The days of heavy snowstorms last year have given Urbana’s disabled, and those with limited mobility, a reason to worry about sidewalks being covered with snow. At the Urbana City Council meeting Monday, the Council members discussed a snow removal plan similar to that in Champaign, specifically pertaining to Urbana’s sidewalks and ramps.

Those suffering the most from the city’s lack of a snow removal policy brought several strong opinions to the Council’s attention.

One said that the city needs to remember that not only do people with a disability experience difficulty with the slippery streets, but also the elderly have trouble with their day-to-day activities.

Esther Patt was one of the speakers who adamantly stated that the city needs to take action on snow removal.

“If you use a walker and or wheelchair and the landlord doesn’t remove the snow from the driveway or sidewalk, you are trapped,” she said. “People cannot even leave their front door sometimes.”

Dennis Roberts, Ward 5, sympathized. He said this is not the first time he has heard these complaints and offered a solution.

“I believe volunteering and being a good neighbor will encourage community values and friendliness and partnership for each other on the block,” he said. “I feel the very thing people need to do is help each other with it.”

Danielle Chynoweth, Ward 2, said she also believes that the neighborhood would benefit from helping each other.

“If we can somehow provide the city to hand out a certain number of snow blowers it would help,” she said. “It’s an easy way to get rid of your snow than shoveling so it will help everyone get involved.”

Other topics discussed

• Campus lighting project
• Ordinances
• Urbana park district tax rate increase on 2008 ballot

Urbana City Council meets Monday nights at 7 p.m. at 400 S. Vine St.