Mandan City Commission Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Mandan City Commission met on February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bosch Frelick meeting room at City Hall. The meeting covered project updates, public comments on demolition debris, approval of an inmate housing agreement, and applications for federal BUILD grants for the Mandan Proper neighborhood revitalization and the McKenzie Drive Extension planning study. The commission also approved a bond resolution for lead service line replacement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda for February 17, 2026, meeting (motion by Commissioner Rohr, second by Commissioner Heinshaun, unanimous roll call).
• Approved minutes of the February 3, 2026, Board of City Commission meeting (motion by Commissioner Schoberg, second by Commissioner Heinshaun, unanimous).
• Approved minutes of the February 3, 2026, State of the City quorum meeting (motion by Commissioner Heinshaun, second by Commissioner Rohr, unanimous).
• Approved minutes of the February 10, 2026, NDDOT Memorial Highway Phase 1 Business Owner Update Meeting (motion by Commissioner Schoberg, second by Commissioner Rohr, unanimous).
• Approved consent agenda as presented (motion by Commissioner Braun, second by Commissioner Schoberg, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Helbling, a resident, expressed concerns about styrofoam debris from the high school demolition site littering yards, streets, and potentially entering storm sewers. He noted that the city initially seemed unaware, but after he contacted the school district and the North Dakota Environmental Quality Office, some mitigation began. He reported that the black geotextile under the chain-link fence was not stopping small pieces from blowing out, and dust suppression via fire hydrant had not been implemented. He requested better communication with residents. City staff responded that they had been in contact with the school district since receiving complaints, had sent street sweepers, and would continue to urge the contractor to clean up. Public Works Director Shane O'Keefe stated a fire hydrant was made available but not picked up. City Administrator Jim Neubauer said the city would communicate with the school district and ask them to keep residents informed.

Discussion Items

• Project Updates (Riley, Engineering): Provided a quick recap of ongoing projects, noting that project information is available at CityMandan.com/projects. Collins Avenue: the old reservoir is demolished, retaining wall work approved. Area 2B (SID 242): public meeting scheduled for February 18 at 6 p.m. at Roseville Elementary. Mandan Proper: open house held, first public meeting for phase one set for February 24 at 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.
• Old Business – Inmate Housing Agreement with Burley Morton Detention Center (Chief Ziegler): Presented the revised agreement, which addresses medical services responsibility (Section 16). The language was reworked collaboratively with the sheriff's office, city attorney, and commissioners. The agreement is self-renewing unless changes occur; future changes would require commission approval. Motion to approve by Commissioner Rohr, second by Commissioner Schoberg, unanimous roll call.
• New Business – BUILD Grant Applications (Riley): Explained the BUILD grant program (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development), funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ($1.5 billion annually, 5% for planning). The city is applying for two grants:
  • Mandan Proper: Total project cost ~$35 million; applying for maximum award of $25 million. Remaining $9.2 million would be funded by MIF funds, utility fund, special assessments, and a previously approved Department of Water Resources grant. The project includes cast iron water main replacement, street reconstruction, ADA-compliant paths, and a mobility hub. It targets a disadvantaged community with high special assessment burdens.
  • McKenzie Drive Extension (Planning Grant): Requesting 100% federal funding (no local cost share) for a planning study, estimated at up to $5 million. The extension would separate freight and passenger traffic, reduce daily vehicle miles traveled by 20,000–30,000, and improve emergency response times. Commissioners expressed support for both projects, emphasizing the need for alternative funding to reduce resident assessments. Motion for Mandan Proper grant application by Commissioner Heinshaun, second by Commissioner Braun, unanimous. Motion for McKenzie Drive planning grant application by Commissioner Braun, second by Commissioner Heinshaun, unanimous.
• Bond Resolution for Lead Service Line Replacement (Greg, Finance): Presented a $4,491,000 water revenue bond (Series 2026) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Two-thirds of the loan (approximately $3 million) will be forgiven through federal subsidies, leaving the city responsible for about $1.5 million. The 20-year loan matures September 1, 2050, with principal repayments starting in 2031, paid from the water/sewer utility fund. Discussion clarified the scope: replacement of lead service lines from the main to the home, within the city right-of-way. Commissioner Rohr asked about mapping of lead pipes; staff confirmed most are mapped, unknowns are being tracked. Motion to approve by Commission, unanimous roll call.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all items on the consent calendar (agenda, minutes, consent agenda).
• Approved the updated inmate housing agreement with Burley Morton Detention Center.
• Authorized the engineering department to submit a BUILD grant application for Mandan Proper (up to $25 million) and allocate city funds if awarded.
• Authorized the engineering department to submit a BUILD grant application for the McKenzie Drive Extension planning study (up to $5 million, 100% federal).
• Approved the bond resolution for $4,491,000 in water revenue bonds for lead service line replacement, with an estimated $3 million in loan forgiveness.

Future meeting dates were announced: March 3, 2026; March 17, 2026 (St. Patrick's Day); and April 7, 2026 (followed by Board of Equalization at 7 p.m.).