The Mandan city commission's frustration with the diesel fuel contamination cleanup and redevelopment of the affected area were apparent at Tuesday's special meeting.

Commissioner Dan Ulmer expressed his concerns and discouragement coming from letters appearing in the Bismarck Tribune and rumors running through the community regarding the remediation process.

"It's critical we start getting a good sense of where the plan is going and present the community with a plan in early March," Ulmer said. "We don't have a plan; don't know what going on. There are a lot of plans on the table to be organized, and we're not doing that. We have to have a plan in front of folks in early March that they can begin discussing, and then, by next fall, solidify that plan."

Ulmer questioned city administrator Jim Neubauer on the city's attempt to purchase the former Ratz Bar from the property's owner, Ivan Ganje. Neubauer said that attorney Malcolm Brown was checking the building for liens before making Ganje an offer for the building's appraised value. Ulmer told Neubauer the commission wanted an answer on the building as quickly as possible.

Ulmer also questioned Neubauer on the plan for cleanup on the north side of Main Street, whether any more buildings were going to have to be acquired, when the cleanup south of Main would start, and what were the plans for redevelopment of the south side.

Neubauer said the Mandan Remediation Trust had met with the cleanup contractor, Leggette, Brashears & Graham, about the north-side plan throughout the afternoon on Tuesday. He said the plan was so fluid at present, because of the many different options, that he didn't have answers for the commission. Neubauer said that, by Feb. 13, the plan should be much clearer and the commission would have some answers. LBG plans to call for proposals and bids for north-side remediation by the end of February, with plans for awarding by mid-March.

Also in mid-March, the contractor for the south-side project would return with about six weeks of work to complete before the system could be connected up and the switch thrown to start collecting the product contaminating the soil. Not long after that, the city should have some idea on what to expect in terms of cleanup.

Whether further acquisition of buildings would be required, Neubauer was also unsure. Outside of buying the Ganje property, there were no plans to buy any further buildings. But Neubauer said that, as the remediation plan for the north of Main was finalized, the situation could change and dictate further acquisitions. Owners of Vicky's, Old Town Tavern and the clinic indicated early on they weren't going to accept offers, but Neubauer said discussions may be revived.

The commission did display some enthusiasm for a plan Neubauer provided for redevelopment of the properties south of Main Street. An earlier plan offered by architect Al Fitterer had a stretch from the Depot to the Iverson Building turned primarily into green space. City staff took the plan and, using public input, came up with a compromise, including green space, parking and even room for some retail development. Commissioners indicated they may take action on the plan at next week's commission meeting.

LaMont proposed that the commission consider meeting weekly, even twice weekly, to keep up with the remediation process.

"I think we've been very proactive over the last three to four years, and we will continue to be proactive. As far as I'm concerned, we're not looking back, we're looking ahead. In other words get 'er done," LaMont said.

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