Henne field is under the jurisdiction of Saline Area Schools, not the City of Saline.

Okay. The Saline Area Schools keep their sidewalks around the schools and the walkway around the playfields at Heritage free of snow. Why not the Henne Field? Perhaps the Saline Area Schools should transfer this property to the City of Saline so it can be maintained? Do the schools mow the grass at Henne?

Are the Saline Area Schools exempt from the City of Saline's snow removal ordinance? Or, does the Saline Area Schools enjoy some sort of special exemption regarding complying with the City of Saline's snow removal ordinance as it relates to Henne Field?

Good question, the ice rink is allowed under a use agreement I believe.

Actually, Schools are under the jurisdiction of the state and are independent of local ordinance and building codes.

By state law, school systems are exempt from many local regulations. I am not sure if snow clearing is one of them. However, there is not a local ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow within their property. The sidewalk ordinance pertains to public sidewalks in the right of way only. Saline Area Schools does an exemplary job of clearing snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property.

The school district hosts the city ice rink at Henne Field. The DPW maintains the ice rink and adjacent walks and parking areas for ice rink users.

Okay. I agree Saline Area Schools does a great job clearing snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. By adjacent walks to the ice rink, you mean adjacent "public sidewalks"?

To summarize: The Henne Field asphalt walkways are on SAS owned property. There is no local ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow within their property. And, even if there were such an ordinance, SAS would be exempt because SAS is under state jurisdiction and does not have to comply with many local regulations.

So, why not have a use agreement between SAS and City of Saline that requires one of those entities to clear the walkways in Henne Field during the time the Ice Rink is in operation? Or, an agreement that designates one of those entities to remove the snow from the walkways.

As this stands, it appears SAS may remove the snow if it chooses, but it is not required to do so. The City of Saline is not obligated to remove the snow because it does not own the property. Bottom line: people wishing to use the walkways during winter when there are covered with snow are inconvenienced and placed at greater risk of personal injury. Access from the Ice Rink to the downtown area is reduced. The walkability of the City is negatively impacted.

Perhaps, SAS should place signs at the beginning of the walkways in Henne Field informing citizens that there is no winter maintenance use at one's own risk?

Perhaps a CARES grant could be secured by the City of Saline to clear the snow?

Perhaps, SAS could simply be a good neighbor and clear the snow from its walkways in Henne Field?

Their is a huge distinction between my not shoveling the private portion of my driveway and SAS choosing not to shovel walkways that were placed on its private property for use by the public. Having placed the walkways on its property with a reasonable expectation that the public will use them (their are no restrictions posted as to their use, for example), it seems these "private walkways" are de facto for public use. Therefore, SAS ought to keep them clear of snow.

If during the winter I use my snow blower to clear these walkways, have a committed an illegal trespass on SAS private property?

The responses so far have merely clarified the fact that neither the City of Saline or SAS is required or interested in clearing the snow from these very public walkways. Residents who wish to use these walkways during the winter months are negatively impacted. A pity.

Which entity mows the grass at Henne Field? SAS or City of Saline? I'd like to see some comments from the SAS concerning this issue.

Henne Field is a Saline Area Schools property. They are responsible for the maintenance of the property which includes mowing and snow removal. I would be happy to share your question with the Buildings and Grounds Director of SAS.

Yes. Please share this discussion with the Buildings and Grounds Director of SAS. Perhaps, recognizing that SAS cleans its public sidewalks and saves Saline considerable money by doing this, although Saline lacks the jurisdictional authority to compel SAS to do so under its public property snow removal ordinance because SAS is not bound to comply with local ordinances, as a quid pro quo Saline and SAS could agree that Saline will clear the Henne Field walkways? This might be a simple solution that would provide relief to those residents who want to traverse the Henne Field walkways (and who should be able to do so just as they are able to traverse other de facto public walkways) during the winter months.

