11-15-82 Special Committee on Snow Removal

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---Ctitinfttrt Erpnri (Jn fit Olnmmntl OJountil atilt tang of ihnttli limit: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON SNOW REMOVAL The November 15, 1982 meeting of the Special Committee on Snow Removal was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Raymond Zielinski at 4 :30 p.m. . in the Council informal meeting room. • Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Taylor, Serge, Zielinski, Harris, Beck, Crone,Voorde and McGann, Sean Watt, Capt. Gargis, William Penn, Kathy Barnard, Carolyn Pfotenhauer, John Leszczynski, Jerelyn O'Connor, Ron Ryback, Marchmont Kovas, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Zielinski began the meeting by updating the Committe on activity since the last meeting. He noted that the Council Attorney had sent letters to the Mayor and Councilmen of the Cities of Mishawaka and Elkhart inviting them to attend today' s meeting. He noted that Councilman DeKeever had telephoned him stating that he would be unable to attend the meeting, but that he would be willing to try to incorporate some of the changes into the Mishawaka ordinance. Councilman Zielinski then called upon Attorney Pfotenhauer to review Bill No 128-82 which was up for first reading at tonight' s council meeting. Councilman Szymkowiak voiced concern about City trucks throwing snow and ice onto the sidewalks and fire hydrants after the residents have cleared them. Sean Watt stated that he would try to minimize this problem as much as possible, and with the trucks driving slower as they plow, the problem should be addressed. Councilman Voorde voiced concern about the high rate of speed when plowing streets and the excessive amount of salt used on the bridges Kathy Barnard was called upon to give an update on the volunteer program. She noted that seven organizations are willing to assist senior citizens and handicapped individuals with snow shoveling., A copy of the list with phone numbers is attached. She also noted that pedestrian areas especially around school will be a priority. Following considerable discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to remove the $10. 00 fine for failure to clear sidewalks The Committee discussed in detail the problems surrounding snow which is pushed into the City streets and which impedes traffic.. Sean Watt estimated that there are at least 250 areas throughout the City which experiences this problem.' The Committee then recommended that a $25. 00 fine be incorporated for the pushing of snow into the City streets, and the right of the City to remove it themselves and charge the property owner for the cost of such removal. Councilman Harris suggested that plastic covers be considered for fire hydrants The possibility of theft and the weight of snow on top of such covers however were factors which ruled out this possibility.` Putt ►u... PU.LI.NIN•Co. -