West Fargo Focus March 2024

Wendy

wreuer@forumcomm.com 701-241-5530

ADVERTISING

Lisa Tillotson ltillotson@forumcomm.com 701-241-5524 MULTIMEDIA

Jessie Andren jandren@forumcomm.com 701-241-5451

Tim Couchman tcouchman@forumcomm.com 701-241-5490

Jamie Dettling jdettling@forumcomm.com 701-241-5493

Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435 DESIGNER Jen

The West Fargo City Commission approved an enterprise grant for a new arcade/ice cream parlor/ jungle gym planned for the downtown area.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Arcade-pizza/ice cream parlor-tumble gym headed to West Fargo

WEST FARGO — A three-part business aimed at entertaining families including teens, is heading to West Fargo’s downtown.

The three-part business is called Levity, and it plans to house an arcade, pizza and ice cream parlor and tumble gym that will open in

the Downtown Yards of West Fargo, inside The Firm building at 344 Sheyenne St.

The West Fargo City Commission on Monday, Jan. 22, unanimously approved granting Levity and its owner, Linzey Erickson, a $75,000 Enterprise Grant, which will help

open the new business in West Fargo’s budding downtown area.

“Unique places such as this for entertainment and families is one of the goals of the enterprise grant,” Economic Development Manager Casey Sanders-Berglund said Monday. “The Levity owners

live in West Fargo and believe in growth downtown.”

“I’m excited to see some familyfriendly business downtown,” Commissioner Roben Anderson said.

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, Mar. 4, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 18, 5:30 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Library Board

Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Liquor Control Board

Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

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.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

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

West Fargo Cribbage Club

Every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

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

MARCH

STEM Saturday Mar. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

English Conversation Circle Mar. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Let’s

@

Writing Circle Mar. 14, 7-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

F.a.S.T. Saturday Mar. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Home and Fire Life Safety Class Mar. 19, 6-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters

Books & Brews Community Book Club

Mar. 28, 6-7 p.m.

@ Junkyard Brewing Co.

West Fargo

Art & Craft Supply Swap Mar. 30, 1-3 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

election year 2024: Getting involved in local government

Make a difference in your community, and get involved in your local government. Local Elections will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. There are currently two seats up for election on both the West Fargo City Commission and the West Fargo Park Board and three seats up for election on the West Fargo Public School Board.

Participating in a local election, and joining local boards and commissions is a rewarding way to give back to your community. As an elected or appointed official you have the opportunity to make an impact on the Quality of Life for your entire city, your family, friends, and neighbors.

Local officials have the pulse on issues most impacting residents, and can make a difference in everything from purchasing new playground equipment, to ensuring residents have clean drinking water.

If you’re not interested in running in an election, consider applying for

an appointed board. These groups make recommendations to elected officials on topics such as Forestry, Public Art, Economic Development, and more. Learn about West Fargo’s Appointed Boards and Committees at westfargond.gov

Candidates for Park Board and City Commission must collect 300

Levity

continued from page 3

Sanders-Berglund said available parking is a concern, but Levity ‘s business hours would complement the surrounding businesses such as those in the Pioneer Center which are often closed or closing just as this business at Levity would be ramping up.

The enterprise grant program uses economic development sales funds to reimburse business owners about 50% of fitting and new construction, up to $75,000 of eligible construction costs.

This business intends to be a space for families to entertain themselves while also incorporating some programmatic opportunities within the tumble gym or for specific events such as “parent night out,” Sanders-Berglund said in a memo to the commission.

The tumble gym will be for children ages 8 and under and will target families who are looking for a smaller and cheaper option than that of competitive gymnastics gyms in the area and families looking to avoid the “toddler tumbling waitlists at other gyms.”

“In all, the Levity business design allows parents and children of varying ages to engage in

signatures from valid electors to turn in along with a statement of interest to the City Auditor by 4 p.m. on April 8, 2024. Official forms and petitions can be found at vote.nd.gov. School Board Candidates can find information at west-fargo.k12.nd.us.

Find the full 2024 North Dakota Election Calendar and other

candidate and voter information at vote.nd.gov.

Stay up to date by attending any of West Fargo’s boards and commissions, or by following the City of West Fargo on Facebook or Twitter for more local government information.

active play and amusement in one place,” Erickson said in her grant application.