Closing the issue before it is resolved which means having someone or some entity agree to do the right thing - keep the walkways clear of snow - not necessarily the thing the entities are permitted by law to do (not keep the walkways clear of snow) - would seem premature. Resolution of this simple issue merely involves some creative thinking and a will to provide safe walkways for residents to traverse during the winter months.

I remember when the city flipped out at Sal Randazzo for not clearing his side walk but the school district is exempt? They are right next to each other so Sal is gonna get fined but SAS won't. Sounds like typical saline politics.

Still waiting for someone from City or SAS to answer my question: Which entity currently mows the grass in Henne Field? City of Saline? Saline Area Schools? Also, which entity currently is responsible for emptying the waste containers in Henne Field? City of Saline? Saline Area Schools? Currently, Saline Parks and Recreation is offering free Yoga classes on Saturday mornings in Henne Field. Is there a use agreement between SAS and the City of Saline for this activity? Has the City of Saline been added as a named insured on the liability insurance policy of SAS for this Yoga activity? Is the City of Saline paying SAS anything for use of Henne Field for this activity? Seems like, although Henne Field is owned by SAS, it functions as a de facto City of Saline park at times. Yet, neither entity appears obligated to remove the snow from the walkways at Henne Field even though the public uses the walkways on a regular basis during all four seasons. City of Saline officials talk about making the City of Saline more walkable and even modifying the planned renovation to US-12 through the City to help calm traffic and make downtown more pedestrian friendly. Lip service only? Here is an opportunity to improve the walkability of Saline simply by either the City of Saline or Saline Area Schools stepping up to the simple task of keeping the walkways in Henne Field clear of snow during the winter. Wonder if anything will be done to resolve this issue?

This is Scot Graden, Superintendent for Saline Area Schools. Please give me a call to discuss Henne Field at 734-429-8001. I look forward to talking with you regarding your concerns.

Thanks,
Scot

Mr. Graden,
Thank you for your most generous offer.

However, I chose to pursue communication and resolution of this issue using seefixclick.com for several reasons. First, I wanted to preserve my anonymity. Second, I wanted a public record. Third, I wanted to take advantage of the convenience offered by an online forum.

Therefore, I hope you can understand why I must decline your generous offer to discuss this by telephone, and I hope you are not offended.

I am not offended, just disappointed. For the record, Saline Area Schools will not be plowing/sweeping the walkway in the winter. At this point, it is not prudent or appropriate for us to expend educational resources on the walkway in the winter. Saline Area Schools does carry insurance on the property as recreational asset, similar to our playgrounds. Thank you.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Henne Field. You may recall that your question was originally answered on June 11, 2015. However, in case there was some confusion in the June 11, 2015 response, Saline Area Schools (SAS) is responsible for the maintenance of Henne Field; such as mowing, upkeep of the ball fields, etc. Additionally, the City of Saline partners with the SAS to provide a portable ice skating rink for Saline residents to use during winter months; SAS provides the space and the City provides the ice rink and labor to install/maintain the rink. As part of the this partnership, the City of Saline plows the Henne Field parking lot and minimal sidewalk to allow people to safely navigate from their vehicles to the ice rink. However, the City of Saline does not have the additional resources to keep the fairly lengthy pathway at Henne Field open for public use during the winter months. The City of Saline does however, maintain other non-motorized pathways for residents to enjoy, such as the paved pathway at the Saline Rec Center and the Library-Brecon trail. Additionally, there is an extensive sidewalk system throughout the corporate limits of Saline that serves as part of the City’s non-motorized pathway system. As to your inquiry regarding the new Yoga in the Park program, SAS has given permission to the City to conduct this activity at Henne Field. The Yoga in the Park program is funded through a grant from the Judy Ivan Community Endowment Fund. Lastly, I hope this answers your questions regarding Henne Field as this inquiry is considered closed. Note: As stated on June 11, 2015, your comments and concerns were shared with SAS.