City Council
Regular MeetingMinot, ND · July 12, 2018
Minutes
July 12, 2018 Special City Council Meeting
MINOT CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING – JULY 12, 2018 at 5:00 PM
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Jantzer (by phone), Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight (by phone), Wolsky
Members Absent:
None
Mayor Sipma presiding and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTRODUCTION OF CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN FILLING VACANT COUNCIL SEAT
Mayor Sipma began by thanking the candidates who stepped forward to express interest in being appointed to the vacant City
Council seat. He mentioned the importance of reaching out as the first step in the process of becoming a Council Member.
He then invited them individually to share their qualifications and state why they should be appointed. He commented that
due to previous engagements out of town, Dave Shomento was not available to speak at the meeting.
Dr. Stephan Podrygula came forward to summarize a detailed statement he provided to the Council in support of his
candidacy. He explained his credentials by saying, he could be immediately effective as he served on the Council for the past
two years. Secondly, he said, voter preference indicates he was the next highest vote getter in the recent election. He ran for
Council three times in the past three years; he was elected in 2016 to represent the third Ward, elected in 2017, at large and
ran in 2018. He has extensive Council experience, as demonstrated by his 10 years of total experience from 1998-2002,
2004-2008 & 2016-2018. He described his extensive knowledge of city government by saying, he has had formal
orientations with nearly all departments, has attended staff meetings, shadowed staff and toured facilities. He also has
significant leadership experience evident by his membership in City, County and National organizations. He mentioned his
clinical skills particularly when it comes to listening to the citizens of Minot. He continued by saying, he has entrepreneurial
and business experience in which he developed valuable perspectives from both, civil-service and private sector. He has a
high level of trustworthiness, objectivity and analytical skills evidenced by his role as a forensic psychologist where he
served as an expert witness in over 1,750 legal cases. He concluded by explaining his long term commitment to government
effectiveness and efficiency.
Next, Mitch Kraft came forward and stated, he feels more people should take an active role in the community. He asked the
Council what questions they have for him.
Mayor Sipma asked Mr. Kraft how prepared he is to jump into the role on the Council considering the many facets the
Council has to deal with. Mr. Kraft stated, it would be an impossible task without the help of the fellow Aldermen. He said,
as a citizen of the town, he would do his best to take the information in front of him and give what he felt would be the right
decision.
Alderman Wolsky asked Mr. Kraft why he came forward to be appointed to the Council now, rather than before the election.
Mr. Kraft said, he thought about it but he wasn’t quite ready when it came time to submit the paperwork, however he
regretted not running.
Alderman Olson asked Mr. Kraft if he is currently on the School Board, to which Mr. Kraft stated, his term lasts another two
years. Alderman Olson followed up by asking if he has concerns about balancing the time commitment for both
responsibilities. Mr. Kraft said, he is not concerned and says he can balance the duties of both as well as his job, family and
school activities.
Mayor Sipma asked about Mr. Kraft’s work schedule and if it would be flexible enough to manage the commitments of the
City Council. Mr. Kraft responded by saying, he spoke with his boss and regional supervisor to make sure it was okay with
them. He said he runs a company called Prairie Supply and has two employees who will cover in case of any absences.
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July 12, 2018 Special City Council Meeting
The next candidate was Zoda Morgan Jr. who came forward and stated, he graduated from Minot in 1999 then moved away
for nine years. He lived in Texas and helped their city area with changes that he would like to bring to Minot. He said he
witnessed the flood wall changes in Grand Forks and would like to help Minot in that process.
Alderman Wolsky also asked Mr. Morgan why he came forward to express interest today rather than three months ago for the
election. Mr. Morgan said, three months ago, he was preparing for shoulder surgery but now that he is healing the time is
better.
Alderman Olson asked Mr. Morgan if he has the time and flexible work schedule to commit to the City Council. He
responded by saying, he runs his own detail business and can schedule appointments as needed.
Alderman Straight asked for each candidate to explain their thoughts on the state of the City Budget.
