Board discusses proposed downtown snow-clearance swipe; final approval pending city commission

Board members discussed a proposed downtown snow-removal service that would clear a primary walking path through the business district with a single pass by the Department of Public Works.

Jay Marks said DPW and an individual named Jeremiah have discussed a plan in which a tractor-mounted brush would make one pass down key blocks (100 blocks of East and West Maumee, down to Comstock Park, and 100 blocks of South and North Main) to open a basic walking lane. Marks said business owners would remain responsible for clearing the remainder of adjacent sidewalks and applying salt as needed.

Marks said the commission must approve the program and that the DDA would likely incur some cost; he did not present a finalized budget, saying he did not want to preempt the commission’s decision. The board discussed the potential benefits for mobility and downtown circulation during winter; no formal board action was taken and the item will proceed to the city commission for a final decision and, if approved, to a cost-allocation discussion.

Key details from discussion
- Coverage: 100 block East Maumee, 100 block West Maumee, down to Comstock Park, 100 block South Main, 100 block North Main (approximate downtown business district sidewalks).
- Approach: one pass with DPW tractor brush to open a walkable corridor; business owners responsible for secondary clearing and salting.
- Fiscal: DDA cost anticipated but not specified; commission approval required.

The board asked staff to continue coordination with DPW and bring formal cost figures and a proposal to the commission for a decision.