Police remind residents of snow removal policy

Shawano police have logged dozens of complaints over the past week about snow not being cleared from city sidewalks. “There’s a lot of misinformation or people not realizing we have to keep our sidewalks clear of snow,” Chief Mark Kohl said. The Police Department is also asking people to consider helping their neighbors clear the snow if their neighbors find it difficult. “We’ve all heard of mishaps of pedestrians slipping and falling as a result of uncleared sidewalks,” Kohl said. “If you know of a neighbor that is unable to clear their sidewalks, please give them a hand and shovel for them. “With the early snowfall, this is something to plan for now and prepare for that next dusting. When possible, please clear snow away from fire hydrants as well.” The city requires snow to be removed within 24 hours. According to city ordinances, “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.” If the snow is not removed within 24 hours, the city will contact a vendor to remove the snow from the sidewalk at the home owner’s expense. Repeat violations may be subject to ordinance violations and forfeitures. The city’s Field Committee will consider exemptions under certain circumstances. “Such request shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty claimed (i.e., mid-block sidewalk not connected to any other sidewalk),” according to the ordinance. “Any exemptions so granted by the Field Committee shall be in writing, and shall clearly show what particular and specific unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty is exempted or extended, and a copy of same shall be filed with the clerk-treasurer so as to be available for public inspection.” Kohl said the department’s community service officers are available to answer questions regarding city ordinances and neighborhood concerns.