Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Sept 2

CSi Weather…

 TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 50S. SOUTHWEST WINDS
AROUND 5 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHEAST AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.WEDNESDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S. EAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA A 40 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA . SOME THUNDERSTORMS MAY BE SEVERE. LOWS
IN THE MID 50S. SOUTHEAST WINDS AROUND 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE
NORTHWEST AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA. BREEZY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S.
NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S. NORTHWEST
WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S TO
MID 70S. LOWS AROUND 50.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 50S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE MID 70S.
.MONDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S.
.TUESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S.

 

 THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP OVER NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA WEDNESDAYAFTERNOON BEFORE SPREADING SOUTHEAST AND INCREASING IN COVERAGE  AND INTENSITY WEDNESDAY EVENING. THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK THAT SOME OF THESE STORMS MAY BECOME SEVERE WITH LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS. IN ADDITION…LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL BE  POSSIBLE…ESPECIALLY OVER NORTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to an oven fire about 1:20-p.m., on Tuesday at 143 Sunnyside Trailer Court.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says a neighbor attempted to put out the fire, and the fire department was called.

He says the fire was caused by a malfunction in the gas oven.

Fire damage was confined to the oven, with some smoke damage to the residence..

No injuries were reported with five city fire units and 26 firefighters on the scene about one hour.

 

 Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

Mayor Andersen was not present, Council President Gumke presided over the meeting.

Consent Agenda items discussed separately…

Item “E” was discussed separately a Resolution to approve the request from JSDC for $20,000 from the Economic Development Fund for roof repair on the Economic Development Center building, with the City Share to be $18,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. An update on the project was updated by JSDC CEO, Connie Ova. The item was tabled until contractors are heard from on the project, and bids are received on changes in the project.

Item “H” be discussed separately a Resolution to authorize using an estimated $350,000 from the City Sales Tax Fund, on behalf of the Stutsman County Water Board and the four adjacent townships, to be used for funding a Storm Water Drainage Study for the area surrounding the City of Jamestown with the scope of the study to be drafted by the City Engineer. The JSDC Executive Committee has not acted on the item, and the City Council tabled the item until after the JSDC meets on Monday September 8, 2014.

Item “L” was discussed separately a Resolution to authorize an amendment to the Planning and Zoning Technical Services Contract with SRF Consulting to provide for additional funding of approximately $25,000 for services to be provided by the firm for the remainder of the year.  After discussion of the item and an explanation at the request of Council Member Kourajian, the City Council voted to approve the authorization and amendment.

Regular Agenda

Resolutions

The City Council discussed establishing the definition for affordable housing in the city for 2 bedroom apartment rental and utilities, to be equal to 80% of the median household income based on the 2010 census times 30% divided by 12, including dollar amounts.

The definition is needed under the Flex Pace Afforedable Housing multi-family houseing projects within the city.

Council Member Buchanan said he has heard comments from the community that the figures should be readjusted. Council Member Brubakken said he has reservations about the amounts. City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf said the numbers are meant to be a threshold. JSDC CEO Connie Ova said the definition applies only to multiple housing units. City Administrator Fuchs pointed out that the program is NOT a housing subsidy.  The City Council voted 2-2 and did not pass the definition. Council Members Kourajian and Buchanan voted in opposition.

 

The City Council approved Change Order No. 2, to RTS Shearing, LLC, for Paving, Water & Sewer District #13-42, 13-63 & 13-33, (3rd St NE Improvements–25th to 27th Ave), for an increase in the contract price of $1,283.49.

The City Council approved Payment No. 5 & Final, to RTS Shearing, LLC, for Paving, Water & Sewer District #13-42, 13-63 & 13-33, (3rd St NE Improvements–25th to 27th Ave), in the amount of $4,630.37.

Ordinances:

A FIRST READING: of an ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the General and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015.

A FIRST READING: An ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the Revenue and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015.

At this point the numbers can only be reduced, and not increased.

Mayor Andersen has said yet to come before the Council are budget requests from the Public Works Department, a police department personnel addition budget request, and tourism and JSDC requests.

She said the final readings will come before the October 6, 2014 City Council meeting.

 

Hearing From The Audience  Charlie Kouajian spoke as a representative of the group looking to establishing a Jamestown bus stop shelter, for Jefferson Bus Lines. He asked the City Council to request the JSDC to provide up to $15,000 in public funds for construction plus adding electricity and internet service to the bus stop. He said he would not vote on the issue as a City Council member. Council Member Gumke said Jefferson Bus Lines should provide dollars in to a bus station project. Council Member Buchanan said the lack of a bus shelter in Jamestown, makes the community “look backward.” He also suggested using Jamestown Regional Airport as a bus depot location.The City Council will move the issued to this month’s committee meeting.

