A League of Women Voters–moderated forum between incumbent Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz covering budget priorities, street funding, water rates, public safety, mental health and homelessness, growth and downtown tools, transit and accessibility, waste management, arts funding and the city's waterfront vision ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•Arts contribute to culture and quality of life
•Budget constraints preclude extensive taxpayer funding
•City should partner with nonprofits and state/federal agencies
•Federal rules limit vehicle-size choices and affect cost
•Fleet replacement plan produced savings
•Homeowner burden from intermittent large bills
•Importance of communicating rate/tax changes to residents
•Infill can save taxpayers if infrastructure supports density
•Infrastructure upgrades can negate savings if extensive
•Interest in studying technologies to reduce landfill use
•Landfill location is an obstacle to nearby school growth
•Mental-health impacts of COVID are worsening substance-use and homelessness trends
•Need for better recycling collection systems
•Need for project-level review and selective use
•Need for support for first responders and their mental health
•Need to prioritize public safety spending
•Need to test calculations and phase implementation
•Paratransit is a primary responsibility
•Partnerships with nonprofits and private foundations preferred
•Possible monthly fee to replace assessments
•Potential federal grants (e.g., Volkswagen settlement) can offset expenses
•Public-private partnerships may support infill projects
•Renaissance Zone renewal is important to attract development
•Risk of treating zone as a blanket subsidy similar to TIF abuse
•Task force studying elimination of special assessments
•Use of state water commission to offset projects
•Water-rate study provided data to rework rates

Oct

Bismarck City Commission

A League of Women Voters–moderated debate between incumbent Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz focused on fiscal priorities, public safety, utility rates, growth management and transportation ahead of the June 14 election. Both candidates emphasized public safety spending and intergovernmental cooperation while differing on pace and communication of reforms.

Discussion Points

•Baucon described cost savings (fleet plan) and legislative relationships; Schmitz pushed for earlier communication to constituents about rate changes.
•Baucon said he initiated engagement with the state water commission and rate rework based on data.
•Both candidates advocated support for first responders and non-tax solutions where possible.
•Both candidates endorsed coordination with other jurisdictions; Schmitz proposed more frequent intergovernmental committees while Baucon cited existing legislative relationships.
•Candidates debated fiscal priorities, public safety funding and communication of rate changes.
•Candidates noted federal funding and regulatory constraints and suggested route and efficiency reviews.
•City should act as partner and connector to nonprofits, state and federal agencies on mental-health and homelessness.
•Explore landfill alternatives and recycling expansion; study opportunities and technologies.
•Paratransit identified as the primary transit responsibility for at‑risk residents.
•Priority funding for police, fire and central communications should be protected.
•Proposal to develop a fee billed monthly and present calculation method to voters.
•Schmitz criticized the rapid implementation and lack of advance notice.
•Schmitz saw Renaissance Zone renewal as necessary for competitiveness; Baucon urged targeted project review and cautioned about blanket application.
•Support arts through partnerships with nonprofits and private foundations rather than direct city funding.
•Support for infill when infrastructure permits and for long-term planning.
•Task force examining elimination of special assessments and greenfield assessment structure.

Sep

Bismarck City Commission

A League of Women Voters–moderated debate between Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz covering property taxes and public safety funding, special assessments and street financing, water-rate changes, behavioral-health and homelessness responses, growth and riverfront redevelopment, transit and accessibility ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•Baucon credited fleet plan savings for fiscal stability.
•Baucon emphasized waterfront as cultural and economic catalyst.
•Baucon noted coordination with state and federal agencies and public health.
•Baucon said he changed policy to use the state water commission and is reworking rates.
•Candidates prefer replacing large periodic bills with smaller recurring fees and propose presenting options to voters.
•Federal rules limit smaller-bus use; candidates urged pursuing federal grants and better routes.
•Paratransit prioritized for at-risk residents.
•Schmitz focused on communication and avoiding surprise tax impacts.
•Schmitz said rebilling implementation shocked residents.
•Schmitz stressed Renaissance Zone utility but warned against expecting development to eliminate property taxes.
•Schmitz urged funding support for first responders and nonprofits.
•Task force reconvened to evaluate elimination of special assessments.

