Jamestown  (CSi)   At a  special meeting of the Jamestown City Council  Monday, March 16 at 5:30 PM the Council, unanimously approved Mayor Dwaine Heinrich’s Declaration of a Health Emergency for the City of Jamestown that officially was issued on Saturday March 14, 2020. All members were present.

He said the City Code states that the Resolution needed to be ratified by the City Council within ten days of the declaration, and needs to be place before the city can apply for any federal financial assistance to cover any costs incurred by the city in the protection of city residents. The mayor added that the Emergency Declaration was also made prudently to alert the public as quickly as possible, of containing the spread of the COVID-19 Virus, and possible health hazards.

The Emergency Declaration also authorizes city departments to take necessary action and activates the Stutsman County Emergency operating plan.  Mayor Heinrich added that the Jamestown Civic Center events and activities have been cancelled through the end of March 2020, at which time a decision will be made on reopening, based on information from health officials.  That also includes the Civic Center being closed to walkers.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist said, the Stutsman Commission is to meet, Tuesday to ratify an Emergency Declaration as well.

Speaking at the council meeting, Central Valley Health District, Administrator, Robin Iszler said the health district has answered questions from the public concerning the COVID-19 Virus. She said eight counties in the area are being assisted with fit testing. She added, in the event of a positive test of an individual CVHD acts as a trace agency to determine who that person has had contact with, to help stem the spread of the virus.

She pointed out her office has phone numbers for the State Health Department and other agencies including web sites for additional information.

Great Plain Housing Authority, Director, David Kline pointed out that during this time, services of his agency my be limited, and pointed out other services available.

The Jamestown Emergency Declaration follows the National Emergency Declaration by President Donald Trump, and the North Dakota Emergency Declaration by Governor, Doug Burgum.

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