City Council approves UTV street use

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

NO CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED SEPARATELY:

A Resolution was approved, the request from JSDC for a Resolution to participate in the Red River Valley Water Supply Pipeline. The pipeline would bring a western water supply to the Jamestown area, being supervised by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. Mayor Andersen said the water would benefit the Spiritwood Energy Park.

The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) Board of Directors has unanimously approved a resolution to participate in the Red River Valley Water Supply pipeline project.

The non-binding resolution contains no cost implications for the JSDC at this time.

Administrative Officer for the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, Merri Mooridian, says, “It reaffirms interest but does not commit. We’re identifying cities and water projects in need of water along the route.”

Early engineering designs of the Red River Valley Water Supply pipeline include a 66- to 84-inch- diameter pipeline roughly along the route of North Dakota Highway 200 from the Missouri River to the northern end of Lake Ashtabula. From there, the water would flow into the Sheyenne River to the Red River for industrial and municipal use by communities.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS:

The City Council approved a Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $450,000.00 Solid Waste Treatment Revenue Bond, Series 2015 for the landfill expansion.

ORDINANCES:

A Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Sections of the City Code pertaining to regulations for the use of utility-task vehicles in the City of Jamestown.

At Monday’s meeting, Council Member Brubakken restated that safety organizations and consumer groups are against putting the vehicles on the streets. He said members of the community have told him they do not want the vehicles on the streets, and noted possible liability issues.

City Council Member Buchanan concurred with Brubakken for the same reasons and pointed out documentation saying the vehicles are not appropriated for city streets

He said proof of insurance is required, and UTV operators may not drive without  liability insurance. He said 471 cases of driving without liability insurance in Jamestown were in court records this year up to November 1, 2015,and the number is likely to go higher if UTVs are on city streets. He said police and court work will increase with violations.

From the audience Nick Hardy a law enforcement officer, spoke in favor of the Ordinance, saying he has full liability coverage on his UTV.

Jeff Schwind asked how many of the 471 citations of not driving with liability insurance involved UTVs.

Tom Nagel a police detective spoke in favor, saying he also drives a motorcycle, and noted that mopeds are now legal for street operations.

Stutsman County Sheriff, Chad Kaiser spoke and said no highway accidents have occurred in the county for several years with UTVs. Those accident that have occurred happened while off-roading.

Mayor Katie Andersen said, the UTVs need to be in compliance with the North Dakota Century Code, to be on city streets, citing several components .

The motion to approved carried on a 3-2 vote with Council Members Brubakken, and Buchanan voting in opposition.

HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE:

Liaison, ND Fraternal Order of Police, James/Valley Regional Lodge #4, Nellie Degen, again explained the need for the city to budget for law enforcement to participate in the Public Employees Retirement System .

Mayor Katie Andersen said city and law enforcement officials recently took part in a state webinar that explained details of the program.

She indicated that some law enforcement personnel participate in an insurance program that allows early retirement at age 50 and full retirement at age 55.

She added that if the City of Jamestown participates the percentage of the city’s contribution will go up from 8% to 10%. She said the cost to the city is unknown depending on the number of participants.

Ms. Degen has pointed out that political subdivisions that have PERS available for local law enforcement is a good recruitment tool, noting that with officers under emotional and physical stress and limitation as they get older officers will benefit from being able to fully retire at age 55.

She added that PERS for law enforcement, is separate from the PERS mainstream program of public employees.

She said Stutsman County officials recently held a workshop on how the program works, but as of yet has taken no formal action. She is on the November 3, 2015 County Commission agenda.

Mayor Andersen said the information from the webinar, and subsequent meeting will be brought to upcoming city committee meeting for discussion.

APPOINTMENTS:

The City Council approved the appointment of Blaine P. Stockert to serve as a member of the Fire Code Board of Appeals for a term to expire November 2018.

Appointed Darlene Jung to serve as a member of the James River Valley Library System Board for a term to expire March 2018.

Appointed Lynn Hill to serve as a member of the Shade Tree Committee to fill the unexpired term of Sandy Eckelberg — April 2016.

Reappointed Brent Harris to serve as a member of the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority for a term to expire December 2020.

Reappointed Mayor Andersen to serve as the City Council representative on the Law Enforcement Center Governing Board for a term to expire December 2019.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Kourajian said the new Jamestown Bus Depot will open on Monday November 9, 2015. He also pointed out that this year’s Holiday Dazzle on Main Parade in Jamestown will be on Tuesday November 24, 2015 at 7-p.m. preceded by the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. in front of the Civic Center.

Council Member Buchanan noted that JSDC CEO Connie Ova has been chosen as the new President of the North Dakota Economic Development Association.

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