Mandan City Commission Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Mandan City Commission met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bosch Frelic meeting room at Mandan City Hall. The meeting covered approval of improvement bonds, construction updates, employee recognition, a public hearing on the fringe area road master plan, a landfill excavation contract award, a storefront improvement grant, a tax abatement denial, verification of special assessment districts, scheduling of special elections, and adoption of the 2027 budget and utility rates.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda and minutes from September 15, 2026 were approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda (routine approvals) was approved by roll call vote (4-0).
• Resolution establishing public works 2027 rates and charges was approved.
• Resolution establishing rates and charges for water and sewer utility fund was approved.
• Final adoption of Ordinance 1488 (2027 budget) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Financing of Improvement Bonds Series 2026

• John Lundby (Colliers) presented results of the RFP for improvement district bonds. The winning bid from Bremer Bank had a combined true interest cost of 5.17% for a $5,618,011 loan. The resolution authorizing the sale and closing on October 20, 2026 was approved unanimously.

Construction Projects Update

• Jerick provided updates: Area 3A (Red Trail Elementary) and water/sewer district 65 (Lewis and Clark Elementary) are substantially complete. Memorial Highway east half is substantially complete; west half preparing for five-lane temporary asphalt and traffic pattern shift. 18th Avenue Southeast will be closed for two weeks starting around October 12. First Street reconstruction is on schedule. The Collins Avenue Reservoir project is complete with landscaping.

Employee Quarterly Anniversary Recognition

• Amy recognized employees celebrating milestones: 3 years (Tawny Scher, Carrie Altiri), 5 years (Angela Wicks, Sarah Schaff), 25 years (Michael Annifson), 35 years (Michael Hansen). Certificates were presented.

Street Parking Reminder

• Police Chief Ziegler reminded that from September 16 to May 14, boats, campers, trailers, etc. cannot park on streets (Ordinance 24-7-17). Violators may be fined up to $50 or towed.

Fire Department Open House

• Chief Bitts announced the annual open house on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Fire Station 1 (Collins Avenue), 7-9 p.m., featuring a fire truck parade, safety activities, and a naming competition for the new fire engine.

Beautification Recognition Program Voting

• Madison announced public voting for residential and commercial beautification awards runs until Friday, October 9, 2026. Winners will be announced at a future commission meeting.

Board and Committee Openings for 2027

• Mr. Newbauer listed eight boards with 12 positions available (Airport Authority, Architectural Review, Civil Service, Beautification, Growth Fund, Parking Authority, Planning & Zoning, Renaissance Zone). Applications due October 31, 2026.

Teal Pumpkin Project

• A presentation described the city’s third year participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project (non-food treats for children with allergies). Residents can register online; a map of participating locations is available.

Bismarck Mandan MPO Fringe Area Road Master Plan Update (Public Hearing)

• Joel Mann (Bolton & Menk) presented the 2027-2030 update. Key components: updated network, six focus areas (four in Morton County), community outreach, and identification of major regional corridors. The plan does not commit to construction but guides right-of-way preservation. The resolution of adoption was approved unanimously after no public comments.

Landfill Excavation Project Award

• Mr. O’Keefe presented five bids for a new inert landfill cell. Low bid from Weiss and Sons Inc. was $194,500, exceeding the budget of $188,000. A budget increase of $6,500 from Solid Waste Utility Fund was approved, and the contract awarded.

New Business

1. Storefront Improvement Application (701 Venue at 1700 E Main Street): The Growth Fund recommended a matching grant of up to $30,000 as a forgivable loan. The commission approved the application unanimously.
2. Abatement for Newly Built Home Tax Exemption (Debbie Bauer & Derek Johnson): The application was denied because it was submitted months after the February 1, 2026 deadline. The commission voted to recommend denial to Morton County.
3. Verification of Special Assessment Districts: Street Improvement Districts 237 and 241, Storm Sewer Improvement District 33, and Water & Sewer District 65 were approved. Assessments will appear on tax statements in February 2027; a 10-day period for early payment without interest runs October 7-17, 2026.
4. Discussion on Special Elections: For the initiated measure (petition with validated signatures), the commission voted to call a special election on December 15, 2026. For the vacant commission seat, the decision was deferred to October 20, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Improvement Bonds: Resolution approved; closing set for October 20, 2026.
• MPO Plan: Resolution of adoption passed unanimously.
• Landfill Excavation: Contract awarded to Weiss and Sons with $6,500 budget increase.
• Storefront Grant: $30,000 matching grant approved for 701 Venue.
• Tax Abatement: Denied due to late application.
• Special Assessments: Approved for four districts; early payment period announced.
• Special Elections: Initiated measure election set for December 15, 2026; commission seat election to be discussed on October 20.
• 2027 Budget: Final adoption (Ordinance 1488) passed.
• Utility Rates: Resolution approving 2027 rates for water, sewer, solid waste, and public works passed. Monthly increase for a typical residential customer estimated at $9.48 (approx. $113.76/year), driven by wastewater treatment plant costs and contractual garbage/recycling increases.

Future meeting dates: October 20, November 3, and November 17, 2026.