Jim Thorpe issues 90 tickets for snow violations

Jim Thorpe Borough residents hoping to get out of tickets for failing to move vehicles following a snowstorm are out of luck.

Mayor Michael Sofranko told council during Thursday night’s meeting that police issued around 90 tickets so far this winter.

According to the borough’s ordinance, vehicles must be moved from the even-numbered side of the street in an even year when 2 or more inches of snow falls.

In odd years, vehicles must be moved from the odd-numbered side of the street.

Sofranko said some residents were under the impression if they didn’t receive a call from the borough, they didn’t have to move their vehicles.

Council, however, said the phone call, which is made through its Swift Reach telephone callout system, is simply a courtesy.

The rules as to when vehicles need to be moved are posted throughout the borough.

“Council does not want us taking back tickets,” Sofranko said.

According to the ordinance, the snow event remains in place until the public service department declares it is ended.

The penalty for violating the snow ordinance is $25 plus costs.

Residents who want to be notified by a phone call, text message or email can sign up for that service on the borough’s website or by calling the borough office.