Fargo City Commission - April 28, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Board of City Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall at 5:00 o'clock p.m., Monday, April 28, 2025.
The Commissioners present or absent were as shown following:
Present: Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg, Mahoney.
Absent: None.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
A video was shown featuring Administration, the City Commission Office and Strategic Planning and Research.
Order of Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Order of the Agenda be approved, withdrawing Item No. “5a” from the Consent Agenda and adding an extra item to the Regular Agenda to “Present the 2024 Police Department’s Annual Report.”
Second by Piepkorn. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Minutes Approved:
Commissioner Strand moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board held on April 14, 2025 be approved as read.
Second by Turnberg. All the Commissioners voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Consent Agenda Approved:
Commissioner Kolpack moved the Consent Agenda be approved as follows:
1. Amendment to Purchase Agreement and Earnest Money Contract with Galvanizers, Inc.
2. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Article 13-03 of Chapter 13 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to the Control and Regulation of Food Service Establishments.
3. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 1-0305(A)(1) of Article 1-03 of Chapter 1 of the Fargo Municipal Code Relating to Classification of Ordinance Violations.
4. 2nd reading, waive reading and final adoption of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in AAB Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota.
5. Site Authorizations for Games of Chance:
a. Fraser Ltd. at Golf Addiction (withdrawn).
b. Fraser Ltd. at Space Aliens.
c. Homeward Animal Shelter at Speck’s Bar.
d. Metro Sports Foundation at Alibi.
e. Metro Sports Foundation at Clubhouse.
f. Metro Sports Foundation at The Bowler.
g. Metro Sports Foundation at Scheels Arena.
h. Metro Sports Foundation at Xcalibur.
i. Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc. at Bison Turf.
j. Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc. at Dempsey’s.
k. Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc. at Pepper’s.
l. Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc. at Tailgator’s.
m. West Fargo Baseball, Inc. at Puerto Vallarta Bar and Grill.
6. Applications for Games of Chance:
a. Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls for a raffle on 5/31/25, 6/21/25, 8/2/25, 9/6/25 and 10/4/25.
b. Red River Valley Woodcarvers for a raffle and raffle board on 5/4/25.
c. Vietnam Veterans of America #941 for a raffle on 7/26/25.
7. Bid award and Contract to 3D Specialties Inc. for Project No. TM-25-A1.
8. Task Order No. 8 with KLJ Engineering LLC in the amount of $180,375.00 for a 2025 Downtown Parking Study.
9. Bid award to Dakota Underground Company, Inc. in the amount of $3,550,272.03 for Improvement District No. BR-25-A1.
10. Bid award to FM Asphalt LLC in the amount of $1,837,589.00 for Improvement District No. PR-25-H1.
11. Contract and bond for Improvement District No. BR-25-C1.
12. Bid award to Border States Paving, Inc. in the amount of $459,814.20 for Project No. SR-25-B1.
13. Amendment No. 2 with KLJ Engineering LLC in the amount of $193,525.00 for North Deck Parking Repairs at City Hall (RFP24010).
14. Items from the FAHR Meeting:
a. Receive and file General Fund - Budget to Actual through 3/31/25.
b. Receive and file General Fund - 2025 Year End Projections as of 3/31/25.
c. Accept the donation of 169 elm trees from ASN Constructors.
15. Request to purchase APS Firehouse Alerting equipment for Fire Station Nos. 2 and 7 in the amount of $101,575.00 (RFQ24142) and associated electrical work (RFP25145).
16. Contract Agreement for Health Officer Services with Jessie Lindemann, MD (RFP25078).
17. Purchase of Service Agreement with Northern Cass Public School District.
18. Direct the City Attorney to draft Ordinances for adoption of the 2024 International Codes.
19. Resolution approving Plat of Simonson Companies Fourth Addition (Attachment “A”).
20. Direct the City Attorney to reclassify the violations in Ordinance 8-1418 – Riding on Sidewalks from non-criminal to infraction.
21. Bid award to M.J. Dalsin Co. in the amount of $130,544.00 for Public Works partial re-roof repair (RFP25118).
22. 2025 Mosquito Control Agreement with Cass County Government (EX25154).
