[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6611734,"mediaKeyId","2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db","parentId",2892971,"title","Votes at a glance: Jamestown council committee advances local law on tax levy override, approves CHIPS funds and local events","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2754000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db&start=2754&end=2754","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db/thumbnail_2754000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611734/Jamestown/Chautauqua-County/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Jamestown-council-committee-advances-local-law-on-tax-levy-override-approves-CHIPS-funds-and-local-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611734-2f84b8e4a5c8c5cf8b53cc69d402bc82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183031&Signature=E~6jkxTYgzhZu85wGIZxAVbebz2x68tRHEQM5ISuFr8cq~xpu5TbEVQnx~RyQw0lzzyvI9HUJIPvBK73AXNvQjkpcZ~aMQUn0qusawz82AYcjOJag1zkv59Zz9LOxIoB70~akapHGf5TSLobgvuMH0KTWrH4DagJEEu5zsHOCHToMP~2Usqh3MRJTBh2i1qvWHs2WFjBnQwyXEUhsXjBGyxFq3UXsa5L8dmZ~Z3R319IbT628BYmmlURy~YkxtZ44mu3n8EwfmT~LZeSXPfaPSfqSuGQL1nLxJks9hXQFS7Sk5ik5XAQx4Jsvp3p1rSrSHyS~QEQjawPHRaAwl075g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Jamestown, NY","date","2025-04-08T01:17:35.227Z","article","The Jamestown City Council and its committees took several formal actions at the April 7 meeting and associated committee session.

Public safety committee action
The public safety committee moved, seconded and approved a motion to establish Local Law No. 1 of 2025, a local option authorizing a property‑tax levy in excess of the state cap (often described as a 2% override). Committee members were told the adoption would put the law on the council agenda to be read and then automatically tabled for 30 days before final action; staff emphasized that passing the local law would preserve an option the city could use later during budget season but would not require the city to use the authority.

Council approvals
- A budget amendment resolution recognizing Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) extreme winter recovery funds increased capital appropriations by $802,800.69; speakers said the extra state money will be used for road repairs. The council approved the revision.

- The council approved a $200 donation from Full Strength Coffee Company to Project Crossroads, a local domestic‑violence service program. Staff described the donation and read the company’s stated intent to create an inclusive coffee shop space.

- The council granted permits for several special events: the Memorial Day parade (May 26, 2025), the Saint James Italian Festival (July 12, 2025) and the World Series of Wheels (July 26, 2025, rain date July 27). Each special‑event application passed.

Items discussed but not finally adopted
Councilors discussed a proposed local law (described in the meeting as Local Law No. 2 of 2025) that would eliminate strict municipal residency requirements for certain appointed city officers, allowing appointments consistent with civil‑service residency rules (for example, residency within the county or an adjoining county) while giving preference to city residents. That proposal generated debate from council members who said they prefer department heads, police and fire officials to live in the city while others argued loosening the requirement may be necessary to attract qualified candidates. No final vote on that local‑residency law occurred at the April 7 meeting; councilors asked for additional review and potential amendment language.