“I’m thrilled to see this,” Commissioner Mandy George said.

Commissioner Brad Olson expressed slight concern over the potential for heavy traffic, but Sanders-Berglund said while the business will welcome children of all ages, the spaces and any events such as special classes for teens will be planned for older children or teens who would not regularly need supervision over activities.

“This isn’t a child watch space, that’s not the intent,” Berglund-Sanders said.

Levity intends to open around May, although a major city project along northern Sheyenne Street will likely be starting around that time as well.

On Monday the City Commission approved moving forward with an infrastructure update for the core area that replaces and repairs aging structures such as water mains. The $3.9 million project that was delayed from 2023 will be paid for entirely with capital improvement funds, and the area will not be special assessed.

Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

3 West Fargo School Board members up for reelection in June

WEST FARGO — There will be three West Fargo School Board seats up for reelection on the June 11 ballot.

The West Fargo School District is currently accepting candidacy applications for any one of the three seats available. School Board President Patti Stedman and Members Trisha Page and Dan Schaeffer are up for reelection.

Stedman on Monday, Feb. 12, said she plans to run for a fifth term. Schaeffer has not yet decided if he will seek a third term, while Page said she probably will seek a second term on the board.

West Fargo School District Business Manager Levi Bachmeier said the process to become a candidate will change slightly this year after the North Dakota Legislature passed a bill requiring that school board members disclose campaign finance records.

To become a candidate for the West Fargo School Board, an affidavit of candidacy, statement of interests and campaign finance disclosure must be filed with the district business manager’s office by 4 p.m. on April 8.

“The campaign disclosure is really easy,” Board Member Jim Jonas noted.

Jonas, who is also a North Dakota state representative for District 13, said the Legislature added a campaign finance report for school board candidates in districts with more than 1,000 students due to attempted influence on local school board elections by outside influences.

On Monday the board considered holding an open house for prospective candidates as it has done in the past, but decided

against the group setting due to low attendance in the past. Instead, the board encouraged potential candidates to reach out to current board members for more information about the board and election.

Interested candidates may contact Bachmeier at 701-499-1077 or by e-mail at lbachmeier@west-fargo.k12. nd.us for more information.

West Fargo School Board members up for reelection in 2024 include Patti Stedman (left),

Contributed / West Fargo Public Schools

Candidacy forms can be picked up from the business manager’s office at the Leidel Education Center, 207 Main Ave. W., West Fargo.

The seven West Fargo School Board members are elected at large and serve four-year terms. School board members must live within the school

district boundaries which include all of West Fargo, Horace, Harwood and parts of Fargo as well as rural areas.

Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

West Fargo Fire Department offering new Home Fire and Life Safety Class

City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Fire Department will offer a new, monthly Home Fire and Life Safety class. This class will be held on the third Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m. at the West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters (1201 10th Ave. E.).

The Home Fire and Life Safety class will include hands-on fire extinguisher training, in-home fire safety, handsonly CPR and AED training. Additional topics may be added upon request or with seasonal safety concerns.

The first Home Fire and Life Safety class will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters. Register for the class by visiting the West Fargo Fire Department’s website at: westfargofire.org.

This class is a part of the West Fargo Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division. This division provides an all-hazards approach to community risk reduction. The goal is to identify how different strategies can help make our community, and department, safer.

West Fargo Public Library memory care kits now available for checkout

In Aug. 2022, the West Fargo Public Library began offering memory care kits to area senior living communities. These kits are now available for the public to check out with a valid West Fargo Public Library card.

The memory care kits support those experiencing Alzheimer’s, dementia,

memory loss or other cognitive decline. Each kit includes items that stimulate the user’s memory and encourage conversation about their life experiences, such as music CDs, essential oils and other scents, photos, other sensory tools, puzzles, and games.

“Currently, there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, but there are ways for folks to keep their minds sharp, address their symptoms, and continue to live a full life,” Kirsten Henagin, West Fargo Public Library Adult and Patron Services Manager, said. “These memory care kits include the tools to help users do that.”

This service is being provided thanks to funding from the Friends of the West Fargo Public Library non-profit group, which supports the library through fundraising and volunteerism.

CITY INFORMATION

2 West Fargo city commissioners will not seek reelection in June

WEST FARGO — The West Fargo City Commission will look much different by July.

