[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6132771,"mediaKeyId","5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73","parentId",5714804,"title","Commission approves routine assessments and consent items including Skyway maintenance, nuisance abatement and liquor license transfer","audioSeconds",420,"startMs",826000,"endMs",1246000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73&start=826&end=1246","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73/thumbnail_826000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6132771/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Commission-approves-routine-assessments-and-consent-items-including-Skyway-maintenance-nuisance-abatement-and-liquor-license-transfer","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132771-dcb71286aad4988de63e72026c87ca93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139044&Signature=Dn7eQZFmhOUxM95qxIF7tQh80j8Kp6tXwkeVGffOjC8EAtf1moMvJYaXhsOpOh6V~mYhT5U4nYjL~APnaSvsEG4FH-kTmuERvF9EzsdJaMsebyjNjqPuHKC96qcOVL0V0XRYQatR~fAxIEX7pR1m~yN8vMIqNau2cWjoPZm1E~TwKEnAkH7~n1FYxA1bFYJQ89T1RI4Ultp31Uq6fuwK5tMKCbAiM0zrsKLhuJ~1D5qvVlLvFbmPt5uwzNYJBoGpBOm4S0KK4HVw0SwKk7wvY-DdrVFiJIlHoeRz2UZ9BKdwi5YvTRlm3G6jwsh0pxNgt2n4GzNmmJSjqru1Z71RIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","The City of Fargo","date","2025-09-03T00:00:00Z","article","On Sept. 2 the Fargo City Commission approved several routine items and public‑hearing matters, including Skyway maintenance fees, nuisance abatement assessments for snow removal, unpaid utility assessments and a transfer of a Class F alcoholic beverage license for Casa Mexica (Casa Mexica Cucurria Express) at 2511 Christian Lane South.

Steve Sprague explained that the Skyway maintenance assessment covers cleaning, lighting, heating and air conditioning and that the commission is maintaining this assessment at $160,000 for the year with the intention of repeating it for five years to build reserves for carpeting and wall coverings. The commission approved the assessment by roll call.

Sprague also explained snow‑removal nuisance assessments are used to collect unpaid complaint‑driven snow removal charges (about $7,000 on the list presented). The commission approved the assessment after a roll call vote. On unpaid utilities, staff said collections include properties in city limits served by external water providers where the city cannot turn off service; unpaid utility special assessments are being pursued and approved to be added to property tax rolls when applicable.

The Liquor Control Board recommended approval of a transfer adding one owner to an existing full alcohol (Class F) license for Casa Mexica; staff reported the required background check had no issues and the commission approved the transfer by roll call.

These items were handled as part of the consent agenda and public hearings; staff said notices were sent and payments increased when property owners received assessment notices.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fargo City Commission - 09.02.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved a slate of consent and public‑hearing items including a Skyway maintenance assessment, nuisance snow‑removal assessments, unpaid utility assessments, and a transfer of a Class F liquor license; roll calls recorded aye votes for each item.","taxTitle","Fargo , Cass County, North Dakota","taxId",2742,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132776,"City administration launches search for communications director after outside investigation; commissioners debate process and cost",641,6788000,7429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73&start=6788&end=7429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73/thumbnail_6788000.jpg","/articles/6132776/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/City-administration-launches-search-for-communications-director-after-outside-investigation-commissioners-debate-process-and-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132776-b6cdbc45ddeb247f7dad10418b9caebb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139044&Signature=KalkOXjAfasTErDhD2-kvxyRdfMTr06~WhAsjSLU4V2TSepVMDRAvb3xeomfxBZEj6ylnMGuey4m9tY2V7NDMdh9aNJc~ABFNoxldP61Emvcz9z7uw3xlTMYBCgdgzmc9eDnQ6bf0LqD2~7KFu4i2O3eiKGyEGE3xc7Ppqxe8wLjfF2E3e6Z6c2rGo6WrBAP~9O-enniE2ce53ggAhXQkbqiq2LLhaRqX7djLYlcpx8S3BH8MweNOPtll3vqjiwOLxoGlJtKK7fFf1eajlw3DECFeTuyYDFjCrMb-3QIt~in89Z~m~pljen8uWDpiB0vP8p5vG50DF1M6AS2ONx5TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City administration on Sept. 2 reported that it has engaged interim co‑leads and will recruit a new communications director after an external employment investigation into the communications department.

