00:00:00,000	us? One. It’s June 25th. At five little after 515. We’re in the Tom Baker room and I’m virtual of the City county building. This is the border of city commissioners. Before, we start. We’ll have, uh, Chaplain Kis come forward with the invocation. Heavenly Father.

00:00:45,130	Thank you for this day? And for this beautiful weather this evening. We. Thank you for the privilege of living in this state and in the city of Bismarck. We experience many great things that others in this world envy, peace and plenty friends and family opportunity and health. And we don’t take these things for granted.

00:01:06,200	Thank you for the many opportunities that this local community has to offer to those of us who live here. I. Pray today for those that govern this community for Mayor Schmitz and his staff and other city employees be with our commissioners, especially those recently elected to their positions. I.

00:01:25,500	Ask that your spirit guide in the decisions made that they be wise and godly and would be in the best interest of the community. Thank you for the freedom to speak up and be heard for in discussion and diversity come strength in our communities. I ask that each one would be blessed by you God as they carry out their responsibilities. I also bring before you our first responders.

00:01:47,330	Those, who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the citizens of this community. I pray for our law enforcement firefighters. EMS workers, dispatch healthcare workers and others. Please protect them and their line of duty so that they might protect those of us who placed our trust in them.

00:02:08,370	So God thinks for everything guide and everything that is said and done this evening. I’m thankful for each and everyone who serves in their chosen capacity and thank you for your sovereign guidance in Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Let’s stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

00:02:32,130	I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Chaplain. We’ll call our meeting to order if we can call roll. Mr Marquardt here. Comm. Zenker here, Mr Connelly here, Mr Cleary here, Mayor Smith. Here. First item is a proclamation. I believe someone will read that for me. Yep.

00:03:02,170	I have that mayor. Proclamation, whereas the city of Bismarck North Dakota cherishes its traditions, Community spirit and enduring establishments have become embedded in the hearts of its residents. And whereas July 1st 2024 marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of big boy, an iconic establishment is an integral part of our city’s fabric.

00:03:26,170	And whereas big boy is more than just a restaurant is a beloved institution where generations of locals gather to create and revisit cherished memories and Whereas the drive through at big boy is filled with laughter, conversations and shared community experiences.

00:03:46,070	Serving as a repository of nostalgia and a symbol of the strong bonds that unite us and whereas it is appropriate to acknowledge big boy as a key part of our community for its unique culinary offerings, including pizza burgers, flying style, hot and tots, fries and gravy, which is its own food group, and for its vital role in preserving our shared heritage and fostering sense of belonging among our residents, Therefore it be resolved that I

00:04:06,670	Steve Marquardt, vice Chair of the City Commission on behalf of the mayor and the rest of the city Commission do hereby proclaim July 1st 2024 as Big Boy Day in celebration of the 70th anniversary of this cherished establishment, we extend our deepest gratitude to big boy for its steadfast commitment to our city and its

00:04:24,970	people signed on this day. The 25th June 2024. Thank you and I believe Mr Walker would like to make a presentation or make some word comments. Yes, he is here. Mister mayor. You’re missing out tonight. We’ve got, um Purple cows and hot and hot, So. When you get back.

00:04:58,870	I’ll have to, uh, take you through big boy. All right. Sounds good. Uh, Mr mayor, members of the commission. My name is Chad Wachter. And. Uh, I Am the owner of the Big Boy here in Bismarck, and it is an honor and a privilege to be here with you this evening.

00:05:27,730	Uh and I am very excited about this proclamation that the city has issued for July 1st to be big Boy Day here in Bismarck. Big boy was established here in Bismarck and opened on July 1st. 1954. It was originally founded by Harley and Margaret McDowell, and it is actually Bismarck’s first drive through restaurant.

00:05:53,870	Um, it is located in its original location in the original building, and we have most of the original items on our menu. The. Big Boy is the second oldest restaurant in the city of Bismarck just after the dairy queen and, uh Harley back in the day became the fourth Kentucky Fried Chicken franchisee, which added fried chicken and gravy to our menu.

00:06:17,330	In, 1978, Harley and Margaret sold the big boy to Stan and, uh, Bonnie, Rothenberger my predecessors and, um Uh, I Grew up going to the big boy. Um As a kid I can remember going through with my grandma. Uh, Four or five years old getting pizza burgers, flying style, great gravy and fries.

00:06:42,530	My parents actually met in the big boy parking lot. So. Um, I remember when I got my driver’s license back in the day at age 14. My first trip was to the big boy. So. Uh, the big boys is got a lot of really great, um, memories for me and for my family. So.

00:07:03,900	Um, during one of these occasions of going through the drive through at the big boy, I think I was 17 at the time. Um stan Rothenberger was out the window and I said, if you ever want to sell this place someday, you know, make sure you let me know. And.

00:07:20,400	Uh, he handed me my order and said, Get the heck out of here, kid. So. Um interestingly enough, 20, you know, going through big boy all the time, stan, seeing me and getting to know Stan. Throughout these years Stan and his wife, Bonnie.

00:07:37,470	He called me about 27 years after that, and, uh and asked me if I was whatever really be interested in owning the big boy and I said, Absolutely. So this year we actually this year marks the seventh year that, uh, that my family has owned a big boy and, uh, I think out of all of the things that I’m involved in in the community business, Wise related, I. I. Really? I Think.

00:07:54,270	The big boy is probably my favorite thing to be involved in. So. It’s just There’s just so much positive energy there and And it’s nice just to see all the love and affection that the that the community has for the big boy.

00:08:15,500	Um I guess one of the things I just wanted to reiterate this evening is I wanted to Ah, renew my commitment to, uh to the city of Bismarck and to our citizens that, um That. We are going to preserve order and protect the big boy and it’s traditions. Uh, there’s not gonna be any changes coming being made. We’re not going to mess around with the menu.

00:08:34,170	Um, you know, we wanna keep it as is, as stan told me the day that I bought it and he handed me the keys. He says. Don’t screw it up. So. Uh, I have no intentions of doing so. So July 1st marks our 70th year in business and, um and we’re very fortunate for also to have our General manager.

00:08:52,930	Um Don Brandt, who’s been with us for 40 years, 40 years. He, uh, celebrated his 40 years. Just recently with us So again. I’d like to, uh, express my appreciation to the city of Bismarck and to the citizens of Bismarck, uh, for their love support of of the big boy. Thank you thank you, Chad. Right.

00:09:20,530	We’re at the time of the meeting for public comment on anything on the consent agenda or the regular agenda. That’s not a public hearing anyone who wished to speak Please come forward state your name and sign in. Tell us, which topic I can call for public comment. And third and final call for public comment. Say No. One and hearing No.

00:09:50,030	One public comment period is not close Commissioners. What are your wishes with regard to the consent agenda. Move to approve as presented. There. Any discussion? A nun will call roll. Comm. Zinker. Yes. Mr Connelly? Yes Comm. Cleary Yes, Comm. Marquardt. Yes, Mayor. Yes.

00:10:22,470	First item on the regular agenda is a public hearing request for a class I two complementary alcohol license for KTP boutique doing business as apricot Lane. This is public hearing anyone who wished to speak, Please come forward. I can call for public comment. Third and final call for public comment. Hearing and seeing No. One public comment period is not cold.

00:10:51,870	What are the wishes of the commission move to approve is presented. Is there any further discussion? Harry Nunn will call roll. Comm. Connelly Comm. Cleary? Yes Comm. Marquardt. Yes, Yes, mayor Smith. Yes. Next item is a public hearing on a request for a new class I two complimentary alcohol license for Lotus, the bar and spa. Again.

00:11:19,830	This is a public hearing Anyone who wished to speak, Please come forward. Second call for public comment. And call for public comment. And CNO one public comment period is now closed. What are your wishes? Move to approve as presented. Is there any discussion? Here in honor Carroll. Comm. Cleary. Yes Comm. Marquardt? Yes Comm. Zinker. Yes, Mr Connelly? Yes. Yes.

