City asks for help on storm recovery

City resources and manpower are being used to continue the cleanup after last week's record-breaking snowstorm, but the effort will also depend on the community pitching in, Havre Public Works Director Dave Peterson said Wednesday.

"We are not here to say 'It's your responsibility. We are not going to do anything.' We will be here by your side helping to do it. It is just going to be a community effort," Peterson said.

He added that while the city is doing what it can by going out and clearing boulevards of debris and downed tree branches, the city is not getting money to do that.

People are encouraged to bring their tree limbs either to the landfill east of the city or to the tree dump north of the city. Peterson said. The landfill will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m and the tree dump from 8 a.m to dusk.

City crews, which also had to deal with snow removal after the storm, have been busy clearing boulevards of downed tree branches and will be working to cut down large branches that could present a safety hazard, Peterson said.

He added that while the city is doing what it can by going out and clearing boulevards of debris and downed tree branches, the city is not getting money to do that.

Peterson said he estimates that so far the cost of hiring contractors to clear the streets to make them passable again and for the additional emergency services used to respond the storm has cost the city "in the $35,000 range."

He added that personnel from Montana Disaster and Emergency Services will be in Havre Friday to access the damage.

The city hopes to get some money from the state to hire contractors to cut down some of the large tree branches that are dangling as high as 40 to 50 feet above the ground. Peterson said existing city equipment cannot reach that height.

Last week the city did sign an emergency declaration, Mayor Tim Solomon said. That could help the city get state assistance, he said.

People asked to help with storm debris removal

People cannot put debris on streets, boulevards or in alleys

From City of Havre

Due to the overwhelming quantity of storm debris and downed branches after the severe storm last week, and in accordance with City Code 9-8-5, the City of Havre is calling for Havre residents to responsibly dispose of branches and debris from their properties.

As your cleanup continues, please do not place branches and debris on the streets, boulevards or in the alley ways.

Two designated sights are available for disposal. The city has a “Tree Dump” on the North Side out on Shepherd Road that will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. or until it gets dark. At this time The Unified Disposal Landfill east of town is also open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. until further notice.

Please also be advised that the City of Havre does not have any designated dump sites in town and people that are caught dumping in areas around town may be cited.

The city will continue to work on helping with cleanup as time and limited resources allow, but with the change of seasons we are also trying to prepare for the upcoming winter season.

The City of Havre appreciates your cooperation and willingness to help with the clean-up of our community after this major storm event.

If you have questions or need more direction please feel free to call 265-6719 or 265-4941.

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This story has been corrected to give the correct name of Havre Director of Public Works Dave Peterson.