Public Meetings - Mandan, North Dakota

The Mandan Board of City Commissioners met on October 7, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Bosch Frailic Meeting Room at Mandan City Hall. The meeting covered announcements, approvals of past minutes and agenda, a consent agenda, and several new business items including the adoption of a five-year financial plan, engineering service agreements, a request for architectural proposals for a new fire station, and final adoption of the 2026 budget with a reduced property tax levy increase. Announcements - Marlo Anderson from the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame recapped the recent induction ceremony (held two weekends prior) featuring four inductees: The Blenders, Chuck Suki, Richard Torrance, and Skitch Henderson (accepted by Susan Bellmy Hughes). He noted a successful music crawl that turned Mandan into Nashville for a day. - Fire Chief Bitts presented a new rescue boat for the fire department, funded by an $80,000 project (under half from a North Dakota Game and Fish grant, the remainder from local businesses). The boat is a rigid-hull aluminum craft with infrared technology and side-scanning sonar, intended to fill a response gap for Mandan’s 24 miles of shoreline. Chief Bitts also announced the fire department open house on October 14 at 7 PM at Fire Station 1. - Police Chief Ziegler announced the retirement of K9 Cooper (effective October 10, 2025) after six years of service. Cooper will be adopted by his handler, Sergeant Scher. A replacement K9 is planned for the 2027 budget cycle. - Administrator Newbauer reminded the commission of the Business Pitch Challenge on October 15 at Central Station (doors 5 PM, presentations 5:30 PM). Four finalists are competing: Dirty Soda Company, Pronto Chore, Learning Lot Child Care, and Dakota Soda. - City Engineer Jarek provided a construction update for Memorial Highway (four underground crews, paving through 43rd Avenue, 40th Avenue closed for 3 more weeks, winter shutdown target November 23), Water Treatment Plant Phase 3 (lime silo work), Collins Avenue Reservoir (wire winding and shotcrete, online late November), 2024 Street Reconstruction (substantially complete, punch list in progress), and 2025 Street Reconstruction (paving starting end of week, chip seal in spring). - Administrator Newbauer announced the Art Alley unveiling and ribbon cutting on October 22 at 5:15 PM. - Mayor Frelick proclaimed November 1, 2025 as Extra Mile Day. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Brown, second by Commissioner Schoberg; roll call: all yes). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Approval of Agenda and Minutes – The agenda was approved (motion by Commissioner Brown, second by Commissioner Rohr). Minutes from September 16 and September 29, 2025, were approved separately (both unanimous). - New Business – Appointment of Vice President – Commissioner Rohr, completing his fourth term (ending June 30, 2026), resigned as Vice Chair to allow appointment of Commissioner Ryan Henshaw as Vice President. The resignation was accepted (motion by Commissioner Brown, second by Commissioner Schoberg; unanimous). Henshaw was then appointed Vice President (motion by Commissioner Rohr, second by Commissioner Schoberg; unanimous). Henshaw thanked the board and noted his 21+ years of service to Mandan. - Long-Term Financial Plan Adoption – Justin presented a five-year financial plan for planning purposes. The commission approved it (motion by Commissioner Heinchan, second by Commissioner Rohr; unanimous). - Engineering Service Agreement – Master Lift Station Interim Improvements – Jarek recommended Apex Engineering for design and construction administration ($392,000 fee, estimated construction $2.2–2.5 million). The agreement was approved (motion by Commissioner Schoberg, second by Commissioner Heinchan; unanimous). The master lift station collects 75% of the city’s sewage and has aging asbestos cement pipes (installed 1966) and pump station (mid-1970s). - Engineering Service Agreements – Street Rehabilitation 2026-3A and Mandan Proper Phase 1 – Jarek recommended Moore Engineering for two task orders (Task Orders 9 and 10) for preliminary engineering on the NW (3A) area (west of 30th Ave NW, near Red Trail Elementary) and the Mandan Proper area (south of Division, north of 6th St NW). The NW project focuses on road surface and drainage; the Mandan Proper project includes full reconstruction with water, storm, and sanitary sewer upgrades. Approved (motion by Commissioner Brown, second by Commissioner Schoberg; unanimous). - Request for Proposals – Fire Station No. 3 Architectural Services – Chief Bitts requested authorization to solicit proposals for a new fire station in northwest Mandan due to growth and extended response times. The city owns a site at Hillside Road and Old Red Trail. The RFP will be advertised in October with proposals due November 10. Approved (motion by Commissioner Heinchan, second by Commissioner Schoberg; unanimous). - Second Opinion on Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan – Jarek recommended HDR to perform a second opinion ($32,000 fee) to validate the plant selection, after the original $68,000 master plan. Approved (motion by Commissioner Schoberg, second by Commissioner Heinchan; unanimous). Resolutions & Ordinances - Final Adoption of 2026 Budget (Ordinance 1473) – Greg presented the final budget ordinance, which includes a reduced library property tax levy ($10,450 decrease) to align with the county’s population-based funding share. The city’s total property tax levy increase is 2.2% (below the 3% cap), but the average existing residential property tax increase is 3.5% due to market value increases. The budget was adopted (motion by Commissioner Heinchan, second by Commissioner Rohr; unanimous). Key Outcomes - Appointments: Ryan Henshaw appointed Vice President of the Board. - Contracts: Engineering agreements approved for Master Lift Station (Apex), Street Rehabilitation (Moore), and Wastewater Treatment Plant second opinion (HDR). - RFP Authorization: Fire Department authorized to solicit architectural proposals for Fire Station No. 3. - Budget Adoption: 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy approved with a 2.2% levy increase. - Upcoming Dates: Next meetings October 21, November 4, and November 18, 2025, all at 5:30 PM.

A special meeting of the Mandan City Commission was held on September 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM (presumed) in the Dykshorn Conference Room at Mandan City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Freleck with Commissioner Heinshaw, Commissioner Schobert, Commissioner Brown, and Mayor Freleck present. Commissioner Rohr was also listed but did not respond to roll call. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda item and a second final consideration of an ordinance. Consent Calendar - Gaming Site Authorization: Approved a gaming site authorization for the Mystic Athletic Club at the Dale Polity Romeo Arena for October 3rd and 4th, 2025. The motion was made by Commissioner Schobert and seconded by Commissioner Heinshaw. All present members voted in favor (Heinshaw, Schobert, Mayor Freleck). Discussion Items - Ordinance 1477 – Retirement Plan Eligibility: The commission considered the second and final reading of Ordinance 1477, which amends the city and park shared retirement plan eligibility age from 19 to 18. The city administrator reported that no public comments or concerns had been received since the September 16, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Heinshaw moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by Commissioner Schobert. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote (Heinshaw, Schobert, Mayor Freleck). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda item approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1477 adopted unanimously. - Future regular meeting dates announced: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 5:30 PM; Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 5:30 PM; and Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM – all at Mandan City Hall. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Planning and Zoning Committee met on September 22, 2025, to consider three agenda items: a preliminary plat and zone change request, a final plat approval, and an amendment to a special use permit for shop condos. The meeting included public testimony and detailed debate on the buffer requirements for commercial-residential interfaces. Key decisions included tabling the first item, approving the final plat, and denying the special use permit amendment. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (10-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Kital South Heart Terrace): The applicant requested a tabling, explaining ongoing negotiations with a neighboring property regarding a cross-connection point and grading issues. A commissioner raised concerns about cul-de-sac standards for emergency vehicles. No other public comments. - Item 3 (Bridge View Bay special use permit amendment): The applicant (Wade Vogle) argued that the proposed plan meets current ordinance requirements for buffer points, citing a legal opinion from the city attorney. He stated that the building footprint had been reduced from the original approval and that the buffer points could be achieved via building separation, two rows of conifers, and a fence. A neighboring property owner (Ramona Furlong) objected, asserting that the original special use permit agreement should stand and that any reduction in buffer distance (from 30 to 20 feet) would negatively impact her property. She also noted violations such as potential overnight stays and parking in the condos. The applicant acknowledged the previous agreement but noted a city planner had indicated future ordinance changes would have allowed the current request. Discussion Items - Item 1 (Preliminary Plat for Kital South Heart Terrace): Staff recommended tabling pending resolution of cross-connection concerns between the applicant and an adjacent property owner. The committee discussed the need for both parties to submit complementary preliminary plats. A motion to table until both parties reach agreement passed unanimously (10-0). - Item 2 (Final Plat for Call Edition): Staff reported no changes since preliminary plat approval (July 28, 2025) and city commission approval (August 19, 2025). The final plat was approved unanimously (10-0). - Item 3 (Amendment to Special Use Permit for Bridge View Bay): Extensive debate centered on interpretation of the city’s gateway overlay buffer ordinance. Staff (Rachel) expressed inability to confirm that the revised plan meets all requirements due to incomplete landscape plans and ambiguous unit sizes. The city attorney’s opinion allowed three buffer points from building separation, but staff and commissioners questioned whether “separation between buildings” refers to within the site or between the subject and adjacent residential buildings. Commissioners considered whether to table or deny. The applicant noted a tight construction schedule. A majority (6-3) voted to deny the amendment, with Commissioners McLean, Gardner, and Horn dissenting. The denial means the original special use permit and its agreed-upon landscape plan (30-foot buffer with four rows of conifers and a fence) remain in effect. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Motion to table the preliminary plat and zone change request until both parties agree on cross-connection solutions passed unanimously (10-0). - Item 2: Motion to recommend approval of the final plat for Call Edition passed unanimously (10-0). - Item 3: Motion to deny the amendment to the special use permit for lot one, block one of Bridge View Bay Edition passed (6-3). The denial upholds the original special use permit conditions. - Committee renewals were announced: Chair Robinson and Commissioner Gardner are up for reappointment; they must submit applications by year-end.

The Mandan City Commission met on September 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Bosch Ferlic meeting room at Mandan City Hall. Commissioners Schoberg, HeinSean, Brown, Roar, and Mayor Frelick were present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Officer Tucker Williams, followed by employee anniversary recognition and new employee introductions. Key agenda items included construction updates, a water main break report, the 2026 budget public hearing, a preliminary plat, liquor license transfer, and multiple engineering contracts. Consent Calendar - Approved items 1–9 and 11 unanimously (motion by Commissioner Brown, second by Schoberg). Item 10 was pulled for discussion. - Item 10 (Motorola Solutions body cam agreement) was approved separately after discussion: Commissioner HeinSean asked about adding officers; Chief Siegler explained pricing locks in for three years with possible upcharges if headcount exceeds 55. Motion by HeinSean, second by Brown, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted. The public hearing for the 2026 budget (Ordinance 1473) had no oral comments; one written inquiry about property tax calculation was received, and the finance department will provide data. Discussion Items - Quarterly Employee Anniversary Recognition: Amy announced 3-year, 5-year, and 15-year service milestones. Five employees were present to receive certificates. - New Employee Introductions: Chief Siegler introduced Officer Tucker Williams, Code Enforcement Officers Andrea Anderson and Alison Pretzler. Public Works introduced Jace Rebel. - Construction Updates (Jerek from Engineering): - Memorial Highway: 60-inch storm sewer installation nearing 40th Ave; paving continuing; NDDOT anticipates opening the week of September 22 (delayed by rain). Winter shutdown goal is paved mainline by November 23. Temporary asphalt surface emphasized as non-permanent. - Water Treatment Plant Phase 3: Work