Jamestown City Council 2014Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown City Council committees met Thursday afternoon at City Hall.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE  BUSINESS:

Discussion related to possible asset forfeiture for new gun range.  Police Chief Scott Edinger said the assets come from dollars seized in a drug raid.  He said it amounts to about $75,000.  The property being considered is a gravel pit, north of Border States Paving.

The committee recommends adding the dollar amount to the 2016 city budget as a line item, when the exact amount is known.  The gun range may open in 2016.

 

The committee considered first reading of an ordinance  to recommend the use of All-Terrain-Vehicles and Utility-Task-Vehicles in the City of Jamestown and was defeated on a 3-2 vote.  Mayor Katie Andersen and Councilman Ramone Gumke voted in favor of considering a first reading of an ordinance allowing the vehicles on city streets. Councilmen Charlie Kourajian, Dan Buchanan and Steve Brubakken opposed.

Police Chief Edinger said he considers the vehicles safer than motorcycles.

Council Member Buchanan explained his disapproval of ATVs by saying that most cities in North Dakota disapprove there use on city streets, adding the vehicles are not intended for street use, and cited insurance companies including Progressive mainly insuring the vehicles for off-road use, and sited safety studies.  He pointed out cornering skid issues.  He added that Jamestown residents he has spoken to, are opposed.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

The committee recommends  postponing the river bank stabilization project until 2016 and move anticipated funding adding $7500 into 2016 budget to repair channel banks at 11th Street NW AND along the Buffalo Scenic Road near the culvert from State of ND lands adjacent to the road. Being late in this year’s construction season, work will start next spring.

The committee recommends  an adjustment submittal to the ND Department of Emergency Services, minus some federal dollars being refunded..

Legal and Finance carryover item from Tuesday’s meeting.

Joint Powers Agreement between the Jamestown Park District and City of Jamestown for the TRAC Facility, will be sent to the City Council without recommendation.  It includes  the effective date of the  sales tax, and the start date of the tax collections.

The committee moves to the council without recommendation,  the request for a liquor license for an establishment to be located on First Avenue, South, between the Maple Mall and The Kitchen Store.

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