recycle_logoJamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council held a budget meeting on Tuesday afternoon, at City Hall.  All members were present.

Tami Dillman from Central Valley Health District spoke concerning the proposed signage in the community to promote safe walking route.  She said funding comes from a grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.   She outlined the route, joined by Jamestown Tourism Director Searle Swedlund.  Tami has also met with Harold Sadd concerning posting signs.

The route is a mile and a half, with signage pointing out attractions, including the Hansen Arts Park and the Basilica of St James.  Searle pointed out the route will include the  tourismTalking Trail signs.

The committee recommends approved the proposal.

 

The City Council then considered the renewal of the Jamestown Tourism agreement and the Jamestown Public Site lease.  The council moved to allow Pam Phillips to vote, being a member of the tourism board.

With the agreement, Swedlund asked to return to the formula of a percentage of funds received in tax revenues.  The projection for 2017 is $359,500 in hospitality funds.

The committee recommends moving the item to the City Council without recommendation.

 

Discussion was also held on curbside recycling in Jamestown.

Renaissance Recycling in Jamestown, and Dakota Sanitation of Bismarck, have submitted proposals, and was discussed  before revisiting the 2017 city Sanitation Budget.    http://csinewsnow.com/?p=106268

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs explained the logistics, and costs of automated collections, pointing out the use of two dual-arm trucks, with no backup unit in the event a unit goes down.

Two rear loading trucks will be used, and three roll off trucks.  Funds exist for the purchase of one automated truck, with the other truck and carts purchases to be funding by loans.  The carts will varying in size.

The automated recycling program would eliminate six positions.

The recycling is estimated to totally collect 1300 to 2000 tons, annually, at an estimated cost of $4.65 per month, for the automated recycling program, including single family homes, mobile homes and apartments.  The cost for carts would be an additional amount.

Fuchs said the costs were determined in order to pay for the anticipated costs.

Under Pay as you Throw, there will be a fee for disposal at the landfill for residents.

Mayor Andersen said that the proposal from Renaissance Recycling is her preferred recycler, based on costs, with a monthly fee of $17.50 per month with implementation in July of 2017, with Pay as you Throw.  A five year contract with a five year renewal.

Rick Anderson from Dakota Sanitation of Bismarck suggested curbside, instead of alley pick ups, due some logistic problems, concerning clearance and utility wires.

Mayor Andersen said 60 percent of Jamestown resident have alley pick up, and the proposal specified alley recycling. She said the city and vendors will work together concerning automated pick ups.

The committee recommends starting contract  negotiations  and contract drafts with Renaissance Recycling of Jamestown.

Joan Morris from the City Beautification Committee has questions on the calculation of the recycling rates, and fees.

Mayor Andersen said the numbers will likely be refined, and that the calculations will be discussed between City Beautification and City Administrator  Jeff Fuchs.

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive, Becky Thatcher-Keller thanked the city for moving forward with a recycling plan.

 

The meeting then moved on to the final Review of the 2017, budget.

City Administrator Fuchs said the budget will include recycling when finalized  recycling numbers are reached.

The property tax increase amounts to 3.54% increase, while the Mill Levy actually decreases from 101.92 Mills to 98.38 Mills, based on property valuations.

The budget will be moved to the full City Council for consideration.

 The meeting was shown live on CSi 67.