ThisWeek CW 12/18/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/12/15/residents-asked-to-do-their-part-in-snow-removal.html
Canal Winchester officials are asking residents and business owners to do their part this winter in helping neighbors and the city with snow removal.
In preparation for what may prove to be a winter similar to last year’s, Public Works Director Matt Peoples and Mayor Michael Ebert are calling on residents to keep their sidewalks and driveways clear to assist emergency responders, and to make the city safer.
“Keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice is the responsibility of the property owner,” Ebert said. “You can help make sidewalks around your business or residence safer for those in our community by shoveling a path around your property in a timely manner each time there is accumulation.”
After last winter’s extraordinary cold and snowfall, salt supplies dwindled, making it more difficult for the city to keep roads and pathways clear.
This year, officials are already anticipating similar difficulties, due to higher demand and a price for salt that has more than doubled, jumping from about $50 per ton up to $116.50 per ton.
Peoples said Canal Winchester was fortunate to get in 350 tons of salt under the summer prices of $63.66 per ton. The city has a total of 700 tons available for the winter, which is what Peoples said the city uses in an average year.
However, he said, only about 400 tons are currently on hand due to the size of the city’s salt barn.
Communications Coordinator Amanda Lemke said the city’s policy for salting and plowing streets is to begin with arterial streets, such as Columbus Street, Gender Road, High Street, Washington Street and Waterloo Street.
“Plowing of arterial streets will be followed by major streets within subdivisions, secondary streets within subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, alleys and then parking lots,” she said.
Additionally, Lemke asks that residents:
* Do not shovel snow onto streets, alleys or bike paths.
* Shovel snow into small piles instead of large piles. Small piles will melt quicker and are less likely to develop into dangerous ice banks.
* Do not pile snow beside fire hydrants or dumpsters.
* Avoid parking on streets during snowy or icy conditions.
* Clear snow around mailboxes.
* Help neighbors in need who may be elderly, sick, disabled or unable to shovel for any reason.
“The city’s street department works diligently to keep roads clear during inclement weather,” Ebert said. “We appreciate your patience during the snow removal process. By working together, we can help minimize the effects of snow and ice accumulation on our streets and sidewalks.”