Sidewalk Repairs Are Responsibility of Property Owners
By Karen Gould

Property owners are responsible for repair costs to sidewalks adjacent to their property, the city's Ordinance and Licenses Committee determined at its Wednesday, May 10 meeting. Committee members also asked the city street administrator, Dennis Dombroski, to notify property owners whose sidewalks need replacement.

Safety concerns raised over deteriorating sidewalk conditions caused from tree roots and frost damage prompted the committee to review city regulations regarding repair responsibilities. Sidewalks in the city must be kept in "good repair by the owner, agent or occupant," according to the ordinance, and if the city is forced to make the repairs, it can collect the costs from the property owner.

In another matter, the committee began discussions on the city's fee ordinance and will establish a new fee for architectural review. The ordinance covers all fees charged by the city, including business licenses, motor vehicle permits, bike licenses, and Community Hall rental.

Architectural review costs are now absorbed by the city, but zoning and building applicants could be charged up to $500 in the future if a new fee is established.

Mr. Dombroski provided an update to the committee on the Michigan Department of Transportation's plan to tar and gravel Main Street to try to level the road. The problem areas are in front of the Arnold Dock, St. Cloud Place, and Ste. Anne's Church and into the Mission area, he said.

"We all agree the street should be milled and overlaid in these areas," said Mr. Dombroski, but the project has yet to be funded.

Ordinance Committee members include Chair Mike Hart, Armin Porter, and Armand Horn. Mayor Margaret Doud, her assistant Kelly Bean, City Engineer Dennis Dombroski, and City Attorney Tom Evashevski also attended the meetings.

The committee meets at 4 p.m. in Community Hall before City Council meetings, though its schedule can vary.