Minot’s City Council met Monday night to tackle a packed agenda that included possible fiscal policy changes, a series of community presentations, and discussions about infrastructure funding and the history of storm sewer fees in Minot. City Manager Harold Stewart confirmed a final recommendation for Minot’s next police chief is expected at the June 16 meeting. The Council passed 11 consent items, passing unanimously, with the only one being pulled relating to the ordinance tied to the Our Lady of Grace's new food bank plat.
The most contentious discussion came during debate over Item 6.1, a proposed Fund Balance Policy to set formal guidelines on the city’s financial reserves. Finance Director David Lakefield explained the current ordinance requires at least one-twelfth of Minot’s annual budget to be held in reserve and noted that the reserves are generally kept higher than that minimum. The policy would now have the limit be 75% of general funds.
Alderman Mike Blessum proposed an amendment, suggesting a 30–50% reserve range for the general fund to encourage more deliberate budgeting and tighten spending. Council split 3–3, with Pitner, Olson, and Jantzer voting no, leaving the policy deadlocked and unaffirmed. With the amendment and policy both failing in a split, current practices will maintain but council largely appears to be on the same page with a rang, with Director Lakefield saying it would better help forecast for "unanticipated expenses, that we can weather that without having to come back and scramble for a funding source to cover it."
Other items fared better. Council unanimously adopted the remaining action items, including a revised Grant Management and Oversight Policy and approved appointments and scheduling for the City Canvassing Board, with Council also approved a funding request from Souris Basin Transportation. The canvassing board will consist of the 3 council membeers not ru ning for mayor, and will oversee results from the upcoming sales tax and mayoral special election, where the names on the ballot were randomized and will appear in the order: Roise, Jantzer, Pitner, Fuller.
During personal appearances, the owner of Arny’s 2.0 publicly advocated on behalf of Basecamp Indian Kitchen, asking the Council to refund a double licensing fee that they would have to pay after paying in late 2024 but never utilizing the liquor permit until now. Later in the meeting, the Council voted unanimously to credit Basecamp’s unused 2024 license fee toward 2025. A nearby resident also addressed the Council with concerns over zoning and usage near Our Lady of Grace church and the feasibility of the neighborhood accepting it.
Multiple community groups gave brief presentations, including First District Health, the Minot Area Council of the Arts, and the Commission on Aging, many of which are expected to return with budget requests as the city’s financial planning heats up for 2026.
