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Jamestown (CSi) There was a special meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, at City Hall. Council Member Buchanan was not present.

The City Council considered placing an ordinance to amend & re-enact a Section of the City Code, to allow fireworks sale and detonation from July 1 thru July 5, from Noon to 11:00 PM, with the exception of July 4, from Noon to 1:00 AM. on the Novmeber election ballot.

At the August 4, 2014, City Council meeting the Council voted unanimously to place on the Special City Council meeting agenda, further discussion of placing the language on the November 2014 election ballot including sales and use of fireworks, based on Council Member Buchanan’s motion of dates and times.

City Attorney Dalsted drafted language of ballot.

From the audience, Gail Martin spoke and said the fireworks amendment is not needed, being “a minor thing,” and the Council needs to step up and make a decision.

Owner of Fantastic Fireworks, Corey Bayer spoke and presented the CsiNewsNow.com poll which indicated that 45% of the respondents wanted the present fireworks Ordinance to stay as is, which he still supports. He indicated other noises in the community such as barking dogs.

Danielle Schmidt said the poll indicated 56% of those taking part in the CSi survey indicated wanting a change of some sort of the Ordinance.

Lucas Keller a fireworks seller, said the issue is about keeping freedoms.

Ms. Schmidt responded by saying residents have a right to not have the fireworks noise.

An audience member believes the issue should come to a vote.

Mayor Andersen again stated, that she is not in favor on changing the present Ordinance.

Council Member Kourajian favored the Council making a decision.

Mayor Andersen said on the ballot, a YES vote would be in favor of the limitations outlined, a NO vote would mean the voter does not favor limiting the use and detonation of fireworks.

The ballot language: An Ordinance to amend & re-enact a Section of the City Code, to allow fireworks sale and detonation from July 1 thru July 5, from Noon to 11:00 PM, with the exception of July 4, from Noon to 1:00 AM.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the motion to put the issue to a vote was passed on a 3-1 vote with Mayor Andersen, Council Member Gumke, and Council member Brubakken in favor of the ballot measure. Council Member Kourajian voting opposed.

Also at the Special City Council meeting

Under Resolutions

Council Members considered the August 4, 2014 City Council tabled item relative to the request of Buffalo Holdings, LLC, for a five year property tax exemption for a Marriot Hotel project to be located on a portion of Block 6, Buffalo Mall Subdivision, 2400 10th Avenue SW.

Council Member Brubakken presented a study of 16 previous applicants and the Council’s vote.

Mayor Andersen said she favors approving the exemption, meeting requires under the City Ordinance, and tax revenues from guests staying at the hotel.

Council Member Brubakken said the paving at the Menards site would benefit the hotel.

Tena Lawrence, representing the University of Jamestown spoke in favor of the hotel, concerning recruitment of students, with additional hotel space for visiting students.

Clarice Liechty a partner in the development of the hotel project, spoke and pointed out other tax exemptions granted by the City Council in the past, and indicated a need for more hotel rooms in Jamestown, and pointed out additional jobs created by the hotel.

A motion was made to approve the tax exemption on a sliding scale, which died for a lack of a second.

A motion was made for a five year 100 percent tax exemption.

The Council voted unanimously to approve.

The City Council approved awarding the bid for replacement of permanent seating in the upper concourse of the Jamestown Civic Center to George Abell Construction in the amount of $439,205.

The City Council approved and authorized the issuance of improvement warrants and exchanging them for $4,520,000.00 Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2014, Series W, and awarding the sale of $4,520,000.00 Refunding Improvement Bonds, Series W.

Council Members approved and authorized the issuance of improvement warrants and exchanging them for $870,000.00 Tax Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2014, Series X, and awarding the sale of $870,000.00 Tax Refunding Improvement Bonds, Series X.

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