CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Partly to mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around

10 mph shifting to the east after midnight.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain showers

in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, a 30 percent chance in the Valley City area. Highs in the lower 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the mid 30s. Northeast winds around 5 mph shifting to the west after midnight.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. Highs in the lower 60s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain showers.

Highs in the upper 50s.

 



Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Planning Commission met in Special Session Tuesday morning at City Hall.


A Public Hearing was held concerning the  Preliminary Plat – Jamestown Southwest Addition.


The area that has been annexed into the City of Jamestown was previously approved by the city for Commercial Zoning.


The area runs parallel to I-94 between Menard’s and Jamestown Regional Medical Center running east to west.


The area is west from 81st Avenue to Menards, on the east.  North of the area is JRMC.


Following the hearing, the preliminary plat of the Jamestown Southwest Addition, a portion of the North ½ of Section 3, T139N, R64W and a Replat of Lot 5, Block 1 of Menards Addition within Section 2, T139N, R64W, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission.


The Final Plat of the Jamestown Southwest Addition was next on the agenda.


A Public Hearing was held.


Clarice Liechty spoke and suggested a round-about be installed, based on truck traffic, as indicated in the Jamestown Land Use and Transportation Plan.


It was noted that truck traffic issues concerning turns was addressed in the planning design.


She added that easements for Rural Water may be needed to be addressed at this time.


It was pointed out that a 10 foot easement was provided, and discussed with Rural Water.


The City of Jamestown will provide city water for fire fighting purposes.


Chairman Hillerud pointed out that the future development needs to be kept in mind.


The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the Final Plat of Jamestown Southwest Addition, a portion of the North ½ of Section 3, T139N, R64W and a Replat of Lot 5, Block 1 of Menards Addition within Section 2, T139N, R64W, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota.


The items move on to the City Council for consideration.


The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.


 


Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal, Building, Planning & Zoning, and Civic Center & Promotion Committees met Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.


The committee recommended approving the request from JSDC for possible Economic Development Funds for ND Soy Processors, in the amount of $282,137, with the City Share to be $253,923 and paid for from the City Sales Tax Fund.  JSDC CEO Connie Ova said two employees will be hired at the outset, 2018 will see the majority of employees coming on board.


The committee recommends approving  the request from JSDC for Economic Development Funds for Train ND, in the amount of $45,000, with the City share to be $36,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.


The committee then considered and recommended the request from JSDC for approval of a” Project Legal Expense Policy”, in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per project.


The committee considered the request from W2005/Fargo Hotels(Pool C) Realty, LP for a reduction in the 2016 True & Full Value from $1,516,300 to $556,900 (on Lot 2, Block 1, a replat of Block 8 Except the W160’, Southwood 2nd Addition) Jamestown Comfort Inn.


City Assessor Jamison Veil said the reduction is based on the business’ 2015 income expenses.


He said the city wants to see income expenses from a few years prior to 2015 to include the past three years.


Veil requests the abatement be denied.


The committee recommends denying the abatement.


The committee recommends approving the purchase offer from Monte D. Morast for Lot 6, Block 1, Homestead Addition, in the amount of $6,100.00.  The property was taken back by the county, for non payment of taxes, and for the city to acquire the lot from the county


City Assessor Veil said Morast has put down 10 percent of the purchase price.  Some Specials remain, which Morast agrees to pay.


Informational: University of Jamestown students will be presenting a survey report conducted on behalf of the Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities at the May 1, 2017, City Council meeting.


Informational: A Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of a $4,800,000 Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bond, Series 2017, will appear on the May 1, 2017, City Council meeting agenda.


Departmental and financial reports were presented.


BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE:


The committee recommends approval of a Land Use Plan Amendment for a portion of Lot 1 within the NE ¼ of Section 26, Township 140N, Range 64W, lying and being north of a line extended from the intersection of the south boundary line of 9th Street with the east boundary line of said lot westward to the middle of the James River at right angles with the east boundary line of said lot, Lands in Jamestown, consisting of 8.4 acres, from Park/Open Space/Recreation to Low Density Residential. The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW.


The property was the former Bible Camp property.