00:12:03,470	Next item is public hearing on order. 6578 is on map. Amendment Be Yeah. Thank you, mayor. Just one second while I get the Okay, It looks like it’s working. Yeah. Ah, the applicant. Ah, Central power. Uh, Electric Co-operative Inc is requesting a ah, a zoning map.

00:12:32,730	Uh, amendment, uh, from the a agricultural zoning district to the PUD planned unit Development Zoning District as outlined in ordinance 6578 in your packets as well as a major subdivision Final Plat. Bear with me one second. Yeah. We’ll have to go without the the visual. Uh, for for the time being.

00:13:08,770	The the screen appears to be locked up, but the property in question is is located in northeast Bismarck, which is east of of 80th Street, northeast and on the north side of 43rd Avenue northeast, Uh, project area is comprised of roughly 40.

00:13:32,630	21 acres, Uh, on one lot in one block, uh, future land use associated with the proposal is Urban reserve and the existing zoning is, uh, currently Agricultural Now the requested action would allow for the construction of a maintenance facility. Oh, thanks, Janelle. Great. Uh uh, The requested action would allow for the construction of a maintenance facility in lay down yard for an electric Co-operative, Uh, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered this request on, uh may 22nd of this year. No.

00:13:51,930	Members of the public spoke at the hearing and no written testimony has been provided. At. The conclusion of the hearing, Planning and Zoning Commission and with consideration that of the findings in the staff report did unanimously recommend approval of the zoning map amendment from the A agricultural zoning district to the PUD or planned unit Development District, uh, as outlined in ordinance, 6578, as

00:14:12,530	well as a major subdiv, as well as the major Associated major subdivision Final Plat. Uh, were there any questions anyone had about this particular proposal? It look like any Ben. This is a public hearing Anyone who wished to speak on this zoning map amendment, please come forward. Second call for public comment.

00:14:45,770	Third and final call for public comment. Being on and hearing No. One public comment period is now closed Commissioners. What are your wishes? Move to prove as presented second. Is there any discussion? Erin Nunn will call Ro Mister Marquardt. Yes. Comm. Zakk? Yes. Mr Connelly? Yes Comm. Cleary Yes, mayor Smith Yes.

00:15:19,870	Next item is a public hearing on ordinance 6579 and Zoning Ordinance Text amendment. I believe Jenny is presenting Yes. Thank you, Mr mayor, I’ll open my screen here. Thank you, Mister Mayor commissioners.

00:15:55,700	The Community Development Department is requesting approval of amendments to sections 1404 3 1403 6, 1403 8 and 1404 17 of the city Code of arts to allow agriculture, recreation uses and private riding arenas in the agricultural zoning district based on certain criteria. The proposed amendments would allow for agriculture, recreation uses that offer opportunities to promote agri tourism and amend the ordinance to allow private writing arenas that are larger in size than our standard accessory buildings. Without the proposed amendments.

00:16:17,000	The Zoning Ordinance does not allow for rural event type uses or large private arenas. Staff agree that these types of uses should be allowed in our community and over the past year have worked with a stakeholder group. The Group reviewed ordinances from peer communities throughout the state and zoning practice publications for the Can planning association. And provided their expertise.

00:16:35,900	Staff would like to thank the stakeholder group for all their help. The proposed ordinance includes definitions for agriculture, minor agriculture, recreation, use, major agriculture, recreation use and private riding arenas. The Ordinance also includes criteria for approval of major agriculture, recreation uses and private riding arenas by special use permit.

00:17:01,230	We also added, Um the definition of agriculture. Um, wasn’t in our ordinance. It is now in there. That’s the science of, uh is is the science or practice of cultivating the soil producing crop and raising livestock. Minor agriculture recording.

00:17:23,670	Recreation use is defined as any agriculture related use that combines agriculture production with commercial recreation uses that are ancillary to the primary agriculture use. Such uses include education related events and tours Farm to Table dinners, pumpkin patches you pick produce Christmas tree farms, corn mazes and hay rides for someone other than the property owner. Minor Agriculture, Recreation Recreation uses shall not exceed occupancy of 75 people at one.

00:17:45,070	I’m gonna say agriculture so many times in the next couple of minutes. Um minor agriculture, recreation, Recreation uses would be permitted by right for property zoned egg and outside the urban service area boundary. The Urban Service area boundary is an official line established by the Board of city commissioners within the city zoning subdivision, jurisdiction that distinguishes future urban and rural areas.

00:18:06,930	Areas outside this boundary are not expected to see urban growth for a number of years. A Major agriculture, Recreation use is defined as any agriculture related use that combines agriculture production with commercial recreation uses that That are ancillary to the agriculture use such as but are not limited to education related activities and tours, a celebration a ceremony a wedding reception.

00:18:29,530	Corporate F function you pick Produce Christmas tree Farm pumpkin patches. Corn Maze hay rides for someone other than the property owner, a major agriculture, recreation use shall not exceed in occupancy of more than 250 people at any one time and shall not exceed 30 calendar days per year.

00:18:52,870	Major agriculture Recreation uses would be permitted by special use permit and criteria for approval include that the latter parcel is at least 35 acres and zoned agriculture. Attendance is limited to 250 people at any one time the maximum number of events are limited to 30 days per calendar year. Migrate, um mitigation of noise and light impacts.

00:19:16,800	To adjacent properties, additional setback requirements and requirements to meet applicable life and safety building and fire codes. A private riding Arena is defined as a building or portion of a building used exclusively for private equestrian activities by the property owners. A private riding Arena must be ancillary to a single family dwelling.

00:19:38,470	Criteria for, um, Excuse me private writing Arenas would also be approved by special use permit. For properties located in the agriculture zoning district that are outside the USA B and include 35 acres or more criteria for approval include that the arena is ancillary to and in conjunction with a single family dwelling and that there are no sales shows, competition, training clinics or similar events

00:19:59,870	within or on the premises. Additional criteria include location of the building size limitation of no larger than 22,000 square feet additional setback requirements. Requirements to to meet life safety and building and fire codes. Staff was asked to modify.

00:20:27,030	Also the Parcel size and increase the area of of other accessory buildings approved by special use permit those buildings that are located within the egg zoning district and entirely outside the urban service area by RY Accessory Building size was increased from 7500 Square feet to 8000 square feet for properties with at least 35 acres that are also located outside that USA B the size or number of acres was reduced

00:20:46,000	from 80 to 70 acres for property zoned agriculture outside the USA B for a 15,000. But accessory building. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on this request on April 24th representatives from Apple Creek Farms, the tourism division of the Department of Commerce, and several citizens spoke during the hearing concerns were raised were

00:21:06,600	raised by some that the proposed ordinance limited opportunities for agriculture, recreation, in particular that certain events such as such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes and you pick produce should not be restricted to the major agriculture recreation use. Those were added to the minor use.

00:21:27,130	At the conclusion of the public hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to continue the public hearing and directed staff to work with the representative from Apple Creek Farms and the Tourism Department of the North, Florida Department of Commerce to address concerns expressed during the hearing Planning staff met with those folks on May 3rd and modified the ordinance to address their concerns.

00:21:45,270	A continued public hearing at the Planning and Zoning Commission was held on May 22nd 2. Members of the public spoke during the hearing. One member requested a lot or parcel size requirement the lot or parcel size requirement for minor agriculture, recreation uses to be removed from the ordinance at the conclusion of the public hearing and based on the findings contained in the

00:22:01,270	staff report, the planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the zoning ordinance Text amendment with the removal of the latter parcel size requirement for minor agriculture. Recreation uses. A notice was published in the Tribune. For this meeting on June, 12th and June 19th staff is unaware of additional comments based on this notice.

