At tonight's Kyle City Council meeting, one council member will propose his plan to relieve homeowners of their responsibility to maintain the sidewalks in front of their homes. David Wilson, District 4, said he plans to suggest that the city take on the task of fixing sidewalks. Kyle needs a clear policy for staff to follow, he said. Like many cities, Kyle currently leaves sidewalk maintenance to the homeowner. However, city staff surprised council members at the April 4 City Council meeting by revealing sidewalks had occasionally been repaired for homeowners on the city’s dime for at least several years. In most cases, repairs were made when the state of the walkway became dangerous, city staff said. City Council left the April meeting having discussed the possibility of partnering with a private contractor to offer citizens sidewalk repair and maintenance services at a reduced rate. But Wilson said he hopes to take that a step further by having the city absorb full financial responsibility. “We are trying to be really smart about this and come up with something that would address the problem, and at the same time not break the budget,” Wilson said. “We are looking at as inexpensive an alternative as possible that takes care of the crux of the problem.” One solution could consist of a homeowner reporting sidewalk damage to the city. At that point the homeowner would be free from responsibility, and the city would repair the sidewalk. However, Wilson said he is open to ideas other council members may have. Kyle homeowners, specifically those in the Hometown Kyle and Plum Creek communities, have been supportive of a sidewalk maintenance program, he said. “This is a service mode I’m in on this particular thing,” Wilson said. “If the majority of you are saying this is what you want, we need to come up with options to deliver that and a policy that will serve us.” Wilson said he is still unsure of the cost that his idea would cost the city. But however the council moves on his proposal, Wilson said the decision will have long-lasting effects for Kyle. “What we will do now will have long term consequences and [a change in] responsibility, for both the city and homeowner,” he said.