The city of Bettendorf wants to get tough with people who don't clear their sidewalks after it snows, but aldermen don't yet agree on how tough. Monday night, the city council discussed some proposed revisions in the current ordinance, but then tabled them.
Bill Connors, director of Community Development, says the current ordinance requires Bettendorf residents to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of when the snow stops falling. If not, then the city sends a warning letter, which usually takes three days more before sending a contractor to do the work.
"I think the city council and even staff found this to be a little problematic, especially if we get frequent snows every third day this just keeps compounding upon itself."
Instead he proposed saving time by publishing notices in the newspaper or sending them by email and Facebook. But Connors says some aldermen balked, wanting a break for first-time offenders.
Currently, after a warning letter is sent, Bettendorf residents who don't clear their sidewalks are charged a 50 dollar administrative fee plus what the city's contractor charges for the work. His proposal would raise the fee to 75 dollars
He hopes to have a new ordinance ready for the city council soon, so it can go into effect before the snow starts falling.
