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City Council Minutes Page 9 <br /> July 15,2019 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Westgaard commented that cutting the number of miles of sidewalk <br /> maintained would make even more residents frustrated. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated that reducing the miles the city maintains would put <br /> the burden on residents and businesses. Another option would be to purchase more <br /> equipment and hire more staff. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated sidewalk snow plowing is a recurring topic of <br /> discussion. <br /> Mayor Dietz asked why the city couldn't adjust the ordinance to allow more time for <br /> residents to clear their sidewalks. <br /> Councilmember Wagner addressed the new path that is being added,how will that <br /> be maintained? <br /> Mr. Sevcik said, since the new path is a trail rather than a sidewalk,it would be <br /> maintained by a different type of equipment that doesn't have as much demand on it. <br /> Mr. Femrite added every additional piece of trail, sidewalk, and road is incremental to <br /> needing additional plow routes. <br /> Councilmember Ovall said that,with the aging population and the promotion of a <br /> walkable community,having cleared sidewalks is a public safety issue. When it comes <br /> to tax dollar to attract businesses and new residents,it is an expectation to have <br /> sidewalks plowed. <br /> Councilmember Christianson asked about the expense to plow all city sidewalks. <br /> Mr. Sevcik estimated the city would need to finance three additional sidewalk plow <br /> machines as well as three additional operators. <br /> Councilmember Ovall would be interested in looking at the additional cost of the <br /> equipment and staff. <br /> Mr. Femrite agreed there are countless calls from aging residents saying they are not <br /> able to do certain things to maintain their property. <br /> Councilmember Ovall felt it was more of an expectation that all sidewalks are <br /> plowed. <br /> Mayor Dietz asked about the cost of additional staff including benefits. <br /> Mr. Femrite will pull together some budget information for the council to review. <br /> Councilmember Christianson asked about keeping the ordinance at 24 hours or <br /> extending it. <br /> POWERED 9r <br /> UREJ <br />