[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165827,"mediaKeyId","5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf","parentId",5417782,"title","Bismarck HRC plans fall community conversations, summer events and small budget purchases","audioSeconds",1015,"startMs",1271000,"endMs",2286000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf&start=1271&end=2286","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf/thumbnail_1271000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165827/Bismarck/Burleigh-County/North-Dakota/Bismarck-HRC-plans-fall-community-conversations-summer-events-and-small-budget-purchases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165827-0c409fafd167597bc8957c01ff143a90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176792&Signature=SV~vYnJ5C1QVmWcRxErlYPnlKQ6LQuc~Sao4ZPxmWWiOCrcPGE9ePly8pG8WLTroIMoC3VUkbnopvAAGkkyVLaAHIigqW-7ED54fuvOJq9TxFgzqaNue4fPA9D4iqEaPdaFigqIy~4uxrqsMy0eBj00cWi2IS4jk95KEhuBGOshQ~d4HyJm3q5c-ReoYQukB52AyywhpCt-K2uGeC8U-frBaqqfZp3FXjUhVyQYz9uIMAL3GhxedCxmyZOD10q0gzZVyqAvxzo4ebvoe~kRZ8B8hehO0PKo8uFZVxa6tNC5jQU60kAqnwVpEi~udbdt4XiqwVd20egmTL1hM4eUNcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bismarck, ND","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Bismarck Human Relations Committee used part of its meeting to plan upcoming community conversations and public events, and to review a small events budget and giveaway supplies.

Schedule and topics: members agreed to target a community conversation about homelessness in October (committee asked members to check calendars for a Thursday date) and discussed aligning future forums with related community events to boost attendance. The committee said it will reconvene planning subcommittees and pick final dates at a future meeting.

Events staffing and logistics: volunteers from the committee staffed Pride and discussed canopy setup, recommending at least two volunteers at the start and two at the end of the shift for setup and takedown. The committee paid a sponsorship fee for Juneteenth and planned volunteers to staff the booth; Juneteenth was described as June 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. The committee also discussed the Buddy Walk (noted in meeting as occurring on a date spoken as the “20 seventh,” with event hours cited as 10 a.m.–12 p.m.); members were asked to consider volunteering for early setup (as early as 8 a.m.) and packet assembly.

Outreach and media: the committee runs a local podcast and listed upcoming guests (including Megan Dooley and a representative from an events center) and said the show has been drawing higher listener numbers. Members also discussed partnering opportunities with community groups such as Global Neighbors and local ethnic/cultural expos.

Budget and swag: the committee reviewed its events budget and current supplies. Members reported a $5,000 annual budget and said expenditures to date totaled approximately $13.19. They identified a need to reorder notebooks (100 were ordered on a prior occasion), more shirts (a suggested minimum re‑order of 20 across sizes), and additional stickers; smaller items such as lifesaver candies and pens remain in stock. Members discussed past practice for ordering and asked staff (Whitney) to procure agreed items and to present an updated budget‑vs‑actual summary.

Volunteer subcommittees and next steps: committee members confirmed two ongoing subcommittees — volunteers and community conversations — and asked staff to circulate contact information and timelines. The group also asked for a follow‑up on downtown event scheduling from a downtown events contact and agreed to revisit sponsorship or donation requests when invoices or formal requests are received.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bismarck City Human Relations Committee Meeting - June 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee scheduled future community conversations on homelessness, confirmed volunteer staffing for Pride and Juneteenth booths, discussed the Buddy Walk and cultural events, and reviewed a small $5,000 annual budget with requests to reorder notebooks and shirts.","taxTitle","Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota","taxId",2743,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165832,"Bismarck HRC awards 2025 adult humanitarian honor after revote and scoring review",731,2587000,3318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf&start=2587&end=3318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf/thumbnail_2587000.jpg","/articles/6165832/Bismarck/Burleigh-County/North-Dakota/Bismarck-HRC-awards-2025-adult-humanitarian-honor-after-revote-and-scoring-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165832-ccf63379b8e4bad1980639aa9c129b94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176792&Signature=E7K00LJ6Nc0lGp6C280XkgqXPMKekRy7PqWUbzRfrWgYzT5B~ZR3yyhNDSeUhhgAqoWOlfE~LfhqL~AOlJBcuqMsiSDBANkMPW9-r5IguHeMWvU0nSahTheKjojcGGYKKagf3-jD-ujUjHL67ko8riIKsUd5cgVFRkT9b-qfz2~MsGupR18apSnOhcsk6FSx2XnrHNqJNcmosfEZkAXPgbOV7O8UQoCHUueSkaxOaQq0Df3yljaxQsWoi0ADmlmv9coD5drFk998oinf7R9M~JqQe1LJ~8cbayT2s~rrxf47T0ylWWfQYup0L3SM-AYyELvNhSmKPkn0bD2ZJQoE~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bismarck Human Relations Committee on an internal revote selected the adult humanitarian award winner after committee members said initial scoring produced ties and confusion.

Committee members read summary descriptions of the three finalists — Micah, Pastor Gretchen and Stacy Schaeffer — citing work ranging from organizing inclusive family events to advocacy for people affected by human trafficking. A committee member said their initial ranking process produced inconsistencies, and the group agreed to a blind vote among the three finalists and later to use the previously tallied scores to break the tie. A motion to award the adult humanitarian honor to Micah was made, seconded and approved by the committee.

Context and why it matters: the award recognizes local leadership “in the area of human rights” including work to educate, protect and remove barriers for people who are marginalized, according to the award criteria read at the meeting. Committee members emphasized the quality and breadth of nominations and discussed logistics for notifying nominees and arranging the award presentation.

