Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435
David Jones djones@forumcomm.com 701-388-1930
DESIGNER
Jen Phillips
Two women from Eventide Senior Living Communities in Moorhead enjoy the annual West Fest parade along Sheyenne Street in West Fargo on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Anna Paige / The Focus
Sandy’s donuts mascot
caveman)
car with two young donut fans during the annual West Fest parade along Sheyenne Street in West Fargo on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Anna Paige / The Focus
Jordan Crouse, owner of The Sandbox Restaurant and Bar, is pictured at the eatery on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. The Sandbox is at 3147 Bluestem Dr., in West Fargo.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
New bar and restaurant The Sandbox plans October opening in W.F.
By Helmut Schmidt
WEST FARGO - There will soon be a new place to eat and play in West Fargo.
The Sandbox Restaurant and Bar is opening Friday, Oct. 25, at 3147 Bluestem Drive.
The food will be traditional American fare, owner Jordan Crouse said Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Comfort foods are at the core of the menu: burgers, brats, sandwiches, hot turkey, meatloaf, Swedish
meatballs and gravy. And there will be quick lunch specials.
“You’ll be ready to be plated right away, so you can get in and out and on with your day,” Crouse said. “If it’s coming from your grandma’s table it will probably be on our lunch menu.”
Charitable gaming will be offered, with an emphasis on helping small businesses and kids, she said.
The first six months of gaming will benefit Full Circle Academy.
It is a Fargo school that helps children in grades K-5 with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual or developmental disabilities, emotional disabilities, or significant behavioral health challenges.
“The entire goal and the intent behind it (The Sandbox) is to support small businesses or our nonprofits,” Crouse said. “I started a nonprofit a couple of years ago and I really wanted to have a space to raise money for that.”
By July, Crouse hopes to have the gaming beneficiary switch over to West Fargo-based Bridging the Gap, which focuses on providing children in local schools with basic needs, including transportation, clothing, lunch money, the opportunity to join a sport, as well as helping with the Giving Tree program in the holiday season.
Calendar of Events
MONTHLY
Airport Authority
Last Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building
Baby Boost Story Time (ages 0-2 + their adults)
Every Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
City Commission
Monday, Nov. 4 , 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 18 , 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Library Board
Second Thursday of every month, 5 p.m. Via Zoom
Liquor Control Board
Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Park Board
Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Planning and Zoning Commission
Second Tuesday of every month and the fourth Tuesday if needed, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Ready to Read Story Time (ages 3-5 + their adults)
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
School Board
Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 p.m.
@ Leidal Education Center
Teeter Tots Storytime
Every Thursday, 10:15-11 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Card Games & Whist
Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Monday Matinee
Every Monday, 1:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Visit westfargolibrary.org for movie listings
West Fargo Cribbage Club
Every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Third Thursday Book Club
Every third Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Novel Afternoons
Book Club
Every third Wednesday, 1-2 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
NOVEMBER EVENTS:
*Note some November Senior Events may be missing, visit valleyseniorservices.org for a full calendar.
Saturday
Senior Breakfast
November 2, 9 -10:00 a.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Saturday STEM
November 2, 10:3011:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Organizing and Decluttering Your Home Class
November 2, 1:303:00 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Monday Night Readers Book Club
November 4, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
2024 General Election Voting Open
November 5, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Visit vote.nd.gov to find a polling location
Senior Chicken Foot
November 5, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Library on Wheels Pop-up Library
November 5, 3-6 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
English
Conversation Circle
November 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Intro to Libby (the Library’s Mobile App)
November 6, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Writing Circle November 7, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Game
November 9, 1:303:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
All City Buildings Closed - Veterans Day
November 11
Senior Birthdays and Prize Bingo
November 12, 12:00 p.m
@ West Fargo High Rise
Monthly Community Resource Hours
November 14, 10:30 a.m.12 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Senior Soup and More
November 14, 5:00 p.m.
@ Blessed Sacrament Church
Wood Slice PaintingAdult Craft Class
November 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Lead Local West Fargo
November 15, 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
November 16, 10:3011:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
LEGO Sunday at the Library
November 17, 2-4 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Intermediate Knitting Course
November 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Monthly Meeting
November 19, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Home Fire and Life Safety Class
November 19, 6 - 8:00 p.m.
