Kenosha Public Works Committee to discuss changes to snow removal policy
KENOSHA ⏤ The city’s Public Works Committee will be tackling the recent, local hot topic issue of its policies for snow removal on city streets.
A new resolution, principally sponsored by Dist. 17 Ald. David Bogdala, calls for immediate changes ⏤ particularly to salting policies ⏤ as well as a longterm review of current practices.
Currently, the city utilizes methods and policies last updated in 2016.
Bogdala will be introducing that resolution to the committee tonight during its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
However, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the public cannot attend this meeting in-person. As a result, the meeting is audio-only.
If you wish to listen to the meeting, dial into the meeting at 312-626-6799 or 646-558-8656, meeting ID: 751 838 0116.
Resolution language
The resolution ⏤ co-sponsored by alderpersons Mitchell Pedersen, Rocco LaMacchia, Dominic Ruffalo, Curt Wilson and Jan Michalski ⏤ calls for city crews to salt all streets, not the current “as many streets as possible” in current policy.
“Regarding the ‘Salting standards’ is changed to ‘all city streets during any snow fall over 4 inches, when road conditions become ‘hard-packed’, or when temperatures fall or will fall creating unsafe road conditions,” Bogdala’s proposed resolution states.
Further review by city administrator
In its second half, Bogdala’s resolution calls for a further review of snow removal policies. City Administrator John Morrissey would lead that review, which will come from the mayor’s office.
The parameters of the review are:
- To determine if the City of Kenosha has both an adequate number of snow clearing vehicles;
- To determine if the safety of the fleet is safe for employees during snow plowing operations;
- And recommend additional Snow Policy improvements designed to ensure all city streets, regardless of designation, are being properly cleared during all snow events.
Findings presented by March 30
Under the terms of the resolution, Morrissey would present the review’s findings to the committee by March 30, 2021.
Furthermore, the mayor’s approved 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan will include any additional equipment recommended after the review, the proposed resolution states.