Commission ratifies amendment to MOU with Presentation Partners amid questions about nonprofit space use

The Fargo City Commission ratified the mayor’s signature on the first amendment to a memorandum of understanding with Presentation Partners in Housing after receiving a brief update about the arrangement.

Commissioner Pepcorn asked for an update on the financial wherewithal of the project and why Presentation Partners would occupy city space while other nonprofits pay nothing. Brenda, a staff speaker, explained the document before the commission is a ratification of an agreement that originally allowed Presentation Partners to use space on city property; the agreement explicitly states it is not a partnership or joint venture. Brenda said the amended agreement reflects address changes and that Presentation Partners, which occupies the space more permanently than some other nonprofit users, pays all costs to outfit and operate its office (including cable and interior infrastructure). She confirmed the city does not collect lease payments from the other nonprofits using available space.

A motion to ratify the amendment was made, seconded and carried by roll call vote; the recorded votes in the transcript show a mix of affirmative and at least one negative vote. The transcript records Strand voting yes and Epcorn voting no; other roll call entries were recorded in the sequence transcribed.

The ratification authorizes the city to continue the amended arrangement; staff said they will return with any further implementation details if necessary.