Dec. 1, 2023

Earlier this year, the City Commission approved the purchase of Lagoon Master equipment for the Wastewater Treatment plant. In November, crews installed four new units. 

Over the past few years, staff has taken steps that have helped reduce odors from the wastewater treatment facility. While improvements have been made, nothing has completely solved the issue.

The Lagoon Masters are a highly efficient aeration system which activates sludge to assist in the biological process that breaks down the sludge at the bottom of the Facultative Sludge Basin (FSB). The four units were strategically placed in order to best activate the sludge within the entire pond. 

Staff believes this will reduce the amount of sludge that needs to be hauled out and reduce spring turnover odors.

Approximately $180,000 from utility fund reserves was used to purchase the equipment and prepare the site for installation of the units.  

Shoveling sidewalks outside merchant doorways and looking festive for the holidays is good for business. In Mandan, it could also mean winning awards again this winter.

For the second year in a row, City leaders are offering opportunities for businesses to win two types of awards, one for being best at clearing snow and another for businesses and commercial property owners who decorate their buildings. Winners will receive traveling awards along with a special business feature on Made in Mandan social media.

Commission accepts Mandan High School Placemaking Plan

In November, the City Commission accepted the Mandan High School Placemaking Plan which came up with a preferred redevelopment model for the current high school site to be vacated in 2024 when the new high school opens.

The redevelopment concept details how neighborhood-scale commercial uses and various housing types could be established on the site, leveraging strengths such as proximity to parks and open space as well as existing transportation and utility infrastructure. Comments on the plan are still being accepted. The City and project partners anticipate movement on the property to begin as soon as 2025.

Photo contest receives 55 entries from 24 photographers

Judges recently evaluated images in Mandan’s third annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit photos of features that attract residents, businesses and visitors to the community and Morton County.

Judges with expertise in photography and marketing reviewed finalist photos across five categories. Winners are:

• Achievement: BNSF Railroad Bridge, Susan Beehler, Mandan
• Community: A Sacred & Honorable Place, Paulette Bullinger, Bismarck
• Fun: Best Friends, Kim Dahl, Mandan
• Opportunity: Midnight Train to Mandan, Mike Mundahl, Mandan
• County: Beyond Daily Reflection, Chad Satnan, Mandan

The people’s choice award winner as determined by the public through online voting is Midnight Train to Mandan by Mike Mundahl receiving 132 of 567 votes cast.

There are a couple new employees interacting with the public at City Hall. Assistant Finance Director Justin Schulz and Building Inspections Permit Technician Johnathan Wagoner both started with the City in October.

Johnathan Wagoner assists the Building Inspections Department with issuing permits and answering customer questions. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Bismarck State College, and has worked as a rideshare driver, at Dan’s Supermarket, and for the State of North Dakota. 

Justin Schulz facilitates the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department and assists the Finance Director with strategic planning and budgeting. He achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Dickinson State University, and previously worked as Burleigh County’s Deputy Finance Director.

The City’s Code of Ordinances Section 18-3-5 covers the posting of handbills, posters and placards. These provisions include any signage placed within the right-of-way, or boulevard. As a general rule of thumb, signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way or on public property. Permission to place signage on private property must be obtained from the property owner.

A sign may be placed anywhere on an individual’s property, which typically ends where the sidewalk begins and excludes the area between the sidewalk and the street. However, signage cannot obstruct the vision of the traveling public at street corners.

The City does not actively seek out violations, however, if a complaint is received regarding signage, it will be investigated to determine if the sign is placed properly. If improperly placed, the property owner or person who placed the sign will be notified and asked to remove the sign.



If you believe a sign is improperly placed, please call 701-667-3264 or visit cityofmandan.com/concern.

