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Council advances sidewalk snow-clearing fees to second reading amid resident concerns
Summary
The council advanced resolution R36-25, which sets fees and fines for clearing snow and ice from city sidewalks, by a second-reading vote after debate; residents warned the fines are punitive to individuals with mobility or health limits and urged targeting absentee landlords instead.
The Annapolis City Council advanced resolution R36-25 on second reading Monday, a measure that sets fines and a fee schedule for clearing snow and ice from city sidewalks.
The proposal drew public comment from residents who urged the council to reconsider punitive fines and to focus enforcement on absentee or nonresident property owners. Laurie Sullivan, a corner property owner, said the resolution would be "punitive on residents" and gave the example of an elderly homeowner who could not clear a long sidewalk quickly. "To now impose hundreds or even thousands ... in fees on top of daily fines is unfair and punitive," Sullivan said.
Nut graf: The vote on second reading moves the resolution forward while leaving room for further amendment. Several commenters asked the council to consider targeted approaches such as a volunteer "snow brigade" or exemptions for residents with demonstrated hardship rather than flat fines that apply equally to all sidewalks.
Council members recorded an aye vote on the second-reading motion during a roll-call. Supporters said the rule aims to keep sidewalks safe and passable, but critics pressed for exemptions and better targeting of enforcement. Several speakers suggested focusing enforcement on absentee landlords who repeatedly fail to clear sidewalks rather than taxing resident homeowners.
Ending: The council advanced R36-25 on second reading. Further amendments or final action could be scheduled at a subsequent meeting.
