Police seek calls on sidewalk issues

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook residents living adjacent to absentee property owners that habitually shirk sidewalk clearing responsibilities were advised to make certain the police department is aware of the situation, recently.

"We try to get people to comply without issuing tickets, that's not what we're here for," said City Manager Nate Schneider during last week's meeting of the McCook City Council.

Schneider was responding to a McCook resident inquiring about sidewalk clearing responsibilities for absentee property owners in his neighborhood. The man indicated he had picked up the slack at times but was frustrated the landlord for one neighbor wouldn't pitch in.

"If I didn't clean my neighbor's property, her landlord wouldn't do it. He flat out told me he wouldn't come over and do it," the man said.

Schneider indicated the best approach was to keep the police department informed of the situation. He said it was sometimes tough dealing with absentee landowners and the best approach was to ensure the police department was aware of the situation, especially if it was a chronic issue. He said some gray areas did exist with properties going through foreclosure but once city staff identified responsible parties they would be able to help.

"If we know those things we can put some pressure on them to do some things," he said.

Schneider indicated the city prioritized working with property owners on a solution, especially during cold weather, rather than issuing tickets.

"When we had that snowstorm in February, we did work with people just because of the size and scope of the snowfall. I mean, it was impossible for some of the individuals. But we did start getting on people as time went on. We try to get people to comply without issuing tickets, that's not what were here for," he said.