Stanley, ND

Council

The Stanley City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 11, 2026, addressing a range of items including financial reports, committee updates, and several ordinances. Key actions include a second reading to amend the Home Rule Charter, a first reading to prohibit kratom sales, and a first reading to increase Class B misdemeanor fines from $1,000 to $1,500. The council will also consider a school zone signage request, a gaming permit, liquor license renewals, and the 2025 audit report.

• Second reading of ordinance amending Home Rule Charter 15.0103(3f)
• First reading of ordinance prohibiting sale and distribution of kratom
• First reading to amend Class B misdemeanor fine from $1,000 to $1,500
• Request from Christian Crossroads Academy for school zone signage
• Resolution to include water sales building in water rates

Council

The Stanley City Council will discuss the 2027 preliminary budget and consider a street closure request from the Commercial Club. No final decisions are recorded on the agenda.

• 2027 preliminary budget review
• Commercial Club request for street closure

The Stanley City Council approved the 2027 Preliminary Budget totaling $27,875,630 with an anticipated maximum levy of $746,017 (49.02 mills) on a unanimous roll call vote. The council also approved a street closure request for Crazy Days and set the public budget hearing for September 8, 2026. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2027 Preliminary Budget of $27,875,630 with max levy of $746,017 (49.02 mills) (3-0)
• Approved street closure of 1st Ave SE from Main St to 1st St SE on Aug 6, 2026, 7 AM-7 PM for Crazy Days (3-0)
• Set public budget hearing for Sept 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall (3-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will hold a reorganization meeting, swear in officers, and appoint committee members. Key actions include a resolution setting a bond limit, first readings to amend the home rule charter, prohibit kratom sales, and raise Class B misdemeanor fines from $1,000 to $1,500. Several items tabled since 2025 remain unresolved.

• Resolution setting bond limit
• First reading – amend Home Rule Charter Ordinance 15.0103(3f)
• First reading – ordinance prohibiting sale & distribution of kratom products
• First reading – amend Class B misdemeanor fine from $1,000 to $1,500
• Alley request – Gary Schell

The Stanley City Council approved a new skid steer loader, moved forward with planning a shared-use pathway, and approved several conditional use permits and building permits. They also set a special meeting for the 2027 preliminary budget and approved a resolution setting the auditor bond limit.

• Approved a Conditional Use Permit for Highline Water LLC to place a lower pump on property owned by David and Stephanie Enander.
• Approved the P&Z Administrator Report, including building permits and special event mobile food permits.
• Approved Gary Schell's request to extend his garage apron into the public alleyway.
• Approved a $450 grant to Flickertail Village for the 4th of July Car Show.
• Approved moving forward with planning a shared-use pathway between 8th and 9th Ave SE.
• Adopted a resolution setting the Auditor Bond limit at $2,000,000.
• Approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment to extend the 1.5% sales tax to 12/31/2032.
• Approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase Class B misdemeanor fines from $1,000 to $1,500.

Council

The Stanley City Council will consider a resolution to vacate a public alleyway, approve a bill for a floating dock at the city pond, and renew a liquor license for Safari Fuels. The meeting also includes designating parking for fire department personnel on 2nd Ave SE and discussing the Sibyl Center.

• Resolution for vacation of a public alleyway
• Bill for a floating dock at City Pond
• Liquor license renewal for Safari Fuels
• Designate parking for fire department personnel on 2nd Ave SE north side of Memorial Building
• Discussion of Sibyl Center

The council rescinded a prior decision to designate a permanent handicapped parking spot on 3rd Ave SW for the Sibyl Center, instead approving temporary signage for event-only parking. They also approved a liquor license renewal for Safari Fuels, vacated a portion of public alley in Flatt Addition, and approved a $4,999.70 bill for a floating dock at the city pond, with the city paying half. No decision was made on designating fire department parking on 2nd Ave SE.

• Rescinded June 9 motion to designate permanent handicapped parking on 3rd Ave SW for Sibyl Center (unanimous)
• Approved temporary 'Sibyl Center Event Parking' signage on 3rd Ave SW during events (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Safari Fuels for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution vacating a portion of public alley in Flatt Addition, subject to city utility easement (6-0)
• Approved $4,999.70 bill from ABC Boat Docks LLC for floating dock, city paying 50% (6-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council held a public hearing on June 22, 2026, to accept comments on a petition to vacate a portion of an alley in the Flatt Addition. No one opposed the vacation, and the council took no action at the hearing. A decision is scheduled for the special council meeting on June 23, 2026.

