Sheldon, Iowa — The transition into the new year included a lot of snow and freezing rain in Sheldon.
The Sheldon City Manager, Sam Kooiker, says he understands that with so much at one time, people have felt overwhelmed, but city sidewalks still need to be cleared of ice and snow.
Kooiker is speaking of City Code 136.04, which is entitled Responsibility For Maintenance. The code states that “It is the responsibility of the abutting property owners to maintain in a safe and hazard-free condition any sidewalk outside the lot and property lines and inside the curb lines or traveled portion of the public street.”
What this means is a property owner is responsible for keeping the city sidewalks around their property clear of ice and snow. Kooiker says the city would appreciate it if property owners voluntarily abide by the code.
Kooiker tells KIWA what will happen if property owners do not clear the sidewalks.
An enforcement will consist of the City clearing the sidewalk, and the property owner will be billed for the costs to clear the sidewalk. Kooiker had one thing to add.
If you’re a property owner and have not cleared the sidewalks that surround your property it would be in your best interest to make sure you clear the sidewalks before someone gets hurt or you get a bill from the City.
