City Council appoints Mel Paulson to fire chief

The Havre City Council Tuesday night voted to confirm the mayor’s appointment of Mel Paulson as the city’s new fire chief.

Paulson, who has been with the department for a total of 21 years come April, two as its assistant fire chief, was sworn in at the meeting. He succeeds Tim Hedges, who announced his resignation at last month’s meeting, as fire chief.

After the meeting, Paulson said he thinks heading the department will be a real privilege

“I’ve been here 21 years and to serve the people of Havre and a city of this capacity is going to be absolutely wonderful,” he said.

In other business, the council also approved amending the city’s animal control operation fund, which covers the expenses of the Havre animal shelter.

Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said the city was approved for a $30,140 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.   

He said the grant will be used to upgrade the kennels in the shelter’s cat room. The room’s kennels do not meet size requirements. Grant money will be used to purchase 10 new kennels that meet guidelines. Funds will also be used to pay for panels used to separate animals in outdoor kennels that will house 10 additional cats.

A press release provided by Matosich said the contribution also will be used to improve sanitation and enhance the shelter’s information technology,

“Without the assistance of the ASPCA grant, these upgrades would not be possible,” he said during the meeting.