“Operation Safe Fargo” Voted Down By City Commission, 3-2, New Plan Coming In 2 Weeks

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — An urgent move by Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg to address the homeless situation as the temperatures drop is voted down by the commission.

Turnberg’s proposal called “Operation Safe Fargo” was defeated 3-2, with her only support coming from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.

She proposed outlawing homeless camping on any city property and offering the person a bus ticket out of town.

Turnberg also wanted to turn the Fargo Civic Center into an emergency shelter and redirect funding for the warming program at Fargo Cass Public Health to the shelter.

A number of people got up and spoke out against the proposal with one man even using profanity to express his dislike of Turnberg’s ideas.

There was also some sparring between commissioners.

“I know you’ve talked with somebody who has a bible and a constitution, and someone from Palm Springs, but I don’t know if you’ve talked with our harm reduction people. They’re the ones providing these services,” said Commissioner John Strand.

“At least I’m bringing an idea. If I hadn’t brought this, what would we be debating tonight?,” replied Turnberg.

Mayor Tim Mahoney says 70 organizations are working to address housing issues and preventing cold weather deaths.

He says a plan will be unveiled at the next commission meeting in two weeks.