City explores issues

Discussions regarding a potential sidewalk snow-removal ordinance in Three Rivers began Tuesday, when the Three Rivers City Commission explored the issue.

Mayor Tom Lowry said a final proposed ordinance could be several meetings away, but he said hearing that children are walking in the street to and from school because sidewalks are not shoveled by adjacent property owners is alarming.

The matter was brought to the commission’s attention Jan. 21 by Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education member Waneta Truckey. The issue is most relevant to students who attend Hoppin and Andrews elementary schools, as they are neighborhood schools within the city limits.

City attorney Pat O’Malley presented commissioners with proposed language to consider in the form of an ordinance. Lowry advised commissioners to study the draft carefully and the matter would be brought before the commission at its Feb. 18 meeting.

On a related note, Commissioner Alison Haigh said she is concerned about piles of snow residents have accumulated at street corners, forcing motorists to creep their vehicles an unsafe distance into the roadway in order to look for oncoming traffic.

Check Also

County employee announces candidacy for probate court judge

A longtime county employee has announced his candidacy for St. Joseph County Probate Court judge. …