OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bismarck Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026

City Commission — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyBismarck, North Dakota
SessionCity Commission
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:02:12

Transcript — Verbatim
0:11

It is uh 5 15 on the 28th of April.

0:17

This will be the board of uh Board of Commissioners for the City of Bismarck meeting in a moment, but first we'll start with uh Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation of Chaplain Deacon Tony Turnis, please.

0:32

Uh invocation first.

0:34

I turned the order, sorry.

0:36

Yeah.

0:38

Let's pray.

0:41

Lord our God, we love you and we thank you for the many gifts you have given us in this beautiful city of Bismarck.

0:49

Come to us, remain with us, enlighten our hearts, give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives.

0:58

Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power.

1:03

You desire justice for all, enable us to uphold the rights of others, do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor.

1:13

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true.

1:19

May you guide all our decisions so that they may be pleasing to you and earn for us the reward promised to good and faithful servants.

1:30

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:33

Amen.

1:39

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, liberty and justice for all.

1:53

Thank you, sir.

1:58

If we can call roll to call the meeting to order, please.

2:04

Commissioner Ish?

2:05

Here.

2:05

Commissioner Zenker.

2:07

Here.

2:08

Commissioner Connolly?

2:09

Here.

2:09

Commissioner Cleary.

2:10

Here.

2:11

Mayor Schmitz.

2:12

Here.

2:13

First item on the agenda is public comment.

2:17

I think we'll we'll go ahead and I'm going to switch the order if I don't mind because I've got five proclamations first, and then we'll come back to public comment.

2:28

First one is whereas in 1872, J.

2:31

Sterling Morton proposed the that to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that days be set aside for the planting of trees, and whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.

2:45

Therefore, be it resolved that I am Mayor Schmitz on behalf of the Commission do hereby proclaim May 1st, 2026 as Arbor Day, urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and support the efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and further I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

3:04

Signed the 28th of April 2026.

3:15

The next one is for bicycles.

3:18

Whereas the bicycle is an economically healthy, convenient, and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent tool for recreation and enjoyment of the City of Bismarck's scenic beauty.

3:30

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as bike month in the City of Bismarck and urge all residents to join me in this special observance signed today, the 28th of April, 2026.

3:51

The next one, whereas the National Trust for Historic Preservation established May as historic preservation month in 1973 as a way to promote historic places for the purposes of instilling nation and community pride, promoting heritage, tourism, and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

4:11

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission do hereby proclaim the month of May his historic preservation month in the City of Bismarck, and I encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.

4:24

Signed the 28th of April, 2026.

4:33

Whereas the landscape architects play a vital role in shaping the nature and built environments of the City of Bismarck, creating outdoor spaces that are functional, sustainable, and visibly appearing, appealing.

4:47

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission do hereby proclaim April as Landscape Architects Month.

4:55

I urge all citizens to celebrate and recognize the contributions of landscape architects in creating healthy, resilient, and vibrant communities.

5:03

Signed the 28th of April 2026.

5:06

And the last one.

5:27

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmidt's mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through May 9th of 2026 a small business week in Bismarck.

5:39

Urge all citizens to support small businesses and celebrate their many achievements and contributions to the daily fabric of our community.

5:46

Signed the 28th of April 2026.

5:49

So thank you for indulging me with those.

5:54

Five of them.

5:56

Now I'll move to public comment.

5:58

Public comment is open for anything on the consent agenda or the regular agenda that's not a public hearing or anything on the previous commission meeting agenda.

6:11

A second call for public comment.

6:16

A third and final call for public comment.

6:19

Seeing no one hearing no one, the public comment period is now closed.

6:24

Commissioners, what are your wishes with regard to the consent agenda?

6:27

Mayor, if I could.

6:29

Certainly.

6:29

I have one item, uh, the encouragement agreement for next play LLC.

6:33

I just want to disclose that um I've been working with that group to design it and do that work.

6:39

And if anybody's got an issue with me um voting on that, then we'll pull that item.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████████████23%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████18%
Arts And Culture██████████████14%
Economic Development████████8%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Affordable Housing███3%
Public-Private Partnerships███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bismarck Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Bismarck Board of Commissioners met on April 28, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by five proclamations from Mayor Schmitz: Arbor Day (May 1, 2026), Bike Month (May 2026), Historic Preservation Month (May 2026), Landscape Architects Month (April 2026), and Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026). Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers. The board then addressed the consent agenda, regular agenda items, public hearings, and received updates on the city's strategic plan.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously after Commissioner Connolly disclosed his work with Next Play LLC; no objections were raised.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public provided comment during the public comment periods.