No Appointments were made

Mayor and Council reports….none were given

Other Business:

Approved the requests from Corner Bar to conduct street dances at 2nd Street SW/100 Block(East ½), on September 5, 2014, from 4PM to 2AM; and on September 20, 2014, from 2PM to 2AM.

Approve the request from Cork & Barrel to conduct a street dance at 4th Street SW/200 Block(East ½), on September 12, 2014, from 5:30 PM to 12AM.

The City Council approved a payment to Swanberg Construction in the amount of $220,780 for pump station improvements.

The Council Members also accepted a affidavit of a lost check and authorized the issuance of a duplicate check in the amount of $95.74.

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

 

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.

A new Valley City Police officer was sworn into duty, by Mayor Werkhoven.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,877,399.38

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VC Men’s Bowling Assn. and USBC Youth Bowling.

A new Plumbing, Electric, Heating and Cooling License for Precision Plumbing, Electric, Heating or Cooling.

PUBLIC FORUM  NO ONE SPOKE

ORDINANCES

Approved second and final reading of Ordinance No. 976, an ordinance rezoning of property from I-1 Light Industrial to B-2 Highway Business District (Fairhill Properties).  Commissioner Pedersen abstained from the vote.

Approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 979, an ordinance rezoning of property from R-2 Single and 2 family Districts to B-2 Highway Business District (Perkins).  Commissioner Magnuson abstained from the vote.

NEW BUSINESS

Appproved the  transfer of water service from Barnes Rural Water to the city for Swanberg Construction’s east main project, at a cost of $3,500.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for the Frank S. Henry Post 2764 at The Captain’s Pub.

Approved Fireworks Display across from the AmericInn on September 13, 2014 around 8:30 p.m., for about 10 minutes, with the stipulation that the display be over by 10-p.m.  Fire Chief Retterath said he approved if the fireworks is set off in accordance with laws.

The City Commission approved the Housing Task Force Incentive for 2015. City Administrator Schelkoph said the matter is reviewed annually.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph said the electric and water meter installation is over 4,000, with over 200 load control units installed.

He pointed out the road construction and other projects in Valley City this summer, including the water main project, which is about two weeks behind. More workers are being added to the project.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Russell Myhre said he has been in contact with the Economic Development attorney as directed by the City Commission to discuss issues of concern between the city and economic development.

City Auditor Richter gave an update on the preliminary city budgeting process, with the publication a few days away.

She added a public hearing is planned on the 9^th Avenue Northwest project concerning Special Assessments, with another public hearing later.

Commissioner Nielson reminded that the Wings and Wheels Air Show is this Saturday September 6, 2014 at the Barnes County Municipal Airport.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

 ELLENDALE, N.D. (AP) – An Ellendale judge has found a North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation agent in contempt of court and ordered the state to pay nearly $49,000.
 
     Agents confiscated a pay loader in May from Darrell Schrum’s shop in Forbes after an investigation found it was stolen. Schrum told authorities he didn’t know about the theft and said he bought the loader in good faith.
 
     Schrum’s lawyers argued BCI special agent Arnie Rummel gave the loader away without approval and said he should be held in contempt.
 
  Judge Daniel Narum agreed to that Tuesday and ordered the state to reimburse Schrum for $48,840, plus the other costs and fees.
 
     Rummel could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

 

  MERCER, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the man who died near Mercer when an all-terrain vehicle flipped over in a roadside ditch.
 
     The Patrol says the man was 49-year-old Patrick Anderson of Bismarck. Authorities say Anderson was riding in the back cargo area of the ATV when he was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
     The Patrol says 48-year-old Carla Keller, of Fargo, was driving a 2014 Can-Am side-by-side ATV to a residence in Brush Lake when the vehicle hit an approach, vaulted and landed on its top in the ditch.
 
     Keller and passenger 48-year-old Erik Wagner, of Pennsylvania, were transported to the hospital.
 
     The Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.

 

 FARGO, N.D. (AP) – An advisory team with the Higher Learning Commission has given a mostly favorable report on the North Dakota University System and the state Board of Higher Education but has suggested more monitoring.
 
