Petition Presented Challenging Sidewalk Snow Removal

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Verndale City Council held their regular meeting on Monday, August 10.

Petition Challenging Sidewalk Snow Rule

Naomi Moyer, a longtime resident, presented a petition to the Verndale City Council asking them to stop enforcing a rule that requires property owners to clear snow from the new sidewalks built for Safe Routes to School. Moyer expressed that this requirement is especially tough for seniors, people with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes, particularly along long stretches of sidewalk. She shared that she gathered 202 signatures from local residents, including former mayors and council members, which represents a large portion of the 292 people who voted in the last election.

Moyer also discussed the total cost of the sidewalk project, noting that city records show it was about $629,000, with the city responsible for roughly $138,000 after accounting for grants and reimbursements. Many residents expected that the project would not cost the city anything and are now upset that they have to take care of winter maintenance on sidewalks they didn’t ask for, especially segments that lead to nowhere along Highway 23.

Moyer urged the council to either take over snow removal from the Safe Routes sidewalks or to not enforce the snow-clearing rule so residents won’t be fined for snow and ice building up.

Several residents in attendance shared their worries about icy sidewalks, plowed snow being pushed back onto sidewalks, and the physical burden this places on older homeowners.

The council members discussed various options, such as leaving some sidewalks uncleared, designating one main safe route to the school, reducing the fee for when the city clears non-compliant sidewalks, or including sidewalk clearing in the city’s snow budget.

The council agreed to bring the petition and the sidewalk snow issue into their upcoming budget discussions, understanding that residents want a clear answer before winter arrives...

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