00:00:03,400	S1:
City. Current. Produced by Dakota media access. In-depth discussion with Bismarck and Mandan city officials. Watch on government access channel 602 HD or tune in to radio Access 102.5 FM. Always local, always current.

00:00:26,267	S2:
And coming up on city current. Talk about tax credit programs in Mandan. The Guinness World Record set in Mandan over the new year. And take a look at Fire Station three and potentially an architect that's been brought on board. Thanks for joining us. I'm Tom Gearhart from Dakota media access, joined by Mandan City Administrator Jim Neubauer. Jim, happy new year. First city current of 2026.

00:00:54,200	S3:
No. Thank you for having us as always and happy New Year. Merry Christmas and all that good stuff to you too. We're awful glad to be here.

00:01:01,267	S2:
Appreciate it. And boy, I'm glad. Man down. Lined up first. Considering what happened over the holidays, we'll get to that in just a second. But last night's City Commission meeting started with some announcements and wanted to talk about some tax credit programs, which I had trouble saying articulating just a few seconds ago. But three of them. Let's start with the 2026 homestead credit and what that can mean for residents.

00:01:26,701	S3:
Yeah. Thanks, Tom. I think that our city assessor, Kimberly Markley, stepped up to the plate last night and want to remind everyone that there are homestead tax credits, veterans credits available for those that qualify, you know, the state of North Dakota at their legislators have loosened up a lot of the requirements and income limits and property limits and things like that. So make sure you take a look at those. In essence, it is a reimbursement program through the state of North Dakota. So the cities and the schools and the parks and the county don't lose money on these deals because that is a reimbursement from the state. So again, a way to potentially reduce the property taxes that come out of your pocket. The what's being touted now. And you'll see that as a primary residence credit, which actually I did mine this morning and I think it took three entries or two entries in about 30s to do. And like I said, that will enable your $1,600 primary residence credit on your 2026 statement. So those of you who did opt in and did that paperwork or that online work last year saw that show up on your property tax statement that you received in 2025. So again, if you have trouble, give us a call, stop on down to City Hall. We will help walk you through all of these programs. And we know that this time of the year, after January 1st, we see quite a number of people that will come in and ask for help. We're more than willing to help you feel those things out.

00:02:55,267	S2:
Yeah. Nice to have this these deductions available. And I've noticed it on my property tax bill. It's nice to see that $1,600 credit when you're talking about the primary residence credit that the legislature passed. Okay, let's get to the the big news. And that was the New Year's Eve celebration, going for the Guinness World Record for, uh, fireworks and Roman candles lit off. And a lot of photos here to show you. But I know this was from the Countdown Progress Organization's page, and just an idea of the number of people that showed up New Year's Eve for this event.

00:03:29,467	S3:
It was, to be honest with you, I we didn't really know what to expect and so wildly blew our socks off all of our expectations and things like that. So, um, great event. And this is, you know, people have said, well, how much did this cost the city of Mandan or the Mandan Progress Organization? And it didn't cost us a dime. I will say that we did put some time in from a police and fire and public works and a planning standpoint, but out of pocket, no great event. Just I can't say enough about all of the sponsors to help this event. to the folks from Pegasus. Spirit of 76 cowboy. Fireworks. Um, just their excitement to be here when I went up with Fire Chief Bits and Mayor Freilich on Wednesday afternoon just to let's see what we got going on to a tee. All of the folks that came in were just happy to be here, excited about the presentation. And we're willing to answer questions. Hey, do you want to know how this works? Do you want to know how that works? So couldn't ask for more. And again, um, kudos to Ben and Garrison. I think Robert from spirit of 76, we had people fly in from China. There are people, you know, here's your corporate jet pilot.

00:04:44,300	S2:
Oh, we heard Matt say something about a 70 hour flight. I think it was maybe.

00:04:48,601	S3:
Travel 17.

00:04:49,901	S2:
17.

00:04:50,501	S3:
17.

00:04:51,000	S2:
I think.

00:04:51,467	S3:
That said.

00:04:51,868	S2:
7070 sounds more impressive.

00:04:53,467	S3:
We've heard both.

00:04:54,801	S2:
But again, 17.

