Bismarck Event Center Authority Board 2026-10-19

The Bismarck Event Center Authority Board met on October 19, 2026. The board reviewed a master plan for exterior signage intended to improve building identification and wayfinding and support naming-rights visibility. The plan does not approve specific signs; staff are coordinating with the city on a potential zoning overlay and signage-code variance. The Renaissance Zone Authority has provided initial feedback, with Planning and Zoning review tentatively expected November 19. No signage or related spending approval was recorded. The board also discussed 2027 rental rates, including a possible tiered structure for local nonprofits, local for-profit groups, and national touring acts. Staff were asked to return with a multi-year proposal; no rate changes were approved.

Staff reported that HVAC work was in its third week and that the city’s $500,000 capital-improvements allocation was largely committed. Projects included $60,000 for dressing-room improvements and a sound-system line-array for the exhibit hall, already purchased for a little over $100,000. Open-gate metal detectors had also been ordered, and staff described implementing Momentus booking software and MaintainX maintenance software. The board approved the meeting minutes and voted to receive the August financial report; no procurement award or new spending authorization was reported.