The city’s longest serving Commissioner Mark Simmons and the only female Commissioner Mandy George both will not seek reelection this year, they said in interviews with The Forum.

Both George and Simmons are up for reelection in June, while Mayor Bernie Dardis and Commissioners Brad Olson and Roben Anderson will be up for reelection in 2026. West Fargo city commissioners each serve

four-year, at-large terms, as does the mayor.

Dardis and Olson are in their second terms while Anderson is in his first term as commissioner.

Simmons has served for 20 years on the City Commission after he was first elected in 2004. He served as chairman of the Metropolitan Council of Governments and currently holds the police and fire portfolios. His secondary portfolio includes planning

WesT FARgO: continued on page 10

West Fargo City Commissioner Mark Simmons attends a commission meeting on Sept. 18 at West Fargo City Hall.

Chris Flynn / The Focus

West Fargo

continued from page 8

and zoning. Simmons also serves as president of the West Fargo Events Board of Directors and on the city’s Liquor Control Board.

While Simmons has remained dedicated to the city of West Fargo, he said it is his time to step away.

“It’s just time to go,” he said.

Although reluctant to publicly announce election plans, Simmons is hoping the 2024 election will drum up healthy competition among residents to serve the city.

George was elected in 2020. Her primary portfolio is sanitation, and her secondary portfolio includes administration. She also serves on the F-M Metro COG board, the West Fargo Library Board, the Cass-Clay Food Systems Advisory Commission and is the city’s Airport Authority liaison.

The decision did not come easy, George said, noting she considered a second term but conceded that she may not have the necessary time to dedicate herself to the city.

“My current job is very demanding; I’m gone a lot and I just won’t have the time to fully devote to the city as (I) should,” George said. “I would have liked to, but it’s the time — I can’t do everything.”

When George was elected, she was a parent of one child and a corporate pilot. She is now a newlywed with a second step-daughter and recently earned her wings as a commercial pilot, making her schedule much busier.

Like Simmons, George hopes many people will be interested in seeking a seat on the five-member City Commission.

“I would love to see more women or a minority or someone in a younger demographic,” George said.

Candidates for the West Fargo City Commission are required to collect signatures of 10% of the electors

who voted for that office in the last city election or 300 signatures. Candidates must then file a Petition/ Certificate of Nomination, as well as a Statement of Interests form, by 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The city’s election will take place Tuesday, June 11. In addition to the

page 11

“I would love to see more women or a minority or someone in a younger demographic”

— Mandy George

West Fargo

continued from page 10

City Commission positions, spots on the West Fargo School Board and West Fargo School District will also be contested.

Longtime park district Board

President Todd Rheault and

West Fargo City Commissioners Mark

Commissioner Ryan Gellner are up for reelection this year.

On the seven-member West Fargo School Board, three members will be up for reelection including longtime Board President Patti Stedman and Board Members Dan Schaeffer and Tricia Page.

Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

Simmons and Mandy George both will not seek reelection in 2024. Simmons is the longest-serving commissioner after being elected to the commission in 2004, while George, who was elected in 2020, is the only female commissioner on the board.

High School Activity Calendar

*All dates and times are subject to change.

Black = Multiple Schools

Green = West Fargo High School

Orange = Sheyenne High School

Gold = Horace High School

March 1

11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Native American Educator

@West Fargo High School

March 2

TBD

Basketball: G/V

@TBA

TBD

Basketball: B/V

@TBA

6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

EDC Basketball Tournament

@West Fargo High School

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Horace High School

March 3

4 - 8 p.m.

DECA

@Bismarck

March 4

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DECA

@Bismarck

Noon

Acalympic Team

@Grand Forks Central

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Open Gym - Soccer

@Sheyenne High School

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Choir – Sheyenne & Liberty 8th

@Multiple Location

March 5

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DECA

@Bismarck

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Orchestra - Sheyenne & Liberty 8th

@Multiple Location

March 7

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tri-College Math Competition

@Concordia College

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Choir Ensembles Concert

@Horace High School

March 8

8 a.m.

Speech: All

@Dickinson State University

March 9

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Grand Forks Central High School

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Dickinson Trinity High School

March 14

1 p.m.

Track: G/V

@North Dakota State University

1 p.m.