00:04:56,100	S3:
Um, considerable travel arrangements. And again, the when we were up there Wednesday afternoon, I was asking questions like, how many man hours do you have into this. And I think the number came back as thousands. Yeah. For them to get.

00:05:08,701	S2:
That 2.8 million Roman candles roughly to set the new record.

00:05:13,667	S3:
Pretty crazy. And actually, it was kind of interesting because one of the videos online was having the Guinness Records folks here and walking after the show was done, walking through to see if there were any what we call duds. Right. Yeah. But I think every, every canister had been shot off. So 2.8 million, um, plus from the Roman candle standpoint. And, um, we were kind of worried about the viewing. We knew that the parking lot at Madhi was going to be the straight on shot, and this was a kind of a ground show, and that would be the best, best viewing angle. But we're hearing stories from people that the gateway science. Yeah, parking lot was full. That starry and complex was full of people. Um, Eagles parking lot in Mandan go up west of town. I mean, people who were living out by the Mandan airport could hear and see. So absolutely wonderful event. Couldn't ask for more. And again, huge shout out to all of the folks that brought in the fireworks Pegasus folks have put on the presentation. They were, I think, extremely happy and pleased, and they were so excited when the announcement came that, you know, the world record had been set. So again, can't say enough about these folks.

00:06:31,000	S2:
So the Roman candles go, and that was roughly 2.8 million. But then a fireworks display ensued after. And just wanted you to mention that all this too was tied into veterans.

00:06:42,701	S3:
Yeah. So all of the parking, the the high school parking lot, parking spots, I think there are between 850 and 900.

00:06:50,667	S2:
Yeah.

00:06:51,100	S3:
We're sold out on Monday. And in turn, all of that money, I think Matt said last night it was about $30,000. Went towards the Wind Warriors, went towards the honor flights and then a part of it also went to the man in high school band to help offset costs. When they go to London in a couple of years to perform in the parade in London. So great cause, great charitable donations. And like I said, I think people are pretty fired up about this.

00:07:17,567	S2:
Well, then I mentioned last night and I'll try not to embellish the numbers, but I think with all the social media and the live views that various people presented, that they were estimating, what did you say, 4 million, uh.

00:07:31,567	S3:
4 million views or impressions or however. That's social.

00:07:35,000	S2:
Media. Incredible. World wide world. Yep. Interest to.

00:07:38,100	S3:
Yep. We had, um, you know, if you didn't have anything to do on New Year's Day and you were scrolling social media, there were posts everywhere. Um, you know, Arizona, New York, China, pick your favorite part of the world. And there were people watching. And I think, you know, I personally had relatives in San Diego and Jackson, Wyoming that were when they were texting me going, wow, that was pretty cool. Um, but like I said, um, viewing angles, all of the smoke and everything.

00:08:08,167	S2:
Uh, depending.

00:08:08,701	S3:
Upon. Depending on the wind. Yeah. And that's one thing about these. They are so weather dependent. It is like the. Okay, the wind speed has to be 20 miles an hour or less. Um, big shout out to, you know, the pre-planning on this and the, the things that had to be done from the, you know, ID Subaru dealership right next door. Um, I think there were 3 or 4 drones up. One of the drones had a thermal imager on it so that if something would fall on the roof or something fall on the high school roof, you were on it right away. Um, we had fire department up there, too. Police department, public works. Pick your favorite. I mean, like I said, a great group effort. And I think, uh, reviews I think are in. And it was like I said, people want more and they want to see this. So then we'll move to July 3rd.

00:08:53,868	S2:
Yeah. Well, let's talk about July 3rd. That was brought up briefly, and it seems like it's a long way away. But we're in a this kicked off America's two 50th, I would say here locally. And big celebrations on both sides of the river planned?

