Village Discusses Sidewalk, Snow Removal Laws

STAMFORD – When the village crew was unable to clear sidewalks after a recent snowstorm, it brought a flood of calls to the village office. In fact, state law puts sidewalk clearing on the onus of the adjacent landowner. It is not the village's responsibility even though they have been clearing Main St. and sidewalks on other streets for as long as anyone at Tuesday's  meeting could remember.

Stamford village trustees discussed drafting a law that would cover them when the sidewalks cannot be cleared by the village crew, which has been done as a courtesy all these years. They also discussed how to get the word out to the villagers when they will not be able to do the sidewalk clearing.

It is dependent on available personnel and equipment and at times, there are other emergency issues that take priority over clearing sidewalks. The most recent case was due to a breakdown of the equipment.

According to Code Enforcement Officer Rich Irwin, a municipality, under the New York State Highway Law, may dictate who is responsible for clearing sidewalks, through adoption of a local law. Street Superintendent Jesse Calia said he has looked at village ordinances, with a recommendation from NYMIR (New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal), a municipal insurer, to adopt a resolution to make it clear that clearing sidewalks is the property owner's responsibility.

"That's not saying the village will not continue to do what we do. What it does do: if the crew for whatever reason is not able to get the sidewalks cleared, the property owner is responsible," Calia said.

There is also a question of enforcement. Trustee Darran Hanway said he would work on drafting a  local law. In the meantime, the village will put information into the newsletter to explain to property owners that they are responsible to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses.

They also discussed the village’s snow removal and the prior notice law. They will also be topics for the upcoming newsletter.

Trustees approved hiring Level Up Tech Support to provide IT support for the village's computer system. Village Clerk Jamison Hanway said they are not happy with the current provider. Quotes were also received from ISD and Directive. Board members indicated Level Up was the more economical quote and is a local business that has a great deal of experience in serving municipal accounts.

One four-year trustee seat will be up for village elections, which will be held Tuesday, March 18 from noon to 9 p.m. at village hall. Catherine Snyder is completing a two-year unexpired term and that is the seat that will be up for the election in March.