The council voted to award Contract 9-24 for snow-and-ice removal of sidewalks to Holman Lawn Care and Snow Removal LLC after taking the item off the table for discussion.

City staff summarized the enforcement process under the municipal ordinance: following a qualifying snow event (3 inches or cumulative 3 inches), code enforcement makes an initial inspection and places a notice; after a second 24-hour period the inspector reinspects and, if the sidewalk remains uncleared, the city may contract removal and bill the owner with an administrative fee. Holman’s bid quoted a $300 minimum per location or per hour for snow removal and $500 for snow-and-ice removal with salting; last year the contractor charge was $55 plus a $50 administrative fee resulting in a $105 minimum.

Councilmembers debated the proposed increase. Some members said the higher fee would encourage compliance and is consistent with market rates, noting contractor insurance and equipment costs. Others raised concerns about optics and the impact on elderly homeowners who may have difficulty arranging removal on short notice; council members suggested adding outreach and a list of local helpers or resources alongside enforcement notices.

Councilmember Todd Casper moved to award the contract to Holman Lawn Care; Councilmember Tom Noll seconded. The motion carried. Council instructed staff to issue press materials explaining the change, and staff said the code enforcement officer will notify repeat offenders directly.

Staff reported that in one two-day enforcement episode the city delivered 70 door-hanger notices and Holman performed 14 removals. Staff recommended and council accepted outreach to inform residents, especially repeat offenders, of the new contract and charges before the next heavy snow events.

The council set the contract award and directed staff to prepare communications and targeted notices to properties with repeat enforcement history.