Neglecting that Snowy Sidewalk Could Cost You More than Just an Icy Path This Winter

Residents neglecting the winter white stuff on their sidewalk could have to shovel the green stuff the village's way. Shorewood officials decided Monday to move forward with a new initiative they hope provides for better enforcement of cleared sidewalks.

The village has enlisted the help of the Green Team, a Milwaukee-based landscape company, to patrol Shorewood after a snowstorm and identify those homes that haven’t shoveled and cleared those walks. This is something Shorewood Police Chief David Banaszynski said his officers don’t have time to do immediately after a snow event.

Twelve hours after a snow event ends, the Green Team will survey the village and place warnings on homes with snowy and icy sidewalks. Given another 12 hours, police would then go out and check the homes again. If still not cleared, Shorewood would alert the Green Team and the company would come out and shovel and lay salt, with residents footing the bill

"We wanted to make it clear that you're receiving this (warning) 12 hours after the snow event and right now you're in violation. But you are still getting another 12 hours," Trustee Jeff Hanewall said. "We have given you ample opportunity and we are going beyond what is required."

Snow scofflaws will incur the cost of the Green Team’s work — about $50 an hour — in addition to a $70 citation issued by police. There is also a $15 enforcement and administrative fee assessed on properties cited by police. Officials say they will likely put unpaid fees onto property owner’s tax bill. The Green Team will receive a minimum of $800 from the village during the season, under the contract approved by the Village Board.

Some trustees were especially cognizant of the dilemma some elderly residents have with ridding the sidewalks of snow. While not formally part of the initiative, Hanewall said the Shorewood Senior Resource Center does have a list of volunteers that can help older adults clear the snow after a big storm.

"If a volunteer doesn't show up, the resident may still get nailed," he said. "We were very conscious of that, but didn't see a good way call it up especially."