After blizzard, committee urges tougher enforcement of rules against pushing snow back into streets

Town officials thanked DPW crews and first responders for continuous work during a recent blizzard and turned next to enforcement of local ordinances after multiple reports that contractors, businesses and some residents pushed cleared snow back into the roadway.

Mr. Bicolo reported crews maintained passable roads through the storm and completed final passes by early evening; he said DPW returned overnight to address streets where driveway clearing and private activity had left snow in the roadway. Committee members said that practice impedes plow operations, increases costs and creates public‑safety hazards.

Deputy Mayor Kaiser and others pressed for stronger enforcement. One member said the town should revisit ordinance language and fines, mail notices to business owners and property managers, and develop a plan to name and notify offenders during storm events. "I want names taken. Um, no discretion. I want to know about it," a committee member said, urging live reporting by patrol officers.

Chief Cook and patrol staff said officers are patrolling during storms and can document violations; the committee discussed using OEM liaison officers and patrol to gather evidence (including doorbell camera footage) to support enforcement actions. As one official put it, commercial plows pushing snow into the street "is still against the ordinance" and "it makes it even harder for two cars to go down" the same street.

Committee members directed staff to consult the township attorney about possible ordinance or penalty changes, to decide who would be responsible for monitoring and documenting violations during storms, and to prepare outreach to property managers and businesses explaining the rules.

No new ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the committee requested follow‑up and possible ordinance revisions for a future agenda.