Re: Review calls for snow millions
In addressing the recent article in The Citizen the city department responsible for snow clearing is looking to improve operations and is asking for $6.6 million to do so. I find this somewhat perplexing. The newspaper article reviewed taxpayers frustration over winter plowing particularly after a heavy snowfall.
The citys response is to purchase more equipment, obviously increasing taxes. The reason for the frustration with snow removal was union/city negotiations, (have we not had a huge snowfall before without the need for more equipment?)
My observation of snow removal on Foothills from Chief Lake Road to 15th Avenue:
A dump truck with a blade makes the initial pass to open the road, without a doubt this is appropriate - what follows next is somewhat perplexing:
A grader comes next to remove the snow.
A little machine comes next to plow the snow off the sidewalk back onto the road.
A big snow blower, accompanied with someone in a pickup with flashing light blows the snow off the road over the sidewalk onto the road easement.
A whole bunch of loaders and trucks come along and remove the remaining snow and take it to the dump site on 15th avenue.
Possible solutions:
First and the most important, seek solutions within; the knowledge and expertise of the men and women responsible for snow removal is an invaluable asset.
With regards to (one of many solutions) Foothills: plow all the road downhill, two graders at a time going in one direction, downhill, saving fuel, (more expense to plow snow uphill), indicate that this is happening by planting purple flashing lights at access roads.
Revamp road design; move signage back from the road way, both Foothills and the sidewalk could be plowed with one grader with the wing down.
In conclusion, I would like to see a process put in place to seek and review suggestions from the men and women charged with maintaining our roadways.
Right now with the possibility of yet another tax increase I am not thinking Green.
Bill Deutch,
Prince George
