Panel proposes extending med pot moratorium

Havre's medical marijuana ban will be extended six months under a proposal that will go to City Council on Monday, Oct. 18.

Council imposed the ban after hearing complaints about the proliferation of growing facilities and dispensaries in the city. Havre was one of many Montana cities that imposed moratoriums.

Councilwoman Janet Trethewey, chair of the Planning and Development Committee, said the committee doesn't want to jump the gun on any decision in this still volatile area.

The committee passed the moratorium extension at its meeting on Tuesday.

"There are 18 or so bills on the issue coming up in the Legislature," Trethewey said. "Why rush to pass this now, then have to change it?"

If the council votes to add six months to the moratorium, it will end in the spring.

Also scheduled for the Oct. 18 council meeting is the latest ordinance from the Planning and Development Committee.

The legislation would add casinos to the list of specially zoned businesses that already includes bars and lounges.

On Oct. 18, council will also discuss an ordinance changing the responsibilities of the Tree Commission to take care of diseased or infested trees. The ordinance includes consequences for people tampering with city-owned park or street trees. Consequences may include replacing of removed trees and fines.

The Planning and Development Committee will meet on Oct. 12 to discuss these changes and why they should be made.

The Ordinance Committee, meeting Thursday, briefly looked at impending issues, once these summer's ordinances are voted on, including distracted driving and fireworks.