Pelham prepares for wet winter
With winter right around the corner, Pelham’s public works department is preparing for snowy and cold weather.
Andrea Clemencio, Pelham director of public works, said roads department staff have predicted we will see heavy precipitation with warmer temperatures this winter. This means we can expect more slush and ice.
The town’s winter budget for 2017, which covers the winter months between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, was $ 502,261. As of Oct. 19, the town has used $ 326,288 of that, leaving a little more than $ 175,00 for the rest of the year. Clemencio said staff tend to be conservative when it comes to the budget to prevent overspending. The town and roads department uses a five- year forecast to predict what to expect each winter. This allows staff to allocate money accordingly. Staff also revisit the budget every two weeks to ensure they are on track, to prevent over spending and to reallocate money where needed.
The 2018 budget has not yet been finalized. Town council will meet Dec. 18 to approve the budget.
The town is responsible for about 570 kilometres of roadway, 64 kilometres of sidewalk and 2.1 kilometres of paved walking trails. Town workers are also responsible for snow removal from three commercial areas.
During the 2017- 18 winter season, the town will provide sidewalk snow clearing services through the use of a local contractor. Clearing of sidewalks will happen when there has been a snowstorm and five centimetres or more of snow has collected. The contractor aims to clear sidewalks within the first 24 hours of a snowstorm. When there has been a major storm it can take longer for the contractor to clear snow.
Pelham is dedicated to being proactive and environmentally responsible during winter months. Staff distribute a combination of sand and salt to treat winter roads. A sand/ salt mixture of 5: 1 sand to salt is used on collector, rural, residential roads, as well as at intersections, steep hills and curves.
The town has about five plows and three tractors for snow removal.
Pelham is divided into various routs which makes it easier for the contractor to clear snow. The routes are assigned one piece of equipment and are made up of priority roads that need to be plowed and/ or treated first. Town staff are reminding the community to prepare for upcoming snowfall. Residents should avoid parking on streets during winter months. Parking on the street is not permitted at any time during plowing, sanding or salting as it can interfere with maintenance. Residents who do park on the street during this time will be issued a parking ticket.