23. Bus Advertising Wrap Agreement template.
24. Bills in the amount of $10,469,154.33.
Second by Piepkorn. On call of the roll Commissioners Kolpack, Piepkorn, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Presentation from the FM Coalition to End Homelessness and United Way of Cass Clay: Extension of the Winter Warming Program for 30 Days Approved:
Chandler Esslinger, FM Coalition to End Homelessness, and Taylor Syvertson, United Way of Cass-Clay, presented an update on the United to End Homelessness initiative, first introduced in 2024 to scale housing and supportive services to meet the needs in the community to prevent increases in homelessness. The presentation included the challenges of the initiative and outlined next steps to maintain stability throughout the upcoming months. They focused on the progress made in several key areas, including the acquisition of underutilized housing units, the alignment of existing programs to create a more streamlined and effective system of support and the strengthening of cross-sector partnerships, which enhances the community’s response to homelessness. Challenges with the initiative were also discussed, specifically the financial gaps.
Ms. Esslinger said the estimated number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Fargo-Moorhead area on any given night is 1,500, with approximately 330 shelter beds available. The goal is to support existing agencies to scale up services by providing more resources and building capacity, she stated. The initial first 30-day objectives have been largely met, she said including initiating fundraising, establishing convening groups, supporting a pathway to a longer-term strategy and creating the Cass Clay Interagency Council on Homelessness. For the next 60 to 90 days, she said goals include identifying agencies best positioned to meet needs with a goal of reducing the rate and number of individuals entering homelessness, activating immediate access to housing units, supporting partner agencies in scaling up resources, preparing for shelter overflow and engaging sectors interacting with the homeless response system to prevent discharges to the street.
Ms. Syvertson detailed activities undertaken to build infrastructure and resources including hosting educational events with businesses, civic leaders and community members, media and public communication efforts, organizing steering committee members representing social service and homeless response providers as well as other engaged organizations. She said a goal of raising $2.5 million was set to support short-term objectives over 12-18 months and an assessment of resource needs was conducted. More than thirty one-on-one meetings have been held with business and civic leaders, she said.
Ms. Esslinger said 22 unused housing units have been identified with a need for 40 to 50 additional units. She said negotiations with landlords and property managers are in progress and it is anticipated those 22 housing units will be online by June 1st.
Fargo Cass Public Health Director Jenn Faul said she is proposing a 30-day extension of the Winter Warming Program at Fargo Cass Public Health to bridge the gap until the housing units become available. She said the extension would utilize current staffing and space for overnight sheltering only and the cost would be covered by grant funds. Approximately 45 people are utilizing the service, she said, and confirmed this is solely for sheltering and does not involve extending camping.
Police Chief David Zibolski confirmed collaboration on the camping situation and said notices for campsite removal will begin April 29th with enforcement starting May 1st.
Commissioner Piepkorn expressed confusion about the extension request, as it was not on the agenda, and he raised concerns about the extension of what was initially a winter program. He said it is time to restore law and order, return the bike trails to the law-abiding citizens and stop the destruction of the riverfront.
Ms. Faul said the sheltering extension is separate from the removal of campsites. The extension aims to prevent individuals from being unsheltered before the new housing units are fully available.
Commissioner Strand expressed support for the one-month bridge to avoid putting people on the streets. He acknowledged the success of the Winter Warming Program in preventing deaths. While not in favor of continuous extensions, he said he supports this temporary measure.
Commissioner Turnberg questioned the increase in the number of people needing housing compared to initial discussions in December. She stated the core issue is chronic drug use, alcoholism and mental health, not just homelessness. She criticized the prioritization of safe, illegal drug use and the availability of services she believes attract individuals to Fargo. She advocated for redirecting funds from enabling drug use to housing.
Commissioner Piepkorn said the concentration of services Downtown is making Fargo a magnet, leading to business losses and safety concerns. He echoed Commissioner Turnberg's concerns about enabling the situation and becoming a regional hub at the expense of Fargo taxpayers. He said State funding may come with an expectation to take in people from across the State, exacerbating the issue. He said a significant percentage of service users are from outside of Fargo.
