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Council orders committee review of snow‑removal practices and enforcement after winter complaints
Summary
An order directing the Public Health, Safety and Environment Committee to review city snow‑removal practices, enforcement and fines was adopted and co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole; councilors cited repeated problem locations and questioned whether fines and enforcement tools are adequate.
The Salem City Council on March 27 adopted an order asking the Public Health, Safety and Environment Committee to review current snow‑removal practices, enforcement and related fines after public complaints following this winter’s storms.
Councilor Stott moved adoption of the order. The committee is to invite the director of public works and transportation (or appointees), the city enforcement officer and other relevant staff to discuss priorities, enforcement tools and potential adjustments to the existing sidewalk snow/ice ordinance and fine structure.
Councilors said some property owners appear to find it cheaper to pay fines than to hire removal services and urged a public conversation about problem stretches of sidewalk and enforcement capacity. Records showed enforcement issued 17 snow/ice violation tickets during the season; the enforcement officer reported most properties complied when notified.
The order was adopted and the committee will schedule hearings to gather input from the public and department staff.
