Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Following the Special Session, the Jamestown City Council committees met in joint session for September on Tuesday (Sept 18, 2012) at City Hall.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

Leo and Kari Ness addressed the committee regarding interest in purchasing City Lots in Beverly Hills 6th Addition,  

including all lots, some were offered for purchase by Tim Dabill.

Dabill has made an offer on lots in that area, and said that he agrees with terms set by the city, pending a replatt.

Mayor Andersen said the city needs to look further at legal issues with the Dabill initial offer, for three lots, before proceeding with acting on other offers.

The committee recommends the City honors a standstill agreement, pending a CityAttorney’s opinion on the purchase agreement.

 

The committee considered the request from William Mickelson for a license to operate a Taxi Service.

Mickelson said he plans to have one cab in service, and pointed to comments he’s received concerning delays in service by the present taxi services.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs says a background check is required by new applicants.

Mayor Andersen suggested the background check be satisfactory, before Council consideration.

Council Member Gumke said a criminal background check would be a priority.

The committee recommends, moving the request to the City Council meeting with no recommendation, pending the results of the criminal background check.

 

The committee then discussed the revised job description for a mechanic/operator II position in the Street department.

Deputy Auditor Jay Sveum said the position will be advertised within the Street Department.

The committee  recommends approving the revised job description.

Informational: Monthly departmental and financial reports were presented.

 

With the Building, Planning & Zoning Committee:

　Planning Commission Minutes of September 10, 2012, was presented.

The committee considered the plat of Berndt’s Addition, a portion of Blocks 39, 40 & 47 and a portion of vacated 18th Ave. adjacent to Block 32 together with a portion of those unplatted lands within Government Lot 12 of Section 26, T140N, R64W.

City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf said the action would “cleanup,” the legal description.

 

After review by Planning Commission Chairman, Harley Trefz, the committee recommends approval with the caveat that the developer have items in place required by the city, before full approval by the city.

 

 

Discussion was held relative to Section 8, Appendix B of the City Code as a result of the public input meeting previously held, concerning development in Jamestown.

No written comments were received by the public, in the time allowed.

Council Member Buchanan suggested further reviewing the Ordinances in other cities before drafting a Jamestown Ordinance.

Mayor Andersen suggested taking previously discussed items concerning the developer, plus taking input from other cities Ordinances and input the items to a draft of a Jamestown City Ordinance.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs says a draft should be ready, for the next meeting to start to review and act on.

No action was taken by the committee, which acted on consensus.

 

Civic Center & Promotion Committee:

No items at this time.

 

Fire & Police Committee:

No items at this time.

 

Public Works Committee:

Seth Koch was scheduled addressed the committee, regarding fluoride in the city of Jamestown water supply.

However Koch was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.

City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf says the city is using the recommended amount of fluoride in the city’s water supply.

 

The committee discussed a letter received from Dale Redinger, owner of S&R Truck Plaza, relating to the Business Loop East project.

He would like the city to vacate the frontage road adjacent to S&R Truck Plaza.

City Administrator Fuchs discourages vacation, or sale of right of ways near any city arterial, and suggested a lease agreement.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Redinger said no change in plans are indicated for the area, adding that the area doesn’t meet requirements of a roadway, in such areas as lighting, and curbs.

Mayor Andersen suggested the city and S&R may be able to work together to accomplish improvements.

The committee took no action.

 

The Committee considered a City Wide Instrumentation and Control System Needs Assessment Report. (AE2S)

Priorities were recommended by AE2S.

At the top of the list is replacement of the city’s radio control system, such as controlling the sanitary sewer lift station pumps.

Another recommendation is upgrading the computers and software at the water treatment plant.

Its suggested those items be updated soon.

The company suggests having a plan in place to phase in replacing other items, and aging equipment and phase out old equipment.

Mayor Andersen said the city needs to look at payment options.

Schwartzkopf said the top two priority issues of radios and computer software needs to be addressed for replacements soon.

Fuchs said to purchase new radios the city the funds would come out of the equipment replacement reserve fund.

The committee recommends the city proceed with purchasing the new radio equipment, as soon as possible.

 

Also considered was a Siren Instrumentation and Control System Needs Assessment Report. (AE2S)

The radio controlled system can be upgraded locally, with a change in frequency.

With electrical component issue, a heater can be installed to keep ice from building up in the siren rotation system, that closes the fuses so the sirens are inoperable.

The installation can also be done locally.

Fuchs says the items can be purchased under the fire department budget, or the general fund.

The committee recommends the two items be addressed at a cost of about $21,000.

The committee discussed a landscaping quotation relating to the Business Loop East project, available in part through enhancement funds, the balance coming from the city.

The committee recommends taking a phased approach, with budget constraints using the city’s staff to perform the work.

 

Snow Emergency Routes modifications were affirmed and recommended by the committee.

 

 

Discussion was held concerning decorative trash receptacles for the downtown parking lots, and concrete pads.

Interstate Engineer handed out a proposal for the design of the receptacles, and the costs.

The committee recommends putting two receptacles in each south lot, and one in each of the north lots, and matching the fence.

The cost including the concrete pads would be $5,400.

 

A site location for the Southwest City Water Tank, was discussed.

Three options were presented.

Schwartzkopf suggested the site be located at the I-94 Business Park west of the Infinity Builders. 

A proposal on the location would have to come before the JSDC Board of Directors for any approval.

Other sites proposed are…land owned by the State Hospital, and leased to the Buffalo Foundation, and an area near Walmart and the Buffalo Mall.

The committee recommends the site at the I-94 Business Park west of the Infinity Builders, and submit a proposal to the JSDC.

 

It was noted that a Public hearing concerning the petition to vacate the portion of the north-south alley adjacent to the N29.76’ of Lot 6, and all Lots 7 thru 15, Tahran’s 2nd Addition, and Lot 1, Alana Addition, is scheduled for the October 1, 2012, City Council meeting.

 

　Residents appeared concerning water and lanscaping issues along 13th Avenue, Southwest.

Schwartzkopf said grading the area will help direct the water flow in the proper areas, away from driveways.

 

Tuesday’s meeting was shown live on CSi 67, followed by replays.