on lime silo, CO2 tank slab, sheet piling; winter work will move indoors. - Collins Avenue Reservoir: Wall/dome panels being placed; expected online late November. Exterior finishes and demolition of old reservoir to follow in spring. - 2024 Street Reconstruction (Low Straighter/Shady Acres): Substantially complete; walkthrough scheduled for Friday to create punch list. - 2025 Street Reconstruction (Monty Drive area): All water main installed; concrete work to finish before winter; contractor on track for substantial completion. - Water Main Break Update (Shane O’Keefe): Three breaks occurred on First Street in 12 hours (total 17 breaks in the area in the past week). Two repaired, third expected to be fixed shortly. Estimated cost per break: $36,000. Notification via social media and reverse 911. Mayor and commissioners asked about causation (aging infrastructure) and the financial impact. - Camper and Trailer Parking Ordinance (Chief Siegler): Reminder that from September 15 to May 15, parking campers/trailers on the street is prohibited; fines up to $50 per day or towing. Education preferred; loading/unloading exceptions allowed with notification. - Art Alley Update (Jim Newbauer): Five murals completed; 15 total planned. Positive community feedback. Public encouraged to view the work. - Preliminary Plat – Evergreen Heights 5th Edition (Jordan): Public hearing held. Ben Capel (purchaser/realtor) and Trisha Dietz (seller’s agent) expressed support; noted long process and amicable neighbors. Staff recommended approval with conditions related to Living Water Drive. Motion to approve contingent on final plat approval and vacation of Living Water Drive passed unanimously. - Bids – Shores at Lakewood Phase 2 Storm Sewer Improvements: Low bid from SiteWorks Excavation ($393,803.50) awarded for base bid one (fall construction). Motion by Schoberg, second by HeinSean, passed. - Special Assessment Districts: Verified five districts: Street Improvement 231 (8th Ave NW), 235 (2024 Street Rehab), Trail District 1 (Highway 6 Trail), Trail District 2 (Old Red Trail Shared Use Path), and Water/Sewer District 64 (Northwest Trunk Sewer). Approved unanimously. - Class A Liquor License Transfer – Lonesome Dove to Missouri River Boat Inc.: Public hearing held. Attorney John Ward and Fire Chief Bitts explained need for fire suppression system due to change of ownership. Transfer approved contingent on meeting all fire, building, health, and safety codes, with an agreement to install suppression system. - Three-Way Agreement – Shores at Lakewood Phase 2 Water/Sewer: Approved agreement between city, TRX Developers, and SiteWorks Excavation for private construction of water and sewer infrastructure, to be turned over to city after completion. Storm sewer funded by city via special assessments. - Selection of Engineering Firms: - Mandan Proper Northwest: Moore Engineering selected (7 proposals). - Master Lift Station Interim Improvements: Apex Engineering selected (4 proposals). - 2026 Street Rehabilitation (3A): Moore Engineering selected (6 proposals). - Street Improvement District 240 – Shores at Lakewood Phase 2: Resolutions creating the district and authorizing bid advertisements approved. - Ordinance 1476 (Traffic & Vehicles): Second and final consideration passed unanimously. - Ordinance 1477 (Retirement Plan Eligibility): First consideration introduced; lowers minimum eligibility age from 19 to 18, aligns with plan amendments. Approved for introduction. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (items 1–9, 11): Approved unanimously. - Item 10 (Body Cam Agreement): Approved unanimously. - Public Hearing for 2026 Budget (Ordinance 1473): Closed; final adoption scheduled for October 7, 2025. - Preliminary Plat – Evergreen Heights 5th Edition: Approved contingent on final plat and vacation of Living Water Drive (unanimous). - Bid Award – Storm Sewer Improvements: Awarded to SiteWorks Excavation, $393,803.50 (unanimous). - Special Assessment Districts: All five districts approved (unanimous). - Liquor License Transfer: Approved contingent on code compliance and fire suppression system agreement (unanimous). - Three-Way Agreement: Approved (unanimous). - Engineering Selections: Moore Engineering (Mandan Proper Northwest and 2026 Street Rehab) and Apex Engineering (Master Lift Station) approved (all unanimous). - Street Improvement District 240: Created and bid advertisement authorized (unanimous). - Ordinance 1476: Adopted on second reading (unanimous). - Ordinance 1477: Introduced on first reading; final consideration set for October 7, 2025. - Future Meeting Dates: October 7, October 21, and November 4, 2025, all at 5:30 PM.

