Lynn council returning to normal after hearings

LYNN – The City Council on Tuesday returns to a relatively routine agenda following weeks of special hearings related to the suspension and then reinstatement of Chief Financial Officer Richard Fortucci by Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.”There’s no rest for the weary,” said Council President Timothy Phelan.The council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on permanent adoption of amendments passed Dec. 28 regarding the city’s snow removal ordinances.The amendments impose tighter time frames for residents and businesses to clear sidewalks after a snowfall, stiffer fines for violators and other measures.Under the new regulations, neglecting to shovel your sidewalk could translate to a fine or, worse, a lien on your property.The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) can issue tickets that must be paid at the Parking Department or challenged in Lynn District Court.Residential property owners have 10 hours to clear their sidewalks. Businesses have three hours after sunrise. The ordinance also requires sidewalks abutting corner homes or businesses be kept clear of snow and ice, and the path made wide enough for a pedestrian pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair to safely pass.ISD Director Michael Donovan noted that Lynn, like other communities, has begun complying with a state standard established by the Architectural Access Board on how wide a sidewalk must be clear.”We’re going with a minimum path of 42 inches to comply with the state agency that also handles the American With Disabilities Act,” Donovan said, referring to Massachusetts General Law 40U.The average sidewalk in Lynn is 48 inches wide.Donovan also noted that landlords who throw or dump snow from their sidewalks into the street will be fined. Assessor Peter Caron said fines for failure to remove snow and ice will be added to the landlord’s property tax bill if still unpaid by the year’s end.Commenting on the council’s busy February schedule, Phelan said Friday, “We’re still business as usual. We’ve got a meeting coming up Tuesday night and we’re still going to conduct the city’s business. The special council meetings should not impact the normal course of council business or its agenda. I’m anticipating a full council meeting and expecting all councilors to participate.”