Council looks at adding ice to snow removal policy
By:
Staff report
When 1.2 inches of snow blanketed the Brandon area on Dec. 1, the city snow plows largely stayed parked.
That’s because the city doesn’t plow the streets unless at least three inches of snow or more has fallen. At that time, the city will issue a snow removal alert. Those alerts are made through local news media and other sources, such as the city Facebook page and Textedly message program.
City law states that home and business owners whose property abuts a sidewalk are responsible for removing snow within 48 hours following any snowfall or accumulation. Property owners who fail to do so will pay the cost for city employees to do the job.
During a snow removal alert, property owners are also asked to remove vehicles from public streets.
Snow should not be shoveled and/or blown onto sidewalks or from sidewalks to city streets or alleyways, which could obstruct or interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Property owners are also encouraged to clear snow from around mailboxes located upon a driveway, parking lot or public right-of-way and fire hydrants.
At last week’s city council meeting, Alderwoman Dana Clark suggested that “treatment of icy sidewalks” be added to the city snow removal ordinance. The idea surfaced following ice that blanketed the area Dec. 1, and a subsequent citizen complaint regarding slippery sidewalks.
Clark requested that the ordinance be placed on the city’s Dec. 17 agenda for discussion and possible action.
