Thushara Dalugama

The agenda for this meeting included a public hearing for audience comments, followed by the approval of previous minutes. The consent agenda covered numerous resolutions, including reaffirming bank deposit pledges, approving a Purchase Agreement for the sale of a city lot, approving Renaissance Zone Incentives and abatement applications, approving licensing for a new business, approving a Memorandum of Agreement for Joint Library Services with Stutsman County, approving dues for the South Central Dakota Regional Council, approving an agreement with the Jamestown Frontier Association regarding Frontier Village staffing, approving a staff addition to the Sewer Collection Department, approving a grant agreement for Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation, amending the 2026 budget regarding LEC bill payment, approving an NDDOT agreement for highway closure, approving final change orders for water main and landfill projects, approving quotes for replacement equipment including a Flygt pump, a pickup truck for Vector Control, an Air Burner and ash rake, and a snow blower for the Street Department. The consent agenda also included directing preparation of plans for the 2026 Seal Coat District, accepting plans and directing advertisement for bids for the 2026 Sidewalk and Curb and Gutter District, directing preparation of plans for the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement District, directing the preliminary engineering report for that district, approving the engineer's report for the 2025 Lead Service Line District, and approving several final and interim payment resolutions for various construction and engineering service projects. The regular agenda included a public hearing and subsequent consideration regarding protests for the 2026 Seal Coat District, and public hearings and second readings for two ordinances pertaining to competitive bidding and Flood Damage Prevention requirements to meet FEMA and NFIP standards. Appointments considered included naming members to the Board of Adjustments and the James River Valley Library System Board. Other business included resolutions regarding the transfer of Civic Center bank accounts, authorizing the Mayor to sign the Joint Library Services Memorandum of Agreement, approving a 2025 abatement application, granting final Renaissance Zone incentives, approving realtor commission payments for city-owned lots, approving an Actuarial Services Agreement for pension matters, approving a Forestry survey, and approving fund transfers.

The Finance & Legal Committee recommended several actions for City Council approval, including the sale of Lot 3, Block 1, Kourajian 2nd Addition for $153,600.00. The committee also recommended approval for Renaissance Zone Incentives for Koush, LLC, and the 2025 abatement application for a property at 1003 5th St SE. Other recommendations included approving a Beer, Wine, and Sparkling Wine license for Bluestem, LLC, a Memorandum of Agreement for Joint Library Services with Stutsman County, 2026 South Central Dakota Regional Council Dues payment, and an agreement with Jamestown Frontier Attractions to fund a full-time supervisory position at the Frontier Village. Furthermore, the committee recommended adding one staff member to the Sewer Collection Department. Two items were forwarded without recommendation to the February 2, 2026, City Council meeting: the payment of realtor commissions for sales of city-owned lots and the approval of an Actuarial Services Agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services. Finally, the committee recommended approval of the 2026 North Dakota Forest Service Emerald Ash Bore Mitigation Grant and an amendment to the 2026 budget increasing the General Fund line item for the LEC bill share, as well as an NDDOT agreement for Long-Term Temporary Highway Closure.

The Police & Fire Committee convened for updates from the Fire Department Chief and the Police Department Chief. The Public Works Committee subsequently met and recommended City Council approval for several items. These included Change Order #2-Final Balancing for the 2025 Water Main Project #25-61 and Change Order #3-Final Balancing for MSW Landfill. The committee also recommended approving quotes for replacing a Flygt pump at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, purchasing a pickup truck for the Vector Control Department, buying an Air Burner and ash rake for Sanitation, and acquiring a Larue D50 Loader Mount Snow Blower for the Street Department. Furthermore, the committee recommended directing the preparation of plans and specifications for the 2026 Seal Coat, Patching, Construction & Reconstruction District 26-41, accepting plans and advertising for bids for the 2026 Sidewalk and Curb and Gutter District 26-11, and directing preparation of plans and specifications for the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement District 25-63. The committee also approved directing the creation of a preliminary engineering report and approved the engineer's report and cost estimate for the 2025 Lead Service Line Citywide District #25-63. A discussion was held regarding the 250,000-gallon Water Reservoir Improvement Project, focusing on rehabilitating the paint coating system.

The agenda includes informational items and appointments. Discussion points relate to the approval of a new Memorandum of Agreement of Joint Library Services with Stutsman County, which results in an open City representative position on the Library board with a term expiring in July 2028. A specific action item concerns the appointment of Jacalyn Barnes to serve on the James River Valley Library System Board to fill an unexpired three-year term ending in July 2028.

The agenda covers joint and separate committee business. The Police & Fire Committee items include updates from the Fire Chief and Police Chief, and a hearing from the audience on city business. The Public Works Committee agenda focuses on recommending approvals for several change orders, specifically final balancing for the 2025 Water Main Project and the MSW Landfill project. Other public works discussions include approving quotes for wastewater pump repair/replacement, purchasing a 2026 pickup truck for the Vector Department, acquiring a 2026 Air Burner and ash rake, and purchasing a 2026 budgeted Larue D50 Loader Mount Snow Blower for the Street Department. Additionally, the committee will address directing the preparation of plans for the 2026 Seal Coat District, accepting plans and directing the advertisement for bids for the 2026 Sidewalk and Curb and Gutter District, declaring necessity for the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement District, and reviewing engineering reports and updates on city projects and garbage collection.