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Council committee recommends doubling snow-removal fines, asks city solicitor to file amendment
Summary
A council committee recommended raising snow-removal fines from $25/$50 to $50/$100 and voted to keep the issue in committee while the city solicitor prepares an amendment under state regulations that allow fine increases.
The Salem City Council's Committee on Public Health, Safety, and Environment recommended that the city solicitor draft an amendment to local ordinances to double existing fines for inadequate snow and ice removal, and the council voted to keep the item in committee for further work.
Committee chair Councilor Cohen reported that the committee asked the city solicitor to prepare language under state Rule 40Y that would allow fines to increase from $25 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses to $50 and $100 respectively, and that the updated ordinances would permit daily subsequent fines. Building and public works staff told the committee they maintain a list of repeat problem properties and will prioritize high-traffic areas, such as schools and busy intersections.
Councilor Stott (who had placed the order) and other councilors asked for additional data, including a breakdown of the number of fines issued, repeat offenders, and the split between public and private property enforcement. Inspector Urbanos will report back with details; Director Joden indicated staff can respond and acknowledge reports via email and continue to encourage residents to report issues to snow@salem.com.
The committee voted to keep the matter in committee pending the solicitor's filing; the council did not adopt the fines tonight. Councilors noted the solicitor's filing is required before the council can vote on the proposed increase.
