BISMARCK, N.D. – “There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst drivers about when to stop for school bus flashing lights which creates a serious danger to children,” said Sergeant Mark Buschena, Bismarck Police Department. “Bismarck Public Schools are now busing school children within the City of Bismarck which has increased the number of school buses on the roadways,” said Buschena. The rules are clear.

According to state law, when a school bus is stopped on the roadway displaying its flashing red lights or the stop sign on the control arm, the driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction shall stop before reaching the school bus. You may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, you’re signaled by the school bus driver to proceed, or the flashing red lights are turned off. Yellow or amber caution lights may be activated first to notify drivers to get ready to stop before the red flashing light or stop sign on the control arm is displayed. The fee for violating this ordinance is fifty dollars and six points. Please help keep our children safe.

For more information visit www.bismarck.org

A new poll has been posted to the City of Mandan website. Visit the Polls section of www.cityofmandan.com to answer this question:

How useful is the new City of Mandan website?

Residents will determine during the Nov. 2 general election if they want a citywide noise ordinance for Mandan. Following is language that will appear on the ballot:

An initiated ordinance for the City of Mandan relating to the regulation of noise.

Shall an initiated ordinance relating to the regulation of loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noises which are prolonged, unusual or unnatural and are a detriment to public health, comfort and welfare of the city inhabitants be adopted?

Yes – Means you approve the initiated ordinance as summarized above.

No – Means you reject the initiated ordinance as summarized above.

Citizens Charles Gerhardt, Richard Haman and Connie Haman initiated the proposed ordinance by gathering 475 signatures to get the measure on the ballot. After 77 signatures were removed for addresses outside of city limits, incomplete dates, duplicates, or lack of a qualified elector signature affixed to the petition, the balance of 398 exceeded the 341 valid signatures needed.

The proposed ordinance is similar to regulations in Bismarck, but provides exceptions for Buggies-n-Blues, July 4 events, the racetrack, bandshell concerts in the park and use of fireworks set by the city. It gives the chief of police authority to grant other exemptions such as if conditions warrant allowing additional time for an applicant to modify its operations or for temporary activities.

The proposed ordinance provides for different sound limits according to industrial, commercial and residential zoning.
• Residential zones would allow up to 55 decibels of noise from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 50 decibels after 11 p.m.
• Commercial noise would peak at 65 decibels during the day and 60 decibels after 11 p.m.
• Industrial noise would cap at 80 decibels during the day and 75 decibels at night.

Offenders would face a maximum fine of $500.

Download the complete proposed ordinance at www.cityofmandan.com in the New section. It is also available upon request at City Hall.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Bismarck Human Relations Committee will kick-off “Diversity University”, Putting “U” in Community, a series beginning Thursday, September 2, and continuing each week throughout the month of September through Thursday September 23, 2010. Each weekly event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Bismarck Public Library, 515 North Fifth Street. The events are FREE of charge and the public is welcome and invited to attend.

September 2 – “The Brain is Part of the Body: Equal Treatment and Equal Opportunity”
A discussion on mental health issues. Presented by Susan Helgeland, Executive Director of Mental Health America of ND.

September 9 – “Overcoming Barriers: A Hispanic Perspective”
Presented by Emily Bonilla Gonzalez, Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservationist, Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager

September 16 – “A Place At the Table”
Attention to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) issues.
Presented by Brenda Eslinger

September 23 – To be Announced

The mission of the Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and to eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.

For more information visit www.bismarck.org or call 701-355-1300.

The City of Mandan’s preliminary budget for the year 2011 is available for review at www.cityofmandan.com.

A public hearing will be held during a City Commission meeting to be held Sept. 7 beginning at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the budget, please contact the Finance Department by calling 701-667-3213 or send an e-mail.