Mr. Morgan responded first by saying, he would have to look at it and use the current Council’s help.
Mr. Kraft said, he thinks the City does a decent job with what is available to work with. He continued by saying, it would be
a challenge to find a balance between what we can afford and what we need versus what we want.
Dr. Podrygula said, there are some tough choices but he sees some positive change moving forward. He explained, there is
more information available to the Council now than was provided in the past, including forecasts on income sources and
upcoming projects. He said, he believes the services have been cut to the bare minimum and although there are small savings
that can still be made, one of the main issues has been using sales tax to subsidize property tax and we are now in a period of
correction. He concluded by saying, it is up those in charge of the city to show leadership and no longer kick the can down
the road.
Alderman Olson made sure to confirm if there was anything else provided by Dave Shomento, to which the Mayor said, Mr.
Shomento submitted a written letter that was distributed to the Council prior to the meeting.
Mayor Sipma thanked everyone who took the step into public service. He said, there have been three elections in three years
and recognized the substantial public vetting process up to this point. He said he believes a nomination for appointment is
appropriate rather than waiting for a special election in November. Each candidate offers different viewpoints and diversity
is a good thing. He recognized the amount of time and commitment it takes to be an Alderman on a daily basis. He then
recommended Dr. Stephan Podrygula to fill the vacancy. He explained, Dr. Podrygula was the top recipient of the votes cast
for City Council that was not elected. Dr. Podrygula not only collected the signatures but he campaigned and shared his
ideas with the public. Mayor Sipma made sure not to diminish any of the other candidates who stepped forward to be a
leader and he welcomed them to come back, petition and run again.
APPOINTMENT OF ALDERMAN TO FILL VACANT CITY COUNCIL SEAT- STEPHAN PODRYGULA –
APPROVED
Alderman Wolsky moved the City Council appoint Stephan Podrygula to fill the vacant City Council seat for the remainder
of the term through 2020. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson.
Alderman Wolsky said, he received a lot of public input over the last couple weeks but for him, the input that matters most is
that of the voters during the election.
Alderman Olson agreed that in lieu of a special election, this is the best way it could be done.
The Council all thanked the candidates for coming forward and encouraged other citizens to be involved in the election in
two years.
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July 12, 2018 Special City Council Meeting
Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Wolsky, seconded by Alderman Olson, and carried by the
following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky. nays: none.
OATH OF OFFICE
DeVawn Beckman, Police Chaplain, performed the oath of office with the newly appointed Alderman, Dr. Stephan
Podrygula.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Alderman Olson moved the City Council meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by
Alderman Wolsky and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:26 pm.
ATTEST: ______________________________ APPROVED: _______________________________
Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor
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Agenda
CityofMiito~ City Council
-Special Meeting -
Thursday, July 12, 2018— 5:00 pm
City Council Chambers, City Hall
515 2”‘’ Ave SW, Minot, ND
TO: All Aldermen
You are hereby notified pursuant to the authority vested in me as City Manager of the City of Minot, North
Dakota, under Section 2-27 of the City of Minot Code of Ordinances, that I am calling a special meeting of
the Minot City Council to be held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, located at 515 2nd Ave SW,
Minot, North Dakota, on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to
interview and appoint an Alderman to the vacant City Council position.
_____ —
Tom Bany, City Manage~
AGENDA
MINOT CITY COUNCIL
- Special Meeting
1. Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Introduction of City Council Candidates interested in filling vacant Council seat
a. Stephan Podrygula
b. David Shomento
c. Mitchell James Krafi
d. Zoda Morgan Jr.
4. Appointment of City Council Candidate to fill vacant Council seat
5. Swearing in and Filing of the Oath of Office of New Alderman
6. Adjournment
Stephan Podrygula
1511 7th St NW
Minot, ND 58703
I am writing to apply for appointment to the Minot City Council, to fill out the remainder of the term left
open by your election as Mayor.
On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, the Council declared a vacancy and expressed intent to make an
appointment to fill the term, as Alderman, ending in June 2020.
Let me summarize the reasons I would like to be appointed.
