Havre City Council discusses improvements and additions, approves business registration

Havre City Council approved Monday an ordinance adopting Title 4, Chapter 5 to create new business registration requirements was passed.

In an interview Friday, Havre Mayor Doug Kaercher said the city used to require businesses to be licensed by them in order to operate, but the recurring fees associated with that license were perceived by many as "being double taxed," so the city council got rid of the requirement.

The ordinance does not bring back the licensing, but is a one-time registration of a business location, including after a move to a new location, so the city has a record of all businesses. It has a one-time administration fee of $23.

Kaercher said Friday the lack of an up-to-date record of businesses and their locations has been a problem for the city's first responders.

He said first responders have told him and the council that because they don't have these records they often go into buildings not knowing what is in the buildings, which makes them less prepared for any given situations and, consequently, less safe while doing their work.

Monday, the council also approved resolutions amending the budgets in the Historical Preservation Fund and the Sewer Fund. The approved Sewer Fund budget will go to the repairs needed at the Havre Waste Water Treatment Plant.

An ordinance amending Title 11, Chapter 1 was adjusted and approved for property owners on corner lots to have a better understanding of the zoning specifications.

"This, hopefully, will simplify how this ordinance is read and written for all that use it and will use it in the future," Director of Public Works Trevor Mork said.

The presentation of the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Report was made by Finance Director Stacy McIntosh. The report had no findings.

The drawdown No. 2 request for the Clear Creek Sewer Project drawdown was also approved.

Havre City Council welcomed and approved the confirmation of Havre Police Officer Brandon Hill.

February claims and manual warrants were discussed and approved.

The next City Council meeting will be held Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m.