Track: B/V

@North Dakota State University

7 - 9 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

@Horace High School

March 15

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@TBA

March 16

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Mandan High School

March 18

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Band Souper Concert

@West Fargo High School

March 19

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

NDSU College of Engineering

@West Fargo High School

3:30 - 6 p.m.

SBLT

@West Fargo High School

6 - 9 p.m.

Orchestra - Sheyenne Solo/Ensemble Concert @Multiple Location

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Band

@Horace Auditorium

March 21

7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

ND

All-State Band/Choir/Orchestra @Bismarck Event Center

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NHS

@Bismarck

March 22

7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

ND

All-State Band/Choir/Orchestra @Bismarck Event Center

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NHS

@Bismarck

10:30 a.m.

Track: G/V

@North Dakota State University

10:30 a.m.

Track: B/V

@North Dakota State University

12:30 p.m.

Track: G/V

@North Dakota State University

For more information and/or schedule changes please visit www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/8662

12:30 p.m.

Track: B/V

@North Dakota State University

5 - 10 p.m.

DCON @Holiday Inn

March 23

6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Inspired Athletics Volleyball Tournament @Multiple Location

7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

ND

All-State Band/Choir/Orchestra @Bismarck Event Center

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

DCON

@Holiday Inn

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Fargo Davies High School

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Hillsboro High School

8 a.m.

Track: G/JV

@North Dakota State University

8 a.m.

Track: B/JV

@North Dakota State University

March 24

6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Inspired Athletics Volleyball Tournament @Multiple Location

8 a.m. - Noon

DCON

@Holiday Inn

March 25 8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Hillsboro High School

March 26

11 a.m.

Track: G/V

@Bemidji State University

11 a.m.

Track: B/V

@Bemidji State University

6 - 9 p.m.

Choir - Sheyenne Solo/Ensembles Concert @Sheyenne High School

NEW AND FEATURES

Sheyenne Prom Shop to provide free prom attire to area students

WEST FARGO — From finding the right date to finding the right outfit, the high school prom experience can be a one-of-a-kind but highly stressful event in a teenager’s life, and it can be one of the most expensive, too. For some, it can be too expensive to take part in the annual event.

But organizers of the West Fargo Sheyenne High School Prom Shop are helping with that.

The Sheyenne Prom Shop has collected more than 400 dresses and suits donated by community

members and will be offering them to students across the metro area at no cost during two event days, the first of which will be this weekend.

The Sheyenne Prom Shop will be held 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, in the Sheyenne High School Commons.

The Sheyenne Prom Shop concept started within the Sheyenne High School counseling office as school staff helped Sheyenne students with low-cost or free prom dresses.

PROM: continued on page 14

West Fargo Sheyenne students Sydney Hunt, Shayla Pendleton and Davi’Ana Taylor look over the selection of the over 400 used prom dresses on display in the school’s “Prom Shop” that will be given away to students who can’t afford them. David Samson / The Focus

Prom continued from page 13

“We’ve always had just a couple dresses on hand for when we had girls coming in and needing a dress but couldn’t afford them,” said Kim Ziemer, Sheyenne Prom Shop organizer.

The number of donated dresses began to increase, so in their downtime, staff began helping circulate the formal wear on social media. The number of dresses and students who could be helped began to swell, and staff soon decided to make an event around it.

The first Sheyenne Prom Shop was contained to students at Sheyenne High School but then opened to all West Fargo High School students last year. This year, the school is inviting not only West Fargo students but all those in Fargo, Moorhead, Kindred, and Cass County, as well.

“I don’t care where you’re from. If you need a dress, come get one,” Ziemer said.

The shop will be ready for Saturday with more than 400 dresses in stock, as well as a variety of suits and dress clothes for young men. And all is given to students in need for free.

Students and their families are welcome to attend the Prom Shop. Clothes will be organized on shopping racks, and students may try them on in the bathrooms.

Ziemer said they want students and their families to have the same type of experience they would get if they visited a formal wear boutique.

“Treat it like you’re going into an expensive shop, and if you find that dress you love, you get to take it home,” she said. “We want to create that feeling without the cost. There are a lot of kids who cannot afford that. Our goal is that everybody who wants to go to prom can go, regardless of their economic status.

“We didn’t feel like we had the inventory to open it up to all of the metro last year. We thought if we were going to invite these kids to come and shop, we wanted to have the inventory to support that,” she

Celebrating a decade of quality home-based care.

