Bismarck Board of City Commissioners Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Bismarck Board of City Commissioners met on May 26, 2026, in the Tom Baker Room of the City County Building. The meeting included an award presentation, a consent agenda vote, updates on property tax appeals, a presentation on a downtown beautification project, and a public hearing and adoption of a new Land Development Code. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Schmidt, with Commissioners Risch, Zenker, Connolly, and Cleary present.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Connolly voted no, citing dissatisfaction with item D3 (not specified further). The mayor clarified that a unanimous vote was not required after consulting the city attorney.

Award Presentation

• The Historic Preservation Commission presented the 2026 Bismarck Historic Preservation Award to Chris Anderson for his presentation on the history of the Bismarck Fire Department. The award recognized efforts to raise awareness of historic preservation. Commissioner Risch commended Anderson's work, including his involvement in restoring an old fire truck.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Beautification Project (Item 4A): Representatives from the Bismarck Mandan Leadership Program (graduates) presented a proposal to install approximately 30 planter boxes along Main Avenue from 6th Street to 1st Street. The planters have a 30-gallon water reservoir to reduce maintenance costs. Upfront costs were estimated at $16,265, with annual ongoing costs of $6,000. The group requested city funding and partnership with the forestry department, public works, and the Bismarck Mandan Garden Club. Commissioner Connolly suggested using existing economic development funds or forming a business improvement district. Commissioner Risch supported the idea but noted it was not in the current budget. Mayor Schmidt recommended directing the proposal to the budget committee for the 2027 fiscal year. The group agreed to return to the budget committee for funding consideration.
• Update on Board of Equalization Appeals (Item 4B): Allison provided an update on appeals from the April 7, 2026 Board of Equalization meeting. For 2026, due to a change in state law, all property owners received valuation notices. Before the meeting, staff reviewed 60+ properties and adjusted 61. Twenty-four property owners attended the meeting. Follow-up resulted in 8 recommended changes to the county board, 5 property owners unresponsive, 8 satisfied after discussion, 1 with no change recommended, and 2 scheduled reviews with no change. Additionally, 7 out of multiple land parcels were adjusted. In total, 171 parcels appealed (0.6% of 26,875 taxable parcels). Commissioner Cleary asked about the impact of valuation increases on the $1,600 tax credit, and Allison noted that the data is not yet available as mill levies are not set. The board agreed to send notices earlier for future hearings and to work with the state on improving the notice form.
• Land Development Code and Zoning Map (Items 4C - Public Hearing): Elizabeth Garvin from Clarion Associates presented the new unified Land Development Code (Ordinance 6662) and associated zoning map (Ordinance 6663). The code implements the Together 2045 plan, expands housing types, establishes form-based districts for downtown, resolves 85% of non-conforming parcel issues, and eliminates subdivision public hearing requirements unless paired with rezoning. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval. The public hearing saw no speakers. Commissioner Risch asked about lighting regulations; Garvin explained that existing lighting would have a compliance period. Commissioner Zenker asked about well building exclusions, confirmed by Daniel that well covers are now a permitted use. Commissioner Zenker emphasized the need for flexibility and ongoing updates. The motion to approve both ordinances carried unanimously (5-0), with the code taking effect October 1, 2026, but optional early use starting immediately.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly opposed).
• Downtown Beautification Project: Referred to the budget committee for 2027 funding consideration; no immediate action taken.
• Board of Equalization Appeals: Update received; staff to improve notice timing and form content.
• Land Development Code and Zoning Map: Adopted unanimously (5-0) after public hearing. Effective October 1, 2026, with optional early use.

Other Business

• Commissioner Risch reported that the petroleum conference held at the Bismarck Event Center attracted 2,800 attendees from 40 states and 4 Canadian provinces, and the event center staff received praise. The conference has already booked for 2028.