Human Relations Committee schedules May 8 transportation conversation, approves $250 Buddy Walk sponsorship

The Bismarck Human Relations Committee set a community conversation on transportation for May 8, confirmed five panelists and a communications plan that will include a news release and QR-code feedback option, and voted to sponsor the Buddy Walk at $250 during its monthly meeting.

The committee said the transportation event will begin with brief descriptions of Transit Bismarck services, include a panel of five people who use or coordinate transportation services, and then open to public comment. Caitlin (communications staff) said, "The goal would be to send it out, April 23," referring to a news release and social posts that will include a link and a QR code for residents to submit questions or comments in advance.

Why it matters: committee members said the May 8 conversation is intended both to gather public input for the Transportation Steering Committee and to surface barriers and solutions from riders and service providers. The discussion will inform the steering committee’s work on potential funding and service changes.

Key details

- Event: Community conversation on transportation - Date/time: May 8, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.; panelists and staff asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m. - Location: Basement meeting room where city commission meetings are held (downstairs in city building) - Panelists confirmed: Susan Dingle (transit rider), Trevor Burnett (transit rider; pending final confirmation), Matthew (last name not specified; transit rider), Heather May (community contribution facilitator, city), Sharice Rosnes (transition coordinator, school system) - Moderator/co-moderators: Dawn Kock (Downtowners Association / Transportation Steering Committee) and Joan (Human Relations Committee co-moderator) - Communications: news release planned for April 23; social graphics and a QR-code link for audience submissions; flyers will be distributed (including to 1,000,000 Cups events) - Public comment: speakers will be treated like regular public comment and are encouraged to limit remarks to five minutes

The committee decided the panelists will answer two primary questions about barriers to transportation access and ideas to overcome those barriers; two additional backup questions were prepared in case time allows: priorities for the Public Transportation Steering Committee and how accessible transportation affects feelings of safety and belonging. Deidra from Transit Bismarck will give a short overview of services at the start of the event so the public understands available options.

Volunteer and outreach planning

Committee members assigned outreach tasks and discussed volunteer staffing for several upcoming events where the committee will table or participate, including Families Around the World (April 8), the Cultural Expo (Heritage Center, 1–4 p.m.), Capital Pride (June 14, time TBD), and Buddy Walk fundraising activities. Whitney (staff) reported 11 volunteers signed up via the volunteer form and offered to compile contact information and send volunteer invitations. Members agreed to form or continue two subcommittees: one for community conversations (to plan the May 8 session) and one for community events and volunteer engagement (to staff tables and manage outreach).

Humanitarian award timeline

The committee agreed to extend the nomination deadline for the annual Humanitarian of the Year award to May 15 to allow review and voting at the committee's May 21 meeting. Winners will be notified to accept an award at a City Commission meeting expected on June 24. Whitney said she will make nomination materials available in a shared folder for committee review prior to the May 21 meeting and provide printed copies at that meeting.

Formal actions (votes and motions)

- Approval of meeting minutes: the committee moved and approved the prior meeting minutes; members recorded four "aye" votes in favor.

- Buddy Walk sponsorship: a motion to sponsor the Buddy Walk at $250 was made and carried. The chair called for the question, members voted in favor and the motion carried.

What the committee asked staff to do

- Distribute the news release and social posts on or about April 23 with the QR-code feedback link (Caitlin/staff) - Share the nominee folder for the Humanitarian award with committee members on or shortly after May 16 and print copies for the May 21 meeting (Whitney/staff) - Compile and contact the volunteer sign-up list and circulate a sign-up link for longer events (Whitney/staff)

Meeting context and next steps

Committee members described the May 8 conversation as a quarterly community engagement activity tied to the Transportation Steering Committee. Several members will handle logistics: chair/co-moderators to manage introductions and Q&A flow, Whitney and Caitlin to manage communications and volunteer outreach, and Deidra to summarize Transit Bismarck services briefly at the event start. The committee’s next regular meeting was scheduled for April 1; members said they will reconvene May 21 to review humanitarian award nominations and follow up on action items.

Ending

Members closed the meeting after confirming event volunteers and outreach assignments and asking staff to update event graphics and social posts to reflect the adjusted humanitarian-award timeline.