The snow has finally started to descend on the Wood River Valley, just in time for the first day of winter on Monday. But with the white blanket comes the resort-town hassle of keeping it where we want it—off the streets and sidewalks.
In an effort to make snow removal easier, the Ketchum City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday in favor of the Police Department's suggestion to lower the fine for vehicles parked on city streets between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from $35 to $20. Councilman Charles Conn wasn't in attendance to vote.
Sgt. Dave Kassner first brought the recommended decrease before the council on Dec. 7 and said these vehicles prevent proper street snow removal.
"This is the first time I've asked for a reduction in a ticket amount," he said.
Kassner explained the rationale for lowering the fine to Councilman Larry Helzel, who said he wondered how making people pay less would improve the situation.
"Twenty dollars is enough to discourage people but not so much that we're inundated with appeals," Kassner said.
Kassner said in previous winters the department had been flooded with "so many appeals" from drivers who had been ticketed, and a lower rate might decrease that while still enforcing the law.
Councilman Charles Conn thanked Kassner for handling the problem with sensitivity and not merely turning to the usual alternative of hiking fine rates.
"It's not only a thankless job," Conn said, "it's worse than that."
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While on the topic of snow, Councilman Curtis Kemp suggested discussing sometime in the near future improving enforcement of sidewalk snow removal.
"It's hit and miss all over town," he said.
The council ended up addressing it on the spot, deciding that in recent winters snow removal has been a problem—and something needs to change.
Ketchum law puts the responsibility on the shoulders of "every person, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee or otherwise, in possession or control of any building" abutting a sidewalk to clear the entire width of the sidewalk within six daylight hours of any snowfall. And the snow can't be pushed into the street or alley. Those who don't clear their sidewalks can be fined up to $300 or be imprisoned for up to six months, or both, for each day of the violation.
Police Chief Steve Harkins said this will be his first winter here, but the department is already discussing how to better enforce the law.
Kemp threw out the suggestion of dropping the law altogether and having the city clear all the sidewalks, as it does the streets. He said the city would then bill the sidewalk-abutting properties.
City Administrator Gary Marks advised the council to take baby steps and wait for the Police Department and staff's suggestion. He said the city would be unwise in deciding to clear all the sidewalks.
"That's a huge responsibility to take on," Marks said. "I encourage you not to go there unless we have to."
The council heeded his advice and now waits for the city's suggestion. Councilman Baird Gourlay suggested first handing out warnings so people are aware of their responsibilities.
Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com
