Clearing snow this winter has become a big pain for Marshall residents. One resident interviewed while in the middle of snowplowing his sidewalk told the Independent that this winter has been “as bad as it was seven years ago.”

“I have 142 feet of sidewalk to take care of, and every time the wind blows, the snow is almost level and I have to start all over again. It’s been snowing left and right,” he said.

Unfortunately, not all homeowners are as responsible as the quoted Marshall resident. Some are negligent in their snow clearing duties. That is why the city has a snow removal ordinance that allows city workers to clear the snow left on sidewalks for 12 hours or longer. The city would then bill the owner of the property.

On Tuesday, snow removal officially became a pain for business owners with private streets as well.

The city ordinance was modified to include side streets. City staff had recommended the ordinance modification after receiving complaints, mainly from residents of Broadmoor Valley mobile home community. Residents complained that unplowed private streets were a safety issue. They said garbage trucks and emergency vehicles can’t go into Broadmoor Valley when there’s heavy snow, and residents can’t leave for work.

While, the ongoing Broadmoor problem is an extreme case, the Council took the right course of action and approved the proposed change.

The Council, however, also listened to two citizens who are owners of multiple properties with sidewalks and private streets. They were concerned about having just 12 hours to remove the snow. While snow removal is part of the price of doing business in southwest Minnesota, the Council wisely bumped up the deadline from the 12 hours to 24 hours.

Meanwhile, city officials cautioned that they don’t drive around looking for violators. They only act on complaints. While violators can keep their fingers crossed they won’t get caught, they are really creating a dangerous situation that can lead to injuries. It’s difficult to walk over piles of slippery snow — just ask those who deliver our mail and newspapers.

It’s downright dangerous to walk in the street, with traffic whizzing by as pedestrians try to dodge slick spots on the roadway, too.

We urge homeowners and property owners to be kind and clean up their areas to ensure the safety of everyone who lives or works nearby.

Yes, snow removal is a pain. But tragedy can be easily avoided by being responsible and considerate to our neighbors.