Dec. 1, 2022

The Memorial Highway reconstruction project is in the final design phase with a shift in the project schedule. An off-highway improvement, namely construction of storm sewer piping, was anticipated to occur in 2022. The City of Mandan, North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and consultant firm HDR Engineering, Inc. are working on stormwater drainage challenges. The start of construction has been pushed back to address these challenges.

Funding. City staff and leaders are working on different funding sources and scenarios for the project. Funding sources being considered include citywide property taxes, American Rescue Plan Act funds, the utility fund for underground work, and special assessments to commercial and residential property owners in the surrounding area. The City is also seeking a State Water Commission grant for the project to increase capacity of the water lines.

The aftermath of the Nov. 10 blizzard left Mandan with a record-setting 24 inches of snow. This early storm had the Public Works Department approaching snow removal and hauling a little differently.

“We were very strategic with the snow removal process because of the amount of snow we received so early in the season,” said Public Works Director Mitch Bitz. “We had to take into consideration what could happen when our area receives another 3-4 inches of snow or when the wind picks up. Our focus was and still is on trying to make sure our roads are open for the next six months.” 

During the snow event, the department was equipped with 25 operators, both full-time and part-time staff from all divisions; and 10 pieces of heavy equipment outfitted for snow plowing. Crews worked over 1,500 hours and covered at least 5,500 miles of ground throughout the first week of the snow removal process.  

Mandan to recognize businesses for winter decorating & snow shoveling

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

City leaders recently announced 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 $500 cash prizes. Runners-up in each category will receive $250 cash prizes.

The City of Mandan is paying forward to the business community a prize from its Main Street Initiative award for overall excellence. The North Dakota Department of Commerce is providing $1,500 for a small project to increase community vibrancy during the winter season.

The Morton Mandan Public Library is extending its hours of operation through Jan. 7. The library is open:

• Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fun family events will take place throughout the holiday season on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check out the library’s Facebook page for all the details.

As of Nov. 21, since reopening to the public on Aug. 29 the library has had over 7,240 visitors. Over the course of the last three months, 1,881 patrons have visited “Morti” the bookmobile at 36 stops!

The library provides an array of programs and services. For more information visit mortonmandanlibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. 

Volunteers are still needed to fill positions and seats on two boards that assist with city governance and community development:

• Architectural Review Commission; and 
• Parking Authority.

Interested individuals may apply online at cityofmandan.com/boardapplication. Members of the business community and residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

The 2022 property tax brochure is available for download at cityofmandan.com/propertytax. The brochure will be mailed out with December utility bills and copies will soon be available at City Hall.

Property tax statements include taxes for four major entities: county, city, school and park services. Local taxes are a primary source of funding for public schools, fire and police protection, parks and recreation, streets, roads and many other services.

Mandan and Morton County public and private entities have again partnered for a collaborative community calendar for 2023. They are sending the calendar in December to all Morton County mailing addresses. A PDF version of the calendar is also available at cityofmandan.com/thingstodo.

The calendar provides residents, businesses and visitors with important dates and resource information such as recycling and garbage schedules, major events and contacts.

A digital version at mylocalevents.org interfaces with Outlook and other calendar applications. Public information and marketing staff with each partner entity will update the digital version of the calendar throughout the year as additional dates become available for meetings, activities and events.

Holiday Lights on Main in Dykshoorn Park brought many people out to the lighting ceremony on Nov. 25. The interactive light display will be open to the public daily from 5-10 p.m.

There are multiple ways to support the community through this new seasonal attraction in Mandan:

• Drop off non-perishable food items at any of the entrances to the Holiday Lights at Dykshoorn and Heritage Parks. Donations will help fill the local food pantry.
• Make a free will donation via the scannable QR code at the entrances to the lights attraction or at https://bit.ly/Supportthelights22
• Visit the Christmas Trees of Charity in the Morton Mandan Public Library and vote for your favorite tree decorated by local charities.

Follow Visit Mandan on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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. 

Entries due Jan. 26 for Mandan Business Pitch Challenge

Entries are open for Mandan’s fifth Business Pitch Challenge scheduled for March 23, 2023. Prizes include the chance to be eligible for up to a $10,000 forgivable loan from the Mandan Growth Fund plus other cash awards, services and merchandise useful to new businesses. The competition overview, prize list and application are posted at cityofmandan.com/businesspitch.