Snow removal reminders

As winter approaches, Mandan Public Works reminds residents about the snow removal process and ways you can help assist crews:

• Generally 4 inches of snow accumulation requires plowing of all routes.
• Remove vehicles from the street as soon as possible after snowfall.
• Residents using driveway markers to identify curbs and driveways helps with plowing efforts.
• Snow removal and sanding vehicles must stop and back frequently. Stay a minimum of 50-feet behind them, and remember a typical snow plow is wider than most driving lanes.
• Property owners are required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk within 24 hours after its deposit. If not removed, the City may do so and charge the property owner.
• Please clear snow from the area around mailboxes and fire hydrants.
• Do not put snow from your property on the street. Snow may be placed in the unpaved portion of the boulevard within the public right-of-way.

Morton Mandan Public Library seeking community feedback

Morton Mandan Public Library (MMPL) is looking for community feedback and perspective. By taking the time to complete the survey, you will help the library in creating a strategic plan that’s future focused for the main library, bookmobile and communities it serves.

Complete the 2023 MMPL community survey at the library, online, or by scanning the QR code with your smart device.

MMPL Holiday Hours

The Morton Mandan Public Library will be open for different hours during the holidays:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday Noon to 7 p.m.

Normal business hours will resume Jan. 8.

Property tax brochure available online

The 2023 Property Tax Brochure is now available for download at cityofmandan.com/propertytax. Copies of the brochure will be mailed with the December utility bill mailing and available at Mandan City Hall, Morton County Courthouse, Mandan Park District and Mandan School District offices in mid-December. 

Mayor Helbling presents progress & plans at State of the Cities

In November, Mayor Helbling presented 2023 progress and plans for 2024 at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s State of the Cities. This annual event brought in nearly 400 people to hear from both sides of the river. Mayor Helbling covered information from City Departments, infrastructure projects and highlights from the year in his presentation.

City Administrator Jim Neubauer will give a more robust presentation at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting. A recording of his presentation will be available at cityofmandan.com/citycommissionmeetings. Presentation slides will also be available online.  

Roller property recognized

In October, the City Commission recognized Jaden and Jessica Roller’s residential property for the Community Beautification Recognition program. A community member nominated the property for structural maintenance or enhancements, overall aesthetic improvements, and appealing, attention-getting seasonal or holiday displays. The person who nominated the property stated it embraces contemporary design yet has timeless appeal, with recent updates, along with the curation of seasonal decoration, it tastefully showcased the Halloween holiday and contributes to the overall beauty of the neighborhood.

The Beautification Recognition program is a way to recognize properties that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the community. Both residential and commercial properties located within city limits are eligible. Projects must be street facing, river view or other publicly viewable areas or landscapes. Nominations are forwarded to the Community Beautification Committee for consideration.

It's a great time to nominate properties with attention-getting outdoor Christmas displays. Nominate a property or view photos of the properties recognized through the program thus far at cityofmandan.com/recognitionprogram. Nominations are accepted year-round.

Visit 'Holiday Lights on Main' this month

Make plans to visit the Holiday Lights on Main through the Christmas season! These larger-than-life, interactive displays will light up Dykshoorn Park from 5-10 p.m. each night through Jan. 6. 

The holiday light attraction is free to the public, but visitors can make free will donations to keep the lights on through the Morton Mandan Community Fund.

Christmas Trees of Charity. This is a friendly tree decorating competition hosted in the Morton Mandan Public Library. Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local non-profit organizations, community groups and charities will be onsite for viewing. Vote for the best decorated tree by Christmas. The winning tree will receive $1,000 towards their organization’s cause. Second, third and fourth place will also receive a contribution to support their mission.

Fireworks allowed on New Year's Eve

The use of fireworks, excluding skylanterns and bottle rockets, is permitted Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Section 10-2-10 of the Mandan Code of Ordinances prohibits the purchase, storing and discharge of bottle rockets and skylanterns. The fine for violations is $150.

Do not put fireworks in recycling bins. Fireworks are not recyclable and should be disposed of in the regular garbage, even if they have been discharged. To properly dispose of used fireworks, wait until they are completely extinguished and no longer warm. Before placing unused fireworks in your garbage tote, remove the fuse and soak them in water overnight. 

Fire Chief Steve Nardello is retiring later this month after over 25 years of service with the Mandan Fire Department. Nardello is Mandan's fourth fire chief and will be greatly missed. Congratulations, on a job well done and best wishes in your next chapter!

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