By Martin J. Kidston
The Havre City Council gathered for one of its longest meetings of the year on Tuesday night to swear in the citys new fire chief and assistant chief, and to cover the reading of several resolutions.
With the retirement of Chief Michael Badgley from the Havre Fire Department, a domino effect has rolled up the services chain of command with new appointments and low-level hirings. The move to fill the vacancies began Tuesday night with the swearing in of Havres new top dog, Fire Chief Craig Ellingson.
Asking if he would fill the position with fidelity and honor while maintaining the pride and respect of the department, Mayor Leonard delivered Ellingsons oath of office in front of the city council and a hand full of citizens. By raising his right hand, Ellingson swore to the duties of chief.
Dave Sheppard was sworn in as assistant fire chief after confiding to the same oath as Ellingson. Then the real handiwork began.
Within the fire department, Tim Evens was appointed to the probationary position of fire fighter first class. Evens recently resigned from the Havre Police Department before winning the position within the fire service. Next, Firefighters First Class Robert Bergren and David Krezelak were awarded the position of engineer, while Engineers Joseph Parenteau and Tim Ranes were appointed to the positions of captain.
The Havre Police Department saw a move of its own with the appointment of Roi Rhombergh to the position of probationary patrol officer, effective Sept. 16. The city council also passed the resignation of Tim Evens from the police department.
Following the appointments, the council entertained the final reading of Resolution 3292, which passed with a unanimous vote. The resolution levies an assessment which will defray the cost of maintaining the street lights, streets and storm sewers in the city of Havre over the next year. Resolution 3293 immediately followed, passing without discussion. The resolution adopted a budget for the city of Havre for the next fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2000.
In other council news:
- The First Street water main replacement project has gone to contract and carries a price of $194,184.17. The contract includes an hourly rate and a not-to-exceed-charge. A geo-technician will now study the project plans to scrutinize soil conditions and determine the water mains most advantageous route.
- The council approved the final draft of the citys long-range plan.
- The council approved a request by the Chamber of Commerce to hold a parade through the city on Sept. 18 at 10:00 a.m.
The next city council meeting will be held on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m.
