OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bismarck City Commission July 22, 2025 Meeting: Budget, Police Chief, and More

City Commission — Tuesday, July 22, 2025
BodyBismarck, North Dakota
SessionCity Commission
DateTuesday, July 22, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

It is 5 15.

0:10

We are in the Tom Baker meeting room.

0:12

This is the Board of City Commission's July 22nd meeting.

0:18

We have Chaplin Herr is here.

0:25

Let's pray.

0:27

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the beauty of the day.

0:29

We thank you for your protection over us, especially in these past days and weeks with the storms, and we would we are grateful for the rain which you have provided.

0:40

And we pray for uh continued uh help and strength as we uh continue to move forward.

0:47

It reveals to us, Father, that you are all powerful and you are in control.

0:51

And so we pause uh before this meeting to acknowledge that.

0:55

We thank you for giving us this community to be a part of, and I would ask and pray that you would guide the time of this uh as a city commission meets as they discuss as they deliberate as decisions are made and uh they continue to move forward.

1:12

Thank you for the great community that you have given to us.

1:15

Thank you for those who have who serve us, our commissioners.

1:18

We think specifically as well of our first responders.

1:22

We thank you for our our um our fire department, our medical um ambulance crews.

1:30

We we thank Lord of uh the police that uh patrol and uh help to keep us safe.

1:36

And we're mindful uh even in this day of uh honoring uh the chief who has served us well, and we're grateful for that.

1:44

And we pray, Lord, as we look forward to uh new person to step into that role that you would uh strengthen and utilize them to continue the great work that has been done uh throughout this community.

1:57

Uh we offer this time before you are a God.

1:59

We pray that we would submit ourselves to your leading in the name of Christ I pray, amen.

2:15

And to the Republicans under God.

2:26

All right, we will call the meeting to order.

2:28

Um call roll.

2:31

Commissioner Rich.

2:32

Here, Commissioner Zenker?

2:33

Here, Commissioner Connolly?

2:35

Here, Mayor Smith.

2:36

Here, Chair Cleary.

2:38

Here first and foremost, we have the recognition of police chief Dave Dreavich.

2:50

So, Dave, I'm gonna ask you to come up if you will.

3:00

And I'm gonna unless you want to speak first.

3:03

I'm gonna let your portfolio uh holder take the take the wheel.

3:08

But I believe Jason has a slideshow.

3:10

He's gonna play well while Commissioner Rish speaks.

3:13

Well, congratulations, Chief, on making it to retirement.

3:17

I'm from the railroad industry, and we say when somebody's retires, he's pulling the pin.

3:22

There's a pin between each car, you pull the pin, and the car rolls off into the sunset.

3:26

But I want to thank you for your service.

3:28

You've made a tremendous impact on the department and the safety of our community, and I'm grateful for that.

3:33

Uh the chief started his career in 1989, uh, 14 years is on patrol.

3:39

It's from 2006, three to 2006.

3:42

He was uh patrol supervisor and became a lieutenant in 2006, deputy chief in 2013, and chief of police in 2018.

3:51

So we got about seven years out of you anyway.

3:54

Uh as police chief, Chief Derevich led the department in implementing body worn cameras, upgraded ballistic protection, launched a drone program, and adopted intelligence-led policing.

4:07

He also led the department in 2021 and 2025 for re-accreditation process for the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies called SELA, the gold standard for credentialing public safety agencies.

4:22

We're the only police department in the state, correct?

4:25

No, not Grand Forks and the COVID.

4:27

Okay, okay.

4:27

Well, I stole a little thunder.

4:29

But it's very difficult to get this, and I was interviewed actually as part of the process.

4:34

And you've got to be a top shelf police force playing by all the rules and proper procedures and everything like that uh to get that uh recognition.

4:44

A proud K9 handler during this patrol years, Chief Dreovich worked closely with K9 partners Bo and Kodiak and was widely regarded as a cornerstone of the patrol division where he spent much of his career.

5:00

He loves dogs, and he's told me numerous times I don't dare go out to the pound because I might bring home another, I might adopt another dog.

5:04

So appreciate that.

5:06

The chief is a public servant in our on the force, but he's also a public service in other ways.

5:13

He serves as a mentor for runners against destructive decisions, promoting healthy activities, and providing social support for referrals from drug court and residents of the Missouri River Correction Center.

5:24

It's an incredible commitment, showing up several hours a week on his off time and never calling attention to himself.

5:32

But time goes on like it always does, and even good guys like Chief Drewch gets to retire.

