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Resident says snow berms left by plows block sidewalk access for wheelchair users
Summary
At the Dec. 4 meeting a resident, identified in the transcript as Jim Rer, said snow berms left at intersections prevent wheelchair access to sidewalks; city staff said they will discuss the issue with the street department.
Keokuk — During the public-comment portion of the Dec. 4 Keokuk City Council meeting, resident Jim Rer of 212 Washington Street urged the city to clear snow berms that he said are blocking sidewalk access and preventing wheelchair and mobility-device users from using sidewalks.
“I brought up a question of snow removal at the intersections where the streets and sidewalks meet… The vast majority of the intersections in town are not cleared,” Rer said, adding that he took photographs the same day. He said the berms left by snow plows prevent wheelchairs from accessing sidewalks and that the problem has persisted during the seven years he has lived in a wheelchair.
City staff and the mayor acknowledged the concern. The mayor said he would speak personally with the street department the next day to try to improve operations. Staff noted that the city has had a heavy snowfall cycle and that they would have a conversation with the street department about possible adjustments.
Council did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with the street department on operational approaches to clear intersections and improve access.