1. Ability to immediately be effective. With my recent service on the Council, which ended on June 26, I
can immediately be productive and help deal with the important issues that are facing us. In particular,
we are in the middle of the yearly budget cycle and facing major fiscal challenges. The Council needs an
experienced individual, knowledgeable about the issues and processes, not someone who needs
considerable time to come up to speed.
2. Voter preference. In this last election, I received more votes than anyone else who was not elected.
Specifically, I received 318 more votes than the mayoral candidate who came in second, and 367 more
votes than the next candidate for Alderman (and missed re-election by 294 votes). Making the
appointment based on election results is democratic and honors the preferences of the voters.
3. Rigorous vetting. This is the third time I’ve run for Council in three years: elected in 2016, to represent
the 3rd Ward; elected in 2017, at-large; and not elected, in 2018, also for an at-large position. On each
of these occasions, I filled out numerous candidate questionnaires and attended multiple candidate
forums, subjecting myself to careful scrutiny by the voters. I also did extensive door-to-door
campaigning, knocking on over 20,000 doors (over three campaigns), and talking with several thousand
people.
4. Extensive Council experience. I’ve served on the Council for a total of 10 years: 1998-2002, 2004-
2008, & 2016-2017, representing the 3rd Ward; and 2017-2018, representing the city at-large. Having
started my service 20 years ago gives me a valuable historical perspective. My time away from the
Council has added a different perspective, too.
5. Extensive knowledge of city government. I have always worked very hard to become knowledgeable
about city departments, staff, and operations. In the past couple years, I have had formal orientations
with all but six of the 24 departments, lasting from a morning (e.g., attending staff meetings, shadowing
staff, touring facilities, etc.) to a full 24-hour tour of duty with the fire department. I have completed the
citizens police academy on two occasions, and also the citizens fire academy.
6. Significant leadership experience. Positions have included the following: Chair, Ward County Planning
Commission; President Minot Rotary Club; Board of Directors, Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and
Mid-Dakota Chapter of the American Red Cross; and President North Dakota Psychological Association
and a Division of the American Psychological Association.
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7. Clinical skills. My 40 years of doing clinical work have made me skilled in helping people solve their
problems and function more effectively. This can be of obvious value to the City at the present time.
8. Entrepreneurial and business experience. After 10 years as a civil servant, I started up my own private
practice, and have been engaged in the full-time independent practice of clinical psychology since 1989.
A private-sector perspective (as a small businessman) can be very valuable in municipal government.
9. High level of trustworthiness, objectivity, and analytical skill. In my role as a forensic psychologist
—
trusted by judges and juries, as an expert witness in over 1,750 legal cases I’ve learned the importance
—
of looking at complex situations objectively, carefully analyzing them, and weighing alternatives. The
City clearly needs such problem-solving approaches and skills at the present time.
10. Long-term commitment to government effectiveness and efficiency. Ever since my first year on the
Council, I’ve fought for openness, transparency, and accountability. The Minot Daily News previously
editorialized that I showed “proven willingness to ask the tough questions”, and stated “he might very
well be the hardest working council member”.
For all of these reasons, I would ask to be appointed to the City Council.
My thanks to you, and the rest of the Council for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Stephan Podrygula
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David Shomento
1301 2gth St NW
Minot, ND 58703
I would like to be considered for the appointment to the City Council to replace the vacancy of Shaun
Sipma. I have 3 years of experience on the City Council. I have experience working on the budget for the
City of Minot.
I will attend every meeting to my upmost ability and will do the research ahead of time to come to an
educated decision when called upon. I will work to resolve problems and situations as they come up. I’m
not afraid to vote for what is best forthe City of Minot and its citizens.
I have the ability to make informed decisions and stick by them. I will execute the decisions that are
made by the council and defend them. I won’t be “changing my tune” based on who I am talking with.
I don’t feel the appointment should just go to the next highest vote getter. This should not be the
automatic choice. There were 6 candidates running for 3 spots so the total votes were extremely spread
out.
