City wants sidewalks clear of snow

Mother Nature did the cleanup job on Sisters sidewalks last week, with rain washing away the snow that stood inches deep in front of many Sisters businesses.

But more snow is surely on the way, and city officials and downtown merchants alike want to make sure merchants keep their sidewalks shoveled clear of snow and ice.

City ordinances require that any person in charge of a property - such as a business owner - must remove snow and ice within the first six hours of daylight after the snow falls or the ice forms. Alternatively, ice can be covered with sand or ashes to provide traction.

"Most of the people are complying with (clearing) the sidewalks directly in front of their business, but when it comes to the bulb-outs and the ramps and alleys, I'm not sure that all the businesses are doing their parts," said Brad Grimm, Sisters Public Works Director.

At least one business owner has complained that customers simply refuse to come to Sisters in the winter because the sidewalks are treacherous.

Sidewalks should be cleared to the streets, with no snow-filled gaps between properties. Business owners must also make clearance across alleys.

Public works official Paul Bartagna discourages the use of salt or other caustic ice melting products, because they can destroy sidewalks. He noted that the city uses bird seed to provide traction on sidewalks to great effect.

"The sidewalks clean themselves up because the birds have a field day," he said.

Both Bartagna and Grimm acknowledged the frustration of business owners on Cascade Avenue who end up with berms on their sidewalks and street parking areas because of snowplows.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) handles plowing on Cascade Avenue, and Grimm said they are doing the best they can.

To acknowledge efforts to keep sidewalks clear, the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is seeking nominations of businesses that keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice this winter. Safe Sidewalk Award winners will receive a certificate from the county and acknowledgment from their area Chamber of Commerce.

BPAC acknowledged the following 2007 winners: High Desert Gallery; Sisters Athletic Club; and Stitchin'

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Nominations may be sent before April 1, 2008 to: Cynthia Smidt at [email protected] For more information visit http://www.deschutes.org/cdd/

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