of our department’s mission, and I could not be more proud of their service.”
Notable facts from the Fargo Fire Department’s 2024 Annual Report:
- Fargo firefighters responded to 14,222 calls for service, including 239 fires, 151 hazardous material incidents, 85 technical rescue incidents and 15 water rescue emergencies.
- The Fargo Fire Department conducted fire safety inspections of all commercial property, hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes and churches in Fargo.
- The Fargo Fire Department provided fire safety lessons to nearly 4,500 school children.
- Fargo experienced one civilian fire death and two civilian fire injuries; five firefighters were injured while serving the community.
- In 2024, 13 new Fargo firefighters completed the Metro Fire Academy hosted by the Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead Fire Departments.
The Annual Report highlights several significant events that occurred in 2024:
- The newly built Fire Station 8 became fully operational in October 2024 and is serving neighborhoods in south Fargo. The $5.3 million project was completed in 16 months and came in under budget.
- Fire Station 5 temporarily closed in September 2024 for reconstruction and renovation work. The closure is expected to last until August 2025. During this time, the station’s calls for service will be handled by nearby stations and through mutual aid with the West Fargo Fire Department.
- Chief Dirksen announced that he will be retiring on May 16, 2025, after serving the Fargo Fire Department for more than 13 years.
“Chief Dirksen has been a tremendous asset to our entire metro area in his tireless work to elevate public safety and improve disaster prevention and preparedness,” Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked. “The impressive facts compiled in the Fargo Fire Department’s 2024 Annual Report are further evidence of the lasting positive impact Chief Dirksen has had on this community as an outstanding leader in the fire service.”
On Monday night, Chief Dirksen presented the Fire Department’s 2024 Annual Report to the City Commission, which received and filed the report.
Engineering Department Provides Update on Construction Projects
Fargo City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs gave a presentation Monday evening to the City Commission on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects throughout Fargo.
Ongoing projects include:
- rehabilitation/reconstruction of 45th Street South
- paving of 48th Avenue North
- rehabilitation/reconstruction of sanitary sewer linings around Fargo
- excavating soil for the Southwest Metro Retention Pond
Upcoming projects include:
- repair of Sanitary Sewer Lift Station No.15
- 14th Street North water main extension
- rehabilitation/reconstruction of NP Avenue from Broadway to Roberts Street
- new development of Selkirk 3rd Addition, 46th Avenue Industrial Park Second Addition and Phase 2 of Dakota Commerce Center North Addition
The full presentation can be found here.
City Commission Reappoints Board of Appeals Member
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday night to reappoint Kevin Bartam to Fargo’s Board of Appeals. Bartram, whose term expires on June 30, 2025, was reappointed for a five-year term ending June 30, 2030.
The Board of Appeals consists of five members and an alternate member who fills in when another board member is unable to attend a meeting. The Board works with The City of Fargo's Inspections Department on construction-related and design-related code issues.
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.