Guided by our Christian faith, our Ethos team believes in quality care rooted in compassion.

“I don’t care where you’re from. If you need a dress, come get one.”

—Kim Ziemer

said. “It’s taken us a couple of years to get there, but we’re here.”

The generosity of the Sheyenne Prom Shop doesn’t stop with the dress or suit. At least three local businesses — Amanda Boehm with Paparazzi Jewelry, Darcy’s Specialty Cleaners, and Flowers of Elegance by C — will be at the shop on Saturday.

Once students find their outfits, Boehm will help them find the right

jewelry to match and will offer much of it at no cost. Darcy’s Specialty Cleaners will offer coupons for dry cleaning, and Elegance by C will orchestrate low-cost corsages.

City of West Fargo approves 2024 sanitation rate and schedule changes

During the Monday, Jan. 22, City Commission meeting, the West Fargo City Commission approved the proposed sanitation rate and schedule changes.

A 17% increase to sanitation rates will take effect in Friday, March 1, 2024, with no per item charge for bulky items. The sanitation rate will increase from $17.50 per month for a 64-gallon cart size for residential collection to $20.48 per month.

A new 96-gallon cart size will be available to residents for $23.48 per month. If residents are interested in ordering a 96-gallon cart, contact the Sanitation Division using the online form available at westfargond.gov or by calling 701-515-5400.

For a full list of the approved sanitation rate changes, and proposed five-year plan, visit the City of West Fargo’s website at: westfargond.gov.

Regarding operational changes, the City of West Fargo will move from a five-day residential recycling sanitation and recycling collection schedule to a four-day-a-week pickup schedule. The residential collection route on Friday will be split and added to Wednesday and Thursday

collection days. Both Wednesday and Thursday recycling will have updated recycling zones. There are no changes to the annual Spring Cleanup Week.

Operational changes to the sanitation and recycling collection schedule will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Bulky item collection will be scheduled through the City of West Fargo’s website or by calling the Sanitation Division at 701-515-5400. Bulky item pickup does not need to align with the resident’s garbage collection day, when scheduled. There is no charge for bulky item collection unless previously identified specialty item.

Excess bagged residential trash, including items not listed on the approved bulky item pick up list, will not be collected curbside beginning July 1, 2024.

Please visit the City of West Fargo’s website for a full list of acceptable items and bulky item collection changes at: westfargond.gov.

For any further questions regarding the City of West Fargo’s new 2024 sanitation rates, contact

the Public Works Department at 701-515-5400, or visit the City of West Fargo’s website for more information.

Residents encouraged to participate in Lead Service Inventory survey

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality requests that residents and property owners in West Fargo submit information regarding their water service pipe material. The goal of this initiative is to allow water providers to record the presence of lead service pipes in their systems.

Residents are encouraged to complete a quick five-minute survey regarding their property’s water service pipe. The survey will walk residents through the steps in locating the property’s water service pipe. This survey requires a coin, magnet, and smartphone. Further directions and information are provided in the survey.

Please submit the survey by Monday, April 1. Resident’s survey participation will help make improvements to the City of West Fargo’s water system. Find the survey at: ndwaterpipes.com.

Scan the QR code for quick access to the survey:

West Fargo to change city staff structure

Plan would ‘elevate’ pay of new group leaders

WEST FARGO — The city of West Fargo is reorganizing staff management in what officials call a “budget-neutral” proposal that will group departments under team leaders who will be promoted from within.

City Administrator Dustin Scott brought forward the changes to the city departments’ organizational structure at the City Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 5.

“This has been in discussion the past couple of months with staff,” Scott said. “Our goals are to be fiscally responsible, efficient with crossfunctional teams, empowering and easy to understand.”

Rather than have all 17 city department heads under direct supervision of the city administrator as the city is structured now, Scott would remain the overall manager, but he would oversee five groups: police, fire, public works, administration and community development services.

The police, fire and public works departments would remain independent.

The administrative services group would include the municipal court, assessing, finance, human resources and IT. The community development services group would include communications, economic development, engineering, planning/inspections and infrastructure funding.

The two groups would each have a group leader, whose title would

be developed as the job function is worked through, Scott said.

The new model would be empowering for staff while spreading accountability, he said.

