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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-82 Special Committee on Snow Removal ---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. - - Page 2. Special Committee on Snow Removal Councilman Crone had several questions regarding the interpretation of various sections of the ordinance as proposed. She voiced concern about selective enforcement, and questioned why the responsibility of removal of snow from fire hydrants-3 was being placed on the property owner. Following further discussion, Councilman Crone recommended that the Section requiring the removal of snow from fire hydrants be eliminated. The Committee agreed with her recommendation. The Committee hoped that the goodwill of the public would help in voluntarily keeping fire hydrants; clear for public safety reasons. The City Administration stated that it would follow up on the Committee' s recommendations to prepare a brochure outlining the snow removal procedures and have it distributed throughout the Community. It was also noted that a summary of final ordinance would be printed on the utility bills beginning with the January bill. Councilman Szymkowiak stated that his suggestion of v-plows for the grading of alleys was still being recommended to the City Administration. He noted however that he would not have such a v-plow made since Morgan Peck had advised him that the present refuse trucks could not stand the weight of any further equipment and that such trucks were considerably larger than in the past. Councilman Szymkowiak also noted that he had been advised of the potential legal liability of having such a plow made. In light of these reasons he was no longer desiring to have the plow made but would recommend the concept to the Administration for their consideration. John Leszcynski stated that he would get in touch with the City Engineer of Mishawaka, Jan Ludwig to discuss the possibility of incorporating some of the proposed changes into the Mishawaka ordinance. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5 :45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Raymond Zielinski Chairman - -Si. PLACES TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE WITH SNOW SHOVELING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS Youth Service Bureau Rent-a-Teen Program 284-9379 -resident and teen negotiate fee by job Madison House - "Rainbow Enterprises" 233-4126 contacts: Mike Walsh or -negotiate with worker for fair price Mary Digangi -"Rainbow Enterprises" is co-ordinated by the staff at Madison House Bethel College - Counseling Center 256-0242 contact: Mrs. Joan Smith -will post job notices, student will call resident back -Fees negotiated between student and resident Information and Referral - Volunteer Service Bureau 232-2522 -Volunteer Service Bureau acts as a clearing house of information on those needing volunteer assistance and those who are willing to volunteer. -VSB will handle requests on a case-by-case basis and will make referrals to volunteers when available. Family and Children's Center -Contact Jerry Stansbury to make arrangements. 259-5666 ext. 225 -Residents and house parents will go out to contact . Jerry Stansbury assist those in need. -Fee is accepted for whatever resident can pay Boy Scouts 289-0337 -The administrative office will consider contact: Mr. Gagnon or referring hardship cases to area troop Steven Eisenbarth leaders if there is an active troop in the area. Near NW Neighborhood Youth Involvement Council 284-9231 contact: Marsha Kline -This newly organized group of neighborhood teens will be involved in several volunteer projects to assist the neighborhood and will consider snow shoveling as a possible project. -Contact Marsha Kline for additional information.