Jan 22, 2021
The Minot City Council has approved a three-month contract extension with Minot Area Chamber EDC for the continuation of economic development services.
The extension is on a contract originally signed in February 2019 with Minot Area Development Corp., which has merged with the Chamber. That contract expired Dec. 31.
The vote was 6-1. Council member Paul Pitner said he looks forward to a better, longer term agreement with Minot Area Chamber EDC but cannot support extending the existing contract because the city hasn’t “gotten a bang for our buck.”
The contract runs until April 1 and includes three monthly payments of $27,375 to Minot Area Chamber EDC.
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Jill Schramm/MDN
Minot City Council member Paul Pitner argues against a mask mandate at Tuesdayâs meeting.
Minot’s citywide mask mandate will remain in place for at least another month. The Minot City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to reconsider the mandate Feb. 16.
Mayor Shaun Sipma had recommended keeping the mandate for another month to allow more time for at-risk residents aged 65 and older to become vaccinated against COVID-19. The infection rate also should be a consideration when the mandate is reviewed in February, he said.
The council adopted the plan, with dissent from council members Paul Pitner and Tom Ross, who had opposed the original mandate.
Jan 21, 2021
The Minot City Council made the right move Tuesday in delaying any decision on lifting a mask mandate implemented last October as a mitigation measure against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the city has seen relief from the high infection rate last fall, the council is wise to be cautious about making any changes, given the uncertainty surrounding the virus. The potential for another increase in cases along with the appearance of new virus strains around the country create considerable uncertainty.
Mayor Shaun Sipma has suggested waiting to reconsider the mandate once more of the area’s older, more vulnerable population has been able to be vaccinated. According to First District Health Unit, vaccinations continue for those ages 75 and older, but it could be three weeks before vaccinations are in full swing for individuals age 65 and older, and then only for those with two or more serious health conditions. That leaves a lot of vulnerability remaining in the communi
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
The Minot City Council approved a contract with Visit Minot Monday that puts $477,000 toward expanding tourism, particularly sports-related tourism.
Step-hanie Schoenrock, executive director at Visit Minot, said the intent hasn’t changed from the plan outlined to the council a month ago.
“In a nutshell, we’re committing to a minimum of $10 million in economic impact over the next three years,” she said. “The total ask is $477,000 total over the next three years, and the three components are data collection management, destination development, and then the team events, tourism and development components.”
The council voted 6-1 to support the convention and visitor’s bureau agreement, which takes effect Jan. 1. Council member Tom Ross was opposed.
When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Minot City Hall, council chambers, second floor, 515-2nd Ave. SW, or City of Minot’s YouTube channel.
Agenda: The council will consider planning commission terms, abatement requests on 92 vacant lots in Prairie Wynd Fourth & Fifth Additions, an enterprise agreement with Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau and design of a recycling transfer station and new landfill entrance. The council will hold a public hearing on updates to its special assessment policy and receive updates from the Minot Alliance of Nonprofits and MADC.
How to make your opinion known: Meetings are open to the public. Council members are Mayor Shaun Sipma, Lisa Olson, Carrie Evans, Paul Pitner, Stephan Podrygula, Tom Ross and Mark Jantzer.