City Commission Archives - KVRR Local News

Folkways Making Progress in Getting Approval to Close City Street

They want added safety for the participants when they attempt to break the world record for most s'mores eaten at one time.

July 16, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – We have an update on Folkways’ request to close downtown streets for a world record attempt. The organization plans to break the world record for most s’mores eaten at the same time at their Night Bazaar on July 24. They hope to have over 1,200 people in the Broadway square area, so they submitted three separate…

Fargo Details Plan to Improve Public Safety Through Public Safety Sales Tax Approved by Voters

The funding for this proposal comes from the quarter-cent sales tax increase passed back in November.

May 14, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In November, voters added a quarter cent sales tax increase, to help funding for public services in the city of Fargo. Inside the City Commission chambers on Wednesday, May 14, officials detailed exactly how they plan to spend that money. Fargo Fire Department Chief Steve Dirksen was grateful to see the influx of funds to his…

Fargo City Commissioner To Propose a Community Facilitator At Monday’s Commission Meeting

December 6, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — On Monday, Commissioner Denise Kolpack will discuss her idea for what’s called a Community Integration Facilitator. The purpose is to connect Fargo newcomers with programs and services across the city. “The position is really a connector. It’s outreach to organizations that already exist, but it’s developing relationships with all the different American communities and leaders. And…

Fargo City Commissioner Gains New Federal Role

John Strand will be the vice chair of a committee at the federal level.

November 29, 2024

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. – Fargo City Commissioner John Strand has picked up an additional title. Strand has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National League of Cities 2025 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. He was a committee member the past two years and has now received this bump in stature. The NLC works on many issues, including workforce development, children…

Fargo City Commission Passes 2025 Budget On A 3-2 Vote After Heated Discussion

September 30, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commission votes three to two to approve Mayor Tim Mahoney’s $133 million 2025 budget after some heated debate at a packed city hall. Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and Dave Piepkorn voted against the budget. They along with Commissioner John Strand wanted to make more cuts after previously cutting D-E-I and unfilled jobs at Fargo Cass…

Fargo Mayor Wants Job To Be Full-Time At Double The Salary

August 2, 2023

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney has presented his 2024 budget which includes raising franchise fees for public utilities and a two-mill property tax increase to help pay for additional police and fire personnel and equipment. But he also wants to make the mayor’s job full-time and increase the salary from $50,000 to $100,000. A governance change by…

Fargo’s City Engineer Selected For A New Position: Assistant City Administrator

May 15, 2023

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Brenda Derrig has accepted the offer to become Fargo’s new Assistant City Administrator and her selection has been approved unanimously by the City Commission. Derrig, who is currently the city engineer, was among 42 applicants for the job. Former Assistant Administrator Mike Redlinger took over the top job from Bruce Grubb who retired in 2022. Derrig…

WF business owner to run for City Commission after safety concerns weren’t addressed by the board

November 22, 2022

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A West Fargo business owner decides to run for City Commission after the board votes against a study looking into allowing easier access to her business. SheyWest Garden Center would have paid for the feasibility study. Customers aren’t allowed to turn left into the business because of a concrete median on 40th Avenue West. There’s…

WF City Commission passes 2023 budget after Simmons proposes cuts

October 3, 2022

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A City Commission vote on West Fargo’s 2023 budget fails because of a 2-2 tie. It later passed on a three to one vote after Commissioner Mark Simmons proposed several cuts. Commissioner Brad Olson was the lone no vote. Commissioner Mandy George wasn’t at the meeting because of work commitments. Simmons wanted $50,000 cut from…

Fargo City Commission votes down resolution to add two seats

July 25, 2022

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Fargo City Commission declines a resolution from Commissioner John Strand to add two seats to the commission in a three to two vote. Commissioner Dave Piepkorn had concerns about how to pay for the new commissioners and additional support staff. Commissioner Denise Kolpack felt it was too soon to educate voters to put it on…