Mandan Board of City Commission Meeting – November 3, 2026

The Mandan Board of City Commission met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Bosch for Elick Meeting Room at Mandan City Hall. Commissioners Braun, Bolovic, and Hein Chan were present alongside Mayor Freelick. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and included construction updates, community recognitions, and action on several policy and infrastructure items.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved items one, two, and three on the consent agenda. Item four was pulled for separate discussion under new business.

Public Comments & Testimony

• City Administrator Newbauer stated that no public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Construction Updates: City Engineer Riley provided updates on the Memorial Highway West End project (five-lane temporary asphalt section complete, temporary traffic signals being removed) and the First Street Reconstruction Project (nearing completion on segments four and five, expected to be a drivable, parkable surface by Thanksgiving). A technical update was also given on the jack and bore operation for a 94-inch pipe under the Third Street embankment.
• Community Beautification Awards: Carri from the Community Beautification Committee announced the winners of the 2026 Beautification Recognition Program. Awards were presented to the Sunderland property (seasonal holiday display), the Traver property (landscape maintenance), and a commercial property.
• Fire Department Recognition: Fire Chief Bitz recognized Battalion Chief Shane Weltacall for graduating from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program on October 23, 2026.
• Amendment to Water Supply Contract: Riley presented a request from Missouri West Water System to move a master meter location. He clarified that the approval was limited to allowing the relocation and did not represent engineering approval of their connection plans.
• Pop-Up Shop Rental Assistance Pilot Program: Madison presented a recommendation from the Mandan Growth Fund Committee (voted 6-0) for a $15,000 pilot program to provide short-term rental assistance for vacant downtown Main Street storefronts during the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main (November 27, 2026 through January 9, 2027). The program would cover 50% of rent (up to $7 per square foot per month) for businesses open 4–9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Madison reported strong interest from at least one property owner and several potential tenants. Commissioners expressed full support for activating vacant spaces and providing low-risk entrepreneurial opportunities. The Growth Fund balance was reported as $75,857 after current commitments.
• Pedestrian Trail Improvements (1806): Riley presented Task Order 13 with Moore Engineering for final design of the pedestrian trail improvements along Collins Avenue near Eagle Park. The project aims to separate the trail from the roadway and correct drainage issues that cause the trail to flood rapidly during 1-2 inch rain events.
• Second Consideration of Ordinance 1493: Jordan presented the second reading of a zone change from Agricultural to R7 Residential for the Octavia Addition on Highland Drive/Island Road. No additional public comments were received.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (items 1-3).
• Unanimously approved the amendment to the water supply contract with Missouri West Water System.
• Unanimously approved the Pop-Up Shop Rental Assistance Pilot Program, appropriating $15,000 from the Growth Fund.
• Unanimously approved Task Order 13 with Moore Engineering for the design of the 1806 Pedestrian Trail Improvements.
• Unanimously approved the second consideration (adoption) of Ordinance 1493, changing the zoning of the Octavia Addition to R7 Residential.
• Condolences were offered to the family of former Bismarck Mayor Bill Sorensen.
• Commissioner Braun encouraged citizens to vote. The meeting was adjourned.