City to mow weedy lawns without notice

Havre City Council Monday night approved the ordinances that would allow street vendors to sell their wares without paying a permit and for the city to be able to mow private property with only one prior notice.

The city policy of giving lot owners with weeds at 9 inches or higher in their yards a 10-day notice before the city comes and mows their lawn for a minimum of $150 was changed last night as City Council accepted the second hearing for the change.

The city, starting next spring and summer, will be sending one seven-day, rather than 10-day, notice to offenders of the 9-inch weed rule and will not send another throughout the rest of the season. This means the city is allowed to come onto private property and charge the owner the minimum of $150, which will go onto the property’s taxes if left unpaid, without giving prior notice past the first.

“If I send you a notice in June, it’s going to be good for the whole summer,” said Public Works Director Dave Peterson.

The vote was 5 to 3 to accept the legislation. Opposing the bill: Ward 3 Councilpersons Jay Pyette and Allen “Woody” Woodwick, as well as Ward 2 Councilperson Brian Barrows, whose vote was changed since the first hearing.

So far, public works has mowed seven yards this summer.

There will be an appeal process if people choose to combat the charges of having their lawns mowed.

Pyette said he believes that it is the responsibility of city officials to issue a notice every time they plan on coming onto someone’s private property.

The council also voted unanimously on a change to the policy that requires street vendors to pay the city $100 for a 30-day license to sell their wares. Street vendors will now not have to pay a fee to set up shop. This ordinance will take effect 30 days after Monday’s City Council, which is Aug. 6.