It was three years ago today that Officer Jason Moszer died in the line of duty. A flag lowering ceremony by the Fargo Police Department Honor Guard was held on Monday at the downtown headquarters in Jason’s memory.
The February 11 City Commission meeting is the first meeting to be held in the new City Commission Chambers and we are excited and proud of this state-of-the-art facility.
I would like to thank everyone involved in putting this room together, including the Communications & Public Affairs Team (Gregg Schildberger, Brian Sellin, Derek Fletcher), the Information Services Team (Ron Gronneberg, Nick Lindhag, Bob Henderson, Matt Anderson, Ray Eidenschink and Mark Redepenning) and the designers, technicians and contractors of AVI Bismarck-Fargo-Minneapolis. I’d especially like to thank Trent, Kathy, Chris, Nathan, Jon and Zach of AVI – they’ve put hundreds of hours into this project.
Some of its features include: more than double the capacity of the old Chambers – we now can accommodate 207 total people; additional room at the dais for the City’s 25 boards, commissions and committees; broadcasting in High Definition for the first time - with 4K Cameras; large video boards to allow those attending meetings to easily see; raised platforms for members of the media with optimum viewing angles; audio loops in the floor to allow hearing-impaired an ease of access; enhanced security measures for elected officials and members of the public; public art incorporated into the four light panels you see around the room, with color-changing lights to recognize community and national events. On Monday evening, they are blue to honor and remember Officer Moszer.
I would like to welcome Ty Filley to the City of Fargo. Monday was his first day as the City’s Public Affairs Coordinator (PAC). We were continually impressed by his journalistic work in our community and we’re excited he’s joined Team Fargo. Welcome, Ty!
Fargo Cass Public Health and Essentia Health are offering a free class for mothers who are trying to balance a career and a baby. Classes are designed to help mothers feel confident about breastfeeding and will offer support during the transition of spending time away from their baby. Michelle Draxten of Fargo Cass Public Health will co-teach the class with a nurse from Essentia. The classes will take place monthly at Essentia Health on South University Drive, with the first class scheduled at 11 a.m. February 12th.
Fargo Cass Public Health will host the Annual Nicotine Dependence Conference on February 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference is sponsored by Fargo Cass Public Health, the ND Department of Health, Sanford, Essentia, Family Healthcare and the NDSU School of Pharmacy. Registration is at capacity for the conference with attendees including healthcare professionals, teachers, counselors and school resource officers.
The Fargo Public Library has several interesting programs planned over the next couple of weeks including: Crafternoons for Kids; a Libraries Dance workshop and story time session on Tuesday with Gasper’s School of Dance and the FM Ballet; a Valentine’s and Anti-Valentine’s Party for teens on Tuesday; a screening of the film “Fatima” on February 19th as part of the French film series; a “Cooking Healthy with Your Instant Pot” class on February 23rd; a tea tasting event on February 23rd; a board game event for all ages on February 23rd; and Beginner Yoga classes.
The library’s Winter Read-a-Thon continues through March 3rd with the theme “Cozy Up with a Good Book;” and the 3rd annual Northern Narratives writing project is accepting writing submissions through March 4th.
The Arts and Culture Commission is accepting submissions for the Creative Capitol Sponsorship program, which provides funding towards impact driven public art projects and arts programming. The program supports the creative endeavors of local artists and public art projects that benefit the community. Deadline is March 1st. Contact the Planning and Development Department for more information
Chief Todd spent some time at the North Dakota legislative session recently, speaking to lawmakers about seized asset forfeiture and public safety protection orders. He said whenever he has the opportunity to engage legislators and give them insight on how different bills affect his department – positively or negatively – or have unintended consequences, he will gladly take those opportunities to share his thoughts. Most legislators appreciate good conversations with candor, he said, and it gives him perspective on some of the legislator’s thoughts behind a bill.
The Police Department will officially have control of the entire Border States Electric building on February 18th and remodeling work will begin on the first floor.
Chief Todd and other Police Department personnel went to a meeting last week at a storefront near Target on 13th Avenue South where a company will be opening a medical marijuana dispensary. They toured the facility and talked with company officials about security procedures. The Chief said the company wants to make sure they are doing everything the right way.