00:22:18,600	We did receive written comments prior to the public hearings at the Planning and Zoning Commission. Those are included in your packet. The Zoning Ordinance Text amendment was evaluated, evaluated according to standards contained within the comprehensive clan Bismarck Code of Ordinances and Relative State Law As a result of all the findings contained in the staff report staff recommend

00:22:37,070	that the that the proposed amendments would not adversely impact the public health safety and general welfare and are consistent with our comp. Plan, our court of ordinances and relative state law.

00:22:59,530	Therefore staff recommends approval of the zoning Ordinance Text amendment for sections 1414 0203 1403 06, 1403 08 and 1404 17 of the city code of ordinances as presented and included in your draft ordinance. Do you have questions? Looks like there are no questions. Jenny. This is a public hearing. So. Anyone who wished to speak on this ordinance. Please come forward. I can call for public comment. Third and final call for public comment. Public comment period is not closed Commissioners.

00:23:34,870	What are your wishes? Move to approve. Second Is there any discussion? And I’d like to mention that I watched all of the tapes and planning and zoning and things and there was a lot of good discussion both from citizens and different people coming forward in the staff working with them and just really appreciate everybody being involved as

00:24:11,600	these, um adjustments and flexibilities were made within this Progress. The other kind discussion. E. Carry nun will call roll. Commissioner’s anchor. Yes, Mr. Connelly. Yes, Mr Clear. Yes Comm. Marquardt. Yes, Mayor Schmitz. Yes. Next state and Excuse me next item is a public hearing on ordinance.

00:24:46,800	6580 Zoning Map Amendment Development Agreement and a major subdivision funnel plot for fitting subdivision. Yes, mayor Mayor. Uh, if you’re ready, I can I can take over? Yes, Go ahead. OK. Thank you mayor, um, the the property that the the mayor just referenced.

00:25:12,930	The Development proposal is located in east of Bismarck rather between 52nd Street Southeast and 66th Street Southeast and is on the South side and adjacent to East Main Avenue, Uh, the project area is comprised of 4.8 acres within what is proposed to be three lots in one block.

00:25:36,400	Future land use associated with the proposal is, uh is, uh, neighborhood mixed use in the existing zoning as a combination of a agricultural and CG commercial requested action would allow the development of a single family dwelling in conjunction with the commercial use. Uh, I’ll try to get to the plot here. Uh, in in conjunction with the commercial use on lot 30 of the proposed Plat.

00:25:59,730	Planning and Zoning Commission did consider this request on April, 24th 2024 and continued the item to may 22nd 2024 planning, Uh, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to address a request to include a development agreement for the future annexation of the proposed development area. Um, that is included with your packets for consideration as well. Aside from the applicant or member of the public, spoke at the hearing and all written testimony was provided.

00:26:20,670	A T the conclusion of the public hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission and with the consideration of the findings contained in the staff report, the Planning and Zoning Commission did vote 9 to 1 to conditionally recommend approval of the zoning map amendment from the A Agricultural zoning district to the CG commercial District, uh, and that’s outlined in ordinance 6580 in your packets.

00:26:42,670	Uh, also the major subdivision Final Plat. Uh, the development agreement, and there is also a water. Uh, service agreement. Uh, with, uh, between proposed to be between the city of Bismarck and South Central region, the South Central regional Water District.

00:27:04,000	Uh, I’ll outline some of the conditions that were identified, uh by the planning and Zoning commission. One of those is that Assigned annexation petition is submitted prior to recording the proposed plot. Uh and then the other one is that, uh, a development agreement is approved by the City Commission prior to recording the proposed plot.

00:27:24,870	Uh and as noted, the development agreement is is attached within within your packets, Uh, would would be, uh, available for any questions at any of any of you may have It looks like there are no questions. This is a public hearing Anyone who wished to speak on this. Ordinance. Please come forward. Want this up, It’s OK.

00:27:51,000	Like You Maryland and nine Miller was Swensen Hagen engineering representing Robert Fetti in this, uh, nothing to add to what? Uh, ben had presented just here to answer any questions if you have them. No questions. Thank you, Landon. Thank you. And. This is public hearing anyone who wished to speak to this, please come forward. I can call for questions. Ahmed. The final call for Comments. You and seeing no further comments.

00:28:26,130	Public comment period is now closed Commissioners. What are your wishes move to approve as presented. OK? Any discussion. No. We’ll call roll. Mr Connelly? Yes, Mr Cleary. Yes Mister Marquardt? Yes. Comm. Zer. Yes, Mayor Smith. Yes. Next item Public Hearing on ordinance 65.

00:29:00,000	81, a zoning map amendment Major subdivision final plot for West Region Medical Edition. I believe that you’re presenting Yes. Thank you mayor, uh, the the property that you just referenced is located in north Central Bismarck. Uh, excuse me. Um east of, uh, I’m sorry.

00:29:21,200	North of East Central Avenue between State Street and and North 19th Street and a portion of which is AJ adjacent to East Calgary Avenue. Uh, the project area is comprised of 17 acres and proposes three lots within two blocks. Ah, the requested action would allow for, uh, the the future, uh, future commercial development within the area.

00:29:43,330	Future land use associated with the proposal is a community mixed use in the existing zoning as a combination of RT residential and CG commercial. Planning and Zoning Commission did consider this request on May 22nd Of this year. No member of the public spoke at the hearing, and no additional testimony has been provided for or against at the conclusion of the public hearing, the planning and zoning Commission with the considerations of the findings in the staff report did

00:30:02,870	unanimously recommend approval of the zoning map amendment from CG Commercial zoning district. UH, and RT residential zoning districts to the CG commercial zoning district, as outlined in 6581 in your packets, as well as the Associated major subdivision, final Plat, uh, any questions that ah, anybody may have Looks like there are no questions.

00:30:28,500	Thanks, ben. And. This is a public hearing Anyone who wish to speak on order. 6581, please come forward. Welcome back land. Thank you, Mr Mayor. Uh, yeah, Representing, Uh, Byron on this one not much to add to it to what Ben had presented Just A.

00:30:49,600	Just a note? Um Some of the supply is also here to to clean up some issues that have come around some, uh some of the lots in the area were were combined in a fashion that that made it difficult or actually impossible to access some of the interior lots.

00:31:03,730	So by, uh, dedicating some additional right away here and and res splitting out the lots into a into a fashion that works. We’re using the plot here to to clean up some of those issues. But other than I can answer any questions if you have them. It’s not like there’s any questions. Thank you. Anyone else who wishes to speak. Please come forward.

00:31:27,200	I can call for public comment. Third and final call for public comment. And or hearing any further comment on the comment period is not closed Commissioners What are your wishes? Move to approve. Second Is there any discussion? In and seeing no discussion. Uh, we’ll call the roll. Mister Cleary. Yes Mr Marquardt Comm. Zenker. Yes, Comm. Connelly.

00:32:01,870	Yes, Mayor Schmitt. Yes. Next item on the agenda is a considerate a request from community development on a rehabilitation Renaissance zone project designation and to take action May or before you start, I’m gonna need to, uh, recuse myself for this And just in case there’s a potential conflict, sir. All. Right. Thank You Comm.

00:32:27,530	, Um I believe Isaac, you’re presenting this that is correct, mayor So. Uh, Mayor Schmitz and commissioners. Uh, our next regular agenda item comes to us from Chong Thai group LLC, who are requesting approval of a rehabilitation Renaissance own project at 515 East Main Avenue, along with the Associated local property tax and state income tax exemptions.

00:32:51,830	The proposal is to rehabilitate an existing commercial space for a new business. That would be a combination of coffee and tea house and restaurant and, as you can see on the screen in front of you, the project area is In the portion of the Renaissance Zone boundary that is zoned downtown, so it is surrounded by offices, bars and

00:33:07,600	restaurants on all sides. It will fit in zoning wise. Here also, uh, also found in your packets are some concept renderings. Uh, of what? The space on the inside might look like Of course These are just conceptual rendering so the final product could be different, but the applicant has described the scope of work

00:33:25,730	to include the replacement of the roof structure. Possible introduction of Fire suppression sprinkler system as well as relevant interior framing and concrete flat work to create the necessary eating spaces and relevant office, kitchen and bathroom spaces. In addition to All relevant electrical, mechanical and plumbing work to be conducted.

