A report to the Board of Alderman on proposed amendments to the city’s snow removal ordinance was presented at last week’s regular meeting of the Board.

By Jim Clark

The much maligned snow removal ordinance imposed on city residents and owners of commercial properties in Somerville was once again discussed by the Board of Alderman’s Legislative Matters Committee on March 19. A report to the full Board on what progress had been made in the matter was presented at its regular meeting on March 26.

The Chairman of the Committee, Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti, told the Board that changes to the ordinance were discussed, especially in regards to the fine structure for certain property types and defining certain terms in the ordinance.

Additionally, members discussed the importance of clearing snow from large vs. small commercial properties.

Rossetti indicated that she would like to know how many of the fines issued after the last storm were to absentee landlords.

Alderman at Large William A. White, Jr. requested that the Law Department research the ability of the city to fine absentee landlords differently.

Chairman Rossetti’s motion that the six hour timeline be changed to twenty four hours was defeated on a Roll Call vote of 1 in favor, 7 against and 3 absent.

Ultimately, the amendment was passed, returning the ordinance to its six hour timeline for snow removal.

Several members of the community had their comments on the ordinance entered into the record at the March 26 regular meeting.

One resident commented, “As it stands the current fine is too high and deadlines are too short, outrageously so.”

Another asked, “How are we supposed to know when a storm ends? In many cases it would be obvious, but storms can obviously also end around sunrise or sunset. Would the city do reverse 311 calls to inform residents/homeowners for each storm?”

Yet another commented, “Everyone was right. Some times are too long and sometimes are too short.”