ST. PAUL - Snow removal, and the varying issues that come with a heavy snowfall as was experienced in the St. Paul region in mid-November, was discussed at the Nov. 22 Town of St. Paul council meeting.
The issue came up as councillors were reviewing department reports.
Coun. Ron Boisvert requested administration have a discussion with the Public Works department, to see if there was a way that intersections could be cleared quicker, as he noticed that many people who got stuck after the snowstorm seem to have been stuck in intersections.
"It was a major storm, don't get me wrong," said Boisvert, acknowledging there is a lot of work that takes place to clear the streets after a large snowstorm.
CAO Steven Jeffery said he would speak with Michael Landry, the director of Public Works, to see if there was other equipment that could be dispatched to help with intersections.
Coun. Brad Eamon asked for clarification about back alleys, and why residents may notice back alleys are cleared before some streets.
Jeffery noted that with some snowstorms, the snow just packs down, but with the snowstorm that occurred on Nov. 16 and 17, there was a lot of wind that created large snow drifts that had to be dealt with. For the garbage truck to access the back alleys, those snowdrifts had to be dealt with.
Clearing snow in back alleys also don't require as much equipment as clearing entire streets and avenues, said Jeffery. He noted that back alleys are cleared as quick as possible, when they are required to be cleared.
"The public works team (is) just giving the back alley somewhat of a fighting chance for the garbage truck and the team, and as well as everybody else who parks in the back alleys," said Jeffery.
He noted that when he speaks with Landry, Jeffery will keep both back alley and intersection considerations in mind to see if some of the work can be done in tandem.
During discussions, it was also noted that the Town does have some pre-qualified contractors it can reach out to for help, when large snowfalls happen.
Noel also brought up an issue he personally has witnessed while out walking. He asked if administration could remind residents who live alongside wheelchair accessible curbs that the areas must also be cleared of snow.
Also speaking to residents' responsibilities, it was noted that a reminder about where people can pile snow may also have to be put out. Snow must be piled onto their private property, and is not to be cleared onto the roadway.
"Kudos to your team Steven," said Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller, as discussions wrapped up. "It's a huge job."
