[Vision2020] Contractors

Tue Jan 29 13:55:44 PST 2008

I'm not sure how your solution is any better than those offered already.  Not only that, but other communities do this "be clean or be fined" and they don't seem to have an issue with it or do they use the kids on probation...the streets/sidewalks get cleaned off as the safety of the public is important.  People get that when it snows, they have to shovel - get up earlier, do their thing, move on.  It comes with being a responsible property owner.  Its just like keeping the garbage and debris off the sidewalks so people don't get hurt.  Just because its snow we're talking about here, shouldn't make a difference.

And to make things clear, not only have I cleaned my walk-ways but for the last 10 years, I have made sure my neighbor's walk-way is clean as they are unable to do it.  I've even been known to clean out their entire driveway when the snow is particularly heavy. 

There - no sniping, just statements.

J  :]

P.S.  Is there anyway people can stop sending TWO replies when making a comment on someone's e-mail?  I mean, if we're getting the V2020 mail, there really is NO reason to send a separate secondary one to the person's e-mail box.  Thanks.

From: mattd2107 at hotmail.com
To: privatejf32 at hotmail.com; vision2020 at moscow.com
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:40:45 -0800
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Contractors

J,

Try having a conversation w/o harping on someone you disagree with for once will ya.

 To fine people for not being done by 9 am regardless, to me, is too harsh of a rule. There are too many what ifs. How can you justify making a cop or firefighter get paid help because he/she is out protecting YOU. Or how can you have it in your heart to make the guy clearing the streets and sidewalks of the snow, that the cops have to pay for, pay an extra $500 a month. 

Look we all want clean clear streets. In my opinion fining the bajesus out of those who cannot do it is not the right solution. So let's quite the belittling and come to a solution, if this current one is not working for you.

Maybe juveniles on probation is a good start.

Or you can donate your time to help clean some these sidewalks. Talk to Kit Craine for info. She got me started on it.

Matt

From: privatejf32 at hotmail.com
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:01:38 -0800
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Contractors

Ok, so there is State-wide example precedent for this type of thing.  I like the sound of your example, Janesta.  Wonder if ANYone in the City is willing to comment or even DO something positive to resolve the issue......

Matt - whatever.  

When you own property, being out of town or being at work still means its up to you, the property owner responsible party, to make sure things get done.  I suppose if someone working on your property slips and breaks an arm while you're gone due to your not making a needed repair, your "not responsible as I was at work or out of town" defense would work?  Nope.  

There are a lot of "out-of-town" owners with property in Moscow - they hire property managers who are supposed to - ahem - "manage" the property and make sure things get done. 

J  :]

Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:56:57 -0800
From: janesta at gmail.com
To: mattd2107 at hotmail.com
CC: vision2020 at moscow.com; privatejf32 at hotmail.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Contractors

In Couer d' Alene, if the walks aren't cleared by 9:00 am, and kept clear, the city will do it, and fine the property owner $100.00. If the fine isn't paid, it is attached as a lien on their property.

Put the kids on probation to work. It is a tangible way to know they have completed the job. If the snow hasn't been removed, the job isn't done.

I respectfully disagree with you, Matt. The buck stops with the owner of the property. Why should I get injured due to the neglance of a property owner? Taking care of the sidewalks is part of the responsibility of being a property owner.

Also, Matt, I appreciate your gracious offer to shovel my walks last week... *smile* I don't have any sidewalks, other than a short three foot walk to the gravel alley.

Janesta

On 1/28/08, Matt Decker <mattd2107 at hotmail.com> wrote:

I think going down this road can lead to a whole new can of worms. If we start doing contractor work for snow, then whats next? 

Maybe I can start billing the city for plowing my street. 

I believe if the people in town need help with the sidewalks, just ask. Many out there will help. No need to fine people who in most cases can't do it or are out of town.

2 cents
Matt

From: privatejf32 at hotmail.com
To: vision2020 at moscow.com

Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:39:08 -0800
Subject: [Vision2020] Contractors 

I know this won't solve the issue today, but has the City or County ever thought about having contractors on retainer, so that if a problem area sidewalk owner/responsible party refuses to or is slow to clean it off, the contractor is brought in to do the cleaning off and then the owner/responsible party is fined for the work done?  If there isn't anything like that now on the books, is there a possibility to consider it in the future, like for next year?

Comments????

J :]

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