     The Chicago-based group handles accreditation for colleges and universities. Former Valley City State President Ellen Chaffee filed a complaint with the commission in April 2013 alleging poor leadership amid a controversy surrounding then-University System Chancellor Hamid Shirvani, whose contract was later bought out.
 
     The advisory team visited last April. Commission President Barbara Gellman Danley in a letter late last week said the North Dakota system is in compliance with requirements. But the report also says additional improvement is necessary in some areas and suggests more monitoring.
 
     The commission’s Board of Trustees will consider the report in late October.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Navy has put the $2.6 billion submarine named North Dakota through tests to determine its seaworthiness and capabilities, ahead of its Oct. 25 commissioning.
 
     The Navy says the sub was delivered on Aug. 29, and put through trials in the Atlantic Ocean that included taking it underwater, testing its propulsion plant and conducting an emergency resurfacing.
 
     Rear Adm. David Johnson says “North Dakota and her crew delivered an outstanding performance.”
 
     The sub can launch cruise missiles, deliver special forces commandos and carry out surveillance.  It is the first Navy vessel to carry the name North Dakota in a century. It was to be commissioned in Connecticut in May, but that was postponed because of several design changes.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Tribal leaders in the Dakotas will discuss topics ranging from health care to economic development during an annual gathering in Bismarck this week.
 
     The 18th annual Tribal Leaders Summit is Wednesday through Friday at the Bismarck Civic Center. Coordinator Julie Dejarlais (deh-ZHAHR’-lay) tells The Bismarck Tribune that there will be a panel of experts to give updates on issues, and a panel of tribal leaders who will ask questions.
 
     Dejarlais says the goal of the question-and-answer format is to give the audience a clearer picture of issues impacting American Indians.
 
     The keynote speaker this year is 1964 Olympic gold-medal runner Billy Mills. The Oglala Lakota athlete now works with an organization that helps American Indian youth.
 
     The summit coincides with the United Tribes International Powwow, Thursday through Sunday.

 

In sports…

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The number of pheasant hunters declined in North Dakota last year, along with the number of birds they shot.
 
     The Game and Fish Department says there were about 76,000 pheasant hunters last year, a drop of 11 percent from 2012. They killed 447,000 roosters, down 27 percent over the year. Birds bagged per hunter dropped from 7.2 to 5.8.
 
     The annual pheasant season statistics are determined by a mail survey of resident and nonresident hunters.
 
     This year’s spring pheasant crowing count survey indicated a 6 percent rise in North Dakota’s pheasant population. A late-summer brood survey will give a better indication of pheasant production.

 

In world and national news…

 BEIRUT (AP) – The Islamic State group says it has beheaded another American journalist, in retribution for continued U.S. airstrikes in Iraq. An internet video posted Tuesday purports to show the beheading of Steve Sotloff by the militant group. In the video, the fighter who appears to behead Sotloff says, “I’m back, Obama” — and says it’s because of an “arrogant foreign policy toward the Islamic State.” The fighter says, “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.” At the end of the video, he threatens to kill a third captive, a British man — David Haines.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – A family spokesman says relatives of freelance journalist Steven Sotloff are aware of a new video purporting to show his beheading by Islamic State militants. The spokesman says the family “knows of this horrific tragedy and is grieving privately.” The family has not been told whether the video is authentic. Earlier, the State Department said U.S. intelligence officials were still trying to determine if the video was genuine.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pentagon says the leader of the Somalia-based al-Shabab (ahl-shah-BAHB’) extremist group was the target of U.S. military airstrikes that struck an encampment and a vehicle Tuesday night. Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby says the results of the strike are being assessed and he can’t confirm if the rebel leader (Ahmed Abdi Godane) was hit. He says if the Somali was killed, it would be a significant blow to the organization and its abilities.
 
     SOTO DEL REAL, Spain (AP) – Spanish officials have ordered the immediate release of a detained British couple who were wanted by police in the United Kingdom after they took their critically ill child for treatment abroad without doctors’ consent. A court statement says a judge decided to free the couple after British authorities dropped the case against them. Their 5-year-old son Ashya, who has a severe brain tumor, is in a Spanish hospital.
 
     NEW YORK (AP) – A federal appeals court has expressed concern about the government’s bulk collection of millions of Americans’ telephone records. The judges are questioning whether it could be extended to bank and credit card records as well. The questions arose during arguments Tuesday in New York. Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union are appealing a December ruling from a judge who found that the surveillance program was a necessary extension of steps taken by the U.S. government after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The ruling conflicts with a decision out of Washington.