Board of Appeals - August 6, 2026 Minutes
Board of Appeals
August 6, 2026
Members Present: Clay Dietrich, Kevin Bartram, David Vig and Tony Wolf
Members Absent: Justin Schoenberg, Mark Lundberg
Others Present: Shawn Ouradnik (Inspections Director), Ryan Erickson (Fire Marshal), Alissa Farol Czapiewski (Assistant City Attorney), Mark Lundberg, Dr. Cory Steiner, Emily Dillard, Shelby DiFinzo, Adam Pangrac, Nikkie Gullickson, John Strand, Michelle Lemar
Clay Dietrich called the meeting to order at 1:00pm.
Kevin Bartram made a motion to approve the minutes from May 7, 2026, seconded by Tony Wolf. No one was in opposition and the motion was declared carried.
Unfinished Business – none
Shawn stated that there were only three board members present at this time. The information could be presented but it could not be voted on without four members. The board decided to take a recess in order to give the fourth board member a few minutes to arrive.
The meeting was called back in session at 1:05pm.
New Business
a. Appeal: Mark Lundberg/FPS Explorer Academy at 1729 16 St S
Shawn Ouradnik outlined the city’s position on the appeal, explaining that the project could be brought up to current code without requiring an alternative design method, particularly given the distinctions between E and I occupancies. Board members asked Shawn several questions and he provided responses to each.
Mark Lundberg with YHR Partners then presented his position regarding the appeal. Adam Pangrae, also with YHR, spoke to E occupancies and I. The Board asked Mark questions to which he provided responses to each.
Kevin Bartram made a motion that the variance be allowed or that it be acknowledged that there is no variance and the locks be allowed to be installed under the previous zoning.
There was further discussion between the board and both parties.
Ryan Erickson shared a few points from the Fire Department’s perspective regarding locks for E and I occupancies and the alternative design currently being used.
Cory Steiner shared some information about the school itself and the space in question. The board did ask a few clarifying questions of the school members present.
Alissa Farol Czapiewski shared some information regarding the bi-laws and how the board can proceed.
There was some further discussion.
Kevin Bartram made a motion to rescind his first motion, seconded by David Vig. No one was in opposition and the motion was declared carried.
Kevin made a motion that the city’s interpretation of the code is incorrect and the design should move forward as presented, second by David Vig. No one was in opposition and the motion was declared carried.
Announcements
NDBOA training in Bismarck this fall.
Clay Dietrich called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Wolf motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Kevin Bartram. No one was in opposition and the motion was declared carried.
Meeting adjourned at 2:09pm.