While building a hotel adjacent to the Bismarck Civic Center has been a topic of past discussions, the city commission brought it to the table for further discussion on Tuesday.

"There's been considerable discussion, primarily in the media," Mayor John Warford said. "There may be interested parties out there in the hotel industry. Do we want to encourage a hotel be built and put out an RFP (request for proposal) making it fair for all?"

Commissioner Bryce Hill attempted to make the motion calling for an RFP, saying he thought the commission wanted to see that type of project completed. Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk seconded Hill's motion, to put the project out on RFP, leading to discussion.

"What we're doing is asking staff to begin the RFP process, but we may want this to come back to the table before it goes out because we have lots and lots of issues,"Sprynczynatyk said. "Not the least is financing."

Commissioner Sandi Tabor suggested the city instead issue an RFI (request for information), not limiting development to just a hotel.

"I'm not sure if there is interest in doing a hotel within the vicinity of the Civic Center," she said. "By doing an RFI, it would be like throwing out a blanket to anyone interested in doing something in the Civic Center area. They would provide the information and we might say OK."

Hill amended his motion to coincide with Tabor's suggestion.

Tabor also wanted it made clear in the RFI language that city financing was not available - at least not at this time.

"I know United Tribes (Technical College) was looking at doing something. One thing we were firm on is that we weren't going to underwrite construction of a hotel," Tabor said. "In the agreement being develope,d there was heavy emphasis on the city part, and that's what made us uncomfortable. We do not have the ability to finance a hotel. Unless the commission's feelings have changed, it needs to be made clear the city is not looking to finance."

Commissioners agreed, approving the call for the RFI.

In other activity, the Bismarck City Commission:

3 Officially named the building at the corner of 5th Street and Front Avenue the "Public Health Center" and also instituted a no-smoking policy within the building, on the parking lot or within 40 feet of the building.

3 Approved an addendum to the Employee Ethics Policy regarding business ethics.

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