00:33:49,900	The project meets the minimum level of investment to be eligible for the program. Although. There is one note. I would like to say for the awareness of the commission on the topic of the Renaissance program in general, as you are likely aware and remember, the program is undergoing some changes to the development plan.

00:34:07,570	These changes are not finalized yet, but one of the changes that is being undergone was a request from the Burly County Commission and agreed to by the City commission. Letter of intent in November of last year to change how we do the, uh, local property tax exemption system specifically for a project such as this, which would be, uh, rehabilitating a

00:34:30,130	space so there is a structure already there assessed at a certain value and with the proposed product that value would increase as a result of the project.

00:34:51,770	Under the old system, the project would be eligible for a property tax exemption on up to the whole Value under the new proposed system, that structure would be eligible for a property tax exemption on just the increased value of the building. As a result of this project. So again.

00:35:10,870	This is to, uh, stay in line with the letter of intent between the city and the county and staff have communicated with the applicant that the program is in the middle of these changes to the development plan and how that will impact a project such as theirs.

00:35:30,600	We have described this New anticipated system to the applicant as described in the letter of intent between the city and the county, and we have done this for all inquiries about the program, um as such the proposed property tax exemption in this particular case is to meet that general intent of the proposed changes to the development plan, even though they’re not officially there yet.

00:35:47,370	For this project specifically the Renaissance own authority held a public hearing on this request at their May 9th meeting at that meeting, there were no public comments submitted prior to the hearing and no members of the public spoke at the hearing, except for the applicant to answer some questions as well.

00:36:05,330	At the end of the hearing, the authority unanimously recommended approval of the project as a local property tax exemption on just that increased value of the building as well as an exemption from state income tax on income derived from the property with two conditions. The first that a certificate of good standing from the North Dakota Office of state tax Comm. is received prior to approval by the board of City commissioners. That is a standard condition for the program. Overall.

00:36:24,000	We just did not have that at the time of the Renaissance own authority meeting. We have since received that so that condition has been met. The second one was that a description of exterior work above the main entrance would be provided to the downtown Design Review technical Advisors just to confirm consistency with Downtown Design Review guide. And. Those conversations are ongoing but will be met as well.

00:36:44,900	So as a cumulative result of all the findings contained in the staff report, City of Bismarck staff find that the proposed Renaissance Zone rehabilitation project would not adversely impact public health safety or general welfare and is consistent with the Renaissance Zone Development Plan Comprehensive Plan and Bismarck Code of ordinances and all rele relevant state law.

00:37:06,130	So staff recommend approval of the rehabilitation renaissance. At 515 East Main Avenue as a local property tax exemption on that increased value of the building resulting from this project for five years and an exemption from state income tax on income derived from the location four or five years. Does. The Commission.

00:37:25,570	Have any questions for me at this time? I. See. No questions, Isaac. Thank you and thank you for explaining Explaining the Upcoming change to how Renaissance owners are going to be operated on the the portion of the value of the building. That’s Exempt from tax Commissioners. What are your wishes? Move to approve.

00:38:01,730	Second Is there any discussion? I’d like to add the, uh when watching the, uh um Renaissance board meeting on it. Um All of the improvements are on the interior. And.

00:38:21,570	Um, I’m challenged with that a little bit or quite a lot, actually, because the exterior of the building is looking quite aged and old, and it would be nice if, uh some of those upgrades were made out in projects like this because A lot of people might not know what’s on the inside of a building, but they see what’s on the outside every day. And That’s what I’d like to add to it. Are there any other? Comments. A N will call the roll. Mr. Marquardt.

00:38:50,470	Yes, Mister Connelly. No. Mr Cleary? Yes, mayor Smith. Yes. Motion carries. Next item is sidewalk gap process on gabe. I believe you have some inquiries for us. Thank you mayor and commissioners. The share point up here for a second. All right. Mayor and commissioners on April 23rd 2024 You directed, Um Staff as well as Comm.

00:39:36,930	anchor to to look at our sidewalk gap process that we use and see if there’s any improvements or modifications that we had like to see. So. Uh, Comm.

00:39:51,800	Zenker and I met a couple weeks ago and and walked through some of those items I wanted to meet earlier in the year in case some of the the potential changes to those processes might, um, change when we provide notification when we, you know, move forward with decisions, et cetera. So. I want to make sure we got back to you sooner rather than later so that we have time to implement some of these changes. Um, if I look at Screen here, I.

00:40:07,730	I walked through the processes or the kind of the process steps and a real high level was including the agenda. Memo, um, with our current process as well as in whatever proposed changes we would be proposing here today as we worked through that identification process. Uh, we aren’t really proposing any changes there.

00:40:24,800	We’d still use the same processes that we use to identify these opportunities. I would want to note that since the launch of our sidewalk suggestion tool on the city’s website we’ve received 130 or so, uh, pins.

00:40:42,570	Within that map that will show areas that, uh, maybe potential for next year’s Gap project, or Actually, it was affirmation that some of the locations that we’ve had previously identified that just weren’t yet constructed, also showed up on that list. So it was good affirmation that we’re on the right path and some of those locations.

00:40:57,030	Um, I would also note that the Bismarck man and MP is in the midst of doing a safe routes to services process or project. Uh, and that plan would identify definitely infrastructure related improvements that we would consider to make sure that people have the ability to to walk to where Need to get to and bike where they need to get to, uh, especially those that may not have access to an automobile so hopefully through

00:41:12,400	the the combination of that plan, as well as the input that we’re receiving from the public. Um, on our sidewalk Suggestion tool. We’ll have a a robust, uh, conversation about next year, uh, with with locations, uh, but as we step back to the agenda packet here, the recommendation process would still be the same. We evaluate.

00:41:31,570	Uh, those locations based on their potential usage costs, impacts and other criteria. Um, some of that criteria could be potential historical, Uh, impacts, you know? Is it something we’ve we’ve talked about at this table as well as this previous iterations of this table of when we put Sidewalk somewhere there might be a historical impact.

00:41:49,970	Um, and we would vet that through that process to make sure that that whatever we are doing does not adversely affect something. Uh, the approval process still remains the same.

00:42:08,330	Uh, the bidding of this project as a as a city contract, I would still take place here at the, uh Uh, mid spring of of the work and the notification process of letting landowners know of that decision to construct the sidewalk that the commission makes, uh and letting them know that is as soon as practical.

00:42:23,870	But after that bid of the project is done, which gives us a firm number that we can confidently say the cost to construct the sidewalk is estimated at X, but we’re basing that estimation off of legit bid bid prices and not what we think that bid might come in it so that landowner can make an informed decision whether or not they move forward with the sidewalk gap on Using the city’s contractor, or tries to solicit that improvement from a private

00:42:41,530	vendor. So the changes, though, that we’d like to make Uh, that I would recommend making or in the following. I Guess 22 categories in particular, give us a little more room here.

00:43:00,430	Uh, the time to complete That’s something that we do get feedback from from individuals When they say, um I don’t think we’ve ever met someone who who said that? I can’t wait to put the sidewalk in. Thank you for giving us this letter to saying the sidewalks needed here. Uh, but they have had a lot of people say it’s just the timing is poor.

00:43:12,130	It would be nice if we would have a little more time to to get some of this inserted into there, whether it’s their family budget or their commercial, you know, enterprise budget to be able to spend those dollars in a in a time frame that works for them. So.

00:43:28,470	What we would propose is giving those those landowners the same 30 to 45 days to make a decision. But that decision Uh, just means that if they want to use their private contractor they would have till the following, Uh, construction season to make that improvement.