5:39

But your positive impact on the police department in our community will be felt long after you retire.

5:45

As a citizen and certainly as a commissioner, thank you for your service.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis██████████████████18%
Property Tax Assessment██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Racial Equity████4%
Public Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bismarck City Commission Meeting - July 22, 2025

The Bismarck City Commission held its regular meeting on July 22, 2025, starting at approximately 5:15 PM in the Tom Baker meeting room. The meeting included recognition of retiring Police Chief Dave Dreavich, presentation of the 2024 Humanitarian Awards, a public comment period, approval of the consent agenda, and numerous regular agenda items including an airport terminal study update, public hearings on ordinances, a bulk item collection pilot program discussion, and a presentation of the 2026 preliminary budget. The commission also approved the hiring of Jason Stugelmeyer as the new police chief and discussed a future meeting with Burley County regarding the extraterritorial area (ETA).

Consent Calendar

  • Item L2 (Library Project Bids): Commissioner Zenker noted a potential error in the project bid list regarding Northern Plains Heating, but after clarification, the consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michael J. Walsh spoke during public comment, raising concerns about the process for choosing a new police chief, advocating for more community oversight and input. He referenced his experience in the 2023 Citizen Academy and expressed that the police department had fallen short in some areas. He emphasized the need for oversight, regardless of who becomes chief, and urged a more open process.

Discussion Items

  • Recognition of Retiring Police Chief Dave Dreavich: Commissioner Rish and Chair Cleary honored Chief Dreavich for his service since 1989, highlighting his leadership in implementing body-worn cameras, launching a drone program, and achieving CALEA re-accreditation. Chief Dreavich expressed gratitude for the community's support.
  • 2024 Humanitarian Award Presentations: The Bismarck Human Relations Committee presented awards to Lauren Zent (first youth recipient), Micah Stokeland (adult), and YouthWorks (organization). Each recipient was recognized for their contributions to inclusion and community service.
  • Terminal Area Study Update: Matthew and Jeff Uble presented the preferred concept for expanding the Bismarck Airport terminal. The plan includes a 90-degree rotation of the TSA checkpoint, expansion of departure lounges and gates (from current to six), and improved baggage handling. The projected total cost is $160.8 million, with construction phased over six phases. The airport is self-sufficient, and the city is not expected to bear the full cost; funding will come from FAA, state, and other partners.
  • Ordinance 6629 (Franchises Amendment): Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 6631 (Special Assessment District for Annexed Properties): Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 6634 (Zoning Text Amendment – Height and Setback Regulations in P Public Districts): Isaac presented the amendment to simplify building height and setback rules. The change removes the complex formula that required increasingly large setbacks for buildings over 35 feet. Staff recommended approval. Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • Taxicab License for Abort Affordable Taxi: Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • International Building Code Text Amendment (Frost Protected Foundations): Brady presented the amendment to allow certain low-risk utility and storage buildings (Risk Category I) to be constructed without frost-protected foundations, subject to conditions. Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program: Steve reported results from the six-month pilot (January–July 2025). An average of 10.16 residents per month used the service, with an average of 16.66 items collected monthly. The program is used mostly by those without means to haul items themselves. The commission voted unanimously to continue the program.
  • Fall Leaf Disposal Options: The commission discussed options for fall leaf curbside collection. After reviewing alternatives (street sweeping, boulevard vacuuming), the preferred approach is to allow residents to place leaves in paper bags (or containers) for pickup in mid- and late-October, using existing staff and equipment. The city would require paper bags to allow composting. Commissioner Zenker suggested the city might provide the bags. Staff was directed to research costs and options and return with a proposal in early August.
  • 2026 Preliminary Budget: Dimitri and Commissioner Cleary presented the 2026 preliminary budget. Key features: a 3% property tax levy increase (subject to House Bill 1176 caps), a 5% salary increase for city employees (3% market adjustment + 2% merit), 6.5 new FTEs (focused on HR and police), ongoing operating budget increases for Fire, Police, and Roads & Streets, one-time capital items (fire trucks, roof replacements), and enterprise fund rate increases (water 3%, sewer, solid waste). The budget also includes funding for the Axon AI software for police efficiency. The commission approved the preliminary budget unanimously, with the understanding that adjustments may be made before the public hearing in September.
  • Hiring of New Police Chief – Jason Stugelmeyer: City Administrator Jason recommended Jason Stugelmeyer as the new police chief, citing his 25 years of experience within the department and the need for continuity. The commission approved the recommendation unanimously. Stugelmeyer expressed gratitude to the retiring chief and his family.
  • August 5th Meeting with Burley County (ETA Discussion): The discussion focused on the upcoming joint meeting with Burley County regarding the extraterritorial area (ETA). The commission agreed that the meeting should be primarily educational, with city staff presenting maps, explaining rules, and showing examples of how special assessments are calculated. Public comment will be taken. The commission also discussed a potential citizen-initiated home rule charter amendment related to sales tax extension and special assessments. Commissioner Zenker proposed forming a small group (himself, the mayor, Brendan Nagel from the Chamber, and Kevin Strage) to develop a city-led infrastructure proposal. This was accepted by consensus.

