West Fargo City Commission confirms special-assessment lists for four improvement districts

The West Fargo City Commission on Monday confirmed special-assessment lists for four improvement districts — 1337, 1339, 2270 and 2271 — following a public hearing and staff presentations. The actions approve the assessments that will fund bonds used to reimburse the city for recently completed water, sewer, street and intersection work.

City Attorney Katie Schmidt opened the hearing by explaining the appeal process under state law, saying, "This is not a courtroom hearing, so the rules of evidence do not apply." She told the commission that four written appeals had been filed for Improvement District 1337 but that no written appeals had been received for 1339, 2270 or 2271.

City Engineer Jerry Wallace described each project for the commission and recommended confirmation of the assessment lists. He said the work paid for by the assessments included new water and sewer lines and street construction in the Wilds 20 First Edition neighborhood (Improvement District 1337), water and sewer work in the Old Stockyards area (1339), a traffic signal and minor intersection improvements at Ninth Street West and 30th Avenue West (2270), and concrete paving, street lighting and storm sewer work in the Stockyards southern area (2271). Wallace told the commission the packet included the special-assessment lists, affidavits of publication, sample owner letters and assessment-allocation maps, and that staff would answer questions.

One member of the public, Marlon Russell Lean, spoke during the hearing on Improvement District 1337 and asked whether the city had any questions about a conditional acceptance affecting 5446 Laurie Lane West and an entity he referred to as the Bridal Business Trust. "Does the city of West Fargo have any questions or wish to seek any further clarification from me regarding the matter of the proposed assessment to 5446 Laurie Lane West and the Bridal Business Trust conditional acceptance?" Lean asked; no follow-up questions were raised by the commission or staff.

Wallace also noted a mailing issue for one of the notification rounds, saying a second round of letters was sent to ensure property owners were notified. Commissioners asked a few clarifying questions — for example, whether incidental items included street lights and multi-use paths — and Wallace replied that "incidentals" traditionally covers minor components such as street lights.

After closing each public hearing, the commission voted to confirm and approve each special-assessment list. Votes on Improvement Districts 1337, 1339 and 2271 were approved without recorded opposition. The vote on Improvement District 2270 (the traffic signal) carried 4-1.

The commission adjourned at the conclusion of the four items. The City Attorney reminded the public that if they are dissatisfied with tonight's decision they retain the right to appeal to district court under the statute cited during the hearing.