JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Jamestown held a special meeting Wednesday, October 30th to gain public input regarding the Frontier Village Association (FVA) and the ongoing discussions for the lease of the Frontier Village.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich opened the meeting, saying this issue between the City of Jamestown and Frontier Village Association has generated more calls, emails, and contact than any issue he has faced in his 18 months as Mayor.

He stated that the recent actions by the FVA has not only embarrassed them, but the entire community.

Mayor Heinrich urged the FVA to cease acting in frustration before more damage is done to their reputation and to the community. He also apologized to the community of Perham, MN, who have been in talks to receive buildings, artifacts, and more from the FVA as the decision of the lease looms.

Heinrich informed the council and the public that the Pioneer Village in Perham has not yet received any artifacts or donations from the Frontier Village. He urged the FVA to announce that they would not move forward with moving buildings or artifacts from the site.

Following Heinrich’s remarks, numerous members of Jamestown and surrounding communities were given the floor to give their input. Dave Smette (SMET-ee), a past member of the Tourism Committee, stated that he had concerns 10 years ago about the accountability that they were seeing then.

Jamestown Tourism reports that in the past 9 years, more than $639,441 have been given to the Frontier Village Association from the City Promotion Capital Construction Fund.

John Liechty shared his concerns on a doll collection given by his late wife to the Frontier Village. He wondered where it would go if the FVA was in fact donating their artifacts. He said this also led to them providing some support to improve the building they were located in.

Because of the concern for the items in the midst of the lease discussions, the Jamestown Fire Department also removed some of their donations from the property. Fire Chief Jim Reuther says it was a hard day for him and his staff.

Residents urged the city to take measures to lock the doors and remove the Frontier Village Association from overseeing the property immediately. The city moved to pass a resolution to support the Frontier Village while also asking the Frontier Village Association to pledge to do no harm and willingly turn over any or all assets of the Village to the city of Jamestown.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

You can listen to the whole meeting below: