Finance Committee Recommends Sidewalk Snow Bylaw, 7-0
The Reading Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend a townwide sidewalk snow and ice removal bylaw for Subsequent Town Meeting, shifting clearing duties toward property owners after the town was warned of state fines up to $1,000 a day per violation.
Finance Committee · Meeting of October 14, 2026
READING — The Reading Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend a townwide sidewalk snow and ice removal bylaw for Subsequent Town Meeting, shifting clearing duties toward property owners after the town was warned of state fines up to $1,000 a day per violation. Town staff member Jane told the panel the town currently plows 42 miles of sidewalk with only four machines and "the town no longer is required...to clear every sidewalk" if the bylaw passes. Member Christopher Cook questioned whether the town remains legally liable regardless, citing a 2018 Westford town counsel opinion.
The committee also backed $2.2 million in new borrowing for a fire engine and other capital items, a $2 million water meter upgrade, and rescinding unspent Killam Elementary School building funds. Members split 6-1 on a $50,000 invasive species request, with Joseph McDonagh dissenting over process, calling for it to join the annual budget.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,976 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of October 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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