The committee recommends introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code to change the zoning of a portion of Lot 1 within the NE ¼ of Section 26, Township 140N, Range 64W, lying and being north of a line extended from the intersection of the south boundary line of 9th Street with the east boundary line of said lot westward to the middle of the James River at right angles with the east boundary line of said lot, Lands in Jamestown, consisting of 8.4 acres, from P-O-C (Park/Open Space/Recreation District) to R-1A


(Single Family or Duplex Residential District). The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW.


The protests amounted to 25 percent, so when the request goes to the City Council it will require a two-thirds majority of all City Council members to be approved.


The committee recommends approving the plat of Jamestown Southwest Addition as recommended by the City Planning Commission earlier on Tuesday.


4) Informational: A Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance No. 1493, introduced by Council Member Gumke, to amend Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code pertaining to changing the zoning of a portion of the NW ¼ and NE ¼ of Section 3, T139N, R64W of the Fifth Principal Meridian, being within the City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from A-1 (Agricultural District) and C-2 (General Commercial District) to C-2 (General Commercial District) is scheduled for the May 1, 2017, City Council meeting agenda.


CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE


No items at this time.


The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.


 


Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Pedersen was not present.


APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:


Renewal Electrician, Plumber & Mechanical Contractor license for E & H Enterprises of Alexandria DBA Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C, & Electrical 


Raffle Permit for Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, St. Catherine’s Parish KC’s, Valley Quilters 


Application to Block off Street for Relay for Life on 2nd Ave NW from 4th St NW to Alley South of 5th St NW on June 16, 2017 


Application to Block off Street for Cruise Nights on June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14 and Block Party on June 8 on Central Avenue from 5th St NE to Entrance of City-Owned Parking Lot 


 


PUBLIC COMMENTS:  No one spoke


Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations. 


No personal attacks to persons present or not


No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform


5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair


Thank you for participating in City Government.


PUBLIC HEARING 


Open public hearing for liquor license transfer request for Captain’s Pub


City Fire Chief Gary Retterath recommends the transfer not be approved until Fire Code violations are made, mainly electrical issues.


The seller has agreed to take care of the violations.


The City Commission has tabled the transfer pending the correction in the violations, until the next committee meeting.


 


Another Open Public Hearing was held regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Water Main Improvement District No. 98


Following the Public Hearing the Commission approved Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Water Main Improvement District No. 98. City Auditor Avis Richter said the cost is over $959,000, with the city paying over $41,000 and the balance funded through Special Assessments.


An Open Public Hearing was held regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61 Special Assessments amount to over $292,000.


Following the Public Hearing Commission    approved    Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61


NEW BUSINESS:


City Commissioners approved a  gaming site authorization for Edgar A Fisher Post No. 60 of the American Legion at 322 E. Main Street


The City Commission approved a gaming site authorization for Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club at Bridges Bar & Grill, 264 Winter Show Rd. SW 


City Commissioners approved the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 558 East Main Street for $180,000, which is lower than the assessed value.




Approved was the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 494 East Main Street for the appraised value of $160,000.


Approved the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of Hub Mac Building – West Portion, 100 Central Avenue for the appraised value of $290,000, lower than estimates.


Approved the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of Riverside Apartments, 259 4th Street SW for the appraised value of $1,025,000.


The City Commission approved a request to purchase an unused city parking lot on Lots 3 to 6 Block 31 Original Township by Cornerstone Rentals MGT, LLC. The lot is south of Hub Mac, and north of the former Rec. Center, pending contact with the Park District on their possible use of the lot.  It was pointed out that Sheyenne Apartment tenants use the parking lot.  It’s possible the lot could also be leased.


The City Commissioners considered the adoption of the City Attorney Job description and direct city staff to start the process of filling the new position.  City Administrator Schelkoph indicated some cities contract out for services, while others hire a full time city employee, city attorney.


After discussions on options, the City Commission, voted to explore the options of an individual to hold the position of City Attorney, or a combination of City Attorney/Human Resource Officer.


The City Commission voted to advertise for the position of City Attorney.


CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT …No report was issued.


