Council Discusses Development, Ren. Zone

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday at CityHall.  All members were present.

All members were present.

Consent Agenda Items discussed separately included:  Council Member Kourajian requested that item “A” be discussed separeatly, a Resolution to re-affirm pledges of deposit as follows: Unison Bank – $13,131,805.22; Wells Fargo Bank – $17,620,677.06. He asked why fewer financial institutions were being used by the city. Deputy Auditor Jay Sveum was unable to specially answer the question.

Item”D” was asked to be discussed by Council Member Buchanan, a Resolution to approve the request from Metro Plains, LLC, for the City of Jamestown to provide a Letter/Resolution of Support for Jamestown Court Row homes which is intended to provide affordable senior housing that contributes to community revitalization in the Renaissance Zone. He said the item should be considered after a similar item on the agenda, later, which was agreed to by the Council.

Regular Agenda:

Resolutions

A Public Hearing was held concerning the request to amend the Jamestown Renaissance Zone District Boundary to include Block 42, Original Addition to the City of Jamestown.  A member of the audience asked the benefits of the request, which was explained by the mayor, in part is  to re-purpose the property, along with a five year tax exemption.

The City Council approved the request from Metro Plains, LLC, to amend the Jamestown Renaissance Zone District Boundary to include Block 42, Original Addition to the City of Jamestown. Mayor Andersen said, no benefits have yet to be applied for.

Council Member Buchanan voted in opposition, saying Renaissance Zone benefits are not needed by Metro Plains, and the action of a property tax exemption is putting a drag on other property owners relative to property taxes. He said Metro Plains would also receive income tax credits, in addition to other types of breaks.

Mayor Andersen point out that Post House, and the James House are successful Metro Plains developments, and that additional housing of that type is needed in Jamestown.

Item “D” from the Consent Agenda was addressed, a Resolution to approve the request from Metro Plains, LLC, for the City of Jamestown to provide a Letter/Resolution of Support for Jamestown Court Row homes which is intended to provide affordable senior housing that contributes to community revitalization in the Renaissance Zone.   The City Council approved sending the letter of support, Council Member Buchanan voted in opposition.

The request of Norm Aldinger for the City to direct Otter Tail Power Company to remove the structure at 113 12th Avenue NE based on language in the city franchise ordinance, was tabled to a future meeting , at the request of legal council.

Ordinances:

The Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact a Section of the City Code pertaining to taxicab licenses and taxicab driver’s licenses was discussed.  The Ordinance was approved as amended.

Hearing From The Audience:

Jamestown Regional Airport Authority Chairman Jim Boyd explained that the Authority has sent a letter to the Federal Department of Transportation in support of SkyWest as the Essential Air Service Carrier, the next two years, starting in March this year. (see separate story from Regional Airport Manager Matt Leitner). Boyd added that the City of Devils Lake is also supporting SkyWest air service.

Boyd also said his private business is to formulate a strategic plan for his clients. He said he is working with the Downtown Association, and President Nancy Miller said the organization is looking at rebranding along with forming a sub committee on other issues.

Appointments:

The City Council approved the appointment Rodney Johnson & Scott Roemmich to serve as members of the Fire Code Board of appeals for three (3) year terms to expire November 2016.

Approved for appointment was Neil Barkus to serve as a member of the Board of Adjustments for a three (3) year term to expire January 2017.

Mayor and Council Member Reports:  No one spoke

Other Business:

The City Council approved a Change Order to Sellin Brothers, Inc., on Jamestown WTP Backwash Pond Lift Station, for an increase in the contract price of $7,225.50.

Approved was an application from Lucas Dockter d/b/a Middles for an On/Off Sale alcoholic beverage license at 113 1st Avenue South, for the period ending June 30, 2014.

Approved a Public Works software purchase from Tracker Software Corporation for approximately $28,000 with a yearly Maintenance Fee of approximately $4200 beginning 6 months after purchase (2013 Budget–$31,000).

Approved a Traffic Counter/Classifier purchase from Counting Cars in the amount of $2,279.

Approved four unit heater replacements at the Solid Waste Baler Facility.

The City Council approved  a Letter of Support for a request from G.A. Haan Development LLC to build approximately 40 units of affordable senior housing, in Jamestown. Council Member Buchanan requested information in writing on the specifics of the project. Mayor Andersen said she has reviewed the information from G.A. Haan. Over the phone Director of Development, Ben Ibes from Michigan outlined credit to be applied for with the State Housing Agency. He said the town homes or individual apartment units would be constructed in the area northwest of Wal-Mart in Jamestown.  Tenants will need to be income eligible.   He is planning to ask the city for a reduction in permits fees.  He is working with Stutsman Rural Water District on a water source.

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