JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Jamestown moved to approve the water utility rate adjustment Monday evening.

A resolution was before the council to approve the utility rate adjustments for 2019. Councilmember Steve Brubakken brought up the question of individuals paying the standard fee even when not using their water service.

Brubakken suggested the announced $25.91 drop to the lower rate of $12.90 for multi-residential and mobile homes. Councilmember Dave Steele brought up the proposed garbage pickup fees too.

City Administrator Sarah Helleckson says anyone who needs that assistance will be assessed a monthly charge of $20. Helleckson says they would need to sign up through city hall.

The minimum time frame for the service would be three months. The council unanimously approved the utility rates and pickup.

Next, the council discussed the Declaration of Slum and Blighted Area and authorized the application for state funding to improve those areas in the city.

The declaration states the slum and blighted area projects a negative visual image of the community and the economic, social, physical, and cultural well-being of the city adversely affected by the conditions of the slum and blighted area.

The State of North Dakota allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to operate a North Dakota Main Street program. This would promote livable communities, address unmet community development needs and promote activities that enhance local economic development efforts.

A motion from Mayor Dwaine Heinrich highlighted the area of Jamestown where blighted areas could be found including 1st Avenue from 9th Street SE to 5th Street NE and on either side of first avenue from 2nd Avenue West to 2nd Avenue East.

The council unanimously passed the resolution.