Laserfiche WebLink
Downtown Snow Removal <br /> Mr. March explained that a problem exists with snow removai 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 fizrther. 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 /> 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 /> Mr. March stated that the City removes snow on the west side of the street as it has been I � <br /> declared a walking path by previous Council action. The current problem exists because I I <br /> children are walking on the east side and standing under Kelly's awning waiting for the i <br /> bus. <br /> I <br /> I <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 /> 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 /> 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, i <br /> Mr. March questioned the City's liability for picking and choosing when to remove snow I <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 /> Mayor Wilharber stated he believed the City should remove the snow and work to set a <br /> policy for future snow removal. <br /> Mr. Palzer stated that the City possesses a small snowblower that would fit on that <br /> sidewalk. <br /> Mr. Hoeft questioned whether the sidewalk was on private property or in the Ciry 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 /> Page 5 of 9 <br />