Sep

Bismarck City Commission

League of Women Voters–moderated debate in Bismarck between incumbent Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz covering taxes, water rates, special assessments, public safety, homelessness, transit, growth and riverfront development ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•Baucon advocated studying landfill elimination and MSW reuse technologies; both candidates supported partnering with nonprofits for arts projects.
•Baucon cited a fleet plan and claimed budgetary savings; Schmitz emphasized better communication and fiscal oversight.
•Baucon promoted waterfront as job and revenue engine; Schmitz said Renaissance Zone renewal is important but riverfront alone cannot eliminate property taxes.
•Candidates debated budget priorities, water rates, special assessments, homelessness, growth and transit.
•City should play a support role and coordinate with nonprofits; first responders need service connections and mental-health support.
•Paratransit prioritized; federal regulations and grant opportunities shape vehicle choices and funding prospects.
•Schmitz called for advance testing and phased implementation; Baucon cited use of the state water commission and rate rework based on new data.
•Task force reconvened to explore eliminating or modifying special assessments; candidates proposed predictable monthly fees as alternatives.

Aug

Bismarck City Commission

A League of Women Voters–moderated debate between incumbent Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz focused on budgets, water and street funding, public safety, homelessness and waterfront development ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•City as a support partner to nonprofits
•City's supportive role for homelessness and behavioral health services
•Communication and implementation of water-rate rebilling
•Concern about city acting like a bank and bonding costs
•Consideration of a monthly fee to finance streets
•Federal funding constraints on vehicle types and program requirements
•How to balance property tax revenue with public-safety demands
•Importance of mental-health support for first responders
•Need for better communication to avoid taxpayer surprises
•Need for rebilling testing and phased implementation
•Need to coordinate with state and federal agencies and public-health providers
•Paratransit as a city priority
•Potential partnerships to improve ridership and efficiency
•Reconvening the special-assessment task force
•Recycling and collection improvements
•Renewal of Renaissance Zone and scope of eligible parcels
•Study of MSW alternatives and landfill removal
•Use and limits of incentives such as the Renaissance Zone for development
•Use of fleet plan savings to support public safety
•Use of state water-commission resources to offset costs
•Waterfront development as a four-year focus and economic driver
•Whether to replace special assessments with a monthly fee and how to present it to voters

Aug

Bismarck City Commission

A League of Women Voters–moderated debate between incumbent Mayor Steve Baucon and challenger Mike Schmitz covered city budgeting and taxes, special assessments, water rates, public safety and services, homelessness and behavioral health, growth and waterfront development, and other local priorities ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•Baucon cited United Way stepping up with a homeless shelter.
•Baucon: city should not fund public art directly but should facilitate partnerships and use private foundations.
•Baucon: coordination with state, federal and public-health partners; COVID-related youth mental-health pipeline.
•Baucon favors exploring technologies to eliminate the landfill.
•Baucon prioritized waterfront development for cultural and economic gains.
•Baucon reconvened a special-assessment task force.
•Baucon said he reintroduced use of the state water commission and is reworking rates based on data.
•Candidates cited grants (Volkswagen settlement) as opportunities to offset costs.
•City should act as partner to nonprofits and agencies providing shelter and food.
•Federal funding rules limit vehicle choices for cost savings.
•Fleet replacement plan has produced significant savings according to Baucon.
•Need to prioritize public safety funding.
•No new city-run program was proposed.
•Prioritize paratransit for residents with mobility needs.
•Schmitz advocates study and incremental improvements to recycling and collection.
•Schmitz called for advance testing and communication to avoid surprising residents.
•Schmitz called for better advance communication with residents about tax/rate changes.
•Schmitz: police and fire are frontline and need support, including attention to responders' own mental health.
•Schmitz: support arts via partnerships; stated arts bring value to community.
•Schmitz supports alternatives such as a monthly fee to present to voters.
•Schmitz supports Renaissance Zone incentives but questioned their limits and feasibility for eliminating property taxes.

