Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Downtown Snow Removal <br /> <br />Mr. March explained that a problem exists with snow removal along Centerville Road <br />and the sidewalks abutting same. Mr. March stated that Anoka County maintains <br />Centerville Road and due to the recent heavy snowfall, the snow has been piling onto the <br />curb and sidewalk area near downtown businesses. Mr. March stated that this possess a <br />problem with school children waiting for the bus in this area. Mr. March stated that he <br />contacted Anoka County regarding this issue and they acknowledge there was a problem <br />and expressed a willingness to discuss the issue further. Mr. March proposed that the <br />City remove the snow and bill the County for same. The City would remove the snow for <br />heavy snow falls, not for small amounts of 2 inches or less. <br /> <br />Mayor Wilharber stated he was concerned for setting a precedent of removing snow for <br />some business owners but not others. Mayor Wilharber questioned whether business <br />owners could be asked to contribute to the cost of the snow removal. <br /> <br />Mr. March stated that the City removes snow on the west side of the street as it has been <br />declared a walking path by previous Council action. The current problem exists because <br />children are walking on the east side and standing under Kelly's awning waiting for the <br />bus. <br /> <br />Council Member Broussard Vickers stated she would like to have the City remove the <br />snow and request reimbursement from Anoka County. Mr. March stated that Anoka <br />County was receptive to same. <br /> <br />Council Member Nelson stated she did not believe business owners should have to pay <br />for snow removal if the County is plowing snow onto their property. <br /> <br />Council Member Broussard Vickers stated the City should remove the snow because it is <br />a hazard for pedestrians and focus on setting a policy on how to handle future snow <br />removal. <br /> <br />Mr. March questioned the City's liability for picking and choosing when to remove snow <br />from the sidewalk. Mr. Hoeft stated that the City has immunity for discretionary acts. If <br />the City sets a policy on how, when, and where the snow will be removed and the policy <br />is based on safety, health, welfare, and costs the City would be granted discretionary <br />immunity under the statute. <br /> <br />Mayor Wilharber stated he believed the City should remove the snow and work to set a <br />policy for future snow removal. <br /> <br />Mr. Palzer stated that the City possesses a small snowblower that would fit on that <br />sidewalk. <br /> <br />Mr. Hoeft questioned whether the sidewalk was on private property or in the City right- <br />of-way. Mr. Palzer stated that the sidewalk was on private property. Mr. Hoeft stated <br />that property owners are responsible for snow removal on sidewalks. The fact that <br />Anoka County is plowing snow onto the sidewalk is an issue between the property owner <br /> <br />Page 5 of9 <br />