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After reported abuses, income, physical disability requirements are added
By Holly Schoenstein
Special to the Beacon Journal
Published on Monday, Oct 27, 2008
TALLMADGE: The city has changed its eligibility requirements for a snow-removal program after some residents took advantage of the program last winter.
The move is being applauded by some in Tallmadge.
Lois Crossen, 72, said she knew of three people who did not meet the criteria but had signed up for the program again this year anyway.
''It's an excellent program, but last year the city was taken advantage of,'' Crossen said.
Crossen said those three residents have since removed their names from the list.
''The people that really need the help will get the help,'' she said.
The city started a program last year to plow the driveways of residents 65 and older or disabled.
But the cost of the program, plus the fact that residents registered who were physically able do the work or who had an able-bodied person living in the home, prompted the city to make changes.
''It is not to be plowing people's driveways because it is a free benefit to you,'' Tallmadge Mayor Christopher Grimm said during a recent City Council meeting.
''We started to put restrictions on this as far as whether or not you really need it or if it was just a free perk of the city. With the economy the way it is, we just can't give free perks to the residents.''
New requirements
An income requirement and a stipulation that no able-bodied person live in the household have been added to this year's criteria.
Despite the city's affidavit requirement, some residents feel the program might still be abused because it is largely based on the honor system.
Tallmadge Public Service Director David Kline said the city will not check documents this year to confirm applicants' income.
''I can't do that, and I don't want to get involved in that,'' he said.
Some residents say the original intent of the program as an emergency service for the homebound has been destroyed.
Resident Jerry Lampe said some people had their driveways plowed so that it would appear that they were home when they had actually gone to Florida for the winter.
''Some people have no shame,'' Lampe said at the meeting.
Tallmadge resident Don Willett, 78, said the tax money that paid for the service last year was wasted.
''I don't see any point in doing it for people who don't need the financial help, so I think it's a good change,'' Willett said.
190 registered
About 500 residential driveways in the city were plowed last year, compared with nearly 190 registered for this season. The city paid contractors $13 for single and $15 for double driveways last year.
Kline said he expects to pay about the same this year.
Similar snow removal programs have worked well for other communities, including Cuyahoga Falls, whose program is heading into its 11th season.
Participation in Cuyahoga Falls' program has grown from 121 homes the first year to about 1,500 this year, said Valerie Carr, public service director.
During the first few years, the city checked applicants' income but later eliminated the requirement.
''We found it took us so much time to verify [incomes], and it just ticked people off,'' Carr said.
Other Summit County communities that have implemented or are considering similar programs are Stow, Copley Township and Akron.
The deadline to register for the Tallmadge program has passed.
TALLMADGE: The city has changed its eligibility requirements for a snow-removal program after some residents took advantage of the program last winter.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 03:34 AM, 10/27/2008
"New requirements
An income requirement and a stipulation that no able-bodied person live in the household have been added to this year's criteria."
So, just another free service for the POOR.
and $15 dollars????? I would gladly pay for someone to plow MY driveway for that price.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:11 AM, 10/27/2008
$15 is a bargain for Tallmadge seniors who qualify. My snowplow guy charges $50 a time or $300 for a season contract. I applaud Mayor Grimm for this program.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:41 AM, 10/27/2008
Hmmm, Grimmy must have lost his grant money for plowin' snow. Now he has to pay for it with tax revenue.
Posted 10:48 AM, 10/27/2008
Frank is a jerk.... "another free service for the poor" Get over yourself... At the rate the stock market is bobbing and weaving... You may be there sooner than you think... Take a look at your 401k or your pension plan and see how much you have lost buddy.... We all are headed for the poor house if something doesnt change!!!! And get off your high horse if something happened to you like a life altering stroke where you could no longer walk or talk, prehaps while you were driving and everyone you loved were killed, who would be there to take care of you???? You'd be the 1st one asking "what about me" can I get a hand... That's whats wrong with the world today... most folks don't want to provide a hand until they are the ones that need it.. Wake up your talking about people over 65 and/or with a disability... What kinda of heartless person are you!!!!????
Posted 03:19 PM, 10/27/2008
A heartless person that wants the option to PAY $15 for my driveway to be plowed
Posted 04:27 PM, 10/27/2008
I think alot of Seniors would be willing to pay $15.00 - Add it to their water bill. Maybe the city could offer to pay half
The Great City in, OH
Posted 12:28 AM, 10/28/2008
Eric Taiclet of Tallmadge probably has the contract to plow for the city of Tallmadge. He charges about $25 a pop plus a fuel surcharge. So that's still pretty reasonable but he will not plow outside of Tallmadge.
