Wahpeton, ND

Special City Council with the Wahpeton Park Board Aug 31

The Wahpeton City Council and Park Board will hold a special meeting to discuss phasing options for the SPARC project. JLG Architects will present these options to the council. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of SPARC Project Phasing Options presented by JLG Architects

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Wahpeton Finance & Personnel Committee meets August 24, 2026, to discuss SPARC project financing with Colliers Securities and review the 2027 preliminary budget. The agenda also includes committee referrals. The meeting is open to the public via phone.

• SPARC Project Financing – Colliers Securities
• 2027 Preliminary Budget
• Committee Referrals

Public Works Committee Regular on 2nd 4th Mondays

The Wahpeton Public Works & Public Safety Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several infrastructure and regulatory items. Key topics include a service upgrade and gas unit heaters for the impound building, an ordinance review for e-scooters and bikes, a handicapped parking request, a domestic wastewater agreement with Cargill, and repairs at Leach Library. The committee will also consider final payments and special assessments for the West Central Streets Project, and may discuss additional items as time allows.

• Service upgrade with MDU for Impound Building
• Gas unit heaters for Impound Building
• E-Scooters & Bikes Ordinance Review
• Cargill Domestic Wastewater Agreement
• Final Pay Application & Balancing Change Order for West Central Streets Project

August 17 Council

The Wahpeton City Council will hold a joint meeting with the Park Board to hear Comstock Construction's cost estimates for the Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC). The council will also discuss SPARC project financing, the 2027 preliminary budget and tax levy, and receive reports from city staff. Several items are scheduled for committee referrals or motions, including a bid for water treatment plant cabinets and a final pay application for the West Central Streets Project.

• Joint meeting with Park Board for SPARC cost estimates presentation
• July 2026 Bill Pay Report $1,636,040.88
• Motion to approve Dakota Cabinetry bid $34,170 for Water Treatment Plant Office Lab Cabinets
• Final Pay Application & Balancing Change Order for West Central Streets Project referred to PW Committee
• Special Assessments 2026 – Res. 3942

Public Works Committee Regular on 2nd 4th Mondays

The Public Works Committee will discuss and potentially decide on several infrastructure and maintenance items, including cabinets for the water treatment plant office, a domestic wastewater agreement with Cargill, step repairs at Leach Library, and an update on the Richland County Jail. The committee will also consider advertising for sealed bids for unused Christmas decorations and receive building official updates.

• Water Treatment Plant Office Lab Cabinets
• Cargill Domestic Wastewater Agreement
• Leach Library Step Repair
• Richland County Jail Update
• Advertise for Sealed Bids for unused X-mas Decorations

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Finance & Personnel Committee is meeting to discuss several financial and project updates, including the Richland County Jail, Legacy Lakes Project, SPARC Project, and a Moody's Credit Rating update. The committee will also review the 2027 Preliminary Budget and consider committee referrals. This is a working session with no final decisions expected.

• Richland County Jail Update
• Legacy Lakes Project
• SPARC Project
• Moody's Credit Rating Update
• 2027 Preliminary Budget

August 17 Council

The Finance & Personnel Committee met August 10, 2026, to hear informational updates on the Richland County Jail, Legacy Lakes project, SPARC recreation center, Moody's A1 credit rating, and the 2027 preliminary budget. No formal votes were taken; the budget will remain on the agenda until approval at the September 21 council meeting.

• 2027 preliminary budget reviewed; general fund up $68,000; sanitary sewer minimum usage projected to rise $0.70/month
• Moody's affirmed A1 issuer rating; resident income ratio rose from 78.0% to 89.1% (2022-2024)
• SPARC project: 1% sales tax approved by voters April 25, 2025; JLG Architects design contract; Comstock Construction CMAR
• Legacy Lakes: city spent $1.5M on predevelopment planning for 160 acres; RWJPA owns property
• Richland County Jail: multi-county facility discussed; regional 5-county meeting Aug 25, 2026 in Rutland, ND

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Finance & Personnel Committee is meeting to discuss the Richland County Jail update, the Legacy Lakes project, the SPARC project, Moody's credit rating update, and the 2027 preliminary budget. The agenda also includes committee referrals. The meeting is open to the public.

