The ordinance will introduce a tiered fine system for failing to clear sidewalks — ranging from $25-$125 — based on the number of previous violations at the residence.

The decision — ending more than a year of discussion on the issue between the council, the city and student government bodies — came at the council’s regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 410 Abbot Road.

Mayor Vic Loomis previously said the council would not approve the ordinance until the beginning of the fall semester in order to give student representatives final input, but the council made a move early at the request of ASMSU.

Victor Draine, ASMSU’s vice chair for Governmental Affairs, said ASMSU requested the early passage so the revised ordinance could be included in their annual education booklet issued at the beginning of each year.

“We really wanted that included in there so students are aware of their rights in the community,” Draine said.

Draine said the revised ordinance addresses ASMSU’s biggest concern: holding downtown businesses accountable for keeping the sidewalks clear.

Assistant City Manager Marie McKenna, who worked closely with the council and student governmental bodies throughout the ordinance’s shaping, said the city will continue to mold the ordinance as needed.

She said, the “staff is committed to having ongoing discussions” between ASMSU and the University Student Commission.

Councilmember Nathan Triplett emphasized that the council will revisit the revised ordinance again in a year to see if any further changes need to be made.

“While it may seem trivial that we spend this much time talking about this for so long, this is a core quality of life issue,” Triplett said.

The council also held a special presentation near the beginning of the meeting recognizing East Lansing police Sgt. Larry Sparks for his service, after ELPD received an anonymous thank you letter from a parent, whose daughter was sent to mental health treatment after being found drinking underage by Sparks, “crying and out of control” at a party in East Lansing about five years ago.

“That night was a turning point in her life,” the letter reads. “You scared her and brought these problems to light.”

ELPD Chief Juli Liebler touted Spark’s work as exemplary, and said he used quick, accurate judgement in the situation.

“There are some things you can’t put a manuel,” Liebler said.

Sparks said in an earlier interview that several characteristics of the girl’s behavior made him decide she would benefit from professional help, rather than simply taking her to jail

“It feels good when you come to work, you do the right thing and people appreciate it.” Sparks said.