The Mandan City Commission met on September 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Bosch Frelick meeting room at Mandan City Hall. The meeting included announcements, construction updates, approval of minutes and consent agenda, a presentation of the 2024 audit results, introduction of an infant at work policy, approval of task orders for lead service line inventory, and consideration of several ordinances and resolutions. All votes were unanimous. Announcements & Reports - Free Fall Landfill Week: Public Works Director Shane O'Keefe announced that free fall landfill week will run from September 15 to 20, 2025, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM daily at the Mandan City Landfill. Residents can dispose of furniture and clean appliances at no cost with proof of residency. Tire fees still apply; unacceptable items include construction material, hazardous waste, and liquids (paint cans must be dried). - Construction Update: Jarek presented updates on multiple projects: - Memorial Highway: Restoration of 21st and 19th Streets complete; 60-inch storm sewer main installation ongoing; water and sanitary sewer lines being installed; concrete paving expected to begin second half of September. Contractor (Riedy) plans to complete mainline concrete paving before winter shutdown; temporary asphalt if needed. - Collins Avenue Reservoir: Concrete placements for wall/dome panels and tank foundation slab underway. - 2025 Reconstruction (Monty Drive area): Underground work 70% complete; contractor prioritizing paving 14th Street from 6th to Sunset Drive; concrete repairs continue until freeze-up. A section of cast iron water main removed was shown as example of replacement need. - 2024 Reconstruction: All underground work complete; paving complete this week; chip seal early summer 2026. - MDU (Michael's) Gas Main Replacement: Second construction season of a seven-year project; Northern Improvement began asphalt restoration. Commissioner Rohr questioned water in a ditch; Jarek noted possible drainage from Memorial Highway. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously. - The minutes of the August 19, 2025 Board of City Commission meeting were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Discussion Items 2024 Audit Results Mindy Piazza, shareholder with Brady Marts, presented the audit results for fiscal year 2024: - Opinions: Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements; unmodified opinion on internal control and compliance (with two repeat findings: segregation of duties at the airport, and auditors preparing financial statements); unmodified opinion on federal compliance (tested Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds and Highway Planning and Construction Fund). - Financial Highlights (as of December 31, 2024): - Net position: $270 million, up $25 million (9.8%) from 2023. - Revenues: Largest source (40%) capital grants/contributions at $27.5 million (including $23 million in special assessments); charges for services 23% ($16 million, mostly water/sewer); property taxes 12% ($7.9 million). - Total expenses: $42.8 million; largest categories public works 23% ($9.7M), public safety 22% ($9.4M), water/sewer 19% ($8.3M). - General fund ending fund balance: just over $11 million; unassigned balance of $3.6 million exceeded the 17% policy minimum ($3.04 million); policy recently changed to 25%. - Budget vs actual: Revenues $1.2M over budget; expenditures $134,000 under budget. - Debt: Total principal and interest payments required annually just below $10 million. - Other Items: One uncorrected misstatement (not material); management letter issued with housekeeping items. - Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the audit results. Infant at Work Policy Amy presented a proposed policy allowing eligible employees to bring infants under six months old to work under specific conditions, with approvals from supervisor, department director, city administrator, and HR director. The policy is voluntary, requires equipment provided by employee, and includes a post-program evaluation. Fiscal impact expected to be none. Commissioner Heinshawn raised concern about adequate changing tables; Amy noted the breastfeeding policy provides private space and they would ensure appropriate facilities. Policy approved unanimously. Lead Service Line Inventory Task Orders Jarek explained the background: Initial phase identified 4,000 service lines as lead or unidentified. State phase two is focusing on smaller communities; Mandan too large to benefit. Task orders with AE2S (totaling $220,000) cover Phase II inventory work (records review, customer surveys, public notifications, door-to-door surveys) and future replacements. The city budgeted $100,000 in 2025 and $105,000 in 2026 for lead service line replacement. 66% state funding available, reducing local impact to under $75,000. Funding source changed from special assessments to utility fund. Task orders 11 and 12 approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 1474 (2nd and final consideration): Created new Article 7 to Chapter 2 of the Mandan Code authorizing annual appropriation bonds. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1475 (2nd and final consideration): Amended Sections 12-8-1 and 12-8-9 relating to cigar lounges. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1476 (1st consideration): Introduced updates to traffic and vehicle code to align with state law changes, including: no doubling of speeding fines; drivers may exit roundabout without signaling; window tint transmittance changed to 35% for side/rear; careless driving fine $100; interstate speed limit raised to 80 mph; construction zone speeding fine $150. Introduced and approved first reading unanimously. - Resolution authorizing SRF loan application for lead service line replacement: Authorized application for a State Revolving Fund loan up to $4.5 million for lead service line inventory and replacement, to take advantage of 66% loan forgiveness. Approved unanimously. Future Meetings - September 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM (preliminary budget public hearing at 6:00 PM) - October 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM - October 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM The meeting adjourned.