Details discussed: committee members reviewed biographical highlights attached to nominations: Micah’s volunteer work organizing events for families with young children who have Down syndrome and service in the North Dakota National Guard; Pastor Gretchen’s interfaith volunteer work and advocacy across a range of ministries; and Stacy Schaeffer’s work founding and leading anti‑trafficking education and survivor support efforts through a nonprofit (identified in meeting as the founder and executive director of \"31 a project\").

Process integrity and outcome: several members said they were not confident in their first tally and requested a revote. After a blind written vote and then reviewing the scoring sheets, members noted Micah had a higher total score (reported in the meeting as 9.14) compared with others (Stacy reported as 9.0). The committee then moved to award the adult humanitarian distinction to Micah; the motion passed by voice vote. The committee scheduled the award presentation for July 22 at 5:15 p.m. and discussed notifying nominees and nominators by phone and email. The committee also noted plaques take time to order and that the cost of the two plaques last year had been “just under $150.”

Decision vs. discussion: the committee voted to award the adult humanitarian honor at this meeting; the meeting also included extensive discussion about fairness of the tally process and logistics for notifying the recipients and nominators.","The Human Relations Committee selected an adult humanitarian award winner after members reviewed nominations for three finalists and resolved scoring confusion; the award ceremony was scheduled for July 22.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165837,"Bismarck HRC reviews transit and paratransit gaps after community conversations; funding and hours remain key constraints",409,117000,526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf&start=117&end=526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417782-6891a931ca303dd26bbc2f2e09c7c3bf/thumbnail_117000.jpg","/articles/6165837/Bismarck/Burleigh-County/North-Dakota/Bismarck-HRC-reviews-transit-and-paratransit-gaps-after-community-conversations-funding-and-hours-remain-key-constraints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165837-63ccf0802eb65300b9f86b3cf2b454f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176793&Signature=QaALOFvdoInUWLCkTUa8IAV2adYScsorDsojizE16xIRRR3ngd-997CaNF2MPCMhjrnwnDUxtV0ytFUj9SKzC3nY8bjQJ7u-nGCNg7RmXT38mZROFaLqJyb1V~2LjmHpNVpJSVsJPLbItvhB6fRJtV~xO49hNVnesZIeGb~f0J0jaYwlG-ic4wFIRB87LMgrs7YfnoT9q0QHfQrQ-rWip81TpvkLVMh6r-zLDpWdnGDi5Xkra3cUKrPlqcTDdmi4kq5QnZsrd0W3HpqTkS6Bv~0pKM-pF3yLsZvwUf4lfjgAy-ewC1jJ9Kx-OhA~edZVGrsTk-YrMk9vsUG4UCB4Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee on an in‑meeting review of recent community conversations and steering committee work outlined persistent problems with city transit and paratransit, and discussed possible remedies including route restructuring, expanded hours and volunteer or voucher programs.

Committee members said riders reported difficulty booking paratransit on short notice, long waits to be picked up after appointments, gaps in service to some destinations within city limits and limited accessible vehicles. The meeting also recounted a change to the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) waiver that, as reported by speakers, removed a prior arrangement under which agencies could transport individuals with state reimbursement; community members said that has forced some families to pay for trips they previously did not have to cover.

Why it matters: committee members and service users said the problems disproportionately affect people with disabilities, families with children who need medical appointments and older residents. The group discussed short‑term fixes people suggested — such as loaner accessible vans, vouchers for low‑income riders, closer stop locations near food pantries and dedicated runs to clinics — and longer‑term structural changes such as buying different bus models and improving driver pay and snow removal.

Committee discussion: speakers summarized ideas gathered at public community conversations: a loan program modeled on an existing vehicle‑loan program in other North Dakota cities; partnering with private taxis on reduced fares; a central hub with a voucher program; and targeted appointment‑only transit runs. One speaker described work by a local transit steering committee that reduced an expected reserve draw by securing additional outside funding and lower fuel prices; that speaker said a motion at the steering‑committee level allotted up to $1,000,000 to cover part of the shortfall, and that timing rules for an initiated measure changed so money might be accessible earlier than previously expected.

On service hours and federal rules: the committee heard that federal grant conditions require paratransit hours to match the federally supported fixed‑route hours for the grant period, which a meeting participant summarized as a minimum 7 a.m.–7 p.m. match for federal funding. Committee members said any expansion beyond those federally matched hours — for example moving start and end times toward a 6 a.m.–10 p.m. window or adding Sunday/holiday service — would require local dollars or separate grants and needs to be aligned with expected revenues.

On routing and operations: the steering committee has been studying route timing and discussed converting some circular routes into more out‑and‑back routes with a target maximum ride time of about 30 minutes. Members also discussed staffing constraints — including driver supply and the potential for more part‑time drivers — and safety and accessibility problems such as lack of bus shelters, snow‑blocked curb cuts and loading zones used for parking rather than passenger pick‑up.

Interjurisdictional coordination: committee members emphasized the need to coordinate with Mandan, described in the meeting as a separate governing entity across the river, before implementing any joint solutions affecting both sides.

Next steps and limits: the Human Relations Committee did not adopt a formal city policy at this meeting. Members asked staff to continue convening the transit steering committee and to return with more detailed proposals on routes, hours and the policy framework for any new fare or voucher programs. Several committee members emphasized that changes still depend on revenue availability and grant rules.","At a Human Relations Committee meeting, members reviewed results from community conversations and a transit steering committee about city transit and paratransit service, noting problems with booking, coverage, vehicle accessibility and funding; committee discussed possible route changes, expanded hours and coordination with neighboring Mandan.","actionData","errors"]

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Bismarck HRC plans fall community conversations, summer events and small budget purchases

Bismarck HRC awards 2025 adult humanitarian honor after revote and scoring review

Bismarck HRC reviews transit and paratransit gaps after community conversations; funding and hours remain key constraints