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Bismarck wins $34,790 for downtown survey; commissioners debate RFP scope, priorities in draft preservation plan
Summary
The city received $34,790 from the 2025 Historic Preservation Fund for a downtown survey and to finalize its preservation plan; commissioners reviewed a draft implementation table, raised questions about priority rankings, and discussed who will help draft the RFP and whether consultants should present findings at commission meetings.
City staff told the Historic Preservation Commission that Bismarck was awarded $34,790 from the 2025 Historic Preservation Fund to carry out a downtown district survey and finalize the city’s historic preservation plan.
"The city of Bismarck was awarded $34,790 in funding, from the 2025 Historic Preservation Fund," Lauren said, and staff noted a required donated-labor match estimated at $23,193. Staff described a tentative survey scope to update properties within the downtown historic-district boundary and to survey properties south of the railroad tracks; the current parcel estimate is about 151, which staff said could change depending on consultant proposals and costs.
Commissioners discussed whether the consultant scope should include attending commission meetings and agreed attendance would depend on the consultant’s contract and RFP scope. Staff recommended that no more than two commissioners assist with drafting the RFP to avoid conflicts; several commissioners flagged potential conflicts of interest because they might bid on the work and one commissioner said they will probably recuse themselves.
The commission also reviewed a draft preservation plan that includes an implementation table and a "threats to historic resources" section. Several commissioners questioned whether the table’s stated "high priorities" matched the commission’s active work and proposed a follow-up workshop—either a specially noticed meeting or extra time at the October meeting—to revisit priority rankings and assign commissioners to specific goals.
Staff said additional photos, web links and graphics will be added for a digital version of the plan and that the subcommittee will meet Oct. 9 to begin work on the plan’s digital elements. Commissioners asked staff to circulate the draft plan for review and to present an RFP draft at the October meeting.
