Price council debates stricter enforcement, program changes after multiple Main Street falls

At a recent Price City Council meeting, members discussed steps to address deteriorating sidewalks on Main Street after multiple people fell this year, including an 80-year-old who was hurt in March and a later incident in which Mayor Mike Grama said his wife fractured toes and an ankle. Council members pressed for firmer enforcement of city rules requiring adjacent property owners to maintain sidewalks and discussed using a formal penalty or contractor-assessment model to ensure repairs are completed.

The discussion focused on two options the council has used or considered: the existing repair program (adopted by resolution) that offers a pathway for property owners to get sidewalks replaced, and the prospect of attaching a city-enforced fee or ordinance-driven remedy when owners do not act. “I’m done being nice,” Councilmember Amy Jesperson said, urging stronger enforcement to reduce liability and public-safety risk.

Staff and council members described how the city has historically handled sidewalk work and the limits they face. A speaker identified in the meeting as Eric noted, “The program is adopted by resolution,” indicating the current program is a policy-level measure rather than an ordinance with civil penalties. Council and staff also discussed modeling penalties on other cities’ approaches: obtain a contractor estimate, give owners time to pay or contract privately, and if owners do not act, the city performs the work and bills the property owner.

Council members said long-term remediation will be time-consuming and will likely require staged work over several years. Staff estimated the scope means a multi-year program to address all problematic segments on Main Street; one participant said the process could take three or four years to complete given crew time and the number of properties. The council discussed options to accelerate work where owners sign up quickly, and to allow payment plans for property owners who cannot afford immediate replacement.

Speakers also discussed the condition’s origins: some sections of the curb and sidewalk were installed with gaps for curb-and-gutter forms and have since settled, leaving sunken strips the meeting described as a persistent hazard. Council members asked staff to compile existing measurements and cost estimates so property owners can receive clear per-foot figures and bid guidance. Staff said they already have many measurements and inspection records on file.

The council did not take a formal vote at the meeting. Instead members directed staff to prepare implementation details, including estimated costs, timelines, communication to property owners, and options for ordinance language or administrative penalties. The action plan will return to a future meeting for formal consideration.

Ending

Council members stressed the public-safety rationale for action and the need to give owners an opportunity to comply. Staff will bring cost estimates, a proposed timetable and potential ordinance or resolution language back to council for a future decision.