Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 03.04.2024
In case you missed the March 4, 2024, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
The City of Fargo and Gate City Bank Announce Low-Interest Loans for Home Repairs and Renovations
Gate City Bank has once again partnered with The City of Fargo on the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), contributing $2 million to help keep the community’s mature neighborhoods strong. The program provides homeowners with low-interest loans to address qualifying property repairs and improvement projects.
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked, “We truly appreciate Gate City Bank for this outstanding partnership that has helped hundreds of homeowners repair and renovate their properties. Year after year, this program drives investment in Fargo’s core neighborhoods, which are integral to the city’s past, present and future. Through this innovative public-private initiative, we are diligently working together to enhance our neighborhoods and strengthen our community.”
Gate City Bank originally made the NRI available to Fargo residents in 2003 and has since contributed $104 million across its footprint. Qualifying homeowners have used the low-interest loans to make updates that range from patio additions and new garages to furnace replacements and accessibility improvements.
“At Gate City Bank, we’re beyond thankful for the communities we call home, and we’re proud to invest in them so they remain beautiful for years to come,” said Jeana Marshall, Vice President of Personal Lending Operations. “We’re excited to continue growing this local partnership with The City of Fargo, which is greatly benefiting homeowners and neighborhoods.”
Loans are available to finance new improvement projects not yet under construction and may be used for items such as structural corrections, energy upgrades and general property improvements. Other important details of the initiative include:
• Homes must be 40 years or older
• Residences must be occupied by their owners
• The assessed value of homes must be less than $275,000
• Participating homes must be located within the NRI boundary
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2024. Loans can range from $10,000 to $100,000 and have repayment options of 10 or 15 years. For more information, visit FargoND.gov/NRI.
During Monday’s City Commission meeting, representatives from Gate City Bank presented a ceremonial check to The City of Fargo that was accepted by Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney and Deputy Mayor Arlette Preston.
Fargo and West Fargo Fire Departments Begin New Class of Joint Training Academy
The Fargo Fire Department and West Fargo Fire Department welcomed the 10th class of recruits to the Joint Training Academy on Monday, March 4.
Throughout the 16-week academy, five Fargo recruits and seven West Fargo recruits will complete classroom work, skill development drills, ride-alongs and live burn scenarios. Recruits will also experience hands-on training in a controlled environment and learn techniques to prepare for real-life situations.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the West Fargo Fire Department, and the teamwork that makes the Joint Training Academy a success,” stated Fargo Fire Chief Steve Dirksen. “With our two departments pooling resources and sharing knowledge, the academy produces excellent firefighters who make our metro community even safer.”
At Monday’s City Commission meeting, Commissioner Denise Kolpack shared the news of the Joint Training Academy kicking off a new class.
The Fargo Fire Department’s application process for upcoming academies will be open April 1 until April 11, 2024. Visit FargoFire.com to learn more about the Fargo Fire Department.
Lease Renewed for Northport Branch of Fargo Public Library
The City Commission voted unanimously to extend the lease for the Northport Branch of the Fargo Public Library in the Northport Shopping Center.
The agreement extends the lease by another five years and ensures that the Northport Branch, located at 2714 Broadway N., will continue to provide library services and programming at a convenient location in north Fargo.
The Northport Branch has operated in its current location since July 2006. Other library locations include the Dr. James Carlson Branch at 2801 32nd Ave. S. and the downtown Main Library at 101 4th St. N. For more information about the Fargo Public Library, its services and events, visit FargoLibrary.org.
City Commission Approves Contract for Gun Range Cleaning Services
The City Commission voted 5-0 to approve a contract for gun range cleaning services at the Regional Law Enforcement Training Center utilized by The Fargo Police Department.
The City of Fargo’s one-year contract with Range Renovation Consulting Inc. runs until Dec. 31, 2024, at a cost of $9,595.
The cleaning services include vacuuming the range floor, wiping down walls and range equipment, and removing and recycling the lead bullet material from the range’s rubber trap, a layer of granulated rubber that safely captures bullets.
The contractor will also advise range staff on safety and maintenance of the bullet trap and range equipment at the Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, located at 2802 N. University Drive in Fargo.
City Commissioners Consider Proposed Governance Policies
In 2022, City Commissioners launched an effort to develop governance policies for the Fargo City Commission with help from Dr. Jeff Schatz, former superintendent of Fargo Public Schools.
A series of seven collaborative meetings in 2022 and 2023 with Dr. Schatz resulted in a set of proposed governance policies that address the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and City Commissioners, as well as other aspects of the Commission.
On Monday, City staff gave a presentation to City Commissioners on the proposal and sought the Commission’s input on the governance policies, including how public comment should be received at Commission meetings.
The City Commission’s input will be incorporated into the final governance policies that will be considered following another meeting with Dr. Schatz on the topic.