Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session on Tuesday afternoon (Jan 22, 2013) for the purpose of entering into Executive Session.

The City Council consulted with the City Attorney Ken Dalsted concerning territorial service claims by Stutsman Rural Water District.

At 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.

The City of Jamestown has retained outside legal counsel, and a consulting firm.

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

Following the Executive Session the Special Session was reconvened.

Mayor Andersen said one item for consideration was the hiring of  Levi Andrist of Vogel Law Firm as legal counsel.

The Mayor so moved, and the motion carried unanimously.

The open portion of the meeting was shown live on CSi 67.