JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Members of the Frontier Village Association approached the Jamestown Civic Center & Promotion Committee in regards to the lease renewal of the property.
Earlier this year, the city failed to approve renewing the lease for the Frontier Village to the association. Tina Busche came before the committee with a list of projects and plans to enhance the visitor experience at the village.
Some of the projects include a trolly ride to various sites in the area, mini-golf, a working saloon and more.
“Renewing our five-year lease will allow us to move forward with our vision for the Frontier Village and the City of Jamestown,” Busche stated.
City councilperson Pam Phillips asked if there was a budget available for the projects, to which Busche replied they would nail down a budget in future meetings.
The committee had received a letter from the National Buffalo Museum in August informing the city that they would be interested in expanding their current lease to encompass the Frontier Village.
Phillips then brought up information from Jamestown Tourism regarding past funding from 2013 to 2018 between the Frontier Village and National Buffalo Museum.
Phillips says with the vision the National Buffalo Museum had, they increased their visitation by 85%. She stated she would like to see a change in leadership for the Frontier Village.
Association Executive Director Nichole Mosolf stated that when she accepted the position in 2015, she was working with an unwilling board that refused to embrace new ideas to enhance the village experience.
Mosolf stated she has begun working on ideas and budgeting for these different projects to bring people into Jamestown and keep them.
Buffalo Museum Director Ilana Xinos pointed out that they were not looking to take over the village from the association, rather they were interested if the need for it came up.
Mayor Dwaine Heinrich stated that they would need to hear from both sides before they can make a decision.
Full discussion will take place October 22nd Civic Center & Promotion Committee meeting.