Brandon Bochenski

The City Council meeting addressed several critical items. The Council approved a $50,000 increase to the special events budget line item for 2027, funded by the 1% sales tax economic development allocation, to support increased public safety staffing at events. Ordinance No. 4939 was adopted to dedicate public rights-of-way on the Replat of Ray Richard's Golf Course Addition, following a public hearing where discussions included zoning changes, traffic impact, and ensuring the sustainability of the golf course alongside new multi-family housing and a driving range facility. Ordinance No. 4940 was adopted to rezone the golf course area into a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Ordinance No. 4941 was adopted, removing the animal impound fee amount from the City Code. Action items approved under the consent agenda included several 5-year property tax exemptions, additional funding for Cities Area Transit due to tariffs, resolutions related to special assessment districts for paving, street lighting, and utility reconstruction projects, and cost participation agreements for the Demers Ave and 42nd Street Intersection Reconstruction. Discussion items included researching a potential City Code amendment to allow an off-sale wine license for a chocolate shop, and concurrence with the decision by Grand Forks County to proceed with a Roundabout for the US 2 & Airport Rd Intersection Improvements project. Approvals were also granted for Phase II design, construction documents, and bidding agreements for the Altru Sports Complex, and a public hearing was set to consider a tax incentive development project for Enclave Property Management.

The Committee of the Whole addressed several key discussion items, including a recommendation for the appointment of Curt Hanson to the Historic Preservation Commission. A proposed ordinance amending the City Code Chapter XVIII Land Development Code regarding floodplain districts, necessitated by North Dakota Senate Bill 2027 requirements, was reviewed. Several public works projects involving infrastructure upgrades were discussed, including approvals for plans and specifications for watermain replacements on Cottonwood St and 7th Ave N, the creation of Special Assessment Districts for watermain installation on S 42nd St, paving on 27th Ave N, and reconstruction of 11th Ave N. Further items included approval for reconstruction of 5th Ave S and associated storm sewer, and approval for concrete subdivision, arterial, and street repairs for 2026. Additionally, plans and specifications for paving and street lighting on S 34th St related to the 47th Ave Interchange project were presented. The committee also reviewed a preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with NDDOT for the Mill & Overlay of N Washington St, and recommended approval for the low bid for 2026 Water Maintenance Parts.

The meeting included several key actions related to zoning and platting. The Commission conducted a public hearing and unanimously approved an ordinance to rezone property from Day-Hud PUD Amendment No. 2 to Day-Hud Amendment No. 3 for general business uses, following opposition from a real estate representative. They also discussed and approved a plat for Grand Park First Addition, which involved dedications for street and highway ordinances, despite some concerns raised regarding walkability and vehicle interaction. Furthermore, the Commission approved an ordinance amendment for Grand Valley PUD to rezone to PUD R-1, corresponding with the plat for the area. In communications, the Commission reviewed a Plat for Grand Reserve First Addition, involving commercial and residential zoning components, and unanimously approved the associated ordinance to amend the zoning map from Desoto PUD Amendment 2 to Desoto PUD Amendment 3. Sanitary sewer capacity for the proposed development was confirmed to be adequate.

The meeting included informational sharing on new GovDelivery notifications. Key discussion items involved considering an amendment to a Class 3 alcoholic beverage license for a proposed business, Annie's Chocolates, which seeks to allow all ages on the premises during alcohol service, leading to a motion to refer ordinance research to the City Council. Several infrastructure projects were reviewed, including creating Special Assessment Districts for paving and street lighting on S 34th St (Project No. 8850.02), approving plans for street and storm sewer repair on the 2400 Block of Columbia Road (Project No. 9048), and creating districts for the reconstruction of 5th Ave S (Projects No. 9050 & 9101). The committee also reviewed plans for the reconstruction of 17th Ave S (Project No. 9060). Further discussion covered the creation of Special Assessment Districts for utilities and paving for Grand Park First Addition (Projects Nos. 9094-9097). Agreements regarding the reconstruction of the intersection of ND 297 Demers Ave and 42nd St (Project No. 8823), including cost participation and maintenance agreements with NDDOT and BNSF, were presented for approval. Updates were given on the Altru Sports Complex (ASC) Phases I and II, including approval recommendations for Phase II design documents and cost sharing for a Tournament Development Specialist position. Finally, the committee considered the Enclave Property Management (Latitude Phase 2) tax incentive application for a multi-family development, recommending acceptance and setting a public hearing date.

Discussions covered key activities across several areas. The Base Retention & Investment Committee received updates on the Air Force's command structure, readiness goals, drone incursions, and the potential hosting of B21 bombers, noting the Point Defense Battle Lab as a priority. The Military Affairs Committee announced the upcoming State of the Base address and a veteran's job fair. Updates were provided on the Compatible Use Study, industrial interest from the UAS Summit, and accelerating work by General Atomics and Northrup Grumman on defense systems and aircraft. The University of North Dakota is focusing on work related to the Point Defense Battle Lab. School construction, including the Twining school on base and the opening of Valley Middle School, was reported. State officials provided updates on Vantis' radar approval status and ongoing revenue monitoring. City officials reported on progress with the Altru Sports Complex bid package and a recognized concern regarding housing needs, which a housing study is planned to address. The 2026 UAS Summit was confirmed for October.