Havre City Council Meeting Recap

The meeting opened with comments from Bear Paw Development Corporation's Paul Tuss regarding a forthcoming ROI report for recent projects done in collaboration with the city.

Next was Havre City Council's unanimous ratification of updated collective bargaining agreements for Havre Dispatchers, Havre Police Department, and City of Havre Fire Department employees as well as the confirmation of two new Havre Police Officers. Welcome Officers Escobar and Evens!

Mayor Wade Bitz announced the creation of a TIF District Board wherein residents and business owners located in the new Tax Increment Finance District covering the bulk of downtown Havre are invited to apply for one of 5 spots on the new board, which will inform and provide input to Havre City Council as to the distribution of funds collected in the district. Applications can be obtained and submitted at City Hall.

A request was heard from developer Beki Brandborg of Echo Development and representatives of the District 4 HRDC for a letter of city support for the Mountain Goat Court Development near the District 4 HRDC. Councilwoman Heather Parker expressed concern about the water drainage plan for the proposed development and was assured by Brandborg that an engineer would be providing an impact assessment prior to construction. The Mountain Goat Court Development aims to provide single level zero-threshold housing for low income elderly and disabled residents. It was noted by the HRDC that many elderly residents in the community are no longer able to safely navigate around and maintain their current larger homes and that a development of this kind would allow for a safer housing alternative. Larger homes would return to the market to be purchased and cared for by new homebuyers and young families. Councilman David Brewer suggested that welfare checks be conducted by property management and Brandborg noted that a special alert light system will be installed above the door of each unit so residents may easily signal for help if needed.

Attendees also received an insightful update from Emma Korntheuer of the Hill County Conservation District and Havre Water Treatment Plant Manager Amanda Vaughn on the ongoing Watershed Assessment project. Notable findings include a significant decrease in water quality downstream of the Milk River confluence with Big Sandy Creek, theoretically due to large scale agricultural use and multiple septic systems along the watershed. Data points collected in the ongoing Beaver Creek assessment noted the large network of cabin outhouses in the park and recent toxic algal blooms as having an impact on water quality prior to confluence with the Milk River and the downstream Havre Water Treatment Plant. If local residents know of any other affected water systems or areas where additional data and testing may contribute to Watershed management grants and funding for mitigation projects, please reach out the the Hill County Conservation District at (406)265-6792 ext. 3.

City of Havre Public Works Department Director Trevor Mork gave numerous project updates including upcoming clean out initiatives intended to improve water flow and drainage issues from long term debris buildup in sewer catchments. He also noted that Havre's Safe Streets For All Committee will have a booth at the Great Northern Fair from July 16-18 to share project updates and gather feedback from the public - be sure to stop by on your way through!