Warren City Council debates downtown sidewalk snow removal; asks administration for cost estimates

Warren City Council discussed whether the city should assume responsibility for sidewalk snow and ice removal in the C‑1 downtown commercial district, following public comment from business owners and property owners and a request from Council Member Wendy McCain.

The proposal under consideration would have the city provide sidewalk snow removal for businesses in the C‑1 commercial district at no cost to property or business owners, replacing the current code requirement that property owners clear adjacent sidewalks. Mayor Wertman framed the item by reading the code language that places the clearing duty on property owners and noting that city sidewalk equipment is designed for streets rather than sidewalks.

The matter drew several public comments. Wendy McCain, speaking as a downtown property owner and business operator, urged the council to “vote to help our businesses and our downtown pedestrians by changing the ordinance and having the city become responsible for snow removal.” A downtown property owner identified as Peterson of 225 Liberty Street told the council that inconsistent clearing by some property owners creates safety hazards and suggested the city could use small plows or four‑wheelers to clear sidewalks quickly.

City staff explained the practical and contractual limits. A city official said the current contractor clears about 30 municipal properties for roughly $2,000 per event and that expanding services to include private sidewalks in C‑1 would require either a contract addendum or a new procurement and higher costs. Staff noted insurance, timing (contract triggers), and maintenance questions would need to be resolved before any change.

Council debate focused on fairness, scope, and cost. Several council members warned that providing service only for a small downtown zone could be perceived as selective and would likely prompt other businesses outside C‑1 to request the same. Council members suggested seeking concrete cost estimates and whether the city contractor would expand coverage or offer a group contract option for property owners.

Council then considered a procedural motion to table the item pending further cost analysis. An amendment was offered to direct staff to produce cost estimates not only for the C‑1 district but for all businesses in the city (non‑industrial) so council could compare options. The amendment to expand the scope of the cost estimate passed on roll call. The subsequent vote on the main motion — to table the item under the original terms — failed, leaving the issue active and without a final ordinance change or new contract authorization.

The council instructed city administration to return with more detailed pricing, contract options (addendum or new procurement), a map and clear definition of the proposed service area, and an estimate of per‑event and annual costs before taking further action.

Pending staff follow‑up, the existing code requiring property owners to clear sidewalks remains in effect; the council made no ordinance amendment or appropriation at this meeting.