Mandan City Commission Regular Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Mandan City Commission met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Bosch Frelec Meeting Room at Mandan City Hall. Mayor Frelick presided, with Commissioners Schilberg, Heinshaw, Braun, and Rohr present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vietnam veteran Ken Bullinger. Key topics included property tax credit program reminders, a record-breaking New Year's Eve fireworks display, and several public hearings and approvals for infrastructure and development projects.

Announcements & Updates

• Property Tax Credit Programs: Kimberly from the Assessing Office reminded property owners of three statewide credit programs: Homestead Credit (for residents 65+ or permanently/totally disabled with household income under $70,000), Veterans Credit (for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability or surviving spouses), and the new Primary Residence Credit (up to $1,600, online application required). She provided an example showing a property valued at $446,000 could see taxes drop from over $5,000 to $143 if qualifying for all three credits.
• New Year's Eve Celebration Update: Matt Shannendorf of the Mandan Progress Organization reported on the December 31, 2025 event. Key details:
  • A world record was set for most Roman candles shot off in under one minute: 2.8 million shots using 5,000 candle sticks (each with ~555 shots).
  • On-site paid parking at Mandan High School had 852 spots sold, raising over $30,000 to benefit Western North Dakota Honor Flight, Wounded Warriors Project, and Mandan High School marching band.
  • Estimated 4,000–4,500 people attended at the high school lot; total views via livestream estimated at 4–5 million, including coverage from national fireworks wholesalers.
  • The fireworks were entirely donated and sponsored; crews from multiple states volunteered.
  • The holiday lights display remains open until Saturday of the same week. A July 3rd pyromusical show (free to the public) is planned for 10:30 PM near the middle school, in partnership with Pegasus Illuminations.
• Project Updates: Jerek noted the Mandan Proper public input open house for all four phases will be Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5–7 PM at First Lutheran Church. He also mentioned the state had been working on pothole repairs on Memorial Highway.

Consent Calendar

• Approved as a block.

Public Hearings

1. Special Use Permit Amendment – Bridgeview Bay Addition: Considered an amendment to the previously approved special use permit for 2600 Marina Road SE (three buildings, 18 shop condos). The amendment clarified which building contains which number of units (7, 6, and 5) without changing the total count. Planning & Zoning required an updated condo declaration adding special use permit language. A letter of concern was received but did not challenge the four rows of trees and 30-foot setback. The public hearing was opened, no comments received, and closed. The commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment.
2. Street Improvement District 241 – Red Trail: A public hearing was held to consider protests regarding the 2026 street rehab project near Red Trail Elementary. Staff reported only 5.5% protest by land area (5.7% of parcels, 9.15% of estimated assessment values). The commission then voted unanimously to approve a resolution determining insufficiency of protest, allowing the project to proceed.

Bids

• Terra Valley Decommissioning Project: Awarded to Crow River Construction for approximately $1 million, which was 10% under the $1.1 million estimate. The project eliminates a lift station and replaces forcemain with gravity sewer connecting to the new A2 lift station. All underground work. Commission voted unanimously to award.

New Business

1. Red Trail Reconstruction Design Amendment: Approved a task order amendment (Amendment 1 of Task Order 9) for $115,000 to proceed with design, funded through special assessments. Two previous public input meetings had been held. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Area 2B (Roosevelt Elementary) Engineering Agreement and State Water Commission Application: Approved Task Order 11 for communication and district creation services for this area (east of Christ the King, south of Roosevelt Elementary). Staff noted 35 water main breaks in the last 20 years, including one that morning. The project seeks $228,000 in pre-construction funding from the State Water Commission. A public input meeting is planned for January 21, 2026. Motion to approve the task order and authorize the grant application passed unanimously.
3. Fire Station No. 3 – Agreement with EAPC Architects: Approved entering into an agreement with EAPC Architects to assist with site selection, evaluation of incorporating an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), finalizing design, and developing cost estimates for Fire Station 3 (northwest Mandan, near Hillside Road). A budget amendment of $70,000 from 2025 general fund savings was also approved. The project will likely require a public vote in summer 2026. Motion carried unanimously.

Ordinances

• Second Consideration – Ordinance 1482 (Zone Change for Big Sky Estates 8th Addition): This ordinance changes zoning from RM Residential Multifamily and Agricultural to RM Residential Multifamily to accommodate a right-of-way addition. No comments were received. The commission voted unanimously to pass on second reading.

Key Outcomes

• All votes passed unanimously.
• The commission directed staff to move forward with design and district creation for several infrastructure projects, including Red Trail (design) and Area 2B (public input and funding application).
• The Terra Valley decommissioning contract was awarded.
• A professional services agreement for Fire Station 3 planning was authorized, and a budget amendment adopted.
• Public input meetings are scheduled: Mandan Proper (Jan. 15), Area 2B (Jan. 21).
• Future commission meeting dates were announced: January 13 (work session on financing for public facility projects, 2 PM), January 20 (5 PM), February 3 (5:30 PM), February 17 (5 PM), and March 3 (5:30 PM).