@ West Fargo Fire
Department Headquarters
Intro to Consumer Reports
November 19, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Coffee with a Cop
November 20, 10 -11:00 a.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Books & Brews
Community Book Club
November 21, 6-7 p.m.
@ Junkyard Brewing West Fargo
Writing Circle
November 21, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Intermediate Knitting Course
November 25, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Craft EventBird Bookmarks
November 27, 2:303:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
All City Buildings Closed - Thanksgiving
November 28-29
*West Fargo Area Community Program
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop at Rustad Recreation Center
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Rustad Recreation Center in West Fargo (601 26th Ave. E.). The Coffee with a Cop program is designed to increase understanding between residents and the police. At these events, residents learn more about law enforcement and can interact with officers.
This event is sponsored by the Community Outreach Programs and Services (COPS) Unit. The COPS Unit organizes the department’s continued efforts to recognize West Fargo’s changing demographics and strengthen relationships with all members of the community. These efforts include community events, officers dedicated to the COPS Unit, and the completion of cultural awareness and diversity training for staff.
CITY INFORMATION
SHOPPING LOCAL
By City of West Fargo
It is a time of year when many begin to think about plans for upcoming gatherings with family, friends, and even co-workers. With many holidays and opportunities to celebrate headed our way we encourage you to be mindful of shopping locally in your community, in West Fargo.
Research conducted by the American Independent Business Alliance found that shopping at a local business returns up to 50% of your dollar back into your community, compared to only 1% of your dollar benefiting the community when shopping online.
The impact of intentional purchasing through local vendors has a ripple effect. We asked a few local business owners to share what it means to
them when individuals or businesses chose to shop local.
Katie Krumwiede, owner of Cookie Krums shared, “In choosing a small business or locally owned business like myself for your holiday gathering, corporate giving, or even stocking stuffers means that it directly effects my bottom line. One order can directly change how my month end finances balance. The money you choose to spend with me is reinvested not only in my business, but in my family who lives right here in West Fargo.”
Tom McDougall emphasized, “Any opportunity to support a local caterer for a company celebration or milestone we at High Point Networks, make every attempt to be intentional
about supporting a local company or small business. We take pride in lifting up the businesses that shape our community.”
Locally owned businesses in our community help shape the character, enhance consumer options, build and give back to our community. This November, as you craft your plans to celebrate please consider supporting the local businesses throughout the community whether that is purchasing goodies to share at a celebration, influencing a decision on a corporate giving option, or liking or sharing a social media post all ways of supporting are welcome.
New Bar
continued from page 3
“We just wanted to find a way to help kids,” Crouse said. “All we’re trying to do is create a space where we can support all of our local nonprofits in different ways.”
Crouse grew up around the restaurant industry. Her mother currently owns the Pub 21 bar in Ada, Minnesota, and has owned other bars, Her grandparents owned a cafe as she was growing up, and she worked for a time at Santa Lucia in south Fargo.
Several things attracted her to the building.
To start with, West Fargo is where she grew up and attended West Fargo High School.
Plus, “the owner of the building is just an incredible guy. It was important to find somebody I like working with,” Crouse said. “It’s a good space. A good setup. He takes care of the property, and that’s important to me.”
Also, there’s lots of room. The previous tenants, Oasis Restaurant and Bar (which closed at the end of September) and BLVD (closed March 2020), didn’t use the basement of the building. Crouse said having three levels to work with opens up the opportunity to promote community events.
“I just have always wanted a place where we can build community. And this will give us the space to do that,” she said.
Readers can reach Focus reporter Helmut Schmidt at 701-241-5583 or hschmidt@forumcomm.com.
“The entire goal and the intent behind it (The Sandbox) is to support small businesses or our nonprofits.”