Key Outcomes

  • Retirement Recognition and New Chief: Retiring Police Chief Dave Dreavich recognized; Jason Stugelmeyer approved as new police chief (unanimous vote) effective upon the former's retirement.
  • Airport Terminal Expansion: The terminal area planning study update was received; the preferred alternative concept and financial plan are finalized. A public open house is scheduled for July 23, 2025. The project will proceed with a consultant for funding strategy.
  • Bulk Item Collection: The program will continue as a permanent service with annual fee review during budget process.
  • Fall Leaf Collection: Staff to return in early August with options for providing paper bags or allowing containers, aiming for two pickups in October.
  • 2026 Preliminary Budget Approved Unanimously (motion and second; roll call: all yes).
  • Zoning and Building Code Amendments passed unanimously.
  • Taxicab License approved.
  • ETA Meeting: Agenda set for August 5, 2025; city staff to prepare educational presentation.
  • Infrastructure Task Force: Small group (Zenker, Mayor, Nagel, Strage) to be formed to develop a city-led sales tax and special assessment reform proposal.

Meeting Transcript

It is 5 15. We are in the Tom Baker meeting room. This is the Board of City Commission's July 22nd meeting. We have Chaplin Herr is here. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the beauty of the day. We thank you for your protection over us, especially in these past days and weeks with the storms, and we would we are grateful for the rain which you have provided. And we pray for uh continued uh help and strength as we uh continue to move forward. It reveals to us, Father, that you are all powerful and you are in control. And so we pause uh before this meeting to acknowledge that. We thank you for giving us this community to be a part of, and I would ask and pray that you would guide the time of this uh as a city commission meets as they discuss as they deliberate as decisions are made and uh they continue to move forward. Thank you for the great community that you have given to us. Thank you for those who have who serve us, our commissioners. We think specifically as well of our first responders. We thank you for our our um our fire department, our medical um ambulance crews. We we thank Lord of uh the police that uh patrol and uh help to keep us safe. And we're mindful uh even in this day of uh honoring uh the chief who has served us well, and we're grateful for that. And we pray, Lord, as we look forward to uh new person to step into that role that you would uh strengthen and utilize them to continue the great work that has been done uh throughout this community. Uh we offer this time before you are a God. We pray that we would submit ourselves to your leading in the name of Christ I pray, amen. And to the Republicans under God. All right, we will call the meeting to order. Um call roll. Commissioner Rich. Here, Commissioner Zenker? Here, Commissioner Connolly? Here, Mayor Smith. Here, Chair Cleary. Here first and foremost, we have the recognition of police chief Dave Dreavich. So, Dave, I'm gonna ask you to come up if you will. And I'm gonna unless you want to speak first. I'm gonna let your portfolio uh holder take the take the wheel. But I believe Jason has a slideshow. He's gonna play well while Commissioner Rish speaks. Well, congratulations, Chief, on making it to retirement. I'm from the railroad industry, and we say when somebody's retires, he's pulling the pin. There's a pin between each car, you pull the pin, and the car rolls off into the sunset. But I want to thank you for your service. You've made a tremendous impact on the department and the safety of our community, and I'm grateful for that. Uh the chief started his career in 1989, uh, 14 years is on patrol. It's from 2006, three to 2006. He was uh patrol supervisor and became a lieutenant in 2006, deputy chief in 2013, and chief of police in 2018. So we got about seven years out of you anyway. Uh as police chief, Chief Derevich led the department in implementing body worn cameras, upgraded ballistic protection, launched a drone program, and adopted intelligence-led policing. He also led the department in 2021 and 2025 for re-accreditation process for the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies called SELA, the gold standard for credentialing public safety agencies. We're the only police department in the state, correct? No, not Grand Forks and the COVID. Okay, okay. Well, I stole a little thunder. But it's very difficult to get this, and I was interviewed actually as part of the process.

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