Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamrstown City Council’ s Finance & Legal. Planning &Zoning, and Civic Center & Promotion Committees met Tuesday (Mar 19, 2013) at City Hall.  Council Member Gumke was not present.

Finance & Legal Committee heard an update from SRF Consulting relative to the status of the Growth Development Plan and Technical Assistance Project.

Stephanie Falkers presented a draft which outlined the two issues.

She said under Growth and Development, a future land use plan is being put together.

SRF has been reviewing existing conditions in Jamestown, development in the recent past, and zoning issues.

She said future land use alternatives will be developed.

Nearby townships have been involved in the process.

She pointed out, on April 4, 2013 there will be a public meeting outlining the SRF land use draft, from 3-7 p.m., at the Quality Inn & Suites in Jamestown.

Copies of the future land use plan will be available soon at the JSDC web page,

 www.growingjamestown.com

Maps will also be available at the web site, and at city hall.

 Current zoning maps are also available at the city’s web site, and at city hall.

 

The committee considered entering into an agreement with Tyler Technologies for the procurement of accounting, tax and appraisal software for the City during 2013.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the city is looking at joining Stutsman County in the venture.

He said in discussions with the county, the conversion will be phased in.

The County Commission approved the conversion at the March 2013 meeting.

The committee recommends the city take the funds from the reserve fund, then amend its budget, to payback, and enter into the agreement with Tyler Technologies.

 

The committee then heard from Holly Miller from the JSDC, and considered the request from Two Rivers Printing for Economic Development Funds to provide for up to $54,000 in Flex PACE Interest Buy Down Funds with the City Share to be $43,200, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

The Jamestown/Stutsman Board of Directors approved Two Rivers Printing’s request for a Flex PACE Interest Buy Down for up to $54,000.

Two Rivers Printing applied for the loan to purchase the Waggin Tails Doggy Daycare building.

The building has been on the market for several months and Waggin Tails has accepted Two River’s offer to purchase the building.
The move will provide Two Rivers Printing the opportunity to expand their services and continue growing their business.

Two additional full time employees will be hired, by June 2013, with full benefits.

The committee recommends approval of the request.

 

The committee received information from City Administrator, Jeff Fuchs, relative to the feasibility and impact of financing the Sanitary Lift Station Improvement Project from the City Share Special Assessments Reserve Fund.

He outlined funding possibilities , saying the city has funding available, through income from the city sales tax and the sanitary sewer improvement fund. He said in order for the project to continue with sales tax funding, the city sales tax will have to be extended past its current expiration date, of 2018, to 2032.

$545,250 would be the cost to the city annually, for bond repayment  for the estimated $5.8 million project.

If Special assessment funding is used, districts will need to be set up.

No recommendation was made on financing by the committee on Tuesday.

 

The committee considered the request from The Depot LLC, for an on-sale Beer & Wine License, specifically for the dining area, to be served with meals.

The committee recommends approval.

The committee discussed authorizing the submission of grants for Section 5311 and State Aid to Public Transit funding on behalf of Jamestown Taxi Service.

Mayor Andersen said the previous City Council mandated that the city would not authorize such grants. She said Jamestown Taxi Service currently receives a subsidy.

She said Last Leg Taxi now exists which did not when Jamestown Taxi was established.

With two taxis in town, a subsidy is no longer an option for Jamestown Taxi, as the city has competing taxi services.

Last Leg Taxi doesn’t receive a subsidy.

Jamestown Taxi Service owner, Doug Fogderud said Last Leg Taxi was purchased by Jamestown Area Ambulance Service.

He said without a subsidy Jamestown Taxi would not exist.

He pointed out James River Transit is also a competitor.

The committee recommends to make the grant application with Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.

 

The committee considered establishing amendments to the Taxi Licensing ordinances for the establishment of regulations for providing taxi services within the City.

City Attorney Ken Dalsted said, insurance, is one area that needs addressing in amending the city ordinance. Inspections are also of concerns, along with a required background check of the owner.

The committee recommends that Dalsted inquire of other cities as to what their taxi regulations consist of.

The committee considered the application of Ben Maulding for an animal permit to pasture and keep horses at 605 10 th Avenue NW in the City.

A City Ordinance will need to be approved to make approval of the request, regarding a sunset clause.

The First Reading will come before the City Council.

Discussion was held relative to filling the City Forester position within the City.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said there was no response to advertisements for the position.

Mayor Andersen commented that the City Forester is a part time rather than a full time position, as has always been the case. She still suggest a contract service.

Some previous City Forester’s also worked for the street department.

The committee took no action. The City will look at options of hiring a City Forester.

Informational: Monthly departmental reports.

　

The committee discussed the possibility of providing for credit card payments for utilities, licenses, permit fees, etc.

Next month’s committee will look further into the issue.

 

Buffalo City Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund inquired about the contract extension (continuing Resolution) between the city and the Buffalo City Tourism Foundation, which is set to expire at the end of March 2013.

The committee put the issue on the April 1, 2013 City Council agenda without recommendation.

Swedlund said a Special Finance and Legal Committee meeting earlier, Tuesday with the BCTF Board was productive, and the Mayor said the city and Tourism is close to reaching an agreement on a new contract.

At the Special meeting discussion was held with the Buffalo City Tourism Foundation relative to entering into an agreement for financing of the foundation.

The committee the considered entering into an enterprise agreement with Buffalo City Tourism Foundation for financing.

No agreement was reached at Tuesday’s meeting.

The next draft will contain a range of $299,000 to $323,000 for the 2014 funding.

The city’s proposal includes the Tourism Foundation to submit a budget proposal by September 1, 2013, for the 2014 budget.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

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

It was noted that the Public Hearing and Second Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of Lot 2, Berndt Addition), from M-2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) to POC (Public, Open Development and Conservation District) is scheduled for the April 1, 2013, City Council meeting.

Also the Public Hearing and Second 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) is scheduled for the April 1, 2013, City Council meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

Civic Center Manager Pam Fosse said the dance on Saturday March 16, 2013, at the Civic Center was orderly and the attendance was between 1800 and 2000.

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