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Board reviews sidewalk snow‑and‑ice enforcement; no policy change enacted
Summary
Board members discussed the city’s snow‑and‑ice ordinance, current enforcement practice (warning then citation, $80 citation) and alternatives including seasonal reminders; staff will research options but no policy change was adopted.
The Board of Public Works reviewed Port Washington’s sidewalk snow‑and‑ice removal ordinance and enforcement procedure on March 10, focusing on how the city issues warnings and citations and whether the policy or enforcement frequency should change.
Rob summarized the current process: police issue a warning 24 hours after a snowfall if a walk is not cleared; if the walk remains uncleared 24 hours after the warning, officers issue a citation (staff said the citation is $80). If the city clears a walk, the street department records hours and materials and the finance director invoices the property owner; Rob described an example where municipal labor and overhead produced roughly $110 in charges for a small, short job.
Board members asked how often the city enforces the ordinance; staff said enforcement is not frequent and often begins after a citizen complaint. One member recommended a seasonal warning mailed to homeowners or a notice on water bills to reduce repeat warnings and citations. Staff said it would investigate alternative enforcement models used elsewhere and report back to the board.
No ordinance amendment or change in enforcement procedure was adopted at the meeting. Board members agreed that public education—seasonal reminders in newsletters or on water bills—could reduce misunderstandings about obligations. Rob said he would look into options and report to the board at a later meeting.
