Many communities have regulations governing snow removal, but the city of Canton, located in the northeast of the state, didn?EUR??,,????'???t until now.

Piles of snow ending up on city streets and sidewalks have been a problem in the past. City officials have asked for the practice to stop, but some are concerned that asking nicely isn’t getting the job done.

So the next step might be issuing citations, or having snowplowing companies buy an annual permit and provide a list of local customers.

Law Director Randy McFarren said he doesn’t like the idea of adding another layer of rules, but that might be the only option. Right now, the city doesn’t have an ordinance concerning snow removal.

City Council members have heard complaints in the past about businesses having their snow plowed into streets or piled around sidewalks. In some instances, snow piles have forced pedestrians off the sidewalk and into the street.

McFarren told council Monday night that he is working on possible regulations.

The primary concern is keeping snow off public streets and sidewalks, McFarren said. “Thou shalt not put your snow on someone else’s property,” he said.

McFarren hopes the issue can be resolved before winter snows start piling up.

In other business, council members agreed to allow a nonconstruction easement to Powell Industries.

The company is expanding its factory on Pleasantwood Avenue NW in Lake Township. The city has a water tower on land next to the factory. The easement will help Powell Industries meet zoning regulations for the property.