Bismarck City Commission - 2026-01-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Bismarck City Commission received presentations on homelessness challenges and the Community Triage Center planning project, authorizing Bismarck Burleigh Public Health to proceed with Phase 2 implementation planning. The Commission approved a zoning ordinance text amendment (Ordinance 6651) aligning rural accessory structure size regulations with Burleigh County's 4% of parcel size standard. Discussion on the half-cent sales tax extension for roadways indicated Commission support for a 10-year extension with an expanded project list to be finalized in February.
Key Decisions (7)
Community Triage Center Phase 2 Authorization
Commission accepted the final Community Triage Center planning report from Health Management Associates and authorized Bismarck Burleigh Public Health to proceed with Phase 2 (organizing for action), which includes establishing governance structure, identifying a backbone organization, defining partner roles, and aligning funding sources. Vote was unanimous 5-0.
Ordinance 6651 - Rural Accessory Structure Size Amendment
Approved zoning ordinance text amendment revising sections 14-0306, 14-0401, 14-0401.1, and 14-0417 to align rural accessory structure size regulations with Burleigh County's current ordinance, moving from tiered categorization to a baseline of 4% of parcel size regardless of actual parcel size. Vote was unanimous 5-0.
Ordinance 6652 - Title IX Employee Code Amendments
Approved amendments to Title IX of City Code relating to employee definitions, exemptions, administrative officer duties, employment lists, annual leave, grievances, and procedures. Vote was unanimous 5-0.
Alcohol License Transfer - Chara's and Tequila
Approved transfer of Class F1 alcohol license from Chares B, Inc. to Team Chara's Bismarck LLC, doing business as Chara's and Tequila at 4503 Skyline Crossings. Vote was unanimous 5-0.
HC 174 Street Improvement District SI 593 - Ottawa St. Reconstruction
Continued bid award decision to February 10th meeting pending final coordination on North Dakota DOT Flex Fund Program funding. Low bid was $4,394,957.55 from Strata Corporation, with five bidders total.
HC-173 Tyler Pkwy Extension and SE-576 Part A Contract Award
Awarded contract to Central Specialties Incorporated for Tyler Pkwy extension and Tyler Cooley regional stormwater improvements at $9,940,797.02. Six bidders participated. Project funded through half-cent sales tax (HC-173) and special assessments (SE-576 Part A).
Half-Cent Sales Tax Extension Direction
Commission provided direction supporting a 10-year extension of the half-cent sales tax for roadways with an expanded project list. Staff will return with revised project list and Home Rule Charter language in late February for potential June 9th ballot question.
Zoning Changes (1)
Rural residential and agricultural districts citywide
City of Bismarck Planning Department
Development Activity (3)
Tyler Pkwy Extension
Road extension project combined with Tyler Cooley regional stormwater embankments. Contract value $9,940,797.02.
Ottawa St. Reconstruction
Street reconstruction project with low bid of $4,394,957.55. Part of Street Improvement District SI 593.
Community Triage Center
Behavioral health crisis response facility planning. Phase 2 will determine governance structure, backbone organization, and funding alignment. Not necessarily a new campus - could utilize existing facilities like Ministry on the Margins or Heartview.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Community forum identified lack of affordable and accessible housing as the most significant barrier for homeless individuals, with high rental costs, application fees, and shortage of accessible units cited as major challenges.
Infrastructure
Half-cent sales tax extension discussion indicates city planning approximately $100 million in road improvements over 10 years, with project list including Calgary from Centennial to Legacy and 19th Street backage road behind Costco/Hay Creek Shops.
Sentiment
Public survey on half-cent sales tax extension showed approximately 55-45 split in favor, with 75% satisfaction rating for current program administration.
Commercial Demand
NDDOT indicated they will not invest money on State St. until the city invests in parallel corridors like Ottawa St. and 19th Street, suggesting coordinated infrastructure investment strategy.