Finance: Kent Costin is excited about this. The City received a $264,830 annual cash rebate in October from the City’s purchasing card program, which allows bills to be paid by credit card. Cumulative rebates since 2012 total more than $1.2 million dollars. Fargo is the No. 1 client in the personal financial management card provider program that includes more than 600 accounts nationwide. The program not only earns money for the City, it also streamlines the administrative process. {We have been very happy with that}.
Fargo Cass Public Health invites the community to the Heart-N-Soul Community Café on Tuesday, November 20th, which is tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon in the Oak Room at Fargo Cass Public Health. The menu includes potato soup, salad, rolls and apple dessert with ice cream. All are welcome, no matter the means to pay for the meal. The philosophy behind the Café is to end hunger and food insecurity in the Fargo-Moorhead area by providing healthy and delicious food to all who attend. All patrons are welcome and will be served in a respectful and dignified manner. The suggested donation is $7 or any amount guests are able to pay. Sounds like some great things for lunch tomorrow.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. Fargo Cass Public Health will host a flu-shot clinic on Friday, November 30th from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular and high dose vaccines will be available. Anyone who wants to receive a flu-shot during the clinic should bring Medicare or health insurance information.
Things keep happening in Inspections, huh Bruce? Commercial Building Inspector Mike Blevins has achieved certification as a Master Code Professional with the International Code Council, the premier code group that promotes certification and education to its members. This highly esteemed achievement takes many years of hard work and multiple certifications in numerous codes to obtain. Mike is the first individual in North Dakota to achieve this honor and joins a prestigious group of code professionals around the world. This will help us with code enforcement, is that right?
There are several interesting programs happening at the Library in the next couple of weeks including: An Elephant and Piggie Party on November 21st, a movie series featuring World War I films starting November 25th; a visit and presentation by Tom Isern, author of “Pacing Dakota” on November 27th; a Harry Potter Celebration Day featuring crafts and activities on December 1st; a storytime featuring the “Classic Nutcracker” with a visit by some of the dancers from FM Ballet on December 4th; a holiday concert by the FM Choral Artists on December 8th; and “Two Sneaky Elves” holiday craft-making sessions December 8th and December 11th. Sounds like a busy time at the Library.
{The third annual “Northern Narratives” writing project will be open for submissions in early December. There are several open writing sessions planned throughout the winter as part of this community project.}
One of the organizations the Police Department partners with and who supports the PD when they are out on critical incidents or flood operations is the Salvation Army. The Kettle Bell Kick-off was held recently and area law enforcement will be ringing the bell at different kettle locations on December 11th. Chief Todd says ringing the bell gives the police a chance to interact with the community and help the Salvation Army reach its goal. It's almost a million dollars this year, isn't it Chief? Now that Chief has the Oak Grove Leadership Award, he's going to help lead that event. Is that true? {Chief Todd: Yes.}
{Tammy Lynk has retired from the Police Department after more than 30 years of service.}
Chief Todd reports there are two new sheriffs in the area starting duties in January. They have been working with the current sheriffs on a transition for their departments as well as with the Fargo PD regarding the Red River Regional Dispatch Center, Street Crimes and SWAT. Chief Todd has had the opportunity to speak with both of the new sheriffs and is positive that the good working relationships and partnerships will continue. He said it will be important to maintain those relationships in order continue to work effeciently to provide services for several communities within one large metro area.
Last thing you didn't tell us is that Old City Hall gets one last duty and that's to do a SWAT incident over at the Old City Hall. So, they can gleefully go through the doors without any difficulties, right? No asbestos as well!