00:43:44,100	So if we send these letters out in April of a given year, they would have till the following end of of the the following year to make that improvement if it if it’s done privately, So hopefully if someone does, uh, want to do that work privately, they can note back to us saying we’ll We’ll take care of this, but we’ll do it by the end of, you know, 18 months or so from when that first letter is received, as long as they let us know that

00:43:58,330	that’s their direction, and we Forward with that plan. Um so no other really changes to when the city’s work would happen, because actually when we construct a sidewalk, uh even in our 2024 construction season, uh, if it’s directly assessed to the property that bill doesn’t show up on the the residence or that property

00:44:16,600	owner tax bill until the the 2025 tax season comes around with that payment being done, and usually until the first part of 2026, so we already have that delay kind of built into the city assessed piece. We just don’t have that timing. Or grace period built into the privately performed work.

00:44:33,730	Another element that we’d like to introduce is a city financial participation of 25% of that cost to construct the sidewalk to be funded if the city’s contractor is used, so that would be the offer made, as is the sidewalk cost $1000 the city would pay for $250 of that, with the resident being responsible for the other $750

00:44:53,430	of those, um, funds. We would note that if the owner elects to move forward with a private individual to construct that sidewalk, that subsidy would not qualify so we wouldn’t Pay their bill to their contractor doing the work.

00:45:08,400	We’d have no way to know if that was bid or or what? What dollar amount or why the The dollar amount was what it was, Um so we would reserve that only for the cities, uh, contribution to our city contractor that we bid. Um And we’d also want want to note here that we would also not participate in the political subdivisions properties either.

00:45:27,030	So whether that’s a city owned property or a piece of property owned by parks and rec or schools or the state, we would not offer that 25% subsidy in those situations. Um, I guess how. How this is proposed.

00:45:45,130	So with that all being said, Um, I guess we take any Direction that you would like or or if you would have any questions we’d feel free to try our best to answer and Go from there. Mayor and commissioners gabe So as far as the the 25% subsidy. Do you have roughly Um And. I know it’s tough to say, cause you don’t know for sure what what Sidewalks is said.

00:46:06,000	Do you know But roughly what it would be or the cost of the city. Let’s say in a a year’s time or any given year If, you look back and see what some of that stuff would have cost. Sure mayor commissioners Comm.

00:46:24,070	Marquardt, uh, the the Gap process obviously is very specific to the how much is is attacked in that year or or or identified in that given year, But. We’ve had projects as uh, as large as you know, $400,000 worth of total work done, Um, whether or not E even when that’s done, a lot of that does go private. So it ends up being maybe a $200,000 contract for the the Contractor.

00:46:40,300	So, I guess in that scenario, it would have been, you know, somewhere between $6100 of city resources spent towards that gap sidewalk using some of our historical numbers. Are there any other questions? Any other questions. Commissioners.

00:47:15,830	What are your wishes? Guidance to give Think it? I personally think this is a A Good new plan, especially when it comes to the timing and I guess we’re We’re kind of pushing the envelope or pushing when those sidewalks need to go in. So the fact the city Participates in some of that is fine as long as our city contractor Um May and commissioners.

00:47:35,270	I guess I You know, I think it’s something that we need, you know, continue to take a look at, but I, you know As far as on the financial impact of the city as far as some of that, um You know that contribution to the city.

00:47:52,400	I think you know if they the finances, depending on how they they said, if we can do that, um, unless it comes out of the, um Budget of some of your budget, Gabe or or something, I guess. Mayor and Comm. Comm. Marquardt. We.

00:48:13,800	We would identify that funding source through this budget process for the 2025 most likely being a sales tax or contribution to to achieve that subsidy in a similar manner to how we subsidize, uh, street repair projects. In a similar manner. Thank you. You just want a consensus or a motion here, I I. Consensus would be fine. I don’t know if we necessarily need a a motion. Yeah, I’m Good keep and I sat down and did it together, So. I’m comfortable with this.

00:48:36,130	I think the changes you walk through, Make sense to me as well. That’s why I was questioning at commissioner’s anchor. I said. No. I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Very so. And we’re fine. It looks like we have consensus for the changes. Yep thank you very much. All right.

00:49:07,100	Next item is consider request for discussion of the appropriate compensation for the newly elected municipal judge, and I believe Jason is going to present on this. It is correct. Uh, good evening, mayor and commissioners. Uh, for the first time in 42 years, the city of Bismarck will have a new municipal judge, so I can positively say that everyone in the room is doing something new tonight.

00:49:22,500	Um none of us have been a part of this before. Uh So what? What The action is what the request is, Uh, North Dakota century code and then followed by Bismarck City. Ordinances. Authorizes, the board of City commissioners to set the compensation rate for municipal judges, uh, within your agenda packets tonight you were provided with three attachments, one of them being

00:49:43,770	the full language from century code. Uh, the other one was the city Code of Ordinance chapter. 2-05 Dash 04. And then the third thing is probably the the piece that might generate the most conversation that, uh, third form or third document is provided by the North Dakota League of cities.

00:50:01,930	Which, of course, is, uh, a great Partner of ours and many other communities in the state. That third document provides an overview of what compensation rates are for various municipal judges throughout North Dakota. Um some of them are listed either as a monthly An annual or a biweekly, uh, compensation rate. And.

00:50:22,800	So, Um with that information if you have any questions, I’d be happy to try and answer them for you. Um, but the the the intent here was to generate discussion and to come, just come come to some consensus on the appropriate salary for a newly elected municipal court Judge Amanda Harris. I have a question.

00:50:44,070	Mayor and commissioners, um are benefits or anything included in this Or. Is it just straight compensation, mayor and Commissioners, Uh Lee Anne Schmidt are HR director is here. She can certainly validate this, but I believe it is just purely the financial compensation. There are no benefits or health care provisions or anything like that, Uh, affiliated with this Because.

00:51:01,170	It is technically a part time position. Part time position at $5600 every two weeks. Well and Comm. Zenker. And you you mentioned that you take a look at Fargo. So Fargo is at 100 and 27,000 a year they have 100 and 33, a population. Lean or Jason. Do.

00:51:26,330	You know Does Fargo is theirs have a compensation package as well. Or is that still the same aspect that it’s Part time. I mean it don’t have any be benefits with it. Mayor and commissioners. Uh, Comm. Marquardt. I do not know the specific answer to that. It is my understanding that all of the municipal court judges are part time positions. The.

00:51:48,400	I guess the variations would be the frequency at which they meet, and then the number of cases in which they would handle annually and one could assume that that would be based on population.

00:52:07,530	One that I guess that’s what I’m kind of looking at, as you know, as far as this commission moving forward, if it’s uh You know we take a look at, uh Population in in some of those different aspects as far as for deciding what to budget for that position, you know if you take a look at you know what some of the other, um cities in the populations that that they have, and you know Kind of make it. I shouldn’t say.

00:52:31,400	Even but, you know Somewhat to correspond with what the other populations or population centers are as well. Comm.. I did a quick calculation today. Um and I and I use ground forks because that’d be that was the closest from the population standpoint outside of Fargo, and if we extrapolate ground for compensation for the 59,000 residents there to our 74

00:53:00,270	75,000 residents that would Turn out to be about 108 109,000 annually, not saying that’s The right number but to give a sense of how that compares to what Fargo’s Compensation is for their municipal judge with a much larger population. Um And. Why, not we didn’t have any information on my not so I couldn’t grab that one.

00:53:35,930	Mr thinker Mayor Comm., Um So When you say part time? How many hours Are we talking here, Mayor and commissioners. It’s my understanding the current schedule for municipal court Judge Severin has been two days of court and then approximately a half day, uh, in the office and, uh, ancillary related work that goes along with that two

00:53:55,800	days in court. So. How many hours is that a nine hour day? Four hour day. To half days. He talks really fast, does he? So for normal. It’d probably be about four days, but for seven it was I’ve never been in front of him yet. I guess it won’t be because he’s done.

00:54:18,200	You should have visited. I should have had a conversation. Yeah. So so there’s a half day actually, because you’re considered a full day four hours, So you consider in a half day, two hours or actually, four hours. So 12 hours, 12 hours a week is what you’re telling me. Approximately Yes. Judge. Work.

