Random Lake trustees uphold two $75 snow-removal citations after appeals

The Random Lake Village Board on Feb. 16 declined to waive two $75 sidewalk snow-removal citations after property owners argued drifting and contractor removal made enforcement unfair.

Property owner Jennifer Hoffer-Johnson told the board she contracted with Max Laumann to clear her sidewalk during the Jan. 22 storm and presented billing and photos she said show the sidewalk was cleared. DPW Director Peter Lederer said village crews received multiple complaints, that the cleared area exceeded five feet (clarified in the meeting as five sidewalk section blocks) and that crews waited more than the 24-hour compliance window before the village cleared the walk. Trustee Blaine Werner said the photos and bill indicated the snow had been cleared and moved to remove the citation for lack of proof; Trustee Rachel Fuller seconded the motion. The motion failed 2–4; Trustees Werner and Fuller voted yes; Trustees Dave Borchardt, Duane Urbanski, Jamie Vorpahl and Barbara Ruege voted no.

Property owner Kaleb Tuimala asked how the 24-hour clock is measured and suggested the village keep a log of daily rounds to document compliance notices. Trustee Werner again moved to remove the $75 citation for Tuimala; Trustee Fuller seconded. That motion also failed 2–4 with the same recorded yes and no votes.

Trustees who opposed waiving the fines said they were concerned about setting a precedent that would require the village to waive fines broadly. Trustee Rachel Fuller raised the point that waiving one case could oblige the board to waive similar citations for others; DPW Director Lederer and Trustee Barbara Ruege emphasized homeowner responsibility for timely clearing and the need to preserve consistent enforcement.

The board did not adopt any ordinance changes or direct staff to alter enforcement procedures at the meeting; trustees discussed that a change to the ordinance language would be required to create exceptions for drifting or similar conditions.