Bismarck City Commission Regular Meeting – October 13, 2026

The Bismarck City Commission met on October 13, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (Commissioners Rish, Dahl, Collins, Hull, and Mayor Smith present), and a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month. No public comments were made. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved as submitted without discussion.

Discussion Items

• Bismarck Public Schools Bond Referendum: Superintendent Dr. Jeff Fosna presented the $116.5 million bond measure on the November 3 ballot. Key points included improved school safety (accessibility, secure entrances), expanded learning spaces (especially for special education), fine arts upgrades at Century High School, and preservation of aging facilities. A centralized kitchen would save $500,000 annually. Tax impact on an average $400,000 home: $170.16 per year. Early voting begins October 22. Commissioners expressed support; Commissioner Rish noted he has a yard sign.
• Fire Station Six Update: Fire Chief Joel and architect Brett Donut provided an update. The station, located at Burley and Calypso on city-owned land, will be a drive-through design with three apparatus bays, living quarters, and a mezzanine. Construction estimate: $6.4 million (excluding soft costs). Bidding opens October 29, with bids due before Thanksgiving and potential commission approval December 15. Commissioner Rish questioned cost escalation from initial $5 million to $6.4 million. Chief explained the methodical approach with pre-funded truck and firefighters. A travel time map showed improved coverage for south Bismarck. No formal action was taken.
• Parking Authority RFP for New Ramp: Chair Jim Christensen presented plans for a 500-space parking ramp at 7th and Thayer, including potential ground-floor commercial space and a transit hub for Bis-Man Transit. The ramp would serve the medical district and reduce on-street congestion. The Parking Authority requested approval to issue an RFP for design services. Discussion included current oversold rates (system-wide ~120%) and EV charging provisions. Commissioner Connolly questioned why Sanford doesn't build its own ramp. Motion to approve RFP passed 4-1 (Connolly opposed).
• Downtowners Economic Development Report: Kate from the Downtowners presented data: 6.3 million annual downtown visits (steady increase), 200% increase in housing since foundation started, $31 million in permit activity in 2025, and the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative (1.7 million in low-interest loans). Upcoming projects include the curb management study (November) and continued support for the Event Center. She highlighted multicultural welcome events and the street fair as community engagement tools.
• Fringe Area Road Master Plan Update: Joel Mann presented the updated plan, which focuses on a roadway network for future growth, small-area studies for complex intersections, and a Major Regional Corridors network. The plan is a framework, not a construction schedule. It was accepted by unanimous vote.
• HSIP Funding for Traffic Signals: Gabe proposed applying for federal safety funds to convert left-turn green balls to flashing yellow arrows at four intersections: Washington/Expressway, Washington/Rosser, Main Avenue/9th Street, and Main Avenue/10th Street. Additional improvements at Washington/Rosser include video detection, pedestrian push buttons, and emergency preemption. Motion to pursue funding passed unanimously.
• Transportation Alternatives (TA) Funding: Two trail projects were proposed: (1) a shared-use trail in Claremont Family Conservation Park connecting Claremont Road to Gulf Drive, and (2) a State Street trail extension from 43rd Avenue to LaSalle Drive. Both require 80/20 federal/local match. Parks and Rec would sponsor the first. Motion to pursue funding passed unanimously.
• Urban Grant for Main Avenue: Gabe requested DOT Urban Grant funding for reconstruction of Main Avenue from 7th to 9th Street. The project would maintain current lane configuration with a future option to convert a driving lane to parking if redevelopment occurs. Pavement is in poor condition. Motion to pursue approved unanimously.
• Prohibitive Camping Ordinance Update: Jason reported on a stakeholder meeting held October 6. Key recommendations: focus enforcement on problematic behaviors, clearly define public safety concerns, incorporate a tiered enforcement approach, and connect individuals to services. A draft ordinance is expected for introduction at the October 27 meeting, with a public hearing on November 10. Mayor emphasized the complexity and the need for both enforcement and daytime shelter options. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Parking Authority RFP approved 4-1 (Commissioner Connolly opposed).
• Public hearings on 2026 special assessment districts and health and safety assessments both affirmed.
• Fringe Area Road Master Plan accepted unanimously.
• HSIP, TA, and Urban Grant applications approved unanimously.
• Reimbursement to Millie Kaufman: Motion passed unanimously to refund the city's share of late-payment penalties (estimated $300–$400, but higher due to special assessments) arising from a county error. Mayor instructed staff to coordinate with the county for exact amount.
• Executive session approved unanimously to discuss negotiation strategies for two engineering department matters.

Other Business

• Commissioner Rish announced leaf pickup weeks (paper bags only) and congratulated Michael Mart on 20 Under 40 recognition.
• Commissioner Hull reported a productive meeting with Burleigh County regarding the county's unpaid obligations for CENCOM and the Millie Kaufman case. Commissioner Rish also raised the county's failure to collect $900,000 in taxes, costing the city $260,000.
• Commissioner Hull and Mayor expressed frustration with BNSF for not reopening the River Road trail after bridge work; agreed to send a letter requesting action.