Speakers and process
Several council members and staff participated in the proceedings; committee votes were taken publicly and the council approved the CHIPS budget amendment and event permits during the session. Where specific vote tallies were not read aloud, the transcript records roll calls and the meeting chair asking for ayes; vote counts were not specified in the record provided.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 7, 2025 - Jamestown City Council Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 7 meeting the council’s public safety committee moved to establish local law No. 1 of 2025 (a property‑tax levy override option), the council approved a CHIPS budget amendment for road funding, accepted a small donation and cleared several special‑event permits.","taxTitle","Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York","taxId",51479,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6611739,"Jamestown officials outline home‑rehab and infill program, developer forum and HUD timeline",1745,104000,1849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db&start=104&end=1849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db/thumbnail_104000.jpg","/articles/6611739/Jamestown/Chautauqua-County/New-York/Jamestown-officials-outline-homerehab-and-infill-program-developer-forum-and-HUD-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611739-c980eaf7ca15290d6521b5b80d4f0ff6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183031&Signature=eiBZuHEuoZrVn2w-ZCCcwTONDm~id2m7qfCtcYIajER8~bx4YqsDsAHjyE7dQM-9wPUW0RG6hSHkqmCp4aYewrpHVrbSsVXpgP6V2ggngDAikGZGPzTirUD2l18-hr-q96cCX3FbtchDeFMZh~DE1l-9EXzoWgGG9okuqay5VmT79lfvwqCTipgsDzGperUdxdLaETG75StLWkyH7-mnT3VRRIdr5SL31xqG4CWEVQgoqrNwiasIbBMjE2uJDYKayi-4ReRVVX1IzLlfjBZHCh2c0jKQz8Tu7xWf2ImvrILPWrT5Dk9GP1510jrixHQ6sX5XaCoE~C21ZoWP3UI9pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 7 meeting, the Jamestown City Council heard updates on housing initiatives including a home‑rehabilitation fund, an infill redevelopment program and outreach to developers to attract infill and adaptive‑reuse projects in downtown Jamestown.

Ellen (city economic development presenter) told the council that the city will co‑sponsor a developers forum on April 30 to showcase infill and adaptive reuse opportunities. Planned walking and trolley tours will highlight neighborhoods and downtown buildings with redevelopment potential, including properties on Savannah Avenue, Spring Street, Fulton Street, First Street (Worsted Mill) and several historic commercial buildings downtown.

Staff also reviewed a proposal for use of an identified pool of program funding. Council members were told that $640,000 is already in play for housing initiatives; staff described $140,000 dedicated to home rehabilitation and said the remaining roughly $500,000 is intended for a home redevelopment/infill development program. Staff stated an extension of existing funds was not necessary at present and described a timetable that includes public‑comment and a public hearing on or around May 15, a June request‑for‑proposals (RFP) step and an anticipated program rollout and zoning/planning review over the summer months.

Housing staff likewise noted that the city’s annual action plan and consolidated plan remain in progress and that HUD’s May 15 formula announcement could affect some timelines; the city will share opportunities for public engagement as the federal guidance becomes available.

Separately, staff described two conferences they are organizing or supporting: a developer forum on April 30 and “Retool 25” on June 3, a business/energy conference aimed at manufacturers and companies considering relocation or second sites. Retool 25 will cover sustainability, energy efficiency and energy innovation and is intended to connect local industry with suppliers and workforce groups.

Speakers identified in the discussion included Ellen (economic development presenter), Crystal (development director) and Jane Potter (DOD office); staff asked council members to review program materials circulated before the meeting and encouraged participation in the April 30 forum.

Next steps for the housing programs are the May 15 public comment/hearing window, a June RFP for program projects and subsequent zoning and planning approvals for projects that advance.","City staff described a planned home‑rehab and infill program funded from federal/municipal grants, an April 30 developer forum and a June conference for manufacturers; public comment and a May 15 HUD formula announcement will shape next steps.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6611744,"Jamestown utility officials update council on microgrid, district heating, pump-station plans and rate pressures",621,81000,702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db&start=81&end=702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892971-9f3457df632f7adfdc8ffdc3532cc9db/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6611744/Jamestown/Chautauqua-County/New-York/Jamestown-utility-officials-update-council-on-microgrid-district-heating-pump-station-plans-and-rate-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611744-9f01432b6499fefcc2c7e85b2b48f631/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183031&Signature=ayMO42pi7UyyPgDYzZPAJ2RI50KLBBfv6SZNLJoSJ8FC6Yrpb--d0qsaR365aCp-h~Fn-Qh6efMZehM6epLaa8-E13QCCInd1okNjZRwK55VigVK39O2Z-6dWB7ZBsW7ziQLs0okdcUlIVQOEj2XTZ0SU7YiZLSMe6DGUKmHPvyAcmp5-rhBRM7lpHO-WjtnnuOJHv95II0FSISLbgPa~kMkXcbqnDIK~pqMlFceRWE5p5buph4P1ya8jHyrlTnpdP-2jbwGfvYpn5w8kfK8FwCVP5C~LtyDVekexoCTs-V~Y~FN4v737WZSQsL4aKqtXa3UOY-6jrSRHEUt6LEQoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamestown City Council members on April 7 heard a multi-part briefing from the city Department of Public Utilities (DPU) covering major utility projects and near-term rate pressures that could affect customers.

