Oxford passes new measures targeting sidewalk snow removal; citizens push back

Oxford has passed a new ordinance aiming to ensure that sidewalks along snow routes are cleared during substantial snowfall, but some residents plan to fight the measure with a ballot initiative. 

The ordinance, which was introduced during a Jan. 21 City Council meeting and passed unanimously on Feb. 4, targets properties with sidewalks along the city’s existing snow routes plus US 27. City staff and council members raised concerns following the substantial snowfall on Jan. 5 and 6 that many Uptown sidewalks went uncleared for weeks.

Under the new legislation, property owners along the impacted routes will have 24 hours to clear their sidewalks after snowfall of three or more inches. Sidewalks must be cleared to a four-foot width down to concrete.

For those along the impacted routes who fail to clear their sidewalks, city staff or contractors will then step in to remove the snow. The city will then charge property owners for the labor, plus a 40% administrative fee.

While the duty to keep sidewalks clear applies to all property owners, the city will only step in to clear sidewalks along designated snow routes and US 27. People who do not own property along snow routes will not be charged by the city for failing to clear snow from their sidewalks.

“This is a big change for the city, but it’s one that I think we all feel is needed,” said City Manager Doug Elliott.

If property owners who rely on Oxford or the city’s contractors to clear their sidewalks fail to pay the assessed fee, the ordinance states that the city will certify the amount with the county auditor to act as a lien on the property and be collected as a special assessment.

Steve Chaffin, an Oxford resident who lives along a snow route, spoke against the ordinance during the meeting, saying it placed an “unreasonable duty” on him and others. It took Chaffin several days to clear his sidewalk during the snowstorm in early January because of the weight of the snow. He hired others to clear it for him but said that, too, took time because their services were so in demand.

Chaffin advocated for more enforcement of the city’s previous ordinance by defining hazardous conditions and providing notice to homeowners prior to taking action.

Following the meeting, Chaffin confirmed to the Oxford Free Press that he and a group of five citizens have filed a petition to put a referendum on the ordinance on the November ballot. If the petitioners collect 500 valid signatures by March 6, Chaffin said, the ordinance will appear on the ballot this November for voters to decide whether to accept or reject it.

Ordinances go into effect 30 days after passage. During a Jan. 21 City Council meeting, Elliott said the new snow removal ordinance was unlikely to be enforced this winter. During the Feb. 4 meeting, he said the city would send letters to impacted property owners this fall to prepare for next winter, though that timeline could be impacted if the ordinance goes to voters in November.

“Ohio, it’s just the way it is that the roadway is the city’s responsibility and the sidewalk is that of the property owner,” council member David Prytherch said in support of the ordinance. “The property owners in Oxford historically — some people do a wonderful job, but often, the people who you expect would do a good job like businesses, don’t do such a great job.”

Also during the Feb. 4 City Council meeting, council passed a resolution allowing the service department to purchase an RTV and snow removal attachments for $55,000. The RTV will be used to keep portions of the Oxford Area Trail System along Oxford-Reily Road and Brookville Road free of snow, allowing pedestrians to reach Talawanda Middle School. The school district does not provide busing to students who live within two miles of their buildings this year.

Service Director Mike Dreisbach said while the motivation for the purchase is snow removal, it will be used year-round for other maintenance along the OATS.

Oxford City Council will meet again at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Oxford Courthouse.