Michael Redlinger, speaking for administration, confirmed that “we did, have an employment, investigation that was conducted” following a written complaint and that the city used an outside investigator because of the scope and complexity of issues raised. He said interim co‑operational leads Brian Saline and Archie Ingersoll are leading the department while leadership recruitment proceeds.

Beth Wigman, assistant human resources director, described the choice to use an external investigator because of the case complexity and to ensure impartiality. Wigman said the city considered credentials and availability when selecting outside counsel and investigators.

Commissioners expressed divergent views at the meeting. Commissioner Brenda Pepcorn said she had not been informed earlier about the matter and criticized use of department funds without prior committee review. Commissioner Michael Kolpak defended staff and noted that communications staff perform 24/7 responsibilities and that the department brings in revenue through public broadcasting content. Kolpak said he would work with administration to refine support for department managers.

Several commissioners and the mayor thanked remaining communications staff for stepping into additional responsibilities. Administration said it will publicly advertise the director role and work with department staff to reassess workload and management support once a new director is hired.","City administration announced interim leadership for the communications department and plans to recruit a new director after an outside employment investigation; commissioners debated the choice of an outside investigator and the department's future structure.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132781,"Commission declares 1202–1204 First Ave. S. a dangerous building; owner given time to pursue repairs and insurance claims",297,5770000,6067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73&start=5770&end=6067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73/thumbnail_5770000.jpg","/articles/6132781/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Commission-declares-12021204-First-Ave-S-a-dangerous-building-owner-given-time-to-pursue-repairs-and-insurance-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132781-1fda281149eac7631470fbb0bdff8493/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139044&Signature=gbC2~acor36qt1KC8zhKxWQKko04eW5Ipsyh1cdt4Fno6L6OuMNo7oNmLa4uU~cLDJEPUMcjXLM~z-kI~CBD02SHFDiEE0CK6LM81kBBrMcdsymcV4fEUKt-vYLOha6MbWjESvDRpEj9Qb5RlygxX~svWyS7R54-o~PxKCroZTTGlllpDbYEI1jqANbMHPuzxw0t0TC3DZVhP9Fvvb0Ttu~wsMKUwK1CWaBoqPswrhzgF6H1SHm4zJaG97eD1DaYOrAa-RZ6cAyVy48eGY3J8dyNhArFwce7ccMV5oU5jw3WicTO-vI2WwX50OJWK2eSlDPszTRo842XV6cqhXYHtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fargo City Commission moved on Sept. 2 to proceed with dangerous‑building action for a multi‑unit property at 1202–1204 First Avenue South after staff described fire damage, structural concerns and repeated calls for service to the address.

Sean Aradnick of code enforcement told commissioners the two‑story, 2,948‑square‑foot wood structure, built in 1915 and containing five residential units, had 17 calls for service in 2025, two separate fires (including significant basement fire damage) and evidence of vandalism and squatter entry.

“We verified that the owner did secure the structure on 07/31,” Aradnick said, noting an engineering report submitted by the owner covered only temporary safeguards and that no final engineering report or building permits had been filed. He concluded the building meets multiple dangerous‑building criteria and presented a recommended motion on the agenda.

Owners Shufen Meng and Huilu (presenting at the hearing) said they had filed insurance claims and received a small payout to date and were working with contractors and an insurer to secure funds and repairs. Shufen Meng said parts of the damage occurred during police action in June while the owners were out of the country, and that the insurer had not covered the full cost of repairs.

