(FARGO) – A former television anchor turned Fargo City Commissioner, Michelle Turnberg says her first month in office as commissioner is ‘going well.’
“It’s very eye-opening,” she said. “There’s just so much. I think it hit me after my first meeting that I attended before being sworn in.”
Turnberg, who serves as the liaison between the commission and Information Services, Engineering and Library departments, says the impact she makes on people’s lives as a commissioner can be life changing for some of the citizens she serves.
“The great weight of it just kind of hit me,” she said of the impact of the decisions.
Current status of Fargo’s homeless problem
One of the top discussion topics as of late has been the homeless problem. Earlier this week, Fargo City Commissioners joined city staff and members of the Fargo Park District and board for a discussion on the problem of homelessness in the community.
Turnberg said she met with the City Attorneys, along with Assistant City Administrator Brenda Derrig. Derrig is one of the staff members who is working on a Housing First initiative.
“Their hands are tied, because there really isn’t a rule in place, or an ordinance in place, for the city to enforce,” Turnberg said. “Also, we have the second problem of some of the land along the river belonging to the (Fargo) park district.”
The Fargo Park District and City of Fargo are two separate entities.
Turnberg said her goal is to get an ordinance passed, so clearing of the camps can begin. She said she is ‘about fed up’ with excuses and getting pushback.
“We do have to care about the homeless,” she said. “But we have to care for our residents, and the residents who are paying taxes and have an expectation of safety. Enough is enough.”
Fargo Downtown Engagement Center’s future
Turnberg said the Downtown Engagement Center needs to be moved.
She said there is a plan to move it.
“They need to identify a spot,” Turnberg said. She said a building likely will need to be built to house the engagement center.
“We’re trying to find something that is not next to homes,” she said.
