Archive for Wednesday, January 18, 2012

City will impose fines for failure to shovel sidewalks

An employee from Bonner Springs Parks and Recreation shovels the sidewalk next to Centennial Park after one of the snow events in January 2011. The city has enacted an ordinance that will allow it to fine residents who don't shovel their sidewalks within two days of a snowfall, beginning next winter.

Photo by Caroline Boyer. Enlarge photo.

An employee from Bonner Springs Parks and Recreation shovels the sidewalk next to Centennial Park after one of the snow events in January 2011. The city has enacted an ordinance that will allow it to fine residents who don't shovel their sidewalks within two days of a snowfall, beginning next winter.

By Caroline Boyer

January 18, 2012

For the last two winters, when multiple snows blanketed Bonner Springs streets and sidewalks, city officials took issue with those who weren’t shoveling their sidewalks.

Bonner Springs City Council members said they were concerned when they noticed residents, particularly school children, forced to walk in the street. Council member Tom Stephens said residents preach about having safe streets for children in the city, so this was one task homeowners could do to help with such efforts.

But John Helin, city manager, said it was tough to enforce the city’s ordinance requiring the shoveling of sidewalks after snowstorms.

“I have an issue if we have a law and we don’t enforce it; why bother having it?” Helin said at a council meeting in February.

Though this winter has not seen the snowfall of the previous two years thus far, thanks to action taken at the Jan. 9 council meeting, the city now will have more power to enforce its law regarding the shoveling of sidewalks.

All residential and business property owners still must remove snow and ice on public sidewalks adjacent to their properties to provide safe walking paths for pedestrian use, but several changes were made to the rules regarding snow removal.

One of the changes extends the time frame for removal of snow or ice from 12 hours to 48 hours after an event occurs.

The other regulation change, which will take effect during the 2012-2013 winter season, is the implementation of a $20 fine to property owners who do not clear public sidewalks within 48 hours after a snow or ice event.

If a ticket is issued, the property owner will be responsible for court costs as well, much like a speeding ticket.

The city will follow the same procedures for notifying property owners who do not shovel their sidewalks as it did last year: two courtesy postcards will be mailed to non-compliant property owners, and the city will maintain a database of offenders.

But next winter season, one courtesy postcard will be mailed as a reminder and then tickets issued to those who do not comply.

During the 2013-2014 season, the city will enforce the regulations by only issuing tickets.

City officials said allowing two years of notifications should allow adequate time to inform citizens of the regulations so that tickets will not be necessary.

The shoveling requirement does not apply to walking trails in front of homes.

For those who can afford it, a list of snow removal contractors is posted on the city’s website under the Business Directory.

Neighborhoods are encouraged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors who need assistance.

The city’s Snow Angels Program also is available for elderly and physically challenged individuals who are not able to clear their sidewalks. The program matches volunteers who are willing to clear sidewalks with individuals who need the help.

For more information, contact Barbara Bille at 913-667-1718.

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