More time to shovel, one warning per season, lower fines for violators – that sums up the proposed changes to Oxford Village’s snow and ice removal ordinance.

Folks with comments, questions and suggestions regarding the proposed amendment are invited to participate in a public hearing on Tuesday, March 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will take place in the village council chambers at 22 W. Burdick St.

Under the existing ordinance adopted in September last year, whenever “naturally falling” snow or ice ceases to “fall or accumulate during daylight hours,” it must be “removed from the sidewalks within 12 hours after the cessation.” If the snow or ice ceases to “fall or accumulate during the nighttime,” it must be “removed from the sidewalks by 7 p.m. the following day.”

The proposed language would give village residents and property owners more time. Under it, snow or ice must be removed “by 7 p.m. the following day” after it ceases to fall or accumulate, regardless of whether that happens during the day or at night.

“Not only is it another day (to shovel), but it gives people time to get home (and clear their sidewalks),” said village attorney Bob Davis.

Neither the current ordinance nor the proposed language contains a specific amount in terms of inches that triggers the removal requirement.

“We would prefer to see that the sidewalks are cleared (whenever there’s) any accumulation,” said village President Joe Frost.

Frost explained that’s because even small amounts, such as “an eighth-of-an-inch or a quarter-of-an-inch of ice with an inch of snow,” can be “dangerous” for pedestrians, including school children and those “residents who are less mobile than others.”

People who violate the proposed ordinance would not be ticketed initially. Each property would be “eligible to receive one warning per snow season,” which the proposed language defines as Oct. 1 through March 31.

Councilwoman Kate Logan asked how these warnings would be issued.

Village Manager Joseph Madore explained the code enforcement officer could issue a verbal warning if he happens to encounter the violator or leave behind a red-colored door hanger containing a written warning. He believes the latter “will catch their eye.”

“I just want to make sure that if a resident is issued a warning . . . they’re going to be aware (of it),” Logan said.

Madore suggested the village could take a “dual approach” by mailing out a letter as a follow-up to the verbal warning or door hanger.

“We could do both,” he said.

Fines for those who violate the ordinance following a warning were drastically reduced.

The proposed fine structure is $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $75 for additional offenses “in any snow season.”

“Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed an additional and distinct violation of these provisions,” the proposed language states.

Under the current ordinance, the minimum fine for a first offense is $50. The penalty increases to $150 for a second offense and $500 for additional offenses within any three-month period.

Councilwoman Allison Kemp asked what happens if a resident or property owner clears their sidewalk in a timely manner, but then a plow truck comes through and throws snow from the road onto the sidewalk. She wanted to know if they would still face the prospect of a fine.

It was pointed out to Kemp that the ordinance specifically regulates snow that has “naturally” accumulated on sidewalks.

Just to be safe, Frost recommended folks use their cell phones to snap “a quick photo” of their cleared sidewalk. That way they have some evidence with a “time stamp and date” on it should any questions arise, he said.