Mayor Mahoney said efforts are underway to involve the State in funding, given the regional nature of the issue. He said 70% of the homeless are from the local community and the alternative to the shelter extension would be individuals sleeping on the streets and in public spaces Downtown, potentially worsening the situation for businesses.
Commissioner Kolpack acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the value of the collaborative approach. While the formal request for the 30-day extension was unexpected, she said, she supports extension of the overnight program, recognizing the progress being made on housing and the potential for greater costs to public services if people are unsheltered. She agreed that there is a need for clearer communication about agenda items to ensure broader community and stakeholder awareness.
Commissioner Strand moved an extension of the Winter Warming Program for 30 days be approved.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners, Strand, Kolpack and Mahoney voted aye.
Commissioners Piepkorn and Turnberg voted nay.
The motion was declared carried.
Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Decision to Allow a Conditional Use Permit to Allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) Withdrawn:
This item was withdrawn.
Parcels of Land in Selkirk Place Third Addition Rezoned (3040 and 3200 67th Avenue South):
At a Hearing held on October 1, 2024 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from AG, Agricultural to SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential and P/I, Public and Institutional.
The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing stating this is the time and date set for said Hearing at which time all interested persons could appear and would be heard.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said the plat will create a total of 143 lots. One lot is for a park and stormwater detention facility, he said, and the rest of the lots are for single-dwelling residential development.
Commissioner Piepkorn offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, All legal requirements in connection with the above-described request for rezoning have been complied with; and
WHEREAS, There have been no written or verbal protests to the request for rezoning and no one is present to protest thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings of staff be accepted and the rezoning be approved on the basis that the proposal satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.
Second by Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.
First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in Selkirk Place Third Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the requirement relating to receipt of the Ordinance by the Commission one week prior to first reading be waived and that the Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Selkirk Place Third Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Resolution Adopted Approving Selkirk Place Third Addition:
Commissioner Piepkorn offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF FARGO:
WHEREAS, A Plat has been filed in the office of the City Auditor entitled “Selkirk Place Third Addition” containing 143 Lots, 5 Blocks and 30.88 acres of land more or less, located at 3040 and 3200 67th Avenue South; and
WHEREAS, A Hearing was held October 1, 2024 by the Fargo Planning Commission and notice of such Hearing had been published, as required by law, and said Plat had been approved by the Fargo Planning Commission and by the City Engineer; and
WHEREAS, The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing on said Plat in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo on April 16 and 23, 2025 that a Hearing would be held in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, Fargo, North Dakota at 5:15 p.m., April 28, 2025 at which time said Plat would be considered and all interested persons would be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings and recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission be accepted and the Plat entitled “Selkirk Place Third Addition” be and the same is hereby in all things affirmed and approved on the basis that it complies with the Standards of Article 20-06, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code, and that the Mayor of the City of Fargo and the appropriate City Officials are hereby directed to endorse their approval on the Plat and then direct Petitioner to file same for record in the Office of the Recorder of Cass County, North Dakota.
Second by Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.
Parcels of Land in Golden Valley Sixth Addition Rezoned (6788 27th Street South):
At a Hearing held on April 1, 2025 the Fargo Planning Commission recommended approval of a change in zoning from SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential to SR-5, Single-Dwelling Residential.
The City Auditor's Office published a Notice of Hearing stating this is the time and date set for said Hearing at which time all interested persons could appear and would be heard.
Current Planning Coordinator Donald Kress said the Land Development Code allows for a maximum density of 12.1 units per acre in SR-4 zoned districts and a maximum density of 14.5 units per acre in SR-5 zoned districts. He said the property is currently zoned SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential and the density allowed on this 0.90 acre lot by the current SR-4 zoning is 10.89 dwelling units, which means a maximum of 10 units, as a fractional number of units are always rounded down to the closest whole number. The applicant proposed rezoning to SR-5, he stated, which would allow 13 units to be built on the property and the preliminary site plan provided by the applicant proposes 11 units.
