City Hall 3Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Thursday evening (Aug 8, 2013) at City Hall.  All members were present.

The Council Members considered renewal of a Letter of Intent with Great River Energy, the draft that was written on June 13, 2013.

The City Council approved the draft for final action by the City Attorney.

Evaluations for all department heads were discussed. Mayor Andersen said, presently the City Council does not do the evaluations, and she suggested the City Council be part of the evaluation process.

City Council Member Ramone Gumke felt the Council should not be involved, not having an interaction with the department heads, which Council Member Buchanan agreed with, saying the City Administrator should manage that area.

Brubakken also agreed, as did Council Member Kourajian.

No action was taken on the discussion item.

The City council discussed the terms for granting an easement to the City of Jamestown from Woodbury Township to place a 16″ water main under 37th St SE in Woodbury Township. 

The city maintains the road, outside of city limits. Mayor Andersen disagreed with maintaining roads outside of city limits.

Council Member Gumke suggested a counter proposal to limit maintenance.

The City Council voted unanimously to continue minimum maintenance, in cooperation with Stutsman County in exchange for the easement, with the City Attorney reviewing an agreement.

The City Council considered the request from Chris and Jennifer Iverson to move a double wide home on the property at 1320 15 ½ Ave SW. A neighbor said she was under the impression the was a single wide home. Another neighbor said there was confusion on what type of home was coming into the neighborhood.

Ms. Iverson said property is being purchased, to place a home, with three separate properties for an option to purchase. She specified the home will be a double wide.

The City Council voted unanimously to grant the request.

Unanimously approved was a Trip Hazard Repair Proposal for sidewalks from Precision Concrete Cutting, with the cost coming from the city’s street fund.

The City Council voted to approve the City Administrator’s contract, for a term of four  years, retroactive to the expiration date of the former four year contract.  Mayor Andersen suggested in the future the contract be for a one year term, along with evaluations. Council Member Buchanan pointed out that City Administrator Jeff Fuchs has tenure with the city and a four year term is appropriate.

 

The City Council approved a preliminary plan for reconstructing the Civic Center Patio, including ramping, and a trellis. Initially the upper level stairs will be repaired and modified.

The estimated cost is about $65,000. The city will look into possible grant money.

 

The City Council approved a request from the North Dakota State Hospital to enter into a Memorandum Of Understanding with the City of Jamestown for use of the Jamestown Civic Center, located at 212 3rd St NE, Jamestown, ND, in the event of short term shelter need during an emergency. Council Member Brubakken noted that he is an employee of the State Hospital.

The City Council authorized the City Engineer to file the appropriate permit with the ND State Water Commission relative to Great River Energy and City Wells. Public Hearings will be held on the topic in the future.

Council Member Gumke, who will not be present for the August City Council Police Committee meeting he brought up a wage study for City Police Department employees. He said a decision needs to be made on the scope of work for a firm to discuss a wage study.

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