The commission approved the motion on a roll call vote and directed staff to continue work with the owner on engineering submittals, cleanup and repair timelines. Staff said the structure is currently vacant and secured, and that the next step is formalization of a repair schedule and permit issuance if the owner can provide adequate plans and funding.","City staff described multiple fires, police damage and repeated service calls at a five‑unit building; the commission approved the city’s recommended dangerous‑building action and directed owners to finalize repairs and permitting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132786,"Commission approves first reading to rezone Borrow Pit Park area for 30‑lot Brecky 60 Fourth Avenue Addition",300,1305000,1605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73&start=1305&end=1605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73/thumbnail_1305000.jpg","/articles/6132786/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Commission-approves-first-reading-to-rezone-Borrow-Pit-Park-area-for-30lot-Brecky-60-Fourth-Avenue-Addition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132786-170afda421769d9a635a99c4d9d9c02e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139044&Signature=Dxry1mV0THpQHtko-hn-iLtpemA2X10JzvrrAWKTQUi1G22icl00BoJgLo~wLpLDqb34vHuEGtR~4vj24D8GtmWd13kkXkLrjmg1akH9TjYVO4JEjSkQLB8HF0qBzytS6F~5GvYIAgA4vEz0CKEKhuL7QR0sSPliarsgKqoyc7GteroefQWLOvpkfljI20mK1j854wTAur04MxN3nKZcBBjKOHXGM5EWgHaXVWoxuKpgba9pEwo7X-ixszXU8NfbcvIa1ZNo4mQngEfPnjZZ61b5Pqf95KgK27Rg5oHr6gHG7CZLrOBjyv1h0UGS-3Pf2KRIdXB32fPa5OqElbCMrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fargo City Commission on Sept. 2 approved first reading of zoning and platting for the Brecky 60 Fourth Avenue Addition, a proposal to subdivide a 4.62‑acre city‑owned parcel near 60 Fourth Avenue South into 30 single‑family lots zoned SR4.

Donald Kress of the Department of Planning and Development summarized the proposal, noting the site is south of Davies High School and adjacent to city parkland informally known as Borrow Pit Park. “The proposed zoning is SR4 single dwelling residential, which is intended to accommodate this plat,” Kress said, describing a layout with an internal private drive, city‑managed trail connections and developer‑maintained utilities.

The developer agreed to planning commission conditions including a 4.5‑foot concrete sidewalk connecting to the shared‑use path and a steel‑reinforced fence along the south property line to address a neighboring property owner’s concerns. Kress said planning staff will document the developer’s obligation to construct the fence.

Representatives from Brecke Custom Homes, JN Contracting and Houston Engineering were present. The commission voted in favor of the first reading; the vote will allow the developer to proceed with detailed engineering and final plat recording processes required before construction.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions related to sidewalk construction, easements and stormwater connections. The developer will provide utility maintenance and internal roadway ownership; the city retains the adjacent parkland and shared‑use trail.","The Fargo City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance and plat to rezone a 4.62‑acre city‑owned parcel near 60 Fourth Avenue South from SR2 to SR4 to permit 30 single‑family lots, with conditions including a sidewalk and a developer‑built fence to address neighbor concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132791,"Fargo commission approves MAT Bus cash fare increases; route service changes remain under review after public outcry",1572,1634000,3206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73&start=1634&end=3206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5714804-e53be32118b39832e9d60031bc8e0e73/thumbnail_1634000.jpg","/articles/6132791/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-commission-approves-MAT-Bus-cash-fare-increases-route-service-changes-remain-under-review-after-public-outcry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132791-2ee14560bd6ca6c1b8d8585037311e3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139044&Signature=ahg5COWzUK61Waxuh4~pWtbvskH24-FjcZOCqC040Tp9eGhzvxo1SEQY58XuVLrcHmJhFuQxxZu9hLstt6LaDyvXBAO9P~R0QKpn21U7dTmM~22qlqjfotHqvFK8dVhCwa4ICe8ksNryhptxPan5DkzQRfqCqb6Tivh2UtvjPJmJN5BExvJ-5usJeHL4j1ddIGwrFjMzRBcJharxTI7lGWEj4jXpIy4NJkq6~xvo0qyQszM-cIaX1i2el5nGxemzt4wGfY1Y~zAMOosDIcox4Vx3ilu3gR5RkLqQVfFu5KAMf1E~oPTl5WWS4cgy3kQqp831qtXwd5bJJfKD3tgm0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fargo City Commission voted to approve proposed cash-fare increases and a simplified fare structure for MAT Bus on Sept. 2, 2025, while holding separate public hearings on proposed route and service reductions that will return to the commission for action on Sept. 15.

