Carl Hokenstad, director of the Bismarck planning department, was in a pretty good mood on Thursday, in fact he was almost giddy.

On Hokenstad's desk was a document representing the finalized agreement with the residents of KMK Estates that will bring the subdivision into corporate city limits by 2012.

It is four-way agreement with the city, county, township and KMK residents agreeing to share in the costs of paving the roads in the subdivision located in northwest Bismarck. Twenty years ago KMK was rural living at its best, but city limits have reached out and around the subdivision.

Residents had resisted annexation, but the city forced the issue last year and through a long negotiation period a compromise was found. This kept the issue out of the courts.

Back in January, the Bismarck City Commission approved an agreement that brings KMK into the city. But it wasn't until this week that all 16 of the landowners signed off on it, bringing a smile to Hokenstad's face.

The first thing that will happen is paving of Arabian, Buckskin and Colt streets. The work is under way, according to Hokenstad. Cost of the work, which is under the watchful eye of county engineer Jon Mill, is estimated at $78,026.

The agreement calls for a four-way split of the project with Bismarck, Burleigh County, Hay Creek township and KMK residents splitting the cost evenly. Hokenstad noted that the KMK residents had provided their portion up front.

Getting KMK to eventually come into the city was a difficult task, according to Hokenstad, but he feels it may serve as a model should the city run into similar situations as it grows.

Bridge work

While most of the Bismarck-Mandan community celebrates Independence Day next week, work on Liberty Memorial Bridge will continue.

The North Dakota Department of transportation is urging that motorists be cautious when they enter the construction zone and with the many events planned for next week plenty of traffic is expected.

Boaters also are urged to observe the no-wake zone near the bridge as barges may be used to erect permanent shoring towners in and near the main channel.

Slow week

Usually the first week of a month means there will be plenty of meetings to attend.

But because the Fourth falls on Wednesday, several have been postponed to the following week including the Mandan City Commission, Morton County Commission and Lincoln City Council.

The only meeting on my calendar is Monday's Burleigh County Commission.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)