OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bismarck City Commission Meeting - April 14, 2026

City Commission — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyBismarck, North Dakota
SessionCity Commission
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:47:10

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

5 15 on April 14th.

0:12

We're in the Tom Baker room of the City County building.

0:15

This will be the Board of City Commissioners meeting.

0:18

But before we start, if Chaplin Carr would be willing to come forward with invocation and to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:25

Thank you, Mr.

0:27

Bait Guiding Wheels.

0:29

Is now joining.

0:31

And whoever is now joining, we thank you.

0:35

Please join me in prayer.

0:36

Heavenly Father, first of all, we want to pray and thank you for our telecommunicators, the first responders to every scene, Father, our 911 dispatchers here at SINCOM and State Radio, Father.

0:49

Thank you for them.

0:50

Pray your blessing upon them.

0:52

Now we turn our attention elsewhere, Father.

0:54

We turn our attention to the world and ask that you'll be with our leaders and our military as they protect and serve this nation.

1:04

And now, Father, we turn our attention locally.

1:07

And I ask that your wisdom will be with our commissioners and our mayors as they govern the city, continue to bless them and watch over them and to protect them.

1:15

Continue to bless this fine city, Father.

1:17

Be with all of our first responders and our city workers, protect them and watch over them and bless their families as well.

1:24

Be with us in this meeting tonight.

1:25

May your will be done.

1:27

We pray this in the name of your son.

1:29

Amen.

1:30

Please join me with uh by standing.

1:33

If you may, if you can, 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.

1:49

Thank you, Mr.

1:50

Mayor.

1:50

Commissioners.

1:54

All right, if we can call the media order by calling roll, please.

2:02

Commissioner Risch.

2:04

Here.

2:04

Commissioner Zenker.

2:07

Here.

2:08

Commissioner Connolly.

2:09

Here.

2:10

Commissioner Cleary.

2:11

Here.

2:12

Mayor Schmitz.

2:13

Here.

2:14

It's uh we have three proclamations today.

2:18

So I'll start with uh the first one, which is for public safety telecommunications week.

2:26

Whereas when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property.

2:37

And whereas public safety communications specialists are the first responders delivering essential pre-arrival instructions and providing the most critical length that our citizens have with emergency services.

2:50

And whereas public safety communication specialists are the single vital link for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel by monitoring their activities, providing them information and ensuring their safety.

3:05

And therefore, be it resolved that the Board of City Commissioners for the City of Bismarck joins the Central Dakota Communications Center Board of Directors and declares April 12th through 18th, 2026 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of Bismarck.

3:21

Signed today, the 14th day of April, 2026.

3:31

Next day of prayer.

3:34

Whereas throughout the history of America, prayers have been uplifted as every generation has sought direction, protection, provision, and glorification of bless America, resulting in our nation being filled with grace and goodness through answered prayers for over 250 years.

3:50

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmidt's mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2026 as a day of prayer in Bismarck.

4:01

I urge all citizens to celebrate this day by setting aside a few minutes for reflection and ask for prayers to be lifted throughout our community.

4:12

And last, for fair housing.

4:17

Whereas one of the greatest freedoms enjoyed by Americans is the freedom to live in a home of one's choice.

4:23

And whereas the promise made to us, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which requires that all people be treated equally in connection with the sale or rental of housing, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or relation, and in North Dakota receipt of public assistance, marital status, and age.

4:45

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmitz, mayor of the City of Bismarck, on the behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Bismarck and urge all citizens to honor and abide by this letter by the letter in the spirit of the Fair Housing Law signed the 14th day of April 2026.

5:05

So I don't know if there are some recipients of these letters in the audience that would like to receive them, and if they want a photo, we can take photos.

5:14

Um we'll do that.

6:42

All right, our next item before we get to public comment is going to be a recognition of the Bismarck Citizen Academy participants, and Doug is going to uh lead us through that.

6:54

Evening, Mayor and Commissioners.

6:56

As you know, this is the fifth year, fifth season that we've had Citizen Academy.

7:01

For those in the audience or that are listening that are not aware of what Bismarck Citizen Academy is.

7:05

It's an opportunity for the citizens of Bismarck to apply for a program which gives you an in-depth view of what all of our departments do.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████████28%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Technology and Innovation███████7%
Racial Equity██2%
Economic Development██2%
Disability Rights██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Bismarck City Commission Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Bismarck Board of City Commissioners met on April 14, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Tom Baker Room of the City County Building. The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Chaplain Carr, followed by three proclamations: Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 12–18), a Day of Prayer (May 7, 2026), and Fair Housing Month (April 2026). The commission recognized participants of the fifth Bismarck Citizen Academy, heard public comment, approved routine items, addressed a denied appeal, and discussed a proposal to purchase electric patrol cars.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved with two items pulled for separate consideration: item D4 (a letter of support for the North Dakota Opportunity Fund) and item 4K4 (award of a construction management at-risk contract for the new police headquarters).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Taxi License (Guiding Wheels LLC): Trevor Burnett expressed concern about the lack of visibility and accessibility of single-vehicle taxi services, suggesting the city should facilitate better marketing. Susan Dingle criticized the inadequacy of a one-vehicle company for a metro area of 100,000, citing unreliable taxi and rideshare services, especially for airport pickups and medical transportation. She questioned the applicant's marketing plan and noted potential legal issues with differential pricing for passengers with disabilities. The applicant, Emer Basic, stated he is from Bismarck, plans to use Facebook and brochures for marketing, and is following the proper process.
  • Annexation (Ordinance 6657): No public comments were made.
  • Zoning Map Amendment & Subdivision (Ordinance 6660): Heather Jones, the potential developer, explained that her property is surrounded by rural residential parcels and that the road adjustment would benefit her property and neighbors by allowing residential development instead of agricultural use. Mona Hyde, co-owner of the adjacent property to the east, objected that the proposed road shift would come within 40–50 feet of her house, go over her drain field, and cut her lot in a way that would make the northern portion unusable. Lauren Fisher, the property owner selling to Jones, clarified that the east side is designated for urban-style lots and is unlikely to be developed for decades due to lack of sewer and water, and that the road alignment can be changed in the future.