Jul

Bismarck City Commission

A League of Women Voters–organized debate in Bismarck on candidates Steve Baucon and Mike Schmitz covering budgets, special assessments, water rates, public safety, mental health, homelessness, growth, transit, waste management and the riverfront ahead of the June 14 election.

Discussion Points

•Need for rebilling system review, phased implementation and better advance communication.
•Prefer infill where infrastructure exists; use incentives like Renaissance Zone and TIF selectively and with project-level scrutiny.
•Prioritize paratransit, optimize routes, and leverage federal grants for fleet or accessibility improvements.
•Public safety prioritized in city budget; candidates proposed different approaches to fiscal stability and communication.
•Study landfill alternatives, partner on arts rather than direct funding, and pursue waterfront development with realistic expectations about tax impacts.
•Support role for city, partnership with nonprofits and state/federal agencies; need to support first responders' own mental health.
•Task force exploring alternatives to special assessments and greenfield assessment issues.

Jun

Human Relations Committee

The Human Relations Committee met to select the 2025 humanitarian award winners, approve small event sponsorships (including Pride and Juneteenth), debrief recent community events, and finalize outreach materials and volunteer assignments.

Discussion Points

•$250 sponsorship proposed for Pride; committee approved by voice vote.
•Adult nominee Megan Frankel Mann scored 14.14 for work on substance use and recovery; committee approved.
•Committee compared two brochure designs and preferred the second, simpler option.
•Families Around the World event debrief: strong attendance, ran out of bags, positive community feedback.
•Members recommended mission statement visibility, a photo collage and rack cards for events.
•Question whether Mandan-hosted Juneteenth is appropriate for Bismarck sponsorship; fiscal approval was confirmed before vote.
•Use of scoring forms to pre-rate nominees; Century HS peer-to-peer scored 14.43 and was recommended for the organization award.
•Venue for upcoming event confirmed: National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College, 1200 Shafer Street.
•Volunteer shifts and canopy needs for Juneteenth organized with overlapping coverage.
•Youth nominee Levi scored 13.5; committee approved.

Decisions

•$250 sponsorships approved for Pride and Juneteenth.
•Awards approved for Century HS (organization), Megan Frankel Mann (adult), and Levi (youth).
•Proceed with second design with photo adjustments; prototype rack cards for early June events.
•Venue confirmed and volunteer schedule to be circulated.

Directions

•Acquire plastic stands and order rack cards with thicker stock if possible.
•Collect photos to build a collage and finalize design for printing.
•Confirm canopy transport and setup plan before Juneteenth.
•Staff to confirm vendor vs. sponsorship fee and finalize payment logistics.
•Staff to store extra giveaway bags for future events and finalize volunteer schedule by email.
•Three committee members to contact winners; one will present overview at commission meeting on June 23.
•Track unused funds rollover and report back.
•Update nomination form guidance to emphasize recent-year accomplishments.

Jun

Human Relations Committee

Human Relations Committee meeting in Bismarck covered community conversations focused on homelessness and resource access, planning for a student leadership presentation, humanitarian award notifications, community event debriefs, and an announced member transition.

Discussion Points

•Confirm award winners and their appearance at commission meeting
•Correct a misspelling (Levi) in the draft release before distribution
•Discussion of continued volunteer involvement and succession planning
•Expect ~16–17 participants from across the state
•Member announced term-end and gifts to colleagues
•Plan for panel and small-group exercises
•Proposal to create a short resource booklet listing service contacts
•Question whether to present summary at commission
•Recommendation to update and reuse existing Dream Center/homeless coalition lists
•Staff offered email distribution as informational
•Subcommittee reported homelessness and related needs as top themes
•Whether to notify nominators and how to handle anonymous/unverifiable nominators

Decisions

•Distribute summary by email
•Proceed with presentation as planned

Directions

•Bring presentation materials and T-shirts; report back after the event
•Plan recognition and discuss succession
•Remove unverifiable nominator name from release; anonymize quote language
•Staff to correct spelling and send the release after the meeting
•Staff to email summary to commission after consolidation
•Subcommittee to formalize and circulate topic/resource list prior to next meeting

Jun

June 17, 2026 Missouri Valley Complex Committee

The Missouri Valley Complex Committee met to hear a briefing from Commissioner Wayne Munson on a proposal to merge the park board and the committee, staffing and budget plans for the complex, phase‑3 planning and calendar coordination; the committee approved minutes and canceled the July meeting.

