City Snow Removal Collaboration Receives Early Test
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The arrival of several inches of snow provided an early test of a sidewalk plowing endeavor between the city and Jamestown Public Schools.
"We had both plows out in the morning, removing snow on pre-agreed travel routes to the various schools," said Mark Roetzer, acting director for the city Department of Public Works. "We start at 4 a.m. and it takes four to six hours to complete a route or routes."
The shared service agreement between the city and school district was first broached last spring to ensure sidewalks near schools are kept clear for students in the winter. The agreement included the purchase of two snow removal vehicles by the school district and operation by city employees.
Snow accumulation late Monday and into Tuesday morning did result in some complaints that not all sidewalks were cleared for students walking to school.
"I live on Sturgis, a major route to Washington Middle School, and there were a ton of kids in the street," said a concerned D.J. Zebka, a city resident.
Roetzer said main routes are cleared first with side streets taken care of later, much like the city's regular snow plow routes.
"People have to remember that not all side street walkways are going to get plowed," Roetzer said. "We have pre-planned and arranged routes that we will plow. Also, after the routes are cleared then the city uses these same plows to clean the downtown area's walkways."
Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS superintendent, said the district was "overjoyed to see the sidewalk plows in use" with the aim of keeping students who walk to school safe.
"The district is grateful to the Mayor, City Council, and our local DPW workers for putting these plows to good use for our kids," Whitaker said.