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City charges 20 for snow removal

‘We are willing to work with people,’ building official says

News Photo by Crystal Nelson Roger Phillips uses his snowblower to clean out the driveway of his residence along Second Avenue on Wednesday.

ALPENA — In Alpena, it is likely many people are tired of snowblowing and shoveling their driveways, and city officials can sympathize — as they also have had to work hard to make sure snow cleanup and removal efforts are being done in the area.

City Building Official Don Gilmet said that, for the most part, most of the driveways and sidewalks have been cleared shortly after recent snow events, but there are still many people who neglect to do so. As a result, the city has to send work orders or a contractor to remove that snow. That, Gilmet said, leads to the property owner being billed.

That’s unfortunate, he said, but avoidable.

Gilmet said that, 48 hours after a snow event, door-hanger warnings will be issued to properties whose sidewalks are uncleaned. Then, 48 hours after that, the city will do a drive-by inspection and, if the snow is still not removed, the city’s contractor is contacted to do the work.

That can lead to a bill being issued to the property owner of $80 or more.

Gilmet said the city isn’t targeting anyone, and most of the warnings stem from complaints filed with the city over unshoveled sidewalks. He said that, if there are concerns, issues or questions, residents should contact City Hall at 989-354-1700.

Gilmet said it is also important for people who receive a door-hanger warning call the city and let them know the snow has been removed.

“It says on the hanger to call when complete, but what we are seeing is people are doing it after the work is given to the subcontractor, we get a little snow, and the contractor does it again,” Gilmet said. “We are willing to work with people, but they need to contact us and let us know what is going on.”

Since Jan. 1, the city has issued 160 snow-removal warnings. Of those, about 35 job orders have been given to the contractor. Of those, 20 properties were cleaned and the residents charged.

Gilmet said the bill will be based on what the contractor charges the city, which is determined by the amount of footage in front of the home. Homes on corners can be charged more because there is more sidewalk, and other circumstances could also lead to a higher bill.

“If someone has their driveway plowed and it gets pushed into the sidewalk, then it is going to take longer for the contractor to do and cost more,” he said.

Once the contractor does the work, the city will issue a bill to the address where the hanger was placed. If homeowners or residents don’t pay the bill, the money could be added to the tax bill or even taken to small-claims court, Gilmet said.

Gilmet said that, although the winter started out mild in terms of snow, it has been pretty severe for the last month. He said there have been many instances where he has seen the community unite to help others who may not be able to shovel or those who have a plow or snowblower have helped those who don’t to remove the deep and sometimes heavy snow.

“So far, this year has really sucked when it comes to snow, and I know everyone is running out of places to put it,” Gilmet said. “But I want to thank the many people that I see assisting their neighbors through this. That is great and is what makes a community great, people helping people out.

“Not only does the city appreciate it,” he added, “but, personally, I do, as well.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.

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