Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Mandan City Commission determined protests insufficient for Street Improvement District 242 (Terra Valley area), allowing an $18.2M infrastructure project to proceed with water main replacement, sewer improvements, and road reconstruction. The commission also approved ballot language for a June 2026 vote to reallocate the existing 0.75% sales tax (currently funding Starion Sports Complex, paying off 14 years early) toward a new Fire Station 3 in Northwest Mandan, estimated at $12-14M. Additionally, the commission awarded a $5M+ downtown reconstruction bid to Site Works Excavation.
Key Decisions (8)
Preliminary Plat for 1884 Edition
Approved preliminary plat named '1884 Edition' from Call Family Trust for property west of town in low-density area, contingent on updated master plan submission.
Street Improvement District 242 Protest Determined Insufficient
Protests for the $18.2M Terra Valley area infrastructure project totaled 45.2% of land area, below the 50% threshold required to stop the project. Project includes water main replacement, lead service line replacements, sanitary/storm sewer improvements, and road/alley reconstruction near Roosevelt Elementary. Special assessments range from $5,000-$19,500 per residential unit ($32-$127/month over 15 years at 2% SRF loan rate).
Downtown Phase 1 Bid Award - Street Improvement District 236
Awarded bid to Site Works Excavation for 1st Street reconstruction between 6th Avenue NW and 4th Avenue NW. Low bid was $5M+ (12% under engineer's estimate of $5.7M). Project includes $2.356M federal urban grants funding with city share of approximately $2.686M.
Public Works 2026 Equipment Budget Reallocation
Reallocated 2026 budgeted funds from roller purchase to MasTec machine and associated tools. MasTec is rubberized asphalt material for crack sealing that extends pavement life.
Terra Valley Sanitary Sewer Engineering Services Amendment
Amended engineering services agreement with Apex Engineering to include construction oversight and community engagement for Terra Valley lift station decommissioning project north of new high school, connecting to trunk line on west side of Highway 1806. Construction awarded to Crow River Construction in December.
Fire Station 3 Sales Tax Ballot Resolution
Approved resolution to place 0.75% sales tax measure on June 2026 ballot for Fire Station 3 construction in Northwest Mandan. Would replace existing Starion Sports Complex tax (paying off 14 years early in late 2027/2028). Estimated cost $12-14M for station with emergency operations center, plus equipment and long-term facility maintenance for Stations 1 and 2.
Floodplain Ordinance 1484 - Second Consideration
Approved second and final consideration of ordinance 1484 updating floodplain regulations in Section 105-44 of Mandan Code of Ordinances.
Police Extra Duty Billing Rate Increase
Increased police extra duty billing rate from $55/hour to $75/hour for organizations or persons requesting off-duty police services. Rate unchanged for approximately 8 years; current rate barely covers officer salary costs.
Development Activity (9)
1884 Edition Subdivision
Preliminary plat approved for new subdivision in very low density section west of town
Street Improvement District 242 - Terra Valley Area
$18.2M project including water main replacement, lead service line replacements, sanitary/storm sewer improvements, road and alley reconstruction, 88 ADA ramp installations. Affects 1,583 structures and approximately 3,500 residents.
Downtown Phase 1 - Street Improvement District 236
Street reconstruction with federal urban grants funding of $2.356M. Total project approximately $5M+.
Fire Station 3
Three-bay fire station with emergency operations center, 24/7 living quarters for up to 4 firefighters, semi-hardened construction. Estimated $12-14M. Would serve area with 1,583 structures and 3,500 residents currently experiencing 11+ minute response times.
Terra Valley Sanitary Sewer Decommissioning
Decommissioning lift station from early 1970s, installing gravity sanitary sewer main. Construction awarded December 2025.
Memorial Highway Phase 2
Second phase awarded to Northern Improvement. Public input meeting March 18 at Midway Lanes 4-7PM.
Mandan Proper Phase 1
Infrastructure improvement project with special assessments. Protest period ends April 6, consideration at April 7 meeting.
Collins Avenue Reservoir
Retaining wall removal to improve sight lines, site cleanup, reservoir painting. Resuming spring 2026.
8th Avenue NW and 27th Street North
Drainage improvement and road project. Design completion expected summer 2026, bid November 2026, construction 2027.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Northwest Mandan identified as primary growth area with 1,583 existing structures, 3,500 residents, and projections for 5,000-10,000 additional residents; city population expected to grow from 25,000 to 36,000 by 2050.
Infrastructure
Competitive bidding environment with downtown project bid coming in 12% under estimate and Terra Valley project 10% under budget, indicating favorable construction market conditions.
Infrastructure
City experiencing 62% increase in emergency call volume over past 10 years, with 20-25% of calls now overlapping, indicating strain on existing infrastructure.
Commercial Demand
Sales tax revenues strong enough to pay off Starion Sports Complex 14 years early (by late 2027/2028 vs. original 2041), indicating robust retail activity.
Sentiment
Public testimony at Street Improvement District 242 hearing indicated general acknowledgment that infrastructure improvements are needed despite assessment concerns, with majority support for proceeding.