Discussion Items

  • Bismarck Public Schools 2026 Bond Referendum: Superintendent Dr. Fosnott presented an overview of a $127 million bond proposal for maintenance, safety upgrades (including accessible bathrooms and elevators at three schools), fine arts improvements at Century High School, and multi-purpose room additions. The tax impact was estimated at $4.07 per month per $100,000 of home value. The bond election is scheduled for June 9, 2026. Dr. Fosnott emphasized the need for community support but did not advocate a vote for or against. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the information.
  • Dakota West Arts Council 2025 Annual Report: Executive Director Dr. Thomas reported on the council's activities, including 47 active members, a new community arts calendar, a summer arts calendar featuring 140 events, and $26,750 in arts grants awarded. Programs include Kids' Summer Stage at Custer Park and the Summer Song Series at General Sibley Park. Commissioners thanked Dr. Thomas for the presentation.
  • Renaissance Zone Rehabilitation Project at 407 North 4th Street: Andrea Burst, owner of Glant Spawn Salon, requested approval for a rehabilitation and commercial lease project with a proposed investment of $588,973. The project involves interior remodeling, including structural repairs, window replacement, and plumbing/electrical upgrades for treatment rooms. Commissioner Connolly questioned the eligibility, noting the business is not specific to the Renaissance Zone's purpose, while Commissioner Zenker defended the program's focus on building improvement. The board approved the request 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly dissenting).
  • Strategic Plan Update: Doug presented the first quarterly report on the city's updated strategic plan. A printed copy was distributed, and a public-facing dashboard was introduced, updated weekly. Current progress is 15% after three months. The next report is scheduled for July 2026. Commissioner Cleary praised the actionable and trackable nature of the plan.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Public Hearings (all approved unanimously):
    • Alcohol license transfer from MATPAC Properties LLC to LPM LLC at 804 East Main.
    • Alcohol license transfer from Doublewood of Bismarck Inc. to GHM Bismarck Holding Company LLC at 1400 East Interchange Avenue.
    • Zoning map amendment (Agricultural to Residential) for Cruise Subdivision.
    • Ordinance 6661 updating floodplain district references to align with North Dakota Century Code.
  • Street Improvement District SI599: Approved low bid of $185,949 from Northern Improvement Company for extending 15th Street.
  • Renaissance Zone Project: Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly opposed).
  • Other Business: Commissioner Rish highlighted the Reuse It Store at the landfill for hazardous materials and electronics. Commissioner Cleary wished Mayor Schmitz a happy birthday (April 29).
  • Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Meeting Transcript

It is uh 5 15 on the 28th of April. This will be the board of uh Board of Commissioners for the City of Bismarck meeting in a moment, but first we'll start with uh Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation of Chaplain Deacon Tony Turnis, please. Uh invocation first. I turned the order, sorry. Yeah. Let's pray. Lord our God, we love you and we thank you for the many gifts you have given us in this beautiful city of Bismarck. Come to us, remain with us, enlighten our hearts, give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power. You desire justice for all, enable us to uphold the rights of others, do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor. Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true. May you guide all our decisions so that they may be pleasing to you and earn for us the reward promised to good and faithful servants. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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, liberty and justice for all. Thank you, sir. If we can call roll to call the meeting to order, please. Commissioner Ish? Here. Commissioner Zenker. Here. Commissioner Connolly? Here. Commissioner Cleary. Here. Mayor Schmitz. Here. First item on the agenda is public comment. I think we'll we'll go ahead and I'm going to switch the order if I don't mind because I've got five proclamations first, and then we'll come back to public comment. First one is whereas in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed the that to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that days be set aside for the planting of trees, and whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Therefore, be it resolved that I am Mayor Schmitz on behalf of the Commission do hereby proclaim May 1st, 2026 as Arbor Day, urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and support the efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and further I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Signed the 28th of April 2026. The next one is for bicycles. Whereas the bicycle is an economically healthy, convenient, and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent tool for recreation and enjoyment of the City of Bismarck's scenic beauty. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as bike month in the City of Bismarck and urge all residents to join me in this special observance signed today, the 28th of April, 2026. The next one, whereas the National Trust for Historic Preservation established May as historic preservation month in 1973 as a way to promote historic places for the purposes of instilling nation and community pride, promoting heritage, tourism, and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission do hereby proclaim the month of May his historic preservation month in the City of Bismarck, and I encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance. Signed the 28th of April, 2026. Whereas the landscape architects play a vital role in shaping the nature and built environments of the City of Bismarck, creating outdoor spaces that are functional, sustainable, and visibly appearing, appealing. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission do hereby proclaim April as Landscape Architects Month. I urge all citizens to celebrate and recognize the contributions of landscape architects in creating healthy, resilient, and vibrant communities. Signed the 28th of April 2026. And the last one. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael Schmidt's mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this commission, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through May 9th of 2026 a small business week in Bismarck. Urge all citizens to support small businesses and celebrate their many achievements and contributions to the daily fabric of our community. Signed the 28th of April 2026. So thank you for indulging me with those. Five of them. Now I'll move to public comment.

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