Discussion Points

•An internal Outlook calendar exists but does not publish events to the website
•Budget includes two full‑time roles: park manager and technician (shared half time)
•Contracted mowing and spraying costs have increased compared to when Bismarck Parks and Rec did the work
•County website calendar link was inaccessible; Mary is the only person who can change backend content
•Draft forwarded to county attorney for legal review
•If county commission approves the plat, phase‑3 (roads/infrastructure) will proceed
•Minutes approved by motion and voice vote
•Motion to cancel July 15 meeting passed by voice vote
•Need to confirm what can be sprayed after seeding and contractor schedules
•Planning & Zoning first reading done; public hearing planned in July
•Proposal advanced to Planning & Zoning first reading with a public hearing in July
•Proposal to merge park board and committee into seven‑member board (2 commissioners, 5 public members)
•Purchase of mower/pickup and trailer requested
•Recommendation to form a subcommittee to obtain cost estimates
•Request to create a website submission form for events so dates are visible publicly
•Weed officer (Darren) coordinates contractors and public concerns; he does not perform all spraying himself

Decisions

•approve_minutes_05202026
•cancel_meeting_07152026

Directions

•Staff to follow up with Mary to restore link and explore a submission form

Jun

May 20, 2026 Missouri Valley Complex Committee Meeting

Burleigh County's Missouri Valley Complex Committee met May 20, 2026, to review planning and plat progress with Burleigh County and the city, discuss operating and capital budgets (including a proposed 2027 planning allocation from the complex reserve), consider maintenance contracts and equipment needs, and approve steps on an events calendar and staffing for the complex.

Discussion Points

•Contractor later sought additional easements after encroaching beyond the original easement.
•Contractor moved heavy equipment over damaged road and culvert and did not restore barricades.
•County filed a police report and building inspectors and planning staff responded.
•Create a consolidated internal calendar and a public-facing page for the complex.
•Highway department maintenance arrangement reduces road maintenance costs to ~ $2,000/year.
•Motion to use reserve fund for 2027 planning rather than levy money.
•Need for clear cost allocation and separate tracking if kept separate.
•Preliminary plat has moved through Burleigh County Planning and Zoning after first meeting with city planners.
•Projected triple increase in maintenance budget for next year.
•Pros and cons of folding the complex into the county park board versus keeping it separate.
•Specific cost examples: weed spraying (~$1,000/treatment x ~3), culvert repair ~$13,000.
•Staff to solicit bids for phase 3 once plat approved.
•Swenson Hagen consultant status: no update in committee; staff to follow up.
•User groups to continue programming while county handles policy and operations.
•Use submission/approval workflow to manage outside requests and private events separation.
•Utilities (water/sewer) and road alignment are primary outstanding technical issues.

Decisions

•Motion approved by roll call; staff directed to proceed.
•Prototype requested by next committee meeting.

Directions

•Budget to include capital purchases for mowers/trailers and allocate positions for maintenance.
•Continue exploring governance structure; no final decision taken.
•Mark and Thomas to prototype a calendar; Mary (web staff) to post public-facing calendar.
•Monitor site; press contractor to correct work before proceeding with additional phases.
•Staff to contact Swenson Hagen for an update and to solicit phase-3 bids after final plat.
•Treasurer and staff to separate costs by park/ramp to allow allocations and budgeting.
•Treasurer to earmark planning allocation in the 2027 budget and staff to contact Swenson Hagen for bids.
•User groups to submit events for inclusion.

Jun

Bismarck City Commission

The Bismarck City Commission met June 9, 2026, and approved a $5,000 pilot transit voucher program, a Vision Fund loan for Maximize Chiropractic, a zoning/annexation request for the JMAC industrial plat, amendments to school-zone speed rules, purchasing-threshold updates, and several routine approvals; proclamations honored hometown athletes.

