cityhall-488Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s committees met in joint session on Thursday evening at City Hall.  Council Member Gumke was not present.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

The committee recommends approval of the creation of the 2016 Seal Coat Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #16-41.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

The Committee recommends the approval of an Airport Non-Aeronautical Commercial Land Lease Agreement between the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority and the JSDC, with a sub-lease between the JSDC and UTC. 

The committee recommends approval of an Amendment to Lease and Option between JSDC and Goodrich Corporation, now UTC. An option for UTC to buy the building is in the amended lease.

The Committee recommends recognizing Jakestar, Inc., as an other public spirited organization and to authorize the issuance of a raffle permit, with the drawing to be held January 16, 2016. The dollars used for the Make A Wish Foundation.

The committee continued discussion relative to switching the retirement program for sworn police officers from the NDPERS plan to the NDPERS Law Enforcement plan.

Retirement age and benefits and health insurance provisions were reviewed.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger said the Police Department has lost personnel to Stutsman County, because of advantages with the County’s benefit package, and salaries. He added that retirements will also be affecting the Police Department. Two officers will be on medical leave in the near future. He’s looking at “leveling the playing field,” with the county.

Nellie Degen the Liason for the James Valley Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #4, has said implementing the plan for law enforcement will aid in recruitment, and retention.

At Thursday’s meeting she presented additional information concerning other cities, concerning implementation of the PERS Law Enforcement plan, including a survey of Barnes County Personnel, which has had the program a number of years.

She said Barnes County officials like the program, due to the benefit and retirement package.

Mayor Andersen said the city needs to look at the overall situation with the police department, with the PERS package a part of all of the issues, and all city employees.

Council Member Buchanan moved to recommend implementation of the PERS Law Enforcement Plan. The motion was not carried on a two to two vote.

Informational:

A Public Hearing relative to the draft Special Assessment Policy of the City of Jamestown is scheduled for the January 4, 2016, City Council meeting.

Informational: Departmental and financial reports were presented.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE:

Informational:  Planning Commission minutes from December 14, 2015 was presented.

The committee recommends approval of the Dakotah Hills Addition plat, with corrections.

Informational:

The Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact a Section of the City Code pertaining to Board of Adjustments, is scheduled for the January 4, 2016, City Council meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE:

The committee considered a Banner Lift System proposed by the Jamestown Classic Car Club at the Jamestown Civic Center.

Jack Meickle with the JCC presented a sketch of the lift system, that would be installed under the civic center scoreboard. He said the cost of $500 to $1,000 would be paid for by the car club, and would be donated to the civic center.

Mayor Andersen suggested that the lift system be purchased and installed from a vendor, such as Newman Signs.

Meickle will meet with Newman Signs and come back to the city with more information.

The committee recommends installation of the system, pending finding a vendor for the project.

POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE:

No items at this time.

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