Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) -- The Jamestown City Council’s Police and Fire Committee, and Public Works Committee, met Thursday (Jul 22, 2010) evening at City Hall.

Police & Fire Committee business:

Discussion was held relating to funding of the law enforcement pistol range, near the fairgrounds.
Police Chief Dave Donegan introduced Range Committee members, Jamestown Police officers, Sgt Tom Nagel, Lt. Robert Opp and Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Beedy.
Opp said since a stray bullet struck a house in 2008 the range has not been used.
He said if the range is shutdown, the EPA lead cleanup would cost $320,000. The committee is looking at replaceable lead traps to install. The system is more flexible for the shooters, and is more efficient at trapping bullets. Councilman Ramone Gumke said the cost of the lead trap system is about $500,000.
A metal wall containment unit would cost twice that amount. He said the Range Committee will send out letters, to solicit pledges for funds.
Another option is using the Valley City range.

The committee went on record to recommend supporting the concept of a new range, and authorize the range committee to move forward with plans, without a financial commitment from the city at this time.

The committee discussed the Second reading of an Ordinance relating to the Operation of All Terrain vehicles and Snowmobiles. The Ordinance will allow city employees to operate city-owned vehicles within city limits, such as police, fire or other city entities. The committee recommends the Second Reading language be approved.
The Second Reading will be at the August 2nd City Council meeting.

The committee considered an Ordinance revision pertaining to the General Liquor license concerning restrictions; responsibility of licensee, right to search, and compliance checks.
The committee recommends, approval of the revisions.

Police Chief Dave Donegan presented information concerning the application for 2010 JAG Program funds, the proposed use of said funds, and to set a public hearing for
same. He said a $14,100 grant will be shared with the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office.
He added the funds for the U.S. Justice Department will be used for law enforcement equipment purchases. A motion was made and approved to hold a Public Hearing to be held at the September City Council meeting.
The Chief said, Municipal Judge Ottmar asked for a city Ordinance prohibiting "public urination." The committee recommends the First Reading of an Ordinance at the August City Council meeting.

Public Works Committee :

The committee Considered a resolution concurring with maintaining a posted speed limit of 35 mph on the East Business Loop after completion of the East Business Loop Re-construction Project. The City Engineer recommends keeping the speed limit at 35 mph.
The committee also recommends approval of the 35 mph speed limit.

An engineering estimate for sidewalk repairs at the Frontier Village Buffalo site was recommended for approval. The area includes the pad on which the buffalo monument stands.

Discussion then turned to future development and water issues south of I-94. City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf outlined items:

The committee reviewed concerns and possible water system improvements.
He said a study is needed concerning large scale development in that area relative to concerns for an adequate water supply, for emergency purposes.
Mayor Andersen said a prioritized list of projects may also need to be developed first.
Councilman Schulz said with the Regional Medical Center going on line in about a year this study should be made first.
The committee recommend moving forward with the water study.

Present and recent action by Planning Commission was noted.
From the audience Clarice Liechty suggested a change in the make up of the membership of the Planning Commission, saying if the Commission had handled the water issue differently in the past, the water issue would be further along, now.

The committee then voted to recommend the request for a resolution authorizing city payment to “upsize” water mains for the new Jamestown Regional Medical Center, of up to $60,000.

The committee recommends approving the request for a resolution authorizing city payment to “upsize” redundant water mains to the State Hospital/JRCC, of up to $60,000. Councilman Schulz declared a conflict of interest, being the State Hospital Chief Operating Officer. The committee allowed Schulz to participate in the discusssion and vote.

The committee considered a request from the new Jamestown Regional Medical Center to allow the Stutsman Rural Water District to provide a “backup water supply water main.”
City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf said the city previously stated its opposition to a redundant system, not using rural water. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the city feels it currently has adquate water supplies without the need for a backup source of water.

City Attorney Ken Dalsted recommends an agreement be drawn up between the city, Rural Water, and the Regional Medical Center. Mayor Andersen said the major issue is setting a precedent in taking action at this point.
Dalsted has also drafted an Ordinance concerning options the city may face in future years concerning development senarios.
Jamestown Hosptial President Marty Richman said the facility plans for backup systems in the event of a catastrophic emergency need. He urged the city consider the Rural Water backup supply, “in the public good.”
Stutsman Rural Water District, Manager, Geneva Kaiser passed along a statement from the Water District. She said the competing with the city for water customers is not in the interest of the Rural Water District.
Mayor Andersen moved to place the request for Rural Water as a Regional Medical Center backup supply, on the City Council agenda without recommendation, which passed.

Public use of Farm Hydrants was then discussed. Utility Superintendent Steve Suko said, 10 known Farm Hydrants exist in Jamestown. He says other Farm Hydrants may also exist in the city.
He asked to establish a policy for usage, including possible pad-locking all the hydrants, or preferably install backflow restrictors if the hydrants are kept. The cost would be about $2,300 per hydrant. The remaining options is to disable the hydrant at the main, with removal costing about $5,000 per hydrant.
The committee recommends, delaying action until the August Public Works Committee meeting to allow committee members to locate and look at the hydrants,and, authorize the city to repair the farm hydrant in the 100 block of 18th Avenue NE in the cul-de-sac, with funds from the city’s utility fund.

The committee discussed a resolution pertaining to either removing trash collection from alley-ways or re-consider the alley re-building program. City Engineer Schwartzkopf said trash collection causes the most alley damage. He said reconstructing the sub-base is the only way to adequately repair alleys, and removal heavy loads would increase stability.
Mayor Andersen suggested a Public Hearing on the issue and options.
The committee voted to take no action.

The topic of blowing trash collection at both landfills by local service organizations(Boy Scouts) was discussed. Schwartzkopf said the Boy Scouts indicated a willingness to help out with a stipend to the organization.
The committee recommends having the city staff work out an agreement with service organizations, at the minimum wage rate per hour.

Schwartzkopf said the sanitary sewer system study should be finished by the end of August this year.
He said, work has started on replacing the force main pipe between the sewage treatment plant and the sewage lagoon.

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

Email this page to a friend: