Downtown Sidewalks and Parking Lots

To the City of Stillwater:
We would like to know what the policy is for the shoveling of downtown sidewalks.  We walk downtown several days a week and have noticed the horrible conditions of the sidewalks on Main St.  and the feeder streets.  Many merchants are not even making an attempt to keep their walks clean.  There is also a problem with the parking lots not being plowed.  Today there was a lady with a cane  who could not make it from her car to the sidewalk .  My husband and another gentleman helped her through the lot, but when she got to the sidewalk, it was no better.  At another location (Lucky's Gas Station) a child fell because of the snow blocking the corner.  This was a recurring problem last year at this location.  It was so bad that you had to climb a snow bank to reach the walk button. This is a sad commentary for our downtown. This seems to be a yearly occurrence. The snow has not even been shoveled on the sidewalk in front of the new pavilion area.  The city wants to promote its downtown but seems unwilling to make it convenient for people to shop.  We realize that it is difficult when snow comes in small amounts frequently, but this is no excuse for shop owners not to clear their areas.  Someone is always working in the store and can take the few minutes necessary to shovel.  What role does the Chamber of Commerce have in keeping the city "shopper friendly"?  We go to White Bear Lake and their walks are done. They seem to realize that people won't come to shop if their walks are in a dangerous condition. If there is no policy we suggest one be put in place, if there is a policy please enforce it. 

Sincerely,
Mary and Bob Molenda