Havre will take a look at stormwater facilities

Havre City Council Monday approved using funds to make a plan to improve the stormwater collection facilities and approved deeming Havre as a city that “goes the extra mile.”

The city will match grant funds of $15,000 from the Montana Department of Commerce for a total of $30,000 to hire someone to take a look at Havre’s stormwater collection facilities.

Pamela Lemer of Bear Paw Development Corp. spoke at the meeting to explain some of the work that will go into the project, which is a part of the city’s capital improvement plan.

The stormwater collection facilities are mainly located in Havre’s central areas and in Highland Park. Their purpose is to prevent the flooding of Bullhook Creek and the Milk River through a system of dams and levees which are more than 40 years old and need to be updated.

In a report of the project, it is said that there are currently no compliance issues with the stormwater collection system.

“However, due to the continuing silt build-up and the recent issues with the Bullhook Channel area, there is a potential for compliance issues and the City would like to be proactive and address any potential issues before they become more significant health and safety issues,” the report say.

The plan was passed unanimously by the Havre City Council.

The only other item on the agenda was the mayoral proclamation of Havre as a community that “goes the extra mile.” This is part of the mission of Extra Mile America to create 400 Extra Mile cities in America to support “Extra Mile Day” Nov. 1.

Mayor Tim Solomon asked the audience to submit one to five names of people to be considered for recognition on the national level.

The names people submit should belong to individuals in the community who have “gone over and above,” Solomon said.

Alan “Woody” Woodwick, Ward 4 council person, said he thought it was a good idea to recognize those who have made a difference in the community.

Brian Barrows, Ward 2 council person, said, “I’m not sure the council has the power to declare proclamations.”

The proclamation was passed with no negative votes given.