Pictured is the new city of Jamestown historian, Michael Rohlin, as he talks with City Council members during Monday’s voting session. Screenshot courtesy of the city of Jamestown’s website

City Council members have approved a new contract with the Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association, with two members of the council saying the city should reopen police consolidation talks.

City and union approval of the new contract will bring to an end a state Supreme Court case filed in December challenging the validity of the city’s decision to increase health insurance premiums 22% on city employees as part of this year’s city budget.

The agreement comes with pay raises of 2% for police officers in 2025, 3% in 2026 and 4% in 2027 and 2028; creates a new sick time bonus for officers who don’t use any sick time in each quarter of the year and increases health insurance premiums 1% in 2026 and 1% in 2028. There are no retroactive payments due. The city and union agree the new health insurance premium equivalent will increase to 18% effective Jan. 1, 2025 and to establish a Labor Management Committee to review premium rate related issues on a quarterly basis. The discussions will not be considered negotiations.

The Kendall Club will withdraw its labor practice charge and arbitration under PERB Case Number A2024-283, will not grieve or charge the city for sending out a health insurance form last December and discontinue a case filed in December in state Supreme Court in Mayville.

Following the approval of the contract, Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large and chair of the public safety committee who had recused himself from the vote due to being a retired police officer, commented on the work that was done on the contract between Mayor Kim Ecklund and the Kendall Club while also calling for a resurrection of police consolidation talks.

“I will always support the work that police, fire, and first responders do on a daily basis that’s often overlooked by some,” Russell said. “With the increased cost to such services to municipalities across Chautauqua County, I’m suggesting that there be a renewed interest and conversations starting once again on the consolidation of services, specifically police services.”

Russell listed some other local municipalities who have had an increase in costs of these services in regards specifically to taxes, saying it is time for municipalities to take action and to become more fiscally responsible in regards to these services. Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward 5, added his support to Russell’s comments.

The city council also approved during Monday’s voting session the appointment of new city historian’s Michael Rohlin. This appointment follows the resignation of previous historian Ashley Senske. Council members thanked Rohlin for taking on the role, as he was in attendance at the meeting.

Rohlin spoke briefly with the council during the public comment section of the meeting. Rohlin acknowledged the “rich history” of the city, saying that he has spoken with some council members about the position and what knowing the history of the city can do for the future.

“The future lies in what we know about our history,” Rohlin said. “We build off of the past and we can build this city and know more about the history of it. … It’s going to be a privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to working with you. Thank you again for your confidence.”