Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s Police & Fire, and Public Works Committees met Thursday afternoon at City Hall.  All members were present.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

Discussion was held on replacing State of North Dakota ladder truck at the Fire Department.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuter made a presentation, and included equipment that has been appreciated out, and needs replacement.  He said the new ladder truck is needed for support and rescue, costing about $1.3 million, including a platform, with the ladder reaching over 100 feet.  The current truck has undergone expense repairs over the past few years, some of the repairs failed.  This year it was determined additional repairs are too expensive. He added the Rescue Truck has electrical problems, and repairs to the pumper truck is at a cost of a half million dollars.  He noted other equipment that needs replacement in the future, including the equipment truck. The search for grant funding has been unsuccessful at this time.

Mayor Heinrich said he and other officials met in Bismarck with state officials, including the Governor’s Office, saying that the truck’s funding has in the past come from state funds.  He added that local legislative representative have been informed of the situation, which could come before the next legislative session.  He feels there will be positive movement on getting state funding, on behalf of the state legislators.

Reuther said he is not comfortable with the liability of not having a ladder truck available, and is not comfortable in being in the position of Fire Chief without a ladder truck.

The cost to rent a ladder truck is estimated at $100,000 per year on a lease to buy basis.

The committee recommends the City Council pass a Resolution to forward to the Governor, and state legislators, stating the urgency of having a ladder truck.  Mayor Heinrich said the Resolution needs to be worded properly.

Considered was a review of police department staffing and operations.

Police Chief Scott Edinger said there is an urgency in recruiting new officers, which he said is a nationwide problem.

He said in Jamestown the call for service is higher than other cities of comparable size, due to agencies located in town.  He said over the past 11 months, nine officers have resigned for other employment.  The schools Resource Officer is also spending more time patrolling, than at the schools.

He added that the local pay and benefit package is not on a par with other law enforcement agencies. He pointed out several other issues, that are a liability to the police department.

He proposes adjusting the salary step policy, including new officers, and the residency requirement of an officer living in city limits.

The committee  took no formal action, and Mayor Heinrich suggested the city review the situation, and come back to the committee with recommendations.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Considered  was quotations for the Paste-type Lime Slaker for the Water Treatment Plant.

The committee recommends awarding the quotation to Integrity in the amount of $149,500 plus hiring a contractor.

Considered was the bids for the LeFevre Building Demolition at 1100 Railroad Drive. City Attorney Ryan said some of the bids were not opened due to not having the proper paperwork in place.  Three bids were viable and opened.   The committee recommends the bid be awarded to Dewin of Minot in the amount $22,350, and reject the other bids that were opened.

Considered was the prepared response to the NDDOT regarding I-94 exit 257.  The response includes the city opposed to closing the exit, and if it is closed, have a design in place for a 17th Avenue I-94 overpass and frontage road improvements at the cost of the NDDOT.

The committee recommends sending that response.

Prioritized was the 2021-2024 NDDOT Urban Roads and Urban Regional State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) list.   The committee recommends submitting the prioritized list.

Considered was the NDDOT elimination of bump outs on all side streets and at the intersection of 4th Avenue NW for an overall decrease of $292,900 in Main Street Road Diet project costs. Ben Aaseth with Interstate Engineering said, a stop sign would be at the side streets, and still be ADA accessible.

The committee recommends approval of removing all bump outs on side streets and 4th Avenue Northwest.

The committee recommends entering into a Cost Participation, Construction and Maintenance agreement with the ND Department of Transportation for the Jamestown Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) (Signing, Beacons, Bumpouts, and Sidewalks), Project No. TAU-2-987(042).

INFORMATIONAL: Quotations  have been received for 2020 Chemicals for the Water, Sewer & Wastewater Departments of the City of Jamestown.

INFORMATIONAL: Quotations received for 2020 Hydrocarbons for the City of Jamestown Operational Programs and Jamestown Park District Operational Programs.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates.

Interstate Engineering noted  a report from the NDDOT on the Road Diet Plan, including the only traffic signal be on 3rd  Street South, and one traffic signal on Highway 20.  A letter will be sent to the NDDOT indicating the city’s considerations for the plan, differing from that of the NDDOT.

INFORMATIONAL:

Recycling and garbage collection updates were unavailable.

The Committee recommends approval of entering into a cost participation, construction, and maintenance agreement with the NDDOT for the Jamestown Safe Routes to School, including signing, beacons, bumpouts, and sidewalks.