Ordinance for complete streets considered

The Havre City Ordinance Committee held a meeting prior to the City Council meeting Monday to discuss instating an ordinance or resolution that could change street accessibility.

A group of community members and leaders gathered to discuss with the committee the possibility of voting in an ordinance that would mandate that every time a street is to be redone, the feasibility of instating a bike lane, fixing up sidewalks, creating a walking trail - options that would increase alternative transportation access.

The meeting was held to gauge public interest in more accessible streets. No decision was made and conversations about the matter will continue.

Ward 4 council member Andrew Brekke was against making an ordinance from fear of extraordinary costs for such progress. He said he is for the idea, but because the words in the ordinance "when feasible," it does the same job as a resolution.

The difference between a resolution and ordinance is that an ordinance is law and a resolution is a guideline.

Those in favor of the ordinance oft were so because resolutions are easily overlooked.

"Resolutions tend to be forgotten," said Janet Trethewey, Ward 2 council member and the second person on the Ordinance Committee.

Ward 3 council member Allen "Woody" Woodwick is the third, but was absent from the meeting.

"I think if Havre wants to move forward, this is a good place to start," Trethewey said.

Trethewey said changing the culture of a place is a difficult task, and to create a healthier and more active Havre, this initiative should be an ordinance.

"We're going to have to force some culture change," she said.

According to Bike Walk Montana, more than 10 towns or counties have made a move like this, and all of them have been through resolutions. Missoula instated a resolution and was given a gold rating by the League of American Bicycles for the changes it has made to accommodate cyclists.

"Overall, I don't have a problem with the concept," Brekke said. He added that he has conversations with Great Falls' and other places governments and they were saying what he maintained at the meeting. Some governments have made changes to their streets using a resolution.

Mayor Tim Solomon spoke in favor of creating an ordinance.

"I think this is an important enough issue for the city of Havre," Solomon said. He added that his concern would be that as a resolution, this could be overlooked by the government.

Public Works Director Dave Peterson said he is all for this and doesn't care whether it's an ordinance or a resolution, but his concern is the sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for their sidewalks and changes could affect their responsibilities.

Bear Paw Development Corp. Director Paul Tuss also spoke to the matter.

"I think you should go in whatever direction that gives this more teeth," Tuss said. " ... I think this is important enough."

The Ordinance Committee will develop the language of the ordinance and further discussion will be had.

A mil levy will be on the ballot during city elections this year, and the money will be used for redoing streets