City transit staff and the MAT Bus coordination committee recommended raising adult cash fares and creating a 7‑day pass, saying the change would simplify fares and help offset rising operating costs. The transit presentation estimated the change, after an assumed 10 percent ridership decline, would increase revenue by about $196,000.

Julie Bowman, MAT Bus staff, said the proposal would target cash fares that have not been raised since 2009 and would add a 7‑day pass. “Cash fares we have not increased since 02/2009, so that was 1 1 of the recommendations they made,” Bowman said, noting the state provided an additional $424,637 for this year and next.

The commission approved the fare adjustments by roll call. Commissioners voting in the affirmative were Mark Strand, Michael Kolpak, Brenda Pepcorn, Mary Thunberg and Mayor Mahoney.

The commission did not act on a separate set of proposed route and schedule reductions. Transit staff described proposed changes to multiple routes, including reduced frequency on Routes 13 and 14, an adjustment to Route 15’s cycle time, proposed elimination of Route 16, a shortening of Route 18 to end at 30th Street/Essentia, a frequency change to Route 20, and re-routing Route 24 to serve a different transfer point. Staff said some changes have little to no immediate cost, others are tied to each other, and that the full slate of service changes is assumed in the 2026 transit budget; formal approval of individual route adjustments is scheduled for the commission’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Public commenters at the hearing urged the commission to reject service reductions or to pair any fare increase with restored or increased frequency. Riders and business employees described reliance on routes that staff proposed to shorten or eliminate. Quincy Tullock, who identified himself as a MAT Bus consumer and NDSU student, said, “fare increases and route decreases at the same time have historically led a negative spiral for transit systems,” warning that combined cuts could reduce ridership more than staff modeling anticipates.

Other speakers described specific impacts: Robert Rollins and several employees who work at Walmart and other South Fargo employers said eliminating the southern portion of Route 18 would remove the only public transit connection serving those locations. Amy Benson and multiple commenters emphasized safety and winter-weather protection at transfer points if West Acres is no longer used as a hub.

Transit staff said West Acres asked the system to leave the mall hub and that moving the hub to the Walmart shelter was proposed in response to that request and other operational considerations. Staff also said paratransit service — required by ADA to be provided where fixed routes operate — would be affected by any fixed-route decisions and that a separate proposal would eliminate Sunday paratransit (where no fixed-route service currently exists).

The commission’s vote approves the fare changes only. Staff will return Sept. 15 with motions on individual route adjustments and final language of the fare ordinance. Commissioners and staff said they will continue outreach with partner agencies and riders ahead of that date.","The Fargo City Commission approved a cash-fare increase for MAT Bus service to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, while proposed route and service reductions were the subject of an extensive public hearing and remain under consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves routine assessments and consent items including Skyway maintenance, nuisance abatement and liquor license transfer

City administration launches search for communications director after outside investigation; commissioners debate process and cost

Commission declares 1202–1204 First Ave. S. a dangerous building; owner given time to pursue repairs and insurance claims

Commission approves first reading to rezone Borrow Pit Park area for 30‑lot Brecky 60 Fourth Avenue Addition

Fargo commission approves MAT Bus cash fare increases; route service changes remain under review after public outcry