Bismarck City Commission Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Bismarck Board of City Commissioners met on February 24, 2026, in the Tom Baker Room of the City County Building. The meeting included a public comment period, approval of consent agenda items, several public hearings, and discussions on the half-cent sales tax extension, street utility fee advisory vote, community recreation facility feasibility study, and a request from the Great Plains Food Bank. The commission voted to conduct a scientific survey on the street utility fee concept rather than an advisory vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (Commissioner Risch pulled item D3 for separate discussion).
• Item D3 (letter of support for SDY Dental loan buy-down): After debate, the commission voted 3-2 to approve the letter of support. (Commissioners Cleary, Zenker, Mayor Smith in favor; Commissioners Connolly, Risch opposed.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Schwartz (longtime Bismarck resident, Planning & Zoning volunteer): Opposed replacing special assessments with a monthly street utility fee. Argued that special assessments allow citizen input and protest rights, while a utility fee creates an unaccountable "bucket of dollars" that can be increased without direct citizen input. Expressed concern that the fee would cost him more than current special assessments, citing his own property calculations. Urged the commission to abandon the concept.
• Ms. Frank (property owner in SI594): Supported street improvements but raised concerns about how costs are commingled across different units in the special assessment district. Stated that her unit (Unit 3) would pay less if assessed separately. Acknowledged that the engineering department agreed the policy deserves review.
• Raquel Richter (social worker, Ministry on the Margins): Shared stories of individuals unable to access jobs, medical appointments, or housing due to lack of transportation. Requested that the commission consider an application process for agencies to receive funding for bus passes or transportation vouchers from the half-cent sales tax dedicated to public transportation. Estimated $5,400 for 150 passes.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearings (Items A-G): Approved without discussion: C1 alcohol license for Adava Bismarck Hospitality (Item A); annexation of lots in Promontory Point 6th Edition (Item B); zoning map amendments for Cottonwood Park View and Edgewood Village (Items C & D); street name change from El Rancho Road to Golf Drive (Item E); insufficiency of protests for SI594 (Item F); award of contract for traffic signal replacement at Main Avenue and Airport Road (Item G, $588,764 to Denny's Electric).
• Great Plains Food Bank Request (Item H): Marcia Paulson (Chief Development Officer) and Grace Renner (Donor Relations Officer) presented data: 2.354 million pounds of food distributed in Bismarck last year, 1.2 million volunteer hours, 22 partner agencies. Requested $50,000 annually for five years starting 2027, which would provide 100,000 meals per year with a 4.5:1 return on investment. Commissioners expressed mixed views on whether direct funding of charitable organizations is a proper government role. No decision made; will be considered during budget discussions.
• Community Recreation Facility Feasibility Study (Item I): Jason (city staff) proposed partnering with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to conduct a $200,000–$250,000 study, with the city sharing half the cost. Commissioner Zenker questioned whether a new study is needed, noting past studies and a failed 2020 ballot measure. Commissioner Risch expressed reservations about cost and timing, citing other major projects in queue. Commissioner Cleary suggested narrowing the scope and waiting for the Park District to weigh in (their meeting is March 19). Consensus to have staff work with the Park District to refine scope and return at the second March meeting.
• Half-Cent Sales Tax Extension Project List and Ballot Language (Item J): City Engineer Gabe presented a revised 10-year extension project list, including changes based on public feedback: removal of 64th Avenue extension, addition of 1804/71st Avenue corridor and Yukon Drive extension. Commissioners generally supported the list. Discussion on ballot language for a home rule charter amendment to be placed on the June ballot. The commission directed staff to proceed with finalizing the project list and bring back formal ballot language.
• Street Utility Fee Advisory Vote Language (Item K): Gabe presented four versions of an advisory vote question for the June ballot. Commissioner Risch advocated for a scientific survey instead, arguing it would provide more detailed feedback (e.g., fee tolerance levels) and allow questions on other topics like the recreation facility. Commissioner Zenker noted the need for direction and efficiency. After debate, a motion passed 5-0 to conduct a scientific survey of Bismarck residents to gauge support for replacing street maintenance special assessments with a utility fee. Staff will develop survey questions, ensuring they are fair and address issues like citizen input and checks and balances.
• Half-Cent Sales Tax Allocation for Public Transportation (Item L): Commissioner Connolly introduced a proposal to create an application process for entities to request funding from the half-cent sales tax dedicated to public transportation. Ministry on the Margins presented their need. Discussion turned to whether the transit authority should administer the process rather than the city. Commissioners agreed that transit is better equipped to handle distribution, and the city staff will ask the transit board to explore options.

Key Outcomes

• Final Decisions:
  • Approved letter of support for SDY Dental (3-2).
  • Approved all consent agenda items as amended.
  • Approved all public hearing items (A-G) unanimously.
  • Directed staff to conduct a scientific survey on the street utility fee concept (5-0).
• Directives:
  • Staff to work with Parks & Recreation District to narrow scope of recreation facility feasibility study and report back at the second March meeting.
  • Staff to finalize project list and ballot language for the half-cent sales tax extension, to be presented at the second March meeting.
  • Transit authority to be asked to develop a mechanism for funding transportation vouchers from the half-cent sales tax.
• Future Actions:
  • Great Plains Food Bank request to be discussed during 2027 budget planning.
  • Contract negotiations with Oak View Group (OVG) for event center management continue; OVG site visit scheduled for March 9.
  • Joint powers agreement with Burley County for Missouri Valley Fairgrounds to be finalized by end of March.