8.4. SR 05-16-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Ci Council 8.4. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Worksession Ma 16, 2011 erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED B~/ Sidewalk Plowing Policy REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Adoption of the notification and abatement process as outlined below. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION Last winter, members of the City Council received some complaints regarding several issues relating to the City's practice of addressing the nuisance associated with snow removal, including: A. The notification process B. Removing snow when alternative routes are nearby C. Removing snow when the sidewalk backs to the curb D. Applying the policy to snowbirds The City Code, section 46-34, Public Nuisances Affecting Peace and Safety (8) identifies "Sidewalks that axe not kept free of snow and ice during normal business hours in commercial and industrial zoned districts and within 24 hours after a snowfall within residential districts" as nuisances affecting peace and safety. This section was part of the 1982 City Ordinance. In response to the notification, staff has developed an alternative, while being sensitive to the users of the sidewalk system and to those that, at minimum, follow City ordinances: The minimum amount of time that can transpire between a snowfall and the city clearing the sidewalk is 17 days, if somebody complains the day after the snow fall event. That is 17 days that people cannot use the sidewalk, and are often forced into the street. Typically, the time is closer to 28 days, as a complainant typically calls after several weeks have passed. The process, currently: 1. Snowfall: Ordinance requires removal within 24 hours (residential) and during normal business hours (commercial). 2. Complaint received for the specific parcel. N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\OS-16-2011\Request for Action -snow process 5-16-11.docx