City requesting permit to bore under I-94

Talk about it

After discussing potential water routing and water towers in the area of the new Jamestown Regional Medical Center, the City Council’s Building, Planning and Zoning Committee voted 4-1 to apply for a state permit to bore under Interstate 94.

The plan Interstate Engineering has designed for supplying water to the medical center is a loop that connects with city water on the south side of I-94 in the general area of R.M. Stoudt. From there the line would run west to the medical center site then back north under the interstate to reconnect with a city water line.

Mayor Clarice Liechty voted against applying for a permit from the North Dakota Department of Transportation. She said the crossing was not the ideal spot for the city. She wanted to discuss options for future development in the area as well as serving the State Hospital and the medical center.

“I’m talking about supplying water to the whole area,” Liechty said.

Committee Chairman Ken Schulz said the only issue under consideration was requesting a permit to bore under I-94. The mayor said she didn’t want the boring where the medical center’s engineers had placed it. It might not even be necessary. Schulz added where the water line crosses the interstate could be discussed at a special meeting May 17.

“I’m suggesting an alternate other than going under I-94,” Liechty said. “We need to be addressing the long term.”

City Engineer Reed Schwartz-kopf said the permit will indicate a specific placement for the boring, but that could be modified at a later date. He added if another plan is developed the permit doesn’t have to be used.

“We need to get the permit agreed to without affecting the design,” Schwartzkopf said. “Where the crossing is at the interstate isn’t as important as getting the permit from DOT. Water routing is an outside issue.”

The mayor said she wants a water tower in the area to serve the medical center, the State Hospital and new development. The existing tower near Lloyd’s Motors is too small, she said.

“Are we better off having the hospital participate in the cost of a water tower?” she said.

Schulz said again the only issue on the table was application for a permit to bore under I-94. Councilwoman Kelani Parisien suggested a parallel path. The city could submit the permit request, she said. Meanwhile, city staff could gather more information and estimated costs for alternatives. The council could consider staff recommendations and the various options at its special meeting May 17.

“First let’s get the permit ... then we can look into planning the water supply in that area,” Parisien said.

In other business, the Finance and Legal Committee:

* approved paying property damage claims incurred during dike building and removal in the 2009 flooding from invoices after the work is done.

* formed a subcommittee to develop the scope of work for a new city Web site.

Sun reporter Toni Pirkl can be reached at (701) 952-8453 or by e-mail at tonip@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, i 94, medical center, news, jamestown, hospital, zoning