Jordan Crouse
The Sandbox Restaurant and Bar, seen Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, will be opening in the former Oasis Restaurant and Bar building at 3147 Bluestem Dr., in West Fargo.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
The second level outdoor patio at The Sandbox Restaurant and Bar, as seen on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. The owner plans to have the West Fargo eatery open by the end of October.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
Owner Jordan Crouse is in the process of getting The Sandbox Restaurant and Bar ready to open on Oct. 25, 2024, with a Halloween theme. The Sandbox is located in the former Oasis Restaurant and Bar building in West Fargo.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo student known for sharing
‘Warm Blanket Hugs’ has died
By Forum staff
WEST FARGO — A West Fargo High School student widely known for her charitable work died following a medical emergency, students and parents were told Tuesday, Oct. 15.
An email sent to West Fargo High School parents identified the student as 17-year-old Olivia Allen, a senior. She previously attended Cheney Middle School and Harwood Elementary School, the email said.
Students were told of Allen’s death at school Tuesday morning, the email said. A space was set up in the school’s theater for students to seek counselors and resources if necessary.
The email did not say whether the medical emergency occurred on school grounds.
According to a 2018 Forum article, Allen was involved in Girl Scouts and pageants and aspired to one day become Miss North Dakota.
In 2019, she was one of 10 students in the U.S. to receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She also was one of 102 students to earn the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
Allen was chosen for her work with Project Linus and her charity, Warm Blanket Hugs, which at that time had
shared nearly 130 blankets with those in need.
Allen was inspired to start Warm Blanket Hugs following her experience being diagnosed with epilepsy as a 2-year-old. After a hospital stay, she was allowed to keep a homemade blanket staff had left on her bed. Wanting to pass on the feeling of comfort in a difficult time, Allen started Warm Blanket Hugs as a Girl Scouts project in 2014. It became a nonprofit in 2019.
By 2022, Warm Blanket Hugs had donated roughly 3,000 blankets across every U.S. state and Australia.
This year, Allen was a nominee for the YWCA’s Woman of the Year awards.
Olivia Allen at her home in Reile’s Acres on Dec. 8, 2022.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
City of West Fargo Veterans Day and Thanksgiving closures and garbage schedule changes
By City of West Fargo
The City of West Fargo is closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day all week.
On Monday, Nov. 11, all municipal government buildings are closed to the public, including City Hall, Public Library, Sanitation, Public Works and the Transfer Station. Public safety agencies are in full operation, but the West Fargo Police and Fire Department buildings are closed to the public on this day.
The City of West Fargo has three sites for residents who would like to honor veterans on Veterans Day. The POW/MIA Plaza, located at 400 Sheyenne Street, is a public park recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action next to the West Fargo VFW Post #7564. Maplewood Park, located at 1504 17th Avenue E., is home to the Veterans Memorial in memory of those who served. The 4th Street E. tree dedication, north of 31st Avenue E. near Maple Ridge Park, contains trees planted in dedication to local fallen heroes.
Thanksgiving closures and garbage schedule changes
The City of West Fargo is closed Thursday, Nov. 28, – Friday, Nov. 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. No garbage or recycling will be collected Thursday, Nov. 28. Thursday garbage recycling collection will take place Friday, Nov. 29.
Thursday, Nov. 28, – Friday, Nov. 29, all municipal government buildings are closed to the public, including City Hall, Public Library, Sanitation, Public Works and the Transfer Station. Public safety agencies are in full operation but the West Fargo Police and Fire Department buildings are closed to the public on this day.
For email or text message alerts regarding holiday closures and sanitation schedule changes, visit westfargond.gov/List.aspx.
Library partners with local businesses for winter Library on Wheels stops
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Public Library’s new Library on Wheels vehicle is making stops at local businesses this fall and winter.
Check out books, enjoy games and family-friendly activities, sign up for a library card, and more at these popup library events.
“These are similar to Little Red Reading Bus route stops people know and love,” Lauren Nephew, the library’s youth services manager said. “The main difference is we have a new, more reliable vehicle to help us transport everything we need.”
Another difference is that the fall and winter stops will occur indoors, and the events aren’t only for youth.
“In the summer, we have a big focus on youth and families, because they are out of school, and we are hoping to keep them engaged in learning and reading,” Nephew said.
“With these fall and winter stops at local businesses, we hope to bring library services to people of all ages, including seniors and adults without children.”
The West Fargo Public Library is looking for more businesses and organizations to partner with for pop-up events. If you’re interested in hosting a Library on Wheels stop, or would like the library to attend your event, fill out the interest form at westfargolibrary.org/wheels.
• 3 - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Rustad Recreation Center (610 26th Ave. E, West Fargo)
• 3 - 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Sandbox Restaurant & Bar (3147 Bluestem Dr, West Fargo)
• 3 - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Rustad Recreation Center
Photo provided by The City of West Fargo
November 1
6:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
Horace High School Activity Calendar*
@Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
November 2
TBD
Swimming: G/V
@Fargo Davies High School
9 am
Volleyball: 9A
@Shanley High School
November 4
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@Horace High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Horace High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Horace High School
November 5
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Horace High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Horace High School
November 7
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Red River High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Red River High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Red River High School
November 9
TBD
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
TBD
Volleyball: C @Shanley High School
November 12
TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 14
TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 16
TBD
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
November 21
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Horace HS Play
@Horace Auditorium
November 22
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Horace HS Play
@Horace Auditorium
November 23
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Horace HS Play
@Horace Auditorium
November24
2 - 4 p.m.
Horace HS Play
@Horace Auditorium
November 26
5:15 p.m.
Hockey: G/V
@West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30 p.m.
Hockey: G/JV
@West Fargo Sports Arena
November 30
3 p.m.
Basketball: G/V @University of Jamestown
November 2
9 a.m.
Volleyball: 9A
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar*
@Shanley High School
November 3
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
North Dakota Elite Dance Show
@Sheyenne High School - Gym (Side Court)
November 5
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Sheyenne High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
6 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
November 7
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Devils Lake High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Devils Lake High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Devils Lake High School
November 9
TBD
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
TBD
Volleyball: C @Shanley High School
November 11
TBD
Dance: All @Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Hockey: G/All @West Fargo Sports Arena
November 12
TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 14
TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 16
TBD
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
8 a.m.
Debate: V @Fargo Davies High School
November 23
8 a.m.
Debate: V @Fargo North High School
November 26
5:15 p.m.
Hockey: G/V
@West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30 p.m.
Hockey: G/JV
@West Fargo Sports Arena
November 29
5 p.m.
Hockey: B/JV
@Roseau High School
7 p.m.
Hockey: B/V
@Roseau High School
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar*
November 1
TBD
Hockey: G/V
@West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30- 9:30 p.m.
Musical Performance
@Multiple Location
November 2
9 a.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Shanley High School
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Musical Performance
@Multiple Location
November 3
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Musical Performance
November 5
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Sheyenne High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
6 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
November 7 9- 11 a.m.
Musical Performance @Multiple Location
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @West Fargo High School
November 8
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 9
TBD
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
TBD
Volleyball: C @Shanley High School
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 10 2- 4 p.m.
Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 12 TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 14 TBD
Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 16
TBD
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
November 23
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fargo North Debate @Fargo Davies High School
10 a.m.
Wrestling: B/JV @Lisbon High School
November 24
6:55 a.m. - 8:05 p.m.
West Fargo
Boys Basketball Youth Tournament @Multiple Location
7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
West Fargo Boys Basketball Youth Tournament @Multiple Location
November 26
5:15 p.m.
Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
5:30 p.m.
Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30 p.m.
Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30 p.m.
Hockey: B/V
@West Fargo Sports Arena
November 29 5 p.m.
Hockey: B/JV @VFW Sports Center
7:15 p.m.
Hockey: B/V @VFW Sports Center
November 30
1 p.m.
Hockey: B/JV @VFW Sports Center
3:15 p.m.
Hockey: B/V @VFW Sports Center
PRAIRIE RIDGE APARTMENTS
Prairie Ridge Apartments community offers a perfect blend of modern living and elegant design at an affordable price, for 55 years and older.
