cityhallJinsideJamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council committees met Thursday (Sept 26, 2013) at at 4-p.m.,at City Hall. 

With Police Committee Business:

The committee recommended passing a resolution pursuant to Jamestown City Code Sec. 21-06-04 relating to Police jurisdiction at the University of Jamestown. City Attorney Ken Daltsed says passing a Resolution will allow Jamestown Police to enforce a speed limit of 15 mph. The University has requested the police presence.

 

The Fire Committee:

The committee discussed the roofing project at the main Fire hall. City Fire Chief Jim Reuther explained drainage issues, and urged moving forward with the project as soon as possible, as water leaking will lead to more structural damage.   The project is to re-roof and fix chimney leaks, and manage roof water drainage.   The committee recommends, going with the external drainage process, and close off the present chimney stack, due to flue problems, and install two new flues, pending cost estimates, with a change order, and to be voted on at the October 7, 2013 City Council meeting.

 

Public Works Committee:

The committee discussed action related to the Traffic Signal System Study performed by Midwest Traffic Consulting, LLC.

The city has talked about removing traffic signals at First Avenue intersections of: Third Street North, First Street, Second Street South, and Fourth Street North. Upgrades at locations have also been discussed, under DOT mandates. At Thursday’s meeting, City Council member Buchanan said he’s received calls from the public concerning safety issues with removal of traffic lights. City Engineer Reed Schwartzkoph said if the traffic lights are not removed, they wil need to be replaced, due to controller issues. He pointed out the First Street and First Avenue controller near the railroad tracks is especially in need of attention, and needs replacing. Mayor Andersen noted the Land Use and Transportation Plan may have a bearing on making a decision. Buchanan suggests all three traffic lights on 10th Street Southeast need attention. The committee recommends cost estimates upgrading traffic controllers at 10th Street Southeast and 1st Avenue, 4th Avenue and 7th Avenue Southeast, and upgrade traffic lights at 1st Avenue and 3rd Street and 4th Street North, and us present parts as needed for other controllers.

 

 

The committee considered a recommendation from Interstate Engineering, Inc. on performing a “pipe bursting” at 2nd St SW at the James River crossing relating to the Sewer project.  The committee recommends a change order, removing the pipe bursting.

 

 

The committee discussed the possible extension of sanitary sewer service and annexation of property owned by Duane Enzminger northwest of Jamestown Regional Airport. Water provided by Stutsman Rural Water District. The committee recommends obtaining a cost estimate concerning a design study, and what type of work needs to be done.

 

The committee discussed a proposed agreement between the City, GRE and Stutsman Rural Water for the City to provide steam and process water to the proposed Dakota Spirit AgEnergy Biorefinery. City Attorney Ken Dalsted has reviewed the proposal, and costs associated, and the city’s share of costs. The city had previously agreed to provide GRE with a water connection, at the Cavendish water tower location. The city would sell water to GRE and Stutsman Rural Water District, would transport the water. City Water Superintendent Steve Suko expressed concerns on the plan concerning additional water usage as it affects the northeast part of town. He said budgeting for the water department is likely to be reviewed, in light of this project. Schwartzkoph said an additional water main may be needed. Mayor Andersen said the topic was discussed to bring up forthcoming needs. More discussions will be held in the future.

 

The committee discussed the request of Casey Willman and Lucas Dockter for approval of a Renaissance Zone Project on the N1/2 of Lot 13, less the E. 40’, Block 32, Original Addition (113 1st Ave. South). the former Tae Kwan Do building.City Administration Jeff Fuchs said the application is for tax exemptions from the city and the state. The item will be forwarded for action to the City Council, without recommendation.

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