Township Residents Are Now Responsible for Clearing Fire Hydrants After Snowstorms

Washington Township council members unanimously approved an ordinance last week requiring those in charge of buildings in the township with fire hydrants to clear them of snow and ice within 12 hours of snowfall, the same time frame for clearing sidewalks.

During the public hearing on the ordinance, John Hannan asked council members to consider residents who might not be able to clear the hydrants themselves. He explained that while he typically clears the hydrant in front of his home, during the ice storm last month, he couldn't get the hydrant clear. He said he thought the township should have some provision in place, especially for senior citizens.

Council Vice President Steve Cascio said officials aren't looking to simply fine residents, especially those that make the effort to clear the hydrants. He said, "Police do have a discretionary measure on that."

Cascio said residents should call the administrator's office if they can't clear hydrants in front of their homes.

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz added that members of the do check hydrants as much as they can after storms. She said they have "geo maps of every single fire hydrant."

Hannan asked if anyone would be able to clear hydrants for those who couldn't before there was a fire, since it is a safety issue.

"They can get a fire hydrant cleared in a couple seconds," Sobkowicz said about fire officials. "It's not like something's going to happen because someone didn't clear out their fire hydrant."

Resident Michael Ullman questioned the possible punishment for violation since that was not spelled out in the ordinance and who would be in charge of enforcement.

Township Attorney Kenneth Poller said that because the ordinance didn't pinpoint specifics, it falls under the general violation policy. That means the judge would impose punishment, ranging from fines to imprisonment or both depending on the violation.

Poller said that the is the general enforcing agency as is the case with many township ordinances. He added that since the police are busy with other duties, officials often learn about violations when they are called in by other residents.

Ullman said he supported the action. "I have a fire hydrant on my property that I try to keep clean," he said. "I think it's a very positive thing to require of homeowners."