Discussion Points

•Ceremonial proclamations read for Brita Kerl Salome and Dave St. Peter.
•Clarification that ordinance language mirrors state statute so school-zone speeds apply 'when children are present' (Attorney Meese).
•Commissioners requested funding and signage be in place before school opening.
•Competitive concern: commissioner questions about city assistance favoring a single business; loan structure noted to mitigate incentive concerns.
•Engineering recommended release to allow two additional feet of parking; applicant Molnaro Properties LLC seeking relief.
•Mention of other cities' ordinances (Dickinson) as a model.
•No public comment at hearing.
•Past voucher program durations (3–6 months) and agency caps (~$500).
•Planning & Zoning recommended approval with a cul-de-sac waiver; developer noted minor lot-line adjustments.
•Project location and purpose: add industrial acreage and facilitate North 19th Street connection (Daniel).
•Project scope: purchase price ~ $1.6M; renovation $600K–$700K; first phase creates four skilled therapy jobs (Dr. Coleman).
•Public hearing held with no public comment.
•Purpose: align code with procurement policy passed May 12.
•Rationale to avoid federal grant compliance issues by using city purchase and distribution model (Deidre).
•Recommendation to use one-day/one-way passes for easier tracking.
•Reports of unsafe e-bike/e-scooter operation and calls for possible ordinance development.
•Support from Bismarck Public Schools for city engineer authority (Jeff Fosnot).

Decisions

•Easement release approved; resolution to be recorded.
•Ordinance adopted.
•Pilot program approved; $5,000 allocated.
•Plat, annexation and zoning amendment approved.
•Staff to explore drafting an ordinance; no formal action taken.
•Vision Fund loan match approved.

Directions

•BizMan Transit to facilitate distribution as directed by commission.
•City administration to implement application process and determine approved agencies.
•Commissioners expect loan to be structured rather than a tax incentive.
•Development agreement to be drafted and returned to commission before building permits issued.
•Finance to update procedures and records.
•Police department and city legal staff to research potential ordinance options and return with recommendations.
•Public Works/City Engineer to implement signage and confirm funding.
•Staff to finalize loan documents and conditions.
•Staff to report readiness before August 1 start of school.

May

Bismarck Planning & Zoning Commission

The Bismarck Human Relations Committee discussed community conversations focused on homelessness and related services, finalized logistics for the humanitarian award to be presented at the city commission on the 23rd, reviewed a student leadership presentation at the Bismarck Career Academy, debriefed recent community events (Cultural Expo, Pride) and planned Juneteenth outreach and printed resources.

Discussion Points

•Committee accepted the invitation to present at the student leadership seminar.
•Confirmed winners and presentation logistics for the 23rd.
•Consideration to require Bismarck residency for nominees and nominators next year.
•Cultural Expo produced strong local interest and networking.
•Juneteenth table staffing, materials and logistics need planning.
•Little pantries are monitored informally on social media; some have been vandalized.
•Need to document pantry locations and consider coordinated volunteer refills.
•Need to focus community conversations on actionable topics (homelessness, mental health, human trafficking).
•New rack cards and a one-pager improved outreach at events.
•Presentation will include the HRC mission, a leadership panel, and breakout groups for project planning.
•Pride had lower turnout partly due to wind and competing events.
•Proposal to create a printed booklet with contact details and top resources for attendees.
•Questionable nomination entry with wrong number led to recommendation to remove the name from the public release.
•Subcommittee to formalize a prioritized list for member ranking.

Decisions

•Committee will prioritize homelessness for the next conversation and produce a resource booklet.
•Proceed with Juneteenth staffing and extra materials; report outcomes at next meeting.
•Proceed with outreach materials and pursue pantry coordination.
•Proceed with the presentation at Bismarck Career Academy on Saturday at 10 a.m.
•Remove the name from the draft release; proceed with award presentations on the 23rd.

