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Council discusses ordinance to allow city snow removal and billing; city manager says authority already exists
Summary
Councilor Recupero proposed creating an ordinance to allow the city to remove snow from sidewalks and charge property owners; the city manager responded the authority exists in state law and local ordinance and the city already removes snow in some circumstances and may place costs on tax bills for abandoned properties.
Councilor Recupero presented an order asking the city to pursue an ordinance that would allow Chelsea to remove snow and charge property owners for the cost when they fail to clear sidewalks. Councilors asked questions and the item prompted a suspension of the rules to allow a verbal exchange with the city manager.
City manager response: the city manager told the council that state law and local ordinances already authorize the city to remove snow or ice and charge the owner, and added that the city typically adds the cost to the owner’s tax bill in cases such as abandoned properties. The manager said the city does this work “very often” and described recent winter operations, including plowing on Forbes and removal efforts in response to community calls.
Why it matters: Councilor Recupero framed the proposal as a tool to push businesses to clear sidewalks promptly; he said existing $50 tickets don’t deter noncompliance and that billing for actual removal costs would create more urgency. Councilor Jimenez Rivera asked for clarification and for data on how frequently the city uses existing authority; the manager said staff tracks expenses and will report back when available.
Outcome: The communication remains informational and no ordinance was enacted at the meeting; the city manager confirmed existing legal authority and that the city will provide follow-up information.
