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By Karla Pomeroy
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Snow removal ordinance passes 1st reading

 

February 7, 2019



WORLAND — The Worland City Council unanimously approved on first reading Tuesday night an ordinance prohibiting putting snow out into the streets.

Ordinance 847, which requires three readings before passage, states that it is unlawful for any person, business or entity to “deposit, plow, shovel, sweep … onto any city street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot or other public place any debris, grass, leaves, litter, snow or weeds.”

Exceptions for the regulation is for those with properties where “it is not feasible to remove snow any other place” than city or public areas.

City Attorney Kent Richins said he left the exception “fairly broad” because otherwise the list of exceptions would be numerous. Examples that were noted at a January council meeting included the downtown area.

The ordinance also prohibits any “non-city” or “non-contractual” personnel to remove or place snow on any city streets, alleys, parking lots or other city property unless authorized by the council.

The ordinance would not, however, prohibit the removal of snow and ice from gutters as long as it did not interfere with the flow of traffic.

In other business at Tuesday night’s council meeting:

•The council approved a resolution for a grant application to the State Loan and Investment Board for the Culbertson Avenue street, sewer and water project. The city has received a 50-50 grant from the SLIB in the amount of $500,000. They are now seeking another 50-50 grant for $945,700.

Engineering representative Mike Donnell said the initial application was “before we knew what was below the street.” After drilling four holes for soil samples it was discovered there was leftover diesel and “other contamination from all the leaky [underground] tanks.” He said some previous clean-up projects removed the bulk of the contamination.

Donnell said they have also discovered that here is not much base on the road.

The application is due this month with the SLIB meeting in June.

The city funding would come from street (one-cent sales tax funding) and sewer and water funds.

•The mayor re-appointed all the city department heads.

•The mayor discussed problems with the streetlights with many in the downtown area not working. Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky said there are 55 lights downtown with a dozen burned out and a dozen more needing ballasts replaced.

He said the bulbs cost abut $100 so they are in the process of changing them with LED lights at a cost of $11 with no need for ballasts.

He said if a member of the public sees a city street light out they are asked to call city hall to report it, 347-2486.

•The council approved a sidewalk and curb low-interest loan for Kari Barr on Obie Sue in the amount of $4,000. The loan is at 2 percent.

•Worland Police Chief Gabe Elliott reported that he received the grant to pay for a portion of the new police car.

He also reported that they conducted interviews for a new officer and have made a conditional offer to one candidate.

 
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