Council Considers Renaming Custer Street

Chief Of Police Search Discussed

The Wolf Point City Council held their regular meeting Feb. 22. During the streets and alleys committee report, ideas for renaming Custer Street were discussed.

Councilman Lance Fourstar told the council, “We have an opportunity to recognize our heritage here.”

Fourstar suggested a motion to create a mechanism for surveying the residents of Custer Street. Any final name changes can be blocked by a no vote from 51 percent of the property owners on the street under consideration.

Names suggested during discussions included Chief Redstone Street and Crazy Horse Street. Indian Street was also mentioned as a street name worth considering for a change.

Fourstar said the council needs to recognize that the street names have negative connotations for many residents and visitors to the area.

“Potentially both names are offensive,” he said.

Councilman Dean Mahlum said he was open to the conversation but added that he was concerned about the implications of the proposed change. He noted the many other streets and monuments in the city, asking, “Where do we stop?” He emphasized that rethinking historical narratives can be problematic: “You can’t change history.”

Dschaak advised caution. “I don’t think we’re at a point where we can change anything,” said Dschaak.

Dschaak asked the streets and alleys committee to look into the subject further and gather opinions and information. “We should just look at it,” Dschaak said. He noted that the issue may be controversial and said it may be necessary to look at city streets and names more broadly, adding, “Nothing is off the table.”

City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan said a name change could be as simple as choosing a name or names and setting a date for a public hearing.

“Make a list of the names you want to change and hold a public hearing,” said Sullivan. She said that an amended plat map would be necessary and any new names would have to be selected ahead of time.

The search for a new Wolf Point Police Chief is under way. The council passed two resolutions approving a pay range for the position of $52,000 to $62,000 depending on qualifications. The council also approved a signing bonus of $10,000, which council members suggested was at or below industry standard in the region. The position has been advertised.

The council took public comment from an audience member who asked them to consider filling the chief position by promoting from within. Dschaak acknowledged that promoting from within is a priority but acknowledged the city typically advertises all critical open positions statewide.