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Ask The Answer Person: "Why are some sidewalks in Decorah perpetually covered with snow and ice?"

Posted: Tue, Feb 11, 2020 10:31 AM

(Margaret e-mails: "Dear Mr. Answer Person: Why are some sidewalks in Decorah perpetually covered with snow and ice? There are laws in place about removing snow from sidewalks so that people can safely walk during the winter. However, there are many property owners who have neglected to clear the snow, resulting in hard packed snow and ice for weeks. The city should clear the snow from these areas and charge the property owners accordingly. It is each property owner's responsibility to clear their sidewalks and keep our town safe for pedestrians during ALL seasons.")

The Answer Person says: "Have you tried first to contact the property owner about their sidewalks?  There's no need to bring government into the situation if it can be solved person to person.

If that's already been attempted and didn't work, then, by all means, call either Decorah City Hall or the Decorah Street Department.  The process is much as you describe it: The city first contacts the property owner to give them a warning and a deadline to clear the sidewalks.  If the work isn't done by the deadline, then the City of Decorah will do the work—and send
the bill to the property owner.

If your sidewalk still needs clearing, get to it in the next day or two, so you don't have to pay for the city doing the work and then sending you the bill!"