30:53The council’s decision to grant a 15-year property tax exemption for a Renaissance Zone development project captured attention. This initiative aims to transform a long-vacant former gas station site at the intersection of 14th Street and Main Avenue into a 28-unit walk-up apartment building. The project, spearheaded by developer Kevin Bartum, is expected to breathe new life into an area that has been blighted since 2008 due to contamination issues. The development plan includes a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, along with 18 garage stalls and 25 off-street parking spaces. The estimated $5 million project aligns with the Renaissance Zone policy’s objectives of promoting downtown core development and infill projects.

26:40Public Works Director Paul Fner reported on the successful execution of Cleanup Days 2025, which allowed residents to dispose of bulky items free of charge. The event resulted in the collection of 644 tons of waste, 46 tons of recycled metal, and over 350 appliances containing freon. Despite weather-related challenges, the event was hailed as a success, underscoring the collaborative efforts of city employees, contracted laborers, and the Klay County resource recovery center.

40:23The council members expressed broad support for the Renaissance Zone project during the meeting. A council member highlighted the project’s potential to diversify housing options beyond traditional unit types, emphasizing the need for inclusive housing solutions that cater to families and individuals alike. Another council member praised Bartum for the design of the building, which incorporates a parking lot and garages to buffer the structure from adjacent single-family homes.

34:21Public safety concerns were also raised during the discussion, with a council member pointing out the expected addition of 50 to 60 residents due to the project. They highlighted the lack of parallel growth in public safety staffing despite a rising call volume for the fire department, stressing the need to maintain service quality and ensure public safety workers are adequately supported as the city’s population grows.

46:23Transitioning to another key topic, the council approved a guaranteed maximum price amendment for the Moorhead City Hall renovation. Assistant Manager Mike Rez detailed the project’s progress, which began with the hiring of JLG Architects in April 2024 and MGAF Construction in August 2024. The second amendment, valued at $2,316,240, encompasses ongoing demolition and the upcoming construction of the building’s substructure and superstructure. Oliver Finnman from MGAF Construction noted a favorable bidding turnout, with 28 bids received across five packages, resulting in a final project estimate approximately 10% lower than anticipated. The council discussed plans to issue subcontracts to low bidders and prepare for subsequent bids related to interior finishes and furniture.

52:29Further discussions at the meeting addressed various community and governmental updates. A council member reported on the CAPL LP’s coordination with the FM Coalition to end homelessness and the United Way to hire an additional housing navigation staff member. They also mentioned a recent Matt Bus meeting where Fargo proposed a fare increase, recommending cash fare hikes while maintaining current rates for monthly passes to support public transportation users.

56:35Additionally, a council member provided updates on the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County’s search for a new executive director and developments at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center. The center plans to transition to a new fire reporting software, First Due, by the end of the year and is on track to complete a new dispatch center building in North Fargo ahead of schedule and under budget.

01:00:10Mayor Shelley Carlson reported on her participation in a Washington DC chamber fly-in, discussing funding requests for several city projects, including a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, a dewatering phosphorus facility, and stormwater resilience improvements. She also highlighted the Great Plains Food Bank’s capital campaign, emphasizing its important role in Klay County’s food distribution efforts.