1/20/09 BOA Snow Removal Ordinance Discussion

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 January 20, 2009 

 

 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS 

AND FINANCE, MEETING IN JOINT SESSION 

 

The Committees on Legislative Matters and Finance convened in Joint Session on January 20, 2009, with 

Chairmen Thomas Taylor and Maryann Heuston presiding and Committee Members Aldermen Walter 

Pero, Robert Trane and William White also present and voting.  Also present were Mayor Joseph 

Curtatone, Administrative Assistant Jessie Baker, Police Chief Anthony Holloway, DPW Commissioner 

Stan Koty, George Landers from Inspectional Services, Solicitor John Gannon, Assistant Solicitor David 

Shapiro, James Kotzuba from Traffic and Parking and Stephen Mackey from the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

186446: amendments regarding snow removal 

Chairman Heuston spoke on the matter and stated that the city can require property owners to remove 

snow, slush and/or ice from their property and she inquired about the city’s tracking capabilities for repeat 

violators.  Mr. Landers informed the members that a photo is taken, and kept on file, of the area in question 

and that a copy of the ticket is sent to the violator.  Mr. Landers further stated that the Board of Health is 

responsible for tracking consecutive violations and Mayor Curtatone explained that the city would be able 

to track violations, in real time, once new software is installed. 

 

Chairman Heuston believes that the city should implement progressive fines to ensure that businesses clear 

the sidewalks around their establishments of snow, slush and/or ice.  Mr. Shapiro explained that the fine 

structure for commercial property is different from that of residential property.  The city proposes that 

property owners clear a path at least 42” wide, however Chairman Heuston noted that since some sidewalks 

are less than 42” wide, the language be crafted to accommodate those narrower walkways.  On the 

recommendation of Mr. Landers, the reference to sawdust will be removed from the ordinance. 

 

 

Chairman Heuston’s motion that the City Solicitor draft new language for the snow removal ordinance 

specifying that central business districts and squares clear paths of 42” and that residential properties 

maintain a clear path, was approved by a vote of 3 in favor to 2 against, (Aldermen Taylor and White 

opposed). 

 

Chairman Heuston informed the members that some private contractors are dumping snow from private 

ways into public ways and Mr. Koty replied that any contractor found to be doing this who refuses to 

remove said snow from the public way would be fined $300. 

 

Chairman Heuston’s motion that Section 12-8 (c) of the Code of Ordinances be amended to allow the City 

to impose a $300 fine upon any contractor found to be dumping snow on public ways and then refusing 

to remove it, was approved 

 

 

The committee discussed matters before it and took action on the following  item: 

 

 186446: Ordinance - By Ald. Heuston, That the following amendments to Sections 12- 

 8 and 12-9, regarding snow removal, and 1-11(b), regarding dog violations (3- 

 38), be enacted. 

 RECOMMENDATION: Should be approved as amended (new copy attached) 

 VOTE: 3 in favor and 2 against 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

_______________________________ ________________________________ 

Thomas F. Taylor, Chairman   Alderman Maryann Heuston, Chairman 

Committee on Legislative Matters                                                  Committee on Finance 

 

  

  

 COMMITTEE REPORT 

  

Report of the Committees on Legislative 

Matters and Finance, meeting in Joint 

Session, January 20, 2009 

  

  

 In Board of Aldermen 

                                      

  

  

                                    

       

 Clerk 

NOTICE:  This is NOT the official version of the Committee Report as APPROVED by the Board of 

Aldermen. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure that this is the Committee Report that 

was presented at a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, you should check the Minutes of that meeting 

in order to confirm its approval, rejection or amendment. Do not rely on the accuracy of this 

information without first checking with the City Clerk. 

 

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