A. Any officer who is authorized by the city to enforce a municipal code or regulation may issue a civil citation to a person who commits a municipal infraction.
B. The citation may be served on the alleged violator by any one of the following methods:
1. Personal service; or
2. By certified mail addressed to the defendant at the defendant's last known mailing address, return receipt requested; or
3. By publication, in the manner described in rule 4D(5) of the Montana rules of civil procedure.
C. A copy of the citation must be retained by the issuing officer and one copy be sent to or filed with the clerk of the Whitefish municipal court.
D. The citation shall serve as notification that a municipal infraction has been committed and shall contain the following information:
1. The name and address of the defendant;
2. The name or description of the infraction attested to by the officer issuing the citation;
3. The location and time of the infraction;
4. The amount of the civil penalty to be assessed or the alternative relief sought, or both;
5. The manner, location and time in which the penalty may be paid;
6. The time and place of court appearance; and
7. The penalty for failure to appear in court. (Ord. 09-20, 10-19-2009)