JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown City Council met in regular session Wednesday after postponing due to a winter storm Monday, March 5th.

During the meeting, Councilman Dan Buchanan inquired if the city’s proposed security fee increase for police officers was acceptable.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger stated that the increase was favorable and a step in the right direction.

Edinger pointed out the ones who probably wouldn’t take security jobs include Sgt’s and other high ranking officers. The council unanimously approved the rate increase to $35 per hour with $32 per hour being paid to the officer and the remaining $3 to cover City payroll expenses.

Later in the meeting, Councilmember Steve Brubakken asked City Engineer Travis Dillman about an agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc. for the River Cleaning Project. Brubakken asked if an approximate total project cost was available. Dillman informed the council that the combined $300,000 would only go so far with river cleanup.

Dillman says they are working with the Department of Emergency Services for more funding to stretch the project even further. Some focus areas they are considering to use the cleanup funds for include McElroy Park, Nickeus Park, and the gravel road to the state hospital. Brubakken says they should consider where the most trees are down and the greatest threat to damage is possible. Dillman says they hope to begin the project this summer.

Other business to come before the council included a request from Cory Kunerth for a taxi licence, which was approved. The council also approved requests for street closings for the Runnin’ O’ The Green on March 17th and approved advertising bids for the retaining wall repair at the Frontier Village.

This meeting was also City Administrator Sarah Hellekson’s first meeting in her new position. Councilmember Ramone Gumke was not present.