Rental Criteria: Applicants must be 55 years of age or older and meet income requirements. Contact us today or visit us at 3361 Westrac Dr. S. Fargo, ND 58103. Phone: 701-425-3574 | stephanie@lcdgroup.org
CITY INFORMATION
What to know for winter in West Fargo
Snow Emergency Routes
Snow emergency routes serve a vital purpose in any city. Snow emergency routes are made up of major and arterial roadways that connect emergency responders to calls for service and to hospitals. If emergency responders reach a street that is impassable, they are either equipped to move snow or have planned for a snow plow to meet them to clear a path.
Ordinance Information
To ensure the Street Division of the Public Works Department can properly maintain these roads during a major snow event, the City of West Fargo has enacted an ordinance. This allows the City of West Fargo to declare a snow emergency as soon as three inches or more of snow and ice build up on the roads.
By City of West Fargo
To be consistent across the metro area, the City of West Fargo will utilize a general standard operating procedure of declaring when four inches of snow has built up but can declare as early as three inches, if necessary. The City of West Fargo will share a snow emergency declaration announcement on westfargond.gov, social media and with local news.
When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles cannot park on a snow emergency route. These routes are clearly marked with signs, or residents can visit the online snow emergency route map to check their address. Residents will have three hours after the emergency is declared to relocate their vehicles if parked on a snow emergency route.
Snowplow crews do not need to wait for a snow emergency declaration before clearing snow. However, when an emergency is declared, crews will work to clear snow emergency routes of snow and ice from curb to curb making it essential for vehicles to be removed from the road. This will not include snow removal from residential driveways or frontage roads adjacent to the route. Crews will stay focused on snow emergency routes for as long as snow is accumulating on the routes because of falling snow or wind conditions.
Snow Plow Safety
The City of West Fargo offers a Snow Plow Tracker on the website or through the West Fargo Gov app that allows residents to track the plows’ progress. Motorists on the road can help the drivers operate more safely and efficiently by following these rules:
• When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles cannot park on a snow emergency route. These routes are clearly marked with signs.
• Do not crowd the plows. Stay at least five car lengths behind the plow.
• Practice caution when passing a snowplow. Snowplows can move sideways while driving due to snow drifts and hard snowpacks.
• Stay alert as snowplows turn or exit roadways. Snowplows may travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to further improve road conditions.
• During inclement weather conditions, keep vehicles off the road to provide snowplow crews with room to operate safely and efficiently.
• Do not attempt to drive through impassable roads. This can lead to stranded vehicles and dangerous situations for residents.
• Following major snow storms, residents are encouraged to move vehicles off the streets and utilize all off-street parking, if possible. This allows plows to efficiently clear residential areas.
• Follow the City of West Fargo social media pages (@ CityofWestFargo) for updates during major snow events.
New club inspires residents to take community action
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Public Library is partnering with community organizations to offer a new multimedia book club for people looking for a way to get more involved in the community.
The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at the West Fargo Public Library. Created in partnership with the NDSU Extension office and Civic West, the group plans to meet monthly to discuss books, articles, podcasts, and videos that discuss civic engagement, city planning, democracy, and community development.
“The goal of this new discussion club is to inspire residents and help them find ways to make a difference in the community,” Henagin said.
In November, the group will discuss “Asset Based Community Development,” a TEDxTalk by Angela Blanchard, and a “Community Building Principles and Action Steps” model by Dan Duncan.
Civic Minds Roundtable meetings are free and open to the public. For more details, visit westfargolibrary.org/civicminds.
Led by Kayla Dolyniuk
SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES AND FREE TO ATTEND Located at Boulger Funeral Home
Please contact Boulger Funeral Home by phone to register or through the “Contact Us” button on our website.
THE 4TH WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH September 25 October 23 November 27 11:30am or 5:30pm
NeWs aND FeaTURes
West Fargo tax rate stays put, utility fees increase
City Commission approves $69.4 million budget
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — Taxpayers in West Fargo might see a slightly lower tax bill in 2025 — provided their home valuations do not increase — but they will see higher utility bills.
On Monday, Oct. 7, the City Commission finalized the city’s 2025 budget, which included a cost-of-living increase for employees, a mill rate increase of 0.8 mills for the West Fargo Public Library, budgetary room for an additional 19 staff, including police and fire, and using special reserve funds to balance the budget.
The city is expected to collect about $19.5 million in property taxes, minus the discount for taxpayers who pay early and receive a discount on the taxes in 2025.
“Overall, the city’s tax levy will decrease by 0.52 mills,” City Administrator Dustin Scott said, Monday.
The city will use $1,707 from reserves to balance out its 2025 budget, Scott said. Earlier on in the process, Scott and the Commissioners expected much more money would have to be used from the Tax RaTes: continued on page 15
The City Commission on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, approved a $69.4 million budget.
samson / The Focus
David
Tax RaTes
continued from page 14
city’s special reserve funds to balance its $69.4 million budget.
In August, the city set its preliminary budget with an increase of 2 mills, a roughly $600,000 increase in property tax collection, as well as a 4% cost-of-living increase for all employees.At a special meeting Sept. 23, commissioners agreed to give employees a 2.5% increase. Per city ordinance, commissioners also receive cost of living increases. Department heads also worked with staff to reduce 2025 city spending by about $567,000, Scott said. Department heads reduced travel and education by $87,000. Technology spending was cut by $15,000, a $30,00 vehicle purchase was cut and building repair expenses were reduced by $50,000.
The Public Works Department proposed increasing fees for water, sewage and garbage in 2025. The monthly forestry fee will also increase.
The sewer base rate will be $12.83, an increase of $3.83 from the 2024 base rate of $9. The sewer usage rate will increase by $1.70 per 1,000 gallons used per month to $5.70 per 1,000 gallons used per month. The changes cause a monthly rate increase for the average user of 4,000 gallons of water and a 64-gallon garbage receptacle from about $85.33 in 2024 to $103.74 in 2025. For an average user of 6,000 gallons of water, the total utility bill would increase from $108.13 to $131.28 per month.
Before budget discussions, two residents, David Withee and Steve Marquart, addressed commissioners regarding the budget. Both asked commissioners to be mindful of the budget burden on taxpayers and both noted that local spending and tax rate increases are what they
“More and more residents are going to vote for Measure 4, they don’t feel like you’re listening to them.”
David Withee
believe will drive voters to approve Measure Four on the state ballot in November. The measure would limit or eliminate the power to use property taxes by local entities and, instead, property taxes would be regulated by the state.
“Just because the values went up, doesn’t mean those residents’ incomes went up to pay for those taxes,” Withee said. “More and more residents are going to vote for Measure 4, they don’t feel like you’re listening to them. They feel like they have to find some way to cut costs.”
He also addressed employee compensation.
“It’s difficult to believe that anybody can say with a straight face that our employees are under-compensated,” Withee said.
The city salary structure gives all employees an annual step raise on Jan. 1, unless the employee has reached the 11th step of their position. Annual step increases are between 3 to 5%. With a 2.5% costof-living raise in addition to step increases, the majority of employees will see an increase in pay of 5.5% to 7.5% in 2025.
Commissioner Brad Olson has routinely advocated for increased raises for city staff as a method of “staff retention.”
“It bothers me that the public believes they (city staff) are overcompensated for what they do, and I strongly disagree with that,” Olson said.
Commissioner Rory Jorgensen said the commission needs to reevaluate its current step system as it does not compensate longtime employees who continue with additional training and networking although they do not receive an annual step raise because they have reached the maximum amount of steps for their position.
City Attorney John Shockley repeated that Jorgensen and Olson, whose spouses are both city employees, are allowed to vote on the overall budget without it being considered a conflict of interest.
“You can vote on the city budget because it has equal application across the city and it doesn’t specify COLAS (cost-of-living) and other increases for specific employees,” Shockley said.
The 2025 budget passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Roben Anderson voting against.
Later Monday, Anderson said he believed his vote reflected what he hears from taxpayers.
“There’s really one factor that kept coming to me about the budget: the residents,” Anderson told The Forum. “I remember sitting on the other side, I voiced my concerns, asked questions, etc., and then I felt like I wasn’t being heard or listened to. When I ran for City Commission, I wanted to put residents first and still do. I voted the way I did because that’s how I felt I could put residents first.”
Following the approval of the budget, the commissioners passed a formal resolution to formalize the increased utility rates that will go into effect Jan. 1.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
AND FEATURES
West Fargo eyes parking, street safety improvements
West Fargo to reconsider parking exceptions, add school zone signs
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — West Fargo
City Commissioner Amy Zundel has received many complaints from residents regarding the city’s parking rules, so she asked her fellow commissioners to consider changes to the city’s current procedures.
“I feel like it’s one of the more common complaints I hear from residents,” Zundel said Monday, Oct. 7.
Zundel said she has been contacted by several residents who have issues with the city’s policy of marking a street as a no-parking zone for a full day.
West Fargo then coincides that day with street maintenance, such as cleaning, asking residents not to park in the location for a full day. However, for residents in the older areas of West Fargo, where narrow streets may require parking on only one side of the street at any time, it can be a hardship for residents.
“They (residents) maybe have a narrow driveway, or a single-stall garage and have teenagers with cars now and they don’t have anywhere to park their cars,” Zundel said.
Police Chief Pete Nielsen said his department often fields calls from residents on “both sides of the issue,” as some call in to complain of vehicles parked in a no-parking zone and others call in to ask where they might be allowed to park.
“We get complaints, a lot of times, the smaller, or older neighborhoods with smaller driveways, they ask us what they should do,” Nielsen said.
Zundel said in newer areas of town, issues also arise because homes and driveways are too close together for vehicles to park on some roads.
City Engineer Dan Hanson said his department also fields parking complaints.
“It’s definitely something we can spend some time thinking about to see how we might improve,” Hanson said.
Commissioner Brad Olson said the problem may lie with residents who use their garage as a “storage unit” rather than a parking facility. He questioned if the issue is one to be addressed as the city is not “required to provide on-street parking.”
“No, but as a tax paying resident they would expect they have the right to park in front of their house,” Mayor Bernie Dardis said.
The fact that the engineering and the police departments regularly field complaints and questions, the issue should be studied further, Dardis said.
Zundel said she would be happy to take the initiative. A timetable for potential recommendations was not yet formalized.
The intersection of 36th Avenue East and Veterans Boulevard on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in West Fargo.
Chris Flynn / The Focus
Parking
continued from page 16
Signage to be added for school zones
Additional signs alerting drivers to school zones will soon be in place around some of West Fargo’s largest schools.
A crash between a young driver and a bicyclist near Sheyenne High School and 36th Avenue South on Sept. 13 prompted calls about the safety of the intersection. A driver was turning from 36th Avenue East
“I do believe with these improvements, we will have better safety near our schools,” Hanson said.
West Fargo officials also are planning additional safety measures at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and 36th Avenue South. The city performed a traffic flow and safety study in the southern area of Veterans Boulevard in 2020, Hanson said, then applied for a federal Highway Safety Improvement Project grant. Work is expected to start in the spring.
The commission unanimously approved the installation of the traffic
“I do believe with these improvements, we will have better safety near our schools.”
Dan Hanson
onto southbound Veterans Boulevard just north of Sheyenne High School when they struck a bicyclist in the crosswalk.Both the driver and cyclist were minors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet and was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
The crash spurred discussion of additional school zone signage by commissioners Monday.
Hanson, the city engineer, said there are about a half dozen areas near West Fargo Schools where the city will be permitted to install signs to alert drivers to slow down. The signs will be placed around Liberty Middle School, Cheney Middle School, West Fargo High School and Sheyenne High School.
signs, which will be paid for by the public works signage budget. Hanson did not provide a cost of the signs.
The signs will be installed as soon as “we can get them ordered and delivered,” Hanson said.
Hanson said the city will work with the city of Fargo to potentially share the cost of signs that will be placed on Veterans Boulevard because the east side of Veterans Boulevard, south of Interstate 94, is in the city of Fargo. The west side of the road marks the city of West Fargo’s territory.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
