MINOT — The Minot City Council met Monday evening to discuss a number of items, but most notably a public hearing on Liquor License caps in the city of Minot. With Interim Mayor Mark Jantzer attending the meeting via Teams, Council Vice-President Lisa Olson chaired the meeting. Following the City Managers report acknowledging HR Professional Brittney Thurston being recognized by the North Dakota Safety Council as an Emerging Safety Champion, there was brief discussion on the City's Capitol Improvement Plan.
This led to a raucous and lengthy public hearing on Minot's Liquor License cap. Conversation saw arguments from multiple angles, including an alternate proposal from former alderman Josh Wolsky involving charitable gambling. Numerous bar owners and liquor license holders spoke and gave their opinions on the options, as well as a number of back-and-forth between council members. We will release a full article detailing this debate as well as discuss it on Tuesday's edition of Minot Talk.
Council first approved a new partnership between the Minot Police Department and Minot State University, aimed at strengthening local police recruitment. The program will fund up to four MSU criminal justice students, with the number able to be fluid over time pending the city's needs. Costing just under $200,000 and covers tuition and part-time wages as Community Service Officers. In return, students will commit to at least three years of service as Minot police officers after graduation. The program, costing slightly will be covered by existing department savings, with potential reimbursement or partial coverage through the state’s Career Builders program.
The Council also authorized city staff to begin final negotiations with Pathfinder Services of North Dakota to manage the Broadway Circle development, which includes oversight of the family homeless shelter, LMI apartments, and commercial space. PSND will also deliver social services to tenants, retain lease income for staffing and maintenance, and would have to repay the city’s investment over time. Later, city staff showcased upgrades to the city’s GIS mapping system, now offering detailed, public-facing tools to track construction projects and traffic disruptions before adjourning.
