News Release

Volunteers and Contractors For Snow Removal 2/7/2011

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Office of the Mayor
Olean Municipal Building
101 East State St. -- P. O. Box 668
Olean, NY 14760-0668

Contact: Mayor Linda Witte, 376-5615 February 7, 2011

Volunteers and Contractors Will Assist in SnowRemoval

OLEAN – Mayor Linda Witte wants to remind residents they can call her office to receive names of volunteers willing to assist the elderly and disabled in sidewalk snow removal. “This week’s snow storms dumped a heavy load across our city and the region. I know how hard residents are working to stay ahead of the mess, despite the frustrations. Our Streets Department crews are also being pushed to stay on top of these conditions, even as more snow is predicted,” she said Friday.

Mayor Witte said she is aware that many residents shovel diligently more than once daily to keep the sidewalks clear for safe pedestrian travel. She has received complaints from residents who see the snow and slush land back on sidewalks as city plows pass by.

She urged elderly and disabled residents to call her office at 376-5615 to seek help with the extra shoveling, which is made even more difficult with the added moisture and weight of the snow. Some new recruits have been added to the list, which also includes a few names of people who charge a fee for the service. Additional volunteers are needed to help out and everyone is appreciated in this effort.

City law states that residents are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Commercial businesses must keep sidewalks and commercial parking lots free of snow and ice at all times between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Failure to do so could result in the city taking on the task and the cost will be added to the property owner’s tax assessment. But in most cases the Code Enforcement Office makes every effort to contact the delinquent property owner before leaving a notice on the door.

Code Enforcement Officer Ed Jennings said the 24 hour time period begins when the snowfall ends. If plows push snow back onto the sidewalk that does not re-start the clock, he added.

“Bottom line, the streets and sidewalks have to be kept clear,” said CEO Jennings.

He said he is most concerned with the sidewalks in front of homes and businesses that repeatedly disregard the snow removal mandate. If someone is sick, disabled or elderly they should call his office at 376-5683 to say they are having problems.