A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the community center, a proposed 20,000-square-foot facility equipped with parking, a gymnasium, a small library branch, and a walking track. Council members expressed concerns about proceeding with the project without owning the necessary land. The council debated the risks of advancing with the design and bidding process without secured land ownership, with one council member stating, “I just feel more comfortable if we own the land we wanted to put the building on.” This sentiment was echoed by others who worried about potential project delays if the agreement fell through.

The council discussed the project’s timeline, with a proposed deadline for bids by January 31, and considered how the land acquisition would impact this schedule. Some members advocated for the land to be donated to facilitate the project. The conversation highlighted the need for a collaborative approach, involving ongoing negotiations with the landowner, to ensure the project’s feasibility.

In parallel, the council addressed updates on the MAT Bus transit services, with a presentation detailing the expected financial and operational landscape for the upcoming years. Cole Swangan provided insights into the 2025 Triennial Review by the Federal Transit Administration, noting a favorable outcome with only a single finding. Discussions included budgetary preparations for 2027, collaborative meetings with neighboring jurisdictions, and the transition of bus operators from contracted to city employees. This transition was reported to have positively impacted morale.

The conversation about transit services also touched on the cancellation of the Walmart transit hub project due to issues with easements, specifically a 90-day notice requirement from Walmart that conflicted with federal funding stipulations. Despite these challenges, the council expressed optimism about future transit developments, with ongoing efforts to secure additional state funding through North Dakota legislative channels.

Attention then shifted to the maintenance of local stormwater ponds, specifically the Summerwood and Woodbridge Ponds. The council discussed plans for dredging these ponds, a project estimated to cost around $575,000. This endeavor, funded through stormwater fees collected since 2010, marks the first major project financed from this source. The dredging process, scheduled for the winter months to minimize disruption, aims to remove approximately 10,000 yards of sediment from the Woodbridge Pond. The council examined the financial implications of this project, noting its substantial impact on the general fund balance, but acknowledged the necessity of maintaining clean water systems to prevent flooding and reduce undesirable conditions.

Personnel matters, such as the hiring of a new police officer, were briefly addressed. The council also discussed their ongoing collaboration with surrounding municipalities on local development projects, including the White Earth Casino, emphasizing the importance of continual engagement with local stakeholders.