• Public hearing on vacation of alley portion at NE corner of Lot 1, Block 1, Flatt Addition (east 20', south 50', west 20', north 50')
• Petitioners Tracey Jarmin and Michael Reep present; Jarmin reported receiving utility easement sign-offs
• No opposition voiced at hearing
• Decision deferred to special council meeting June 23, 2026

Council

The council will hold a public hearing to confirm the special assessment list for CIP 2 Water & Sewer Improvement District 56. Other business includes updates on the Christian Crossroads Academy, a request from the Sibyl Center, and a resolution for fireworks. Several items remain tabled, including a capital improvement project for the nursing home/hospital and a water purchase agreement.

• Public hearing and motion to confirm special assessment list for CIP 2 Water & Sewer Improvement District 56
• Christian Crossroads Academy progress update by Danita Bye
• Sibyl Center request by Linda Lumley
• Fireworks resolution and notice to paper
• Liquor license renewals

The Stanley City Council approved a resolution setting clarified and standardized water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2026, including base rates, connection fees, and shut-off charges. The council also confirmed the special assessment list for CIP Phase 2 Water & Sewer Improvement District #56, approved a rezoning from C1 to R1 for a residential lot, and authorized a certificate of substantial completion for CIP3 Schedule A. Several other actions were taken, including approving a fireworks resolution, liquor license renewals, and a $5 million CD investment.

• Approved Resolution 2026-06-09 setting water & sewer rates (5-0)
• Confirmed special assessment list for CIP Phase 2 Water & Sewer District #56 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 8403 62nd St NW from C1 to R1 for a house (5-0)
• Approved certificate of substantial completion for CIP3 Schedule A (5-0)
• Approved payment of $461,050.83 to Kemper Construction for CIP3 (5-0)
• Approved fireworks sale June 27-July 5 and discharge June 26-July 5 (4-1)
• Approved liquor license renewals for nine establishments (5-0)
• Approved $5 million CD investment in Bravera Bank for six months (5-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council held a public hearing on whether to abolish the municipal court and transition to the district court system, as required by new state rules effective July 1, 2026. The council will decide at an upcoming regular meeting whether to adopt these rules. The hearing included testimony from the city attorney, the municipal judge, and residents, with mixed opinions on the change.

• Public hearing on abolishing municipal court and moving to district court system
• New rules from HB 1032 require courts of record, audio recording, and 10-year retention for misdemeanors, 3 years for traffic cases
• City would retain 20% of fines and fees if cases move to district court
• Municipal Judge Dale Kilen, serving 20 years, expressed willingness to continue
• Resident Angela Swider urged keeping municipal court for local access and trust

Council

The Stanley City Council held a public input meeting on the Capital Improvement Project Phase 4, which includes replacing aging water and sewer lines and making street improvements in a defined area. The estimated cost for the watermain replacement is $1,838,387, an increase of about $200,000 due to adding two blocks along 7th Ave SE. The public comment period runs from May 19 to June 19, 2026, with final design and bidding expected in late 2026 and early 2027 if the council proceeds.

• Public input meeting for Capital Improvement Project Phase 4 (CIP4)
• Watermain replacement estimated at $1,838,387, up $200,000 for 7th Ave SE blocks
• Project area: between 3rd Ave SE and 6th Ave SE/Hwy 8, S Main St and 3rd St SE
• Public comment period May 19 to June 19, 2026; final PER and funding applications due July 2026
• Council discussed whether to include sewer component in 7th Ave SE project

Council

The Stanley City Council will consider several notable items, including a petition to vacate an alley in Flatt Addition, a request from Wayne Johnson for a floating dock, and a Renaissance Zone application. The council will also discuss a multi-hazard mitigation plan update, a School Resource Officer MOU, and a water/sewer resolution. Several items remain tabled from previous meetings, including a capital improvement project for the nursing home/hospital and a water purchase agreement.

