Members of the public interested in bringing their issues before the Minot City Council will have a somewhat different protocol to follow.

The council adopted a resolution outlining the process for public comment at its meetings in accordance with a requirement to do so in a new state law. The council worked with a model resolution drafted by the North Dakota League of Cities to craft its own policy.

The most notable change will be the need for people to fill out speaker cards with name, address and topic. Council members debated the use of a card versus continuing past policy in which people would state their information or write it on a clipboard available at the podium.

Council member Lisa Olson suggested cards be available to save time once speakers reach the podium. Cards would be accessible for people to fill out either in advance of the meeting or on the spur of the moment if someone decides at the last minute to speak.

Council member Mike Blessum said he could support that plan because his intent is to maintain the openness that has existed.

“I would love for us to walk out so that this isn’t worse than we have. I don’t think we’ve had any disservice done to the city by listening to everybody that’s been up here,” he said.

Currently, public comments are taken toward the end of the council meeting, with speakers allotted 5 minutes unless granted more time by the council. No change is being made with the new policy.

Other provisions of the policy include requirements that comments be restricted to issues over which the council has authority, be directed to the council as a whole and not include remarks that are defamatory, abusive, harassing or unlawful. Comments should not relate to information regarding exempt or confidential information under state law or interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting. Speakers cannot yield their allotted time to another individual.

The approved resolution will be in effect for council meetings going forward.

Rosehill to expand columbarium

The Minot City Council approved on Monday spending $92,000 to expand its columbarium at Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rosehill is experiencing a significant shortage of columbaria niches, with only 14 niches remaining and utilization at 90% capacity, according to information provided to the council. The plan approved by the council would procure four columbaria sections, each providing 48 niches, resulting in an increase of 192 total niches for the community. The proposed expansion is projected to meet community requirements for an additional six to 10 years.

An analysis of cremation trends from 2002 to 2024 shows a 550% surge in demand, underscoring the necessity for increased niche capacity, Public Works Director Bryan Banfill reported to the council. The number of cremations increased from 15 cremations in 2002 to 83 in 2024. Meanwhile, traditional burial services saw a 36% decline.

“Moreover, the cemetery has observed a consistent increase in niche sales over the past nine years, starting from 12 in 2016 and reaching 17 in 2024. Rosehill Cemetery remains dedicated to addressing the dwindling supply of columbarium niches, ensuring that the needs of the community are met well into the future,” Banfill’s memo to the council stated.