Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session, on Thursday (Jan 10, 2013,) at 4-p.m., at City Hall.

The City Council entered into Executive Session to consult with the City Attorney, concerning, territorial service claims by Stutsman Rural Water District.

Those present at the Executive Session were: Mayor Andersen, City Council Members Kourajian, Gumke, Brubakken, and Buchanan, along with City Administrator Jeff Fuchs, City Fire Chief Jim Reuther, City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf, and the Assistant City Attorney.

The Rural Water District met in Executive Session on Wednesday this week, in response to a city proposal in the on-going negotiations, which the City Council reviewed in Executive Session.

As issue is whether the City of Jamestown, or Stutsman Rural Water District is to serve the area west of Jamestown, in this case, specifically the Titan Machinery building, under construction, across from Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

A city Ordinance outlines that any facility within city limits has to be serviced by the city, with this area previously annexed into Jamestown city limits.

Stutsman Rural Water District contends that a federal code protects rural water companies from cities going into their territory.

The City Of Jamestown and the Rural Water District are negotiating a royalty figure the city would pay and keep the rural water district from filing an injunction.

　

At Thursday’s City Council meeting, the  Council returned to open session, with Mayor Andersen saying there was no formal action to be taken by the Council, and the meeting was adjourned.

The open portion o f Thursday City Council meeting was shown live on CSi 67.

Last summer, a building permit was issued by the city, and ground was broken for the new Titan Machinery building, after a development agreement with the city of Jamestown, which stated the city would get water to the building.

Developer Robert Thompson assumes the city will have liability issues if Titan is not provided water.