• Petition to vacate alley in Flatt Addition by Tracey Jarmin and Michael Reep
• Wayne Johnson – floating dock request
• Renaissance Zone application
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Water & Sewer Resolution

The Stanley City Council approved an interest-free $40,000 loan to Triple Barrel Holdings LLC for the purchase and remodel of the Stanley Professional Building, with $8,000 annual forgiveness. The council also approved a Renaissance Zone tax exemption for the same property, a floating dock donation for Stanley Pond, and several other routine items. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

• Approved $40,000 interest-free loan to Triple Barrel Holdings LLC for Stanley Professional Building (6-0)
• Approved Renaissance Zone tax exemption for 120 South Main Street (100% to 20% over 5 years) (6-0)
• Approved floating dock donation at Stanley Pond with city paying 50% of railing cost up to $2,500 (6-0)
• Approved alley vacation petition in Flatt Addition, set public hearing for June 22, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved $2,000 grant to Mountrail County Health Foundation for Golfing Fore a Cause (6-0)
• Approved salary step increase for Briana Dazell to $33.69/hr (6-0)
• Approved salary step increase for Ada Arneson to $44.71/hr (6-0)
• Approved $6,250 hydroseeding proposal from Mountrail Builders (6-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will meet to continue the tax equalization process and consider a Renaissance Zone application. These are the only substantive items on the agenda, alongside the pledge of allegiance.

• Continuation of tax equalization
• Renaissance Zone application

The Stanley City Council held a special meeting to continue tax equalization hearings. The council denied all three property tax appeals, including those from Cass Oil Company (Circle K), A Plus Properties LLC, and Memory Fireworks, voting 5-0 on each to uphold the original assessed values. The council also tabled a Renaissance Zone application from Triple Barrel Holdings LLC due to an incomplete application. The 2026 taxable value for locally assessed properties was approved at $13,480,510.

• Denied Cass Oil Company appeal, upheld original assessment on Parcel #61-0094408 (5-0)
• Denied A Plus Properties LLC appeal, reverted valuation to original assessed amount on Parcel #61-0094401 (5-0)
• Denied Memory Fireworks appeal, restored original assessed value on Parcel #61-0053636 (5-0)
• Approved 2026 assessments of real property as set by City Assessor (5-0)
• Tabled Renaissance Zone application for Triple Barrel Holdings LLC until application is complete (5-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will hold a public input meeting and tax equalization hearing before discussing several administrative items. Key agenda items include a presentation on untreated water sales from the reservoir, a report on treated and untreated water depot, and a denial of special road funding from the ND Department of Transportation. The council will also consider reappointing Tara Uran to the Special Assessment Commission and review a Brosz service contract.

• Chris Barke (WAWSA) – untreated water sales from the reservoir
• Tony Russell (DSI) – treated & untreated water depot
• ND Department of Transportation – special road funding for CIP4 denied
• Reappoint Tara Uran to Special Assessment Commission for 6-year term
• Brosz service contract terms & conditions

The council approved a $41,041.40 storm water drainage pipe extension near lagoon cells and a $9,800 snow gate for a city blade. A public input meeting was held for the Capital Improvement Project Phase 4, which would replace aging water and sewer lines in a bounded area, with an estimated construction cost of $3,088,962. The council also approved a variance permit for a garage setback, a $34,392.66 loan for storage unit purchase, and a $7,500 grant for museum furniture. The Board of Equalization did not finalize assessments due to a pending review.

• Approved $41,041.40 for 160' of storm drain pipe and installation (6-0)
• Approved $9,800 purchase of snow gate from RDO Equipment (6-0)
• Approved variance permit for 10' rear setback at 306 4th St SE (6-0)
• Approved variance permit for 8'9" rear setback at 716 6th St SE (6-0)
• Approved $34,392.66 interest-free loan to Josh Nichols DBA Only Storage LLC (5-0)
• Approved $7,500 grant to Flickertail Village Museum for outdoor furniture (5-0)
• Approved local gaming permit to ND Equine Association for raffle (6-0)
• Set public input meeting for May 19, 2026, for 7th Ave SE water/street improvements (6-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will consider approving a sales tax measure for the ballot and transferring funds from the general fund to Funds 38 and 39. Other business includes bid results for the city pasture lease, a Brosz Engineering report, and several tabled items such as a capital improvement project for the nursing home/hospital and a water purchase agreement. The meeting also covers routine reports from police, public works, and the city auditor.

• Approve sales tax measure for ballot
• Approve transfers from general fund to Funds 38 and 39
• Bid opening results for city pasture lease
• Tabled: MCMC capital improvement project for nursing home/hospital (tabled 4/8/2025)
• Tabled: Water purchase agreement – Kris Heidelberger/Blackwell Electric (tabled 4/8/2025)

The council voted unanimously to place a measure on the June 9, 2026 primary election ballot asking voters to continue the 1.5% city sales and use tax for an additional six years through December 31, 2032. They also approved a $750,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Equipment Replacement Fund and a $50,000 transfer to the Building Reserve Fund. Several infrastructure contracts and equipment purchases were approved, including a $94,710 Muffin Monster Grinder and a $96,500 net purchase of a used motor grader.