In response to a question from Mayor Mahoney asking if townhomes or condos are planned for the lot, Brian Pattengale, Houston Engineering, said 2-bedroom split level rental townhome units are planned.
Commissioner Piepkorn offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, All legal requirements in connection with the above-described request for rezoning have been complied with; and
WHEREAS, There have been no written or verbal protests to the request for rezoning and no one is present to protest thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the findings of staff be accepted and the rezoning be approved on the basis that the proposal satisfactorily complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Standards of Section 20-0906.F (1-4) and all other applicable requirements of the LDC.
Second by Kolpack. On the vote being taken on the question of the adoption of the Resolution Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the Resolution was adopted.
First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Parcel of Land Lying in Golden Valley Sixth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota:
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the requirement relating to receipt of the Ordinance by the Commission one week prior to first reading be waived and that the Ordinance Rezoning Certain Parcels of Land Lying in Golden Valley Sixth Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota be placed on first reading.
Second by Kolpack. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Kolpack, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Application Filed by Nicole’s Fine Pastry, LLC d/b/a Nicole’s Fine Pastry & Café for an Alcoholic Beverage License Approved:
A Hearing had been set for this day and hour on the application filed by Nicole’s Fine Pastry, LLC d/b/a Nicole’s Fine Pastry & Café for a Class "F" Alcoholic Beverage License at 13 8th Street South, notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo.
No written protest or objection to the granting of the application has been received or filed in the office of the City Auditor, and said application has been approved by the Police Department as to the character of the applicant.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection to the granting of the application.
City Auditor Steve Sprague said Nicole's currently operates with a Class “G” (wine) license, and is seeking to expand into an adjacent building. He said a Class “F” license is a full alcohol license that requires food sales exceed alcohol sales and does not permit a physical bar. With a Class “F” license, he stated, alcohol must be mixed or poured in a separate area from where it is consumed.
Commissioner Strand said his business does a lot of work with Nicole's; however, he would not personally profit from the approval and did not believe it to be a disqualifying conflict of interest.
City Attorney Nancy Morris said Commissioner Strand does not have a substantial pecuniary interest; therefore, he can vote.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the application be approved.
Second by Turnberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Turnberg, Kolpack, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Application Filed by STL of North Dakota d/b/a Target Wine and Spirits for an Alcoholic Beverage License Approved:
A Hearing had been set for March 31, 2025 on the application filed by STL of North Dakota d/b/a Target Wine and Spirits for a Class "B-Limited" Alcoholic Beverage License at the Southeast Corner of 38th Street and Alexander Drive South, notice of which had been duly published in the official newspaper for the City of Fargo.
At the March 31, 2025 Regular Meeting the Hearing was continued to this day and hour.
No written protest or objection to the granting of the application has been received or filed in the office of the City Auditor, and said application has been approved by the Police Department as to the character of the applicant.
The Board determined that no person is present at this Hearing to protest or offer objection to the granting of the application.
City Auditor Steve Sprague said this application was previously brought forward on March 31st and the request for additional time was made to consider the implications of approving a license within a capped system, especially with multiple applications potentially being submitted. He said a “B-Limited” license is for off-sale and the license cap increases with the City population growth for every 10,000 people.
Commissioner Strand raised concerns about the applicant's projected opening date of May 2027. He said granting the license now would mean it would remain unused for an extended period and his concern is what would happen if the applicant's plans changed significantly, such as delaying construction until 2030. He said at the March 31st meeting, the Board discussed implementing a six-month Ordinance, which Ms. Morris is currently working on. He said the proposed application of the Ordinance would mean if the establishment is not open within six months after May 2027, the City would have the ability to reclaim the license. He also cited rumors of Target potentially cutting back on new store construction, referencing a previous list that included Fargo.
Mr. Sprague said Fargo was removed from the construction list after the license application was submitted and conversations with the applicant indicate the next steps after license approval are permitting and platting, which will take about six months, followed by a 15-18 month build, aligning with the May 2027 timeframe.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if there would be other parties interested in applying for a “B-Limited” license if one were currently available, Mr. Sprague said a local business had inquired about eligibility and also a possible annexation could necessitate a Fargo license in the future. He said granting the current application would preclude these potential applicants from obtaining a license in the interim.
