Bismarck City Commission Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Board of City Commissioners held its regular meeting at 5:15 PM on July 14, 2026, in the Tom Baker Meeting Room. The meeting began with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a swearing-in ceremony for new Commissioners Amelia Hull and Mike Dahl, as well as Mayor Mike Schmitz for his new term. The commission then received an orientation covering the leadership code, open meetings law, Robert's rules, and social media guidelines. After a public comment period with no speakers, the consent agenda was approved unanimously. The bulk of the meeting focused on three letters of support for local businesses seeking state PACE/FlexPACE loans, two public hearings for alcohol licenses, an annexation, a code cleanup ordinance, and a detailed presentation on the half-cent sales tax roadway prioritization strategy. The commission also approved portfolio assignments and the vice chair designation, and welcomed new Finance Director Ryan Score.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for items on the consent or regular agenda.

Discussion Items

• Leadership Code & Orientation: The commission reviewed the leadership code for elected officials (adopted in August 2024) and received an orientation on city operations, open meetings, and procedures. Attorney Julie Mees explained quorum rules, serial meeting risks, and social media best practices. City Administrator Jason added guidance on portfolio roles and liaison positions.
• Letters of Support for PACE/FlexPACE Loans: Three businesses requested letters of support from the city to access state loan programs (no city funds involved).
  • Midtown Dental (ERE Properties): Seeking a FlexPACE loan to purchase a building at 2000 N 12th St. The project would increase employees from 15 to 24 and reduce patient wait times. Commissioners Rish and Connolly opposed, arguing it interferes with the market. Motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners Connolly and Rish opposed; Commissioner Hull, Dahl, and Mayor Schmitz in favor).
  • Horner Lawn Service (JH Commercial): Seeking a FlexPACE loan to purchase a building at 1701 Battalion St. The project would double seasonal employees to 16 and clean up an underutilized property. Motion passed 3-2 (same split as above).
  • Interstate Laundry (Zinker Enterprises): Seeking a FlexPACE loan to purchase a building at 1414 Interstate Loop. The project would increase employees from 1 full-time and 8 part-time to 4 full-time and 12 part-time. Motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly opposed; all others in favor).
• Public Hearings – Alcohol Licenses:
  • Class F1 alcohol license for The Landing LLC (1700 River Road): Approved unanimously.
  • I2 complementary alcohol license for North Nails (Coleman Street): Approved unanimously.
• Annexation – Lot 45, Block 4, Silver Ranch 5th Edition and Davies Drive right-of-way: Presented by staff Daniel. The annexation is needed to complete a street improvement district and will remain open space. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 6672 – Salary and Payroll Amendments: Updated commissioner salaries (previously set in 1989) and aligned with the home rule charter changes. Approved unanimously.
• Half-Cent Sales Tax Roadway Prioritization Strategy: City Engineer Gabe presented a comprehensive update on the half-cent sales tax program, which expires in 2038. The program has about $118 million in expected revenue, but potential projects total $288 million. The commission voted on three funding guidance recommendations:
  • Water and Sewer Funding: Staff recommendation to continue funding utility extensions on arterial roadways from utility rates, and on local/collector streets from adjacent landowners. Approved unanimously.
  • Street Funding: Staff recommended 80% city funding (half-cent sales tax) and 20% special assessments for local/collector streets, with arterial roads fully funded by sales tax. Commissioner Connolly opposed, arguing the 80/20 split was not communicated during the ballot measure. Motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly opposed).
  • Rural Roads Policy: Staff recommended the policy apply only to the original 2013 allocation. Approved unanimously.
• Project Prioritization: Staff presented a list of 12-13 highest-priority projects (mostly local/collector streets) totaling about $50 million, representing four years of work. The commission approved adopting the list as guidance, with staff to return with detailed project budgets and public engagement plans. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Swearing-in: Commissioners Amelia Hull and Mike Dahl, and Mayor Mike Schmitz, were sworn in for new terms.
• Letters of Support: Three letters approved (Midtown Dental, Horner Lawn, Interstate Laundry) – none with city funds.
• Alcohol Licenses: Two licenses approved unanimously.
• Annexation: Silver Ranch lot and right-of-way approved.
• Ordinance 6672: Salary and payroll amendments approved.
• Sales Tax Guidance:
  • Water/sewer funding policy approved (unanimous).
  • Street funding policy (80/20 split for local/collector) approved 4-1.
  • Rural roads policy approved (unanimous).
  • Project prioritization list adopted (unanimous).
• Portfolio Assignments: Mayor’s recommended portfolio assignments and vice chair designation approved unanimously.
• New Finance Director: Ryan Score introduced as the new finance director, starting July 6, 2026.

The meeting adjourned after the introduction of the new finance director.