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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Finance & Legal Committee discussed several issues on Tuesday, March 21st at the Jamestown City Hall.

During the meeting, Mayor Katie Andersen reported that The JSDC made a request for Economic Development Funds to reimburse the Economic Development Building loss at a cost of $8,264.25.

Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation Executive Director Connie Ova stated that the request for funds was to make up for empty space and shortcomings in costs.

The council unanimously approved the city share of $7,437.83.

Later in the meeting, discussion for funds to be used for the University of Jamestown Entrepreneurship Center was held. In the proposal, up to $50,000 a year for three years would be given through the Economic Development Funds and would also be paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

JSDC Business Development Manager Corey Shevlin stated that the center had already applied for a USDA grant and would request matching funds from the city.

The center will be a non-profit operated by the University on the campus for three years, being evaluated by the JSDC for the next three years. It will later relocate to a central location in Jamestown. Councilman Dan Buchanan stated that it seemed like a good idea.

The motion was passed unanimously.

The council later talked about the Unmanned Aerial System Incentives Program. Mayor Andersen says the incentives came to their attention after unmanned aerial system businesses were interested in locating in Jamestown.

JSDC’s Shevlin says they worked with North Dakota Job Service to run numbers with three jobs that might locate in Jamestown.

Mayor Andersen reported that the incentives would only be for businesses new to the state or looking to expand in North Dakota.

One of the last large items of discussion included a request from the Buffalo Mall for public assistance in their renovation and remodeling costs for the Dunham’s Sports project. Mayor Andersen had some more information.

Councilman Steve Brubakken stated that he was concerned with the time of the request.

Brubakken also stated concern with the mall having had lost five businesses including Sears, Don’s House of Flowers, and Fabric Warehouse. Mayor Andersen pointed out that the council should really consider incentives to help with the costs of Dunham’s. She said the consumers of Jamestown would lose out of Dunham’s decided not to locate inside the mall.

The proposal will be discussed at a later time.