Commissioner Strand said he was not comfortable with potentially holding a license for an extended period.
Commissioner Piepkorn said the Liquor Control Board unanimously recommended approval of this license and acknowledged the concerns raised, noting the six-month review was part of the discussion. He said as the population grows, additional licenses could become available, suggesting other “B-Limited” requests could be considered and referred to the Board.
Commissioner Strand asked whether 10,000 was the appropriate population increment for adding licenses, suggesting other numbers could be considered in the future. He said the current system does not account for the geographic distribution of liquor stores within the City.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking if the approved license would revert to the City if the applicant did not proceed with its plans or if the applicant could sell the license to another party, Mr. Sprague said the license would return to the City and would not be transferable on the open market.
Commissioner Strand asked that the Board receive notification if there are indications the applicant will not be proceeding with plans in a timely manner to avoid unnecessarily holding the license and preventing other potential businesses from having the opportunity.
Commissioner Piepkorn moved the application be approved.
Second by Turnberg. On call of the roll Commissioners Piepkorn, Turnberg, Kolpack, Strand and Mahoney voted aye.
No Commissioner being absent and none voting nay, the motion was declared carried.
Update on the Forestry Department:
City Forester Scott Liudahl said the Forestry Division was established 51 years ago and its current main priorities include public safety, tree health, insect and disease management, tree maintenance, reforestation and planting. He said single residential homes pay a utility fee of $5.98 per month for Forestry services and rates vary for multi-unit, commercial and mobile home communities. The current year budget for the Forestry Division is $3 million, he said, and it has 13 full-time staff members and 6 to 12 part-time staff during the summer. He said a recent study conducted by the U.S. Forest Service quantified the benefits and services provided by mature trees. For example, he said a mature American elm tree contributes more than $94.00 annually in energy savings, stormwater mitigation, air quality improvement, carbon sequestration and property value increase. He said for every $1.00 invested in urban forestry, the community receives about $2.00 in benefits. The Forestry Division manages more than 61,000 trees, he stated, and the top four managed species are ash, elm, linden and maple. Fargo is fortunate to still have more than 5,600 large, mature American elms, he said, primarily in older parts of the City. He said the establishment of forestry divisions in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks in 1974 was largely prompted by the arrival of Dutch elm disease, confirmed in Mandan in 1969. Other activities of the Forestry Division, he said, include an annual Arbor Day celebration and Land Development Code partnerships. Other statistics in 2024 included: 9,200 trees pruned, 1,300 trees planted and more than 700 trees removed due to Dutch elm disease, he said, and ash trees removed in preparation for Emerald Ash Borer. He said the residential brush chipping program is now in its 30th year and in 2024, the program cost more than $250,000.00 to run for six months, May through October. Starting in May 2025, he said the program will run from the first of May through the last full week of September to align with the City of Moorhead program. He said this change will allow full-time staff to focus more on core responsibilities and residents will continue to have the option to haul brush and debris to the landfill year-round for free.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about Fargo's status as a Canopy City, Mr. Liudahl said a canopy assessment conducted about two or three years ago found Fargo to have 15 percent canopy coverage on average, with some neighborhoods having less. While Fargo did not receive the designation, he said it is a potential future goal.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about federal funding for tree and canopy initiatives, Mr. Liudahl stated most funding is internal; however, Forestry will receive a grant this year from the N.D. Forest Service specifically focused on federally designated underserved areas of the community.
Camping on Public Property and Rights of Way to End on April 30, 2025:
Commissioner Piepkorn reminded the Board that the Camping on Public Property and Rights of Way ends on April 30th. He said ending the camping on public property will mean increased safety for children and families who use the bike trails, and will improve the area’s appearance over the previous state with piles of garbage.
Liaison Commissioner Assignment Updates:
The Commissioners gave reports on the Boards and Committees on which they serve.
At 6:20 p.m. the Board took a five-minute recess.
After recess: All Commissioners present.
Mayor Mahoney presiding.
Presentation of the 2024 Police Department’s Annual Report:
Police Chief David Zibolski said there was a 6.8% decrease in overall crime compared to 2023, which is a positive trend. Some crime categories did see increases, he said, for example homicides, which numbered six in 2024, is above the six-year average of five per year. All homicide cases have been cleared, he said, each with unique circumstances. There were larger increases in reported rapes, he said, and he has identified some issues with State statutory language that affects the Police Department’s ability to prosecute in many of these cases. He said about 54% of these cases involve known persons.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about the rape kit backlog, Chief Zibolski said the backlog has been resolved through a partnership with the N.D. Attorney General.
Chief Zibolski said robbery rates are relatively flat, while arson and burglaries are down, which is encouraging. Motor vehicle theft and shoplifting remain the highest volume crimes in the City, he said, and going forward he will be providing quarterly reports, including breakdowns by beat. Violent crime is down, he said, with decreases in aggravated and simple assaults. The data also shows a decrease in domestic aggravated assaults and domestic simple assaults, he said, and clearance rates in domestic assault cases are affected by the complexities of victim cooperation. Shots fired incidents, which began a downward trend last year, remain relatively level in 2024, he said, slightly below previous years. Technology has been a significant focus for the Department in recent years, he said, and is a key part of the strategic plan. He said the Real-Time Crime Center, the first fully functioning one in North Dakota, is staffed by sworn and civilian personnel. He said the Police are increasingly utilizing the center to monitor calls for service and direct officers to specific locations, particularly Downtown. Officers in the Real-Time Crime Center have been able to observe criminal activity, such as drug offenses, he said, and direct patrol officers to make arrests. This technology allows the Police to address misdemeanor crimes that often require an officer to witness the offense, he said. The Real-Time Crime Center has been instrumental in solving homicides, robberies and missing person cases, he stated, and has also helped prevent incidents at special events, such as potential fights and assaults. In 2024, he said the Police Department had two academy classes, graduating twenty-one new officers. There is currently one opening due to Captain Helmick's move to a position in Moorhead, he said, otherwise the Department is at the full authorized strength. He said the strategic plan aims to reach 1.6 officers per thousand residents, which is incorporated into the budget request and strategic planning for the Public Safety Sales Tax. The Traffic Safety Team, which began work in September 2024, has had a significant impact on traffic safety in the City through enforcement and education, he said. That team is focused heavily on dangerous driving and he is pleased that House Bill 1229, which will allow Fargo Police to hold vehicle owners accountable when their vehicles flee from traffic enforcement, has passed the Legislature and will go to the Governor for signature. He said about 80% of the vehicles that flee are not stolen, and the Police know who the owners are. The Officer Wellness Program is a critical component for the Department and community, he said. A wellness coordinator was hired in 2024 through a grant and he has requested permanent funding for this position in the budget, he stated, as the coordinator has had a significant positive impact. The wellness initiatives are expanding and creating a separate wellness unit within the Department will address the mental and physical health of officers and also manage officer reintegration, he said. On average, the Police Department has 10 to 15 officers out of service on any given day, he stated, due to injury, family medical leave or military leave. To ensure best practices, he said, instead of immediately returning these officers to street duty, a reintegration process will be used to assess training needs and skill levels, and provide a gradual return to their positions. This program has been very well-received by staff and the wellness initiatives have garnered national attention, he said. A strong wellness program is essential for both recruitment and retention in today's policing environment, he said. Last year, with the generous support of the community, he said many personnel were able to travel to Washington, D.C. to honor Officer Jake Wallen, who was killed in the line of duty July 14, 2023. This was a somber but important event, he said, providing closure for personnel and highlighting the broader support for law enforcement across the country. It also served as an important component for the mental health of officers, he said.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strand asking about School Resource Officers (SROs) in the Fargo and West Fargo school districts, Chief Zibolski said the West Fargo Police Department provides SROs to the West Fargo school district, even though some Fargo residents attend schools in that district.
Resident Comments:
None.
The meeting adjourned at 6:32 o’clock p.m.