West Fargo, City of - Dept. of Public Works

The commission discussed the approval of the agenda, including the move of a resolution regarding assessments to the regular agenda. The board reviewed and approved the building permit report and the consent agenda items. A public hearing was held regarding the rezoning of the Westview 5th Edition from residential to a planned unit development, which includes plans for townhomes, professional office buildings, and a church expansion. Residents voiced concerns regarding traffic impacts, particularly at the intersection of 7th Street East and 40th Avenue South, as well as the need for adequate landscaping and buffering between the proposed development and existing homes.

This strategic plan outlines the West Fargo Public Library's direction from 2025 to 2030, building upon core values of Growth & Learning, Compassion, and Community & Connection. The plan focuses on six strategic areas: ensuring access to the library, providing representative services, promoting lifelong learning, planning for the growth of the library, fostering community partnerships, and strengthening social connections. It aims to meet the evolving needs of the community, provide equitable access to resources, and serve as a hub for engagement and personal development.

The commission meeting covered a range of financial transactions and project approvals. Key topics included payments for landscaping, welding supplies, fence improvements related to a child care improvement grant, tools, auto body repairs, finance department support, travel reimbursements, refunds for water autopay, concrete work for fire department projects, wiper blades, office supplies, annual ladder testing, child care grants, arborist training, and various parts and supplies for city maintenance and operations. Additionally, there were discussions and approvals related to utility payments, weed control, steel projects, conference room expenses, shop towels, landfill fees, water testing, tack oil, paper products, utility billing, and water meters.

The presentation covered the 2026 preliminary budget, which was presented as a balanced budget with no deficit and no use of reserves at the July 21 Commission Meeting. Minor adjustments were made based on Commissioner feedback, including a reduction to General Fund and Utility Fund expenditures. The property tax calculations will remain the same, locked in at the 3% increase allowed by North Dakota law. Staff is exploring options for longevity pay, but it has not been included in the preliminary budget. The commission can approve the preliminary budget as presented or with changes, with a public budget hearing scheduled for September 8, 2025.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Mike Thorstad was appointed to the Planning Commission. A public hearing was scheduled for a rezoning initiative. Resolutions were passed to create and direct engineers to prepare reports for Sewer and Water Project No. 1327 and Sewer Improvement Project No. 1316. Assessments were amended for Sewer, Water, Storm and Street Improvement District No. 1305 and Street Improvement District No. 2243. Plans and specifications were approved, and bid advertisements were authorized for the construction of Project No. 1316. An amendment to zoning ordinance sections related to Downtown Mixed Use and Entertainment Mixed Use Districts was discussed. Approvals were granted for a conditional use permit for a home occupation (hair salon) and an accessory building in a residential district. A text amendment was considered for seasonal sales of retail goods. A petition for improvement of 9th Ave NE was approved. Discussions were held regarding the Loberg/Hokoum area development, modifications to the Fire Code, and mobility-impaired parking. The meeting also covered an intercultural development inventory assessment, the WF Airport Levy, construction reports, and the City Administrator's report.