City of Wayland praised for renewal of plowing sidewalks

by Joseph Schultz

The significant snowfall last Saturday was not on the City Council’s agenda Monday night, but it was a point of discussion at the meeting.  It started with positive public feedback about newly reinstated sidewalk plowing.

Council members praised the Department of Public Works efforts in clearing away the heavy snowfall.  Mayor Jennifer Antel mentioned that it was wonderful seeing neighbors helping neighbors dig each other out of the heavy snow.

However, it was brought up that there was some confusion among residents as to which sidewalks would be plowed, and which sidewalks the residents were to clear. Some residents took to clearing the sidewalks themselves, not knowing when DPW would clear the walkway.  In some neighborhoods, the sidewalks were not cleared by DPW until Monday.

Councilman Steven Stepek said he would like to see something clearly written about the sidewalks, and it be published on the website or newsletter.

In other matters before the council:

• The council approved an update on the city’s fee schedule.  Most of the changes had to do with the planning and zoning applications.  Also approved was a refund for a resident who was overcharged for sewer services.
• A MERS 457 amendment was also approved.  The amendment helps define city employee wages when it comes to the administration of the 457 retirement plan.
• Council also approved an amendment from the Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services.  The need for the amendment arose when Yankee Springs ended its contract with the Wayland Area EMS.  The amendment requires a 90-day notice for removal, and clarifies what the exiting municipality’s fees would be responsible for.
• Chief of Police Scott Mattice informed the council that an offer was made to a new officer for the department.  He hopes to introduce the new officer to the council at the next meeting.