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Committee hears code-department staffing update and resident concerns about sidewalk snow removal
Summary
Director Nelson reported staffing changes in the Code Department, including promotions and vacancies; committee members raised concerns about sidewalk snow removal and accessibility for residents, and asked staff to review existing ordinances and possible enforcement options.
The Kankakee City Building and Code Safety Committee on Jan. 16 received a staffing update from Director Nelson and discussed recurring complaints about unshoveled sidewalks, particularly affecting older and mobility-impaired residents.
Director Nelson said the department recently promoted an inspector (Kenyatta) to building inspector and has two building inspectors in training. The department had hired two property-maintenance inspectors but lost one and is actively recruiting to restore capacity; members said the department remains short-staffed for property-inspection duties.
Aldewoman Malone Marshall and several committee members described neighborhood concerns about snow and ice on sidewalks, citing downtown businesses and multiunit residences where sidewalks were not cleared after a recent snowfall. Members noted the difficulty elderly residents and those with disabilities face when sidewalks are uncleared and requested the committee review whether a city code or enforcement process exists and, if not, whether drafting an ordinance or re-establishing enforcement procedures is feasible.
No ordinance change was proposed and no vote was taken. Committee members asked staff to check whether a city requirement for sidewalk snow removal exists and to report back; members said they did not expect the city to take on private-property obligations but wanted clarity on enforcement options and potential remedies for residents who cannot clear sidewalks themselves.
Why it matters: Members said sidewalk clearance affects pedestrian safety and access to services for older residents and people with mobility challenges. Staffing levels in the Code Department affect the city's ability to respond to property-maintenance complaints.
What happens next: Director Nelson was asked to report to the committee on whether a sidewalk snow-removal code exists and to provide an update on staffing recruitment at the department’s next meeting.