• 2027 Preliminary Budget review
• Legacy Lakes Project update
• SPARC Project update
• Moody's Credit Rating update (A1 issuer rating)
• Richland County Jail update

August 3 Council

The Wahpeton City Council will meet on August 3, 2026, to discuss a public hearing on the Bois de Sioux Golf Club update, review bids and consent agenda items, and hear reports from city officers including finance, public works, and the police department. The meeting includes votes on change orders for the Well Field Project and Impound Building Renovations, as well as discussions on the 2027 preliminary budget and tax levy.

• Bois de Sioux Golf Club (BDSGC) Update – Fred Strege President
• Well Field Project Phase II Contract Change Order No. 1 (KPH, Inc.) – motion to approve
• Impound Building Renovations Change Order No. 1 (Filbert Construction, Inc.) – motion to approve $14,010
• 2027 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy – discussion
• Street Closure Request – 3rd St. N. 100 Blk St. Johns Church Aug. 13th 3 pm to 8 pm

City Council

The Wahpeton City Council approved a retail tobacco license for Beehive Fuels D/B/A Wahpeton Fuels at 2100 9th St. N. after the business failed a compliance check by selling tobacco to a minor. The council also approved disbursing $28,159.58 in Bull Bash proceeds to the Fire Department Relief Fund, approved street closures for St. John's Church's 150th anniversary block party, and referred several items to committees, including the 2027 preliminary budget, Legacy Lakes, SPARC, and various public works projects. The meeting included updates on the Bois de Sioux Golf Club, library programs, and the potential closure of the Richland County Jail.

• Approved 2026 Retail Tobacco License for Beehive Fuels D/B/A Wahpeton Fuels at 2100 9th St. N.
• Approved disbursement of $28,159.58 in 2025 Bull Bash proceeds to Wahpeton Fire Department Relief Fund
• Approved street closure for St. John's Church 150th Anniversary Block Party on Aug. 13, 3-8 p.m.
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Well Field Project Ph. II with $3,820 increase
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Impound Building Renovations with $14,010 increase

August 17 Council

The Wahpeton City Council approved disbursing $28,159.58 in excess 2025 Bull Bash proceeds to the Wahpeton Fire Department Relief Fund. The Council also approved a retail tobacco license for Beehive Fuels D/B/A Wahpeton Fuels after a failed compliance test, and approved a street closure for St. John's Church's 150th Anniversary Block Party. Several items, including the 2027 budget and the SPARC project, were referred to committees for further discussion.

• Approved disbursement of $28,159.58 in 2025 Bull Bash proceeds to the Wahpeton Fire Department Relief Fund (7-0).
• Approved the 2026 Retail Tobacco License Application for Beehive Fuels D/B/A Wahpeton Fuels at 2100 9th Street North.
• Approved the street closure request from St. John's Church for their 150th Anniversary Block Party on August 13th.
• Approved Change Order No. 1 with KPH, Inc. for the Well Field Project Ph. II, increasing the contract by $3,820.
• Approved Change Order No. 1 with Filbert Construction, Inc. for Impound Building Renovations, increasing the contract by $14,010.
• Approved the disposition of used Bridge Planks by donating them to the Bois de Sioux Golf Course or advertising them for sale (6-1).
• Approved the Consent Agenda, including minutes and several raffle permits.
• Referred the 2027 Preliminary Budget, Legacy Lakes, and SPARC project to the Finance Committee for further discussion.

Public Works Committee Regular on 2nd 4th Mondays

The Public Works & Public Safety Committee will discuss contract change orders for the Well Field Project Phase II and Impound Building Renovations. The body will also review referrals regarding lab cabinets and a wastewater agreement with Cargill.

• Well Field Project Phase II Contract Change Order #1 for culvert extensions and project completion extension
• Impound Building Renovations Change Order #1
• Referral for Cargill Domestic Wastewater Agreement
• Referral for Water Treatment Plant Office Lab Cabinets
• Proposal to advertise used bridge plank for sale

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Wahpeton Finance & Personnel Committee will review the 2027 preliminary budget, which includes a 3% tax levy increase to $2,423,883 and a projected mill rate decrease to 79.68. The budget also proposes 3.8% cost-of-living increases for employees and a transition to a new HUB Pay Study Plan.

