Snow Shoveling Ordinance on Public Works Committee Agenda [Poll]

Tuesday night, the Town Council's Public Works Committee will discuss a proposal requiring residents to shovel snow from the sidewalk in front of their homes.

The Commission on Disabilities recommended that the town create an ordinance regarding snow removal. The town has one for private property in the business districts, but nothing for residential areas.

"The Watertown Commission on Disability is recommending an additional ordinance be enacted to ensure that snow is removed and cleared away from residential sidewalks by private persons, so the disabled, elderly, children, and other citizens can safely travel throughout the city," the commission wrote in a letter to the Public Works Committee.

Town Councilor Susan Falkoff, who chairs the Public Works Committee, sent out a message saying she has changed her position on the matter after seeing a policy passed in Newton that requires shoveling, but has no penalty for failing to do so.

"In my mind, that's bad public policy. Why make it a law if it's not enforceable?" Falkoff wrote. "Instead, I would like to see more public education about why it matters to shovel your sidewalk."

Falkoff said she hopes to hear from residents at the Public Works meeting, which will be held Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Town Hall.

Also on the agenda will be discussions on guidelines for naming squares/intersections/etc. to honor residents; and having parking meters state the hours of operation.