It was noted the street closures in Valley City and to restrict water usage on April 25, 2017, when the maintenance is being performed on the Master Sewer Lift stateion.


CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS


City Fire Chief Retterath indicated abuse on the use of fire pits, and urges citizens to be aware of the City Ordinance.


Avis Richter said, absentee ballots are available at City Hall, for the May 23, 2017 Special City Commissioner election.


Mayor Carlsrud reminded citizens of street projects and the permanent flood control projects, this summer.


The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.


 


 


Jamestown  (CSi)   A public forum is set at Jamestown High School’s Auditorium on Tuesday, April 18 at 6-p.m.


The presentation, “Can Jamestown students be most likely to succeed?’ will address 21st century learning in Jamestown Schools and feature an abbreviated screening of the documentary Most Likely to Succeed followed by a panel discussion.


State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, Jamestown Superintendent Rob Lech, Jamestown High School Principal Adam Gehlhar, and Jamestown Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Chief Financial Officer at First Community Credit Union Sean Rinkenberger, will consider how Jamestown students can be educated for success unless approaches to education evolve.


The public is invited to take part in the  discussion about what employers will need from employees, how students can be prepared for successful careers, and why a focus on success is more important than ever.


The forum is being sponsored by the Jamestown Public Schools, Greater North Dakota Chamber and the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce.


 


Jamestown  (CSi)  On Monday, the Jamestown Public School Board reviewed  incorporating a more college-type setting for high school students to better prepare for the future.


School Board members Diane Hanson and Steve Veldkamp addressed their tour of Bismarck’s  Legacy High School, one of 16 schools in the nation to use a flexible module schedule similar to staggered college courses instead of the traditional high school setting with all students on a one hour schedule.


The students attend classes at different times to keep the flow small and constant.


Veldkamp said the flexible module high school in Omaha has the highest college entrance examination scores in Nebraska.


Also at the meeting,  Superintendent Lech said the Citizen’s Advisory Committee is continuing meeting with designers, builders, faculty and community residents to understand the district needs.


The group is now prioritizing ideas for educational adequacy, facility needs and upgrades for safety, security and a healthy environment, he said.


The meeting was recorded by CSi Cable 10 The Replay Channel, with replays starting Tuesday.


 


Jamestown  (CSi)  The report filed in the investigation of an alleged complaint against Stutsman County Auditor and Chief Operating Officer, Casey Bradley shows no complaint was officially filed against Bradley.


A complaint was  made by a former county employee who resigned in December 2016.


The investigation was conducted  by Mercer County Sheriff, Dean Danzeisen, hired by the county.


Danzeisen reviewed the statement that the former employee gave to the Village Business Institute, and said the employee’s statement does not supply any specific complaint.


The Stutsman County Commission last week, unanimously accepted Danzeisen’s report and took no further action.


The Stutsman County Commission had approved the request from Stutsman County State’s Attorney Fritz Fremgen in January this year, to hire the Village Business Institute to conduct the investigation after he said he received the complaint.


Then, in February, the Stutsman County Commission reversed its decision following a review of the county’s personnel policy which indicated that the county sheriff should be investigating violations of the policy. The county sheriff has the discretion to bring in an outside investigator if he or she chooses.


Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser then asked Sheriff Danzeisen conduct an investigation into allegations that Bradley created a hostile work environment.


Bradley said after the meeting that he was glad the truth came out in Danzeisen’s report. Adding that “There was never any valid complaint.”


 




BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature has passed a measure that establishes protections for confidential drug informants.


The action Tuesday comes more than three years after 20-year-old college student Andrew Sadek was found dead in a river with a bullet in his head and a backpack of rocks tied to his body.


His parents, Tammy and John Sadek, have lobbied lawmakers to pass legislation so that informants can be better informed of their legal options to understand the risks they may be taking.


The legislation now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum. The bill clarifies the rights of people offered the role as a confidential drug informant, including their right to an attorney.


It also requires a written agreement with an informant. Law enforcement agencies also must undergo training before using them.




 


BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a comprehensive measure that regulates the state’s voter-approved medical marijuana initiative.


The Republican signed the bill Monday night. The Senate and the House earlier had gotten the needed two-thirds majority to amend the citizen initiative.