• 2027 preliminary tax levy increase of $70,598 (3%) to $2,423,883
• Projected mill rate decrease from 81.04 to 79.68 for city services
• 3.8% cost-of-living increases and new HUB Pay Study Plan for employees
• Property tax on a $250,000 home projected at $44/month for city services
• Sewer minimum fee increase of +$0.70/month and Waste Management fee increase per contract

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Wahpeton Finance & Personnel Committee will discuss the 2027 preliminary budget, which is a work in progress. The meeting also includes committee referrals. No final decisions are expected at this working session.

• Discussion of 2027 preliminary budget (work in progress)
• Committee referrals

August 3 Council

The Finance & Personnel Committee reviewed the 2027 preliminary budget, which includes a 3% increase in the property tax levy to $2,423,883. The budget projects a 5% rise in property valuations and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees. Sales tax revenue, accounting for 28% of projected funds, remains a key revenue source for Wahpeton.

• 2027 preliminary tax levy increase of $70,598 (3%) to $2,423,883
• Projected mill rate decrease from 81.04 to 79.68, the lowest in 32 years
• Additional $0.70 monthly increase in sanitary sewer charges to rebuild fund reserves
• 3.8% cost-of-living increases for city employees included in budget
• Sales tax revenue projected at $4,708,215 (28% of total revenues) for 2027

August 3 Council

The City Council approved a preliminary tax levy for 2027 and awarded a concrete repair contract. The council also approved a construction management contract for the SPARC project and appointed a new representative to the Library Board.

• Approved Preliminary Certificate of Levy of $2,423,883 (7-0)
• Approved Construction Management At Risk Contract with Comstock Construction, Inc. for SPARC project
• Awarded 2026 Concrete Repairs Project to Hansey Custom Contracting LLC for $28,364.58 (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Jason Goltz as Council Representative on the Library Board
• Approved Designation of Depositories and Pledge of Assets (7-0)
• Approved $750 Change Order No. 1 with KPH, Inc. for Well Field Project W19-251 (7-0)
• Approved disposition of 2004 Sterling Plow Truck via newspaper and Facebook Marketplace
• Approved June 2026 Bill Pay Report of $1,658,728.27

July 20 Council

The City Council will hold a joint meeting with the Park Board to review schematic designs for the Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC). The body will also consider a preliminary budget and tax levy for 2027.

• Construction Management at Risk Contract with Comstock Construction, Inc. for SPARC Project
• Preliminary Certificate of Levy for 2027 budget at $2,433,883
• 2026 Concrete Repairs Proj. bid award of $28,364.58
• Well Field Proj. W19-251 contract change order with KPH, Inc. for $750
• June 2026 Bill Pay Report of $1,658,728.27

City Council

The City Council reviewed schematic designs for the Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC) and approved a preliminary tax levy for 2027. The body also awarded a concrete repair contract and approved a construction management contract for the SPARC project.

• Preliminary Certificate of Levy for 2027 approved at $2,423,883 (79.68 mills)
• Awarded 2026 Concrete Repairs Project to Hansey Custom Contracting LLC for $28,364.58
• Approved Construction Management At Risk Contract with Comstock Construction, Inc. for SPARC project
• Approved $750 change order with KPH, Inc. for Well Field Project W19-251
• Approved June 2026 Bill Pay Report totaling $1,658,728.27

Public Works Committee Regular on 2nd 4th Mondays

The Public Works & Public Safety Committee will discuss a construction management contract with Comstock Construction, Inc. and review quotes for the 2026 Concrete Repairs Project. The body will also consider change orders for the Well Field Project.

• Construction Management at Risk Contract with Comstock Construction, Inc.
• Quotes and award recommendation for 2026 Concrete Repairs Project
• Well Field Project Contract Change Order No. 1 Air Release Manhole
• Well Field Project Phase II Contract Change Order #1 for culvert extensions and project completion extension
• Disposition of Wausau Snowplow from the 2009 Sterling Plow Truck

Finance Committee Regular on the 2nd 4th Mondays

The Finance & Personnel Committee will meet to discuss the preliminary budget and tax levy for 2027. The meeting also includes a review of committee referrals.

