GLENWOOD SPRINGS - A lot of people in Glenwood Springs could spend some quality time getting to know their snow shovels, police say.

"Just driving around, you can see that there are a lot of folks that aren't paying any attention to the business end of their snow shovel this winter," said Glenwood Springs Police Chief Terry Wilson.

With frequent snowfalls recently, the Glenwood Springs Police Department has issued as many as 75 warnings to people failing to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice around the city.

Wilson said his department has received numerous complaints about uncleared sidewalks, typically from neighboring property owners or people who do a lot of walking. They want something to be done about it. People voiced complaints about uncleared snow and ice all around the city, not just in certain locations.

"They have a problem with folks not shoveling sidewalks," Wilson said. "Literally we hear about it and we see it just all over town."

According to Wilson, Glenwood's municipal code allows for a fine of up to $1,000 for people who fail to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowstorm's end.

Police have "very seldom" had to cite people for the violation, Wilson said. However police may not issue more than one warning before issuing citations.

"We're not going to take a lot of time to come back and say pretty please a whole lot of times," he said. "It's kind of a good neighbor thing. You hate to think that you have to go out and put door hangers and warnings up for people to get them to be good neighbors and attend to their responsibilities."

Wilson said no citations for failing to clear sidewalks have been issued so far this winter. But that doesn't mean people can ignore their duty to shovel snow.

"Waiting for spring is not an option," Wilson said.



Contact Pete Fowler: 384-9121pfowler@postindependent.com