Jamestown   (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s  Police & Fire, and Public Works Committees met Thursday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

The committee discussed Curbside Collection of solid waste in residential areas except in locations where approved by the City Administrator or designee.

Sanitation Foreman, Roger Mayhew has said the new City of Jamestown automated garbage trucks are having a problem picking up the garbage bins, in some the alleys, relative to width restrictions, and in some cases the apparatus has caused damage to structures with the arm of the automated container collector striking a building or utility pole.

He said most paved alleys are wide enough to accommodate the new trucks.

Alley snow removal will continue, if curbside only collection is implemented for residents and allow access for first responders.

City Administrator, Sarah Hellekson has said the automated trucks are saving the city money with labor costs, including staff reductions.

At Thursday’s meeting, Council Member Brubakken said he has heard some concerns from citizens, about curbside collection, only, as has Mayor Heinrich. The Mayor said there may be some areas, where alley collection can be continued, which he says needs to be outlined, before any public meetings are held on the issue.

City Administration Hellekson said an open house on the topic, with city sanitation and recycling representatives on hand, is anticipated to be held to answer questions.

The committee recommends, the garbage collection routes be studied concerning where alley pickups are still feasible before holding public information meetings.

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In other topics:  Public access to the city baler building was discussed.

Roger Mayhew pointed out that there is access to containers outside of buildings, noting that the building containing used paint is open certain hours of the day.  The Public Works Department has more information.

The committee recommends approving Change Order No. 1, to Border States Paving, Inc., for construction on 5th Street NE (12th Ave to 27th Ave NE), Paving Improvement District #16-42, to install underground piping from the storm water pond to the city storm sewer system, for a net increase in the contract price of $7,700.

The committee recommends approving Change Order No. 2, to Scherbenske Inc., for construction on NW Water Main Replacement Project District 17-61 (11Blocks), for a time extension on the completion date to mainly complete pipe lining.  The extension date runs from August 30 to September 21.

The committee recommends awarding the bid for equipment for the Jamestown Street Department:

One (1) New Motor Grader, Five (5) year Use – Unit A for $102,950 from RDO Equipment.

One (1) New Motor Grader, Six (6) year Use – Unit B   for $129,650 from RDO Equipment.

The present units are under a five year buy back plan for replacement.

It was reported that replacement of the pedestrian maze, at the railroad crossing on First Avenue is expected by August 31 this year.

The structure was damaged several weeks ago in a traffic crash, and was unusable, which prompted the Quiet Zone be suspended.

The Quiet Zone will be re-implemented with train horns again silenced when the maze is reinstalled.

Discussion was held by AE2S concerning properties that may be exempted from fees concerning the storm water utility fees.

AE2S reported on State Hospital properties exempt from storm water utility fees, as water drains to the river.  It was proposed that residential properties be charged a flat fee for single family residences.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

The committee recommends the purchase of 18 portable radios for the City Fire Department at the quoted price of $36,576, to be paid from the 2018 budgeted account in the General Fund.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther said the present hand held radios will not be supported by the end of this year.

He added that there is a three year phase in of radio equipment.

The committee considered approval of the purchase of a replacement siren for the location in the SE area at the quoted price of $25,439, to be paid from the General Fund.

Chief Reuther said the majority of the present sirens have been in service since the early 2000’s, purchased with Project Impact dollars.

He said the siren at Frontier Village, needs replacing, the oldest siren in the system, which when replaced will be moved to the area of the city water plant.

He pointed out that in the future another siren location will need to be placed to serve the area of Menards, and JRMC.

The committee recommends moving to the City Council agenda without recommendation, pending information on electrical costs.

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