cityhall448Jamestown (CSi) — The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday Night, (Dec 2 , 2013) at City Hall.

All members were present.

Consent Agenda items considered separately:

The Board President of the James River Valley Library System, Dale Marks asked that item “F” be considered separately,  a Resolution to set a public hearing, to be held January 6, 2014, on the request from MetroPlains for the City Council to include Block 42, Original Addition to the City of Jamestown, into the Renaissance Zone. MetroPlains has a purchase agreement in place with Essentia to build senior and affordable housing on the site.

Marks read a statement of support for the Essentia Clinic location be the site for a new public library. He asked for a postponement of a vote of approval of the inclusion of the block into the Renaissance Zone. He said the JRVLS Board will be meeting with Essentia officials to further discuss the sale to MetroPlains.

Mayor Andersen pointed out no decision would be made Monday evening, pending a public hearing on the MetroPlans request. She said in the past the City Council had voted not to proceed with purchasing the site in April of 2011, as did the Stutsman County Commission. The City Council voted to set a Public Hearing to include Block 42, into the Renaissance Zone, on January 6, 2014. The vote was 4-1 with Council Member Kourajian voting in opposition, saying a couple more months would be appropriate for  Essential to meet with the library board.

Regular Agenda:

Resolutions:

The City Council considered the request of Norm Aldinger for the City to direct Otter Tail Power Company to remove the structure in the front yead, at 113 12th Avenue NE based on language in the city franchise ordinance.Aldinger read a statement concerning an “intrusion” of his property by the presence of the pole. He said the placement of the pole in its present location was a “mistake” by Otter Tail Power Company.   Otter Tail Power’s Jamestown Operations Manager, Charles Krebs said the utility and the Aldinger’s attorney continue to meet on the issue, and was unable to answer specific questions. Mayor Andersen said the City Council Members have viewed the structure.  The City Council tabled the request, to the January 6, 2014, City Council meeting, pending results of the two parties discussions.

Approved the request from the Planning Commission for the City to fund formal planning and development services for calendar year 2014 either by contract or position for at least what was budgeted through JSDC for 2013, which was $35,000.

Approved entering into a revised agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., forengineering services to provide needed improvements to the water distribution system to provide for water sales to Great River Energy.

The Council Members considered a plan to place a Bus Shelter in the City parking lot on 2nd Avenue SW, south of the former Eagles Club. City Adminstrator Jeff Fuchs says the propose structure does not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s placement in the zoning is in question, along with compliance with building and fire codes. Council Member Kourajian said the proposal is not for a permanent structure. The Mayor moved to table the plan to next month’s committee meeting, which was approved.

The City Council voted to re-establish an Assistant Police Chief position and the update of the organizational structure for the Police Department. No additional officer will be hired.

Approved the offer from Ambassador Steel Corporation to purchase Lot 4 in the JSDC Ag Food Processing Industrial Park, in the amount of $81,375.

Ordinances:

FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 26 of the City Code pertaining to taxicab licenses and taxicab driver’s licenses.

FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of Appendix B, of the City Code pertaining to simple lot splits and boundary line adjustments. The City Attorney has recommended changes.

SECOND READING was approved, Ordinance No. 1426, to amend and re-enact Sections 9-12, 9-13, and 23-38, of the City Code pertaining to the Building Code and Plumbing Code.

SECOND READING: was approved, an Ordinance No. 1427, introduced by Council Member Kourajian, to amend and re-enact Articles III and VI, Chapter 15, of the City Code pertaining to the Fire Protection Code.

Hearing from the audience: No one spoke.

Mayor and Council Members Report:  No reports were made.

Other Business: The Council rejected the bid received for construction of Jamestown East Business Loop Landscaping Project.

The City Council considered the request from Sean Syverson to store and work on the restoration of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe model train in a city building located on railroad property. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs has concerns about the city’s liability, based on previous experiences with flooding of the building, plus any fire that could be started. Plus he says the building is not ADA compliant, among other issues.

The City Council voted to have the City Attorney work with Syverson and the Frontire Village on a possible lease of the building from the city.

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