Williston commissioners approve $2.9M in payments, $85,000 AE2S task order and $50,000 in community grants

Williston — The Board of City Commissioners met Jan. 27 and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included detailed accounts and claims totaling a grand total of $2,914,043.31 and 593 checks for the Jan. 8–23, 2026 pay period. Finance Director Hercules Cummings told the Board the city’s pledged collateral covers 110% of funds invested beyond FDIC limits, noting that state law requires presentation of pledged collateral.

“The report from the financial institutions shows we have our funds covered to 110% for each dollar invested over the FDIC coverage,” Cummings said, and the Board approved the semiannual review on a 5‑0 vote.

The meeting’s top administrative actions included approval of an AE2S Task Order #10 for instrumentation and control services on an hourly, not‑to‑exceed basis of $85,000. Public Works Director Kenny Bergstrom said the work covers the water treatment plant, the WRRF, water distribution, wastewater collection, the landfill and XWA. The Board approved the task order 5‑0.

City Attorney Taylor Olson asked the Board to approve a deed item with a quick amendment after he discovered the legal description listed the wrong county; the Board approved the correction 5‑0.

On economic development items, the Board approved several measures advanced by Economic Development Director Anna Nelson. The Board granted up to $10,000 in a C4 Façade Incentive to 2D Ink as a reimbursement for exterior door and window upgrades; Nelson said the program requires a match from applicants. She also presented changes to the internal Flex PACE scoring grid used by the Star Fund to calculate contribution levels, which Nelson said narrow project categories and distinguish equipment purchases from property purchases. Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl noted that, “for every one dollar the City puts in, the Bank of North Dakota puts in two dollars.” The updated scoring grid passed 5‑0.

Nelson said the City received 39 Community Enhancement applications totaling nearly $270,000 and approved funding for 25 projects, allocating the program’s full $50,000 for 2026; the list was approved 5‑0.

Votes at a glance: the consent agenda (minutes, business licenses and accounts/claims) was approved by unanimous voice vote; the semiannual collateral review was approved on a motion by Commissioner Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Siemieniewski (AYE: Siemieniewski, Bervig, Gjovig, Bekkedahl, Klug; NAY: none; Carries 5‑0); the attorney’s deed amendment was approved on a motion by Commissioner Bervig, seconded by Commissioner Bekkedahl (5‑0); AE2S Task Order #10 was approved on a motion by Commissioner Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Bervig (5‑0); the Jackson Street Private Road and Easement Vacation Acknowledgment was approved on a motion by Commissioner Siemieniewski, seconded by Commissioner Bervig (5‑0); the C4 Façade Incentive for 2D Ink was approved on a motion by Commissioner Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Siemieniewski (5‑0); Flex PACE scoring‑grid changes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Siemieniewski (5‑0); and the 2026 Community Enhancement list was approved on a motion by Commissioner Bervig, seconded by Commissioner Siemieniewski (5‑0).

The Board adjourned at 6:15 p.m. The packet also advertises a public hearing on Feb. 10, 2026, for the Energy Center Subdivision and related lot rearrangements.

(Reporting in this article uses statements and motions recorded in the Board packet and the meeting transcript.)