As the clock struck 5:30 PM on January 6, 2025, the Minot City Council convened in the familiar surroundings of city hall, where the air buzzed with anticipation for the discussions ahead. Mayor Ross opened the meeting with a light-hearted nod to the day’s events, humorously referencing the local sports scene to keep spirits high as council members prepared to tackle important community matters.

The mayor's report highlighted recent engagements, including meetings with workforce partners and a warm welcome back for members of the Minot Air Force Base who had recently returned from deployment. He also celebrated local achievements, notably the Minot State men's basketball team, which had secured significant victories over the weekend, and a personal shout-out to a player who broke a long-standing record.

A standout moment of the meeting came when Ellen Fenner from the Minot Symphony took the floor to announce an exciting initiative. In celebration of the symphony's upcoming 100th season, the organization is launching a national anthem contest titled "Your Mayanat Lyrics." This contest invites local writers to submit original lyrics that capture the essence of Minot, with the winning entry set to music composed by Dr. Emerson Eads. The initiative aims to foster community pride and creativity, offering a $500 prize and season tickets to the symphony for the winner. The deadline for submissions is April 21, 2025, with the winner to be announced on May 19, 2025.

Following the mayor's report, the council moved through the agenda with efficiency. The city manager and city attorney provided their reports, both of which were met with no questions from council members, indicating a smooth flow of information.

The meeting then shifted to public hearings, where the council considered a final approval for a Renaissance Zone application from BoomTown Enterprises LLC. After a brief discussion, the council voted in favor of the application, passing it with a 6 to 1 majority. The next public hearing addressed a building relocation request, which also moved forward with recommendations from city staff after a motion was made and seconded.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the council was focused on fostering growth and community engagement in Minot. With the new year underway, the discussions set a promising tone for the city’s future, emphasizing collaboration and local pride. The evening concluded with a sense of accomplishment, leaving council members and attendees alike eager for what lies ahead in the Magic City.