Remarks by Michelle Turnberg
40 remarks on the record, newest first · Page 1 of 2
“Michelle Turnberg, Fargo City Commission. Nikki Gullickson, Fargo City Commission.”
“I think it's pretty difficult when we have some businesses who have projections and then go ahead and sell their property to a church, and then in the future we have absolutely zero improvements to our neighborhoods, which were promised improvements. So I would like to see us have some sort of clawback where businesses that are not complying with what they said they would either have to pay what they were given or some sort of reimbursement. I've spoken with the superintendent and school board members who say this is absolutely crippling to their budgets. The county has also spoken up about…”
“Are we in the negative of every job required in actual jobs?”
“There's some pretty bad ones on here, and hopefully we can rectify this.”
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
“Commissioner Turnberg. So I agree with Commissioner Strand on all points. And is anywhere in this looking back and seeing if the people that have gotten the incentives are actually doing what they promised? And if not, they should be paying immediately. Do we need to table this and have further discussion to make sure that the parameters are very precise? because the public is sick and tired of tax incentives for businesses. And I think we need to make sure that, and this is just, we're just giving the directions, so we're not approving any incentives, correct? Right, so, but I agree with…”
“We could certainly have a meeting before the end of October. Just my suggestion, but just as a commissioner strand suggested.”
“Do you have any idea from the, I know it's a North Dakota DOT, but any idea on the interstates?”
“I am glad to say that the budget is done for now, but we begin work on 2007 currently, today. So we're all in agreement that this will be an ongoing process. process that we will be working on throughout the coming year. So we do not have, and even though it's been a long process, it still feels like a rush at the end. So a lot of time has been spent on this, and that is, I'll keep it short for now tonight. Thank you.”
“Commissioner Turnberg. Have we had discussions with the schools? Is this all good with them? Did they have any future plans for expansion, or was there anything that was discussed with either Capstone or North Dakota State School of Science?”
“But neither one would be part of the school district, the private school and state school.”
“And then what are these specials going to look like? Because it looks like a lot of infrastructure. Will we be competitive here? with Horace and West Fargo with these? Will they be similar to what other new construction specials are?”
“As long as we're keeping that in mind and staying competitive so people want to move there rather than going to a neighboring city because we don't want our specials. I mean, people already don't want them, but let's keep it as low as possible.”
“Mr. Mayor, I recommend approving the recommended motions, and so move.”
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
“I just don't understand how we are voting on feelings and not following city ordinance. This has been going on for over two and a half years. So that's the problem I have. And quite frankly, I see a family with a whole lot of boys And respectfully, I'm just wondering why there couldn't be teamwork together to get this done one more day? And you can answer me. That's not how a city commission meeting works. But I don't want to vote on feelings. We have city ordinances. We have rules. This has been extension after expired extension for two and a half years. Commissioner Strand.”
“We are working on the budget. Feel free to reach out to me. A lot of work is being put into it, but we want to hear your ideas, suggestions, you name it. Thank you. Commissioner Peterson?”
“Thank you for being here. Can you tell me, would you be going through with this project without the tax incentive?”
“Well, I think it's absolutely wonderful that they found this building because it seems to be the perfect fit with their needs and what is available. From what I hear, it sounds like other state funds may be available to help pay for this project, but I don't think it should be at the expense of taxpayers. As I continually hear from my constituents that they are fed up with businesses getting tax breaks while residential fees and assessments and taxes continue to go up. So while I believe this is a great project, and I think a wonderful addition to the city, I will vote no for the tax break.”
“Commissioner Turburn. I just wanted to add, Commissioner Strand, I believe you're thinking of the nicotine ban because that has been discussed at length with the scanners or perhaps with the Liquor Control Board, but of that I'm not aware.”
“IAN, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE COST OF ALL OF THIS RESEARCH AND THE BALLOTS AND THE WORKERS AND THE PLACES WILL COST THE CITY?”
“Also, just to clarify, so we would vote whether or not to go to a ward-based system, but we would have no idea where the wards would be with the election. That will be decided after?”
“Well, because this stage is just a part of the budget process and required that we hit this deadline, I will move to go forward with the budget process and approve. However, I wanted to share what our budget looks like. And I have, since we got this, this takes a little bit longer than the time we had in our budget workshop to go through. And I have gone through every department and have identified several items I think should be discussed and cuts that can be made. And I will not go forward with a budget without public safety being priority one in getting our police officers. And I'm also…”
“I would propose that we have one in addition to, just because I do not think that will be enough time. Even with our budget workshops, it was almost only enough time to absorb the information and not give feedback and ideas.”
“Commissioner Turnberg. I have so many questions. What happened to Cass County working with them as part of a relocation for the municipal court?”