HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Havre City Council convened at City Hall on Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting and approved a series of agenda items.
Prior to the Council approving any agenda items, Mayor Tim Solomon announced the termination of the emergency declaration that was issued back in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This termination comes after Governor Greg Gianforte recenltly ended Montana’s State of Emergency. The declaration can be reinstated if COVID-19 case numbers rise in the area. Solomon has said the declaration did not provide him with any emergenvcy powers, it was more about retrieving financial assistance related to the pandemic.
Items approved by the council (unanimous unless stated otherwise):
- A resolution affirming active participation in the Bear Paw Economic Development District. Havre is pledging $21,250 as their share of local matching funds. Participation in this district helps the City by providing professional planning staff
- A resolution requesting that the 2021 municipal general election will be held via mail ballot. There will not be a primary election due to a lack of candidates, and the general election will take place on November 2nd
- A request from Bullhook Community Health Center to hold their Color Run/Walk on August 14th
- A request from Independence Bank to close 3rd Street from 5th Avenue to the Bank’s drive-up exit from 7 AM-4 PM on August 13th for their Community Appreciation Barbeque was approved 7-0, with Terry Lilletvedt abstaining from this vote since she submitted the request
- A request from the Havre Youth Baseball Association to close 11th Avenue between 9th Street and 11th Street from July 29th-August 2nd for the 2021 American Legion Class A State Baseball Tournament. The street closure is only when games are taking place, in order to allow kids to grab wayward baseballs without fear of traffic
- June Claims and Manual Warrants
David Brewer was the lone member of the public to provide comment. He expressed concern about people speeding on 14th Avenue and suggested an additional speed limit sign and a streetlight at the intersection with 8th Street. Any action on this street would have to be taken by the Montana Department of Transportation, since it is a state route. Any action on this route would likely be preceded by a traffic study.
Brewer also asked the Council to look at the possibility of adding electric vehicle charging stations in town, perhaps using federal dollars to accomplish this. The Council said they would look into it.
Following the Council meeting, the Streets and Sidewalks Committee met and recommended the approval of a request by Abundant Life Ministries to add a handicapped sign for parking at 625 4th Avenue. The church would have to pay for the sign, installation and pole. This will be on the next City Council agenda for potential approval.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for August 2nd. Councilman Andrew Brekke says an Ordinance Committee meeting will take place after the meeting, and the issue of dilapidated buildings will be discussed.