Directions

•Chair to share presentation draft with committee members.
•Committee to clarify residency eligibility rules for next year.
•Committee to provide presentation materials and presenters for Saturday.
•Committee to staff Juneteenth table and replenish outreach materials.
•Communications staff to remove questionable nominator name and circulate revised news release.
•Compile list of pantry locations and reach out to United Way and faith partners about coordination.
•Draft a short elevator speech and one-pager for events.
•Members to coordinate supplies and reminders for volunteers.
•Staff to compile subcommittee summary and email to commission.
•Subcommittee to prepare and circulate topic list for ranking.

Apr

January 21, 2026 Missouri Valley Complex Committee Meeting

The Missouri Valley Complex Committee met Jan. 21, 2026, and approved minutes and 2026 appointments, heard a fund-balance update (including a roughly $90,000 special-assessment payment), voted to ask the Burleigh County Commission to allow a special planning meeting at the County Highway Department with county staff participation, elected officers, formed a small at-large strategy subcommittee and discussed a waterline routing concern at the racetrack.

Discussion Points

•Acceptance of 2026 appointments and meeting schedule
•Debate over whether the meeting must be publicly noticed and how to label it (working meeting vs. committee meeting)
•Invoices for Swenson and Hagen planning work not received/processed
•Need for formal secretary/coordinator and minute-taking arrangements
•Need for Highway Department maps, engineering and screens to enable site planning
•Nominations and unanimous ballots for chair and vice chair
•Rollover into the new year incomplete; detailed fund numbers pending
•Special assessments ~ $90,000 paid from complex fund; will appear in future balance sheets
•Volunteer observed contractors filling a trench with trees and debris near the racetrack
•Volunteer recommended moving the pipeline 20–30 feet north to protect special clay and avoid buried wires
•Which county departments to invite (planning, highway, finance, administration)

Decisions

•Appointments accepted; Kayla Coe elected chair; Steve New elected vice chair
•Formal request to use Highway Department meeting room approved by committee.

Directions

•Chair to coordinate with county liaison on staff support for minutes/coordination
•Chair will confer with county liaison to place request on a county commission agenda
•Staff to present full fund breakdown after rollover completion
•Volunteer to continue monitoring and report back to the committee

Mar

March 18, 2026 MIssouri Valley Complex Committee Meeting

County committee discussed moving planning and zoning oversight for the Missouri Valley Complex to Burleigh County, next steps (MOU, plat, visioning), wetland mitigation and infrastructure issues, concerns about a sewer line routing through the racetrack, and a committee member27s difficulty obtaining the finalized county budget; minutes from 02/18/2026 were approved as amended.

Discussion Points

•A county-dedicated plat application will be submitted to initiate the county review process; signatures are being gathered and an application deadline was stated.
•Commissioner Munson said he had requested the final approved budget multiple times without receiving the full line-item document.
•Committee members flagged the issue for follow-up and requested staff to pursue alternative routes to provide the detailed budget to portfolio holders.
•Committee will pursue an MOU with the City of Bismarck to clarify approval authority for the Missouri Valley Complex.
•Members noted duplication of Peters in the attendance and that Lacotte should be listed as absent.
•Motion to approve the minutes as amended was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.
•The auditor said access to the shared drive containing final numbers had been denied since the administrative changeover.
•The committee will schedule a visioning/development planning session with planning, highway and other staff to identify avoidances, wetlands constraints and infrastructure needs.

Decisions

•Committee set next meeting for April 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
•Minutes approved as amended.
•Minutes from 02/18/2026 approved as amended.
•No formal action recorded; matter referred for follow-up.

Directions

•Chair to follow up with county staff and explore alternate channels to obtain the finalized budget document before the next budget meeting.
•Clerk to update the official minutes to reflect the corrections.
•Committee to prioritize finalizing the MOU, completing the plat, and holding a development planning session; update at April 15 meeting.
•Staff to arrange meetings with fire and highway departments and to obtain signatures for the application.
•Staff to submit a county plat application (application due by 5 p.m. the following day).

Jan

Garrison Diversion Recreation Committee Meeting January 9, 2026

Recreation committee discussed grant program limits, reserve balances and eligibility rules; members voted to raise the per-project award cap to $100,000 for the spring round, kept the local cost-share at 25% for that round, and moved to a single annual application round with a March 1 deadline; executive committee will review reserve policy and communications to counties.

