Commission creates improvement district and prelim work agreement for Dakota Medical Foundation site

The West Fargo City Commission on Jan. 20 created Improvement District No. 1353, directed the city engineer to prepare an engineer’s report and approved a preliminary improvement work agreement with Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) to begin engineering and infrastructure work ahead of plat approval.

City Engineer Dan Hansen said DMF approached the city to expedite site work for property west of Costco so building construction could begin this year. To limit the city’s financial exposure while allowing early design work, the proposed preliminary improvement work agreement requires the petitioner to deposit $25,000 to cover consultant task orders for feasibility and preliminary engineering. Hansen said if the project proceeds into construction and an improvement district is formed, the city would return the deposit to the petitioner; if the petitioner stops the project, the deposit will be used to cover city costs and any remainder returned.

Commissioners voted to create the improvement district, authorize the engineer to prepare the engineer’s report, and approve the preliminary work agreement. The motion passed by voice vote.

Hansen said the approach allows utilities and roadway stubs to be constructed so parcels are marketable for immediate building once the developer secures tenants or buyers. He also said staff prefers negotiated right‑of‑way agreements with property owners but that the city has statutory quick‑take authority for assessments if needed to meet schedules.

The approval advances preliminary engineering and positions the site for near‑term commercial development; city staff will return with a formal engineer’s report and assessment plan.