West Fargo Commission approves rezoning, plats, contracts and several street projects; holds budget hearing

The West Fargo City Commission on Sept. 8 approved multiple land-use and procurement actions and heard a public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget.

The commission voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone the South Elementary School property from R-2 (multi-dwelling residential) to P (public facilities), approved the final plat for Galvanizer’s Addition, authorized a human-resources and payroll services agreement with the West Fargo Park District, accepted a bid withdrawal and awarded a mechanical contract for the Public Works and Sanitation expansion, approved the creation and advertisement steps for two street reconstruction projects, and adopted a second reading of an ordinance on routine street maintenance. Commissioners also held the statutorily required public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget; no formal action on the budget was taken at the meeting.

The rezoning request (A25-17 Cheyenne Second Addition) covers the South Elementary School site at 117 Sixth Avenue West and adjacent recreational property. Aaron Nelson, West Fargo director of planning and zoning, told the commission the P district “allows for greater development flexibility specifically in regards to some of the required setbacks” and is intended for public facilities, and staff recommended approval. After the public hearing produced no speakers, the commission approved the first reading.

The commission approved a final plat for Galvanizer’s Addition, a roughly 12-acre subdivision west of the Fargo landfill that would create a 1.12-acre lot intended for Galvanizers Inc. Nelson said the subdivision stays in the M (heavy industrial) zoning district and includes right-of-way dedication for a future extension of 12th Street NE; staff recommended approval. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Sarah Gosevic, the city’s director of human resources, presented a services agreement that will allow the West Fargo…