By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Havre City Council convened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening and approved numerous agenda items, including several ordinance changes.
Two of the three ordinances that had a second reading were passed unanimously, while the third was more contentious.
The ordinance that was debated at some length and opposed by Aldermen Josh Miller and Derek Eldridge prohibits trailer from parking too close to structures for safety reasons. It requires vehicles such as campers to be parked in a rear yard unless inaccessible. In that case, a trailer or RV can be parked in a front or side yard, provided it is on a surface prepared with asphalt, concrete, gravel, or pavers.
It also prohibits people from living or sleeping on campers or RVs on residential property for more than five consecutive days.
The ordinances with unanimous approval dealt with automobile parking and loading space requirements, and preventing trailer parking on public streets and other right of ways.
These ordinances will take effect 30 days following Tuesday’s vote.
Also at the meeting, on first reading, the Council approved an ordinance amending a portion of the Havre City Code that deals with weapons.
Due to the recent approval of House Bill 102 in the State Legislature, the City has to change their code to state that instead of concealed weapons no longer being allowed on all city property, that restriction is now limited to all public buildings.
Alderwoman Sarah McKinney had an excused absence.
Also approved:
- Confirmation of the Mayoral Appointment of Nathan Courtnage as Havre Fire Department Chief. There was no discussion during the meeting about the controversy prior to Kaercher nominating Courtnage
- Appointments of Buck Easley and Sean O’Connell as Probationary Police Officers
- A resolution affirming active participation in the Bear Paw Economic Development District
- A resolution authorizing the adoption of the 2021 edition of the International Building Codes of the City of Havre
- Mayoral appointment approval of Joy Bridwell to the Havre-Hill County Library Board. This comes after recent appointment Fran Morsette stepped down
- June claims and manual warrants
Public Comments
- Former Mayor Bob Rice complained about the state of 12th Avenue, calling it a “disgrace,” and asking why it hasn’t been fixed. Deputy Public Works Director Jeff Jensen said it is because the city doesn’t have the funds, and Rice responded by telling Jensen he should beg for the funds, but Jensen said “that’s not what I do.” Rice responded by saying “somebody needs to beg then. Cause that’s a great forte for a Mayor, a City Council to do.”
- Realtor Kim Cripps provided numerous photos of properties in poor shape, stating that these are a fire hazard and impact property values. City officials said they recently passed an ordinance attempting to deal with this issue, but that it will take time to deal with.
The next regular City Council meeting is August 1st.
