Bismarck City Commission 2026-10-13

The Bismarck City Commission’s regular meeting was held October 13, 2026 (the meeting metadata is dated October 14 UTC). The commission received an update on Fire Station 6: construction is estimated at $6.4 million, excluding soft costs, and the project is scheduled to go out to bid October 29, with bids expected before Thanksgiving and commission consideration anticipated December 15. No action was taken on the station update. The Parking Authority sought approval to advance an RFP for design and engineering of a possible downtown parking ramp at Seventh Street and Thayer Avenue; the proposed facility could include public parking, commercial space and a transit hub, but costs and plans have not yet been developed. The commission approved proceeding with the RFP. A Bismarck Public Schools representative also presented the proposed $116.5 million bond referendum for the November ballot, including school safety, facility improvements and a centralized kitchen; the representative estimated an annual tax impact of about $170 on an average home.

The commission approved pursuing North Dakota DOT Highway Safety Improvement Program funding for traffic-signal upgrades, including flashing yellow arrows, and approved applications for Transportation Alternatives funding for a trail connection through Clairmont Family Conservation Park and a State Street trail extension. It also approved pursuing a DOT urban grant for a Main Avenue project. These were funding applications, not grant awards; the Transportation Alternatives program generally requires a 20% local share. The commission confirmed the 2026 special-assessment districts and health-and-safety assessments. It accepted a regional fringe-area road master plan, which provides planning guidance rather than committing jurisdictions to construction. A draft camping ordinance remained under development, with revised language expected at a later meeting. The commission also entered executive session for engineering and administration contract-negotiation strategy.