• 2027 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy

City Council

The City Council convened a special meeting to enter an executive session for attorney consultation regarding legal strategy. No motions were made during the closed session, and the meeting was adjourned shortly after reopening.

• Executive session held pursuant to NDCC 44-04-19.1 for attorney consultation

July 20 Council

The Finance & Personnel Committee is meeting to review the 2027 preliminary budget and tax levy. The session includes a review of committee referrals.

• 2027 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy
• Committee Referrals

The council voted to close the meeting for an executive‑session attorney consultation, then voted to end the closed session and reconvene, and finally moved to adjourn the meeting. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Motion to close meeting for executive session (carried)
• Motion to adjourn closed session and re‑open meeting (carried, all aye)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (outcome not recorded)

July 20 Council

The council swore in newly elected members and re‑elected officials. Council members voted to appoint Jason Goltz as Council President and Tiana Bohn as Vice President. The body also approved committee appointments, the consent agenda items, and confirmed 2026 appointments to various boards, while referring the 2027 preliminary budget to the Finance, Personnel & Economic Development Committee.

• Approved Jason Goltz as City Council President (all voting ‘aye’)
• Approved Tiana Bohn as City Council Vice President (all voting ‘aye’)
• Approved appointments to City Council committees (all voting ‘aye’)
• Approved the consent agenda items, including minutes of June 15, 2026 (all voting ‘aye’)
• Confirmed 2026 appointments to Airport Authority, Library Board, Golf Board, Planning Commission, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Zoning Board (all voting ‘aye’)
• Amended confirmation to include re‑appointments to the End of the Woods Task Force Board (all voting ‘aye’)
• Referred the 2027 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy to the Finance, Personnel & Economic Development Committee

City Council

The City Council held an organization meeting to elect leadership and appoint committee members. The session included public testimony regarding the proposed Southern Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (SPARC) and its overlap with the Infinity Center in Breckenridge.

• Election of Jason Goltz as Council President and Tiana Bohn as Council Vice President
• Public discussion on the number of gym courts and amenities planned for the SPARC project
• Approval of Games of Chance licenses for Head of the Red Youth Activities and BW Blades Youth Hockey
• Confirmation of 2026 appointments for the Airport Authority, Library Board, Golf Board, Planning Commission, CVB, and Zoning Board of Adjustment
• Request for comments on the Dakota Ave. & ND 210 Traffic Controls Project ST25-290

City Council

The council voted 7-0 to adopt the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvements Plan, including possible schedule changes for 2nd Street South and 3rd Ave./5th St. S. reconstructions. It also approved the Charitable Gaming Site Authorization Policy, adopted Ordinances 1078 and 1079, and authorized two Right‑of‑Way licenses for the Water Transmission Pipeline Project W22‑268. Additional approvals included a $4,259.19 refrigerator replacement for the Bois de Sioux Golf Club and a $37,500 bid for police department windows and doors.

• Approval of 2027-2031 Capital Improvements Plan (motion 7‑0)
• Adoption of Charitable Gaming Site Authorization Policy (motion 7‑0)
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 1078 (Noxious Weeds) and Ordinance No. 1079 (Floodplain Management) (each motion 7‑0)
• Approval of Right‑of‑Way licenses for Water Transmission Pipeline Project W22‑268 (motion 7‑0)
• Funding of $4,259.19 to replace the Bois de Sioux Golf Club clubhouse refrigerator

City Council

The City Council approved a capital lease for a new John Deere motor grader and a contract for concert production. The body also held a first reading of an ordinance to update floodplain management dates.

• Resolution 3941: Capital lease for 2026 John Deere 622P Motor Grader totaling $363,405
• Supplemental contract with KSL, LLC for sound and lighting production of $4,000
• Authorization for Braun Intertec geotechnical study for RJ Hughes Drive Grade Raise Project for $9,426
• First reading of Ordinance No. 1079 regarding floodplain management/flood damage prevention
• Approval of street closure for 200 and 300 blocks of Dakota Avenue on August 15, 2026

City Council

The City Council approved renovations to the police impound building at a cost of $55,861.90, funded in part by the 1% restaurant tax. It also adopted Resolution 3940 establishing $50 and $100 fines for noxious weeds and uncut grass, and approved a memorandum of understanding with ND DOT and Wilkin County for maintenance of the Dakota Avenue Bridge. Additional actions included approving the SPARC logo option A and directing staff to draft a charitable gaming site authorization policy.