00:54:42,270	Well, there’s probably a learning curve, but Mayor and commissioners uh HR Director Lee. Anne Schmidt has just informed me that the judge currently works about 20 hours a week. Okay? So looking at this like chart of of the other cities. Obviously, some of it is based on population and the amount of court cases that they’re seeing a week.

00:55:06,670	But then there’s obvious you have to assume we haven’t done this in 42 years, so his salary also I mean obviously has increased throughout the years as well.

00:55:28,700	So I mean, Do we just base it off of population like the mayor is saying, like you can just You set yourself up the math solution to That was an example. I just I have something isn’t to extrapolate to cause they’re all over the board as we can see that right and judge has been with us for 40 years, so I think there was obviously some experience level compensation there, right? His is going to be a little bit of an outlier, but Um Well with

00:55:49,670	his 42 years of experience, so people that listen to this know that was 100 and 31,368 a year and that’s the highest in the state Fargo was a Hu 127 to 18. Um Actually. I think it was about 142. Biweekly payroll. Mayor is correct.

00:56:17,830	There are 26 pay periods with the city cycle instead of 22 per month, 26 Some mayor and commissioners. I think you know, moving forward? I think you need to give direction to the, um to Jason and also to the commissioner’s anchor in the Budget committee as far as to take a look in and see what, um What that pay needs needs to be, uh,

00:56:42,470	according to if we can get some of the documentation as far as we know roughly how many hours Um HR director came and pointed that out, but then also some of the case load stuff so Were you looking for an answer to me on the first Mayor and commissioners.

00:57:03,070	The municipal judge is set to take her position. July 1st Per century code requirements. We’d be looking for a pretty definitive answer from you this evening. And. Please note for the budget For this year we would have budgeted for the full salary for Judge Severin so there would be should be adequate funds to, uh, finish out this year and then duly noted. Comm.

00:57:26,230	Mark we’re looking at next year. Of course that would be something that we would take into consideration as part of the Budget committee’s annual process. Can. We make a decision just on this first year since There’s gonna be a learning curve and then re evaluate in a year.

00:57:47,030	Um And that would give us time to get some of those other numbers. I. I think we need to have a starting a starting point of where we’re at and then have move forward from there, Mayor and commissioners Comm. Connelly.

00:58:07,300	I believe either in statute or ordinance, it requires that you will not once the judge is in place you cannot cut Any type of compensation You can always agree to go up, but you can never cut the compensation. If. That makes sense, OK? So roughly mayor and commissioners just Looking at the The numbers that we see here. You know if you know the mayor, you had mentioned Grand Forks at at the 84 with about 58,000.

00:58:38,730	Be You should. You. Think looking at your Comm. and mary, you know 90,000 to to start or or what I mean it. It’s. It’s unfortunate that you know, we have a short period of time to be able to decide like Half hour 1520 minutes to decide what someone’s salary is gonna be, uh, without Yeah.

00:59:01,730	This is kind of awkward negotiation. It seems like we is a new judge here by chance or not. I believe she’s in the back row. You. Wanna help advocate for yourself. I mean, Be like us coming in and negotiating our own salary after we’re elected.

00:59:22,930	It’s It’s kind of you would think that there’d be some parameters that it would be set. It would have been nice to have had that I agree Comm. zinker I when I saw this, Um Rangers is significant I. I would you know? I don’t know if there’s a great answer, but I would think somewhere My mind, it’s more between 101 110 or 115.

00:59:46,100	Is more appropriate if I extrapolate that out for ground forces. Population base. If I use Fargo is it actually drives it down, so because their population is greater than the compensation Yeah and just hold on one second, please. Yeah. May I. I understand that, but I would based on These are all part time.

01:00:05,800	How many hours do they do they put in? I mean? You’re we’re just basing that arbitrarily on on population correct. Yeah. I just face the population probably drives case load to some degree, That’s all I’m that’s that’s where I was at. You would. Yeah, you would think there would be some Racial explanation there or whatever, but Well.

01:00:28,700	Congratulations, by the way, Thanks so much. I’m excited to get started. Go ahead. Are you ready? Um so I wasn’t planning on coming up here to advocate for a salary. I’m really trusting the commission to to appoint a fair salary for the elected judge position, But since I’m invited, I guess I’ll say a few words. Um I.

01:00:49,630	I have been training already with the judge, So. I’m already working, Actually, But. Uh, my official Start date is July 1st, So. I’m I’ve been training the last few weeks. We’ve been, um there’s a lot of transition with the court. So.

01:01:04,630	There’s not only my learning curve, but as you know, Kathy is also retiring the clerk of court, so there’s gonna be a learning curve at the Kirk of court. So I spent all day yesterday and today this afternoon in interviews to try to hire our new clerk of court, and so I’m kind of donating time already, But, Um I can tell you from my training Far.

01:01:21,000	The court holds court three days a week. Um, and there’s been some requests from other city. Um, offices and officials to maybe do court four days a week because of warrants and people needing to appear within a certain time frame and getting people processing through court some days at court, there’s over 100 cases, docketed to be heard.

01:01:41,370	And. Um, for example, just this last week, Judge Severin. Um I don’t know if any of you have recently spoke to Judge Severn, but he talks very fast. And.

01:01:56,270	It’s sometimes hard to even and I think that’s his court pace, and he’s used to talking that fast because he has to talk that fast to get through his docket and timely manner. Um and and I want it to be a little slower paced than that for everyone for the clerks for for myself for, you know, obviously, the learning curve.

01:02:11,370	Um, but even this week uh, he appeared by zoom for one of the days as he was out of town, and the zoom was only scheduled for an hour and they were trying to get through the the prisoners that morning and, uh, the zoo was About to be shut off, and he is, he said. Should I talk faster. Should. I go faster and everyone’s like, No, please you Please don’t go any faster.

01:02:28,300	Uh, we’ll redo another zoom conference to finish out the docket because there was four or five more cases and he was gonna try to finish them up in three minutes. So. Um, it is a very busy high pace. And. Um, speaking to Cathy, she said. This is going to be a record breaking year for Bismarck with how many, um, defendants.

01:02:44,870	We’ve seen how many citations the municipal court has processed. Um and the court. Lot of outside work behind the scenes as well. But beyond just, um, what you see in the courtroom, there was a new system. I guess that just rolled out a week ago.

01:03:04,670	Online ticketing so you could file send the the judge or the court complaint of why you didn’t You shouldn’t have a parking ticket, and I. Guess. There’s an influx of communication with the court just on that because it’s easier for people to send in a complaint. They don’t have to handwrite a letter.

01:03:20,070	They can just quick do it online on on the C or whatever, and the judge has to go through every single one of those parking complaints. Or, um you know ticket complaints at any letter that comes to the court, and they’re asking to do something or they’re asking to have a hearing via zoom rather than in person because they live out of state.

01:03:35,570	So they’re actually is a lot of work behind the scenes that people don’t see. Um I’m anticipating this to be A. Pretty big endeavor, I. I Think, I’ll be spending a lot of time at court. Um And. So with that all said it is based on population. I believe so, I.

01:03:51,000	I can’t project I don’t have a crystal ball, but I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. Based on what everybody’s told me And. Uh, I think we’re gonna be picking up pace and and really getting through a lot of cases, but hopefully not so quickly. Hopefully.

01:04:07,070	We’ll slow down a little bit, but we’re gonna be in court longer Days I know on Mondays Judge Severin starts at 730 in the morning so that require The clerks to be at court at 630 in the morning to start processing the paperwork and getting ready. Um for the court session. I know that’s something that not everybody wants to do. And.

01:04:22,170	So I plan on starting later, but we’re gonna be going late into the day, um, to be able to finish everybody, so there’s plans coming. I’m open to all options and solutions to keep court running smoothly, but also making sure that people felt feel heard and have their opportunity in court as well.

