cityhallJinsideJamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Committees met in joint session on Monday at City Hall, at 2-p.m.  All members were present.

With Finance and Legal Committee business;

The committee considered the plan to place a Bus Shelter in the City parking lot on 2nd Avenue SW, south of the former Eagles Club.  City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said research into a bus shelter in Sydney, Montana indicated that the city is using a three-sided structure.  Council Member Kourajian does not agree with liability issues that could arise with a structure.  Council Member Gumke said the city should investigate issues further. Council Member Buchanan suggested that Jefferson Bus Lines be involved in the planning. The committee decided to table the issue to the January committee meeting.

 

The committee considered the request from the JSDC for Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $15,000, to cover the cost of participating in the ACT Certified Work Ready Communities Program, with the City Share to be $12,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. The JSDC’s Holly Miller said the dollars would be used toward funding local individuals to attend the Academy.  The committee recommends approving the request.

 

The committee considered the request for Renaissance Zone incentives from Casey Willman and Lucas Dockter for the property at 113 1st Avenue South (N ½ of Lot 13 less the East 40’, Block 32, Original Addition). Details have been approved to enter the Renasissance Zone. The committee had previously recommended to approval the request.

The committee considered the request from Metro Plains, LLC, for City of Jamestown Letter/Resolution of Support for Jamestown Court Rowhomes—an affordable senior housing rental project that contributes to concerted community revitalization plan known as the Renaissance Zone. The committee recommends drafting  a letter of support, independently of a Renaissance Zone request, regarding the need for housing in Jamestown, prior to the January City Council meeting. Any action on the Renaissance Zone request will come after a public hearing.

The committee considered amending the alcoholic beverage ordinance to allow for special permits to dispense alcoholic beverages in non-public buildings. Mayor Andersen said the intent is to make sure to entity is following the letter of the law. Assistant City Attorney Mary Jensen said an amendment would be significant, under the City Code. The committee decided to ask the City Attorney to research the issue and make a recommendation on any amendments, at the Janaury committee meeting.

The committee considered the adoption of a formal Computer Systems Usage Policy relative to City owned property.  The committee recommends approval.

The committee considered amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code pertaining to taxicab licenses and taxicab driver’s licenses, which is scheduled for Second Reading at the January 6, 2014, City Council meeting. Administrator Fuchs said the current language would include, licensing the James River Transit and drivers. He said the amendments may not be ready of the January City Council meetings. The committee will review changes at the January City Council at the Second Reading.

Mayor Andersen said the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority is asking the City Council for a letter of support, for an Essential Air Service contract bidder for the Jamestown route. She recommends the SkyWest bid package, with service to the Denver hub, under United Express, one mid day flight daily with 50 seat jet aircraft service. Community feed back is due by January 6, 2014.

Council Member Brubakken noted the CsiNewsNow.com survey on airline preference. On Monday afternoon the poll showed 60 percent favoring SkyWest, 40 percent Great Lakes.

The committee recommends on a 4-1 vote sending a letter of support for SkyWest.

 

Building, Planning & Zoning Committee

Draft Minutes of the December 9, 2013, Planning Commission meeting was presented.

The committee considered amendments to the City Code pertaining to simple lot splits and boundary line adjustments, which is scheduled for Second Reading at the January 6, 2014, City Council meeting. City Assessor  Darrell Wollansuggested putting the issue on hold pending additional research. The committee recommends Wollen’s recommendation.

The committee considered the plat of Platinum Commerce Second Addition, near Wal-Mart and the Buffalo Mall being proposed for a new bank location. The committee recommends approving the plat.

Considered the Southwest Conceptual Development Plan map, from SRF Consultants.  JSDC’s DeAnn Brunner said the map indicates the area between Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and Wal-mart, including concerns of drainage. She said the map is a concept, a tool, for the City Council and planning to utilize. No action was taken by the committee.

The committee reviwed the application for appointment to the Board of Adjustments. (Two Openings). The committee recommends the appointment of Neil Barkus.

Civic Center & Promotion Committee:  No offiicals items. 

Council Member Kourajian noted that Buffalo City Tourism is continuing with the re-branding process.

 

Police & Fire Committee: 

Reviewed the applications for appointment to the Fire Code Board of Appeals. (Two Openings).  The committee recommends the appointments of Scott Roemmich and Rod Johnson.

Public Works Committee:

Considered allowing permanent curbside trash pick-up at certain locations. The committee noted a change, with letters sent out to those property owners affected. Four indicated opposition at their location. The committee moved the topic to the January committee meeting.

An update on computer and telemetry problems was given at the Water Treatment Plant. Superintendent Steve Suko said with the upcoming water supply to GRE,, plus other issues of concern, the computer system needs an update. The committee recommends approval of the request for new computer equipment and software and costs of an upgrade.

An update was given on evaluation related to claims of utility conflicts by Sellin Brothers on Wastewater and Lift Station Replacement and Force main Improvements Project, Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer project.

An update was given on evaluation related to claims of utility conflicts by Sellin Brothers on Wastewater and Lift Station Replacement and Force main Improvements Project, Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer project. The City Attorney is conducting an investigation. The item will be placed on the January City Council meeting for further consideration and the attorney’s opinion.

The committee considered an estimate for clean-up of city-owned LeFevre buildings, (SE Building) littered with rodent and bird droppings, and ridding the building of the pests. The building is used for city cold storage. The committee recommends approval of a cleanup costs as proposed by Service Master.

The committee considered a Change Order relating to the Wastewater & Lift Station Replacement & Force Main Improvements Project Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer.  The changes stem from such items problems encountered with such items as piping, lift station work, removing of railroad ties, and additional manhole work. The committee recommends approving the change order.

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