“Elgin Public Works established snow removal goals last year to enhance resident satisfaction,” said Dave Lawry, General Services Group Director. “Those goals establish a timeframe in which snow must be removed from neighborhood streets and we’ve met those goals with each of the 15 snow events this year.”
If there is less than four inches of snow, snow is immediately removed from neighborhood streets. If there is between four to eight inches, snow must be removed within 12 hours. If there is eight to 12 inches of snow, it must be removed within 24 hours.
“Crews have been effective at getting the job done,” said Lawry. “There have been minimal issues with removal this year.”
The City also purchased more equipment, added three new snow-routes and contracted out snow removal for neighborhood cul-de-sacs to help clear streets.
And while Public Works crews are meeting standards, Lawry said residents can also do their part by ensuring snow is properly removed from their own driveways and sidewalks.
“There’s a safety issue when residents shovel or blow snow out into City streets,” said Dave Lawry, Elgin’s General Services Group Director. “That’s why there is a City ordinance prohibiting it.”
Oftentimes residents don’t realize that snow will refreeze on streets causing hazardous driving conditions long after snow plows have moved through a neighborhood.
Fire officials are also asking residents to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
“Should there be an emergency in the neighborhood, access to a fire hydrant is obviously important,” said Assistant Fire Chief Mike Baker. “Firefighters would lose valuable time extinguishing a fire if they first had to find and then shovel out a fire hydrant.”
Other tips to help facilitate snow removal:
• Do not place trash cans in the street. Place them on tree banks or at the bottom of a driveway apron. Shovel out a place for them if there is too much snow.
• Avoid parking in the street. Even in neighborhoods where there are parking restrictions, avoid parking on streets when forecasts predict snow.
For more information about City snow removal or emergency Elgin snow routes, visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org or call Elgin Public Works at (847) 697-3160.