I love this city and have very deep ties to the community. I get offended when people try to tear it down
and don’t try to be part of the solution. I have lived in other communities and there are problems
everywhere. Negativity is not going to solve anything.
My wife and I attend as many activities we possibly can and enjoy getting out and experiencing what
Minot has to offer. We try very hard to support small business and are excited to see the younger
generation so eager to succeed in Minot. We owned a small business in Minot that has been a tradition
for 59 years in this community. This is our home and we are proud to say we are from Minot.
I want to serve my community and be involved in the future of Minot. I am semi-retired and have the
time to spend working for this goal.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Mitchell James Kraft
1105 18-1/2 Ave SW
Minot ND 58701
I was born in Minot ND and attended Edison Elementary school until my family moved to the farm North
of Plaza, ND the summer before I started the fifth grade. We farmed approximately 2500 acres and had
an average of 50 to 65 head of cattle. That experience of growing up on the farm has had a significant
impact on the man I am today. Farming was defiantly a humbling experience and taught me the
importance of value. The value of time and time management, the value of life, the value of
relationships, the value of money, the value of honesty, the value of hard work. The value of knowing
that in most cases you do get what you pay for. I am so grateful for that opportunity. When I graduated
from Plaza High School I did not know what I wanted to do, I didn’t intend on going to college. I didn’t
think I would be good enough, after all I was just an average high school student. I had planned on
continuing to help on the farm. I did not know why at the time, but I remember driving home from the
field and telling myself that I needed to enroll at Minot State. After finishing the new student
orientation week I realized that this was where I needed to be.
My first board experience was as member of the PBL organization. After holding different positions I
ended up being president of both the local and State PBL chapters. I graduated with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Business. The best part of my Minot State experience was meeting my wife, Janet. As
soon as I finished school I was hired into the management trainee program at Menards. Les Vantnsdal
was in charge of the program at that time, and instilled in me the importance of taking care of
customers. He wanted to make sure that his customers were happy and he would do whatever
Menards would allow took to make sure that happened. After completing the management program, in
order to move up in the company, you had to move out and I did not want to leave Minot. I was offered
an inside sales position at Acme Tools. Randy Korslien was in charge at the time and he taught me the
importance of taking care of a customer no matter what the cost. If you had to lose money to keep a
customer, it is worth it over the life of that customer. I had my second board experience while working
for Acme, I was elected into the Minot Builders Association and after several years and different board
positions I became the President. It wasn’t long after I started at Acme that I was offered the inside
sales supervisor position. Managing people and teaching them the value of customer service was
something that I excelled at. One of our good customers at that time asked me out to dinner, that
wasn’t out of the ordinary, however I did not know two of the people at the table. After we finished
eating they offered me the opportunity to be the store manager position for a business that they
wanted to expand into Minot. That was awesome, and again very humbling.
Both of my daughters are active swimmers with the Minot Swim Club. I was asked to be on the board of
this organization, it wasn’t long before I became President and I am still serving in that role today. While
traveling for a swim meet, I was visiting with several fellow parents in the hotel lobby one night listening
to several parents talk about issues. I asked them why they were not involved and willing to do
something about it rather than talk about it. One of the responses, “why don’t you”, gave me the idea
to run for the Minot Public School board. There were three positions open and four people
running. After being voted in, I am currently on my fourth board experience, and am truly grateful for
having the opportunity to be involved in both my daughters and all Minot Public School students
education experience.
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Zoda Morgan Jr.
1502 35th Ave SE Apt 109
Minot, ND 58701
My name is Zoda Morgan Jr and I was born in Minot. I went to Minot public school and graduated in the
class off 1999. I worked in construction and odd jobs tell late in 99 then moved away for few years and
came back in 2009 and meet my wife Macy and settled down in southeast Minot with two beautiful
kids.
The reason I want to be on the city council is that since I been back I seen the taxpayers money used
wrong. I know Minot has lots of different stuff going on right now and would love to be bringing changes
to the city for the better. I lived in some different city think would work right here in Minot.
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