01:04:38,130	That’s very important with our justice system and having fairness, not just a cattle call, but, um, making sure People have their due process. So with that all being said, Um, Are there any questions for me? No. OK. Thank you. Thank you. Jason. I have a question. So. What’s this thing. Comm. Mayor Jason.

01:05:06,730	Um, when we talk about other department looking at 360 reviews and this being a big change here, um Could. We do that here as well. If we When. We choose the compensation tonight, but it can always go up but it can’t go down with that. I see where there might be some advantages to doing something like that.

01:05:26,700	Every 90 days or once every six months or I don’t know how you do that. That’s an elective official. Yeah, mayor and commissioners. If. I was understanding your question. Comm. Connelly.

01:05:48,100	There was a he been asked to review the work where it’s been to this point, uh, kind of periodically throughout the first year and then use those as a reflection or as a perhaps a jumping off point to Uh, Change the compensation based on the learning. Can I say one more thing I forgot to tell you guys. Certainly come up. You can see it.

01:06:08,200	I just wanted to give you a little comparison to it because I forgot to tell you, you know if you’re curious what I’m making my other P other practice I’m winding down my my law office. I’m no longer gonna be taking criminal defense cases, which was my primary practice. Um, but I do have a contract with the state of North Dakota, where I provide mediation services to divorcing clients, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.

01:06:27,000	Um, it’s it’s a very light caseload cause municipal court is gonna be my main job now. Um and so I have two or three A month, but my state contract I renew, I think every two years and they pay me at a rate of 220 an hour.

01:06:45,000	So just to give you a little context of what I’m getting from another government. I also have a federal contract, but I’m winding out on that as well. So thank you. Mayor and commissioners.

01:07:18,600	I had kind of threw out a number to begin with, Um I would you know? I would say that 95,000? I don’t know for sure if I wanna go and higher than that, but, uh More than welcome other, uh Comm. thoughts. Um and Mar. You had, uh said anywhere from About, the 105 to 100 and 10 range. I do believe right, sir. Well, I think I was more of the 105 to 115 just and that was based purely on population.

01:07:38,100	I don’t know that That’s A, but it’s all it’s the only factor we have right now and Yeah, I’ve just been Kind of Doing some math over here between some of the bigger cities the Fargo Grand forks, Mandan Williston it still quite the spread. But.

01:08:02,400	I would say to try to make sure that we’re you know, I think Grand Forks seems to be kind of the middle of the road. Um, like Jason or the mayor said, Um Fargo’s is is lower on the populate because their population is higher than the Um But then when you look at man, dan and Williston, their ratio is Is a lot lower, So I don’t know that that 100,000.

01:08:24,400	Like right in there kind of puts us pretty in line with Grand Forks. I would think kind of right in the in the middle. Um So Based off of the the math that I’ve been doing over here, but If. That’s what we wanna go off of So. We got 95 100,000 and then up to 100 and 15.

01:08:47,870	What are the other two. Well after that explanation, which helped, um I can understand the The dollar amount. I Could, um, I don’t care with that. 105. I don’t have a problem with that. I think as She. She defines her office her way She’ll find efficiencies and be able to move forward.

01:09:11,870	I think that like 95 to 105 still keeps this stat kind of where I think it makes sense when I’m looking at these numbers, so I’m I’m OK with 105 as well. Then.

01:09:32,070	I would recommend just staff that or somebody that that we if this is century code that there’s some parameters put in there for future, uh Commissions because if you only do this every once every 42 years, you’re gonna forget what happened or F changes and the range across the state is so big. It’s just I mean It’s just It’s awkward. I mean somebody runs for a position and then you got to come and kind of negotiate yourself.

01:09:47,600	I don’t know if that’s I just feels a little goofy, so So we have. Do. We have consensus for the one and five number make a motion. I’d move for 105 2nd. Is there any discussion? Will call wrong. Mister Connelly? Yes Comm. Cleary Yes Commission Marquardt. Yes Comm. Zenker. Yes, Mayor. Yes.

01:10:26,070	Um, our last item of other than other business. Um, we would like to recognize Comm. Marquardt for his service, and I believe Jason’s got the presentation. Yes mayor, You’re correct. I won the inter office betting pool on who gets a roast Comm. Marquardt sweet. I always wanted a roast. Thanks, jason. No, I apologize. Uh, in all seriousness.

01:10:50,670	It is my pleasure. It is my honor to Run through a kind of a few. Tidbits a few little nuggets of information that, uh, things that have occurred over the last 10 years. Roughly, Uh so Comm. Marquardt.

01:11:12,000	You were first seated at this table November 24th 2014 You earn this seat through a special election that was a result of then Comm. Mike seminary taking on the mayoral position. And. So from November 24th 2014 through today, June 25th 2024. That is a total of 3501 days. I’m not counting your time here as school board.

01:11:32,930	We’ll get to that part during your time here in the last 10 years you have seen three mayors you have seen eight fellow commissioners seated at your table, including in no particular order Comm. as Comm. Guy Comm. Grossman Comm. Oban and your current composition and, uh, Comm.. Bowski. Uh, also during these 10 years at the table you have seen, uh Two City administrators retire and 11 department directors.

01:11:59,000	So You have welcomed an entire Not an entire A large generation of new leadership within our organization. And you have, uh, helped others celebrate their retirements. For staff as city employees in 2014. There were 575 of us in the organization today. We have 677 full time employees. That’s an increase of roughly 10%.

01:12:22,600	The population of Bismarck in 2014 was 69,000 today we tip just under 76,000. So. We’re at again a 9% increase in population in the last 10 years, the footprint of our community in 2014 was 32.8 Square Miles. We have grown again. 10% to 36.3 Square Miles And this one is kind of an interesting little, uh, piece.

01:12:46,670	Sometimes. We Talk about Lane Miles Center lane Miles how many miles of road do we have? In 2014. We had 319 center lane miles today, That number has grown to 391 an increase of 19% so as you can see, over the last 10 years, there have been some pretty Measurable and significant growth throughout our organization and our

01:13:07,630	community. I do wanna list some of the projects that you have been at the table for and you have been a part of in and again in no particular or other In no particular order other than how they came to me when I made the list.

01:13:27,070	Miriam Fire Station four and the Bern building and the training facility. Uh, the Dakota access pipeline protest in 2016. We have gone through significant water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant expansion projects and those continue today. The Bismarck Police Department has brought on body cameras as part of their resources and tools. You have welcomed roundabouts to our community. Uh, go ahead.

01:13:56,470	We have also adopted a new city logo. Throughout. That time We survived a global pandemic. Ah, your years on the budget Committee, uh, eight of the 10 years. Uh, those meetings will speak for themselves and as a member of the Budget Committee. I appreciate your time. The commitment you gave And.

01:14:14,970	I Hope you enjoy having your vacation time to yourself instead of spending it with us here once a week, every Uh, the Main Avenue Road diet was another successful project under your watch. We’ve gone through. I’ve It’s your last meeting. So. It was a roast, You said. So. We’re we’re good. Uh, we have had the discussion and the challenges associated with water rates.

01:14:37,530	You have been a part of the Special Assessment Task Force. And. You were here when the one half cent sales tax for major roadway projects was approved by our community by our citizens. You were here for the Cencom facility expansion and the relocation up north.

01:14:57,470	Um you were also part of an infill and redevelopment project at 717 North Mandan Street that came to this table more than once. Uh, you were part of You were part of the Bismarck, burly public health construction and the expansion of the Bismarck public works, Uh, S Service operations building and the new roads and Streets Project.

01:15:20,200	You were here for the inaugural class of the Bismarck Citizen Academy and you have seen subdivisions like Heritage Ridge and Heritage Park and Silver Ranch push our boundaries in in different directions and also Paradise Valley to the South. You were here for The Fleet plan, which has been an important part of our process, going forward to stabilize the way we procure equipment.

