Hearing set to address snow shoveling ordinance

WEST CHESTER » In wake of the first 80-degree Fahrenheit day of the season, snow shoveling was a hot topic at Tuesday’s Borough Council work session, at the Spellman Building.

Council decided it will consider changes to the snow shoveling ordinance during a public hearing at the May 17 meeting.

The Smart Growth committee, composed of Bill Scott, W1, and Michael Galey, W3, with Don Braceland, W5, absent, voted 2- 0 to have council consider the changes.

West Barnard Street resident Ed Lotkowski was fined in December for improperly shoveling his walk. On Tuesday, Common Pleas Judge Charles B. Smith overruled an

earlier decision after Lotkowski appealed a Judge Bret Binder municipal court decision.

The borough assesses homeowners $25 for not properly shoveling a public sidewalk at their property within 24 hours of a snowfall.

Lotkowski was a regular at council meetings when the issue was on the agenda and complained that while the fine was fair, the fee tacked on by the district court, which increased the full cost to $114, was excessive.

Currently a citation is mailed to the property

“Finally a judge put an end to the nonsense. I apologize to the court that this went as far as it did. I’m embarrassed for the Borough of West Chester.” — Ed Lotkowski

owner. At the May 17 meeting, Council will consider whether to post a citation at residences.

Homeowners might also have seven days to pay a fine totaling $30 prior to district court becoming involved.

Residents would have 24 hours to shovel a walk following notification or face district court fees.

Galey said he was glad council was notified by residents.

Scott noted that “valid complaints” would be acted on after brought to council by residents and following coverage by the media.

Lotkowski said the gallery applauded when the decision was rendered by Judge Smith.

“Justice was served by a senior jurist,”

Lotkowski said. “I knew at some point that somebody would have some sense.

“Finally a judge put an end to the nonsense. I apologize to the court that this went as far as it did. I’m embarrassed for the Borough of West Chester.”