Bismarck City Commissioners Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Bismarck Board of City Commissioners held its regular meeting on August 25, 2026, in the Tom Baker Room of the City-County Building. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public comment (no speakers), approval of the consent agenda with several items pulled for discussion, and action on zoning, annexation, franchise agreements, economic development, city hall renovation, intergovernmental agreements, and winter maintenance contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (excluding items E1, I1, and K2) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizens spoke during the public comment period for the agenda or regular hearing items.

Discussion Items

• E1 – Airport website flight search tool: Commissioner Rish pulled this item, expressing concern about the $28,000 first-year cost ($25,000 thereafter). He moved to table the item for further review with airport staff; motion carried 5–0.
• I1 – Public hearing on motorized scooter/motorcycle regulations: Commissioner Rish presented a draft ordinance, noting collaboration with Mandan and the police department. Public feedback was encouraged. The commission approved calling a public hearing for the next meeting (September 8, 2026) by unanimous vote.
• K2 – Sale of fleet vehicles: Commissioner Hull asked about the vehicles' age and mileage. Staff explained the city's replacement policy to maximize return. The commission approved the sale unanimously.
• A – Annexation (Ord. 6675): Staff presented a request to annex Block Two of Northern Sky Second Edition, a parcel surrounded by city limits. The planning commission recommended approval. The public hearing was held with no speakers; the commission approved unanimously.
• B – Zoning map amendment and preliminary plat (Paradise Valley Third Edition): Staff described the request to rezone from RM30 to CX commercial mixed-use and RM residential multifamily, and approve a preliminary plat. The public hearing had no comment; the commission approved unanimously.
• C – Continuation of public hearing on alcoholic beverage ordinance (Ord. 6678): The commission agreed to continue the public hearing to the next meeting to ensure proper notice. Unanimous.
• D – Non‑exclusive right‑of‑way agreement with Metro Fiber Net LLC: A representative presented MetroNet's fiber optic broadband and telephone services, including construction plans, communication procedures, and a 2.5% gross licensing fee to the city. Questions addressed bonding, box placement, and impact on existing utilities. The public hearing had no comment; the commission approved unanimously.
• E – Economic development report from Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC: Executive Director Brenda Walters outlined the EDC's work (workforce development, business attraction, retention, and the Vision Fund). Discussion focused on the Vision Fund's loan amounts (typically up to ~$107,000 at lower interest), competition with other cities, concerns about government picking winners in the marketplace, and the need for post‑award follow‑up. No formal action required.
• F – City Hall renovation project update: Architects presented revised cost estimates for two options: Option B (renovation within existing footprint: $23.5–25.5 million) and Option D (expansion to the south, including new chambers and plaza: $29.5–32.2 million). Commissioners discussed funding sources, the 40% fund balance policy, and the need to replace aging HVAC systems. After debate, Commissioner Hull recused himself due to a conflict of interest. The remaining four commissioners voted to proceed with Option D (motion carried 4–0).
• G – Request from Burley County to terminate emergency management joint powers agreement and reduce lease obligation: County Attorney Julie Lawyer proposed reducing the county's annual lease payment (currently ~$73,000) to 25% of that amount (~$19,000) after the county vacated the facility. The city argued the county is jointly liable through 2040. The commission voted unanimously to reject the request.
• H – Award of winter maintenance supply contracts (salt, sand, beet heat): Staff recommended awarding to low bidders (NSC Minerals for salt, Knife River for sand, KTEC Specialty Coatings for beet heat). Commissioner Hull proposed an amendment requiring contractors to pass through any tariff refunds they receive to the city. The commission approved the awards with that amendment unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Tabled: E1 (airport website tool) – sent back to staff for further review.
• Approved for public hearing: I1 (motorized scooter ordinance) – public hearing set for September 8, 2026.
• Approved unanimously: Items K2, A, B, C, D, H (with tariff refund amendment).
• Rejected unanimously: Burley County's proposal to reduce lease obligation.
• Directed: City Hall renovation design work to proceed with Option D (motion carried 4–0, one recusal).
• Economic development report: Received; no formal action taken.