Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s, Police & Fire, and  Public Works Committees met in Joint Session Thursday evening at City Hall, also available on the Teams platform.  Mayor Heinrich was not present.

 

 

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

Discussed was the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the community.

Council Member Buchanan read a statement from Central Valley Health District that said  the total of COVID-19 vaccination doses given to individuals  in Stutsman County as of March 24, 2021 were 10,723.

The latest total of positive cases was 3,322 since the beginning of the pandemic.  COVID-19 testing is expected through this summer.  There may be a booster COVID-19 vaccine required this fall, not known at this time.

Council Member Steele noted increases in positive cases in surrounding states, plus in Colorado where Jamestown United Express flights connect.  He said community members for the most part are continuing to practice safe protocols.

INFORMATIONAL: Police department and municipal court general update, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.

Assistance Police Chief Major Justin Blinsky said District Court is again holding court, with court notice being served by police. He added that the police are investigating compliance with the city’s Junk Ordinance. He added an increase of reports of suspicious activity in the city, and urges anyone to report if they see anything suspicious.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.

Fire Chief Jim Reuther said monthly trainings and meetings are being restarted, with 80-percent of firefighters having received the COVID-19 vaccines.

In cautions those using fire pits, to use caution and follow the Ordinances in Jamestown, and Stutsman County.

He added that inspections are continuing.

 

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

The committee recommends approval of a Change Order to Scherbenske, Inc., for construction on 2020 State Hospital Water Line District 20-62, for a net increase in the contract price of $27,590.09.  KLJ reported an issue that required extra excavation, with the line under I-94.

The committee approved recommending bid award for Seal Coat, Patching, Construction & Reconstruction District 21-41, and  the bid award for Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District 21-11.

 

The committee recommends  extending the hours at the City Baler for a clean-up / drop-off week in May 10-14, 2021. Clean up week in Jamestown this year will that week, however curbside pick up will not be held this year.  Those items can be taken to the baler that Monday-Friday from 8-a.m. to 6-p.m., and regular Saturday hours.  No charge to city residents that bring the items to the baler for the items up to 500 pounds per month.  It was noted that in past years, prohibited items were found in the piles at resident locations.  Printing costs outlining the regulations were put at $50,000.

This year’s Citywide cleanup was not included in the 2021 budget for cost cutting, with it estimated to cost $367,000.  Council Member Buchanan moved to send to the Council at the April 5, meeting without recommendation, extending the hours at the City Baler that week, which was recommended for approval.

For those not able to bring the items to the baler,  considered was a bulk pickup pilot program beginning June 1, 2021 at a cost of $5 per item for residents not able to bring items to the baler on a year ‘round basis.  The items being picked up and stickered, will be set on the curb with a pick up time arranged.  The pilot program will run on limited basis with reports on the program coming to the Public Works Committee, for review. The committee recommends approval.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Red River Valley Water Supply Project update, was presented at a recent meeting, with AE2S officials. Projected costs were estimated, but specific costs were not established.

 

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates included mill and overlay projects added to the STIP list for 2022.  Noted was the temporary pavement markings have been reinstalled, along the Road Diet project route through Jamestown.

The meeting was show live on CSi Cable 67, followed be replays.