The measure, called the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act, won 65 percent voter approval in November. It allows the use of marijuana as medicine for people who suffer from debilitating illnesses.


The voter-approved version allowed far more freedom for citizens to grow and smoke the plant. Lawmakers removed provisions for growing it.


 




BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature wants a study of the state’s initiated and referred measure process.


The Senate and the House approved the measure on Monday that creates a 19-member commission to study whether any state law or constitutional provision should be amended. The study also will look at potential limits on out-of-state funding.


That portion was spurred after a California businessman put roughly $2.5 million into a successful North Dakota ballot measure that incorporate victims’ rights provisions into the state constitution.


The process allows citizens to bypass the Legislature and put a proposed law or constitutional amendment directly to voters if enough petition signatures are gathered.


The North Dakota Constitution includes the right of initiative and referendum, which is a process that voters may use to repeal new laws.




 


BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature has passed a bill that would extend criminal penalties for anyone who attacks health care and emergency workers with a bodily fluid.


The House passed the measure 76-16 on Tuesday. The Senate gave it a unanimous vote Monday.


It’s already a crime in North Dakota for an inmate or someone in police custody to strike a peace or correctional officer with bodily fluids. The measure now makes it a crime to assault health care and emergency workers.


Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.


 


MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Hundreds of tons of metal from a bridge in North Dakota will be recycled to provide material for new construction.


The Broadway Bridge in Minot has reached the end of its lifespan on the main north-south artery through the city and is being replaced.


Gerdau and Lunda Construction will be taking the removed steel rebar from the bridge and shipping it to a recycling mill for processing. The bridge is estimated to generate about 500 to 600 tons of steel.


The multi-national company Gerdau has mills in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company has recycled other North Dakota landmarks, including a Bismarck bridge used to make the Broadway Bridge.


 




FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Spring planting is underway in North Dakota.


The weekly crop report from the federal Agriculture Department says farmers in the southern part of the state have started seeding small grains crops. Northern North Dakota still has muddy ground, and there’s some spring flooding in the northeast.


Topsoil moisture supplies statewide are rated 93 percent adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is 91 percent in those categories.


North Dakota’s winter wheat crop is rated 77 percent in good to excellent condition.


In the ranching community, calving is 63 percent done and lambing is 75 percent complete. Stock water supplies are 96 percent adequate to surplus.




 


In world and national news…




CLEVELAND (AP) — The social services agency that employed a Cleveland man who shared video of an apparently random killing he committed says the suspect’s suicide brings both relief and sadness. Steve Stephens worked at Beech Brook, a social services agency in suburban Cleveland that deals with vulnerable young people. The agency says that “every suicide is a tragedy” but that Stephens’ death eliminates the community’s fear that he might kill again.


SHANGHAI (AP) — AS Ivanka Trump crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her merchandise brand is thriving, despite boycotts and limits imposed by several stores. The brand’s U.S. imports, almost all of them from China, surged by an estimated 166 percent last year. Ethics experts say commercial ties involving the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern U.S. politics.


WASHINGTON (AP) — Some ailing veterans can now use their federal health care benefits at CVS “MinuteClinics” to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A pilot program announced Tuesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently limited to the Phoenix area, but could be expanded elsewhere if it works. The effort comes three years after the VA faced allegations of chronically long wait times at its centers, including its Phoenix facility, which treats about 120,000 veterans.


ALPHARETTA, Ga. (AP) — A congressional special election Tuesday in Georgia is the latest proxy between Republican President Donald Trump and the opposition movement. Democratic hopes are pinned on Jon Ossoff, a former congressional staffer who has raised more than $8.3 million from around the country. He leads polls and hopes to win outright in the historically conservative district, where 18 candidates from both parties are lumped on one ballot. Republicans hope to force a June runoff.


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — One of the five Arkansas inmates who are still scheduled to die before the end of the month is due at a hearing regarding his request for further DNA testing of evidence from his case. Ledell Lee was moved from prison Tuesday morning and was expected at a 1:30 p.m. hearing in Little Rock. He is one of two inmates scheduled for execution Thursday.