NORTH ADAMS — After some snow accumulation over the weekend, the city Police Department is reminding property owners of their responsibility to shovel snow and ice off their sidewalks within a day of a snowstorm ending.

To ensure city sidewalks remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, property owners found in violation will receive a 24-hour notice from the department. If the issue is not corrected, said Police Chief Mark Bailey, a city ordinance violation will be issued.

"The person responsible for a building or lot of land bordering a street or public space within the city, where there is a sidewalk curb, or ramp, must remove all snow, ice and sleet from said areas within 24 hours of storm's conclusion," reads the pink warning slip that officers are leaving at properties. "Sidewalks must be cleaned either through removal of collected snow or placement of sand or another suitable substrate within twenty-four hours of appearance."

First-offense fines start at $25, Bailey said on Monday morning.

"If we have already given a warning, we can give a fine," he said.

Bailey said the city would try to assist any seniors or those who can't shovel, but this warning was directed at "absentee landlords" and businesses who either don't shovel or move snow into public streets that already need plowing.

"This is a deterrence before things get out of control," Bailey said.