cityhallJinsideJamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee, Building Planning & Zoning Committee, and Civic Center and Promotion Committee met Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

The committee considered the request from the JSDC for up to $50,000 to replace the elevator in the Center for Economic Development building with the City Share to be $45,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. JSDC’s Holly Miller said the cost may be more if there is high voltage concerns with the installation. Sanford health provided a bid representing the elevator brand. The committee recommends approval of the request.

The committee recommends an amendment to the engineering services contract with RDG Planning & Design, the NDDOT and the City of Jamestown for the Land Use and Transportation Plan, Project, to extend the completion date to June 30, 2015.

The committee recommends engaging the law firm of Bliss & Stebbins to represent the City of Jamestown relative to the City’s participation in a six party agreement to provide treated waste water for the CHS project at the SEPA Industrial Park. Parties include the City of Jamestown, Stutsman Rural Water, Great River Energy, plants, CHS, and Cargill Malt. Mayor Andersen said the law firm has the expertise in water law, from prior experience in dealing with such contracts.

The committee considered one (1) day license suspensions for alcohol sales to minors to the following:

NPC International, Inc., Pizza Hut #2760

Buffalo Lanes, Inc. dba Buff Bar

Main Investment Corp. dba The Office Bar & Lounge

All have paid fines.

Mayor Andersen recommends the suspensions occur for all three businesses on Wednesday December 17, 2014. The committee concurred with the recommendation. Action will be taken at the December 1, 2014 City Council meeting, to allow notice of the date to the businesses.

The committee considered the request from Newman Signs to lease space for two (2) sign structures on Out lots A & B, Menards Addition. Council Member Gumke was granted permission to abstain from the vote, being a Newman’s employee. The committee recommends tabling the issue upon further review.

Considered the request from Daryl and Velma Dockter to lease Lot 2, Block 2, Homestead 3rd Addition. City Attorney Ken Dalsted said the city might want a memorandum of understanding with the State Historical Society regarding limitations and restrictions regarding Indian burial ground. The committee recommends voted to table, pending discussion with the State Historical Society.

Departmental and financial reports were presented.

With Building, Planning & Zoning Committee business:

Considered a Future Land Use Plan Amendment on Lot 1, Block 61, Klaus Second Addition (503 2nd Ave SW) from Low Density Residential to Commercial.

The amendment was recommended by SRF development consultants.

A nearby property owner, Ron Hemmer (Mayor Andersen’s father) asked that the lot remain low density residential, siting the need for residential development.

A nearly 24 percent protest has been received on the amendment.

Another resident, who lives across the street, at 506 2nd Street southwest, Pat Stockert said the land needs development, and commercial space is also needed in Jamestown. Mayor Andersen said the lot may be used for a business that may not be to the liking of the residents in the area.

City Planning Commission member Jane Trautman said the area is a mixed use area and that increased traffic would not be an issue if the lot is zoned commercial.

Commission Chairman Dave Hillirud added that the commission’s recommendation was in line with SRF’s.

Kevin Reuther, who plans a commercial entity on the lot spoke in favor of the commercial use of the lot, and that the city needs commercial development for growth.

The committee recommends approving the amendment to commercial, with Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.

 

The committee recommends the First Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of Lot 1, Block 61, Klaus Second Addition (503 2nd Ave SW) from R-2-A (One to Six Family Residential District) to C-2 (General Commercial District).

 

Informational: A Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance by amending the District Map to change the zoning of Lots 17, 18 & 19 Plus N ½ Vacated Alley, Block 7, Mill Hill Second Addition from M-1 (Limited Industrial and Manufacturing District) to C-1 (Local Commercial District).

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