• Police Impound Building Renovations – $55,861.90 approval
• Resolution 3940 – $50 first‑offense and $100 second‑offense fines for noxious weeds/uncut grass
• MOU for Dakota Avenue Bridge maintenance with ND DOT and Wilkin County
• SPARC logo Option A (AdShark Draft 3) approved
• Charitable Gaming Site Authorization Policy draft directed

City Council

The council adopted Resolution No. 3939 authorizing a $3,011,000 water revenue bond to fund rehabilitation of Water Towers 1 and 2. It also approved an amendment to the ND Department of Water Resources cost‑share agreement for the Well Field and Transmission Line Project, adding $8,207,909 in state participation. Additional community‑enhancement items were funded from the 1% Restaurant Tax Fund, including painting the Prairie Rose Carousel, new downtown banners, and bleacher replacements in Chahinkapa Park. Street‑closure requests were approved for the Headwaters Music Festival and Chalkfest events in July.

• Resolution No. 3939 authorizing $3,011,000 water revenue bond for Water Tower 1 & 2 rehabilitation
• Amendment I to ND DWR Cost Share Agreement adding $8,207,909 state share for Well Field & Transmission Line Project
• $10,000 from 1% Restaurant Tax Fund for exterior painting of the Prairie Rose Carousel building
• $2,500 from 1% Restaurant Tax Fund for downtown banners on Dakota Avenue
• $35,000 from 1% Restaurant Tax Fund for new bleachers in Chahinkapa Park

City Council

The City Council decided on the placement of the Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC) and approved several infrastructure and equipment contracts. The body also addressed local sales tax compliance and upcoming election details.

• Approved placement of Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC) in Phase I of Legacy Lakes
• Awarded 2026 Sealcoat Project ST26-294 to Asphalt Preservation Company, Inc. for $100,267.79
• Approved Motorola Body Camera Contract for $73,872
• Approved street closure of the 300 Block of Dakota Avenue on June 25th for the 250 Years of Liberty Wahpeton Celebration
• Approved March 2026 Bill Pay Report totaling $1,671,682.72

City Council

The Wahpeton City Council approved Resolution 3937, adopting the Emergency Operations Plan. It also approved a lease for the Bois de Sioux Golf Club cart fleet with Club Car at $175,915 and a $14,500 contract with Snake Oil/Ikons of Rock for the 250 Years of Liberty celebration. Additional approvals included a $1,616 purchase of a municipal court audio package and the issuance of 2026 retail and display fireworks licenses to six applicants.

• Adoption of Resolution 3937 – Emergency Operations Plan
• Resolution 3938 – Golf cart lease with Club Car for $175,915
• Contract with Snake Oil/Ikons of Rock for $14,500 for 250 Years of Liberty celebration
• Purchase of Municipal Court audio package for $1,616 from STAGEnet
• Approval of 2026 retail and display fireworks licenses for six applicants

City Council

The Wahpeton City Council approved its consent agenda and received loan awards of $16,006,000 for the Legacy Lakes project and $3,011,000 for water‑tower rehabilitation. It authorized a $1,000,000 private‑placement bond for the Bois de Sioux Golf Club irrigation system and awarded residential waste‑collection services to Waste Management at $21.44 per household. The council also approved plans for the 2026 Sealcoat Project and voted to discontinue negotiations with the North Dakota State College of Science for the Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC) site, directing the architect to explore alternative locations.

• Legacy Lakes Project low‑interest loan of $16,006,000 approved
• Water Tower Rehabilitation loan of $3,011,000 approved
• $1,000,000 private‑placement bond proposed for Bois de Sioux Golf Club irrigation
• Residential waste collection contract awarded to Waste Management at $21.44 per household
• Council voted to end SPARC site negotiations with NDSCS and task JLG Architects with finding a new site