Jamestown  (CSi)  The City Council’s Committees met Thurs Jan 16 in joint session.  Council Member Phillips was  present by Telephone.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

The committee recommends approval the request from DRM Chef LLC doing business as Davoni’s  for an Alcohol Beverage License (On-Sale) at 113 1st Street West, for the period ending June 30, 2020.

Considered was the re-establishment of suggested sales prices on City owned lots for the year 2020.

City Assessor, Jamison Veil outlined city property not for sale.

Three properties were noted, for  sale, that have been on the list for a lengthy period of time, and recommends a sales price of $500. No offers have yet been made on those.

The committee recommends the suggested sales price.

The committee recommends approving the request from the JSDC for reimbursement for 2019 JSDC Real Estate & Special Assessment costs from Economic Development Funds, in the amount $7,291.30, with the City Share to be $6,459.67 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

The committee recommends approving  the request from the JSDC for $250,000 in Flex PACE interest buy down funds for 2020 from the Economic Development Fund with the City Share to be $200,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

The committee recommends approving  the request from the JSDC for $5,745.01 from the Economic Development Fund to reimburse Center for Economic Developemtnt building loss for 2019 with the City Share to be 90% or $5,170.51 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Discussed was the zoning and platting policies and procedures, as requested by the City Planning Commission, specifically concerning lot mergers, and notification of nearby property owners.

The time frame was also noted, speeding it up, cutting costs, and avoid taking those to the Planning Commission.  Planning Commission Chairman, Hillerud made suggestions to streamline the process, administratively.

The committee made no recommendations.

Recommended for approval was introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact sections of the City Code pertaining to the Building Code and Plumbing Code. Minor changes were noted, and need to be adopted in the new code.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No agenda items.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL:

Discussion concerned the Jamestown City Fire department’s ladder truck update. Mayor Heinrich said city officials will meet soon with state legislative leaders in the near future.

The committee considered storage fees for impounded vehicles. Police Chief Edinger said the city Ordinance needs to be reworked, concerning fees and impoundment policies.  Mayor Heinrich suggested media announcements in the event of a major snow storm, to move vehicles off Emergency Snow routes in advance. Council Member Buchanan said the Ordinance needs to be addressed on impoundment fees.

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

Considered was the reclassification of police department positions as presented, eliminate two positions in the police department, saving the city $131,000, which would be used to reclassify positions,  and increase the ranges.  Information was presented to the committee from Human Resource Officer, Jay Sveum with the recommendations.  He said recruitment and retention will benefit the position changes along with the range changes.

The committee recommends accepting the reclassification of positions, retroactive to January 1, 2020.

Chief Edinger said the UJ Hockey Team is planning a Hockey Night Fundraiser February 14, with proceeds to be used to replace the SWAT Team robot.

The committee recommends approval of using the proceeds for that purpose.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Discussed was the draft LPA Bridge Inspection Agreement and Bridge Plans.  City Administrator Sarah Helleckson says the NDDOT is opting out of inspections, stemming from budget cuts, with the county’s responsibility of 80 percent of the costs, saying the city does not currently have a bridge inspector.  She said the city has nine bridges.  Mayor Heinrich asked why the city will possibly have to pay a share of the inspection costs, out of the urban road funding.

The committee took no action at this time and moved the item to the February committee meeting.

Recommended for approvals were Plans and Specifications for the Civic Center Roof Removal and Replacement (1/4 of roof under this phase).

City Engineer – Public Works Project Updates Memo was presented to the committee.

Razing the former LeFevre Building will be started later this week.

INFORMATIONAL: Snow Removal policy changes have been discussed including rotating the start of snow removal within quadrants of the city.  Overnight parking in city lots prior to a snow storm will only be allowed at the fence area.  Emergency Snow Routes, parking bans would be enforced.  Other parking changes on streets will be made to make snow removal more efficient.

INFORMATIONAL: Recycling collection update. Recycle North Dakota manager Ralph Freibel said collections are inhibited in alley due to restrictions stemming from piles of snow at corners and entrances.

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