ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 26 of the CODE of the City of Peoria by Adding Section 26-251 Regarding SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL POLICY. AMENDED COMMUNICATION AND ORDINANCE
Body
BACKGROUND: Council had a first reading of this proposed Ordinance at its meeting on September 22nd and subsequently requested that all commercial locations be added to the proposed Ordinance. That has now been included in the attached, revised Ordinance for adoption by revising the language of the first paragraph of Secs. 26-251 as follows:
“All commercial property owners, city-wide, are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Commercial property is defined as real estate used for retail or wholesale trade, hotel, restaurant, offices, clinics, warehouses, light manufacturing and other such uses, but not for residential purposes. This requirement also includes public and private schools, hospitals, and churches.”
Also revised is that CityLink is responsible for snow removal within a 10 foot radius around bus shelters and bus benches on marked primary snow routes.
On August 18, 2015, City Council held a Policy Session regarding the proposed adoption of an ordinance implementing sidewalk snow removal in the City of Peoria. Staff discussed past performance, addressed current needs to determine best practices, and essential resources to produce an efficient level of service for the upcoming 2015-2016 snow season. Public Works staff also discussed current and future considerations, including recommendations and direction from Council for a Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy and mailbox replacement policy.
During a snow and ice event, several entities are working together to coordinate staffing of equipment, equipment preparation, utilizing snow removal and de-icing materials, and also including utilization of contractor and temporary employee services. The culmination of staff members, organizations, equipment, properly trained staff, public/media notification all comes together throughout an event to help keep the City of Peoria’s roadway system safe and reduce travel hazards to sustain mobility.
Staff gave a presentation that depicted a current overview of resources, new procedures, recommendations, and benchmarking other communities’ Sidewalk Snow Removal Policies.
The items for consideration and direction in the policy session were:
• Resources Needed To Develop Programs
• Establish a Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy
o Recommend a Mailbox Replacement Policy
A revised draft Ordinance adding Sidewalk Snow Removal to the City Code is attached for consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Sidewalk snow removal by citizens would make safety improvements for pedestrians, including children walking to and from school.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The Ordinance for adoption of a sidewalk snow removal policy will go forward.
IMPACT IF DENIED: A sidewalk snow removal policy will not advance.
ALTERNATIVES: As Council directs.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
3. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Improve District 150.
2. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works