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Minneapolis Cracks Down On Shoveling Scofflaws

By Telly Mamayek, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Not everyone is doing a good job keeping their sidewalks clear of all of the snow we've gotten this winter.

In Minneapolis, city officials say there have been hundreds of violations of the city ordinance that requires business and homeowners to shovel their sidewalks.

Mike Kennedy, director of Transportation, Maintenance and Repair for the Minneapolis Public Works Department, says it's tough to keep up with all of the requests for service.

"You know, we only have so many resources, so many staff in the winter that can address all of the snow and ice and all of the winter needs that we do," said Kennedy. "It's kind of a competition for resources."

So far this season, the city has sent out 2,600 warning letters and followed up with second inspections at 1,300 addresses. Those have resulted in 400 work orders that public works crews are now beginning to fulfill.

"It's a problem that's citywide," said Kennedy.

Under the ordinance, sidewalks on all sides of a property need to be shoveled the full width of the sidewalk down to the pavement. Violators face a $100 fine plus the bill for clearing the sidewalk if public works crews do the work. That bill can range from $50 to $300.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Telly Mamayek Reports

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