• Placed 1.5% sales tax continuance on June 9, 2026 primary ballot (4-0)
• Approved $750,000 transfer from General Fund to Equipment Replacement Fund 38 (4-0)
• Approved $50,000 transfer from General Fund to Building Reserve Fund 39 (4-0)
• Approved $94,710 purchase of Muffin Monster Grinder from Electric Pump (4-0)
• Approved $96,500 net purchase of used 2019 John Deere 772G motor grader from RDO (4-0)
• Approved 5-year pasture lease to Wade Skaar at $21.14/acre ($1,500.94/year) (4-0)
• Approved $26,600 in visitor promotion grants to four organizations (4-0)
• Denied SHS Junior Class prom funding request based on sufficient fundraising (4-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will hold an executive session regarding a potential lawsuit involving Cory Hale, followed by further discussion. The council will also consider a request from ND Energy Services to purchase water from the Stanley Reservoir and review bid results for the sale of John Rian properties. Several items tabled from previous meetings remain on the agenda.

• Executive session on potential lawsuit involving Cory Hale
• ND Energy Services request to purchase water from Stanley Reservoir
• Bid opening results for sale of John Rian properties
• Annex exclusion request for JR Phase 4 & 5 by Ashleigh Collins
• Infrastructure project requests including SRF final draw for CIP 2 Water & Sewer District 56

The council voted 5-0 (one abstention) to authorize the city attorney to seek a restraining order against Cory Hale on behalf of all city employees, following concerns about harassment. They also approved a $3,500 grant for a regenerative grazing school, a $4,000 grant for a women in ag banquet, and tabled a $15,000 prom funding request. A bid to sell John Rian properties received no offers, and the council declined an offer from Everest Infrastructure Partners for a water tank easement.

• Approved restraining order against Cory Hale for all city employees (5-0, one abstention)
• Approved $3,500 grant for Regenerative Grazing School (6-0)
• Approved $4,000 grant for Women in Ag Banquet (5-0, one abstention)
• Tabled SHS Junior Class prom funding request of $15,000
• Declined Everest Infrastructure Partners' offer for water tank easement (6-0)
• Approved $804,828.97 in transfers from Infrastructure Fund 41 for city share of projects (6-0)
• Approved offering police position to Bryce Hysjulien at $30.47/hour (5-0, one abstention)
• Approved charging full cost for water meters damaged by negligence (6-0)

Council

The Stanley City Council will hold public hearings on property tax abatements for Jordan Kannianen and the Stanley Airport Authority, discuss potential lawsuits involving Cory Hale and Jennifer Rademacher, and consider second readings of traffic and offenses code chapters. Several items remain tabled, including a nursing home capital project and a water purchase agreement.

• Public hearing on Jordan Kannianen abatement at 7:00 PM
• Public hearing on Stanley Airport Authority abatements at 7:05 PM
• Executive session on Cory Hale invoice/potential lawsuit and Jennifer Rademacher/potential lawsuit
• Second reading of Chapter 9 (Traffic) and Chapter 12 (Offenses)
• Approve transfer of $5,595.18 from General to Payroll Fund

The council voted 5-0 (one abstention) to settle a lawsuit with Cory Hale, paying $3,500 for her impounded vehicle and waiving fees for public records. They also approved tax abatements for a burned property and airport parcels, a mobile food permit for Maria's Breakfast Tacos, and a $76,680 engineering report for water/sewer projects. The council entered executive session to discuss two potential lawsuits.

• Approved settlement with Cory Hale: $3,500 vehicle payment and waived records fees (5-0, Littlecreek abstained)
• Approved tax abatement for Electric Properties LLC burned structure (6-0)
• Approved two tax abatements for Stanley Municipal Airport Authority parcels (6-0 each)
• Approved mobile food permit for Maria's Breakfast Tacos at 6165 Highway 8 (6-0)
• Approved $76,680 Preliminary Engineering Report for CIP Phase 4 with Brosz Engineering (6-0)
• Approved $1,584 for Fraternal Order of Police legal defense dues for four officers (6-0)
• Approved second reading and final passage of Chapter 9 Traffic and Chapter 12 Offenses ordinances (6-0 each)
• Approved transfer corrections totaling $473,294.23 between funds (6-0)