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Minot City Council: plats, tax incentives, federal grant applications and a TIF default among Nov. 17 votes
Summary
At its Nov. 17 meeting the City Council approved multiple planning items, authorized federal grant applications for major street and pedestrian projects, approved a façade loan and directed staff to pursue recovery on a TIF default; several motions were closely contested.
The Minot City Council on Nov. 17 approved a series of planning and funding items in votes that will shape near-term infrastructure and development work.
Among the formal outcomes:
- Rowan's Second Addition preliminary plat (Case 2020-547): Council closed the public hearing and accepted the Planning Commission recommendation; motion passed unanimously.
- Whitetail Ridge Third Addition zoning map amendment and preliminary plat (Case 2025-48): Council approved as recommended; motion passed unanimously.
- Five-year property tax benefit (Case M103) for improvements at 1924 3rd Street NW (applicant Bradley Schimpfessel): Alderman Olsen moved to close the public hearing and approve with staff recommendations; seconded by Alderman Hayes. Council approved the 5-year tax benefit 6–1, with Alderman Samuelson dissenting. The applicant said he invested about $51,000 in improvements and completed the project within the program’s three-year rule.
- Consent agenda and related items: The consent agenda passed (remaining items moved and passed unanimously); several items were pulled for individual discussion before the overall consent vote.
- Ordinance No. 6,138 (second reading): Council approved the ordinance as amended. Alderman Samuelson successfully moved to amend the wireless communication-device fine to $200; the amendment and the ordinance as amended passed unanimously.
- Federal-aid project solicitations (2027–2030): Council voted to divide the solicitation into three projects and authorized staff to apply. Votes on the three projects: • 2028 SRTS pedestrian ramp replacements (Safe Routes to School): Approved 4–3 (dissent: Blessum, Fuller, Samuelson). Debate focused on whether ramps already exist and the city’s local match costs and long-term priorities; city engineer said federal projects must meet current ADA/PROWAG standards. • 2029 Urban Grant — 3rd Street SE Reconstruction (Segment 2): Approved unanimously; council cited roadway age, utility replacement needs and drainage issues. • 2029/2030 Highway Safety Improvement Grant — Burdick Expressway pedestrian signals: Approved 5–2 (dissent: Blessum, Fuller); discussion weighed high cost against pedestrian-safety benefits near the fairgrounds.
- Facade improvement forgivable loan (5 & 2 Ventures, LLC, 1311 1st St. SE): Council approved a $100,000 forgivable loan; motion passed 6–1 with Alderman Samuelson dissenting.
- Notice of default on TIF agreement for Tracks Maverick: Finance staff reported the developer did not proceed with public improvements required under the agreement; council authorized staff to proceed with recovery efforts (adding admitted assessments) if the default is not cured — motion passed unanimously.
- Budget amendment for police department vehicle fit-up and equipment: Approved unanimously; finance staff said insurance proceeds were received but reserves were needed to replace the totaled vehicle and cover fit-up costs.
- Highlands at North Hill PUD amendment (walking path bond to allow building permits): After extensive debate about precedent and developer obligations, council voted to accept a bond in lieu of immediate construction to allow issuance of building permits and directed staff to study a streamlined amendment process; motion passed 5–1 with Alderman Fuller opposed and Alderman Hayes abstaining due to a declared relationship.
- Alcohol ordinance update: Council directed staff to add an off-sale liquor license category and return with fee recommendations; the direction passed unanimously.
Councilors emphasized that some approvals were to authorize grant applications (not final funding awards) and that future councils would decide actual project allocation when funding is available.
