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Residents urge change to Greene sidewalk snow-removal fines; council approves property sale, safety measures and partial sewer forgiveness
Summary
At its March 9 meeting the Greene City Council heard residents urge reductions to sidewalk snow-removal fines and heard safety concerns from the volunteer ambulance; the council approved Resolution 2026-02 to dispose of a vacant lot, a bridge inspection agreement, Iowa DOT-funded speed feedback signs, and forgave half of a resident's sewer charge.
The Greene City Council on March 9, 2026, heard residents pressing for changes to the city's sidewalk snow-removal ordinance and approved several routine and safety-related measures, including disposal of a city-owned lot and agreements for bridge inspection and speed feedback signs.
Resident Sarah Wadey told the council she and others received fines for failing to clear snow from sidewalks and asked the council to amend the ordinance by shortening the 24-hour removal window and lowering fines to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $200 for a third. "These fines should not be assessed," she said, and she argued that renters — not landlords — should be responsible for clearing sidewalks.
Jeff Stirling, speaking on behalf of the Greene Volunteer Ambulance, urged the council to consider public-safety consequences if sidewalks are not cleared. "It's almost impossible to get a cot through any snow," he said, adding that an injured crew member could expose the city to workers' compensation liability. The council did not change the ordinance at the meeting; Councilmember Vicky Malfero said she would compile a list of contractors and individuals who provide snow removal and lawn care, and she will make that list available at City Hall.
On billing matters, resident Randy Sage said a water leak at his property did not enter the sewer system because he lacks a basement sewer drain and asked the council to forgive sewer usage charges for the affected period. The council approved a motion by Councilmember Audrey Smith, seconded by Rodney Fesenmeyer, to forgive half of Sage's sewer usage charges. The roll call vote was recorded as: Ayes — Vicky Malfero, Audrey Smith, Al Zweck, Brian Uhlenhopp and Rodney Fesenmeyer. The motion carried.
During its routine business the council set City Clean Up Day for May 2 and set a public hearing on the proposed tax levy and budget for 2026–2027 for April 6 at 5:30 p.m. The minutes list the year for that hearing as 2025; the council recorded approval of the date and time in the March 9 proceedings.
The council opened and closed a public hearing on disposal of city-owned property at 12 High School Blvd; no written comments were received. The council approved Resolution 2026-02 authorizing disposal of the property on a roll-call vote (Ayes — Malfero, Smith, Zweck, Uhlenhopp, Fesenmeyer). The council also approved an agreement for 2026 bridge inspection services with Calhoun-Burns & Associates and approved the installation of speed feedback signs on Highway 14 that will be funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation; the council was told the city will be responsible for maintenance after installation. Finally, the council approved city claims and adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
The council did not adopt changes to the sidewalk ordinance at this meeting; residents concerned about fines and safety urged further consideration and the council took a step toward practical help by compiling a contractor list for snow and lawn services.