00:09:05,868	S3:
Yeah. In the planning world we have been once the 4th of July of 2025 was over. We were already into 2026 mode planning for the 250. We know that there's kind of competing events going on or conflicting competing. However you want to call that with the, you know, the ribbon cutting and the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Library in Medora. So we know that the 4th of July will be a little, uh, it'll be a little different, but Matt and the Mandan Progress Organization are working on one. The parade and art in the park and all the things that go along during that week. And also on July 3rd, um, the Pegasus group will be back for another, um, fireworks show on the third, which is, you know, right now planning. But, um, they're looking at that event occurring just north of the Mandan Middle School. Okay. So difference between the two shows will be the one that we saw here on on December 31st on New Year's Eve is considered kind of a ground show. even though there was a lot of things going off high in the air, those may not compare to the shots that are going to be fired on the 3rd of July, which are going, I think, 2500ft in the air. So you need a significant area of ground to make sure nothing occurs in that area. So big things and again, I can't say enough thank yous to everybody that helped put this on. And also for the companies that sponsored and the fireworks folks and Pegasus and likes the spirit of 76 cowboy fireworks. They all, um, these were donated and they, they were just.

00:10:38,901	S2:
And thousands hours like.

00:10:40,100	S3:
They were the happiest people in the world after that. And it was like it's done, but and everything went off really smooth.

00:10:45,667	S2:
We didn't even mention to I totally forgot about those fireballs. Yeah, talking about ground show. Those were spectacular.

00:10:51,667	S3:
Those were, uh. I didn't know what to expect when I heard. I heard that that was going to happen. I. I want to put in a note right now that. Please don't try this at home.

00:11:03,601	S2:
No no no, no, no.

00:11:04,868	S3:
And I think that after watching some of the fireworks displays, some of the things that these folks did. Um, July 3rd and fourth in Mandan, in people's backyards, in their front yards. You know, again, these are professional pyros and they take great pride in what they do. They don't want you doing these things at home. So again, um, the fireballs were something that I didn't. I had no idea what was going on. And going, Holy cow, that was that was really warm where I was standing. And, uh, and I think my chest caved in a little bit when those went off, so it was pretty cool.

00:11:40,400	S2:
Well, we look forward to July 3rd. And, uh, speaking of other great events in Mandan Holiday Lights as we're taping this show today will continue for a few more nights. But I know you wanted to thank all the sponsors and all the work done there.

00:11:55,000	S3:
They'll continue through this weekend. And again, um, great turnouts. Weather has been kind of iffy up and down, and we've had a little bit of rain and snow and ice and pick your favorite almost cold days. Warm days was supposed to be a upper 40s today. So if you're looking to get another shot with the family and holiday lights, yeah, beat it on down to downtown Mandan. And again, we always encourage you to take take note and take part in some of the local eateries and breweries that we've got going on downtown. So again, holiday lights for another couple days. And we that has been another big success for us. And again, Men in Progress organization can't do this without the sponsors and the volunteers at help. And so big shout out to those folks too, because it is an impressive list of folks that help out with this.

00:12:43,868	S2:
Yeah. And listed on your screen if you can see if you're not listening. Well, let's actually move on to the agenda.

00:12:51,367	S3:
The business.

00:12:51,868	S2:
The business that was at hand last night. And I know one thing we wanted to talk about was Street Project 241. Right. That will now move forward. That's red trail area.

00:13:01,000	S3:
Yeah. We we've we've done things a little bit different this year on the street Improvement project. We've had a lot more public engagement prior to the creation of the district, and we've answered folks questions. Um, pre I think there's been two public meetings so far. Um, we wanted to get, you know, let's find out for the from the residents, you know, what do you want to see in this area. What are you they know best where those problem areas are. Um, and so we went into last night with, I think, a 5.5% protest rate on the assessment district. So that project will move forward and bids will be let this spring with construction to start. You know, when road restrictions and all that good stuff come off in the spring and hopefully wrap up in the in the late fall.

00:13:49,267	S2:
I also wanted to touch base, uh, popped up just for a second, but there is, uh, some infrastructure improvements for the Mandan proper project area. Uh, open house coming up January 15th.

00:14:02,801	S3:
Right. This is an area. It's pretty much the oldest part of Mandan in the heart of Mandan, from between Collins Avenue and Sixth Avenue and Sunset and kind of Main Street all the way up to Division. Um, we had applied for a grant through the federal government last year. We were unsuccessful in that application. So we figured, all right, we still need to start, um, heal the onion back and let's start work in this area. And there's a method to the madness on which phases we will start first. Um, so we want to get some public engagement on those projects too. Again. Thursday, January 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Mann. And then we try and do those meetings within that district. So the church is right on the north end of that, um, improvement area. So again, we want to hear from the residents. What would you like to see? We know we have, you know, curb water, sewer, pick your favorite streets. All need to be redone in this area. And we'll do our best to tackle that in the most efficient way.

00:15:04,200	S2:
While moving on. New business. We know Fire Station three is on the horizon. We've been talking about it. And last night you were considering an engineering firm to move forward?

00:15:14,267	S3:
Yeah, chief, it's brought forward the contract with EPC. We had done a request for qualifications. Request for proposals earlier in 2025. We had interviews with the firms that had provided those proposed proposals. Went to the commission at the previous meeting and said hey, this is EPC is the top rated firm. Let's start contract negotiations. So that has occurred and therefore we had a contract with them to be approved by the commission last night. So this includes not only some preliminary design of what that station may look like. We have an idea where we think it might go up on old Red trail. We have some property, but we want to get another set of eyes on it. Say, is this the right location and what might that facility look like? We've had some input, as we should have an EOC Emergency Operations center in Mandan and not down below in the floodplain. And so let's.

00:16:10,367	S2:
Move it up. Yep.

00:16:11,367	S3:
Move it up on the hill. I want to make sure that our response times from the site that we have tentatively looked at is workable. And so they'll do some work and we'll do some public engagement on what that might look like. And then it's the matter of figuring out pay for it.

00:16:27,167	S2:
Well, everything else went off without much fanfare last night. So just a couple of other notes we wanted to mention. If you want to nominate a business in Mandan for the Golden Shovel and Winter Decorating Awards. You can still do that. And there's a City of Mandan if you want to learn more about this project. But this has been a fun thing.

00:16:48,467	S3:
It has been in and started a couple of years ago and it was like, okay, we received some grant fund. Not not a lot, but I think we were able to award some money for these two things. And now it's, you know, get money, but we will give you a golden shovel. Um, viciously or very much. Spray painted by our own folks. So it is a thing of beauty to look at. We have the leg lamp award, um, in honor of that too. So again, um, and the whole idea is to we like folks to, you know, decorate their businesses and spruce up their place for the holidays. And also, it's it's a reminder it's not just you give somebody a Golden Shovel award. It's really a PR campaign to make sure you clear your sidewalks and keep them snow and ice free during the season. And knock on wood, most of that snow might be gone today when it's 45 degrees out, but again, that's when it becomes icy. And like I said, we encourage folks to do that. And you can nominate your fellow businesses and things like that to receive that beautiful Golden Shovel award.

00:17:49,200	S2:
And it's the season two for people to start thinking about getting rid of their Christmas trees. They bought a new one, a real one, I should say. Yeah. And so, uh, just a note to say that trees won't be picked up by garbage or city crews. But there is a disposal site.

00:18:06,167	S3:
We do have a disposal site down by the dog park by Sydney Bull Bridge on the south side of Mandan on your way to Fort Lincoln. So in that area we do have a dumpster. And we also do have quite the collection of Christmas trees out there right now. And again, it's a way that, you know, we won't pick them up from your boulevard or your house, but you can certainly bring them to that collection location and we'll take them from there.

00:18:31,100	S2:
All right. Finally, I guess, uh, just want to remind people that you want to watch Dakota media access and tune in to city commission meetings, County commission meetings in Mandan or Morton County or Bismarck or Burleigh County. You can download the app to do that. You can also listen on radio Access, 102.5 FM, or download the Radio Access 102.5 app. And if you have a Roku or a firestick Apple TV, you can find us through that route as well. And you can also go to Dakota media access. So Jim, thanks for joining us. Great start to 2026.

00:19:06,567	S3:
Yeah, thanks for having us, Tom.

00:19:07,801	S2:
And we'll appreciate a lot more in the city of Mandan as the year progresses. Thanks for joining us on this edition of City Current.

00:19:16,367	S1:
For more information on what was discussed in this episode of City Current, visit City of Mandan. Com or call (700) 166-7321 five. If you have any suggestions, comments or issues you would like addressed in Future City Current episodes, contact us at info at Free TV. This program airs on Government Access channel two and 602 in HD or on Radio Access 102.5 FM. It's also available as a podcast on radio access and as a video viewing link at free TV. Thanks for tuning in to this edition of City Current.