BEMIDJI 鈥� Monday night was a busy evening for the as it held a joint meeting with the and the before transitioning into its regular meeting.
The joint meeting primarily centered on transportation and collaboration, including discussions about Paul Bunyan Transit and efforts to address regional transit needs. While the idea of dissolving the Paul Bunyan Transit Board was raised, no resolution was voted on during the meeting.
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Both the council and the county commissioners are expected to consider the matter at their respective independent meetings once a resolution is drafted.
Sanford Center budget
During the regular meeting, discussion focused heavily on the Sanford Center鈥檚 2025 budget and strategic vision.
Sanford Center General Manager Bobby Anderson presented an overview of the center鈥檚 upcoming budget and goals, outlining a projected net operating loss of $494,573 while also emphasizing significant progress in the facility's financial management.
鈥淲e鈥檙e confident in the operation and the budget plan for 2025,鈥� Anderson told the council, explaining that much of the loss stems from strategic investments.
Among these investments are two new positions: a director of operations and a food and beverage manager for suites and catering, alongside a commissioned salesperson.
鈥淚 think the thought process there is that you're making an investment in these folks with the desire that they're going to assist in moving the center forward," Mayor Jorge Prince noted.
Council members praised Anderson鈥檚 leadership, with Prince emphasizing the center鈥檚 increased community involvement under ASM Global鈥檚 management and the importance of locally-focused events.
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鈥淚n addition to financial improvement, a couple of the other things we talked about (with ASM) was the desire to have more connection with our community," he said, "and to promote more events 鈥� especially for families."
Anderson highlighted the center's contributions to the local economy, pointing to the success of many events, including the recent earlier this year.
鈥淭he economic impact of that one event with no multipliers, real data, real survey results: $651,000,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he investment in one two-week event returned itself plus more for Bemidji.鈥�
At-Large Councilor Audrey Thayer also commended Anderson and his team for their inclusivity efforts and their work with local nonprofits. She also emphasized the need for continued investment in cultural events, including the Anishinaabe Arts Festival.
鈥淚 see your compassion,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I look for, is how compassionate is the staff in working in our community.鈥�
Future goals and challenges
Anderson detailed plans to enhance the Sanford Center鈥檚 offerings, including efforts to improve fan experiences at hockey games, increase student attendance and expand community events.
鈥淲e believe heavily in investing in the environment in the building first,鈥� he said, outlining efforts to reduce barriers, such as eliminating facility fees for student tickets to get more attendees in the center for events, which increases the energy and experience.
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Ward 2 Councilor Josh Peterson praised the changes, noting, 鈥淭he general feeling when you go into the Sanford Center is night and day from what it was three or six years ago. The energy, the positivity, the excitement 鈥� you guys have restored the fun.鈥�
The council also discussed challenges, including the need to address ongoing maintenance and capital improvement costs.
鈥淲e鈥檙e working hard every day to grow the Sanford Center and make it a place that benefits everyone in Bemidji," Anderson said in response.
Ward 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera expressed enthusiasm for incorporating more public art into the Sanford Center.
Anderson shared his plans for a local art competition to enhance the back-of-house walls so when musicians and performers arrive they are able to see what a beautiful place the Bemidji area is.
He also updated the council on efforts to reduce food waste, noting partnerships with first responders and the Bemidji Community Food Shelf to distribute excess meals.
Highway 197 MOU
Beyond the Sanford Center, the council deliberated on the Memorandum of Understanding requested from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the planned State Highway 197 improvements. The MOU outlined non-binding agreements for future traffic modifications, including proposed roundabouts near Menards and Applebee鈥檚.
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When it came time to vote on the topic on Monday, the vote on the MOU failed, effectively withdrawing municipal consent for the project. The council鈥檚 prior conditional municipal consent at its Oct. 8 meeting was contingent on approving the MOU, and its rejection reversed that position.
Concerns about specific design elements and pedestrian safety drove Peterson, Thayer and Prince to vote no. Ward 1 Councilor Gwenia Fiskevold Gould also voted no but later made a motion to reconsider, expressing her support for the project and noting concerns about alienating federal and state partners if the project were to fail. The motion to reconsider ultimately failed.
The council agreed to revisit an altered MOU at the next meeting so all council members are able to weigh in, as Ward 3 Council Ron Johnson was not able to be present.
The Trust Project