Discussion Points

•Whether to change the local cost-share from 25% to up to 50% for water projects; staff cautioned about needing clear scoring criteria.
•Whether to move to a single annual application round (March 1 deadline) to simplify administration.
•Whether to raise the per-project award cap for the spring round (led by multiple members).

Decisions

•Maintain 25% local cost-share for the spring round (applications in circulation).
•Move to one annual application round with a March 1 deadline (motion carried).
•Per-project cap increased to $100,000 for the spring round (motion carried).

Directions

•Executive committee to review reserve-management options and produce recommendations before the next legislative session.
•Staff to update application materials and notify county auditors and city contacts via website announcement and mailed letter.

Jan

Bismarck Vision Fund Committee 1/22/26

The Bismarck Vision Fund Committee met Jan. 22, 2026, received a financial update showing a $187,500 increase tied to sales-tax funding, and voted to forward revised 2025 Vision Fund guidelines to the City Commission with updated contact information and a shortened project access window.

Discussion Points

•2020 required November annual review; 2025 requires periodic updates without a fixed annual meeting.
•2025 draft shortens access window from 18 to 12 months and removes two-step pre-application in favor of a scoring matrix.
•City staff offered to apply city branding and suggested using city administration contact information for continuity.
•Committee asked about Cloverdale repayment timing; staff explained repayments route through Lewis and Clark Development in Mandan.
•Staff reported fund balance increase of about $187,500 tied to a $250,000 sales-tax allocation; two funded projects removed from notes receivable; two approved applicants remain undrawn.

Decisions

•Committee voted to forward the 2025 Vision Fund guidelines to the City Commission and to update contact information.
•Committee voted to receive the financial statements.

Directions

•Staff to monitor Cloverdale repayments and report back if timing changes.
•Staff to update contact information to city administration phone and email and forward the guidelines to the City Commission for approval.

Jan

Bismarck City Commission 1/13/26

Bismarck Board of City Commissioners met Jan. 13, 2026, to handle routine consent items and take public input on a proposed street utility (maintenance) fee, receive a recommendation to award a street-lighting contract, and approve a one-time $50,000 city contribution for the communitywide July 4 (250th) celebration.

Discussion Points

•City staff recommended awarding a street-lighting contract to the low bidder; commissioners approved.
•Commission clarified additional $50,000 is one-time and will be in addition to the city's usual fireworks funding.
•Commissioner asked for clarification and pulled D1 to discuss county cooperation on a joint powers agreement.
•Options discussed included a Home Rule Charter amendment to authorize creation of the fee, an advisory ballot question, or a phased activation of accounts to avoid double-charging.
•Organizers stressed need for traffic control, crowd management and expanded family programming given last year's ~8,000 attendees.
•Public hearings for two alcohol licenses produced no opposing public comment; owners for one license answered questions.
•Public input showed majority opposition in a 342-response online survey; major concerns included inclusion of existing special-assessment debt, treatment of unmetered/vacant parcels, and potential commercial rate impacts.
•Staff acknowledged a prior rate-calculation error and provided corrected nonresidential figures.

Decisions

•All consent items and the amendments/awards described were approved by roll call.
•Approved one-time additional $50,000 contribution.
•Commission directed staff to draft ballot language and present options — no final vote to place a ballot question was taken.

Directions

•Consider phased activation of previously assessed parcels (2,000 parcels per year illustrative).
•Event team to finalize vendor commitments and return if budget changes are necessary.
•Execute contract amendment for D6 and finalize award documents for District 592.
•Staff to return in two meetings (February) with draft Home Rule Charter and advisory language, guardrails, and more detailed rollout and rate analysis; prepare additional public education.

Dec

Bismarck Historic Preservation Commission 12/17/25

Historic Preservation Commission meeting (Dec. 17, 2025) covering revised award categories and criteria, selection of two commissioners for the 2026 awards process, a planned application for a North Dakota 250 grant to fund an art-and-heritage discovery walk, updates on the South Capitol survey and downtown survey RFP, and a resolution of appreciation for James "Scooter" Pursley.

