Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council’s Finance &Legal, Building Planning & Zoning, and Civic Center & Promotion Committee met in monthly session at City Hall, on Tuesday (Feb 19, 2013).

All members were present.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

The committee recommnend approving the recommendation from the JSDC, for Economic Development Funds for the South Central Dakota Regional Council 2013 membership dues, in the amount of $33,810, with the City Share to be $21,300 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. ..A full year funding in line with the amendment of the Stutsman County Commission.

 

The committee then discussed the offer from Tim Dabill to purchase Lots 1 & 2, Block 2, Beverly Hills 6th Addition, and Lot 19, Beverly Hills 3rd Addition, in the amount of $6,000, subject to the buyer paying for all costs of surveying and approval of a re-plat prior to deed transfer. A competing offer was withdrawn, and Dabill had 30 days to come back with his offer.The committee recommends approving the offer, with a sunset clause of January 1, 2014.

 

The committee recommends entering into an agreement with Tyler Technologies for the procurement of accounting, tax and appraisal software for the City, subject to Stutsman County procuring the same (approved Tuesday morning at the county meeting.) The city’s share is $105,000, with a portion of the total costs shared with Stutsman County. The city will need to opt out of the present tech provider’s contract.

 

The committee recommends setting a public hearing, to be held March 4, 2013, relative to amending the Renaissance Zone Plan Boundaries to include Block 9, Kelley and Fuller’s 2 nd Addition, subject to approval by the ND Division of Community Services.

 

The committee discussed and recommends approving requests for street closings and/or permits to allow alcoholic beverages in fenced areas for the March 16, 2013, St. Patrick’s Day Run for the following: Buffalo Lanes, Inc.; Frontier Fort & Grill; Corner Bar; Office Bar & Lounge; Shady’s; Cork and Barrel, Inc. (Elk’s location); Vets Club and Wonder Bar Sports Bar. (Some have yet to submit requests, and would include Buffalo City Rotisserie Grille.)

 

The committee considered reaffirming the policy relative to street vendors during the St. Patrick’s Day Run:

  1. Closing of 2nd Street East in the 100 Block;

2.  Allowing vendors to apply for a permit to locate, based on permit applications being submitted and processed, and city staff assigning them to a specific space based on the order of submitted applications;

3.  The vendors only be allowed to park adjacent to curbs in order to maintain a fire lane down the center of the street; and

4.  The City Council requires a vendor permit fee of $50 to cover the cost of closing the street and providing waste containers for the refuse.

The committee approved the recommendations.

 

The committee is sending to the City Council, pending research, without recommendation the application of Ben Maulding for an animal permit to pasture and keep horses at 605 10th Avenue NW in the City.

 

Discussion then concerned filling the City Forester position within the City, due to the resignation of Vern Quam.

The committee discussed forestry services on a contracted basis, possibly on a part time basis.

Tex Weatherly said the City Shade Tree Committee and the county extension service are in favor of a full time city forester, relative to disease and other concerns.

The Jamestown City Park Board will be asked to weigh in on the future plans.

The committee recommends exploring a contract service, before making a decision, on filling the position. Council Member Kourajian was opposed.

 

Informational: Monthly departmental reports were presented.

 

With city negotiations with Stutsman Rural Water, Mayor Andersen said the city has not received a formal response to the city’s last offer made two weeks ago.  She said SRWD board was planning to meet this week.

 

With Building, Planning & Zoning Committee business:

The Draft Minutes of the February 11, 2013, Planning Commission meeting was presented.

 

The committee approved recommending the First Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of southeast portion of Lot 2, Berndt Addition, from M-2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) to POC (Public, Open Development and Conservation District).

 

The committee recommended the First Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of Lots 1 & 2, Block 4, Hi-Acres Hillcrest Addition, from R-1 (One Family Residential District) to POC (Public, Open Development and Conservation District). The City Planning Commission has recommended the city approve the Ordinance change. The zone change is in conjunction with plans of Eventide, for redevelopment of the nursing home facility.

 

The Civic Center and Promotion Committee considered a proposal from ESG relating to boilers and other energy issues.

The committee recommends proceeding with the proposals outlined by ESG, and enter into a project development agreement.

 

 

Council Member Kourajian noted the opening for a Frontier Village Manager.

He introduced Searle Swedlund as the new Buffalo City Tourism Director, who noted that Nina Sneider will stay on until spring, in an advisory capacity to Swedlund.

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