LETTER: Leeway on removing snow not acceptable

To the editor:

The removal of snow from city sidewalks continues to be a concern as referenced in the article “Mowing, snow removal penalties could go up,” written by Lee Pulaski, city editor, published in the Shawano Leader on Feb. 18.

Many years ago, 1996, I suggested that the word “entire,” before “sidewalk,” be added to the snow removal ordinance so there would be no question about what property owners and/or residents are responsible for. “5.05 Snow and ice removal. (1) The owner or lessee of every lot or parcel of land in the city in front of or abutting upon a sidewalk shall clear the entire sidewalk of snow within 24 hours after any given snowfall and shall cause the entire sidewalk to be kept clear of snow and ice.”

Now, the recommendation by Eddie Sheppard, city administrator, is that snow does not need to be removed if it’s 2 inches or less. This would defeat the purpose of the ordinance. Repeated light snowfalls, if not removed, pack down, thaw and can refreeze, becoming ice. Subsequent snowfalls could continue to build up making it almost impossible to be removed. This is the issue you’re trying to prevent by encouraging people not to shovel.

The city plows have nothing to do with the removal of snow from city sidewalks. Most streets are at least 30 feet or more wide. When plowed, several passes are necessary to maintain this width. City sidewalks are 5 feet wide to facilitate people walking, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, pets, etc., and need the entire width clear.

By state municipal law, 66.0907 sidewalks and 66.0909, the city may impose a penalty for neglect of snow and ice removal. It’s the responsibility of the public works department to see that this is done by them or another service. “The amount charged to each lot or parcel of land shall be entered by the clerk in the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land and collected like other taxes upon real estate.”

Property owners or residents should be given one warning, a copy of the ordinance and penalty rates, whatever the costs will be. These should be sufficient. No exceptions.

People want to and need to get outside, weather permitting, and with warmer temperatures on the way, sidewalks should safely facilitate this purpose.

These ordinances, as written, just need to be enforced. If the city needs to hire providers, that’s what they have to do.

Joe Skaleski, Shawano