Mandan City Commission Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Mandan City Commission met on April 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Bosch Frelec Meeting Room at Mandan City Hall. The meeting opened with announcements, employee recognitions, and public comments, followed by approvals, a public hearing, bids, and several new business items. Key decisions included awarding a construction contract for Street Improvement District 241, approving a $1.4 million change order for the raw water intake project, and allocating $505,000 from the Visitors Fund for safety equipment and event enhancements.

Announcements

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month; Blue Day is April 10. Citizens are encouraged to wear blue.
• 911 operators were recognized and thanked.
• Quarterly employee anniversary recognitions: 10 employees with 3 to 25 years of service were honored.
• Spring cleanup week is April 20–25; the landfill will be free for residents, and crews will collect bulky items on regular garbage day. Items must be placed by 5 AM, no more than 24 hours in advance, and kept separate from regular garbage. Crews will not enter private property.
• Community cleanup month is May; residents can sign up at cityamandan.com/littercleanup.
• The Mandan Fire Department will hold its first public information meeting on the June 9 sales tax initiative on April 13 at 6 PM at Red Trail Elementary.
• Gate City Bank allocated $2 million for the 2026 Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, waiving all fees. Loans are for home improvements, safety repairs, and accessibility adjustments. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2026.
• The Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) announced Celebrate 250 events from July 2–4, including the 147th Independence Day Parade (with Dakota Leathernecks as grand marshal), rodeo, Art in the Park, road race, and a pyro musical. An estimated 60,000–70,000 attendees are expected. The parade marshal was announced that day.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Schaftal (or Shawstahl) of District 2B/242/243 protested the special assessments. He stated that 50% of owners protested and requested removal of parcel 65‑5769000 (four properties, 230,000 sq ft / 5.2 acres) that would receive zero specials while others face up to $20,000. He noted the property tax on that parcel is less than $22, while his is $2,400. He argued the parcel has not been properly measured or plotted. He also requested one‑owner‑one‑vote and supported moving forward with the water and sewer project. The Mayor acknowledged his comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the March 17, 2026 Board of City Commission meeting minutes.
• Approval of the March 30, 2026 Board of City Commission special meeting minutes.
• Both approved unanimously.

Public Hearing

• Street Improvement District 243 (Mandan Proper Phase 1): A 30‑day protest period ended April 6, 2026, with 17.6% of land area in protest (insufficient). No public comments were offered. The hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Resolution of Insufficiency and Contract Amendment for District 243: The Commission voted to determine insufficiency of protests and to amend Morse Engineering’s contract to include final design and bidding. Unanimous.
• Bids for Street Improvement District 241 (near Red Trail Elementary): Two bids were opened March 27. Low bid from Strata Corporation was 4% under engineer’s estimate. The Commission awarded the contract to Strata and amended Morse Engineering’s contract for construction oversight. Unanimous.
• Consent Agenda: Approved without removal.
• New Business – Growth Fund for Memorial Highway Gift Card Program: The MPO requested $5,000 for marketing to cover the buyer’s e‑delivery fee. The Growth Fund has a $73,000+ balance. The program had $15,000 in economic spend in 2025, with $3,000 matched. Approved unanimously.
• New Business – Amendment to HDR Engineering Agreement for Memorial Highway Construction Oversight: The amendment covers the west half and changing conditions on the east half. Costs were anticipated in original estimates. Approved unanimously.
• New Business – Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Street Improvement District 236 (First Street Improvements): KLJ will perform construction oversight and community engagement. The project was awarded March 17; start date pending. Approved unanimously.
• New Business – Water Treatment Plant Phase 3 Optimization Change Order: Change order G02 decreased contract cost by $83,885. This is a routine adjustment that normally does not appear before the Commission. Approved unanimously.
• New Business – Raw Water Intake Project Change Order: Lath from the consulting team presented. The change order ($1,404,000) adds an airburst system and bank stabilization to address sediment issues at the intake. The project is 60% funded by the State Water Commission, with Marathon sharing remaining costs 50‑50. A long‑term study ($225,000) was approved in the consent agenda to explore river jetty or second intake options. The change order was approved unanimously.
• New Business – Visitors Committee Recommendations:
  • MPO request: Up to $325,000 for traffic signage, 50 additional picnic tables, banners, band shell repairs, and other equipment to reduce burden on public works. The MPO estimated 160,000 attendees at their events in 2025.
  • Mandan PD request: Up to $180,000 for 24 Archer barriers (750 lbs each, can be moved by one person) to enhance crowd safety at events. The barriers are used by the U.S. military.
  • Total $505,000. The Visitors Fund balance would remain ~$800,000. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All motions passed unanimously (5–0).
• Decisions:
  • Determined protests insufficient for District 243; authorized final design and bidding.
  • Awarded construction contract for District 241 to Strata Corporation.
  • Approved engineering contract amendments for Memorial Highway and First Street projects.
  • Approved change orders for water treatment plant (decrease) and raw water intake (increase).
  • Approved $5,000 for Memorial Highway gift card marketing.
  • Approved $505,000 in Visitors Fund allocations for MPO and Mandan PD.
• Next Steps: Pre‑construction meeting for First Street project; study for raw water intake alternatives; future public meetings on fire department sales tax initiative (April 13).
• Future Meetings: April 21, May 5, and May 19, 2026, all at 5:30 PM.