01:15:39,570	The way we maintain our equipment and the way we divest ourselves of that equipment when we’re done with it. You were also here when the Bismarck Fire department became an ISO rating of one, and that is a huge benefit for our citizens because it helps with insurance rates it helps with response times.

01:15:57,700	It’s an important measure in how we, uh, measure the effectiveness of our, uh, fire department and last but not least, the project that might stick with you the longest and it didn’t happen, and I think part of it had to do with you. We do not have chickens in city limits. So. You are correct. Yes. So.

01:16:18,530	That’s just my list if others have thoughts that they want to share after the meeting, I’m sure you’d be happy to stick around and and have those conversations, too. But in all seriousness in in in Uh, just true appreciation for your 10 years here your eight years here at this table as a school board member 18 years in a community as an elected

01:16:37,670	official going out on your terms. It’s pretty impressive. So on behalf of the staff. Thank you. On behalf as a citizen. And on behalf of the other citizens. Thank you and to your family. Thank you to them for sharing their time. With you and with us, And with that Thanks, Jason. Well, you know, newspaper.

01:17:09,100	They asked me and that they did on the radio the other day, too, as far as you know, What are the things that you know you You know your greatest accomplishments and you take a look at you know a lot of the different things. Some of those numbers are. Wow. Um, it.

01:17:22,970	It’s tough to even uh, believe some of that, but then some of it, though, is that You know we have We represent 75,000, or just under the 76,000 people and as a Comm.. You. You.

01:17:44,930	There’s always gonna be those the people on the other side that that don’t agree with your decisions, and and that’s probably one of the toughest things as as a Comm. is an elected official is that you have to take and do your homework. As far as both the prior Or or take both sides of, uh uh of an issue and then and then make that decision.

01:18:04,670	Um, for what you feel, Um You know it’s the best and hopefully you know how you’re raised and grounded and just making sure that you do your job as a Comm. to make those decisions and like a you know, some of my jokingly said that you know you have roundabouts there still not real popular today, But as I mentioned to You know some of the people you take a look at

01:18:24,400	What. It cost to put lights and electricity and some of the, uh, control functions for, um, intersections and you’re talking millions of dollars. So you You pay that upfront cost for the roundabout, but in the long run, um they’re a little more reasonable until people get familiar with that, And.

01:18:46,870	It all depends on where the roundabouts are at, Uh, Comm. Zanker as well as gabe knows that, uh, there is many places that roundabouts were talked about. That. He didn’t get and, um just because of location, location location. Um, you know, I take one you know, with with my fire department one up by Lockport.

01:19:08,730	There was no way that I was gonna be Um Approve that just because of the the amount of traffic as far as there and then also with our with our fire department apparatus that, um, we have to maintain one of the things with roundabouts is also with the public works side as far as keeping them clean.

01:19:27,000	It does take a little more time to clean those out. So. Uh, roundabouts is yeah, as this roast pertains is, uh, both good and bad. Um, but, you know, Yeah. You, take a look at, um you know, one of the biggest thing is just, uh Uh, the comraderie here.

01:19:44,870	I’d like the in both on the school board and on on the commission that I’ve been elected to serve. Um Just the amount of different people that, um Are on the different thoughts and ideas and being able to understand and get to Know those individuals along with staff, and that’s probably why I’m gonna miss the most. Mayor and commissioners Comm.

01:20:15,100	Mark where we did put together a a slide deck with a handful of, uh photos from over the past few years. And if I was Not so technologically challenged, I might be able to figure this out. So We had audio tied to it, too. It was a real tear jerker so Hey.

01:20:35,200	I’ve been pretty good today, so Just Doing? I just I think you’re gonna have to. I’m not sure. Well, while we were waiting for the A, You know one of the things that in the dog had mentioned to you before.

01:20:57,670	What are some of the bigger things, you know, I think one of the biggest things that when we talk about the water and the different things that we’ve done with water and and having a new director at the time, um and changing the whole aspect of, uh, the city paying for infrastructure and then leaving it in abeyance, so basically the city being the bank, but and I think to be able to, um,

01:21:16,000	have that first Where. We had all the different developers in one room to try and get consensus on how we are going to move forward, but then also visiting with our legislators, and then, um, Uh, getting some of that buy in from them and the, uh, dollars that we get from the state and help spread

01:21:34,470	that from the Bismarck citizens so I think Fire Department was one of them that I’ve had since the beginning. Uh, love those guys. They, uh Amazing people, everyone. And that you know you had mentioned it earlier, Jason as far as, um Yeah I.

01:22:13,830	I ran for this position twice in 2014 so Um, I think the, uh, Bismarck Tribune had Wrote that, uh I was appointed. I was not appointed. I ran twice a special election. We just, uh, commission at the time, couldn’t decide that. I think there was eight of us. I think that ran for, um Two positions. And they couldn’t figure out how to fill, Um Mike’s spot. So.

01:22:35,330	Then they said. Oh, let’s just open it up to everyone again in November, so We’ll share these slide deck with you. So. You’ve got it as well. But, I guess just personally. From my perspective.

01:22:52,630	This is you and I joined the budget committee at the same time, and it’s a little different this year without you at the table, But again. I appreciate the time that you’ve given to us the time that you’ve given to this community, your passion is very clear.

01:23:11,130	There’s There’s, uh, a lot of love in your heart for this town and and I think everybody in this room understands that and appreciates that and we hope you enjoy your time away. You’ve earned Um, I know you like to get out and recreate, and you’ve got a camper and a special lady friend and a lot of stuff that, uh, keep you busy, so hopefully she’ll she’ll be happy to She might want something different. Oh she might circulate petitions on your behalf in two years.

01:23:31,570	Yeah she might she might Well, then also, uh uh, Father’s day I found out I’m gonna be a grandpa. Oh. Congratulations. Well. Congratulations. I know, so it’s, uh Yeah I. I love this community and You said. It’s we’ll see. We’ll see what? Uh, you know how? This uh, like you.

01:23:54,030	You had mentioned I got to leave on my own terms. So, that’s that’s special. That’s important, but I think also, it gives me time to reflect on on what I’ve done.

01:24:15,400	Um and then also, uh Gives me time to, uh um Take a look and see what that future holds, and and if there’s other positions that may come my way, so appreciate you, jason. As far as everything that you guys have done appreciate staff, um throughout the many years and, um it’s just been I would say a lot of fun. It’s mostly fun, But then there’s a lot of hard work that that needs a that need needs to take place.

01:24:31,730	Um, you know, one of the things that I wanna just, you know, as far as for commission and also the the school board that I was on prior to We have to remember who we represent. That is the biggest thing we represent the citizens of Bismarck. And.

01:24:49,870	We always have to have that in the back of our mind when we are taking a look at anything that that’s budget stuff budget stuff, wants and needs moving forward. We have to make sure I think we’re you know, rated really high as far as the services that we provide, but those services cost money and we have to be able to make sure that we maintain those services

01:25:04,800	and that was one of the things that I had told Comm.. Zenker. Um You know before he got the budget portfolio, or, you know, right at that time, and it says we need to make sure that we sustain the services that we currently have, and that’s always been the push. From.

01:25:20,600	The Budget Committee first and foremost as we have to make sure that we provide the services that we currently provide, because that’s what the citizens want from us everything else we have to make those tough decisions. So. Um you know, it’s not our money. Uh, as far as commissioners, it’s a citizens money.

01:25:37,870	We need to make sure that we spend it correctly to provide those services And then, um You know we have to, uh, listen to what staff gives those recommendations to us, but we have to make those tough decisions at this table and and just make sure that we listen to our citizens because they’re the ones that, um Love this

01:25:57,200	city as much as I do and be raising my kid. I raised my kids here, um, looking to raise my grandkids here as well. So appreciate everyone so very much. It’s. It’s more than I could, uh, I can say tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Comm.. Is there any other business for tonight? No again.

01:26:23,270	Thank you Comm. Marquardt for your 18 years almost of service to this community. It’s It’s an incredible service. Thank you, mayor. I appreciate it. We