In a recent meeting of the Fargo City Convention Center Committee, significant discussions centered around potential conflicts of interest involving consultant Tom Hazinski and his relationship with the Fargo Dome. The committee addressed concerns raised by Hazinski's inquiry about updating financial projections for the Fargo Dome, which could pose a conflict if he were to also assist the committee in evaluating proposals for the convention center project.

Committee members expressed the importance of maintaining transparency and avoiding any appearance of impropriety. It was noted that while Hazinski is free to pursue work with the Fargo Dome, the committee would need to seek alternative evaluators if he did so, to ensure a clean and unbiased selection process. This decision was supported by the board of directors, who advised that any engagement with the Fargo Dome could jeopardize Hazinski's ability to work with the committee moving forward.

The discussion highlighted the committee's commitment to integrity in its operations, with members emphasizing the need to avoid any optics that could suggest favoritism or conflicts. The consensus was clear: the committee would prefer to maintain a transparent process, even if it meant incurring additional costs to hire another consultant.

Following this deliberation, the committee moved on to discuss the draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the convention center project. Key points included the necessity for the budget to encompass land acquisition, site preparation, construction, and necessary furnishings. The committee also outlined a process for public engagement, allowing for questions and clarifications regarding the RFP to ensure all stakeholders have access to the same information.

As the committee continues to navigate these discussions, the focus remains on fostering a fair and transparent process that serves the interests of the Fargo community. The next steps will involve communicating the committee's stance to Hazinski and finalizing the RFP for public release.