Discussion Points

•A resolution of appreciation for James "Scooter" Pursley was read and the commission applauded.
•Commissioners debated yes/no checks vs ranked scoring for internal criteria; staff favored yes/no with a bonus tiebreaker area.
•Commissioners discussed outreach to increase nominations after receiving only one nomination last year.
•Downtown survey RFP closes Friday; a selection committee will review received proposals and recommendation will be provided at the next HPC meeting.
•Potential program elements include signs with QR codes linking to recordings, visual and literary content; locations are still to be determined.
•South Capitol reconnaissance forms prepared; SHPO provided minor corrections; about 13 vacant lots will be summarized rather than individually recorded.
•Staff and community partners have met twice to plan 250th-anniversary activities and identified an art-and-heritage discovery walk as a candidate project.
•Staff intend to apply for the ND250 grant maximum of $10,000; a 20% local match is required.
•Staff presented revised categories and a nomination form hosted on Survey123; only projects completed within the past 3 years are eligible.

Decisions

•City Commission forwarded request to apply for the grant at its Dec. 16 meeting; the Historic Preservation Commission was notified of the city's intent to apply.
•Commissioners Sackerson and Swanson to serve on 2026 award selection subcommittee.
•Internal criteria ranking sheet accepted with noted changes.
•Nomination form accepted with noted changes.
•Proceed with summarizing vacant lots and updating NDCRS records; selection committee to review downtown RFP proposals; resolution of appreciation adopted by the commission.

Directions

•Staff to conduct outreach (media release, social media, Renaissance Zone committee, SHPO) and include award solicitation in the HPC annual calendar.
•Staff to forward downtown RFP proposals to the selection committee and present a final selection at the next commission meeting.
•Staff to incorporate suggested wording changes and a checkbox for landowner permission.
•Staff to publish revised form on Survey123 and implement category-specific question nesting.
•Staff to submit a grant application and, if awarded, pursue departmental approvals and coordinate with partners such as Dakota West Arts Council and Bismarck Parks and Recreation District.
•Staff to update NDCRS records for destroyed sites and to provide lists of early occupants to commissioners for additional research.

Dec

Bismarck Planning & Zoning 12/17/25

The Bismarck Planning and Zoning Commission met Dec. 17 to consider zoning map amendments on the consent agenda, a major PUD amendment for Meadow Village, a minor subdivision (Secluded Acres 4th), an annexation in Promontory Point, and a contested special-use permit for a drive-through at Wachter's 17th. Commissioners approved each item, including conditional approval of the drive-through pending city review of an easement.

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented a neighbor easement signed the day of the meeting and argued intent of ordinance was being met.
•City attorney outlined remedies: lot line adjustment or reconfigured stacking on parcel; noted that any approval could be conditioned on staff verification.
•Commissioner Shell explained the City Commission adopted a policy shifting the timing of utility capital charges to issuance of building permits.
•Commissioners sought clarifications on access easement and lot sizes.
•No public opposition was recorded and staff recommended approval.
•Staff explained lot sizes, septic/drain-field separation, and County Highway review of access; applicant described plans for rental retention and future development.
•Staff explained the change pertains to front-yard setbacks adjacent to Freiburg Lane; applicant called it a cleanup.
•Staff noted annexation parcels are contiguous and inside urban service area.
•Staff reported survey showed 9.3 ft stacking width in one area; ordinance requires stacking to be completely on parcel.

Decisions

•Annexation approved; appointments announced; ETA agreement effective 2026-03-01.
•Final plat approved unanimously.
•Motion to approve PUD amendment passed unanimously.
•Special‑use permit approved conditionally pending staff approval of easement and site‑plan compliance.

Directions

•Proceed with annexation processing; staff to coordinate notices to county and township and follow new capital charge policy.
•Proceed with plat recordation and subsequent permitting by applicant.
•Process PUD amendment documentation and proceed to site plan/building permit phases.
•Special‑use permit not effective until conditions met.
•Staff to review and approve the easement documentation and confirm recordation and durability; staff to review any revised site plan.

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