The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - "As it is now, you can't safely walk from one end of town to the other," said City Administra­tor Randy Hinchliffe, refer­encing the state of disrepair - or even complete lack in some instances - of side­walks on residential streets.

In an effort to make need­ed repairs and installations more affordable to home­owners, Hinchliffe has pro­posed that the City Council adopt a sidewalk policy that allows the city to partner with property owners, shar­ing the cost burden.

While residential area sidewalks are not private property, the responsibility for maintaining those walk­ways does fall to the home­owner. Similarly, liability is adopted by the homeowner as well. "If someone gets hurt due to a poorly main­tained sidewalk, the home­owner is responsible," said Hinchliffe.

Current city code WMC Section 14.02.080, Duty to Maintain Sidewalks, has been on the books "forever", but is rarely enforced. It states: "It shall be the duty of the responsible person to maintain, repair, construct and reconstruct sidewalks. All costs and expenses of maintaining, repairing, con­structing and reconstructing sidewalks shall be borne by the responsible person."

While the Municipal Code allows the City Coun­cil to require that homeown­ers maintain and install sidewalks adjacent to their property at their own cost, they would prefer to use other means of encouraging property owners to maintain their walkways. At the same time, the goal of the City is to provide the best possible sidewalk system to pedes­trian users.

The proposal under con­sideration by the Council would allow for the City of Waitsburg to use its own labor force to demolish, prepare, pour and finish pre­determined sections of side­walk, with the homeowner obligated to pay only for the cost of the materials used in the repair or installation.

While noting that prices fluctuate and circumstances differ, Hinchliffe estimates current concrete costs at ap­proximately $90/yard. By relieving the homeowner of labor and disposal costs, he anticipates a homeowner could recognize a savings of two-thirds over paying to have the work done them­selves.

The proposed policy for repairs to existing sidewalks includes contingencies for root upheaval, ADA ramps and re-seeding and tree re­placement. The policy for new sidewalks specifies that driveway aprons and gravel parking strips will be in­stalled as required, with the homeowner responsible for the removal and/or reloca­tion of any obstacles.

All sidewalks will be five feet wide and consist of a four-inch layer of gravel topped by a 4" layer of con­crete. ADA compliant ramps will be installed at street intersections. New sidewalk installation will be slightly above grade to eliminate the need for curbs, gutter, and storm water diversion.

Should the proposed pol­icy be adopted by the Coun­cil, it will first be codified, and then the Council will begin the process of assess­ing and prioritize the needs of the current sidewalk sys­tem. It is anticipated that an amount will be budgeted each year for sidewalk re­pair and installation. "In the event that a homeowner wants to be proactive, they would certainly be welcome to request consideration," said Hinchliffe.