Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Thursday afternoon (Dec 27, 2012) at City Hall.

The City Council went into Executive Session, to consult with the City Attorney concerning territorial service claims by Stutsman Rural Water District, including the area of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and the Titan Machinery building under construction in that area.

City officials attending the Executive Session included: Mayor Andersen, City Attorney Ken Dalsted, City Administrator Jeff Fuchs, City Fire Chief Jim Reuther, City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf, and City Council Members, Buchanan, and Kourajian.

Following the Executive Session, the City Council reconvened the Special  Session. 

The City Council then voted 3-0 (Council Members Brubakken, and Gumke not present) to retain outside legal counsel, and and consulting services to represent the city in negotiations with Stutsman Rural Water District.

Council Member Buchanan said the legal fees of the attorney, and consultant could be controlled based on need of services.

 

Also passed unanimously was a motion to authorize City Attorney, Ken Dalsted to respond to the letter, from Rural Water, of December 14, 2012.

The last reported offer from Stutsman Rural Water District on December 14, 2012 was:

Jamestown paying Rural Water $15,000 for lost profits due to the city providing water to JRMC.

Rural Water had originally asked for $2.91 per 1,000 gallons for all water used by JRMC since it opened. The city estimated that amount at about $25,000.

  • Rural Water would be allowed to provide a backup water supply to JRMC.
  • Jamestown would be allowed to provide water to Titan Machinery but would be required to pay a royalty of $1.50 per 1,000 gallons with the royalty rate to increase by the consumer price index or the percentage rate increase Rural Water imposes on its customers, whichever is higher.
  • The contract would be in place for 40 years or as long as Rural Water is in debt.

At a Special City Council meeting that afternoon, that proposal from Rural Water was rejected, and Mayor Andersen said the city would send written response to Stutsman Rural Water District on their latest proposal.

Thursday afternoon’s open portion of the City Council meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.