DPU staff described the DOE Jamestown Community Microgrid as a multi-year project that has resumed moving forward after a pause in funding. Officials said initial orders for underground equipment have been placed and an owner’s‑engineer request for proposals is under way; staff characterized the overall schedule as a four- to five‑year effort.

Council members were told the city is actively addressing the existing district‑heating system with leak identification and targeted repairs ahead of the warmer months. The DPU reported dye testing at customer heat exchangers produced a small number of incidents but no major problems.

Officials also described planning for a major rebuild at the Casadega pump‑house site north of Faulkner: a new pump house, storage tank and possible new transmission mains. Staff said a bonding resolution to support grant applications for that work is expected before the council in either April or May; the bonding resolution would be used to pursue outside grant funds and does not by itself authorize construction.

On water system expansion, the DPU said it has sought a NYSERDA FlexTech study to analyze the capacity and infrastructure needs if Jamestown were to serve multiple neighboring towns. The study, still in early stages, will consider storage tanks, pump stations, staffing and other costs; staff expects results in roughly six months.

Wastewater staff described work in Sewer Shed No. 7 to reduce inflow and infiltration. Inspectors targeted about 300 homes for on‑site inspections and had completed roughly 200 at the time of the meeting. DPU briefed council members that field inspections had identified illegal connections or confirmed problems in roughly 20–25% of inspected homes and that an additional 15–20% required further investigation. Staff emphasized that correcting private illegal connections could reduce the need for large capital main replacements.

DPU said make‑ready work for a community fiber project is under way on utility poles and that buildout could begin this summer.

On financing and equipment, staff said tomorrow’s borrowing requests would include about $750,000 from the water division to support a new fueling station; staff described the overall fueling‑station project cost as “over $1,100,000” though speakers did not provide a final contracted total. Wastewater borrowing for sand‑filter rebuilds at the treatment plant was also described as pending.

Utility rates and charges were a separate focus. Staff warned that multiple external factors could push the city’s fuel adjustment charge higher this year: potential New York Power Authority (NYPA) hydropower rate changes, higher transmission service charges charged through National Grid and state clean‑energy obligations. Staff noted that in January–February the city’s fuel adjustment charge was low because the city’s power plant was generating and offsetting purchases from the market, but that outlooks point to upward pressure later in 2025. The DPU also said it is evaluating a modest increase to the fixed basic service charge for electric customers, a charge last increased in March 2016; any change would require going to the Public Service Commission.

Staff acknowledged a billing error that failed to apply the board‑approved 4% water rate increase earlier this year; April bills will include a recovery charge for January–March. DPU estimated the typical residential customer impact for those months at about $2 and said commercial high‑use customers would see larger adjustments.

Next steps identified for the council include the anticipated bonding resolution for the pump‑house/grant package, follow‑up reports on the NYSERDA study and continuing updates on the microgrid, district‑heating repairs and sewer I&I inspections.

Speakers named in the briefing included Dave (DPU presenter) and Brad Albright, Safety Compliance Administrator. Several council members asked questions during the update; one council member asked for the number and likely effect of illegal sewer connections after staff reported the home‑inspection results.","At its April 7 meeting, the Jamestown City Council received a multi-topic briefing from city utility staff covering the DOE Jamestown Community Microgrid, district heating repairs and expansion, a planned pump‑house rebuild, a regional water‑expansion study, sewer inflow inspections and an outlook for electric rates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Jamestown council committee advances local law on tax levy override, approves CHIPS funds and local events

Jamestown officials outline home‑rehab and infill program, developer forum and HUD timeline

Jamestown utility officials update council on microgrid, district heating, pump-station plans and rate pressures