Resident urges better snow-emergency communication and enforcement of sidewalk clearing ordinance

During the citizen comment portion of the Feb. 11 meeting, resident Mary Elizabeth Buzanson told the Morris City Council she was concerned about snow-emergency communications and sidewalk maintenance.

Buzanson said she learned late that a snow emergency had been declared for Saturday despite light accumulation and that the city website did not clearly state there was a snow emergency or explain towing and vehicle-retrieval procedures. "The website, the city's website, did not say there was a snow emergency. It also did not say what to do if your car was towed," Buzanson said, adding that many residents lack cash on hand on weekends to pay towing fees.

Buzanson also cited the city charter, which she referenced as section 7.05 regarding ice and snow on public sidewalks, and urged the council to clarify enforcement: "All snow and ice remaining upon public sidewalks is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance, and shall be removed by the owner or tenant of the abutting private property within 2 days after such snow or ice has ceased to be deposited," she read from her copy of the charter.

Council members did not take immediate action in response to the comment but the mayor noted that citizen comments are logged and may prompt future discussion. No formal agenda item or motion addressing sidewalk enforcement or snow-emergency communications was introduced at the meeting.

Buzanson urged the city to explore improved communications channels for newer residents who may not read the local paper and to confirm website information and towing guidance before anticipated snowfall.