Bismarck Commission Meeting January 27, 2026: Homelessness Survey, Triage Center, Police Internship, Zoning, Sales Tax
Bismarck Commission Meeting January 27, 2026
The meeting opened with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The regular agenda covered presentations, public hearings, and decisions on homelessness survey findings, community triage center planning, a police internship program, an alcohol license transfer, zoning text amendments, employee ordinance amendments, street improvement bids, and a highway construction contract. The commission also discussed a proposed extension of the half-cent sales tax for roadways.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously (Commissioners Zenker, Connolly, Mayor Schmidt, Commissioner Rish, Chair Cleary all voting yes).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during public hearings.
Discussion Items
- A. Homelessness Survey Presentation (Human Relations Committee): Sargiana Witski and Katie Hoole presented summary findings from the November 18, 2025 community conversation forum. Key challenges included lack of affordable housing, shelter gaps, employment barriers, transportation issues, behavioral health needs, service silos, and stigma. Community-identified solutions included expanding affordable housing, developing 24/7 shelters, centralizing services, improving basic needs access, enhancing transportation, strengthening behavioral health services, fostering collaboration, and promoting compassion. Commissioners thanked the committee and noted alignment with the next agenda item.
- B. Community Triage Center Planning Report (Item B): Renee from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health presented the final report from Health Management Associates, summarizing the planning process for a community triage center. Key findings recommended a multi-partner governance model, phased implementation, and diverse funding sources (Medicaid, hospital partnerships, grants, philanthropy). Commissioner Zenker requested identification of low-hanging fruit from the HRC’s list. Commissioner Connolly raised concerns about regional hub impacts, property values, and system effectiveness. Mayor Schmidt and others emphasized coordination to address existing homelessness and reduce emergency services costs. The commission voted to accept the report and authorize proceeding to Phase 2 (organizing for action).
- C. Police Department Internship/Recruitment Program: Chief Jason Stublmeyer and Dr. Chad Linton from University of Mary presented a proposed internship program for criminal justice students. The program would provide scholarships in exchange for internships with the police department at no cost to the city. Commissioners expressed support; no formal vote was required.
- D. Alcohol License Transfer (Public Hearing): Public hearing held on transferring a Class F1 alcohol license from Chariz B Inc. to Team Charas Bismarck LLC at 4503 Skyline Crossings. No public testimony. Commission approved the transfer unanimously.
- E. Zoning Text Amendment – Rural Accessory Structure Size (Public Hearing): Isaac presented an amendment to align city ordinances with Burley County’s 4% lot size limit for accessory structures in rural areas. The amendment passed unanimously after public hearing.
- F. Employee Ordinance Amendment (Public Hearing): Ordinance 6652 amended definitions and procedures for employee coverage, leave, grievances, etc. Approved unanimously.
- G. Street Improvement Bids – HC174/SI593 (Ottawa Street): Gabe reported five bids received; recommended continuing to the February 10 meeting pending DOT Flex Fund award decision. Commission approved continuation.
- H. Highway Construction Contract – HC173/SE576 (Tyler Parkway Extension): Six bids received; low bid from Central Specialties Inc. at $9,940,797.02. Commission approved awarding the contract unanimously.
- I. Half-Cent Sales Tax Extension Update: Gabe presented public input summary (122 survey responses, 20 attendees at public meeting). Key themes: prioritizing arterials, varying support for special assessment proportions, and 50/50 split on extension. Commissioners discussed sunset term (10-year extension preferred), project list flexibility, and proactive approach. Direction given to staff to revise project list and prepare home rule charter language for a 10-year extension.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved unanimously.
- Triage Center: Motion to accept final report and authorize Phase 2 passed unanimously (Commissioners Connolly, Mayor Schmidt, Rish, Zenker, Cleary all yes).
- Alcohol License Transfer: Approved unanimously.
- Zoning Text Amendment: Approved unanimously.
- Employee Ordinance: Approved unanimously.
- Street Improvement Bids: Continued to February 10, 2026 meeting.
- Tyler Parkway Contract: Awarded to Central Specialties Inc. unanimously.
- Sales Tax Extension: Staff directed to revise project list and draft home rule charter language for a 10-year extension; no formal vote.
Meeting Transcript
Let us pray. Gracious Heavenly Father, as we have experienced cold temperatures in recent days, we are grateful for the warmth of your love. We pray for those in normally warm parts of the country who are experiencing challenges following the freezing rain, ice, and snowstorms from last weekend. We pray that you would provide for their safety and well-being. We pray that you would uphold all in authority, especially the President and Congress of the United States, the governor and legislature of this state, and all judges. Graciously enable them to lead according to your will and for our good. Continue to bless our city and community. We thank you for our emergency workers, police, fire, and EMS, along with medical workers and all of our public servants. Keep them safe as they carry out their vocation to serve the public good. Bless these leaders and those who serve in the supportive rules. We pray that matters brought before the commission may be presented and discussed in kindness and respect toward one another, so that decisions will seek the best interest of our community and be in accord with your good and gracious will. Thank you for your love expressed to us in Jesus, your son and our savior from sin. Keep us in your tender and loving care through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we can go ahead and call roll. Commissioner Rish. Here. Commissioner Zenker? Here. Commissioner Connolly? Here. Mayor Schmidt. Here. Chair Cleary. Here. All right, first up is public comment. Public comment is restricted to items on the consent agenda, regular agenda, or the prior city commission agenda, excluding any public hearings. First call for public comment. Second call for public comment. Third and final call for public comment. Anyone who wishes to speak, please come forward. All right, we'll go ahead and close public comment. Up next is the consent agenda. What is the wishes of the commission? I'll move we pass the consent agenda. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Go ahead and call roll. Commissioner Zenker. Yes. Commissioner Connolly? Yes. Mayor Schmidt? Yes. Commissioner Rish? Yes. Chair Cleary.
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