Sidewalk snow removal last winter. Photo by Ron Bailey.

Leonardtown, MD — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have enacted an ordinance requiring the removal of snow from sidewalks by the owner abutting the sidewalk. The ordinance was approved Sept. 1 on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Mike Hewitt [R – 2nd District] opposing.

The ordinance differs from that presented at a public hearing in two regards: it increases the time allowed to remove snow from 36 hours to 72 hours and makes the director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation or his designee the enforcing authority to issue civil citations.

Only two people spoke at the July 28 public hearing on the proposed ordinance, Keith Harless and Mike Schwartz, and both opposed the measure, saying the county should do the work instead of requiring property owners to do it.

Hewitt’s main concern was for elderly persons who may not be able to shovel sidewalks. “It seems the county ought to get involved,” echoing what the speakers said at the public hearing.

However, Commissioner Tom Jarboe [R – 1st District] said, “This is a community responsibility,” noting that sidewalks in front of businesses enhance those businesses. “The idea is not to be punitive, it is to work together,” Jarboe explained.
Commissioner Todd Morgan [R – 4th District] agreed. He said he felt the extra time for the work to be done would help. “I think it is a great compromise,” he said.

Commissioner President Randy Guy [R] noted he hoped neighbors would pitch in and help an elderly person unable to do the work themselves.

Commissioner John O’Connor [R – 3rd District] agreed with Guy. He said if he knew about someone who needed help he would hope he personally would do something about it.

O’Connor said if elderly persons are involved, “I hope we look at the spirit of the law not the letter of the law.” Director of Public Works and Transportation George Erichsen concurred. “We are going to be complaint based,” noting his department would not go driving around looking for infractions.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com