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Commission adopts new 15 mph school-zone limits, rejects snow-placement ordinance and defines snow-route thresholds
Summary
Leeds commissioners adopted an ordinance making certain school-area streets 15 mph, rejected an ordinance that would limit where businesses and contractors may deposit snow, and approved a snow-route ordinance (3-inch accumulation threshold referenced) to establish enforcement triggers.
The City of Leeds commission voted on several ordinances affecting traffic, snow removal and parking.
Speed and school-zone changes: The Safety Chief described a proposed amendment to Title 7, Chapter 71 that adjusts speed zones near the school and narrows one segment to 15 mph because the roadway is narrow and has pedestrian activity. Commissioners and residents debated whether a 15-mph posted speed should be all year or only when children are present and whether flashing lights would better alert drivers. The commission approved the second reading and adopted ordinance 11-07-24, making the posted school-zone limit 15 mph on the identified segments.
Snow-shoveling and business snow placement: Commissioners considered ordinance 11-08-24 (placement of shoveled snow by homeowners and commercial entities). Business owners and snow contractors warned the commission that removing snow to off-site dumps is increasingly costly and that practical disposal locations are scarce. Contractors explained that hauling snow to permitted dumps has become limited and sometimes unaffordable for small businesses. After substantial public comment and concern about ambiguous wording that could penalize routine sidewalk clearing or impose unexpected costs on businesses, the commission voted to not pass the second reading and returned the ordinance for redrafting.
Snow-route accumulation threshold: A separate ordinance (11-09-24) to define snow routes and set an accumulation threshold passed; the Safety Chief and staff discussed inserting a clear accumulation amount (3, 5 or 6 inches) so towing and enforcement have defined criteria. The minutes record discussion and a 3-inch threshold reference in the snow removal alert language; the commission adopted the ordinance as drafted.
Parking-position and related updates: Commissioners also approved a set of parking-position ordinance amendments (11-10-24 through 11-13-24) clarifying two-way roadway parking positions, wheel orientation near curbs and related fine amounts (updated statutory classes). One resident suggested clarifying the word "parallel" in the ordinance text; commissioners agreed the language would be enforced with driving-test expectations.
The commission closed the ordinance section by directing staff to clarify ambiguous language in the snow-placement draft before returning it for further consideration.
