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Residents say sidewalk-repair notices were insufficient; city says tax-exempt properties remain liable for assessments
Summary
Several residents told the commission they received little or no advance notice about mandatory sidewalk repairs and asked for ordinance or process changes; city staff clarified that tax-exempt properties are subject to sidewalk assessments and agreed to improve notification timing.
Multiple residents raised concerns during public participation about the city’s sidewalk-repair program, saying they received inadequate notice and had too little time to arrange competing bids or repairs.
Beverly Lure (650 Clinton River Drive) told commissioners that some homeowners — particularly seniors — felt disrespected by the short notice and that a church and several residents never received mailed notices. “We were given basically two weeks to get it done,” Lure said, and she asked whether notification procedures could be changed to allow residents time to hire contractors.
City staff responded that tax-exempt properties remain subject to sidewalk assessments and acknowledged the notification process needs improvement. Commissioner Forier said she had discussed the issue with staff and agreed residents should receive more than two weeks’ notice in the future.
The city did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting; staff said they will make note of the concerns and provide additional information and notification to affected residents.
