Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board debates grass‑and‑snow ordinance: enforcement, liability and fairness concerns lead to tabling
Summary
Grand Island planning board extensively debated a draft grass‑and‑snow law, raising questions about enforcement mechanics, contractor liability for entering private property, timelines and fines; the board voted to table the measure until the full board can review bid results and offer feedback.
The Grand Island Planning Board spent the bulk of its meeting reviewing a draft grass‑and‑snow ordinance, with members raising repeated concerns about enforcement, liability when contractors enter private yards, and broad, subjective definitions ("filth," "nuisance," "dead or dying trees"). After extended discussion the board voted to table the item until the next meeting so absent members can participate and bid results can be reviewed.
Members criticized the draft for lacking clear enforcement language and for relying on town contractors to enter private property — a step several members said could create insurance and liability problems. As an alternative, multiple members proposed an initial warning followed by a fine regime (one example discussed was an initial $250 fine with escalations for repeat offenses) rather than automatically sending a contractor to perform the work.
The board also debated timeframes. The draft included a 30‑day posting and longer court process that members said can render enforcement irrelevant for seasonal problems; some proposed a seven‑day compliance period for many infractions but acknowledged snow removal is a different operational challenge. Members discussed tying definitions to objective standards, including cross‑reference to the New York State Property Maintenance Code to reduce subjectivity.
Other topics included edge cases (vacant or bank‑owned properties and estates with no responsible party), how unpaid fines or contractor charges become liens on property and whether such charges can legally compound weekly, and the need to ensure bid specifications match any final law. Bids for grass/snow removal were reported to be in the town clerk’s office and scheduled to be opened on the 15th.
With four members absent, one member moved to table the draft and solicit written comments from board members; Greg seconded and the motion carried. The board asked members to review the draft and submit suggested revisions so the item can be reconsidered when full membership is present and bid results are available.
The meeting then adjourned.
