Snow clearing ordinance receives initial approval by 3-1 vote

RED OAK — By a 3-1 vote, Red Oak’s City Council gave initial approval last week to an ordinance that will increase the fine to $50 for failure to clear sidewalks of snow.
According to the ordinance, which requires two more votes before taking affect, the fine amount increases as well as the amount of time residents have to clear the sidewalk.
Under the current ordinance, residents have 12 hours to clear the sidewalks before a warning can be issued, then be subject to a $10 fine 12 hours later.
The new ordinance increases the fine to $50 and the amount of time to clear the sidewalks to 24 hours before a warning is issued and 24 more hours before the citation is issued.
Under both ordinances, the fine can be assessed each day the sidewalks remain uncleared.
City Council member Ivan Craig cast the lone dissenting vote against the new ordinance, believing it is too harsh.
“We have elderly who can’t afford to clear their sidewalks, and we are proposing to fine them $50 a day,” Craig said, adding when he’s 80 years old, he doesn’t plan on shoveling snow anymore.
Council member Larry Brandstetter, who first suggested the ordinance change, reminded Craig this is a safety issue.
“A sidewalk to a pedestrian is the equivalent of a road to the automobile,” he said.
As part of his proposal to modify the existing ordinance, Brandstetter also suggested the city partner with a not-for-profit organization to compile a list of individuals and companies who provide snow removal services. He also suggested adding a list of volunteers who would provide the service free of charge to those who are financially unable to hire someone to do the work.
Couoncil members Tom Pratt and Roger Wagoner joined Brandstetter in support of the ordinance. Mark Gregg was not in attendance at the meeting.
Also at the meeting, the council:
Approved a Community Development Block Grant application that will fund rehabilitation of 12 single-family residences. The program, geared towards low-income families, will take two-years to complete. The $473,000 project includes a $24,000 local match.
Discussed building a sidewalk on 8th street near the high school. City Engineer Pete Crawford said it would cost $70-75,000 to build a 4.5-foot wide sidewalk on the east side of 8th street, bordering the cemetery. Crawford said a 500-foot long retaining wall, raning in height from 1-3 feet, would be needed as well.
Denied Justin Ross’ request to vacate an alley located south of Riverview Road. The alley provides Ross access to his garage, and he has received numerous parking citations recently for parking there. He said he maintains the alley and wanted it vacated, but the Council declined, agreeing to maintain the alley in the future.