Council discusses sidewalk‑maintenance code changes; staff to return for another reading (Ordinance 25‑62)

City staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 909 of the codified ordinances on Oct. 27 to update sidewalk maintenance and repair rules following the end of the city’s Safe Walks program.

Mr. Owens summarized the main changes: updating specifications to reference PROAG (Public Right of Way Access Guidelines), reducing several vertical‑difference thresholds (for example, changing half‑inch references to one quarter inch for certain conditions and reducing sidewalk gap thresholds), and simplifying assessment triggers so work is identified following customer service requests or in advance of planned roadway improvements instead of by mandatory annual citywide inspections.

Staff said the city would continue to be responsible for many repairs caused by street tree roots and that the proposed code would not change who is responsible for which repairs. The updates would streamline notification, provide an appeal opportunity to the public‑works committee, and retain the existing option to pursue a resolution of necessity (a council action required under Ohio Revised Code) if property‑owner repairs are not completed.

Council members asked how many city‑responsible customer service requests were backlogged; staff said the backlog for city‑responsible repairs has been reduced to a low number and crews increasingly perform repairs in‑house rather than waiting for contractors. Council also asked whether residents are notified before city crews mark sidewalks; staff said crews leave a door hanger after inspections that explains whether the city or the property owner is responsible and that the color of the paint indicates the responsible party. Staff confirmed the statutory resolution‑of‑necessity process follows Ohio Revised Code and requires legislative action to assess owners if repairs are not performed.

Council took no final vote on Ordinance 25‑62 and asked for another review; staff requested additional time to incorporate feedback and return for a subsequent reading.