Ketchum property owners should be reminded that they're required by the city to clear sidewalks of snow.
The Ketchum Police Department, which keeps an eye open for violators who could face misdemeanor penalties, says most property owners clear the walks in a reasonable time after snowfall stops.
Nevertheless, the Ketchum City Council could stiffen the law and add an inducement to compliance if it amended the ordinance. For the benefit of scofflaws: If snow isn't removed from a sidewalk abutting property, the city should contract to have it removed and bill the property owner.
Even better, the city could take on the task of clearing sidewalks by bidding out the work and billing all property owners for their fair share of the cost. The city already bills for water use, and surely could do it for sidewalk clearing.
Keeping sidewalks clear in the downtown business area isn't only about appearance. It is a matter of safety as well as making the business area friendly to shoppers and customers.
How discouraging—how risky!—for an on-foot shopper or customer to face a snow-clogged sidewalk.
Furthermore, sidewalks are a public right of way in which liabilities lurk if not properly maintained.
Consider this parallel: Motorists would howl if the city failed to clear streets quickly. Imagine the paralyzing effect on traffic and the resulting impact on business as customers were delayed or deterred in their movements around town.
Living in this mountain environment imposes special responsibilities. Removing snow that is an obstruction and a hazard is paramount among them.