Discussion Items

  • Bismarck Citizen Academy Recognition (2025 Cohort): Doug Wiles recognized 25 participants (listed) who completed 12 weekly three-hour sessions plus a bonus week, covering all 17 city departments. Participants Arlene Eyredal, Beth Coach, and Rosie Webber shared positive experiences, expressing appreciation for the program's depth and for city staff.
  • Human Relations Committee 2025 Annual Report: Chair Katie Hoole summarized the committee's work, including five core goals, the Humanitarian Award (57 nominations; youth award to Lauren Zent, adult award to Micah Stokeland, organization award to YouthWorks), outreach events (MLK Day, Families Around the World, Culture Expo, Capital Pride, Juneteenth, Walk for Down Syndrome, World AIDS Day), two community conversations forums (transportation and homelessness), and the "These Are Your Neighbors" podcast. The next community conversation on homelessness is April 21, 2026, at the Dream Center.
  • Annexation (Ordinance 6657): Daniel presented a city-petitioned annexation of 54 acres north of Valley Drive, owned by the city for stormwater detention and roadway improvements, located within parks/open space and urban neighborhood future land use designations. The planning and zoning commission recommended approval on February 25, 2026. The commission unanimously approved the annexation.
  • Zoning Map Amendment & Subdivision (Ordinance 6660): Isaac explained the appeal: the planning and zoning commission denied the applicant's request for a zoning change from agricultural to rural residential, a 10-acre, five-lot subdivision, and a major street plan amendment shifting a future collector road 200 feet north. Staff had recommended approval. The applicant (Heather Jones and Lauren Fisher) argued the project matches the rural residential future land use designation for the west side, while the east side remains urban reserve. Neighbor Mona Hyde raised concerns about the road's impact on her property. The commission voted 5-0 to approve the appeal and the project.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda (except D4 and 4K4): Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Item D4 (Opportunity Fund Letter of Support) – Initial Vote: Motion to deny failed (2-3: Connolly and Risch voted yes [deny]; Cleary, Zenker, Mayor Schmitz voted no). A subsequent motion to approve the letter passed (4-1: Risch voted no; Cleary, Zenker, Connolly, Mayor Schmitz voted yes).
  • Item 4K4 (Police HQ Construction Management at Risk): Approved (4-0-1: Mayor Schmitz abstained).
  • Taxi License (Guiding Wheels LLC): Approved (5-0).
  • Annexation (Ordinance 6657): Approved (5-0).
  • Zoning Map Amendment & Subdivision (Ordinance 6660): Approved (5-0) – appeal of planning and zoning commission denial granted.
  • Street Improvement District SI 596: Contract awarded to Northern Improvement Company ($1,364,415). Approved (5-0).
  • Street Improvement District SI 597: Contract awarded to Northern Improvement Company ($277,227). Approved (5-0).
  • Electric Patrol Cars (Commissioner Risch's Request): Motion to approve failed (2-3: Cleary and Risch voted yes; Connolly, Zenker, Mayor Schmitz voted no). Mayor Schmitz indicated a desire to consider the purchase as part of the 2027 budget process.

Meeting Transcript

5 15 on April 14th. We're in the Tom Baker room of the City County building. This will be the Board of City Commissioners meeting. But before we start, if Chaplin Carr would be willing to come forward with invocation and to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Mr. Bait Guiding Wheels. Is now joining. And whoever is now joining, we thank you. Please join me in prayer. Heavenly Father, first of all, we want to pray and thank you for our telecommunicators, the first responders to every scene, Father, our 911 dispatchers here at SINCOM and State Radio, Father. Thank you for them. Pray your blessing upon them. Now we turn our attention elsewhere, Father. We turn our attention to the world and ask that you'll be with our leaders and our military as they protect and serve this nation. And now, Father, we turn our attention locally. And I ask that your wisdom will be with our commissioners and our mayors as they govern the city, continue to bless them and watch over them and to protect them. Continue to bless this fine city, Father. Be with all of our first responders and our city workers, protect them and watch over them and bless their families as well. Be with us in this meeting tonight. May your will be done. We pray this in the name of your son. Amen. Please join me with uh by standing. If you may, if you can, 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. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commissioners. All right, if we can call the media order by calling roll, please. Commissioner Risch. Here. Commissioner Zenker. Here. Commissioner Connolly. Here. Commissioner Cleary. Here. Mayor Schmitz. Here. It's uh we have three proclamations today. So I'll start with uh the first one, which is for public safety telecommunications week. Whereas when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property. And whereas public safety communications specialists are the first responders delivering essential pre-arrival instructions and providing the most critical length that our citizens have with emergency services. And whereas public safety communication specialists are the single vital link for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel by monitoring their activities, providing them information and ensuring their safety. And therefore, be it resolved that the Board of City Commissioners for the City of Bismarck joins the Central Dakota Communications Center Board of Directors and declares April 12th through 18th, 2026 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of Bismarck. Signed today, the 14th day of April, 2026. Next day of prayer. Whereas throughout the history of America, prayers have been uplifted as every generation has sought direction, protection, provision, and glorification of bless America, resulting in our nation being filled with grace and goodness through answered prayers for over 250 years. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmidt's mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2026 as a day of prayer in Bismarck. I urge all citizens to celebrate this day by setting aside a few minutes for reflection and ask for prayers to be lifted throughout our community. And last, for fair housing.

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