Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 07.07.2025
In case you missed the July 7, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Fargo Municipal Code Amended to Reflect New State Laws
The City Attorney's Office has collaborated with various City departments to revise the Fargo Municipal Code to align with changes to North Dakota law passed during the 2025 legislative session.
On Monday night, the City Commission voted unanimously to approve the first reading of several amended and/or newly enacted ordinances in response to changes in state law regarding criminal offenses, traffic violations and corresponding fines.
The following is a summary of the revised ordinances, with the relevant legislative bill in bold:
House Bill 1429: Fargo Municipal Code 10-0322 and 10-0322.1 are amended to include an offense for using a robot to engage in offensive conduct.
Senate Bill 2037: Fargo Municipal Code 10-0103 is amended so individuals who use tobacco or sell tobacco who are 14-18 years old must be prosecuted in juvenile court.
Senate Bill 2371: Fargo Municipal Code 8-0610 is amended so that a vehicle does not have to signal when exiting a roundabout.
Senate Bill 2132: Fargo Municipal Code 8-0313 is amended to make minor changes to the definition of careless driving and to increase the fine from $60 to $200.
House Bill 1422: Fargo Municipal Code 8-0309 is amended to provide a judge with discretion to dismiss or amend a driving under suspension charge if the defendant is able to reinstate their driving privileges within 60 days of the offense. Additionally, Fargo Municipal Code 8-0305(B) is amended to increase the fine for driving without a valid license in possession from $40 to $150.
House Bill 1375: Fargo Municipal Code 10-0502 is being enacted which will require individuals who appear to be under the age of 21, and are located within a liquor establishment, to provide an officer with identification upon request. Failure to do so is an infraction punishable with a fine. An individual may have the charge dismissed if they provide identification that establishes they were over 21 at the time of the officer's request prior to the disposition of their criminal matter.
House Bill 1294: Fargo Municipal Code 8-1218(F-G) and 8-1219 regard passing a stopped school bus. The respective fine will be raised to $250.
House Bill 1316: Fargo Municipal Code 1-0305 is being amended to assess an additional $100 fee to any moving violation if the defendant has a temporary restricted license.
House Bill 1298: Fargo Municipal Code 1-0305 is amended to increase speeding fines in regular speed zones, school zones and construction zones.
House Bill 1229: Fargo Municipal Code 8-1322 is being enacted to address a motor vehicle owner's responsibility regarding a driver who flees a peace officer. There is a non-criminal penalty of $100 for a first offense and $500 for any subsequent offense.
The text of the revised City ordinances can be found here.
Fargo Cass Public Health Awarded Grant for Tobacco Prevention and Control
Fargo Cass Public Health has received a grant of $535,993 to help fund its Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
The program promotes tobacco-free and smoke-free environments and provides assistance to those who are ready to quit. Anyone seeking help in quitting tobacco and nicotine products can find resources at FargoCassPublicHealth.com/QuitNow.
The Fargo City Commission voted unanimously Monday night to accept the grant, which is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health.
Upgrades Planned for Three Storm-Sewer Lift Stations
The City of Fargo will be upgrading three of Fargo’s 81 storm-sewer lift stations this summer:
• Lift Station 41 at 10th Street North and 37th Avenue North
• Lift Station 42 at 5th Street South and 21st Avenue South
• Lift Station 58 at South University Drive and 64th Avenue South
Contractors will update structural and electrical components of the three lift stations. The project will also elevate the structure heights to meet requirements to allow a Red River flood of 37 feet to pass through Fargo without emergency measures, once the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project is completed.
The City Commission voted unanimously on Monday night to award the general construction contract to CC Steel LLC in the amount of $2,154,712 and the electrical construction contract to JDP Electric for $159,418.
City Commission Reappoints Renaissance Zone Authority Member
The City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday night to reappoint Cass County Commissioner Tony Grindberg to Fargo’s eight-member Renaissance Zone Authority.
Grindberg, whose term expired on June 30, 2025, was reappointed for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028. He will serve as Cass County’s representative on the Renaissance Zone Authority.
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.