“This would be a sustainable model for staffing. It allows for crossfunctional teams and improved support for the teams,” he said. “It’s a clear structure that is flexible and can easily be expanded for future growth.

“If we can hire within, we can stay budget-neutral — possibly even under budget,” Scott said.

If internal hires are made, staff would serve dual roles for about six months while the new organizational structure is implemented.

The group leaders would be hired at a Grade 23 salary. Communications Manager Addie Stewart said the pay range of step 23 is “$140,000$180,000, depending upon experience and qualifications.”

Scott said the salary level gives staff in the police and fire departments a way to seek promotions that would include a pay raise, calling it a “compression” issue within those departments.

“I personally feel they are currently underpaid,” Scott said. “Not only are they being underpaid, it makes it difficult to promote staff underneath them. If we elevate that pay a little bit higher, it gives us the opportunity to promote.

“This is not intended to be a demotion of any kind for our

Contributed

West Fargo organizational chart of staff and departments.

departments that are going to be grouped together,” Scott said, adding there would be no salary changes for anyone other than the group leaders.

He said the group leader positions would be posted internally first, and a hiring committee including two commissioners would then select the candidates.

Mayor Bernie Dardis pointed out that having two commissioners on the hiring committee means interviews of finalists will follow open meeting rules. Commissioners Mandy George and Brad Olson were appointed to the hiring committee.

Last year, Scott proposed hiring a full-time position that would serve the administration department half of the time and economic development the other half. On Monday, Scott said he decided to hire a part-time position instead

to assist in only the administrative department and save about $40,000 of the planned $80,000 salary.

The city will also add an “infrastructure funding specialist” to provide support to finance and engineering.

Not included in the proposal is the hiring of an assistant city administrator, which was Scott’s previous post.

“Not hiring the assistant administrator has been an opportunity to save on some costs,” he said.

The city is working on a salary study for all employees, he noted, and the results are expected to be presented to the commission within the next two months.

An artist’s rendering of the future Scheels Performance Center, an indoor baseball training facility at 535 13th Ave. W. in West Fargo.

Contributed / West Fargo Baseball

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

West Fargo Baseball finalizes plans for $5.6 million indoor training facility

WEST FARGO — An indoor baseball practice facility is coming to West Fargo.

West Fargo Baseball and Scheels plan to start construction on a new indoor training facility at 535 13th Ave. W. in South Elmwood

Park near the current Young Field baseball stadium.

The Scheels Performance Center will feature a 25,200-square-foot turf area with offices, a locker room and other training space, offering athletes a top-notch environment for honing their skills.

Gerald Urlaub, a West Fargo Baseball board member, said the facility will have a full infield as well as a batting area.

West Fargo Baseball will fund construction of the $5.6 million facility in partnership with Scheels.

“It’s been a vision or dream of ours the last seven or 10 years,” Urlaub said. “We’re happy to see that coming together.”

Facility

continued from page 18

Caryn Olson, marketing leader for the Fargo Scheels store, said the new facility will not only be home to West Fargo Baseball but it will likely provide another location for Scheels to host future community events.

West Fargo Baseball Board President Ben Potter said, “We are excited about the partnership with Scheels and the incredible opportunities the Scheels Performance Center will bring to our athletes and the community,”

While there are some baseball practice facilities sprinkled across the metro such as The Ball Yard, a private training business, or The Attic for Fargo Youth Baseball, the Scheels Performance Center will be the first indoor baseball training facility for West Fargo Baseball.

“There are other makeshift facilities but only a handful that are dedicated to something like this,” Urlaub said.

The facility will be built on land leased from the West Fargo Park District. The West Fargo Park Board unanimously approved a 50-year ground lease with West Fargo Baseball at its Jan. 24 meeting. Taxpayers will also pay for half, but not more than $25,800, of a nearby related sanitary sewer upgrade.

“This improvement will be an opportunity to upgrade an aging sanitary system, which runs through

the other park facilities and has been problematic with larger events,” said West Fargo Parks Director Barb Erbstoesser.

West Fargo Baseball has been a popular program in the community with more than 1,000 children ages 5 through 19 participating in the sport.

Construction on the facility is expected to begin in August, shortly

after West Fargo Baseball hosts the Central Plains Regional Tournament that runs through the first week in August.

The facility is slated to open in May 2025.

Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

Fargo Baseball