Jamestown (CSi)  The City Committees met in joint session Thursday at 3-p.m., at City Hall.  All members were present.  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

The committee recommends  approving a Letter of Support for grant funds for the Great Plains Housing Authority for a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant for the testing and removal of lead hazards in single family, multi-family, owner, rental, and multi-use buildings; the first time a ND agency will apply for this HUD grant, which coincides with the mandated U.S. EPA Lead and Copper drinking water requirements.

The committee recommends approval of the updated City of Jamestown Title VI plans and policies in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and statutes, the amended Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and in compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs, and governing transit industry where applicable.

The committee recommends  approval and  to authorize signing of the Department of Transportation North Dakota State Aid for Public Transit Funding Agreement for Section 5311 and State Aid to Public Transit funding on behalf of Jamestown Taxi Service, and committing the local share of funds necessary as budgeted for (State FY 2021) CY 2020 – 2021.

 The committee considered the request from IDK to amend a section of the City Code to add the definition of “mason jar”; to allow removal of beer, wine, and liquor from an on-sale license holder; to allow any on-sale license holder to fill, seal, and sell a mason jar with beer, wine, or liquor for consumption off-site without an additional license.

Council Member Steele pointed out the liquor moratorium end on November 1, 2020 unless extended.

He said he has heard complaints of mason jars not being returned, and disposed of improperly.

Mayor Heinrich said the adjustment of the liquor Ordinance was not intended for this purpose, and is meant for the Ordinance to be in conjunction  with the sale of food.

Council Member Buchanan suggested tabling the “broad request,” until possibly considered by the City Attorney.

Heinrich suggested moving the item to next month Finance & Legal Committee meeting for further consideration.

Mike Harris from IDK said 40 -50 mason jar sales are now being sold per day, and has supplemented sales income. He indicated properly factor type seals are in place.

The committee recommends placing the request to the September Finance &   Legal Committee meeting agenda.

The committee recommends approving the request from IDK Employee Group to be recognized as an other public spirited organization and authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

INFORMATIONAL: Food Trucks and any vendors that originate outside Stutsman County must be licensed by the City to do business within the city limits, in addition to the ND Department of Health license required for the food trucks.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: The public hearing and second reading is scheduled at the September 8, 2020, Council meeting for an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the Distict Map to change the zoning of Auditor’s Lot 27-12, located in the Northwest Quarter Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from A-1 and C-2 to M-2. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE.

The committee recommends approving the request from ARD Properties LLC, for a Special Use Permit for property located in the the NW 1/4, Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE.

The committee recommends accepting the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. quote to conduct the five-year land use transportation plan assessment at a maximum of $13,819, to be paid from the General Fund.  SRF’s Scott Harmsted told the committee the present agreement centers on Transportation.  He said the current plan may no longer be viable.   Council Member Steele said the League of Cities recommends a five year review.  Mayor Heinrich asked if the present plan no longer actionable be forwarded to the NDDOT, which Harmsted said it can.

The committee discussed introducing an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 4 – Establishment of Districts, and to enact Section 5.4.4, Uses Permitted – Planned Unit Development (new section), all of Appendix C of the City Code as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Council Member Steele said the action needs to be approved by the City Council, and Planning and Zoning.  Scott Harmsted the action allows for more flexibility to protect sensitive issues.

The committee recommends considering the Ordinance as stated.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: The Civic Center calendar was reviewed in September, October, November, December 2020 as compared to 2019; and update of facility and community promotions. Civic Center manager Pam Fosse said limited access is now in force at the Civic Center, stemming from sanitation procedures.   She said the Civic Center is receiving requests for small attendance meetings, to meet with social distancing protocols.  She said the rodeos have declined to hold its events there due to North Dakota Smart Restart guidelines, concerning limited attendance in the building.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Police department general update.  With  training, Police Chief Scott Edinger said there is now one opening in the police department with a number of individuals in training.  Leroy Gross will be promoted to Captain to succeed the retiring John Gletne.  Lt Sid Mann is acting in the open position  in the Task Force, until a permanent replacement is named.

COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.   He said two officers are in Minneapolis, and in Fargo, catching up on training, since the pandemic began.

With parking, a section of Second Avenue Southeast is returning to no parking, and signage will be installed for parking regulations to allow for snow removal where necessary.   He said traffic flow pavement markings and being put in place, in the area of St. John’s Academy.   He thanked the community for their support in general and specifically. during the pandemic. and noted charitable organizations support including the Elks Club sponsored burger fry.

He said the traffic speeds on First Avenue since the traffic signals were turned off has increased some.

He added that three lanes of traffic is more beneficial to pedestrians crossing the street.

He cautions motorists to be weary of pedestrians crossing.

He noted that pedestrians school zoned are being observed by police during the school year.

INFORMATIONAL: Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.   Fire Chief Jim Reuther said inspections have resumed, as have trainings.   He said fire personnel are returning now to regular training. Three new fire fighters are in training, in addition to other new fire fighter hires, and recruitment is continues to improve.

He said the new ladder truck is delayed due to pandemic related issues, and the truck is painted and is waiting components.

The truck may be delivered in October this year.

Reuther thanked several businesses and individuals who have made monetary donations toward the purchase of the truck, including some for outside Stutsman County.

PUBLIC WORKS

Considered was the development and implementation of a City Industrial Wastewater Discharge Pretreatment Permitting and Compliance Program beginning in 2021 as mandated by the State of North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, and in compliance with the U.S. EPA.   Darrell Hournbuckle from Interstate Engineering said, the industries in Jamestown include, permitted users, Cavendish, Newman Signs, Great River Energy, and Collins Aerospace.  A presentation was made of industrial wastewater pretreatment guidelines and requirements for each of the businesses.

Mayor Heinrich said the requirement will cost the city additional dollars, under the permitting, which would have to be passed along to the users in the form of a permit fee, to cover the city’s costs.  He asked if those officials have the permission to send the responsibility and costs to the city, under the compliance program.

The committee recommends sending to the city council with approval.

The committee discussed the cost to grind wood waste as sent to committee by City Council on July 23, 2020.

The committee recommends bringing the issue back to the committee when more information becomes available.

The committee considered the vactor truck cost as sent to committee by City Council on July 23, 2020.  The cost would have to come from the equipment replacement fund. The matter will be placed on the September city council agenda without recommendation.

The committee recommends  entering into an agreement with CPS to provide the 2020 Annual Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Groundwater Monitoring Report and additional consultation regarding the City’s Groundwater Monitoring Plan.

The committee recommends  entering into an agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., for the 2021 Water Main Improvement District.

INFORMATIONAL: Change Order No. 2, to Scherbenske Inc., for 2020 State Hospital Water Line Replacement District 20-62, pertaining to the easement agreement with the State of ND, with no time or dollar amount change in the contract price.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates.  Travis Dillman said, the NDDOT has notified the city that  pedestrian crossing signs will go up as part of the paving striping, on First Avenue under the Road Diet project.  Pedestrian crossing beacons will be installed next spring.  He said the safe routes to schools program has implemented the improved traffic flows in the Middle School area, with bump outs and new pavement striping.  River bank stabilization is being addressed.

Review of 2019 Watermain Improvement District 19-61, was given.

INFORMATIONAL: University of Jamestown Stormwater related to renovations of UJ’s  Taylor Stadium.

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